Wednesday 31-08-2016 – Happy Tails to You on the Trail!

There were several thaws this past winter so I did get my bicycle out, but just during the day and just to run errands. But a growing number of younger people do cycle year round, and some of the cycle lanes are (at least in theory) kept clear. Winters here are not pleasant but we do have good public transport and I live near two métro (subway, tube, underground) lines. And I can do all my food, cat litter etc shopping on foot. The métro is very handy if I’m working in the city centre in bad weather.

pussigato, I’ll definitely make those anti-mothball sachets; I can buy those things near here and there is a shop near me that sells “ecological” household goods; including in bulk, bring-your-own-container. I’ll also ask them about moths. No, I wouldn’t dare use mothballs; I have a bit of bronchitis because my dad was a chain smoker and died of that, not to mention tiny Livia. Livia seems utterly healthy and is a ball of energy, but weighs less than 3kg – about 6lb – even less in the week after her surgery. She is simply very small, as some people are. But for this reason it is even more imperative not to expose her to toxins. I’m glad that not allowing friends to smoke when they visit has become a social norm. Fortunately I have balconies fore and aft, so it isn’t such a burden for smokers to get a puff outside. Yes, in the winter they have to take their coats. They are used to it now.
As for the great outdoors, I used to joke that for me that meant a café on a tree-lined street, sipping either an espresso or a glass of wine according to the hour, and eating a croissant or perhaps a mixed green salad with crottins de chèvre (yes, that is literally goat turds but actually refers to a very nice small, dry goat’s cheese melted onto thin slices of baguette).
Actually, I do like walking in nature or in the countryside, but utterly detest camping.

Livia might actually eat as much as El Gordo, but she bounces all over the place. But then she wants to cuddle and is a great comfort, after the demise of my beloved Renzo. I can’t tell you how much I love the tiny little being. It is raining now and a bit cool, but I’ll leave a window (sheltered from the rain) open and cuddle up under covers with tiny black Livia. Tomorrow she has to have a booster to her shots. God this cat stuff is expensive.
There are many French food names that are a bit off-colour. Another is “pets-de-soeur”. Don”t worry, “crottin” is a lovely cheese.