Controle Technique and Sex in the Woods

Controle technique [there is supposed to be the little roof thing over the second "o"].  Nope…not the latest Spanx miracle garment.  It is an inspection for older French vehicles with the purpose of facilitating newer, better-running, less polluting cars on the road.  I understand that the average French car is something like 8 years old.  At 19, La Twingo is……shall we say……a woman of a certain age. She had to pass the test in order for us to get the insurance certificate that must be posted on the windshield.  The ole broad still has it -- she passed and we are certificated for insurance for the EU; Georgia will be another matter, but we'll deal with that at the border.

Regarding insurance, we and The Kid have been in contact with Monsieur O.H., the world's friendliest and most helpful insurance agent.  Yes, there is such a thing!  Icing on the cake…..he speaks English and has provided us with a number to call for roadside assistance and has offered to be available for translation purposes.  We told him that we hoped never to call him again.  O.H., I love you!  And, no, that's not a passionate moaning……..

Speaking of sex, the forest outside the bungalow is teaming with X-rated activity.  Spring has sprung and, let me tell you, those animals are screamers.  There is such a cacophony of sound coming from les bois et la foret [another roofy thing over the e], beginning at dusk -- which, this far north is very late indeed (it's light until after 9, and as we head into the summer solstice, until 10 to 11pm).  It is just a reminder that there are lots of creatures living and messing around in "them thar" woods.  Something to think about on our next hike!

                                              Chez Mimi………the bungalow in the Loire.