Winter Sports in the Afternoon

Most know I'm adverse to cold weather and winter.  Millions of years ago the planet was closer to the sun, insuring a year 'round toasty environment, and all was pretty much right with the world except for those dinosaur thingys...then some silly planet or comet (the remainder of which can be seen on a clear night) came streaking through space and bumped us into winter.  It's been many millions of years, and I've never forgiven that interstellar object.

In any event, there is little for a bike-riding, bad-swinging golfer to do in winter, so some form of exercise must be developed to keep the svelte shape to which so many are accustomed.  Today, thanks to my friends Adrian and Jo I exercised heavily for quite a few hours.

Adrian and Jo are from Wales.   Among other things Adrian imports that wonderful Lager you see on the table.  A couple of those may be mine.  They are heavier than they look.  (I mentioned I was exercising, didn't I?)

Their lovely flat near the L'Erde River just off the Ile de Versailles

I was going to explain Adrian to you, but then realized that there is none.  He comes bounding into my favorite watering hole wearing two-toned wings tips with a "spats" look, a big great coat, and a huge Bowery Boys cap cocked to one side.  He is curious, quick-witted, and capable of talking on any subject...and often does...and does...and...you get the picture.   I remember, when young, the Reader's Digest always had an essay each month entitled, 'The Most Unforgettable Character I've Ever Met.'  I'm thinking Adrian may be my candidate for that honor and this afternoon I met another character who can tell me all the stories.  He is Adrian's friend Sean from New York City.  They've been friends since '83 so I'm sure much information is to be had.

We were joined by Scott and Heidi, and Adrian and Jo's lovely daughter Eloise.

Scott is from Pennsylvania and Heidi from...you got it...Texas!!

I may have mentioned Adrian being able to talk about anything and often does.  He also works diligently to ensure he doesn't miss anything either.  Here he is continuing the conversation while busy.

Adrian prepared a wonderful meal of lamb, English peas, parsnips w/honey, potatoes and great wine.
(Lifting heavy forks is a form of exercises, right?)

After dinner we were treated to a rousing rendition of  New York, New York by Sean and Adrian.
(I think Eloise's earmuffs were defensive in nature.)

A nice quiet afternoon with a bunch of shy, withdrawn people.

Jo's turn.  A Puchini aria.











A wonderful Sunday afternoon.  Good times and good fun.  Laughter is a great form of exercise.

Weekend Potpouri

I'm in the doldrums between my two favorite activities, golf and motorcycle riding, and big winter.  Not a lot to do except read and take a little trip every now and then in the area.

Last weekend I took a little ride west toward the Atlantic.  I like the ride through Machecoul (Sick and Tired, February 2010), home of Gilles de Rais, aka Bluebeard.  It's a pretty area.  I did get a different angle on his ancestral home so I took the below picture and added it to the blog entry noted.

 

Gilles de Rais Ancestral Home

This weekend was the big "Soldes" (Sales) event in downtown Nantes.  Evidently it's like clearance week in the U.S. malls after Christmas, only it's everywhere, and everyone goes...including yours truly.  I didn't find anything but it was kind of an event.  The interior of the stores were madhouses, much like those depicted in exaggerated depictions of sales events in the U.S.  The streets were absolutely packed.  But, it was all in the spirit of fun as demonstrated by this little band that was marching around playing for everyone.  (Pardon the picture quality...these were taken with my phone cam.)

Like I said, lots of fun were had by all.

Greg, a colleague from the Houston office was in town for the past two weeks, and he and I decided to ride over to one of my favorite little coastal towns, Le Croisic (A Day at the Shore, May 24th) so he could see a little of rural France.

Unfortunately, you could cut the fog with a knife.  But it was a nice drive, though a little cool walking around.

We saw these barges parked for Sunday.  I assume they are repair barges, used to go to boats needing work.  If anyone can confirm or tell their purpose let me know.

Greg at Le Croisic








 Later, on Wednesday evening, the 18th, a few of the Houston crew returned to my favorite restaurant, Monsigneur, for dinner.   This is Morroccan restaurant with gorgeous food and a magnificent decor.

Part of the gang: Didier, Kim, Anil, Phillipe, and Greg

And this is what the excitement is about.  Chicken, Beef Brochettes, Lamb, and Merguez.  I've got to find the source of their merguez.  It is a sausage generally made with lessor (than usual) cuts of meat and to find some this tasty is a dream.  The vegetable stew shown in the back is served over semouli (couscous when mixed 2:1 with durum flour).

Paris - Retour

Returned to France New Year's Eve @ 9:00 a.m.

The project is now scheduled for go-live the first week of June.  This opens up further motorcycle trip opportunities while here, both weekend and long distance.  Figuring three to four weeks of post-go-live support puts me into "free to travel" mode about the 1st of July, perfect weather for a final big trip in Europe before returning to the States.  Tentative target: St. Petersburg, Russia.

From Nantes to St. Petersburg via Germany, Poland (Warsaw), Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia is about 2100 Miles.  It will be more given some stops I'd want to make.  Returning via Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany to Paris would be approx. 1900 miles on a direct routes.  So...we're talking something like 4500 - 5500 miles.  Nice trip.  Assuming one can get into and through those former soviet-block countries without too many hassles.  Something to begin planning with anyway.

Dawn breaking over France 31-Dec-2010

Paris is down there somewhere

Bienvenue en France