Mercî as Mercy

Sunday July 3

We woke up missing Nadia and in disbelief that Paris just happened. Also, church bells starting at 7:55am, 8:00am, repeat every 5 minutes 'til and on the hour. Had brunch with Fred and Georges with Philippe's homemade yogurt and Nutella on bread. Eventually awakened Antoine and the gang went to a MASSIVE "garage sale" that spanned every single house for two streets, uphill. Complete with: bbq vendors, outdoor "toyshops", rollerblades, beer steins, Harry Potter books in French, overpriced vinyl, so many tea sets, and matryoshka dolls. As Fred and Georges say, "some for the garage, some for the garbage". Returned to a delicious lunch on the terrace complete with salads prepared by Antoine, cuts of beef with potatoes and mixed veggies, and homemade chocolate mousse. Yum. It seems like all we do is walk around and eat delicious food. Well, after lunch we went on a stroll that took us by a Gothic castle and along a beautiful canal (sans Georges who had a siesta). It was so pretty, surrounded by large oak trees, ladybugs, and sparkling water.

Back at the hotel-home, we had a brief downtime followed by a happysad bon voyage to Fred and Georges since they were leaving, and for a Paris-bound train.  Happy because we met them and consider them our Tontons (Uncles), sad because we don't know when we will see them again. SO much love and thanks and smart words to them. We are in the midst of creating a book/movie recommendation list for them. They patiently taught us so many French words and translated, we taught them "sup homies?".

Autumn, Fred, Georges, Margot (aka Margautumn and the Tontons)

Skype happened with California as Margot's family is hosting Emy, the Morizots' daughter. We basically just did a daughter-swap. First time so far Margot has Skype'd home. Yeah. The mellow evening included Margot reading one the books she purchased at Shakespeare and Company and Autumn going to the canal. Yes, we were separated, but this time it was okay.

A late dinner en terrasse avec Babeth and Philippe, a treat not yet enjoyed since Babeth hosts and Philippe cooks. A pleasant dinner of fish with lemon and herb marinade, avocados with mayonnaise and shrimp, an arguala/tomato/mozzarella salad, and fresh melon. It truly felt like a lazy summer afternoon at home. Great company, great food, fun sights, and all on our own time. Simple joys.

Love,

Margautumn