Saturday, May 25, 2013

La Gariguette

It's strawberry season here in France and one of my favorite strawberries is the Gariguette. Small, dark red and bursting with flavors, they are so incredible. The parfum alone will knock you over wanting these cute little berries.






There only here for a short while so grab 'em while you can!!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Traffic Ticket

 



                              Well, I got my first traffic ticket while driving in the Compagne.




The driver in front of me was going oh so  slow and I passed on a dotted line - I made sure of that - but apparently when I crossed back over, the line was solid - All of a sudden the police appeared in front of me and was waving to me. I said Oh, *****, he is pulling me over. My daughter, said, no Mom, he's just waving you around him. No, he's pulling me over.  He said I passed on a solid line and me, trying to explain myself in my poor French was a losing point - there was no way I could get out of it. He said the fine was 90 euros!! He asked if I was a resident - and I said no - (this is another story - not explaining here) so he said I had to pay right now. I pulled out 60 euros and said will you take this - My daughter said, oh great Mom now you are bribing a policeman!! He said well, follow me to the bank and you can get the money out of the ATM. He seemed to know exactly where to go.....hmmm. So got the money out of the ATM, paid him and was on my way.

So now, I drive so Grandma slow and everyone passes me now - but that 90 euros hurt - brocante money!!


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Life in the Compagne

Spending time in the Compagne* always yields new and interesting finds. Imagine my surprise when I came across two!! very cool drive-up stands. Imagine pulling up to a take-away fresh milk stand where you can dispense real fresh milk that is lait cru**. You purchase sterile plastic bottles - just make sure to read the sign first as unbeknownst to me, the machine doesn't give change so I kept pushing the bottle button and out spilled 5 plastic bottles! Oh well, more fresh milk! Put the bottle under the dispenser and push - voilá! fresh milk - and it is sooo good! I wish we had one of these in our town! What a genius invention.








The second very cool drive-up stand was a wash/dry stand! Imagine, pull up - throw your wash in the dryer, do your grocery shopping and 30 minutes later your clothes are dry!  There are two washing machines available, but I only used the dryer as our house had a washing machine. This is a new novelty at this grocery store and they are trying it out. I cannot imagine it not being a success as most people have a washing machine, but not a dryer as electricity is quite expensive. The downside would be if you had to wait a while for the machine.






*countryside
** raw milk - non-pasteurized