It's hard to believe that a whole week has gone by since the outside village work day last Saturday.
Since then, my week was stuffed with many musts and barriers to their accomplishment that come with trying to handle disasters of life on another continent from here. So far so good, but I am the worse for wear for it all. Even so, I know that under the circumstances it's still better to do it all from here than to be there in the middle of a certain amount of uncontrolled insanity.
To have this place is such a blessing for me.
As much as last Saturday's work made me feel I "belonged" to this village, sitting down with everyone for a meal together provided a whole 'nother layer to the feelings of belonging.
I should know from almost twenty years of experience, there will be lots of food and drink.
It's just what we do here. (Many would say it's just what the French do.)
When my friends from here came to the states with me, they regularly commented on how huge the portions of food were.
I just realized that it's probably the same amount.
It's just all at once on the same plate in the states and smaller portions in courses over a longer period of time in France.
We began with a country pate, saucisson, and lots of bread. Of course, there was mustard and pickles to garnish if desired. Next up, slices of pork and beef, and potato tomato salad, followed by cheese, and green salad. Interestingly, the green salad was slid in a little earlier than usual with the pork, beef and potato salad.
There was a hefty slice of apple crisp for dessert, and coffee.
Just blend in lots of bread, and red and white wine and you get the picture.
As wonderful as it was to share food and drink, sitting with my friends was best!
I ended up between Annie and Willie and across the table for Christiane.
We looked back on the day. Remembered trips, events, and other parties together over all my years of here.
So much has gone by the wayside for now. Some, because of my 2017 fire for me, but also because of the pandemic. Being together again was special.
The best for me was a "cultural check" I made with Annie. I'd decided to wear Dad's LSU hat to work in. I didn't change so overalls and LSU cap were it. It dawned on me as I saw all the men take their hats/caps off that maybe I should too.
Was I being inappropriate? (My hair is a mess under a cap, but it serves the purpose.)
Annie explained that I was fine.
Men are supposed to take their hats/caps off inside, but it's fine for women to keep theirs on.
I'm always seeming to learn something new no matter how long I've been here.
Soon, it was time for clean up. Those of us who stayed had the luck of doggie bags to go.
After a restful week, I'm ready for the next event! Who am I kidding? Looking back at some of these photos from past events I've shared here...I'm ready for making more memories!
Happy Saturday!
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