France Report
I have been extremely lazy about posting. I have been having too good a time to sit at the computer much. Here are a few random thoughts:
- I have called my mom every day for at least 20 minutes using Skype. It has cost me approximately $6.00 so far. I love Skype. I need to get a better webcam so that I can make video calls.
- Even though we are a five minute walk from town, it feels like we are very far away from the world. The only sounds you hear are the birds and rustling of the leaves on the trees. I wish I knew what all the birds are - I'm terrible at identifying things. I know for sure there are doves and a cuckoo (he's very persistent about it).
- Dominique's mother, Marlette, has written a charming children's fairy tale for her great-grandchildren. It was written in French and then translated by a family member who lives in New Zealand. The illustrations were done by another family member. It is beautifully done and very charming. Dominique asked me to read it and evaluate the English translation. It is reasonably good but could be improved a bit. Patrick is going to send me the Word file to mark up. I am honoured.
- Last year, Patrick acquired an old three wheel car and was just about to enter his first rally. This year, he organized a rally and a crew of enthusiasts and about 7 or 8 old cars descended on Le Plessis on my second weekend. He was worried the noise would bother us, but it was fun to see all the old vehicles. And they were not disruptive since they were out all day for the rally. I don't really understand what these rallys consist of. I need to have him explain it to me.
Patrick's Car
Patrick thinks Ila will be a good driver
Tim & Bob checking out the new batch
- My good friends from Germany arrived on May 21. I met Alex through my cross-stitch group and she came to visit me for the first time several years ago. Every year she brings along another family member - first her husband Tim, then their new dog Bob, and now their new baby Ila. (I wonder what will be new next year.) I am always delighted to see them. Ila is about 4.5 months old and totally adorable. I got to play with her and keep her busy when mom needed to get things done.
Bob, Tim, Ila & Alex
Hania & Ila