The sun is shining

But we don't know how long it will last. We are officially in the weirdest summer in living memory. Some of my neighbors have even put their heating back on, or contemplated it. I don't think it's that bad, but we have all had to wear jackets, sweaters and avoid hiding away our winter clothes.

I'm not complaining, mind you, as I find the variety interesting. But I'm just about the only one not complaining. I guess after close to 30 years of L.A. summers, not being massively hot all the time is a pleasant change for me. I do find, however, that day after day after day of clouds and drizzle with no sun does get a bit much. I am happy with the cooler temps but prefer them with a sprinkling of sunshine.

No one has any idea how to dress in the morning, as the weather has a nasty habit of changing almost from minute to minute. It can be a bit disconcerting. I'm rather glad I haven't paid a fortune to be here on vacation, because I would be feeling kind of ripped off by now! And, I'm sure all the tourist businesses are suffering, too.

Where we are really starting to notice the damage though is in the produce area. Definitely less nice, fresh, sweet produce not only from the local village gardens, but in the markets as well. I have had some good tomatoes, but only the cherry/cocktail varieties. I haven't tasted any good regular tomatoes so far this year. Some of my neighbors are despairing of having any kind of decent crop, between the damage done by the June hailstorm and the lack of sun, there are very few fruits on the vines as of now.

Meteo France puts it all down to a complicated question of high and low pressure systems and where they are versus where the should be. Their prediction is that "summer" should arrive after the 25th of July. Whether it really does or not is anyone's guess.

All I can say is that it feels like we're already in autumn and we've still got 2 1/2 months of summer to go.

Ciao for now.

Randy

Festival de Rues

That heading IS correct, even though you might think it should be Festival DES Rues. I know because I thought it looked wrong and I checked. It seems that it is a festival IN the streets, and not a festival CELEBRATING the streets. At least, that's the best answer that I was able to find.

At any rate, this was year 3 of the festival. Unlike last year, it was NOT rained out, which meant that the vendors actually stayed the whole day. It was, however, very hot. That didn't deter anyone though, and we had a very good crowd checking out the various food stands, clothing sellers, artisans, etc. As usual, there was the communal dinner on the central market and lots of music and activity until the wee hours.

The Possums, being the party poopers that we are, did a walk through the village, but wound up eating at home in the relative quiet that we found there. Sad, I know, but it has been a long and stressful week and we needed to be alone.

By keeping the television on, we were able to block out some of the firecracker and other noises, so the dogs were also pretty happy most of the evening. With the heat, though, we did have to open the window in the bedroom at night, but the noise was manageable and we still were able to get a decent night's sleep.

Most of the village seemed pleased with the event this year and I haven't heard anyone really complaining about anything. Although, I did talk with someone who wishes that there was a way to keep the teenagers from congregating in the gardens, drinking and driving their annoying moterbikes till the wee hours, making the houses that should be the quietest, actually some of the noisiest on weekends.

But, for that to happen, there would have to be a will of the parents, and I don't think that really exists.

I'm glad dogs don't stay out all night partying; I would worry.

Ciao for now.

Randy