Odds & Sods...

April 8th, 2009

Today was a day of meetings, of overcast skies that threatened rain but never truly made good on the threat. It was a day of discussions interspersed with some intense brush clearing in preparation for some burning. Professor Iris Berdrow from Bentley University came to lend a hand and to interview me for a case study she is writing for international business. That interview will continue tomorrow including a video component.

I first repaired the last piece of roof that I had dismantled yesterday and then set off to deal with the shrubberies. While that took the better part of the day (or until my legs turned to rubber and I could not rely on them to keep me from tripping with the chain saw in my hand) I did have a few other discussions by phone with some of the regional government representatives that I am trying to enlist the support of for efforts to restore the Chateau. In between I had a lovely meal with Professor Berdrow at Café le Peuch in St. Bauzille de Montmel just a couple kilometers away. Cheap and hearty fare served with Panache by a waiter whose name must be Gaston or something like that. He spoke English well and served with a flourish that I have not seen from a waiter in years. It may be that he owns the place but it was refreshing to be so engaged and well served.

At cocktails with Christian and Corinne I reported that we had our first orders for “A Little Languedoc” and we began our plan on how to put it all together. A little olive oil, a little honey and a little herb…it makes for a nice, unique taste of the region and of course a great Christmas gift, n’est-ce pas?

A long and tiring day ended after a late pizza dinner in Sommieres. Too tired to read more than a page of Travels with Charlie. Steinbeck is becoming more of his timeless self the further I get into the book.