Receiving with pleasure

I really feel so lucky to have some beautiful people around me. Last week was not the first time, when my neighbor has been so generous on giving us some of his catch. This… Araignée literally means spider, this crab is commonly called here. We have them here in our coast and it’s time to fish them. We also have to respect the size which is 12cm and 500g in minimal. You can’t fish so much if you don’t have license to anchor your trap, if I’m not mistaken.

He was a sailor before, so you could understand why he still loves to stay on the sea and fish as his leisure. When he caught a lot, he often gives us. To have some fresh fish and crab, here is like a luxury coz they are really expensive having them daily in your table is something. Not, like when we are in Philippines, we could afford to indulge ourselves.

And we know why, the freshness nowadays is hard to find, even to some people. Not funny to say, Sorry. I mean the attitude or character not physically on referring to people. Another slip, going back to my track, That makes it worth more than the frozen ones. Here, there are load of frozen fish you could get from the grocery. Some are even pre-cooked or prepared one. Meaning, you just need to put them in your pan or microwave. And voila, done.

It’s handy for the people who doesn’t have time to prepare their meal or to those who doesn’t really cook, On the box or packaging, you’ll see how it’s being prepare from 1, 2, 3… and you could only add some little leafy to put it as yours. I personally don’t patronize them. They are not worth for what it cost.

Oh my, I’m blundering again. Going back to him, he has been given a chance to see some part of Asia. So, to him; we are his reminder of his voyage. Sometimes, we spend talking over our wall with his wife. They are all retiree; I think they are around 70’s now. But I’m so impressed how they are so active. I would be puffing working around my garden but them… not at all. They would even offer me their hand to help me, when they see that I can’t cope up with my chores.

They are just an example of people that I have been grateful to have around me. They have given me more than that, they gave us friendship and as I’m happy to receive that warm bonding they have extended to us. I’m receiving them with pleasure.

My lucky charm

We know that May 1 is a Labor Day. Here, they have another tradition that people do on that day. They give sprig of Muguet and commonly known as "Lily of the Valley” as a lucky charm, which started from the time of King Charles IX of France, as he received one. And also it’s a symbol of springtime.

In custom, as you receive one, you should give a kiss in return, which is likely you’ll do, when you know the meaning of the flowers name is - You will find happiness.

Last Friday, I have some little visitors, Sophia’s friends & mine, too. How can I not say they are mine, too? When they always declared that I’m their best friend. So, one of our little best friend gave me these flowers which I’m showing now. She is Delphine, a little girl with a radiating smile. Her gist always give me reason to see life is good.

Now, it may not be May 1, but I’m still sharing this to all of you and wish the meaning of the flower will give you what we often seek for… Happiness and i hope, this will serve you as your charm too.

Meeting her,at last.

Last Sunday we were not having the best weather but it had been compensated by meeting a long time friend from email to phone pal. You must be wondering why only now that I speak about our meeting. I don’t know, too. All I know, I’m so happy to see the person that I’ve been trying to visualize for a long time. She really stood up like the one I’ve on my head. I’m so grateful on meeting a family like hers. They are so nice and no negativities. Life flows so smoothly on them. Until now, her laughter still rings on my head which makes me smile. And the nicest thing is I can really envision her doing it with the right facial expression. Like normal, I’m so overwhelm that I can’t find the right words to describe how I felt on meeting them. What about this…

“Maraming salamat sa pan de sal at sa oras na binigay ninyo sa amin. Napaganda ninyo ang pangit na panahon at naging bukang-bibig ang mga pangalan ninyo sa loob ng bahay at may kasamang ngiti sa pagbigkas nito.”

Sorry, I will not translate this one up. This is for her. Anyway, last weekend is one of our best weekends, from sunny Saturday to a Sunday smile. Wish to see you again. Anytime you want to visit here, you & your family are most welcome & it will be our pleasure to show you around. As I promised, I’ll bring your little one to the beach and fish out some clams or take him out to pick some wild berries as he likes.

Weekend @ Vitré

We passed our weekend with our friends at Vitré near Rennes in Bretagne (Brittany). Seeing the new haven of Yann and Ludivine was really great and more to it, Morvan and Hélène was there, too. - These two couples always do visit us, when they visit their parents as they further took their way to go to our place. We been always reminded to visit their place and have some feasting with them. Our reason was our old trolley but now that we have a new one. These past dues need to be paid back. As they knew, we are having three little monsters in towed. They have set a day out for them, too.

When we arrived the fête were rolling… from bonjour to handing apéros (Drink before meal) & kids recounting their history of preparation to go there & what they brought to mess-up the place, to how much they were so excited to play there was enough to warm the place. These couples, they’ve been so great to have patience hearing the endless recounts of Sophia and Gabriel. Then as Yann have been so wise showing them (kids) the games they have. Everyone was so much attentive to every word Yann told them, to have their hands on the games.

We three couple started chatting along with our apéro while we’re waiting our dinner. Everything went so smoothly and the meal was as always great, "Ludi you’ve done it again." Then after we settled the little ones, as we have planned to go out and check the bars as they live in the center of Vitré. We were having our time to discover & its night life. We were impressed how much they have in there, in comparison to ours. As we drink out night away… I can’t help admiring the city walking back to their apartment.

The old Ville just so great to see it in paved stone alley & old houses with exposed timbers panels in it façade, with some baroque painting, it called maison à colombage here. I’ve always get fascinated with this type of structural design. I never get enough of it… love staring at every detail, even some are on the way of getting ruined. They are so beautiful.

The boys have stayed sometime doing their thing, playing wii & guitar while we (girls) dozed in our designated rooms. Then, morning comes after our breakfast we took off to the park for the kids. Then see the castle there & passed to the cathedral and so on.

But what this weekend so really great, we do it altogether. The two couples have been wonderful as always. Unconsciously, they were playing to be parents to our kids. And as I’ve told them at the end, they passed with flying colors. We are surely blessed to have good friends here. "On a passé un bon weekend, grâce à vous. Encore, merci beaucoup à vous (YANN, LUDIVINE, MORVAN & HELENE). À la prochaine."

"Soirée Dansant" outcome.

Last Friday night, it was the “soirée dansant” as I’ve mentioned through my past post that the parents have organized this feasting for fund-raising for school activities, it is also as a welcoming of spring.

This type of occasion is something that all of us (parents) look forward to, seeing our kids performs some numbers, at the same time, to have constant socialization with other parents and the kids with their comrades. In some way, I could say, our little well knitted community has a very special warmth and free spirit person who gives more colors to our temperamental weather.

Going back to the soirée (night), it was wonderful to watch the children presentation. Everyone was glowing with happiness and so appreciative to every little people who have preformed that night. As they have bow, you’ll see how they enjoy the applauds they are receiving; some even get shy and hid from the skirt of their mamas, some are beaming to their ears and others were waiting for more clasps; in exchange for those content little smile. We, parents do cherish.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4wa1n_soiree-dansante-salle-de-traouiero_lifestyle
envoyé par jc-tizer

As the fête, had been initiated, everyone started going to the bar as I poured them their drinks. Yes, I’ve volunteered to be a bar girl with some couple of parents. We were able to fill their thirst, while waiting for the meal to come. Some were doing the cuisine.
Furthermore, some people are enjoying dancing with the kids & the rest were enjoying the nights by chatting, as they will have their turns, to do the serving and clearing up.

About the children, they obliged us with a second round of their performance, and like the first time, the enthusiastic crowd never wore out on applauding. Then, as children as they are,the salle de fête (reception room) turned into their huge playground. To others, it’s a start to have the fever to dance.The room just exhausts laughter and everyone are at their merriment attitudes.
Now, who could say, we parents stop doing fête?

ps: sorry with the wrong grammar.. still have hang over. it's an excuse, i know.

Happy Easter

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.

Last 2 years, this photo was taken. Their first egg hunt in our not manicured garden. We were lucky to have a beautiful weather at that time.

This Easter,We didn't have "the egg hunt" outside due to weather. With some luck, Our friends told Pia & Gab yesterday night that they ran into a bell (cloche) and found some parcels of giant eggs. In it says that they must be given to Julian, Gabriel & Sophia. The tale was so cute in french how they ran into the gifts.It doesnt sound right if i translate it in english.

“Merci beaucoup, Ludivine et Yann. Vous etes prêt à être parent.Notre soirée se passe toujours bien, comme d'hab!”

And 2 consecutive weekend seeing and going out with both of you, always been a great pleasure. We really have to do our part of visiting you two in your place. Wait til we change our battered trolley. We will be back on the road. Cross you toes.

Today, Gab & Sophia woke up earlier & waiting for the rain to pass. Expecting that perhaps Easter bunny still hid some goodies in our garden. Then, they eventually resigned & told me that, The magic bunny must be sick with flu due to the storm. As they have put together the puzzled story to soothe themselves.

My first breathe of birth

Almost 16 yrs now.
I had this little bundle of life.
Who so little, yet made me whole.
His very first smile,
Taught me......
how easily forgiveness
& compassion could come.
that I could not have given before.

My way...
My direction...
My first real breathe.
He is my real guru... after all.

Now,no longer a bundle,
that I have danced along.
But a young man I look up upon.
Sometimes, An enemy I pry.
Who could be my eyes, who say?
But at the end of the day.
He,the hand I took to soothe my way.

Letting go, your BUDDY.

Another day to start. Hubby & kids are out & me staring at my "need to do" list. Telling that, I should clean our bureau preparing it for a facial-lift. Almost raced to the second floor with a coffee mug & tobacco in hand. Stunned, what lays on a 5 m² room.
Chaos!

Asking myself, why did I CALL this a bureau ? Ooh, coz it got a 2 processors with one monitor, printer, office table with a pitiful chair & bunch of files clattered. Other than that…nothing more, Just… junks, boxes, a cabinet with a broken handle, some travel souvenirs and funny photos of my kids hanging on the wall with a draft of late 60's wallpaper, inherited from it's former owner. If it's floral. I won't mind, Got a heart of a hippy.

Now, summoning the courage to get me started. It's nowhere to be found. Slowly, letting myself be seated, rolling my tobacco to calm me down. Well, a minute to check my email won't hurt. Another eye popping. Sh.., am I that lazy?

Let's not answer that one. "Anyway, got loads to do." Only justification i could come up. I continued scrolling down, away from special offer, to see if someone loves me enough to write me. Slowly.... slowly..... and freeze…. then a helicopter sound.

"PC is thinking." hubby would normally say. So, what else to do but wait. Minutes pass and go....pass and go... What's more? Hearing, my old buddy Computer working its way with more intense buzzing sound this time.And me getting annoyed seeing a Sign of aging just screaming.

Pressing question is back. Weighing hard, Should I let it go?
Imagination works… My best buddy being crashed & compacted with some other unwanted PC. Conscience says, "Cruel! Where's your heart, B? You were buddies since you've stepped on this soil."

Thinking what can be done. Even, hubby can't doctored it. The Sound is almost deafening. Then, silence falls.....tic... tac...tic...tac... can't make up my mind. Refuse to see that..

My BUDDY is gone.