Well, it is day two in Wakefield (a lovely small town in Quebec, Canada).  Oprah and Gayle’s Big Adventure continues. Oprah (Noah) has already portrayed a few traits that indicate that he is not the best travel companion.  The first (and perhaps the most annoying) of the traits is his penchant for back-seat driving while in the front seat.  I (the more pleasant, easy-going and reasonable person in the car – a.k.a. Gayle) want to travel at a tourist pace.  I think this is particularly prudent seeing as I am fairly unfamiliar with the roads in and around Wakefield.  Plus, this location is lush and replete with wildlife – I don’t want to hit any creatures while trying to get where I am going.  Oprah – who used to live here and is familiar with the terrain – wants me to drive like the locals (and shhh don’t tell them, but they drive like crazy people through all the sharp curves and windy hills).  I think Oprah should have recognized that he is impatient and should have been the driver, but what do I know?  I am only the sidekick to the diva.

The second trait that is wearing thin on my effervescent personality is his need to remind me that I don’t need to visit for an hour with every person I meet.  The first day here I spent time visiting with the owner of the place we are staying.  I enjoyed visiting with Ruth, a lovely woman who is a stunning at 71 (and seriously – she looks fifty-something).  Time got away from me because I was fascinated with learning about Ruth and her life and her family.  That is me though…I am a people person…I am personable…I am Gayle.  Oprah believes in being polite, but keeping it short.  Oprah is a little uptight I think.

The final trait that has grated on my otherwise laid-back demeanor today is Oprah’s distaste for not only my music, but my singing.  Clearly Oprah does not realize that such complaints only make me play my music louder and sing with greater abandon (and it is noted that the word sing should probably have quotes as that might not exactly capture what I am doing).

Oprah is off playing with the kids now and I am taking this time alone to relax in the cafe, write my blog and visit with people.  The cafe has open shutters with geraniums hanging in the windows and flower boxes below the shuttered windows – it is truly lovely.  It is rustic, but comfortable with flowers painted on the ceiling.  I like it here.  I knew I would – it is my kind of place – authentic and peaceful.  I think it is a tad bit more peaceful when Oprah is out and about other places; but, without Oprah it just wouldn’t be a big adventure now would it?

So I shall enjoy the peace and quiet while I have it and later I will blast my music and “sing” with abandon  – such is the case with these type of adventures – go big or go home. 😉

Day seven hundred and fourteen of the new forty – obla di obla da

Ms. C