Day 90

Man Panties and Strong Coffee.

Well, I finally did it.  I broke down and bought some man panties.  No doubt about it, the are going to revoke my membership to the heterosexuality club.  These babies are as gay as the day is long.  Couldn't be avoided though.  The alternatives are bleak.  My current supply is starting to get so warn that they will be nothing more than a couple of strings and an elastic waistband within a washing or two.  All other reasonable options for replacements are way too expensive to consider.  I would rather be gay than bankrupt.  That being said, it was man panties or nothing at all.  I will say one thing for them . . . they are awfully colorful, they way all man panties tend to be.

The day ended in man panties, but it definitely didn't start out that way.  The usual school day routine was strictly adhered to and all such endeavor carried on as usual.  We had a bit of banking to do in the early evening and so we met Mom over at the bank to finish up on some lingering paperwork.  With that completed and children in relative good humor we decided to push our luck and spend the evening shopping for the last few items we need to truly call this home.  Most of these things are more a matter of convenience than necessity, but having done without them for some time now, they certainly feel necessary.  Added to the list was a new variety of deodorant.  I have now tried both of the aqua net style cans that I have at my disposal and unfortunately the results are the same.  Things work out fine for an hour or two and then moisture and tremendous stank set in for the afternoon.  The strangest part is that it is only my left armpit that is involved in this revolt.  My right armpit smells just fine, even as we speak, but the funk coming from my left armpit would remove the varnish from a fine piece of furniture.  I pray that the new "roll-on" type I purchased this evening will yield better results.  If not, we are going to have to figure out a treaty that will allow me the mass importation of my brand from back home.  I cannot live the next few years with stinky pits.

We also splurged a bit on a complete luxury item.  I have grown quite fond of the espresso served here and decided to shell out some hard earned cash to purchase our own machine.  The concentrated black gold that this thing produces is nothing short of tremendous.  I have discovered that this is what coffee should be.  Not the gallons of caramel colored water consumed back home, but rather high octane, dirt black nectar that I am convinced I could use as an alternative fuel source in my trusty 206.  The other items purchased are a lot less glamorous, but equally appreciated.  The evening ended without much drama and soon we were back home safe and sound at Madame Chabou's Reform School for Girls.  We had one last administrative detail to attend to upon our return.  Earlier in the day, on one of my multiple school runs, I had been given a tip on a possible housing opportunity close to my wife's work, but not right in the gang capital of the South of France. The truly intriguing part of this opportunity is that it is right in our budget and sits along side a Chateau on a working vinyard.  It is picturesque indeed.  The wonderful British gal who opened our eyes to this opportunity actually lived in this location for two years and was kind enough to send us some photos of the home.

Close your eyes and imagine a farm house in the French countryside.  Yup, that about does it.  Exactly what it looks like.  Long drive up to the Chateau lined by vinyards on each side.  It is certainly appealing cause as we all know, we ain't nuthin but simple country folks from Eastern Kansas and this new fangled city livin is real hard to grow accustomed to.  The flip side of the the coin is that we really don't want to isolate ourselves from the world and the private school that the children would have to attend, might not be the best thing for them.  At the very least it is worth looking into further.  I will let you know if we will be moving as soon as we figure things out.  I will leave it at that for now.  There are many other things I want to discuss, but it is getting late and tomorrow promises to be challenging in the administrative sense as we must go to the prefecture to complete some paperwork for the eldest's upcoming class trip to Wales.  I am sure this will be a fiasco, but at least I am confident enough in my French now that I have a remote idea of what to ask for.  Wish us luck.  See you tomorrow.

Nearly forgot . . . musical selection.  Lets see, tonight, I think I will leave you with "No Harm" by The Boxer Rebellion.  Not exactly challenging lyrically, but the reverberating bass line is enough to rattle your brain through your earbuds.  Enjoy.