The world from my window today

The world from my home office window, today at 8:30 am

The world from my home office window, today at 10:30 am

A certain fascination with train travel

I dropped someone off at the Rodez train station today.

Despite its modest proportions, I think the Gare de Rodez has quite a bit of charm to it.

But then again, I admit to a certain fascination with train travel.

I wish I did more of it.

A favorite building in Rodez

This is one of my favorite buildings in Rodez. I like to call it our little Pyramide du Louvre.

I'm not sure if it is still being lit up in the evening like it was at the time I took this photo, though.

Rodez view and grey cars

Today, I spent hours at the Conservatoire de Musique de l'Aveyron, Antenne de Rodez rehearsing for an upcoming orchestra concert.

I didn't take any pictures, but this evening went back through my photo archives and looked for some views taken from this building.

I think I have some better shots, but this one shows the well-known Café de la Paix, where one of my daughters has spent many hours.

It also demonstrates something I have noticed the past few years: there used to be a preponderance of white cars in France, but lately the trend seems to be to grey.

Happy New (York) Year!

In 2011, every member of my immediate family went to New York City -- except me.

Boo-hoo-hoo.

In 2012, I have found myself admitting on a regular basis that I, as one of Aveyron's few American residents, have NEVER EVER been there...whereas both of my daughters, as well as my husband have. Did in 2011. Whatever.

The 2011 NYC frenzy spread through my family like a virus.

First my eldest daughter started to plan a trip there with her boyfriend for August 2011.

Then they invited my husband to join them for a week.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I was NOT invited. But I would have had to give up precious time with my family in Olympia to go...so I didn't go. Haven't been. Whatever.

As a result, through a connection my eldest daughter made, my youngest daughter found a great internship there, which she carried out in December. So now she's been there too. Went in 2011. Whatever.

All of this explains our family New Year's greeting...which, despite the oh-so-American theme, has very little to do with me.

Boo-hoo-hoo.