A Lazy Day in the Lot

Laury says the weather pattern has changed; it's fall in the Lot. We've had very cool, foggy mornings in the Lot Valley followed by brilliant blue skies and warm afternoons. The trees and underbrush of the causse are changing daily into muted shades of orange, gold and red. This morning, Laury, Jean and I drove to Villefranche to the market. Every market I've been to so far has been a bit different. Jean was looking for candied fruit and spices for her English Christmas cakes, but alas, the spice guys weren't there! We stopped for hot chocolate and a pain chocolat, then drove back home. The afternoon is shaping up to be reading, wine, and enjoying the lovely sun on the terrace. Tonight we've been invited to dinner at Christiane and Jean-Paul's. Laury says to be prepared for massive amounts of food and drink and good times. It's hard to believe I've only a few days left of this wonderful month in France...I could live this life forever!

Markets

In the past two days, I've visited a small village market in Limogne, a medium-size market in Figeac, and a larger city market in Cahors. Each were uniquely French, full of the sights and smells I love. Walking past this table of spices and herbs brought the fragrances of warm Mediterranean countries wafting past my sensitive nose. I probably don't need to describe the aroma of the fish vendor's stall! Everything we saw was fresh and bright and full of color. All three markets displayed not only produce, but also a variety of clothes, shoes, linens, household gadgets, and other items for sale.

This morning Laury and I picked up her friend, Jean to visit the nearby Limogne market. Significantly decreased in size and activity from its busy summertime, it's nonetheless charming. The air was heavy with the aroma of roasting chicken and garlic. After making a few purchases, we sat in the sun sipping a coffee. A lovely way to spend Sunday morning!

I'll spend this afternoon at the Chatette doing a bit of laundry and catching up in my travel journal. Tomorrow I leave for Montsegur and the Mediterranean. I'll plot my path on my wonderful Michelin maps and pack tonight. The adventure will continue...I may or may not have internet connection while I'm away, so don't worry if I'm 'missing in action' for a few days. I'll be back soon!

Victoria's Table

I helped my friend, Karen, set up her booth at the West Glen Farmer's Market yesterday morning. While Karen also sells at the downtown market, this one in West Glen is much handier for me. It's closer, and it doesn't open until 10am which works better for me as well. This is the second time I've been Karen's set-up assistant. It's an enjoyable 'chore,' and earns me a jar of jam in payment. Karen's jams and jellies are awesome. She currently has 34 different varieties in stock, every one a winner! Helping her has given me a whole new appreciation for people who make their living working the Farmer's Market circuit. It's WORK, and I've only helped with a tiny bit of it. Once we're set up, Karen's on her own for the selling and the taking down parts. And the cleaning up...see all those little jam-tasting containers? They all have to be washed and dried along with the spoons, empty sample jars and the linens once the day is done. Victoria's Table doesn't have a website, but if you're interested in what jam and jelly flavors Karen has in stock, you can email her at kvheege@hotmail.com What kind did I pick for my reward? Raspberry with Melange du Chamonix tea....tres yummy!