My "jour libre" (Free Day)

Well yesterday was both a good and bad day…we hosted almost 30 friends for lunch chez Grandpere du Pyla (at the house of Grandfather in Pyla). This is where we are staying now. Lunch was fun, and lasted until 4pm. I stayed home after that to take a small nap while the family went to the beach for a couple hours. I was very tired from waking up so early with kids, so I napped for about an hour and woke up to the sound of dishes and silverware crashing in the kitchen. It was Grandpere. Only the two of us stayed home so I knew I had to get up and help. He had fallen in the kitchen while trying to put away dishes. It was very scary, as I had to lift him up all by myself and he’s bigger than me. He hit his head on the counter and it was bleeding…so I spent about 30 minutes helping him walk to the bathroom and then the couch, and cleaning his head and making sure he was alright. Meanwhile cooking vegetables for the dinner and putting away the fallen dishes. Once I got a hold of Virginie and her father they came as soon as possible to see that Grandpere was alright. Anyways, he is fine but it was scary because he has a big cut on the back of his head, and to be alone with a 90 year old man can be difficult because he falls when he tries to do too much. The family was very grateful for my help and Grandpere kept saying “tres gentile” (you are very nice) to me. Afterwards, Virginie took the kids to her brother’s house and Grandpere and I ate dinner just the two of us…I prepared mashed potatoes (yes I’m learning to cook delicious, healthy food), carrots, rice, ham, bread, and wine for myself (he didn’t drink wine after the fall).

Virginie took me to the market today and asked me to pick out a necklace that I liked. She bought 2 for me in thanks for helping with Grandpere. They are really fun necklaces, and the market was amazing...stands of fresh fruit, fresh veggies, meat, confiture, and then clothes, jewelry and shoes. Last week at Ines’ birthday party I truly began to feel a connection with the family and that I care about them. I’m happy to be here now and be a part of their lives. The girls are having fun playing with me and learning new games and songs. Yesterday I taught them “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair”. It was perfect because I put flowers in our hair and sang the song slow…they could repeat it and then I translated in French…Jerome got a kick out of it. “Si tu vas a San Francisco, on doit porter des fleurs dans tes cheveux”.

Today is my "free day" so I am at the internet cafe, then stopping by the Monoprix (like a Target), and then heading to the beach where maybe I will talk to Julian, the guy I met last week but has yet to call me...haha. He works at a "gym" on the beach for kids to play, and is kind of a life guard...you'd understand if you were here. Lol. All is well! Thanks for all your messages, etc.