I know, I know! I said there’d be no post today but isn’t it always the way that when you can sleep in (until 7) these are the days you wake up even earlier (6). Put this post in the “under promise, over delivery” category.
After Baby Nina tucked in last night I joined Em and Francois for a raclette dinner in front of the tv where we watched the movie The Good Liar on NF. In true French fashion that meant is was 9 before we started eating. But you get used to this somehow……Maybe that’s a sign I really have acclimated. That and I now think that 0 degrees celcius is cold. Very cold. 🙂
I have seen this movie three times and because I am inherently naive I didn’t predict the twists and turns the first time round so in watching the 2nd and 3rd time I have enjoyed catching all the clues I missed. Sometimes it’s the little things that amuse me in life. My child at heart piece I guess. And if you haven’t had raclette before- and I have seen the machines before in Canadian Tire, check it out- then you are missing out on something very simple and delicious. The very best way in the world to eat, in our case, broccoli and potatoes. But only if you can find raclette cheese in your grocery store. Don’t worry about trying to identify it as such; it will say so right on the flat package. It really was a lovely, cozy way to spend my last evening for this stay.
Suitcases are almost ready to close. Plural because I leave all of my extra things in two suitcases with Em and there’s that little red one almost ready to pull the zipper on. The house is cleaned. Well close enough anyway. Nina’s toys are strewn about the living room as she is joining me again today. Fridge is emptied, except for Nina’s lunch, my breakfast smoothie and lunch- a delicious mac and cheese that Em and I batch made on Wednesday. It had no choice but to taste amazing, full as it is with creme fraiche and three kinds of cheese and topped with breadcrumbs fried in butter. An artery hardening meal if ever there was one. But nvm, my sister will soon have me on a heart smart diet on our travels and the butter loaded and croissants and rich cheeses will something I will have in my memory bank to return to.
I sent two emails this morning to start the dating story telling. If you didn’t get them then you aren’t subscribed (or the emails landed in your spam so check there!). Subscribing is easy; go on to my home page and fill in your email under the ‘subscribe’ tab et voila, all set!
Photo of Em and Co was taken a couple of days before Christmas. I won’t even write here about how heavy my heart is this morning as that would make the next few hours unbearable. You can imagine how I feel …… Fingers, toes, eyes ….. everything crossed that I am back here in June with my visa in hand. These good byes every three months are very hard on both Em and I. The bittersweetness of having a remarkable friendship between mother and daughter.
And to lighten things up before I run off to get dressed (hoping my clothes are dry, hanging as they have been over night in front of the electric heater. Old school at it’s finest.) here is a quick story from last weekend at Alain’s birthday party……. little Auban handed me a corkscrew (a perfectly normal thing to have in your 4 year old hand if you are the son of a winemaker) and I said to him- Ah merci Auban, un cadeau pour moi! A gift for me! And he looked exasperated at his parents and said- Ce n’est pas un gateau! It’s not a cake! He had, quite with merit I’m sure, confused my articulation of ‘cadeau’ as ‘gateau’. Clearly I have some distance to go in mastering the language of this country. 🙂
Off I go to rescue my clothes from the line, get dressed, prepare to meet my day head on with a positive attitude despite the weight on my heart.
A bientot! xo
Safe travels.
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Thinking of you 🤗❤️. That is a beautiful picture of Em and Co
See ya later’s are never easy. Safe travels today as you start in many more new adventures xo
Now I have to check my email 🧑🚒🚒
Just started reading about the fireman. He sounds so nice so I’m very intrigued. Please send more soon! Have a safe journey. Love you
Such a nice pic of ‘Em & Co!! Can only imagine how you’re feeling today… 😌 but so much to look forward to!
Safe travels and all the best ! Take good care xoxo
Can’t wait to read my email!!🤣🤣
Safe travels ❤ a bientot aussi
Gorgeous photo of Emily and Family!
You are off on your next adventure and you are so brave to navigate all of this on your own. I have enjoyed catching up on your blogs and your fireman story has me intrigued as I have always loved your dating stories.. I can’t wait until you tell the one about the tinder swiping in Chester (your dog walk) and also about your birthday party.. My favourites however I am sure there are more.
Safe travels Michelle!
Love the picture. You are certainly going to miss your family in France but still many new adventures ahead with Joanne and more family to get to know.
Thoughts and Prayers go with you.❤️
Safe travels, my friend!!
I immediately had to look up raclette as I had never heard of this. It sounds divine!! I can imagine your heavy heart leaving your France family but just think of the reunion and all you will have to share from your adventures. Off to check my emails … can’t wait. Safe travels my friend ❤️
Great photo ♥️♥️ wishing you safe travels and good times making new memories!
Happy travels Michelle. Love the pic of Em and fam. The time will go fast and there is FaceTime.
Safe travels.
Ps: I thought I subscribed when you 1st started to blog , but perhaps I didn’t? So I did again today.
Read the fireman story, can’t wait for more! Safe travels Michelle ❤️
I was nervous when I saw the FM dating story pop- up….clever aliases!
I can only imagine how you dread the good-byes. It has been a rough couple of weeks here lots of losses so glad to read your blog and remember the fun of our French adventure last July. I am getting my French bangs cut on Wednesday.
Thinking of you all and your adventures ahead. xoxo
Lovely photo. Emily looks gorgeous. Safe and happy travels Michelle. I will be looking forward to your blog posts.
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