THE START OF OUR MARATHON EATING AND SOCIALIZING WEEKEND

Before heading out for our dinner invitation on Friday, we did a little shopping in the old city of Vannes. It was so much fun watching Dave and Meghan trying on hats and trying to decide on just the right one. If I must say so, I think they both are looking quite fashionable in their new chapeaus. We think the owner was trying to tell us with his limited English that the store was named (translated in English) "Cat in the Hat" as a take off of the children's tale, "Puss and Boots." We wondered later if he knew of the Dr. Seuss character. After Christmas we are going to take the book to him, so we'll find out.

Marie-Helene, our neighbor and friend across the street, invited us to her flat on Friday night for an Italian Christmas dinner. She cares for her mother who is 94 and has Alzheimer's. My favorite part of the evening, besides the wonderful food, was when her mom reached over and held Dave's hand and recited her prayers by memory. Goes to show Alzheimer's can't take away your relationship with God.
The festive red and white put us all in the Christmas mood! Meghan is counting the hours until she will be back in Indy and enjoying time with her American friends, getting her ears pierced, and watching AMERICAN T.V.!!!! Continuing on our "Eating and Socializing Marathon", on Saturday at noon we headed to Arradon, a village on the gulf, to be entertained by Anna Marie and Daniel, a couple we met early on at our church. Our first course or "aperitif " in French, included salmon, smoked trout and fish eggs. Dave and I really loved the smoked trout. Then on to the next course or "entree", which was oysters and salmon. The main course or "plat" was guenne fowl, dressing, green beans and potatoes. Delicious!!! We opted to wait on dessert until after our walk.One of the traditions we love here is walking along the gulf or ocean after a meal to walk off those calories. It must be why the French are able to eat so much and not gain weight.
One of the lovely homes we passed along the road to the gulf. The grass is so green and it's DECEMBER. We loved seeing the green grass and shared with Daniel and Anna Marie how our grass at home is looking pretty brown this time of year.

Just wishing we had a sail boat about right now! Anna Marie and Daniel met during sailing lessons in Brittany. Daniel used to work in the European air space program before retiring to this beautiful area from Paris. They said they love the peacefulness of this community and still often go to Paris to visit with friends. They both contiue to sail and enjoy it.

More of the beauty we experienced along our afternoon walk. The Siberian ducks fly here to stay for the winter. I agree with their choice.

Notice the high stone walls on the left which represents the French culture to enclose their property.

MATHEW 5:16 Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.