We’re happy to see that the weather in Menton is still temperate, nudging 20C, although a bit of rain seems to be in your future. I mention this because it’s still quite hot and humid here in Sarasota, and we’re hunkering down for cooler climes once we get to Menton. When we moved here we were told, “Just wait for mid-September. The humidity dies down, and it’s warm and breezy.” This has now been amended twice; ‘wait ‘til mid-October’. No. ‘Wait ‘til mid-November.’ But, it’s a very lively place to live. There’s something for everyone.
For instance, we’re used to using Menton as a base for exploration to other areas of France and Italy, so we thought, ‘Why not do that here?’ So, we took our first foray into the wilds of Florida to Punta Gorda. “What’s so special about Punta Gorda?” you may ask.
Punta Gorda is the home of the Muscle Car City Museum, where Jayne got to caress a 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, her first new car. Although hers was a convertible, there were an astounding number of 1964 Chevelles on the floor. A walk down Memory Highway. While it was interesting, I tend to lose interest after the 14th carburetor under a raised bonnet.
We then went to Fishermen’s Village, a quaint fishermen’s-themed shopping arcade with seafood restaurants at its far end. Since we have foresworn buying any more ‘stuff,’ we took a leisurely stroll to Harpoon Harry’s on the water and enjoyed a couple of beers and light lunch. Thus we find a way to ‘fiddle’ while America burns.
It’s not hard to keep occupied here. I go to the gym five days a week. Jayne swims in the central condominium pool almost every day, and we have other interests to keep us on our toes. Jayne is a volunteer for the Literacy Council of Sarasota, and she meets with a Venezuelan woman every week to teach her English. Jayne also volunteers as a docent at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
I belong to two Writers Groups, am taking up watercolor class, and we both attend French study class on Saturday mornings. I can’t wait for the quiet and calm of Menton ...just kidding!
Other than all that personal gossip, the world is at peace and up is down. We look forward to being with you in a month and a half.
À bientôt