How do you say "dismal" in French??

No photos today--all is foggy and gray.

Oof! The weather is rotten, which is making it very uncomfortable and inconvenient for exploring small towns on foot. Every time I get out of the car for a stroll, I must wear a hat, scarf, hood, and carry an umbrella. That is, unless the wind is gusting hard enough to turn the umbrella inside out, in which case, I just deal with the wet hat.

Today was primarily a driving day as I headed south from the Loire Valley to the Dordogne region. I drove for 3 hours then stopped for lunch in the town of Sainte Yrieix-la-Perche. I like the looks of that name, but haven't a clue as to the pronounciation of the word that begins with Y. The plat du jour was a beef brochette with mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, including fennel, and a small salad topped with brie. Very good for 9.50€.

Back on the road for another half hour and I came to Excideuil. My, they sure like their X's around here. Stay tuned for the pronounciation key on that one too.

The town is livlier than Pontlevoy, and has two supermarkets, and a big garden shop on the outskirts of town as well as several shops in the village. After soaking myself walking around, I stopped at the Kitsch Kafe, which seems to be the hangout for middle aged British expats with nothing to do. The decor is cute and funky and it was nice to be greeted by a Brit and order my pot of tea in English. When I paid, the owner even gave me a loyalty card so I can get a free hot beverage after I buy 10. At least I know where to go to find some English speakers. I got a big kick out of listening to the conversations between the 5 or so Brits--it was like an episode of the Vicar of Dibley.

So I checked into my small hotel called Le Fin Chapon, which means "the last chicken."  I have a small, but comfortable room, about 10-percent larger than a monastic cell, on the top floor and a dinner reservation at 7. That means I must freshen up. more later.

Okay, back from dinner. Pleasant staff including a busboy who can't be more than 13, who wears his pants too high and looks very much like PeeWee Herman. He was practicing his five words of English on me and I was practicing my five words of French on him. This resulted in a lot of smiling and a new bond. The plat du jour was pumpkin bisque, followed by Boeuf Bourguignon. Pretty good. This is definitely a place for single business people as there were six solo diners and two couples when I was there. Good deal for the singles--just 62€ per night including breakfast and dinner.

So tomorrow I have a morning appointment to look at the house I came to see, then in the afternoon I will spend a couple of hours with a local realtor to see what else is available.