tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29389812352767418792012-02-13T02:55:43.380+01:00Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-17731507116740631712009-10-09T07:00:00.000+02:002009-10-09T09:43:14.207+02:00

Week three at school and I think I am One Of The Kids now. My classmates seem happy to see me arrive each morning and many skip (yes, skip) toward me and offer an enthusiastic bonjour. A few are eager to tell me their news or show me things. One morning a group of kids were huddled around a window and called for me to come over and take a look with them. Of course I didn't know what to expect and

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-86468119612884899762009-09-21T14:43:00.005+02:002009-09-21T15:31:17.164+02:00

Here it is, my fiftieth year of life and I find myself sitting in a classroom with 9 year olds. The teacher is, possibly, the same age as my eldest daughter and the students have grandparents, possibly, the same age as me. I am here to learn French but I think I'm about to learn more than that.As I listened to the teacher introduce me, I winked at curious children and gave silent thanks that my

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-1987971386878677212009-06-23T14:00:00.003+02:002009-06-23T15:57:57.580+02:00

Time to catch up!Here we are in the garden of John and Alison Stott -ready to go to the wedding ofDean Holly and Samantha Brown!Thanks to Princess Anne for the hat!Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Dean Holly Mrs. Holly is wearing 5 inch heels. Seriously!(or was it 6?)Look at this lovely cake!Rumor is the Bride does not like the traditional wedding fruitcake- one of many reasons I adore her -and

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-53487181599306636412009-04-27T11:30:00.001+02:002009-04-27T12:12:42.699+02:00

Elsie celebrated 100 Years!8 April 2009Whittlesea, AustraliaSuch a happy day! Elsie enjoyed her family and the flash of cameras and being interviewed by a local newspaper reporter. The day was also highlighted with letters from the Governor-General, the Prime Minister AND Queen Elizabeth! I suppose this means that Tony and I will have to stop by for a cuppa with Liz next time we cross the pond

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-26678431536334041792009-04-19T21:00:00.002+02:002009-04-20T07:18:57.971+02:00

Here is the biggest celebrity I have ever met!(other than cousins Pegsy & Steven and SiL Tommy of course)I failed to get his autograph...BUTwhat an honor to hear him atLa Maison Rouge nuit de musique!Check this out:http://www.myspace.com/wrenfordhoof Elsie brought her fiddle!John did some sleuthing on the 'netto find Breton music.Elsie and Wrenford were an awesome duo!Now JoRo wants to learn the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-2695568354642288452009-04-19T17:20:00.000+02:002009-04-19T17:27:08.697+02:00

won't be long for that post! Stones, done. Sunday lunch with Mark, done. Just apero with Carole and Calamity and hopefully a chat with Min....then I'll be here! See you soonsoon.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-90316842564694332162009-04-17T21:30:00.000+02:002009-04-17T21:44:11.037+02:00

relax. The stones won. I am exhausted! Tomorrow more stones. Tonight I'll dream (more like nightmare) about piles of stones and heaping wheelbarrows and torn garden gloves and strained muscles GAH! I'll be back when the stones are lifted.......................

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-12397000256936662302009-04-17T08:00:00.001+02:002009-04-17T08:08:19.137+02:00

Rock Picking today. And I've only just recovered from the St Paddy's Rock Picking event! So. Tonight. Maybe just maybe I'll get caught up here. Until then, rock on.........................................

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-8518186915082381532009-04-16T09:30:00.000+02:002009-04-16T09:38:32.884+02:00

Post coming soon! Wedding hats, music fest, 100th birthday...loads to tell and photos to post. It's a beautiful day in Brittany (of course JoRo is back in Wigan, ha!) and we're off to the Malestroit market and book exchange. See you soon......................

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-49237907151049526352009-03-20T12:30:00.002+01:002009-03-20T12:48:27.530+01:00

We are now enjoying our breakfast OUTSIDE!For those of you who note photo details,that jar of Vegemite does not belong to me! The stone patio and wood decking is nearly done!A bit of finishing work to doand of course additional flowers to come soon. Our evenings have been here too. Spring has definitely sprung!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-36897772379041660362009-03-17T20:00:00.002+01:002009-03-18T08:32:18.618+01:00

When I was a wee school girl, wearing green on St. Patrick's Day was a requirement. Irish or not, if green was not worn, you were sure to get pinched all day or take the dreaded smear of green paint across your face to save yourself from the incessant pinching. I never knew which was worse: the pinching or the paint. I guess I had some of that famous Irish luck because my mother always made sure

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-39405777204828740032009-03-16T11:30:00.001+01:002009-03-16T12:20:45.985+01:00

and back by popular demand. Or just demand? Thanks to all my blogger fans for your patience whilewaiting waiting waiting for a post here! This weekend we went to our first Cabaret à Domicile held in St Laurent. Musicians from all over the region came to perform in the homes and streets of St Laurent. Including Elsie!These signs hung at the homes hosting the musiciansThere was dancing in the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-12050806140925449762008-12-31T12:30:00.000+01:002008-12-31T12:46:46.734+01:00

Wishing everyone a happy new year!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-89656230612682281882008-12-22T10:30:00.002+01:002008-12-22T10:37:04.172+01:00

Major time zone differences and an ocean distance from family are perhaps the most difficult for me as an expatriate, particularly at this time of year. That, and fruitcake.There was an occasion, prior to marrying my Australian-born-and-bred husband, when he stated intent to make fruitcake. I thought he was teasing. Seriously. Fruitcake? To eat? I never ate fruitcake. I don’t even remember seeing

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-71492442699519330882008-11-29T16:30:00.009+01:002008-11-29T17:42:23.753+01:00

Mom and Cy are now on their way back to Minnesota and I imagine they are:1) relaxing comfortably on the plane2) dining on fine cuisineand3) enjoying the USA Today newspaperI have to imagine it this way because their trip to France included:1) seats that did not recline AND located next to the toilets2) rubbish food (at best)3) no sleep (see 1 and 2)Can we all give the raspberries to Northwest

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-11348444866605096712008-11-17T07:00:00.007+01:002008-11-17T15:56:39.132+01:00

My impatience shows each time I hang a picture on the wall. By the time I have considered placement, angle, height and width - which takes way too long - I am beyond ready for the hammer and nail. To avoid numerous (inevitable though) holes in the wall, Tony will race for the ruler and pencil as soon as he realizes I'm ready to pound the wall.It's always been better, for me, to use a hammer

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-10654820771386280412008-11-06T14:30:00.010+01:002008-11-06T15:55:43.553+01:00

Yesterday we had lunch hosted by French friends, along with two British and two French guests. Another Rule had to be broken: Do Not Speak Politics. How could I not? It was the day after the most exciting election in American history! Naturally I stated my joy about our President-elect. The French hosts raised their glasses and we all toasted Barack Obama. I thought this was awesome. And then a

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-915924716468951862008-11-05T06:00:00.002+01:002008-11-05T07:13:48.425+01:00

Obama: Our Victory

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-71417002248887116482008-11-04T17:30:00.001+01:002008-11-04T17:39:44.253+01:00

Kudos to Alexia! Please say with a slight Southern Belle accent for theatrical purposes: she's talkin' American now! Bravo to Me for not breaking The Rule. Much. Well, okay, here's the deal...I just had to say bah-oui a couple times. Right, maybe twenty times. Thirty. Who counted? I might have said merci occasionally. Then there was that time I said bonne nuit. Twice? ANYWAY. The entire weekend

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-13984413022223952182008-10-30T15:30:00.004+01:002008-10-30T16:09:32.979+01:00

I've been thinking all day about this weekend with our first immersion student, Alexia. Actually, I have being doing a countdown this week...hmmmm, perhaps I am overly eager? Okay, I started having some feelings of worry and doubt and then I heard Min say, ''Mom, would you scrape your esteem off the pavement, puh-lease?'' Scraped, done and dusted. By the way, when did she become the Mother? The

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-59337242450593101282008-10-27T23:00:00.007+01:002008-10-28T07:10:05.869+01:00

I went to university to study addiction - to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I thought that the 12 Steps for Alcoholics Anonymous would be contained for addiction recovery. HA! Turns out it applies to Life. Every Day Life. And life as a B&B proprietor, a hostess? Yes, that too. Amazing. This evening, as I prepared our dining room for a French lesson group, I was also preparing for B&B guests

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-39120555651342137862008-10-25T16:30:00.002+02:002008-10-25T16:45:32.688+02:00

to receive an e-mail message when a new post is written here, leave a request in comments and I'll set it up for you. Meanwhile, I'm getting ready for Halloween. Or playing with Mindi's clothes. Or something like that. oy.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-8890262836547961922008-10-22T11:30:00.006+02:002008-10-22T14:15:54.533+02:00

But I am not changing my blog title! Not yet anyway. As many of you know, I often embrace change in life (also change of life these days) and at home (ask Rosemary how many times I rearranged the sitting room in a month) so here are the latest changes...First, the B&B. The Family Suite is now the Salon Suite. The Mindi Anne Suite has been moved to the Elsie Marie Suite which meant the elimination

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-12971935103898296042008-10-15T10:15:00.001+02:002008-10-15T10:29:54.613+02:00

What happened to my Sunday return here? We've been spinning with guests and eating and touring and eating and entertaining and going shopping and did I mention eating? Debbie was here two weeks, she departed on the 12th and Grace and Jeanette arrived on the 13th, staying with us until tomorrow. Georges, Michelle, Gérard and Yvette arrive on the 19th for our annual Le Levran Fete...and somewhere

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-56967673110412122912008-10-02T10:00:00.002+02:002008-10-02T10:16:51.056+02:00

but leaving soon for St Emilion! See you again on Sunday.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-86177288366424677742008-09-25T12:15:00.019+02:002008-09-25T17:25:50.809+02:00

Below is the article published in Les Infos Pays de Redon. Please note it is not translated exactly. And I do not have the strength (I'm totally worn out from translating below!) to translate the other portion of the article; an interview with a male, Independent and ''undecided'', American.American Elections in NovemberWords of AmericansMcCain? He is worse than Bush! When I say to the French

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-77795944807816716782008-09-24T16:00:00.006+02:002008-09-24T16:10:46.811+02:00

This afternoon I went to the Notaire to have my signature witnessed for my Minnesota drivers license. Hurrah! At long last my drivers license saga is done. (for Minnesota anyway...my French license is going to take much longer).Notaire: I saw you in the newspaper today!Me: oh! May I see it please?Notaire: Here, voila!There, on the cover of Les Infos Pays de Redon, I see me. In color. Big. gasp.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-67458132167037336092008-09-21T17:30:00.004+02:002008-09-22T11:40:45.289+02:00

...and this is the first evening we have been alone in our house. It's 5:30 pm, an LP - World's Greatest Big Bands -is spinning on a turn table. No, I haven't completely lost my mind, or CD's, we're just enjoying a blast from the past - an LP from 1974! Dear Young Readers, if Mom and Dad don't have a turn table, or any round large black things that we call records, perhaps you can find these

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-71165593656467583382008-09-19T11:30:00.013+02:002008-09-21T17:22:57.987+02:00

With La Maison Rouge around the corner, I think it makes sense that Robin and Jane name their new home *La Maison Blanche. Stay with me here...white window treatments, white sofas, white cushions, white furniture and could those be (nearly) white chips in a white bowl?... I say, La Maison Blanche! Now, Jane, I do like that you refer to your home as, quote, ''My Home'', but I think this is

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-36872986990251962642008-09-17T15:30:00.006+02:002008-09-17T16:58:44.012+02:00

!I must say it felt odd to cast my vote via the postal service. There was no standing in line on a November morning. Although I did stand in line at the post office. Still, the weather today is nothing like a Minnesota morning in November. There was no checking in at the voter registration desk. I ticked that box myself. There was no glancing through a line of voters for people I may recognize or

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-16215486743217888642008-09-15T15:15:00.005+02:002008-09-16T07:35:32.625+02:00

I was just thinking that I do not miss those annual employee performance reviews. Most of them, most of the time, were a joke. Of course the outstanding reviews I earned were completely *cough* accurate.And then, today, as I sauntered through the village it occured to me that I have a performance review nearly every day. Each time I go ''out there'' I encounter a French person or two that I

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-84825559666420686282008-09-11T23:00:00.005+02:002008-09-12T11:07:04.036+02:00

This evening a newspaper reporter came to my home and interviewed me: Token American. Are there no other Americans in this 'hood? Apparently not. Or, unknown. Word has, apparently, gone around that I am here. hmmmm. The interview lasted nearly two hours. I was questioned about American politicians and, of course, The Election. The article will be printed in two weeks. Below are a few interview

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-16312430027424898942008-09-09T17:00:00.000+02:002008-09-09T17:32:23.897+02:00

Sometimes I wish moving to France from America was as easy as boarding an airplane with a one-way ticket. Those times occur each year when we have to renew our carte de sejour for long-stay visitors. Admittedly, the first time we applied for the carte de sejour was the most tedious and challenging. We knew of a few Americans who had moved to France to work, or to study, or who had French partners

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-87242196275369247592008-09-03T19:00:00.007+02:002008-09-04T09:15:26.817+02:00

I went to work today. Well, not exactly work work. It may be more accurate to say I went to a place of work. Our main computer has been taken away (I'm still in a state of trauma from that) for clean up and whatever they have to do to make it all okay....technical stuff. I'm left with internet connection but even that remains questionable and this laptop is just barely functioning. Be still my

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-89205531579017037192008-09-02T11:00:00.009+02:002008-09-02T22:01:54.252+02:00

The Hedgehog House gave us a wonderful holiday...no alarm clocks or church bells and nothing To Do except Enjoy! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Elsie and Michelle picked over 2 kilos of blackberries, which, by the way, turns itself into 6 Bonne Maman jars of the most delicious jam! We watched Michelle with great awe as she spun those plump juicy

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-87792012664359820542008-08-25T15:00:00.000+02:002008-08-25T15:20:20.775+02:00

computer problems. I may be off-line here for a week or so while we wait for our computer ''issues'' (aka problems and hopefully NOT virus related) to be resolved. We are dashing off to the Hedgehog House on Wednesday and returning Monday...leaving our B&B guests to DIY but this time we are keeping the cat with us. Ha!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-9099085318769291692008-08-18T16:00:00.007+02:002008-08-19T11:13:14.538+02:00

One of the best things about our Bed & Breakfast is that we have had many guests stay with us many times. Perhaps they really do like DIY? Our guests have never flinched when pressed to write a lovely note of thanks prior to the release of their belongings upon departure. I particularly favored ''the sausages were okay'' entry. And most have been delighted to smile for the B&B guest photo album.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-63573364146652730832008-08-12T17:00:00.005+02:002008-08-12T18:11:18.544+02:00

We may very well be the first B&B to claim DIY. Maybe other B&B's give guests house keys and maybe B&B guests help with the washing up at other B&B's, but, we have DIY!After breakfast Sunday morning, we left our guests on their own. Of course we left them clear and simple instructions...Feed the catLock the doorsTurn off the lightsoh! Help yourselves to lunch and dinner and snacks today,

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-22104047841963369852008-08-06T23:00:00.006+02:002008-08-07T07:29:22.781+02:00

We have B&B guests every day this month and Brit friends arrive tomorrow and our social calendar is rather full and I have a heap of French lessons to study and we are hosting our first B&B Garden Party soon and did I mention we have B&B guests every day this month?This morning, after the breakfast dishes, Rosemary and I cleaned the Master Suite and tossed the bedding and towels into the washing

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-47056705039269495342008-08-01T09:30:00.004+02:002008-08-01T09:37:28.255+02:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMMY! Wishing you happy days and beautiful evenings throughout the year!Maxoxo

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-53150096642299851882008-07-28T11:00:00.001+02:002008-07-28T11:36:54.292+02:00

Stacy and Sacha missed The WeddingBUThaving a baby on The Dayis a fairly good reason for absence, yes?I'm thinking Min looks très confortable with a baby...hmmm...far be it from me to put any pressure on the newlyweds...heh heh...Our heartfelt congratulations to Stacy and Sacha!(and, please, can I babysit?)xoxo

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-90514756666458511962008-07-25T22:00:00.017+02:002008-07-27T08:05:59.859+02:00

What are we telling our daughters? Click here!My Daughters Are Beautiful. Yes, they are. Their beauty has turned heads and their grace is overt. BUT. My daughters are beyond beautiful. They are wise, creative, gentle and strong. They are caring, loving and sensitive. I hope, deeply, that I have given them this message: Your beauty - the beauty I see - is in your presence and within: be Who You

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-43491639521812172332008-07-22T13:30:00.003+02:002008-07-22T13:56:51.697+02:00

I want to remember the gorgeous flowerssweet smilesand my baby becoming a Bride.I want to rememberSister Gigglesand family love.I want to remember''Jubilant Grandma''and Tommy needing a button sewntout de suite!I want to rememberthis breathtaking venue All American cuisine the marvelof aBride and Groom and the difference,the joy,in the worldbecause ofMindi and Tommy.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-6499996178661125112008-07-20T10:30:00.002+02:002008-07-20T10:32:05.229+02:00

Hundreds of photos were taken and there are more to come!Today I am posting my favorite Bride and Groom photosI will be posting family photos during the week so keep checking back!Maybe you want to take a guess...which Bride and Groom photowill be displayedin our home?

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-30809689728303529462008-07-19T14:30:00.003+02:002008-07-19T19:17:52.726+02:00

Before our luggage was unpacked, before phone calls returned, before email read, before we could say It's Good To Be Home, two unexpected B&B guests arrived for a 7 night stay. So. We shrug, wink and smile...get on with it!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-55240991225023206632008-07-19T13:00:00.005+02:002008-07-19T14:05:17.686+02:00

We had originally planned to drive to Paris, but, with the price of fuel and not really wanting to navigate through the City of Lights, we decided to take the train. That was a good choice until we decided to taxi rather than walk to the studio apartment. I thought I was doing well with my French accent - ha ha and sadly not so - because we landed at 27 rue des Bouet rather than 27 rue des Bluets

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-42880421610063303712008-07-15T12:15:00.000+02:002008-07-15T12:28:59.894+02:00

Just a quick post to let you know we arrived Monday morning. Even though my laptop refuses to connect (this post is via internet café) all is superb here! Will post stories and photos upon our return.

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-33677175475705099702008-07-12T14:30:00.006+02:002008-07-12T14:59:39.119+02:00

After taking Elsie to the airport, we drove about an hour east of Paris, following the Marne River Valley. This is an area we visited in April to see ''Champagne Country'' and, of course, taste and purchase champagne. ENORMOUS thanks to Linfor loaning us her mobile phoneso that we could contact Elsie upon her arrival in America!It was 11:00 p.m. on Thursday when we found out that Elsie had

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-8363481686303857542008-07-09T07:30:00.004+02:002008-07-09T07:56:06.816+02:00

We'll be on the road to CDG airport soon! Elsie departs for America tomorrow. This will be her first trip back to Minnesota since our move here in 2005. This is also her first solo international flight. Nervous parents + excited teen = a bit of drama. If we could just board the plane with her...or simply take her to the gate! Leaving her at the point of security does not make me feel all that ''

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-7101348404371142452008-07-07T17:00:00.002+02:002008-07-07T17:27:14.121+02:00

Le Tour de Franceis going through Iffendic,a village located near, very near, to our holiday house,TODAY! I'm disappointedwe're missing it this yearbutwatch this space...we're goingtoChampagne and Paris!(that sort of makes up for missing the tour)Click on the link belowfor Le Tour de France newshttp://www.letour.fr/indexus.html

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-79857580157593327292008-07-06T16:30:00.016+02:002008-07-06T19:39:31.378+02:00

I recently surfed the 'net about How to Operate a Successful Bed and Breakfast. We are now well into our 3rd season and, consequently, I thought it was a good idea to see what the ''experts" say about running a B&B. Maybe I should have done this sleuthing a few years ago?There are loads of how-to-books, seminars and conferences offered throughout America and Europe about the B&B business. For a

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-61675862615406762832008-06-26T16:30:00.004+02:002008-06-26T17:06:13.125+02:00

Tucked back on a quiet roadleading to the center of Malestroit,a garage door becomes the entranceto my sanctuary: The Book Mark. Here is where I enter the English word, both written and spoken. It is British English, but it is English, and that comforts me. Well, let's face it, ''British English'' is quickly becoming my second language. Crikey! Once inside I can count on a warm welcome,

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-80864002000628876012008-06-24T17:30:00.004+02:002008-06-24T17:54:48.681+02:00

I need a French driver’s license and, because I am American, I am facing written and road tests. For European Union and Australian expats, you are able to saunter into your local Préfecture, surrender your current drivers license, and receive your French drivers license sans the testing. I find this exchange with the EU and Australians bizarre because I have been driving, as the French do, on the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-9532924490345003732008-06-21T11:30:00.001+02:002008-06-21T12:16:59.612+02:00

No one, and I do mean NO ONE,mixes a cocktail as well as John!WARNING:Never ask John about his blendofliquor, juice, liquor, fruit and did I mention liquor?It's not thathe isn't happy to sharehis cocktail recipes,he is and he will...it's just thatooooooh la laif you KNOW....well, lemme just say,intoxication may occurwith that kind of knowledge. Best just toenjoythe smooth fruity

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-77308151492376146672008-06-18T22:15:00.009+02:002008-06-19T07:20:35.475+02:00

Todayour very good friendsDave and Lincame overfor a fun filled (?)day with soapandgarden tools.Davescrubbed, washed and polishedour C8 and now it looks new! Tony and Lin worked in the garden Flowers popped when weeds were plucked!Through all the bending, twisting, yanking and pullingof weeds,Lindid not complain,not ONCE!(I had to have a cup of tea after watching her work) Lin kept a steady

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-63561437094140096182008-06-14T13:30:00.005+02:002008-06-14T14:23:23.405+02:00

LES GAMINS DE LA BUTTERESUME DE L'HISTOIREParis, juin 1900Le jour se lève sur une petite impasse de la Butte Montmartre. C'est là qu'une bande de gosses orphelins a élu domicile. S'ils sont abandonnés à leur sort, ils n'en sont pas moins débrouillards et luttent jour après jour pour échapper à leur condition d'enfants enchainés au travail de l'atelier ou de l'usine....Luer rencontre avec trois

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-15847866275218202672008-06-11T11:30:00.011+02:002008-06-11T12:34:53.546+02:00

10 June 2008 Opening birthday greetings and giftsfrom family and friendsaround the worldwas a happy startfor aJoyeux Anniversaire !Just look at that concentration!or maybe Mom was being annoying with the camera?Nah.The birthday girl went to school...I pleaded with Elsie to stay homebut she insisted on going to school....or did I just make that up?Anyway.I had the table to prepare, food to

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-59566417542574096742008-06-06T08:30:00.003+02:002008-06-06T09:02:49.403+02:00

...more Wedding photosandElsie celebrates14 yearsnext week!HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELSIE!photos by lifemagical

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-56879435671703075562008-06-04T14:00:00.008+02:002008-06-04T15:14:06.446+02:00

Learning French has NOT been quick, easy or all that much fun for me. I struggle with it nearly every day; asking for goods or services, reading a menu, even answering the telephone has become an act of bravery. Today I drove to the vet clinic to pick up cat food. (spoiled cat). I tried very hard to relax while driving, carefully reading the French road signs and obsessively watching my speed. I

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-82027256369770181402008-06-02T11:30:00.005+02:002008-06-02T16:11:49.971+02:00

What do the Brits serve for Sunday lunch when friends from New Zealand, Australia, America and France come 'round?La Cuisine Chinoise,of course!Paul started preparationsfor our Sunday Chinese feast Friday...marinating meat and,as Paul would say, ''a lot of whatchamacallit needed doin', darlin'!''We all savored many many many startersand had to have quite a long ''pause'' before the main courses(

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-33728030106334206362008-05-31T11:30:00.006+02:002008-05-31T13:43:15.324+02:00

Thursday nightwe went toone of our favorite restaurants,Le PelicaninRochefort en Terre with twoof our favorite friends,John and Anne(don't let that go to your head, John)I took a photoof every coursewhich pleasedeveryone at the table.okay, truth: I actually made quite a big fuss about each photoand it was rather annoyingbut...First up:apéritif!We (that includes me) tucked into the nibblesbefore I

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-17168834286493210762008-05-27T17:30:00.007+02:002008-05-28T06:35:41.098+02:00

I hope everyone reading4 Beds in Brittanywill send a postcard...I have a small request from all of you that requires very little effort but will mean a great deal to a sick little boy for whom a calendar has become a countdown. Diagnosed with leukemia some months ago, he is beyond treatment and to keep himself going, he has taken to collecting postcards sent from various places. He's a part of my

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-47096504179386690992008-05-23T07:30:00.001+02:002008-05-23T10:38:51.115+02:00

Oh yeah I'll tell you somethingI think you'll understandWhen I say that somethingI want to hold your handOh please say to meYou'll let me be your manAnd please say to meYou'll let me hold your handNow let me hold your handI want to hold your handAnd when I touch youI feel happy inside It's such a feelingThat my love I can't hideClick here to listen to T. V. Carpioon the soundtrack of Across the

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-46120694779649579742008-05-22T17:00:00.004+02:002008-05-22T17:11:39.172+02:00

It is a rare occasion when Mom has her brood together!Years may go by, but we still slip easily back into our roles...Big Brother,The Boss,The Baby,andMom: Our Rock.(in case you're wondering, I am The Baby, ha!)Mom would tell youshe was nota good mom.She was.She is.Mom,Wherever we are,you have always beenandyou will always bethe strength, courage and heartwithin us.(I'm the Favorite one, okay?)

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-84202954244715667682008-05-20T18:00:00.002+02:002008-05-20T18:07:12.839+02:00

Bistrot Des HallesLa Gacilly So all went well with the Doc.Turns out she spoke Englishand yeah, I'm healthy...blah, blah, blahI am gratefulfor good healthbut....blast mylanguage barrier!At least my whining and wincingand''carrying on like a pork chop''(as Tony says)resulted in lunch out today!Relieved about being Done with that ''medical business''andappreciative of dining out for lunch,I just

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-53723273639228554322008-05-19T15:00:00.006+02:002008-05-19T16:35:03.539+02:00

Okay, so I survived my appointment with the French dentist. But, I must admit, I ''cheated'' by going to a dentist that speaks English well. (for those interested, mmabbubbhuhuhhhaaahhhhh translates exactly the same from English to French) Dr. D. was great. He spoke every sentence first in French and then in English. Although he did insist on saying cracher instead of spit. Which, to me, sounded

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-55764572373397905872008-05-17T10:00:00.006+02:002008-05-19T10:38:10.101+02:00

To help us come down from the Wedding Week high, we are going to The Hedgehog House this weekend! B&B resumes next week...back to the ol' routine, back to those 4 Beds in our Brittany home! More, many more, wedding photos will be posted later - until then, scroll down and enjoy the previously posted photos and (this includes you Sis) click on comments to write a Happy Birthday wish to our

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-12556192385466984322008-05-16T14:15:00.006+02:002008-05-16T14:34:11.568+02:00

With assistancefrom Mindi and Lisa,Tiffany meticulously put together gorgeous bouquets and beautiful corsages for the wedding partyandcreated chic floral arrangementsfor the entire wedding venue!Buying the flowersin the rainand one day beforeThe Weddingwas not an easy task!(rumor has it that noshing on Twizzlers made it better)After months and months of planning,family and friendscame

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-7136848640512347112008-05-14T10:30:00.009+02:002008-05-14T17:36:31.550+02:00

photos by lifemagicalThanks to Susan and Ed(previously known as Tommy's parents,they have now - dare I say - ''happily'' handed himover to Tony and me)for hosting a family dinnerthe night before The WeddingEd has just realizedI am tallfor my height!Some hugsmay have beenposedbutfun was goingall aroundand Grandmawas happyto be withHer Girls!The next timeI see youit will beThe Wedding Day!I said,

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-65399411013826565732008-05-10T18:00:00.003+02:002008-05-13T07:32:50.065+02:00

and nowallis rightin the world. photo by lifemagical

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-82215367600879759032008-05-07T16:00:00.000+02:002008-05-07T22:24:26.453+02:00

Home of the Bride and GroomSister ReunionCentral ParkPicnicCentral Parkhorse and buggy rideHaving loads of funand looking forward toThe Wedding!

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-80325054640553058092008-05-04T08:00:00.003+02:002008-05-04T08:15:07.188+02:00

CHANGE IN FRIDAY NIGHT PLANS: Tommy and I have decided to have our pre-wedding night drinks at a different bar in our neighborhood (our absolute favorite and the one we spend the most time at) called Abilene. It is located on Court Street and 3rd Place (only a block away from the first bar). More information can be found under Events, but if you are in town we hope to see you there! We should

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-16415532666728169172008-05-02T19:00:00.000+02:002008-05-03T21:51:25.531+02:00

Need I say more?

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-45637413869911478412008-05-01T11:00:00.007+02:002008-05-01T16:40:48.531+02:00

A long-lived pagan customwas to plant an adorned treeon May first to celebrate the return of spring. For the Catholic Church it is the first day of the month of the Virgin. But by far, all over France, it is the succession of the "Workers' protest Day" (1889-1947)which officially became Labor Day, la fête du travail, in 1947.The French custom on1er maiis to offer blossoming lily-of-the-valley to

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-5604026813136465712008-04-30T22:45:00.003+02:002008-05-01T10:58:39.226+02:00

''One Day Only''andfor Ever and Always! Click here to see engagement photos

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-14403964356559017462008-04-29T11:30:00.022+02:002008-04-29T15:55:10.711+02:00

A natural brunettegrowing whiteandhighlighted blondblondinette, c'est moi !This morning as I watched my brunette-white and washed-out blond hair being swept up and combed into the coloring process, I remembered my first appointment here at Mod'Coiffure. I was scared...but not for my hair as one might be the first time at a salon. My fear was strongly rooted (pun intended) in my lack of French

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-63176287147566300812008-04-25T11:00:00.009+02:002008-04-25T11:41:00.486+02:00

We found out yesterday that my carte vitale (French health insurance) has not been valid since August 2007. oooops. More importantly, Why Not?After much sleuthing by the staff at CPAM, it was discovered that the French system had ticked the box Not Married on my application.So. Apparently I am not married. More bureaucracy, more paperwork, more time...this is Life in France. Though we are getting

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-6334572895244174082008-04-22T11:30:00.008+02:002008-04-22T18:57:07.863+02:00

If you build a house in France, well, it is - at best - a challenge. Most of us have heard all about the delays, mistakes, builders going bust...blah, blah, blah...but, it seems to be true.We have had many B&B guests, from the UK, stay with us while following up on their house construction. We've become more aware of the many difficulties people are facing with new construction and consequently

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-37559540191223654872008-04-20T11:00:00.009+02:002008-04-20T13:47:01.992+02:00

Tomorrow marks the start of our third B&B season. Not that season two actually stopped, we've had guests steadily for months, but,I do think of Spring as a new beginning...and since we are booked solid this week, it seems to be the appropriate mark for La Prochaine Saison. Many of our guests have been attracted to our location partly because of the River Oust. Walkers, photographers, artists and

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-77780970269644040272008-04-12T08:45:00.008+02:002008-04-13T09:30:57.283+02:00

Happy Birthday to Brian and Margaret! We walked to our village restaurant, Chez Bernard, yesterday to celebrate in full French fashion...savoring a 4 course lunch complete with smooth red wine, mousse au chocolat and strong French coffee. Très délicieux!We strolled along the river Oust becausea walk is definitely needed after a French lunch! I spotted lilacs bloomingand the arrival of flower

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-28920351340098560392008-04-11T09:00:00.005+02:002008-04-11T11:24:53.030+02:00

When B&B guests insist on helping with the washing up, there is a good chance that a great friendship is on the horizon! John and Anne have stayed with us several times over the past year. They have been coming here to check the building progress on their holiday house, La Maison Rouge, also affectionately known as The House That Jack Built. Problems with the build? Um, yeah, just a few...hundred

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-35248593844221300262008-04-09T09:30:00.000+02:002008-04-29T11:56:02.106+02:00

…Le Ruisseau Bed and Breakfast, or,How a Math Teacher and Chemical Dependency Counselor establish a Bed and BreakfastFirst examine CV. Delete professional experience. Guests do not want to discuss fractions or have an alcohol assessment on their holiday. Well, okay, maybe a few would - gah! - but I am staying with Delete.Accentuate personal interests. Tony took nearly a ream of paper and I more

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-880492259884879282008-04-04T21:00:00.000+02:002008-04-09T11:50:32.469+02:00

Brittany residents, tourists, or anyone attracted to France, may enjoy Brit’mag. Christine Prédéry, Founder of Brit’mag, initiated this magazine to assist the English speaking community with integration. Christine’s experience as an expat in America no doubt inspired her to support English speakers in her homeland. Christine fearlessly moved to America with both a limited English vocabulary and a

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938981235276741879.post-82735349173094599762008-04-01T22:00:00.001+02:002008-04-29T11:55:18.784+02:00

After many years of enjoying holidays in Brittany, we made a permanent move here from America in 2005. We were fortunate to find a home suitable to accommodate family and friends visiting from America, England and Australia. Our bed and breakfast developed from the desire to provide a home away from home for visitors.I hope that this blog will be of interest to expats, travelers, family and

Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03531293216423301934noreply@blogger.com0