Ah, the world has closed its doors. Winter ignores the barriers and comes right in. Defiant and glued to home, we try to notice bits of beauty where we can. We wish you beauty all around.
We stopped in Homps, a nearby village along the Canal du Midi. 
We found where the rental canal boats hibernate. 
Our village put out naked Christmas trees here and there, inviting us all to add holiday cheer.
We don’t see our fellow villagers much these days, but it’s warming to see evidence of their holiday spirit.
The prospect of a few months of dark cold winter can pull us down…. 
… then there are almost daily spectacular sunsets to bring us back up. 
La Cité de Carcassonne is disturbingly empty, although with a valiant effort at cheer. 
One evening, as we were hurrying home before the nightly curfew,… 
…a rare evening fog arose. 
The monument lighting that we take for granted filled the night with caramel.
Happiest new year, you two! Thanks for sharing your love ❤️ for adventure!
Cheers to a healthy 2021!
Nicki Kometani