Au revoir!

Oh, it's the end of the adventure.  Today is to be spent packing, cleaning, and we'll squeeze in a swim at the lake, I'm sure.
I will miss this beautiful area so much, and I wish I could indoctrinate all of my friends into the religion of the French countryside... the lunch hour.  Or hours.  From noon until 2, everything stops.  Shops close. Restaurants are open but will stop serving food after 2 or so until evening. There is imposed quiet, tractors and mowers are to stop, and people go home for the sacred two hour lunch.  School children also get a two hour lunch.  Most go home for the most important meal of the day, a hot lunch.  Those children left at school due to working parents are served a three course meal there.  :)

Life is obviously quieter and more simple here, and one can get used to it!  The people have been wonderful.  "My" neighbors across the road have told me that there are never Americans visiting in this area.  I've also been gently informed that not all areas of France are as full of friendly as they are here.  I feel that I have stumbled upon a really beautiful, verdant part of this country!

It was a special time with my boys, especially Luis, who hung out with his mom the whole time!  Thank goodness he can read a map!

Well, there will be many stories to tell.  I'm sad to go, but I do miss my friends, my dog, my own kitchen, and a hose to water the garden.  But if I had the money, I'd buy a little, old farmhouse here in the Ain countryside of  France in a flash.  Imagine the fun and adventure of fixing it up!!

Au revoir!  See you at home.