Today was my first day of French school. I am the type that loves school and always arrives early with ALL her supplies on the first day. Well, not today. So my class begins at 8am, which wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t live an hour outside of the city. No worries though, I can handle getting up early, right? Rise and Shine started at 5:45 am and must be moved back to 5:30 because I was late for my 6:44 train. As I drove up to the station, I was the train sitting there, looking at me like “Hey Christy, you’re never gonna make me!! Muahahaha!” but I was determined! So I found a parking spot in record time and sprinted to the platform. I mounted the last step and watched as the train pulled away. “Good bye latest-train-I-could-take-to-be-on-time!” However, there was another train just 8 minutes away but it wasn’t direct so there would be lots of stops, i.e. tons of time stopping and waiting. Whatever, it couldn’t be helped. So I get to Place Victor Hugo, the metro station at 8:00. If I walk fast enough, I can get to class just 5 minutes late!! That’s not even late really!! That’s like your watch is fast mine a little slow, its fine!! I hurry down Avenue Victor Hugo to find my classroom. Btw, it’s raining. Do I have an umbrella? Oh absolutely not. Anyway. I’m walking and walking and walking. I remember it being closer than this when I went here before. Then I see the L’Arc de Triomphe. I had been walking for 12 minutes in the wrong direction. No, no, it’s fine, I think, I’ll just hurry back even more the other way. And it starts to rain harder. But finally! FINALLY!! I make it to class hot, sweaty and rained-on. And fortunately! The professor didn’t yell at me! She was quite nice. And I wasn’t the only late one. I’m also not the dumbest girl in the class!!!!
In other news, things with the kids have been going well. We’ve gotten into a groove that makes things run smoother. My most fabulous trick with them has been getting them to set the table. One day a week or two ago, I told Eliott to set the table and over his grumbling I offered to time him to make it a race. Well today, the table needed to be set so I said “Who wants to set the table?” and they both race to me saying “Me! Me! Me!”. MUAHAHAHAHAHA! Literally, this is what I said: “Well, Eliott, you set the table twice this week already, let Zoe have her turn.” MAGIC!!!! They both can set the table in about two minutes. A solid argument for when this trick loses it’s appeal.
For this weekend, I have nothing terribly exciting planned. Saturday is Nuit Blanche, a night where students can get into museums and things for free all night long. I mean, I don’t actually have friends to go with, but maybe I’ll just go out and make some Saturday night. Wish me luck.
Till next time everyone!!
Pronunciation guide:
L'école: Lay Cole
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Oktoberfest
Friday afternoon I left for Munich to go to Oktoberfest! I went with my friends Gillian and Damien and their friends Olivier and Grég. We stayed with Thomas, a friend of ours from Glasgow who lives in Munich. On our way into the city we drove on the autobahn—no speed limit—so we tried 220 km/h. Very fast and very fun. We didn’t stay at the speed for very long because it was dark and the roads were wet from rain. The 9 hour drive put us in Munich at about 1 am. Poor Thomas had just gone to bed when we arrived.
Bright and early the next morning we woke up and headed to the Paulaner tent. We waited in the rain for 30 minutes but finally were let into the tent. Some of Thomas’s friends had saved us seats and after we found them we ordered our beer! Now, in case you don’t know this about me already, I love beer. Love it love it love it. So when the woman brought us all our very very very large German beers, I was very excited. Before long, we were on our second glasses and having a great time. We were all meeting our neighbors and the boys were talking to all the pretty German girls in their pretty German dresses. Around 5 we decided that it was nap time so we head back to Thomas’s apartment. We all had about 4 hours of sleep and had been drinking beer for8 hours, so we slept until 9:30 that evening. Then we woke up got some dinner and hit the town till the wee hours. Truly an epic day.
We woke up late on Sunday, got ready, had some lunch and left Munich. Leaving Germany took FOREVER because the highways were under construction. The boys in the car spoke French the whole time as I tried desperately to understand. Alas, I did not comprehend much. I can get words here and there but I couldn’t keep up with the fast, colloquial conversations they had. It did give me a chance to observe the beautiful German country side though! Finally we made it to France and, 5 hours later, to Paris and then I was home (2am). Monday was an easy day for me so I took a nice long nap after the kids went to school. Pictures of my weekend are here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Christy.Cork/Oktoberfest?authkey=Gv1sRgCOSTpsucn_DmfQ&feat=directlink
Thursday I start school and I’m very excited to meet some people and learn some French! And have an excuse to go to Paris twice a week. Good bye everyone!! Till next week!!
Bright and early the next morning we woke up and headed to the Paulaner tent. We waited in the rain for 30 minutes but finally were let into the tent. Some of Thomas’s friends had saved us seats and after we found them we ordered our beer! Now, in case you don’t know this about me already, I love beer. Love it love it love it. So when the woman brought us all our very very very large German beers, I was very excited. Before long, we were on our second glasses and having a great time. We were all meeting our neighbors and the boys were talking to all the pretty German girls in their pretty German dresses. Around 5 we decided that it was nap time so we head back to Thomas’s apartment. We all had about 4 hours of sleep and had been drinking beer for8 hours, so we slept until 9:30 that evening. Then we woke up got some dinner and hit the town till the wee hours. Truly an epic day.
We woke up late on Sunday, got ready, had some lunch and left Munich. Leaving Germany took FOREVER because the highways were under construction. The boys in the car spoke French the whole time as I tried desperately to understand. Alas, I did not comprehend much. I can get words here and there but I couldn’t keep up with the fast, colloquial conversations they had. It did give me a chance to observe the beautiful German country side though! Finally we made it to France and, 5 hours later, to Paris and then I was home (2am). Monday was an easy day for me so I took a nice long nap after the kids went to school. Pictures of my weekend are here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Christy.Cork/Oktoberfest?authkey=Gv1sRgCOSTpsucn_DmfQ&feat=directlink
Thursday I start school and I’m very excited to meet some people and learn some French! And have an excuse to go to Paris twice a week. Good bye everyone!! Till next week!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Strasbourg
This past weekend I went to visit my friend Damien in Strasbourg. I took the TGV, which goes about 250kmh (175mph). My departure was after the sun went down so I couldn’t actually see how fast we were going. It was cool none-the-less and I met some nice people on the train. I arrived late Friday night and Damien was kind enough to pick me up and the station. When we got to his house we ate some cheese and went to bed. The next morning we headed into the city for some sight-seeing. We met up with some friends of Damien’s who were also visiting, Matthieu and Marie and then later Sanjay and Aurélie.
Strasbourg, the main (most likely tourist part) city is on a little island separated from the rest of the city by the River L’Ill. There is a lot of German influence therefore super super picturesque and cute. Here are some pictures for you!
One of the main things to see in Strasbourg is the Cathedral. The day we went happened to be a day when you can go into all of the museums for free. Hooray! So we climbed up one of the towers for a lovely view of the city.
They have a part of the city designated as Petit France, which to me was quiet odd because we were already in normal-sized France. Little Italy or China Town, ok, but have you ever heard of Little America in Atlanta? Maybe because of all of the German influence but who knows. None-the-less it was a very cute neighborhood within the city.
One of the first things Damien told me about his city was that we would eat the glorious tarte flambée. And so we did! There was a place where we could have all you can eat tarte flambée. It’s simple and delicious.
After we ate all we could, we went back and played cards all night.
Sunday, we chilled in the city until I had to board the train. Overall, it was a very lovely weekend!
Funny story of the week: this event happened this afternoon for me but before I tell it, I need to give you some background. 1) Not so much censoring on the radio and TV here 2) Lots of American/English music played on the radio. Today I decided to listen to the radio instead of a CD. Obviously the radio comes on when the car turns on (duh). On my way to pick up Zoé from dance the radio turned on and display a message to me that was a bit odd. It said “F--- You.” Alright, let’s time out here. I’m thinking “Ok, sometimes machines tell me this but not normally so directly. Maybe they tell me this by not working, but I’ve never seen one out right tell me in words.” Ok, time in. My radio is fancy enough that it shows me which radio station I’m listening to as well as the song. This one was a song by Lily Allen (english singer) titled F--- You with this phrase repeated in the song. Fortunately the kids were not in the car but even if they were would they have realized? Probably not. But it would be just my luck that one of them LOVES this song and comes home singing “F You. F you very much…” Bullet dodged for today.
My dearest friends, enjoy your week!! This weekend I’m going to Oktoberfest with some friends! I will be sure to update you on all of the hoopla!
Strasbourg, the main (most likely tourist part) city is on a little island separated from the rest of the city by the River L’Ill. There is a lot of German influence therefore super super picturesque and cute. Here are some pictures for you!
One of the main things to see in Strasbourg is the Cathedral. The day we went happened to be a day when you can go into all of the museums for free. Hooray! So we climbed up one of the towers for a lovely view of the city.
They have a part of the city designated as Petit France, which to me was quiet odd because we were already in normal-sized France. Little Italy or China Town, ok, but have you ever heard of Little America in Atlanta? Maybe because of all of the German influence but who knows. None-the-less it was a very cute neighborhood within the city.
One of the first things Damien told me about his city was that we would eat the glorious tarte flambée. And so we did! There was a place where we could have all you can eat tarte flambée. It’s simple and delicious.
After we ate all we could, we went back and played cards all night.
Sunday, we chilled in the city until I had to board the train. Overall, it was a very lovely weekend!
Funny story of the week: this event happened this afternoon for me but before I tell it, I need to give you some background. 1) Not so much censoring on the radio and TV here 2) Lots of American/English music played on the radio. Today I decided to listen to the radio instead of a CD. Obviously the radio comes on when the car turns on (duh). On my way to pick up Zoé from dance the radio turned on and display a message to me that was a bit odd. It said “F--- You.” Alright, let’s time out here. I’m thinking “Ok, sometimes machines tell me this but not normally so directly. Maybe they tell me this by not working, but I’ve never seen one out right tell me in words.” Ok, time in. My radio is fancy enough that it shows me which radio station I’m listening to as well as the song. This one was a song by Lily Allen (english singer) titled F--- You with this phrase repeated in the song. Fortunately the kids were not in the car but even if they were would they have realized? Probably not. But it would be just my luck that one of them LOVES this song and comes home singing “F You. F you very much…” Bullet dodged for today.
My dearest friends, enjoy your week!! This weekend I’m going to Oktoberfest with some friends! I will be sure to update you on all of the hoopla!
Monday, September 13, 2010
La Nourriture (The Food)
Ah, the delicious food I eat here! Well my family eats healthy food, mostly organic and fresh. There is a large garden outside and so most meals involve the tomatoes and zucchini that grow there. I’m still getting used to what is the norm for meals. Generally it’s all very simply prepared and staggered so that each food can have your plate all to itself. They don’t use much seasoning, if any at all. Sometimes, I just want a little salt on my veggies but out of fear of offending I eat my meal un-doctored. All the food tastes good anyway, so I manage.
Mmmm, the cheese. This week and a little of last week we have had a plethora of cheese in the house. I tried the very strong Roquefort cheese that has straight up mold in pockets of the cheese (which you eat along with the rest of the cheese). Also, they have a cheese that is called “horse poop” because of its small, round shape. It doesn’t taste or smell like horse poop though, so I tried some (not my fav.). I live in the region where Brie is made so we have several different variations on that (delicious!). But by far my favorite cheese is goat cheese (fromage de chèvre)!! Some fresh baguette and a slice of “chèvre” and some red wine to wash it down… HEAVENLY!!
I don’t cook as much as I thought I was going to because Alain likes to cook. They have shown me their “go-to” French cook book but alas… until I can read more French cooking words, that book might as well be written in hieroglyphics. I have cooked one or two meals and some lunches for the kids on Wednesday when they are out of school. I made sandwiches for lunch one day and was later told that was only for “quick” lunches. I also gave the kids pasta for their snack because I thought we were out of bread, alas another no-no. I’ve made some good pastas for dinner. So far the family favorite that I have made is baked cauliflower which is incredibly easy (and probably tastey because I used salt and pepper!!!!). Cut cauliflower (or any vegetable for that matter) and mix with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake at ~400 for ~20 minutes (?? I usually guess at this time and take them out when they are browned and a little crunchy).
How do I fare with all of this food, you ask? Well digestively I have had a few hiccups but everything is running smoothly now. Since they don’t keep a lot of candy around the house, I find myself craving sweet things. However, the real issue is that I get really hungry in between meals. Now, you may all know that even before France, I was a big fan of food as well as an avid member of the Clean Plate Club. Fortunately they have a solid snack time but even then, I’m READY TO EAT by dinner time. I can’t tell if it’s the portions or not a lot of protein or what, but I must have a real American appetite. My mom sent me some home-made rice kripsy treats and trail mix that have been tide me over when I can sneak them without the children seeing them.
Have a good week!! Miss you all!!
Mmmm, the cheese. This week and a little of last week we have had a plethora of cheese in the house. I tried the very strong Roquefort cheese that has straight up mold in pockets of the cheese (which you eat along with the rest of the cheese). Also, they have a cheese that is called “horse poop” because of its small, round shape. It doesn’t taste or smell like horse poop though, so I tried some (not my fav.). I live in the region where Brie is made so we have several different variations on that (delicious!). But by far my favorite cheese is goat cheese (fromage de chèvre)!! Some fresh baguette and a slice of “chèvre” and some red wine to wash it down… HEAVENLY!!
I don’t cook as much as I thought I was going to because Alain likes to cook. They have shown me their “go-to” French cook book but alas… until I can read more French cooking words, that book might as well be written in hieroglyphics. I have cooked one or two meals and some lunches for the kids on Wednesday when they are out of school. I made sandwiches for lunch one day and was later told that was only for “quick” lunches. I also gave the kids pasta for their snack because I thought we were out of bread, alas another no-no. I’ve made some good pastas for dinner. So far the family favorite that I have made is baked cauliflower which is incredibly easy (and probably tastey because I used salt and pepper!!!!). Cut cauliflower (or any vegetable for that matter) and mix with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake at ~400 for ~20 minutes (?? I usually guess at this time and take them out when they are browned and a little crunchy).
How do I fare with all of this food, you ask? Well digestively I have had a few hiccups but everything is running smoothly now. Since they don’t keep a lot of candy around the house, I find myself craving sweet things. However, the real issue is that I get really hungry in between meals. Now, you may all know that even before France, I was a big fan of food as well as an avid member of the Clean Plate Club. Fortunately they have a solid snack time but even then, I’m READY TO EAT by dinner time. I can’t tell if it’s the portions or not a lot of protein or what, but I must have a real American appetite. My mom sent me some home-made rice kripsy treats and trail mix that have been tide me over when I can sneak them without the children seeing them.
Have a good week!! Miss you all!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Les Petites Choses Drôles (Funny Little Things)
I just have a handful of small stories that you might find amusing. But first, I’d like to correct something from my last blog. I said “doux” was soft, (btw pronounced like “doo”) and it is that but its soft like silk or velvet. Soft like moldable is “mou” (moo—like a cow). The butter advertizes “doux” as a reference to flavor. Ah, the little difference in meaning I discover as I learn. Ok, anyway.
The big thing recently with Eliott is to go on a walk with his friend, then stop on the side of the road and enter the forest to build a lean to against a tree. The first time, I was not feeling plunging into the woods to supervise, so I stayed outside despite Zoe’s requests. Really, it’s amazing these kids found this little path because the entry way is entirely covered by branches. Another day, it was rather hot in the sun and so I did venture in just slightly to be in the shade. The next day, I just wanted to sit outside again. In an attempt to get me to go with her Zoe started to try to pull the branches and make them stay, to open the path for me. I was truly impressed when she actually really opened the “door” for me. So we sat in the woods on a rock together. She started with the branches again after awhile and really did a good job making a clear spot for walking. I said “Wow Zoe! Thank you so much! That’s great!” to which she replied “It’s not for you, you, and you. It’s for you, and me and Eliott and Glen (said friend).” I was shut down by an 8 year old. That’s ok. It was all English. Good for her.
Some people are whistlers and some people are singers and some people are silent. Well Zoe is a hummer. While I washed some dishes and she set the table I watched her hum a song for like 15 minutes straight. I wish I had a video of it because she is totally in her own Zoe World. Her voice cracks at the high notes and she changes the melody. She’ll even hum with the movies she watches sometimes. It’s super cute.
On Saturday I met my friend Gillian, who I met in Scotland, for coffee and then a walk around Paris. We had a great time because it was good to see old Strathclyde friends and it was my first time really going around the city since I landed here. He was telling me stories about Paris, one in particular about parking in the city. He asked what it was that I called the place where I put my car on the side of the road or parking area. “Parking Spot.” Then suddenly, I realize how strange a phrase that is. A parking spot? It’s the spot that makes it strange for me. Like a spot on your shirt. Or Spot the dog who young children read and find in different place. Plus parking. Call me crazy but it’s a weird phrase.
There was a hedgehog in the yard! Here’s a video.
So I’d like to ask you to comment and ask me about what you want to know about my life here that I haven’t already said. If you have trouble commenting here’s what to do: write in the comment box then under “Comment as:” click on Name/URL and just type in your name or alias and click ok and comment.
The big thing recently with Eliott is to go on a walk with his friend, then stop on the side of the road and enter the forest to build a lean to against a tree. The first time, I was not feeling plunging into the woods to supervise, so I stayed outside despite Zoe’s requests. Really, it’s amazing these kids found this little path because the entry way is entirely covered by branches. Another day, it was rather hot in the sun and so I did venture in just slightly to be in the shade. The next day, I just wanted to sit outside again. In an attempt to get me to go with her Zoe started to try to pull the branches and make them stay, to open the path for me. I was truly impressed when she actually really opened the “door” for me. So we sat in the woods on a rock together. She started with the branches again after awhile and really did a good job making a clear spot for walking. I said “Wow Zoe! Thank you so much! That’s great!” to which she replied “It’s not for you, you, and you. It’s for you, and me and Eliott and Glen (said friend).” I was shut down by an 8 year old. That’s ok. It was all English. Good for her.
Some people are whistlers and some people are singers and some people are silent. Well Zoe is a hummer. While I washed some dishes and she set the table I watched her hum a song for like 15 minutes straight. I wish I had a video of it because she is totally in her own Zoe World. Her voice cracks at the high notes and she changes the melody. She’ll even hum with the movies she watches sometimes. It’s super cute.
On Saturday I met my friend Gillian, who I met in Scotland, for coffee and then a walk around Paris. We had a great time because it was good to see old Strathclyde friends and it was my first time really going around the city since I landed here. He was telling me stories about Paris, one in particular about parking in the city. He asked what it was that I called the place where I put my car on the side of the road or parking area. “Parking Spot.” Then suddenly, I realize how strange a phrase that is. A parking spot? It’s the spot that makes it strange for me. Like a spot on your shirt. Or Spot the dog who young children read and find in different place. Plus parking. Call me crazy but it’s a weird phrase.
There was a hedgehog in the yard! Here’s a video.
So I’d like to ask you to comment and ask me about what you want to know about my life here that I haven’t already said. If you have trouble commenting here’s what to do: write in the comment box then under “Comment as:” click on Name/URL and just type in your name or alias and click ok and comment.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Ma Vie Quotidienne (My Everyday Life)
Today the kids went to school! Therefore I have a several hours to myself, some of which I will use to write to you, fine readers! Yesterday was my one week anniversary of my arrival here as well as Caroline’s birthday! Other than that the day was not epic. None of this week has been, but it’s given me a chance to see and understand daily life. And here are some of the more interesting things:
First, I have really pulled off some magic with Zoe. For the first time in her life she is excited about English. She said to her Dad the other day “J’adore parler anglais avec Christy” (I love speaking English with Christy). Alain and I looked at each other like “OMG!!” As cute as she is though she can be quite the typical 8 year old. I observed this week in everyday life all 8 year olds behave the same way. They show you EVERYTHING they can do. “Chreestee, regarde (look/watch)” (ßx50, everyday) and then do or something totally and completely un- extraordinary. For example touching your chin to your shoulder or a stuffed animal arranged in a basket. While, in my mind I’m saying “Yea, literally everyone in the world can do that, it’s not important! Why did you show me??”, in the real world I’m acting very impressed and tell her how cool/pretty/creative/fill-in-the blank-here. Also, I was reminded yesterday of the both cute and funny but possibly awkward tendency to make noises at play. We were playing with some Play Mobile toys. Zoe had a vet shop and Eliott had cars and helicopters and a garage. Now, Eliott is excellent at noises, as I’ve come to know, all boys are. Maybe car noises are easier or maybe I think they are more normal, however, when Zoe started in on her dog whimpering and cat mewing… well, it was very strange. Not only did she just make the noise, but she added emotion into each one. The mom dog and the baby dog were split up (my fake person wanted to buy the puppy. I didn’t know I was breaking up a family!!) and the whimpering was loud and pained. Had she not been totally engrossed in her playtime she would have seen me stop and stare at her thinking “whhaaaaat?”
We’ve had some good times just hanging out. Yesterday we had a picnic in the house. I saw something out of the window and I said “oh look at those things”. It turns out they were semi-unfamiliar with the word ”things”. “Choses? Things? That. There (I point),” I try to explain when Eliott says “Thing one and Thing Two?” I had brought them a couple of Dr. Seuss Books one of which was The Cat in the Hat. I laughed at his connection. I pointed and each of them and labeled them Thing One and Thing Two and called myself the Cat in the Hat. After that we had a good time saying who was Thing one and two and the cat along with red, blue, old, beautiful, not beautiful, and other types of fish (i.e. 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish). We went to the park after that for some playtime. On the way home they gave me a lesson in how to say the R sound in French. I was comically awful. More towards town (where other people could hear) they were both walking down the street saying “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” while I tried to mimic it in between laughs. Unsuccessfully mimic, I might add.
Another part of daily life that I find different is the butter. We don’t use margarine in this house. It is “doux (soft)” butter, but I would BEG to differ. Also, the kids like butter on their sandwiches. When I made sandwiches I watched to see if they were unhappy with the chunks of it scattered throughout the bread (as I couldn’t spread it properly because it was not doux), but they seemed unfazed.
Finally, in the yard they have lots of fruit trees. Alain said to take the apples and plums and what-not whenever I wanted—if it wasn’t good, I can just throw it into the bushes. They are fabulous and I pick and try them often. Delicious.
So that’s all I have for you today, folks! From now on expect a post once a week usually on Monday (so I have the weekends to write!).
P.S. Damien, how's the title? Correct?
First, I have really pulled off some magic with Zoe. For the first time in her life she is excited about English. She said to her Dad the other day “J’adore parler anglais avec Christy” (I love speaking English with Christy). Alain and I looked at each other like “OMG!!” As cute as she is though she can be quite the typical 8 year old. I observed this week in everyday life all 8 year olds behave the same way. They show you EVERYTHING they can do. “Chreestee, regarde (look/watch)” (ßx50, everyday) and then do or something totally and completely un- extraordinary. For example touching your chin to your shoulder or a stuffed animal arranged in a basket. While, in my mind I’m saying “Yea, literally everyone in the world can do that, it’s not important! Why did you show me??”, in the real world I’m acting very impressed and tell her how cool/pretty/creative/fill-in-the blank-here. Also, I was reminded yesterday of the both cute and funny but possibly awkward tendency to make noises at play. We were playing with some Play Mobile toys. Zoe had a vet shop and Eliott had cars and helicopters and a garage. Now, Eliott is excellent at noises, as I’ve come to know, all boys are. Maybe car noises are easier or maybe I think they are more normal, however, when Zoe started in on her dog whimpering and cat mewing… well, it was very strange. Not only did she just make the noise, but she added emotion into each one. The mom dog and the baby dog were split up (my fake person wanted to buy the puppy. I didn’t know I was breaking up a family!!) and the whimpering was loud and pained. Had she not been totally engrossed in her playtime she would have seen me stop and stare at her thinking “whhaaaaat?”
We’ve had some good times just hanging out. Yesterday we had a picnic in the house. I saw something out of the window and I said “oh look at those things”. It turns out they were semi-unfamiliar with the word ”things”. “Choses? Things? That. There (I point),” I try to explain when Eliott says “Thing one and Thing Two?” I had brought them a couple of Dr. Seuss Books one of which was The Cat in the Hat. I laughed at his connection. I pointed and each of them and labeled them Thing One and Thing Two and called myself the Cat in the Hat. After that we had a good time saying who was Thing one and two and the cat along with red, blue, old, beautiful, not beautiful, and other types of fish (i.e. 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish). We went to the park after that for some playtime. On the way home they gave me a lesson in how to say the R sound in French. I was comically awful. More towards town (where other people could hear) they were both walking down the street saying “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” while I tried to mimic it in between laughs. Unsuccessfully mimic, I might add.
Another part of daily life that I find different is the butter. We don’t use margarine in this house. It is “doux (soft)” butter, but I would BEG to differ. Also, the kids like butter on their sandwiches. When I made sandwiches I watched to see if they were unhappy with the chunks of it scattered throughout the bread (as I couldn’t spread it properly because it was not doux), but they seemed unfazed.
Finally, in the yard they have lots of fruit trees. Alain said to take the apples and plums and what-not whenever I wanted—if it wasn’t good, I can just throw it into the bushes. They are fabulous and I pick and try them often. Delicious.
So that’s all I have for you today, folks! From now on expect a post once a week usually on Monday (so I have the weekends to write!).
P.S. Damien, how's the title? Correct?
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