France

Sunday was a short goodbye. We stayed behind to pack up, clean the house and prepare for the funeral while Sara, Pat and Sean all drove to our house in France. They had trouble getting gas on the way, but found a solution eventually. It took a bite out of their time in Rouen though. Wish we could have joined for that! One of our favorite cities.

Monday was a difficult day. We barely made it to the funeral on time. The minister gave a long evangelical sermon which we found rather out of place. It was good that we were there, but Naomi is really struggling with her family. She has a good relationship with her Aunt Erna and those cousins, but the rest are bringing her a lot of grief. After saying our goodbyes, we made it to the house in record time with only one stop. 

Being in the air conditioned car most of the day before meant the heat didn't bother us much until we got up into the attic where we slept. Tuesday was over 100 degrees and the girls, Kristen and Naomi got to enjoy some rest at the swimming pool. The house we chose is great! Wonderful host and beautiful gardens. An old, rambling French farmhouse. Plenty of space for the eight of us. Lots of games, fruit and veggies to pick, and no traffic noise at all. Just the occasional tractor. 

Pat, Sara, Sean and I went on a guided tour of Normandy while they settled into the country life. It was quite interesting, but also hot. I learned things and saw places I hadn't before. Even saw the place where Walt Disney's ancestors came from 1000 years ago - the went over to England with William the Conqueror. We had a great dinner and then made it back rather late.

Wednesday was a down day. We just rested and relaxed. More pool time. Played some bocce ball (petanque) and other games. Ate some delicious food. Thursday morning was more of the same and then after lunch we set out for a tour of a orchard and distillery where they make cider, pommeau, calvados, and gin. Then we found ourselves on Mont Saint-Michel. Quite the place. Toured the Abbey this time which was really cool. It kept going on and on and on. Found a great dinner spot then headed back for another late night. The girls did so well!

Friday was the long goodbye. We all felt very sad. The Mitchells went to Paris for the night and then on to Switzerland. We visited Saint-Malo and then found our way down to our next house which is near the most westerly point of France in the provence of Brittany. It has its name beacause the people here speak a language that has more in common with Celtic languages than French, although they speak French here too. We can see the ocean and hear the seagulls. Very quiet. Short walk to a nice little beach. 

Yesterday we settled in and found an amazing grocery store. A bit like the coop in Marquette but with French food, so its even better. We got all unpacked, ate some great food, and even spent some time at the beach. The three girls love to collect shells. Finally, a normal bedtime! 

The long goodbye.

View from our house by the Atlantic.

Saint-Malo - huge walls around the old city.

Paratrooper stained glass in Normandy.

Delicious treats!

The human powered elevator to lift supplies up to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel back when it was a prison.

Streets of Saint-Malo

French gun made during the first world war that the Germans captured and used during the second.

Le Mont Saint-Michel.

The cathedral in Bayeaux.

Utah beach.

This German gun was taken out by a lucky shot from the beach.

The street in Bayeaux where we ate dinner.

A German munitions depot that exploded on Pointe du Hoc.

Our lovely old farmhouse. 

The view from the top of Mont Saint-Michel.

Tour of the orchard and distillery.

The sighting bunker/command post at Pointe du Hoc.