Sunday, July 8, 2012

Visible Monday: Grandma's No Pay Cafe Edition

I'm not much of a homemaker.  I rarely post interior design ideas or recipes or cleaning tips, but my spiral gourmet "dot hogs" were a huge hit with grandsons.  (And please do not lambast me about the unhealthiness of hot dogs...it's what they ASK for in the summer).  These were prepared according to these instructions on Huffington Post.


Below you'll see days 6, 7, & 8 of the Six Items Challenge.  On all two of these days, we had temps over 105!  On Friday, I taught online and wore this:


It's the woven skirt again and the black tee again.  I've tucked the tee in and added a paper mache bracelet made in Haiti.  Looking for the sandals I'm wearing in the depths of my closet, kicked off a major closet reorganization.  In days to come I hope to do posts on the EXCESSES that exist in my thrifted closet and what I plan to do about it.

On Saturday, we went in search of something called an "air organ" and got lost and then found again and ultimately did not purchase the elusive instrument.  And, I made a grocery store run.




I'm wearing the black tee again and the freshly laundered white skirt and my red sneaks for a second time this week.  I've added dotted suspenders, a pin made of dice for contrast, and my new glasses.  I hand washed the black tee in my bathroom sink Saturday night.  Can't remember the last time I hand washed anything!

On Sunday, we made a whirlwind drive to St. Charles, Missouri, where we rendezvoused with "Huck" and loaded up his stuff and brought him home.  He's been floating the Mississippi for the past 38 days and had come 1107 miles before the cramps in his hands got the better of him.  He discovered too that tackling the river after it merges with the Missouri likely requires a boat with a motor rather than the inflatable canoe he started with.  He and DH are already concocting a grand plan to complete the float, using a motor boat I've encouraged DH to sell.

It was great to see "Huck."  I imagined that his shoulders would be bigger and his skin more tan and his beard full-grown.  I was not disappointed.  And this is one of three bright white tees he started the trip with...and it's been laundered!


He was glad to see us too.  He's weathered two weeks of over 100 degree temps on the river and sighed to climb in to our air-conditioning.  We treated him to a Chinese buffet.  And, he says he's looking forward to a shower.

Here's what I wore to travel the 560 miles in one day:


It's the black slacks again, with the reversible tank turned to the yellow side.  I added the sun-hat and a pair of black espadrilles.  This shot was taken from the confines of the car.  And now, I'm going to sleep.  Exhausted.

One of these looks will have to do for Visible Monday.  Come join us there.

86 comments:

  1. the spiral hotdogs are A-dor-able. Hey, if that is what the grands eat that's what they get. I make a lot of chicken nuggets...even easier than hot dogs. I finally read the post about Huck's adventure...I will have to check out the links you posted about following him on the float. What a brave and adventures young man. he is lucky to have you and his dad to aid him.

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    1. Linda--the spiral dogs were so easy! And, yes, I do indulge my grandkids. Chicken nuggets is a big favorite too. "Huck" was indeed brave--he's weathered mosquitos and rapids and heat and storms.

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  2. We did the spiral dogs too for the 4th. Big hit! I can't believe you can put on long sleeves when the temperatures are in the 100's, but you look great, love that woven skirt especially.

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    1. DejaPseu--I thought long and hard about the long sleeves. Mine is mostly an air-conditioned life and thus that's what I chose. And the skirt has so many colors I could work with so that choice was a no-brainer.

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  3. Exhausted, I'm sure! What a great trip, though. I so admire your six-piece challenge, and I hope you'll write at length about all aspects of living with a tiny wardrobe. Thanks so much for sharing with Visible Monday.

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    1. Patti--We'll see what I think about 6-items by the end of the challenge. These 6 in particular may be very worn out by then. And the reversible tank is a bit of a departure from the usual thing I wear.

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  4. The hotdogs look pretty good to me! Can't beat a good grilled 'dog with a side of baked beans.

    The suspenders - eee! I love them, especially with the dice pin. The new glasses are super cute. Love the shape.

    Love the car shot. What a creative way to snap a photo on the road!

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    1. MeganMae--Yes, I'm very pleased with the new specs and even the optometrist's assistant squealed with delight at them. As for the car shot, I was worried that we wouldn't get home in time for suitable daylight.

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  5. I love your suspendered look! and those hot dogs are fun looking.

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    1. Meri--Hot dogs fixed this way are a great excuse to really load on the condiments.

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  6. Love that multicolored skirt. I want one like that!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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    1. Bonnie--thank you. The skirt has a tag inside that reads "Central Falls" if you want to track one down like it.

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  7. Terri, I'm exhausted just reading about your weekend.
    I love both of your skirt outfits and the hat! The suspenders with the red sneakers are a perfect pair!
    What an adventure...good luck to Huck!

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    1. Jeannie--I think Huck's trip may not be completed until next summer, giving his hands a chance to recover from the constant need to grip an oar.

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  8. Wow - what a fantastic adventure - I hope Huck shares some of his great experiences with us! Love the suspenders and red sneakers. Sarah xxx

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    1. Sarah--"Huck" took over 1700 photographs! I haven't seen any of them yet...but we'll see if he shares them.

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  9. That photo in the car is so creative, I love it! You look really nice in that ethnic looking skirt too. Love your funky side!

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    1. Joni--I imagine that this challenge will bring out all sorts of "sides"! Necessity is the mother of the creativity in that last pose. We were running out of daylight!

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  10. Terri,

    There is so much in this post to comment on! First, I can't wait to make those hot dogs. They are so cute and I love hot dogs...despite their 'badness'.
    Your first outfit is very cure...so is the second. Love the converse shoes with the skirt. Your new glasses are cute too; very flattering.
    Huck looks very 'wilderness handsome' (my own silly term). Don't worry, I'm happily married and not a 'cougar'...just appreciate a bit of fine scenery! Tee her hee...

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    1. Lisa--Surprisingly, I LIKE Huck's beard and I do hope that he keeps it. He had shaved his head before he began and it's maybe 3/4 inch long now. He says that feels matted to him. He could hardly wait to take a good long shower.

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  11. That is a great skirt! I'll bet you are relieved that the river trip is over. But they're planning another one? Men?

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    1. Beryl--Yes, men! Gotta admit though that floating the Mississippi is more fun than hitting the thrift stores would be. DH is a great sport about that most of the time.

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    2. I'm sorry I missed you today. That barbecue I've promised you is mouth-watering.

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  12. I like all your outfits. I hope you get some rest. And wear those suspenders and red shoes again. Just sayin'.

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    1. Bella--I often wear the suspenders to help hold up stretched-out jeans! And the red shoes are a permanent part of the wardrobe. Because I slept in today, I missed a chance for a meet-up with Beryl, above!

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  13. Oh I just adore the rainbow-coloured skirt and the braces and dice brooch:)). I'm a big fan of Chucks - why don't I have a pair yet? Why, why? xo

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    1. Desiree--I didn't realize you had no Chucks. Your entire style is so playful, perhaps you don't need them!

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  14. I am really liking the suspenders and red shoes. I envy Huck his adventure.

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    1. CrazyRavens--Thank you. And, I too, envy Huck's sense of adventure. He's avoided many of the adult obligations that tie so many of us down...and yet, he IS a responsible person.

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  15. Love the skirt (first photo). The hotdogs crack me up!

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    1. April--I think in the grandsons' book, these hot dogs were merely an excuse to eat LOADS of ketchup.

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  16. Wow, I am so impressed with your 6 items challenge! That is a tiny selection, I don't know if I would have the self-restraint. I wish you the best of luck!!
    Thanks so much for you comment; and in reply, the man of the house approves ;))

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    1. Carolyn--I'm actually fairly worried about the wear and tear on these 6 items...and it's got me thinking about the healthy size of a wardrobe that strikes a balance between looking sharp and taking good care of clothing. When I cleaned out my lingerie drawer recently, there was nothing so nice as your new smalls.

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  17. Like how you put your outfits together although the idea of heat/long sleeves leaves me a little breathless.

    I'll bet you were glad to see Huck, what an adventure he must have had.

    Darla

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    1. Darla--I thought a long time about the long sleeves. So much of my life is air-conditioned that it has been manageable thus far. And, yes, we were relieved to have Huck back, although we had followed his adventure avidly via Twitter.

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  18. It took me a moment to figure out the photo with you in the confines of the car. Which was a great exercise for my brain in the early morning. I am admiring your creativity with how you're managing with limited wardrobe items. Quite impressive I must say.

    Happy to hear that Huck is back home and safe with many stories to tell, I'm sure.

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    1. Judith--Yes, those are my knees and not another body part! Couldn't figure out any other angle from the confines of our vehicle that would capture it all. And, yes, he is telling stories--some impressive ones about the generosity of people he met along the way.

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  19. I love the skirt you have on in the first picture...very pretty. And bravo to "Huck" for his crazy adventures. Makes me want to crack open some Twain.

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    1. Stepping--That skirt has almost every color in the rainbow in it, which is why I chose it for the challenge. And, like you, I felt like I should be reading Twain as he traveled. Although, the fictional Huck traveled the lower end of the Mississippi and it sounds like that will have to wait until next year.

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  20. You look great, Terri. I love both skirts and the great glasses, and a black long-sleeved tee always looks good, doesn't it? And yes, your photo was a good little mind-bender. I thought your knees were boobs, at first. And I was like.... um, wait a minute...... Did I miss something? :)

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    1. Anne/FrumpFactor--My "boobs" haven't been that big since my first pregnancy! I had to laugh at your comment! My "boobs" would be my knees!

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  21. The suspenders and red Converses, so cute with that skirt! Love the range of life represented in this post -- hotdogs to Huck Finn, with a little Fashion & Style thrown in for good measure. Congrats to the adventurer!

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    1. Mater--Yes, never a dull moment at our household this summer...and the biggest change of all, has yet to be announced! And, yes, too, we are nothing if "very American" at our house.

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  22. Huck's trip went quickly, hopefully he'll be revived and ready to start again once he's devised a plan.
    Doing well with the challenge, love your hair in that one-sided braid. x

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    1. Vix--Huck completed just half of what he set out to do, but I suspect he has made a wise decision on behalf of his cramping hands. And, yes, I love the braid too. It's just now getting long enough to do that.

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  23. Wow, this 6 item challenge looks hard! I think you're awesome for doing it--I just don't think I could! The look with the white skirt and sneakers is adorable, and so are the spiral hot dogs! (I know they're bad for you too, but I try not to think about that when I eat one!)

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    1. Shea--It remains to be seen whether I'll make it for the full 40 days! In some ways a challenge like this greatly simplifies what has become "complicated" this summer.

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  24. I saw the photo marked "Terri" at Not Dead Yet Style and wondered whatever is she up to? But of course, a bird's eye view seated in the car! And into another super challenge: 6 articles of clothing spanning 40 days! shoo-wee. Well that's probably what Huck is doing too, huh? maybe less...

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    1. Pao--I'll have to ask Huck how many items were in his wardrobe on his trip. I know of the pants and the three t-shirts and a heavy flak jacket. He had to contend with temps ranging from 34 degrees F to 110 degrees F. He said the desert type boots were invaluable.

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  25. Terri, I'm so glad Huck is home safe with you! He looks so happy in the photo.

    You look adorable in the outfit with the glasses, suspenders and red sneakers.

    The hot dogs make me want to squeeze French's mustard into every nook and cranny.

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    1. Susan--I know Huck is pleased to have come this far. His hands have been bothering him for weeks...and we hope no permanent damage has been done. And, yes, another mustard person! I don't dare eat any during this challenge.

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  26. Sun hats are such a great accessory for traveling.

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    1. Kathleen--You're absolutely right. This particular hat needs some stiffening. Would you have any ideas about how I might accomplish that?

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    1. Kim--thanks! I'll be over soon to check out your post!

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  28. You taught me something new today!! I will have to make these hot dogs for my sons someday...it has been so long since I had a hot dog, it sounds really, really good...I must focus on something else...like your suspender outfit!! SO CUTE!!

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    1. Pam--Until the grandsons were here, we never kept hot dogs around. By the end of this summer, the household will have consumed hundreds of hot dogs! Be still my heart.

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  29. so great tips, I think a black t-shirt is a key-piece, and you look lovely in your suspenders and red sneakers combo!
    And your weekend seems so funny and exhausting!
    besos & fun

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    1. Senora--yes, the black tee would be a necessity in almost any sized wardrobe. And, yes, keeping a sense of humor is necessary to get through weekends like this.

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  30. You're doing brilliantly with your 6 item challenge, Terri.
    My kids love hot dogs, nothing wrong with that!
    "Huck" looks proud as punch in that photo, but I bet he's glad of some home comforts! xxx

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    1. Curtise--When my children were the age of yours, we ate too much macaroni and cheese, and ramen, and eggs. Funny how they focus on single foods to the neglect of ALL the healthy things. "Huck" has every reason to be proud of what he has accomplished.

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  31. I like the way you've done your hair in that side braid. Oh brave you with this 6 item challenge - the colourful skirt and black tee were great choices and look very smart together.

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    1. Veshoevius--Soon I hope to be able to do the side braid in a looser style. Doesn't quite seem to be long enough just yet.

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  32. I followed "Huck" on twitter and was sorry that we came close to each other, but the timing wasn't right to actually meet face-to-face. Knowing that he was going through some of the same severe weather that we were kept me on pins and needles! Thanks for introducing him, and I look forward to reading about the rest of his trip down the Mississip'.

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    1. Louise--It would have been fun to meet up with him. I suspect that the remainder of the trip may not happen until some time next summer.

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  33. So much to love...I adore the white skirt...the hat...everything! I love how you change things up. Great looks!

    Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life

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    1. Cindy--Welcome to Rags! And yes, this 6-item challenge is bound to challenge my ability to accessorize.

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  34. Great look, I LOVE your skirt.. SO fab.. Officially a follower of your inspiring and beautiful blog here.. I'd LOVE for you to please share/link this post via my Mannequin Monday's post happening today if you have a moment.. Excited to indulge a bit around here and stick around.. Hope you can stop in and visit/link pweease.. TY. Wishing you a beautiful evening.. xo.. Marilyn http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com

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    1. Marilyn--Welcome to Rags and I will indeed check out Mannequin Monday!

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  35. I'll have to try the spirals on our hot dogs next time! I'm sure the minis will get a kick out of that! Congrats huck on his 38 days...still a huge accomplishment in my eyes!

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    1. oomph--yes, the shape of the dogs appeal to to minis. And yes, Huck should be very proud.

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  36. Those spiral hotdogs look like they would hold the mustard and ketchup better than the regular non-spiral ones. I love your woven skirt - looks like it would go with a lot of items.

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    1. Narda--the hot dogs do hold the condiments better in this shape. I've sworn off hot dogs for the duration of the challenge...as I have a bad habit of spilling mustard on things.

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  37. I am relieved that you have picked up Huck safe and dirty from his river adventure (thus far). That is an AWESOME accomplishment. High fives!

    You look so sporty in your last outfit and I love the skirt colours in the first one. Most of all, I love your new glasses. They suit you perfectly. Now I'm craving spiral hot dogs...

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    1. Melanie--Yes, there were days I worried when his tweets didn't arrive regularly. And thanks about the glasses. I have a big head and its difficult to find those that fit properly.

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  38. Love your hair and the print in the first skirt so much.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. Sacramento--thank you. This side braid is the ENTIRE reason I've been growing my hair...

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  39. Ok. I've got to try the spiral hot dogs! What a way to make something ordinary gourmet!
    The white skirt with suspenders and sneakers is just too cute Terri! It looks so youthful...in a grown up way.

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    1. Sheila--You'll like the dogs this way. And thank you for insisting I look youthful!

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  40. I really want to try the spiral hotdogs. We have cut a criss cross design into them but this is way better.
    What an amazing journey your son took. Not many people today can say that have done something like that.
    I love your red converse. Have you worn your salt water sandals much?
    You look fab in everything and these outfits look great on you.

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    1. Debbi--It's so good to have you back! The salt waters are broken in and worn about once a week. Your name came up in conversation at our house today. During my break between semesters we want to spend a day in Wichita and hope that we can share a meal with you and your husband.

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  41. Amor,
    Sounds like a great adventure!
    Love your suspenders and your hat.
    Mmm spiral hot dogs look so darn good.
    Besos

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    1. LaDama--Your divorced eggs look better!

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  42. i would never dream of lambasting you. about anything! and ps. i love hot dogs. i bet they were delicious. also, fun fact - i have only heard the word lambast used twice in my whole life...once, earlier today on a tv show and then here...today...in your post! and then i used it in a sentence. i probably sound like a total ditz, but i don't care. i think it's cool. :)

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  43. Glad your 'Huck' is home safe; I love hot dogs! I can't say I do handwash often, but then I did it several times while in France at the motorhome campsites. They had special facilities for it and with everything drying in a few hours, it just made sense. I must admit to having taken way too many clothes. For one, it's hard to realise just how light the clothing you'll want to wear in a hot climate has to be. Shirts I consider summer weight in Britain were far to hot and heavy in France! I did notice that once I found an outfit that 'worked' I tended to wear it over and over - I just couldn't be bothered to figure out something different to wear each day. That is something you see more often here in Europe, people wearing the same outfit several times a week.

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