A New Look

Today was one of those Wednesdays where none of my kids had school. We all have had some stuffy noses and sore throats but felt pretty good today after getting to sleep in a bit. As if we are not a spectacle enough, I walked with all four kids and the dog down to the open market this morning for some fresh fruit, baguettes and cheeses. Everyone behaved pretty well and we didn't lose anyone so it was deemed a success. Tabitha picked out a beautifully ripe Camembert cheese so we were eagerly looking forward to lunch. During our walk back from the market, I was contemplating how much our eating habits have changed since we moved here. I have always considered myself to be a pretty good cook and to really enjoy "good" food but we are now in a whole different league. The man at the train station yesterday asked me how Americans can come to France, taste their cuisine and still go back to the States and be happy? I told him that I honestly don't know... Here is an excerpt from my book "Almost French" that I am still reading. It sums this up quite well....

"In a not so distant life in Australia, I had a refrigerator full of soy and skim milks, and low-fat yogurts alive with apparently desirable cultures.... But France took care of all that. These days, breakfast is a cafe creme with a croissant or a pain au chocolat, which I guess is a bit like starting the day with coffee and cake. ... I can no longer tolerate skimmed anything, and studiously avoid low-salt products- the butter I buy is packed with crunchy crystals from Brittany.... France has this effect on foreigners. It turns your eating habits and food principles upside down so that before long you're rhapsodizing about the delicate silkiness of foie gras entier without a thought for the fat content, let alone the poor goose or duck who was force-fed through a tube down it's throat. The damage is irreparable-there's no turning back to muesli after flaky pastries filled with ribbons of dark chocolate. Incredibly, most people I know who live n France don't put on weight, which just goes to show there must be some truth to the red wine theory - or that there are benefits to living in walking communities."

After lunch, I dropped Quincy off at his basketball tourney before heading out for a much needed hair cut. I had been waiting for some layers to grow out and finally felt ready for a new cut. I am so excited with my new look! As I had been waiting for my hair to grow, I was starting to look quite unkempt which is very embarrassing in a country where people don't "do" unkempt! I also made a quick run to St-Goustan in the village of Auray - one of our favorite places around here to get a gift for Josh for our upcoming 15th anniversary. St. Goustan was gorgeous as always, especially with the sunshine and 75 degree temps today.
Quincy was laughing and laughing when I picked him up from basketball. He said waiting with the other boys was hilarious because they were all listening to American music on their PSP's and trying to sing along.