Odds & Ends

It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm trying to catch up on my blogging. This weekend has seemed a bit more calm than last weekend, although it still seems to have gone by rather quickly. It's always nice to have a couple days to relax and get ready for the next week.

On Friday night, I went to the theatre with my sister-in-law, Mimi. It was the final night of the "Festival d'Anjou", an annual theatre festival that takes place in various sites around Angers. Antoine (Philipp's brother) had free tickets but wasn't able to go, so he gave the tickets to Mimi and me. (Merci, Antoine!) I picked up Mimi in the Smart ... we were very glad to have it, because we parked in in a tiny space that was perfect for my tiny car!

We saw a play entitled "La Folle et Veritable Vie de Luigi Prizotti". It's difficult to explain, but it was the story of the life -- the rise and fall -- of a television host. There were numerous characters who passed through, most very funny. Mimi and I agreed that it was a funny play, and the actors were incredibly talented. Just as amazing as the play itself was the locale ... in the courtyard of the Château of Plessis-Macé. It's a beautiful castle ...

I slept late on Saturday, but in the afternoon, I headed downtown for the "Braderie". We're in the middle of the "Soldes", the big sales that happen in all the shops twice a year. I already did a little shopping a week and a half ago, when the soldes began, but yesterday was the big sidewalk sale ... the braderie. There were tons of people throughout the downtown shopping district. I enjoyed walking around, looking at the clothes, household items, etc. I made it out without spending too much money, but am very happy of the two shirts and the jacket that I bought ... all 50-70% off! Clothes are very expensive in France, so you really have to take advantage of the sales when they happen.

The Prologue of the Tour de France was yesterday in London, so we were sure to watch. It was a "contre la montre", which means each cyclist rides individually on a short course, trying for the fastest time. The highlight was the ceremony to give the maillots (shirts) to the leaders, because our friend Mike (who handles marketing for Skoda, main sponsor of the Tour) was on the podium to shake hands with the riders. Yeah, Mike!

Today, Sunday, has been pretty calm. Our big excitement of the morning was taking a bunch of construction materials and garden waste to the dump. (yes ... very exciting) Now the rain is falling, so I guess I won't be hanging the laundry outside. I need to go put in in the dryer.

Before I go, take a look at the beautiful roses I cut from our garden yesterday. They don't smell as strong as the red ones, but I love the gorgeous pink color.