MEETING NEW FRIENDS FROM ARRADON

Heidi S. who left for the states for a month, gave me the name of some of her friends who speak English prior to her leaving. So, I picked up the phone and called Alix and introduced myself. Alix and her daughter, Leatitia, were so kind to invite us to their home for the day in Arradon, a small community along the gulf about the size of Batesville.Alix was born in France and has lived in the Netherlands and her husband is awaiting his VISA to move to Portland, Oregon.
We spent the afternoon walking and talking and the girls challenged each other to some games. Meghan and I learned that checkers are called "Jeu de Dame" and is played differently in France. First of all, you don't become a king you become a queen when you get to the other side. You also can move forward or backward if you are jumping your opponent's checker. The most challenging difference is the queen can jump the opponent anywhere in the row. So it is even more important to get a queen quickly or you are going to lose. Just ask Meghan!

One of the beautiful homes we passed on our walk to the beach. Alix said these homes are passed down within the family and sometimes aren't always a blessing because you have to be able to maintain them. Looks like this one is well preserved!
Alix along the trail to the gulf, just a short walk from her backdoor. Alix and Heidi also bike with a group once the kids are back in school. Many of the French leave for most of July and/or August. We were explaining that a two week vacation in the states is a long vacation for us.
Another lovely home in Arradon. There is a staue of Mary at the top of the house which faces the local church.