(photo by Brent’s mum.  This is France)

Brent’s mum is in town and what better way to show her around than to take her to a country music festival in France.  Michael went the day before and said the festival was worth going to.  Evidently, this is the biggest country music festival in Europe, but I’ll let Michael take care of that detail.  Personally, all I know is that something cool was happening in a nearby village.  Brent said, “Wear your hat!  Wear your boots!”  I was more in the mood to be a spectator rather than a participant.  I didn’t even bring my camera!  And did I regret it.  The drive to Mirande is gorgeous.  Except everywhere from my house is gorgeous.  The sunflowers are in full pride.  The hay is baled.  The grass is green.  It couldn’t get more France.  On our way we saw an old man wearing a béret riding a bike uphill.  I told Brent’s mum to grab her camera as we passed the peloton and gave a shout-out to Lance.

(an older Country Music Festival poster)

(white hat.  M. America.  photo by me with what appears to be a smudge of mayo from Lucy’s frites)

Arriving in MIrande was calm.  One step into the festival was bizarre.  We quickly shifted from bérets to cowboy hats.  The leather was full on.  Boots.  Chaps.  Harley Davidson.  Howling wolves.  A man with spurs carrying a shotgun … oh yeah.  Then some music began.  Folks from all around quickly gathered for some honest to goodness line dancing.  It was all so real until you hit the foie gras on a bun stand served with wine.  There were two memorable moments for me.  It was in the song “Sweet Home Alabama” which for some reason, I’ve heard quite a bit.  When the band hit the chorus, you realize they don’t speak English in “What.”  Instead of “Sweet home AlaBAHma,” you hear “Sweet home Al-Ah-Bah-Mah” equally emphasized.  It’s me singing Frère Jacques in reverse.  The other moment was watching Captain America dance.  He was great.  I’d say he had a lot of River Dance training.  He was very good and impeccably dressed.  On our way out, a man riding a decked out three wheeler motor chopper dealio drove by.  Lucy bought a braclet.  Food, folks and fun.  I think I will have to go next year, but this time in my boots and hat.