While reading blogs this morning, I came across this story by Kristin on her life in France. (If you like interesting stories or France, I highly recommend this site.) Her story about the roofing guy who did his work in a Speedo made me wish that there were more characters in my neighborhood to right about. It has been extremely quiet this summer. Not even teenagers walking down the middle of the street or doing the things they normally do when school is in session.

My neighbors were making quite a bit of noise this weekend next to our fence. It was making the dog crazy for about 20 minutes each morning. For some reason they are digging up the rocks and plants next to the fence. Perhaps they are going to put concrete next to the fence–extend their sidewalk that is already there. I didn’t get a chance to ask.

Is it possible to create characters in a neighborhood? In spite of the heat here, the contractors don’t work in Speedos. In fact, hardly anyone wears them in public (the traditional bikini) except Europeans. Speedo makes large swim shorts for men as well. I’m also reminded of porn stars, but I don’t know where that association with Speedos comes from.

I’m off to the hair salon today. It’s a Monday, so it won’t be busy. There could be a few characters there though.