WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008

Here we are, still without TV and Internet. About the only thing we watch on the TV is the news, but no Internet? We did some laundry again today. It seems that we are doing laundry every other day but the machines here have a very small capacity. It takes 2 1/2 hours just to do two loads of personal laundry, plus another two loads of bedding and towels, both bath and kitchen. This does not include drying. Some we take to the local laundromat and others we dry in a traditional French manner. See below.

In the afternoon we went to the market. There are actually two markets, the typical outdoor one with the usual stalls. In the middle of the square is the covered section. The quality in the covered section is better but the prices are higher. We walked around in the covered section which is called the Marche Beaubau. It is like twenty shops under one roof. We discovered what will be our cheese purveyor (fromager). There is a fine selection of cheeses including about 50-60 different goat cheeses from various regions and in various stages of drying. The drier they get, the more pungent. The fromager was very helpful and explained all about the goat cheeses. There were maybe an equal number of other kinds of cheeses, but no Kraft slices. We intend to go back weekly for our cheese and will try to get some pictures for you later. We now have our favorite bakery and our favorite cheese store. Very French.

After market, we went to the cafe opposite the Gare de Lyon where we have been before. We enjoy people watching and we did for about two hours along with our tea and hot chocolate.

Two young ladies stop for a refreshment.

The waiter at a cafe, rather typical with his white shirt and black vest and trousers.

A young couple relaxes.


The elavater is not working during the day since Monday since they are painting the entire shaft and cage. So we limit our outings. Today we walked down to market but came back after the painter had finished for the day.

Supper was at home again. Pasta with Alexandria's sauce, some lovely French green beans in a vinaigrette, cheese, and melon. We are taking advantage of the melon season to enjoy them almost every day. We also have a little aperatif before dinner and wine with the meal. We haven't had after dinner digestifs yet, but maybe.


After dinner, our gardener came to tend the balcony plants. Did I tell you we have a gardener? She brought with her some winter pansies that will last all Winter until March. Interesting person. British, living and working in Paris.


Oh yes, about 6 pm I tried the TV and it was working. So was the Internet. Now we will report daily on our activities.