Happy Birthday dad!!

Happy Birthday to my dad!!!! There are too many candles to count, and my card is late in the mail...of course! But wanted you to know I was thinking about you today! Love you! 

Monet Exhibition

I didn't post yesterday because it was not a very exciting and adventurous day!  When school starts next week, I doubt I'm able to post every day....so for those of you that read every day, think of this as more of a trial period. 

Yesterday I slept late, went and got some groceries, and did laundry.  I wanted to make some soup, so I got my list together and headed out.  I bought all kinds of vegetables in hopes of making a veggie stew.  Well, I got home and realized that I don't have a good knife or a vegetable peeler.   All I have are dull flatware knives.  After I halfway peeled and cubed my potatoes and chopped the onion...I had had enough!  Turned it into a creamy potato soup instead.  It was pretty delicious despite the obstacles!  

Headed to the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais today for a Monet Exhibition.  It will only be here until the middle of January and a friend of mine told me it was excellent and that I should go!  I arrived around 12:30 to what seemed like a rather short line.  Compared to the line at the Louvre that day I went this was a piece of cake.  

WRONG.

There were three lines.  A line for people with a special museum pass, a line for people who bought their ticket online, and the line I was in for sore losers that were going to buy their ticket there.  I thought about purchasing mine online, but I don't have a printer so it wouldn't have done much good.  The exhibition had limited space so they were allowing a group of about 20 people in every 10-15 minutes.  When its 28 degrees outside, 10-15 minutes is a loooonnnggg time.  The security guards alternated who would be going in.  The people with the special museum pass and the people who had already bought their tickets were able to go in 2 or 3 times before us (the crazy people without tickets).  I stood in line for 2 HOURS.  These must be some pretty damn good paintings for me to stand in line in the freezing cold, in front of a few French natives who obviously don't wear deodorant, next to a young girl smoking like a chimney, and behind a woman with a furry coat that kept blowing in my eyes.  

Thank goodness it met my expectations.  It was WONDERFUL.  I got a self guided headset which was definitely worth it.  There are so many tidbits of information that make it so much more delightful to wander through crowded rooms full of tourists and church groups.  You were not allowed to take pictures, of course, but I was able to sneak a couple for my readers!!! Okay, they were taken with my phone...and most are not centered, but you will take what you get....alright?!  

There were around 200 paintings.  A few of the most popular ones weren't there, but it didn't make a difference....they were all incredible.  His portrayal of light on his subjects and scenery was fascinating.  And I didn't know this until today, but he painted many of his pictures of the same scene but different times.  He painted three versions of "Haystacks", and two of "The Fisherman's House at Varengeville" and "Sunrise" using different times of day to show the different lights and shadows cast.  And in the winter of 1892 I believe, it was so cold that the Seine River froze over, and it inspired many of his paintings including "Ice Floes." Many of the works were borrowed from various cities in the United States for the exhibition!  I expected most to come from Paris and the Musee d'Orsay, but probably half were from home.  

Pictures of the Grand Palais...

Just outside the Christmas market was still happening on the Champs Elysees so I stopped to have a chocolat chaud.  

Hopped on the metro and checked various locations to see if I could find some Happy New Years hats or horns for tomorrow night.  No such luck!  Did find some cute toothpicks and a good cake recipe to share with Marie-Cesare.  I'll be sure and let you know how it turns out.  

Ashleigh texted me and said they are going to the Jardin du Luxembourg tomorrow so I'll probably join! It is "suppose" to be sunny.  Was able to Skype with Taylor and Margaret today which was exciting! I always love hearing from friends back home!  

Happy New Years from Paris!! I won't have the chance to post tomorrow night, but I hope you all have a safe and wonderful New Years Eve celebration!  

Last Day in Provence.

Yesterday no one woke up until 10 in the morning which is late by my standards!  I'm sure Chloe and Franck's too!  We had a quick breakfast with a new confiture.  Some sort of fig special to the region and rosemary.  My favorite by far!  

By the time we all finished taking showers it was time to prepare lunch.  Franck had gone to the boucherie to get a rack of lamb while Didou prepared homemade scalloped potatoes and roasted Provencal tomatoes with fresh herbs of course.  

I was able to take some pictures of the house.  Hate that it wasn't a really pretty day...and from the pictures I've seen it looks totally different in summer!! (in a good way!)

It's tucked away on a small street in Maillane, hidden by trees, vines, and bushes.  In the summer they have a table, chairs, and umbrella outside and of course everything is green and thriving!  

After lunch (which was around 3:30) we went for a walk.  I didn't know exactly that we had a purpose in where we were going but just strolling along.  Turns out we were headed for the Maillane Pony Club.  Marie-Cesare had brought her sack full of bread for the ponies.  It was the cutest place!  It's closed for the holidays, but we were able to feed them through the fence.  In the summer, Marie-Cesare comes to take lessons and ride and Gaspard helps the instructor out with classes.  

Walked back to the house and immediately left for the Avignon train station.  Got there just in time as the train was pulling up, and waved goodbye to Padi and Didou through the window.  Franck and I slept most of the way, and Marie-Cesare and Chloe watched a movie.  It was FREEZING when we got off the train in Paris.  Had to button up my coat and put on my gloves and hat!  There were still snow patches everywhere and some ice, too.  We all piled in the taxi which dropped them off at Rue Fontaine and continued to Rue de Courcelles to take me.  On the way home the taxi driver started talking to me and asking me all kinds of questions...which I could understand this time!! Only it wasn't a good thing...he was trying to ask me to come hang out with his friends at a bar once he found out I was from the US.  I don't know what the fascination is...but that seems to be the norm.  

Spent today reorganizing my apartment a little and cleaning...it was much needed!  Going to watch Eat, Pray, Love tonight (my mom sent it for Christmas) and try to figure out my French online banking.  Doing laundry and getting a few groceries tomorrow.  Nothing exciting...I have to babysit New Years Eve so I am trying to get together a few fun things to take over there.  Want to make a cake with Marie-Cesare and have something fun for Gaspard and I to make together.  Sparkling apple cider is a given with kids, and party hats for everyone!  

Go Dog, Go!

Am beginning to enjoy the Provencal way of life.  It’s going to be cold and slushy going back to Paris…yuck.  Who would have ever thought you could dread going back to Paris?! It’s hilarious how things change.  Don’t get me wrong…I am in love with Paris and everything it has to offer, but it sure is nice to get away for a week in the sunshine! 

Today Marie-Cesare played with her new horse stable and figurines and Didou went outside and collected dried grass to make “haystacks” and sugar cubes for the horses.  It was so exciting. 

We went to a really good restaurant in St. Remy for lunch.  I had a pizza with olives, ham, fresh mushrooms from Maillane, and spinach.  For dessert?  Crème caramel.  Yummy.  Marie-Cesare found a boy at the next table and became friends with him of course.  I think it was more of a love affair because they were holding hands and tickling each other.  (French men start early!)  It was so cute…the whole restaurant was rolling with laughter.  

I still don’t think at this point I will ever take her to a restaurant by myself.  She is such a wanderer and her parents don’t seem to mind, but until our relationship gets a little more significant, it will just have to wait.  We finally got a family photo for all of you out there asking where I am!!!

After dinner we went to Les Beaux de Provence, which is I guess, when you think of a typical Provencal village-that’s it.  A stone village in the midst of the mountains with narrow, winding streets and ivy covering every window.  Small shops, mountain views, and outdoor cafes lining every street.  It was beautiful.  I gathered that Chloe and Franck really don’t like to do touristy things, which is fine.  I will come back by myself in the summer….or with Didou.  It was so cold and the Mistral was blowing fiercely hard so we were running around trying to get to warmer places all the time.  Forgot my gloves and every time I took my hands out of my pocket to take a picture I thought they were going to fall off. 

We all came home and collapsed into bed again, except for Marie-Cesare.  She was SO tired and irritable by 4:00 and she just wouldn’t take a nap.  Poor Padi kept her occupied while we were sleeping.  He is just like both of my grandfather’s were and still are…the best!!!! He is always tending to her every need and loves every second of it! 

Didou made a gougere for dinner tonight.  It’s basically a milk/egg/cheese/flour fluff.  But who wouldn’t love that?!! It was awesome!  It’s Chloe’s favorite.  They had a French history lesson conversation over dinner…and although I could follow some of it, those words aren’t in my vocabulary…yet! 

**Highlight of the day!! Everyone knows that my favorite children’s book is Go Dog, Go!  By P.D. Eastman.  Even at 23, I sometimes burst out in random verses of the book…”Where are all those dogs going? To the tree! To the top of the tree!” in my daily life.  So I made sure to get a copy for Marie-Cesare to give to her for Christmas.  Before I fell asleep this afternoon she brought the book into my room and asked me to read it.  Of course!!  It pretty much melted my heart.  Although it is just another book for her, it meant a lot to me!  I translated it into French for her…but maybe one day soon we will be able to read it in English! 

I have no idea what the plan is for tomorrow, maybe nothing?  Our train doesn’t leave until 6 and we don’t return to Paris until 8:45.  Maybe later if there is still crazy snow.  Am glad to be going back with Chloe and Franck this time!  

Christmas in the south of France? Check.

Christmas in France…certainly different, but good in its own way.  When Chloe and Franck arrived last night, things were a whirlwind of activity.  The kitchen was bustling and the giggles of Marie-Cesare could be heard throughout the house.  She put on her new black dress Franck bought her, and danced about like a princess.  We talked about Papa Noel, played Provencal Christmas carols, and I learned how to prepare cardons for our Christmas Eve meal. 

After our appetizers of cheese, saucisson de taureaux, pistachios, and crostini we all gathered around the table for dinner.  Everyone went to change clothes…and of course I quickly followed suit with a new sweater and jewelry.  Our first course was scallops and parmesan risotto, cooked perfectly.  I assumed that would be the meal, but no….just first course.  Next came some Provencal meat torte that was the bomb.  It had chicken and pork, fresh herbs and garlic, onions, etc.  Topped off with a homemade crust that was buttery, flaky, and flawlessly crisp.  Accompanying the torte was a cardon casserole.  Looks like celery, tastes a little bit like an artichoke.  I have never seen anything like it before.  Mix it in a casserole dish with homemade béchamel and cheese, top it with breadcrumbs and butter-magnificent.  Next was salad…afterwards, about 10 different cheeses that Franck and I bought at the fromagerie yesterday.  We had all kinds from Brie with truffles to Roquefort to Rocamadour to Laguiole.  After cheese came dessert.  It’s a Provencal tradition to have 13 desserts at your table, so that’s what we had.  Now…don’t be alarmed because I’m sure you’re thinking 13 pies, cakes, etc.  We had fresh fruit, nuts, nougat, caramels, dried figs, calisson (a special Provencal cookie), chocolate almond bark, gummy bears (for Marie-Cesare), fougasse du sucre, 2 kinds of jellied fruit from the area, glace au chocolat, and chocolates we bought in Arles. 

All of this accompanied by a different wine that Padi brought from his cellar in Versailles for each course.  It was amazing…but I could barely waddle away from the table to go to bed I was so full.  We didn’t start eating until around 9, and finished around midnight.  Marie-Cesare fell asleep on the couch around 10, she couldn’t wait for Pere Noel much longer.  We put the presents under the tree and went immediately to bed.  No cookies and milk for Pere Noel…he must be much skinnier than Santa Clause.  And no carrots for Rudolph and the team or stockings for Santa to fill. 

Woke up this morning around 6 to a very elated 3 year old girl yelling, “Regarde, maman…regarde, papa!”  It was so cute.  Before I could even turn around we were already finished.  I didn’t even get a chance to take any pictures!  There were so many presents.  Not as many that are usually under our tree at home, but still quite a bit for such a small family.  Most were for Marie-Cesare of course, and her favorite gift?  A pink and purple tulle dancing skirt given by yours truly with a matching purple headband.  She also got a horse stable with lots of horses and people figurines, books, coloring books, a remote controlled horse, a couple of games, new clothes, etc.  Lots of fun new things for us to play with in the afternoons! 


Borrowed this video from Chloe and Franck..

Breakfast was simple, bread and confiture like always..but soon after the kitchen was a hub of activity preparing for lunch.  I sat down to a HUGE plate of oysters.  Okay, I mentioned that I like oysters last week at some point in time, but I don’t love them.  It was Franck’s only request for Christmas, and no one else likes them, so I had to share with him of course.  I ate maybe 8 or 9 and gave the rest to Franck.  It has to be one of those things I am in the mood for, and although they were delicious and fresh…just wasn’t on my list of things to eat today.  After oysters I was presented with a plate of foie gras.  Now again, I probably wouldn’t choose this…but when in France, do as the French, right?  It was pretty darn good I’ll have to say.  So rich, but smooth and creamy.  Put the sauce Didou bought at the market in St. Remy on top and its makes for quite the second course. 

For the main event we had chapon (poultry), roasted new potatoes and artichokes, and fresh bread.  Oh man, it was my favorite by far.  So simple and cooked only with salt, pepper, fresh herbs de Provence, and olive oil but yet so flavorful.  Padi brought a Bordeaux from 1986 to accompany this meal.  Usually I would choose a white wine with poultry, but this was a perfect choice.  It. was. incredible.  I haven’t had a bottle of wine that was older than me before!  He had acquired it from his father’s wine cellar when his father died a few years ago.  It was dry with a strong oak flavor.  A tree of macarons for dessert.  Didn’t finish until 4.  I hope we are not eating again today because I honestly don’t think I can eat another thing.  I thought we ate a lot around Christmas?  The French know how to do it big. 

Everyone tumbled into their respective beds and I walked outside to telephone my family.  Surprised to find out that Lawrenceburg had a teeny bit of a white Christmas, and that most all of my family was awake! 

After everyone woke up from their sieste, we played Marie-Cesare’s new games and had chocolat chaud and the cupcakes we made this week.  Laid around a little while longer just reading, talking, and watching Marie-Cesare.  Had only salad with bread and cheese for dinner…thank goodness.  I could barely eat that.  However, I did save room for the Reese Christmas tree mom sent me in my package, they’re my favorite! 

Although there were no stockings hung by the fire, no cookies and milk for santa, no partridge in a pear tree, and no jingle bells…I still had a wonderful Christmas.  I am so thankful that I have fit right in with the Lachaize family, and so so so grateful to them that they have been so welcoming and include me in everything as if I am just another member of the family. 

Got several text messages today from people whom I love very very much and was so glad to know they were thinking about me!  Everyone has told me that there are so many people reading my blog from home.  I am glad to hear that everyone is really enjoying it, and honestly, it gives me motivation to go out and try new things and eat different foods.  So, thanks for reading friends and family…I hope you have had a very Merry Christmas with your families!! Joyeux Noel!!! 

Arles.

Marie-Cesare has this fascination with the Monopoly game that is in my room.  I think its because its off limits, so she always asks to play with it.  I really don’t see the big deal (Padi either), I always put everything back where it belongs, and back in order…but Didou doesn’t like her to play with it (maybe it’s a grandmother thing).  We cleaned up the disaster of a room I have with all the toys and colors and books…and got ready to go to Arles. 

It was about a 30 minute drive and it rained the whole way.  Not a very good day for picture taking.  We were going to a church that has an international Santonniers display.  I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into…again, just along for the ride.  As we approached Arles, it was a rather industrious city….on the outskirts anyway.  Gas stations, car lots, factories, etc.  We parked in a parking lot near the Rhone and walked on towards the city center.  The further we got into the center, the more historical things became.  It’s not as pretty as Provence, but still everything is old with so much history.  And those famous blue shutters that make it Provencal. 

The church was beautiful inside and out.  We walked in, bought our tickets, and climbed up an old winding staircase to a room filled with crèche display cases.  There were rooms upon rooms of nativities from all over the world.  Not so many from the US obviously, but from Europe and Canada mostly.  A few from China and one from Australia.  People take this very seriously and it’s a huge part of their religion and daily life especially this time of year. 

After, we went looking for lunch.  We came upon a huge amphitheatre in the center.  Unfortunately it was close for construction, but is reopening in the summer for all the tourists...like me!  After walking down some other historical streets, we found a restaurant that was built around an old garden.  I ordered gnocchi (Italian I know), a salad with tomatoes and olives and we all had gaufres (spelling?) with chocolate for dessert.  (A very typical French dessert) There was a huge pile of Chantilly cream on the top and I basically ate it by itself.  Also had a small serving of chocolate ice cream.  The ice cream was made with chocolate from a nearby boutique, and had bits of the chocolate in every bite.  Yum…..

The city of Arles had several activities for children all over the town today.  Not sure if that is a regular thing, or just for Christmas.  They had this manege like we saw yesterday, except it was definitely older.  I don’t know if you can see it from this picture, but there is a man pedaling to make it turn.  He is also turning the wheel for the music.  Of course, I had never seen anything like this and thought it was hysterical. 

On our way back to the car, in the Place du Forum a man was putting on a show for all the children.  Marie-Cesare was lucky enough to participate. 

This is the café in one of Van Gogh’s paintings.  And other views….The Grand Hotel Nord-Pinus where Picasso lived and Hemingway frequented and other various famous people stayed while in town.  The city of Arles has something secret about it, yet is still open to everyone.  It is calm and quiet and still comes off as festive!  

None of us slept very well last night, so we were all irritable and tired.  Stopped by the Monoprix in Arles for what I thought would be a quick trip but we were there for an hour.  Marie-Cesare and I looked at all the makeup, but not before she put her hands on every single palette of eye shadow and wand of mascara.  Directed her towards the books, where we found Martine and Caroline and were able to read until it was time to go. 

Didou taught me how to make a delicious dough for tarts, quiches, etc. tonight.  She was making a bunch ahead of time for this weekend so I thought I would join in. 

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve…and I’ll have to say I haven’t missed my family too much until now.  It’s so weird not to be home helping my mother cook all sorts of good things and taking presents to their various locations.  Our Christmas Eve dinner here will consist of scallops, risotto, lots of French cheese, and foie gras.  It will certainly be delicious, but different!  I am making the best of everything and couldn’t be welcomed by a better family. 

Everyone keeps telling me I am not missing much, but I love being with both of my families so much! It’s one of my most favorite times of the year, and since my family has grown almost twice as much…I love it even more!! I hope they all know I’ll be thinking about them, maybe not for Mimi’s Christmas Eve gathering because I’ll probably be sleeping, but Christmas morning for sure!!!

Market in St. Remy

Yes, apparently most of Europe is snowed in....but not us!  

All piled in the car this morning and headed to Saint Remy for a little shopping and the market.  On Wednesdays all the local vendors come to the village center and sell their goods…fruit, vegetables, quilts, clothes, meat, bags, jewelry, etc.  There were quite a few people there today, although Padi told me that in summer it is packed...and that you can hardly move around.  We first stopped at a small meat market set up in one of the town’s squares.  The first thing I saw was a boy, about 12 years old, whacking the head off of a chicken.  He then proceeded to pick the eyes out and put them in a cup.  There were probably 50 other chicken eyes in this cup.  I don’t know what he was going to do with those chicken eyes….and I really could care less.  It was awfully disgusting. 

I met a few more locals, always being introduced as Maggie, the guardian of Marie-Cesare, an American.  Roughly translated.  Everyone always goes, Ohhh! From the United States!  And here I can’t decipher whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.  Hopefully good!  We bought some vegetables for Didou to make soup tonight, and she showed me around a few other places in the village.  It makes me really excited to come back this summer when things are green and there are even more things at the market to choose from! 

Afterwards we came back to the house to have lunch.  Sausage from the charcuterie in Maillane and rice, also a baguette with the last of the Camembert. 

Marie-Cesare and I put on some makeup for our next outing, and colored a picture for Monsieur Victor the ménage owner/director.  I have taught her how to write the letter “M.”  She adds a few more MMM’s to the end, but hey….thats okay.  We headed to Chateau Estoublon, which is about a 20 minute drive from Maillane.  I wasn’t sure what we were going to do there, I am usually just along for the ride. 

Chateau Estoublon is a huge house, well…chateau, and its beautiful!! There are acres upon acres of vineyards and olive trees surrounding the property.  The chateau was purchased by a family from Switzerland a few years ago, and everything is clean, neat, and typical Provencal.  There is this small chapel on the property that had a crèche inside which Marie-Cesare was very interested in. 

For Christmas, Monsieur Victor had his merry-go-round set up in the courtyard of the chateau.  There was also a small “spectacle” for children only with people dressed up like fairies and pere noel, pony rides, crepes, and sucettes.  While that was going on, Didou and I went into the chateau gift shop to have a look around.  Olive oil was 25 euros a bottle. That’s crazy.  You can get better at the market for 8 or 9 euros.  Wine was 30-40 euros a bottle…didn’t try it, but of course its commercialized here in France, so you can get it everywhere.  They have a huge rose garden that I also can’t wait to go see this summer. 

On our way back we stopped to check the mail and Marie-Cesare had received a letter from pere noel!!! How special is she?!  I feel like I’m kind of reliving my childhood now,  and remembered when I use to get letters and phone calls from Santa.  It was probably my Uncle Rick, Uncle Wade, or Bobby Belew….but sure I believed it then!  It was AWESOME when Santa would call me while we were eating dinner on 100 Springer Drive and I could tell all my friends at school the next day. 

Our afternoon snack today was bread with olive oil and fresh herbs.  Simple and delicious as always! 

Marie-Cesare was pretty good today…and sweet to me.  I hate to say that’s all that matters, but its important to me that I become her friend this week…so when we return to Paris things may be easier.  


Dinner tonight was ham, salad with pine nuts and parmesan, a small piece of meat from the charcuterie wrapped in puff pastry, and the delicious soup Didou made.  It was yummy!  She cooked down all sorts of veggies and pureed them in the blender.  Some creme fraiche swirled on the top-perfect!  After dinner we watched the international circus on tv that's performed in front of the Prince of Monaco.  Marie-Cesare laughed so hard...we all did!  Tomorrow we are suppose to be going to Arles, a town nearby.  Last day before Chloe and Franck arrive!  I only hope they can get here because of the weather!  

Meeting the Locals.

It was raining a lot today so we decided to wait until tomorrow to go shopping in St. Remy.  I tried a new confiture today that Padi made, citron and some sort of melon that only grows here.  Most of you know I don’t like melon,  but this was great!  It was sweet and tart…with the perfect amount of citrus.

After breakfast, Padi, Didou, and Marie-Cesare went to the supermarket, and I decided to stay home.  My dad had called and I wanted to call him back (luckily he gets up early in the morning for work).  We had a good chat and the biggest news to report from Lawrenceburg is that the Post Office ran out of stamps on Friday. HA…isn’t that hilarious?! I thought all of my college friends would really enjoy that. 

We finished the creche today.  It looks great! Its so much work…for just a few days, but isn’t that a lot like Christmas?  They have most of the characters, and Didou gets a new one each year. 

For lunch today we had lamb chops and roasted zucchini with olive fougasse that Padi got from the bakery this morning.  Always a piece of fruit after the meal as well.  Perhaps some almonds or walnuts if we’re still hungry.  I am enjoying sitting around the table at every meal SO much.  Even breakfast.  This morning, Marie-Cesare crept up the stairs to wake me up for breakfast.  It’s good for Marie-Cesare to see me eating with the family, and good for me to have something new to try at every meal! 

Watched a few more episodes of Little House on the Prairie with Marie-Cesare and tried to get her to take a nap but she refused.  We made cupcakes this afternoon!  It was so American.  We didn’t have a muffin pan, so we just placed the cupcake papers on a sheet pan…it was strange.  They turned out all funny shaped, but tasted delicious!  We made them with lemon zest.  Didou said she bought the cupcake papers at an American store in Paris and they were very expensive.  I never thought about France not having things like that….so funny. 

Went to play with a couple of her friends around 5.  Their grandmother is friends with Didou.  I am meeting so many locals.  Its something I would have never done otherwise, and I'm glad they know so many people here.  I actually could understand most of the conversation...even with the southern accent!!  I, of course, rarely interject with something to say...I'll have to work up to that!  One of the little girls drew me a picture.  It was so sweet.  Marie-Cesare was of course was content with them, but as soon as we got home she was raging with a bad attitude. 

Had some delicious goat cheese with dinner.  It was covered with fresh herbs and peppercorns.  Also, teeny cheese-filled ravioli with fresh basil and olive oil.  She partly fried them with breadcrumbs.  No sauce, just olive oil = the best. 

I think I’ve watched the films Marie-Cesare has at home a million times?  There is this movie here, Caroline et ses amis, and I’m pretty sure I’ve watched it at least 10 times already.  That’s what we did tonight.  She fell asleep around 9 which is amazing, although unfortunate for Padi and Didou because I'm sure she will wake them up early.

Missing my family as Christmas gets closer.  Wish I was at home helping plan Mimi's grand Christmas Eve feast!!  Making the most of Provence, and excited to share such a wonderful time with such a great family.  I am so thankful that they have opened up their home and all of their traditions to me.

Listening to the rain fall on the roof as I fall asleep tonight is quite a treat....