If Argelès were a sit com

If Argelès were a sit com, there would have to be a recurring role for Patrick, who runs around the village wearing boxers in place of shorts and a clashing shirt. There’s always a smile on his face and a willingness to lend a hand.

If he asks, the only smart thing to do is say, NO! Although he buys and renovates houses for a living his tenants mention things like no hot water or hot and cold water faucet reversals. Toilet flushing can be a luxury and no one wants to even think about the wiring.

He went into one neighbor’s house to help with the gas. The green grocer Jean-Pierre saw it and rushed in, but too late. Fortunately the explosion was only a little one and there was not even enough damage to submit a claim.

Then when a potted tree on the sidewalk became root bound, Patrick was more than happy to help dig through the sidewalk to replant the tree. The water department was not sure where the water main had been laid perhaps six decades ago, but they didn’t thank Patrick for finding it. In summer sun, flooded streets dry quickly.