So it's been awhile since I lasted updated the site for all the devotees. That's because we have been extremely busy with visitors and my ever-extending contract (I'm now signed on for a total of 18 days...), plus the usual laundry, shopping, cooking, parenting, gardening, etc.
2 weeks ago, we finally hosted my schoolchum Emma and her family. Young Ava was a real hit with Sebby; Sophie was less impressed because whenever Ava would spy her seated on her mat, she would zoom over and give her a little shove. It was quite funny as no one ever got hurt and it was so perfectly what a 21 month old would do with younger competition. Ava also LOVED our low sink, and there were many dashes to it, to thwart her from pouring water everywhere or plunging her hand in to draw out a knife! But we did get out of the house. Emma and Ken love their markets and Seb loves his cheese, so there's a good snap of them doing what they do best in Cadouin. The Eardleys fell in love with the Issigeac lifestyle and have already booked to bring over Emma's parents next summer!
And then came the Vancouverites. We finally managed to lure Syd & Deb to our hectic and (mostly) happy home. They too were effusive about the Dordogne and we certainly hope that they will be back to savour it more, once Debbie retires in a few years. We managed to do the market and many picnics. They went to the plan d'eau with Seb, who decided to nap instead... We all ate at a night "market" (food stalls) and they went for a canoe ride on the river (with Seb). But mostly it was hanging out and mellowing out. They took the kids one evening when we dined out. I understand that the Sound of Music was viewed for Nth time. Debbie jousted and play-fought with Seb endless times, while Syd became the official referee. Seb was smitten with the loving attention and bestowed on each of them a handcrafted pottery necklace.
Despite my request, everyone seems to still be arriving with gifts for the kids. Debbie had bought some clothes (boring said Syd); however, Seb was thrilled by his big boy shirt and his "tights" (knee socks to you and me). He definitely is looking older and older what with lace up shoes, collared shirts, knee socks, a watch... In fact, he just became "almost 4".
The crummy thing was that 10 minutes before Syd & Deb arrived, I stubbed my left foot against Soph's crib and either tore or pulled a ligament. A week later I am still hobbling and it is violent shades of everything... I did manage to wear a pair of shoes yesterday but only for 20 minutes.
So it's back to work for me. Next up we have the Italians - Maria (Italian-canadian en route from Senegal) on Friday for 4 days - plans are to Bodega/street party, float in a lake, market, and joust at the annual Issigeac Medieval day; then it's Elena & Andras from Turino on the 15 or 16th for 4-5 days, followed by the paternal grandparents for a week, and then the Londoners! I think we will take a break from hosting after that, but there will be some "spots available" in September for any "latecomers".
We are discussing various options for a return to Canada but that's another post to the blog.
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