MEGHAN AND HER SECOND NEW BIKE

Some of you may not have heard the story that is to follow but it is one we won't forget soon. On Wednesdays and Fridays Meghan rides her bike to school because she has swim team practice right after school and there is not enough time for her to walk from school to the pool and get there on time. It has been getting dark at 6:00 p.m. when she finishes so Dave has been stopping to pick her up on his way home from work. On this particular Friday, he had picked me up from the apartment and we both went to pick Meghan up from practice. Dave attached the bike to the roof rack and we headed for home. Meghan was excitedly telling us about her practice and the meets they had coming up. The finals were to be in Paris if the team made it. BAM!!!!! What was that???? Oh no, WE ALL THREE forgot the bike was on top! By the way, we had just bought her this bike when we arrived in July. This mistake set us back a bike and a bike rack. Moral of the story: Make sure at least one of you remember the bike is on top before entering a parking garage. Meghan riding to school today on her new SECOND bike. The little market in the background is only a block from our house. Very convenient!

I like to ride with Meghan because it gets me up and starting my day with a little exercise.

Last year several bikes were vandalized at school so she and her American friend, Tabatha, lock their bikes on this pole near the school. Can you imagine trying to ride a bike with that overstuffed backpack??

JOSHUA 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

BLACK THURSDAY

Well, if Americans are known for their lawsuits, the French are certainly know for their strikes. They are many and varied and today was a big one! They were calling it Black Thursday as the French workers; postal, union, government, transportation, educators and more, hit the streets hard to protest any number of things. More than half of the private schools did not have school and all of the public schools were closed. Meghan was home today because at the semi-private school she attends, if your teachers were going to the strike you had a free day from school. So her class was one of the lucky ones! Her good friend, Tabatha, who is also in her grade had to go to school. Meghan agreed this was not fair.

As I was walking and taking pictures I came upon our policeman friend, Dominique who was standing on the sidewalk along with his fellow officers, watching the non -violent march. He said it was estimated there were over 5,000 protesters just in the city of Vannes. In Lorient, a nearby larger city, over 10,000 were expected to protest.

You know in the U.S. when there is a strike it is usually small in numbers and unless you were in the area you would not even know it was happening.

It was an amazing site to see all these different unions organized into one large protest.

This protester even came out displaying her fashionable French hat on her mannequin.

JOHN 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

DID I HEAR 10'' OF SNOW IN INDY?

Not to rub it in or anything but these are the views we had biking just two days ago along the gulf. The large house you see in the background is owned by the owner of Carrefour, a large supermarket chain here similar to Wal-Mart. Can you imagine waking up to this view every morning?

Just can't resist these sunrise photos in the morning.

It was a little chilly riding and our toes got cold but that's the price you pay.......

Switching of the photographer.

A grove of trees we rode through along the Gulf du Morbihan.

The camellia is in bloom right now along with some other early blooming flowers. Don't worry you will start seeing more and more flower pictures as they each start to bloom. I have already been asking what will be blooming next!

There are cruise boats that go to the islands each day. Our family hopes to do a day trip and take our bikes along as soon as the weather warms up just a little more.

Just glad we don't have to shovel the drive way this year!!!

Genesis 9:14-15 God said to Noah, "When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature."

NO WIMPS IN THIS GROUP

Our biking group decided last Monday that the weather was not conducive for biking so we opted for walking the part of the trail we would have ridden. The cold and windy weather motovated us to pick up our pace to keep warm.

I asked the my biking friends if they woud mind stopping to pose by the boat and they said, "Sure but this is NOT your typical French boat!" I answered, "I know but it will make a great photo".

After we had been walking less than an hour the weather turned for the worst and we headed for the cars. It actually started to hail and needless to say we all got soaked! I told the everyone I really enjoyed exercising and being with them because they were not "WIMPS" which was followed by, "What's a wimp?"

After our cold and breezy walk we tried to thaw out with chocolat chaud served in Ghislaine's American mugs. She lived in Wisconsin and Missouri for awhile so we are able to communicate with each other quite well. When they all are speaking French together with five different conversations going I just sit there and smile and wonder what they are talking about. Hopefully not me! Ha!! I never expect them to switch to English because I feel blessed just to be asked to ride with the group and this is their home country.

JOHN 3:16 God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY

In France you get in the habit of looking down when you walk because many people who walk their dogs do not clean up after them. It has been one of my pet peeves since we arrived here. On Friday, after walking to the coiffeur to make a hair appointment, ( it is easier to go in person since my hairdresser doesn't speak English and my French is still very limited) I was not looking down and stepped in a big pile of p__p! A French woman tried to warn me but it was too late. The damage was done and I was not a happy camper. I'm thinking this would make a lovely retirement home and what a view we would have!! It looks big enough that even the whole Sunday school class could come visit. What do you think Cindy W.?After church, Claire and her husband (the friendly policeman) invited us to their home for the afternoon. I later told her I could never invite anyone over spontaneously on a Sunday because I would have to go to the store to buy food and everything is closed on Sunday.
Meghan and her daughter, Manon, watched a movie in French with English sub titles, while we all enjoyed telling stories. Yes, even Claire doesn't know when Dave is serious and when he's kidding. Claire and Dominique, both speak fluent English so we always feel very comfortable visiting with them at their home. While we were busy talking away, Claire was in the kitchen preparing this wonderful dessert, Tarte Tatin, made from Dutch apples. Since Claire is Dutch we especially enjoyed the tarte. Tasty!!

So after consuming those calories, it's off to the gulf for a walk. The sun came out again around 4 p.m. which seems to be the best time to go walking lately. Claire is also from a large family, seven girls and one brother, so that must be why we get along so well.

PSALM 40:2 The Lord set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

ENJOYING FRENCH CREPES AND SUNSHINE

Friday night was Meghan's turn to select a restaurant for our dining pleasure. After walking around Vannes for awhile she decided on a creperie style restaurant which are quite numerous here. Linda our friend from Indy treated us to dessert at this restaurant when she visited in the fall. Meghan chose this particular restaurant because they had "french fries" and she already knew she would like the dessert.

Now how can you resist desserts like these?? Thanks Linda for introducing us to this special place.

After grocery shopping, ironing,(no dryer makes for a lot of wrinkled clothes) making home-made chicken noodle soup, and writing thank you notes, I decided I must get out to enjoy the late afternoon sun after a mostly overcast day. Dave had already rode 85K and Meghan was home working very hard on her homework. Riding along the gulf will lift your spirits within 5 minutes, guaranteed! Last week Meghan's gym class ran from her school to this area called, Conleau, along a trail that follows the gulf. People of all ages were out walking, riding, running and enjoying the sunny afternoon. After having a week of on and off rain, the warm 50F day and sunshine were good for the soul.

On my Friday afternoon walk with Marie we saw these rowers out practicing. Check out the tee-shirts in January!

Yes, I am going to have gulf withdrawal when I return to Indy.

1Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on God, because he cares for you.

CAN YOU SAY CHEESE..............

Can you imaging what I am thinking when Dave asks, "Honey would you pick me up some cheese at the grocery while you are there?" The cheese aisle is overwhelming! Both of these pictures are nothing but CHEESE!

Taking a break from blogging to pose for a photo.

Last Saturday Meghan and her American friend, Tabatha, Dave and I saw the French version of Grease performed by the acting group, Singer Act. This group is made up of students ages 14 -18. The dialogue was in French but all the songs were sung in English with a French accent. It was the first theatrical performance we have attended since we arrived last July. It was fun to sing along with the songs and see the differences in the performance compared to the version back home. Dave and I chuckled when the performers would great each other on stage with the French double kiss on the cheek rather than an American greeting such as a high five. Danny wore an argyle sweater in the last scene instead of a letter jacket which would be hard to find in France.

MATHEW 6:14 If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

A DAY IN HISTORY

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many, they will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America-- they will be met." -Barack Obama . Today we witnessed the first African-American President to be sworn into office as President of the United States. Please pray for his leadership as he comes into office at such a critical time. It seems like many people are expecting miracles overnight and we all know only God has that ability.

As I went next door around 5:30 p.m. to ask the apartment rental agency about a bill, the manager asked me why I was not home watching the Inauguration. I told him I still had 30 minutes before the swearing- in began. He told me the bill could wait and to hurry home so not to miss this moment in history. It amazes us how aware and interested the French are in American politics. My eyes have been opened to what is going on in the world since we now subscribe to the International Herald Tribune here in France.

ROMANS 12:9-12 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

BIG CONTEST AND BIG PRIZE

Hello 3 Garriott's in France Blog Fans. Today we have something completely different, a contest. One thing about living in a foreign country is the difference in the rules of the road and the road signs. For example, in the US we have the right turn on red rule. Not in France, here you sit and wait until the light turns from red to green. Actually, because the roads are so narrow, we like this law here. After moving to France we had to learn new rules of the road and new road signs. We thought we would take this opportunity to share this experience with you.


Therefore we decided to have a contest. Shown below are 8 pictures of road signs, one extra credit photo and a tie breaker question. The contest is for you to decide what you think these signs mean. Send your guesses to us at our Email address. We know in this age of the Internet that anyone can find these answers. Please be a good sport and don't use the Internet but only use your imagination. Also, if you have lived in France or traveled enough to know the answers, please refrain from participating in the contest.


Send your guesses to our Email address by Friday January 30th. List your answers by number of the picture. After compiling the results and determining the winner we will post the correct answers and those that were exceptionally creative!

BIG PRIZE - There will be a BIG PRIZE individually selected for the winner.





Picture #1

Picture #2

Picture #3

Picture #4

Picture #5

Picture #6

Picture #7

Picture #8

Bonus picture #9. Many cars can be seen driving around Vannes with an "A" on the back. What do you think it signifies? Hint: it does not stand for Alabama.

#10 Tiebreaker - The tie breaker question: The speed limit on the high speed toll way is 130 kph in good weather, what is the speed limit in rainy weather? Please list your answer in kph.

If you would like a chance to win the BIG PRIZE individually selected for you, please send your 10 answers with your name to our Email address or Meghan's by Friday January 30th. We look forward to seeing how creative you can be.

PLENTY OF SUNSHINE AND WARM TEMPERATURES!

It was a pretty sunrise this a.m. despite the dense fog.

Rumor has it that it was -10 Fahrenheit today in Indianapolis while it was 54 Fahrenheit here in France. I was in the search of color today to help brighten your day back home in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky.....

After thinking about how cold -10F is, I decided to get on my bike and enjoy the beautiful day we were having here in Vannes. Riding to Arradon, a small village near by, helped put a smile on my face as I took in all the beauty around me... the gulf, ducks, boats and all the people out walking and loving this January weather.

Claire, my friend from church and I met for lunch in Arradon. Claire is a Holland citizen and has been married to a French man (my policeman friend) Dominique for 25 years. After a two year process she became a citizen of France last night at a ceremony here in Vannes. It was just a few years ago that France agreed to allow dual citizenship. Claire wore this hat to work and told them she was now one of them!!

The large massive churches even in the small villages still amaze me. Are those vapor trails from five jets in the sky? Meghan also saw this from her school playground. Funny thing is neither one of us heard the jets.

More color. Are you beginning to unthaw??

Just to prove it really was warm outside!

So blessed to be able to ride my bike in mid January with such agreeable weather.

ROMANS 4:5 People cannot do any work that will make them right with God.