So...I had already written a lengthy entry about the last couple of days when i was called up to dinner and knew that I had to erase it all and start with this....I just ate duck. I know, Mom and Dad, you are shocked. Some of you might this this a normal thing to do but there are a couple of you out there who know my extreem fondness for our feathered friends (when they ARE feathered) and how I, usually, would never consider eating it. My damn nickname is Puddle Duck!

The problem is, here in France, it is like chicken, meaning that it is everywhere and, i guess, unavoidable.

The last time I ate it, and the only other time, was in this very town with the very same people 3 years ago. However, that time it was a tiny bit of pate that I tried just to humour my hosts. This time it was an entire breast, or leg, or something quite big with bones! And you know what...it was yummy! I feel a little bit like a traitor...but, really, who can refuse any French food? certainly not me.

Okay, now to the rest of the news. I was totally wrong about the jet lag. The night after my post about sailing right thru it I couldn't sleep until 7 a.m. and last night I was so happy to be exhausted at midnight only to be wide awake at 4! Luckily I have a thick, trashy book to pass the early hours...oh, and my trusty headlamp so I don't bother Annette sleeping soundly on the other side of the room.

Besides that, the family is still here. Che, Mai and babies take off Monday and Annette Wednesday. They have been showing me the ropes of the house, town, and surrounding area. Sitting here at 1 a.m. I keep pausing to chat with Annette. She is an amazing woman, having lived all over the world and with so many experiences, she was just giving me parenting advise that I hopefully remember when the time comes. I am sure the house will feel quite lonely when they are gone.

I really wanted to write about our visit today to their friends amazing Gite but it is 1:30 a.m. and don't think my tired writing would give justice to how amazing it is. So, expect that tomorrow....nighty-night!