Happy Holiday Traditions

I spent the past few days running around and visiting for Christmas.  It was a nice weekend, but nothing really exciting happened. 
On Christmas Eve, we went to mass at th church in Seward and then followed with our usual Christmas Eve celebration, going to the Chinese buffet for dinner.  We have been doing this for a number of years and always enjoy the opportunity to relax and enjoy ourselves.  With both girls getting older, I'm not sure how much longer we'll be doing this, but I hope it will continue for a while. 
On Chrstmas Day we opened presents and then had a great meal of Turkey, Ham, Scallops, beets and pickled eggs, noodles, mushrooms, cheeses, rolls, relish tray foods, vegetables, fruit and pumpkin pie.  Deb has been making me sugar free pumpkin pie for a couple of years and it is very good.  Deb and I noted that the Turkey breast we made for Christmas provided more meat than both Turkeys combined in Ambialet. 
I also had the opportunity to read the paper.  As happens every year, someone wrote a letter to the editor about using Xmas instead of Christmas, decrying taking "Christ out of Christmas". The write of the letter states that he doesn't even open cards with Xmas on them.  (yeah, really seems judgmental and actually goofy to me).  As many people know, the origin for Xmas probably occurred many years ago.  As early as the 1400s the Church used the abbrviation X (or Chi, the first letter of Christ name in Greek) in text about Christ.  It then became acceptable to use X in place of Christ, and even was used for Christian (Xian) and Christianity (Xianity).  Of course, the letter writer also doesn't frequest stores that say happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas ( my guess is that he had to order presents on line).
That evening Deb and I did another traditional holiday event, we went to look at Christmas lights (Xmas lights?) around Johnstown.  I enjoy this every year.  This year, there seems to be less decorations than usual.  But we did find some great houses and, along with Deb's annual free cup of cappachino at Sheetz, enjoyed the tradition.
The last traditional event we undertook was our annual trip to my sister's home in Ohio.  My sister is a sweet person and we love visiting her and her husband.  But there is one interesting aspect that is sometimes not so pleasant.  My sister has 5 dogs.  They all spend much of the time having the run of the house.  Now I like animals, but sometimes it is like eating in a kennel.  This year we were also lucky enough to have my niece's 2 dogs visit as well, making 7 dogs the total in the house.  My sister had also made the mistake of giving the dogs left over turkey.  Dogs have a bad habit of not digesting turkey well, and they become quite, I guess the word would be, gassy.  And it is terribe gas!  So as we opened presents, with dogs at our feet or in our laps, they happily gifted us with their fumes.  It was quite the day!

Some Christmas Lights

I finally was able to get a few pictures, but the quality may be suspect.  Here goes nothing:

Angles of Lights

The lights are dim and unfortunately the color seems to be absent.  I am a person that likes color in the lights at my home.  Always have.  As you can see there are many lights up, and it took several days to add them all.  But for me it isn't Christmas without them.



Watching TV

One of the things we didn't do while in Europe was watch TV.  There was no television reception in Ambialet, and while I didn't miss it terribly, I often use TV to unwind and to watch sports.  I was finally able to see part of a Steeler game the first Sunday back and look forward to watching the Champs Bowl with WVU playing UNC on the 28th. 
What I did find on TV after returning from more shopping was my favorite group on a station called Fusion.  The group, the Black Eyed Peas, were on all day I guess.  I just discovered the station and plan to watch.  Those that don't know the BEP, here is a picture.


(found at http://www.singerpictures.com/black-eyed-peas-picture-45865.html)
Now those that know me know that I love the way they sing and, particularly, dance.  I also use a song called "My Humps" as an example of Gloria Joseph's discussion on the way girls "should use their appeal" to improve their lives.  I don't agree, but yhe example is a good one.

Shopping in the States

Since I was starting late, I have spent the past several days feverishly shopping to try to catch up on gift buying.  I have been at the mall more than I've been at home, in spite of a cold and some other sundry illnesses. 
One of the problems with shopping this year is that I haven't had time to bug people about what they want.  Being in France, I couldn't call my family members, nor talk to friends.  Now it is one call after another with no real results, and a very limited list.  So I take to the mall like a scavenger, looking for who knows what.

At the mall, people are of many different dispositions.  While waiting to have something wrapped, I observed a husband yell and his wife for taking so long to have things wrapped.  Like she could somehow have moved ahead of the other 20 people there waiting for wrapping!  And there was the three young mrn that for a while took seats that were supposed to be used for those waiting to have things wrapped.  When I got to the area there were 2 older women standing with there packages, while these clowns just sat there, not even waiting for things to be wrapped.  I "suggested" they give their seats up to the 2 women.  Of course there were also those that were in the true spirit of Christmas.  Many people gave up seats to others, or even let others go ahead of them!  I saw one person help an older man carry his packges to somewhere, giving his place up in line.  When he returned, I gave him my turn, and was them told to go ahead of others.   I also met a dear old friend there today and we talked about the good old days.  She was excited to here that I had been to France!
I do think of France often.  I miss the kids and the animals, not necessarily in that order.  I still have to take pictures of the lights to put on here, maybe I'll get that tomorrow. 

I think I'll continue for a while.

I think that for the time being, it would be worthwhile to continue the blog to indicate the aspect getting used to being home again.  As most of you may know, Pennsylvania has been hit by a cold snap that hasn't allowed the tempature above 20 degrees since I got back.  the wind chill has been about 12 below zero.  All this is important to let you know what my week has been like.

First, I had to get the house decorated on the outside for Christmas.  This is a huge undertaking even when I get to start the day after Thanksgiving.  Starting Dec 12th does not make for much time.  So out I went into the frozen tundra, actually my yard.  As I started to put up the manger scene, it occurred to me that I do not have my "manger".  It had been an old swing set that I had managed to modify to look like a manger.  Well, it was made into a part of my daughter's garden earlier this year, so it was out.  So now I have no manger.  Then I attempted to put the stakes for the characters in the manger scene into the ground.  This is no easy task when the ground is completely frozen!  Using language that really isn't proper for a manger scene set up, I finally was able to get all the characters to stand.  Then I remembered that I really had to locate the characters so they could recieve power to light up. Again, we'll not discuss my personal communications, just take for granted that the wisemen would have left if they could have.  After the manger scene was set up, I became aware of a yearly phenomena.  Even though I buy outside extensions, timers, lights and other materials needed to put my decorations up each year, something always happens and they disappear.  So off to the local hardware for materials, and when that becomes too expensive, off to the local department store.  Half my time is spent putting up decorations and half is traveling to buy things.
Meanwhile, Deb has been hard at work putting the inside of the house in order.  As I bring in box after box of decorations, we both get that combo thing, where you are excited yet a bit uneasy about the work to come.  There are about 12 large totes full of inside decorations, as anyone will tell you we do go all out for Christmas.  But of course, when we bring 12 boxes in, you have to take out 12 boxes full with other things from the normal decorations for the house.
Then there are the cars. All the tires on the Cruiser are flat, and will not hold air.  The Taurus has one and 1/2 flats, Jenn's car needs a tube for her gas tank, so we have one actual car to run.  This is difficult when all three people in the house need to go different places.  As I work to get the Taurus going, I also fill the tires on the Cruiser.  Two hours later the tires are all flat again.  The Cruiser is out for driving right now!
I haven't been able to get to campus yet, and am in no hurry to do so.  One of the things about being in France is that I missed seing may of my friends at school.  What I didn't miss was the politics that aso exist there, so I'm in no hurry to get up there.  Maybe Friday.
Well, out into the cold again.  I'll try to get a picture of the house once I am totally finished to place on  here.

Ready for the States

The trip has been exciting and I've really learned quite a bit about Europe, France and myself.  I feel like I have learned how to travel effectively (except, of course driving in Ireland), and I've learned how to survive in a small, tightly knit community of people.  I've learned, for myself, while France is a good place to visit I wouldn't want to live here permanently.  I will finish this blog once I am back in the states tomorrow.

I wanted to apologize, I have been so busy since getting home I haven't had a chance do this blog.  But I will finish my thoughts now.

First, I learned that I can actually live without constant activity and entertainment.  I have been able to go days without any television or radio.  Now, this was not without effort. When I first arrived in France I spent hours trying to figure out how to receive TV shows online.  Networks in the US do not allow their shows to be shown in Europe and the pay sites are very expensive.  But I did eventually break the addiction.

I learned that driving in other countries offer different challenges.  In France, there are, of course, the tunnels which are only large enough for 2 small cars at a time.  Almost impossible to get through at times and a reason why there are so many cars in France with a mirror hanging from the passenger's side of the vehicle.  In Ireland, they drive in a side of the road that I can not master.  In Italy, directions are anyone's guess.  In Spain, there is no such thing as politely being allowed to enter heavy traffic.  I also have become aware of the danger of parking in a parking garage in both France and Spain.  Hit and run, I guess, is accepted.

I have learned that it is good to find the names of foods in the country you are in, since the menus are difficult to understand.  At first, Deb and I ate pizza all the time when we went out because we could read "pizza" and have a general idea of what was served.  But there were problems even with this method.  In Venice, for example, I ordered calzone, but it ended up having egg in it.  Terrible.  And the egg also attacked a pizza in Albi, where there actually had a sunny side up egg in the center of my pizza!  Yech!  We soon learned that canard was duck, but didn't know the term for bean soup, so have duck and bean soup for our anniversary.  It wasn't bad, but it wouldn't have been my first choice.  I learned that French bread can tear your mouth up at times, and to eat carefully.

I learned that no matter how much you think you have been careful, you still end up with a lot of extra stuff to brng back.  I actually bought an extra suitcase, and still had too much to bring back.  Deb did well in this area, myself not so much.

The students we were with taught us very much as well.  They were kind and respectful, but also very honest and open when they had a concern.  They found ways to get along even when they disagreed.  They were terrific to be with during the stay there and Deb and I found we were very lucky.

I learned to be more assertive for my own class needs.  The courses I taught seemed to take a back seat to the more established courses in France.  If I would go there again, I would fight harder for proper course time. 

There were numerous other things I learned.  But that will be for future reflections. 

I will continue the blog while I become reacclimated to the states. Coming back to severe winter weather and working to put decorations outside and inside has been draining, but necessary.

Getting packed and one last exercise time

As you can imagine, we have more to bring home than we brought here.  We are trying to be very careful not to exceed the weight limit of the suitcases for the airlines.  Due to books I needed to have here for my classes, I have had to buy a small suitcase to bring them back.  I also have some clothes and very few purchases from here.  I have not been able to but souvenirs for those back home because the weight limit will be exceeded.
So what does it mean to exceed the weight limit.  It is 23 kg (a little over 50 lbs) and cost 100 euros if you go over.  That is $132.55 at the current exchange rate!  I guess the airline doesn't want to support the French economy, because no one can easily afford the costs of bringing souvenirs back.
The weather continues to be beautiful and this is supposed to hold up until we leave tomorrow.  Although chillier than the past few days, the sun is shining.
I had the chance to exercise today one last time.  The cats didn't follow me in and by the time I was done, I had noticed that Cool was looking through the window at me.  I did have a 'guest' for the last time lifting, however.  As I was pressing from the bench, I thought a shadow went over me briefly.  Thinking nithing of it I continued to the sit-up part of the exercises.  As I came up for my 230th sit-up, (okay, actually my 30th, just wanted to see if you were paying attention), a bird came flying right at my head.  It landed on the bench by the wall. looked at me, and almost defiantly flew back at me.  I thought, of all the times that Cool or Bashful hadn't joined me.  I got up to chase the bird, and it flew over to a window.  I couldn't figure how it had gotten in, until I noticed the window was opened partially.  As I approached it, the bird flew out.

Irish pub, in Albi, France

First, let me say that things are getting a bit crazy here, the stress of finishing up and leaving seems to be getting to everyone.  Here is a picture of Kirsten trying to put a can of whipped cream in Melanie's mouth.  Why, I am still not sure.

Studious, serious college students at their finest!

Several students, Melanie, Lauren Kirsten, Gabe, and I went to the Irish Pub in Albi.  It was a great night.  We first walked around the city of Albi, and they had some very nice decorations up.  Actually more than the last time we were there.  I took some Flip video of the decorations, but can't figure out how to download them to here.

Some Decorations in Albi

The Irish Pub in Albi

At the pub, they were having a kareoke night.  Unlike American kareoke where the music is played on a cd, the music here was played by a young guitar player.  He was very good.  We had come to the bar, hoping to have some fun.  We started the fun with a pint of Grunberger de Noel, a Christmas beer.  It was pretty good.  After we looked at the song book, we started to coax, actually coerce, our one very good singer, Kirsten, to go up and sing.  I used every trick I knew, including reverse psychology, which she caught on to very fast, and finally and a little of the Grunberger, went up to sing.  She was amazing!  Her voice is very special.
After, we sang along to a good deal of Beatle songs. It was a nice evening all in all.  I hope to figure out to get the photos and video somewhere on the site.  I'll let you know.

One Last Golf Trip to Golf d'Albi

While I know from my daughters and colleagues that there was 12" of snow in PA, the weather in Albi yesterday was nice.  I decided that I would go one more time to golf in France at Golf d'Albi.  In spite of having snowed last week, the course was in very good shape.  The greens were perfect.  It was a great day to golf.
I played in the morning, didn't get a tee time, so when I arrived I found I was behind a group of 14 or so players.  I lined yo behind them and soon they were talking to me.  I didn't quite understand them, until finally I figured they were asking if I was alone.  I told them yes, so they told me to go ahead.  So with a group of people watching, I hit an adequate, although not tremendous, drive.  As I was walking towards my ball, a person speaking the king's English asked if I wanted to join their group.  I declined, but did thank them for the offer. I proceded to have a fairly bad hole, making doubl bogey.  That's the bad news, the good news was that I played the next 8 holes as well as any group of holes I've ever played, I parred the 2nd hole, and biried the 3rd.  I hit my tee shot on number 4, a par 5, 475 meter (around 523 yds) to the 210 meter mark, which is a bomb for me.  The real neat thing was that it was on the fairway!  In fact most of my shots were on the fairway all day.  I wish I knew why. 
As I finished the front nine, I had a 39 on a par 36 layout.  That is exceptional for me.  As I came to number 10, women was reaching down and picking her tee off the tee box.  She had just hit her drive.  I knew that she was jumping on the backside, and now I was a bit miffed.  When she saw me, she signalled me to play through.  Now I wasn't miffed, but was feeling guilty for being angry she jumped on.  Ahead of her was a pair of players, who also had jumped on.  So I asked her if she wanted to play together.  She indicated she would.  Now I had been playing really well, so I was feeling okay about playing with a stranger.  My next shot went in the pond by the green.  I dropped on the side where the shot went in, now hitting 4, and hit it in the water.  She looked at me as if to say "boy its going to be a long nine holes", smiled.  I hit number six onto the green, within a few inches of the hole and took a 7.  I felt really bad, but figured I'd had a good fromt nine, it had to end some time.  But guess what, I parred the next 2 holes!  Bogey on #13, which was a tough hole and then birdied #14.  I can count on one hand the number of times I had 2 birdies in one round.  I thought that I had a rare chance to go under 80, but sort of stumbled in, but ended with a respectable 44 on the back, for a total of 83.  Now my "new" playing partner was not do fortunate.  She had played 10 and 11 well, but on #12 the air went out of her tire.  She doubled 13, and while I birdied 14, she took so many strokes that she just picked her ball up and quit the hole.  Even though she was doing poorly, she appreciated my play and we actually communicated well. 
Since I knew I had lots to do, but would be tempted by the near 70 degree weather, I put my clubs away and will now wait for my next chance to golf in the states.

Mass, almost. And by the way Go Steelers!!

All the faculty and students were planning to attend mass at the church at Le Prieure.  Deb and I even went early, forgetting that the mass was to start at 11:15 instead of 11.  The village people had been told that the students would ebsinging a couple of songs during the mass.  Everything was set in place.  Well, all except one thing, a priest.  The usual priest for the mass had some health issues and a replacement was to be sent, but he didn't show up.  We had a kind of service with some reading and singing, and the students did get to do their 2 songs.  But no mass. 
After the service the people from the village and us talked for a while.  I was surprised that although I couldn't answer in French for the most part, I now knew enough French to figure out the questions and comments that were being made.  I actually am a bit disappointed that I hadn't interacted more with these fine folks.  I suggest that the next groups that come to France somehow include the villiage a bit more in their involvement.  The people are really kind and friendly.  Look at these smiling faces!


Last night I had a great deal of reading and grading to do.  In spite of being in France, I have been as busy or busier than ever with classes and responsibilities.  So as a reward, I said to myself "You will listen to the Steeler game when you complete your work".  Unfortunately, when I made that promise to myself, I didn't know that the game was the NBC Sunday night game, and started around 8:30 EST.  That means the game didn't start until 2:30 a.m French Time.  That's rights, I stayed awake until 5:30 in the morning listening to a football game!  But the Steelers did win, so it was all worthwhile.
Today I was looking at the books, movies, clothing and other things that I accumalted while here and realized there is no way to fit all of it in my one suitcase, so I am making a trip to the store in Albi to but another smaller suitcase to take things back with.  These are mostly things that I have accumulated for my classes here and what I taught on line. I just hope I can find something affordable!  Prices here can be pretty steep.
Tonight is Donut Heaven for the kids, and I look forward to serving them.  They have been a real blessing.

Some Good, But Overall a Bad Day in France

Not a great day today.  First, the weather was cold and windy.  The power went out at the Le Prieure for much of the day, and the heat has been a problem most of the week.  Needing to get away, we decided to go to Albi.  Because so many people went, we took both cars.  The trip in was uneventful, except we left later due to trying to help with the electricity problem. 
We parked in the garage down town.  As we went up stairs to the ground level, we were aware that the Christmas lights in the city were still not lit.  This disappointed me, but we did get some shopping done.  After stopping for a drink, we all headed back to the cars.  Lo and behold, the Christmas Lights did come on.  Anyone that knows me also knows I love Christmas decorations.  I was very excited! 
When we prepared to leave, I had to pay for the parking ticket.  As I approached the car, the students pointed out that someone had scraped the car on the whole back panel, from the front door to the end of the car.  How someone can do that without catching themselves and stooping the car is beyond me.  This really sent my good spirit the other way.  This is the second time that a car that I parked safely in a garage was hit by another car, and no one left a message claiming responsibility.  This would have been hit and run in the U.S., but the people here just don't seem to care about such things.  Many cars are dented, scraped or whatever.  It just isn't good.
When we got back to Ambialet, we were excited to see we had power again.  The heat was off, but we managed with portable heaters.
The worst part of the day was when,despite WVU beating Rutgers, UConn won and got the Big East BCS Bowl spot.  I waited up until 5 a.m. Sunday, French time, to look at the game tracker of UConn and USF.  Tough loss for USF and WVU in this one.

Some more Pictures!

Peter, Margaret, Becky and Shane at Thanksgiving 

Gerry and I at the Thanksgiving dinner.

The ride to Lourdes

A beautiful Mosaic at Lourdes

Relics at the Crypt at the  St. Sernin Basilica in Toulouse

Ed, Gabe, Me, Shane and John at Lourdes, Yes I am this short!

Jay Z on cat watch! 

Advent Wreath, yes we are kind of getting ready for Christmas here also!

Manger Scene in he food hall (cost me a whole 8 euros)

Melanie's Picture of the manger scene.

Winter Arrives in Ambialet

Stadium at Albi

Deb's Winter Picture from the Le Prieure

I want people to see what we have seen, and recently Deb and I have downloaded some pictures.  I am picking some of my favorites for this blog.  Enjoy!

Peter and Margaret and later a bonfire

One of the nice things about the Ambialet program is some of the very nice people you meet.  Yesterday, Peter and Margaret, a retired British couple, invited the students, Lori, Deb and I to there home for a bit of refreshment and some conversation.  It was a nice afternoon. 
Deb and I have often asked Peter and especially Margaret for suggestions or advice.  Whether it be where Deb can find yarn for her crochetting, a denist for jenn's tooth emergency or a nice restaurant for our 28th anniversary, Margaret has always had a good idea of where to go.  They have always been so thoughtful and kind and are a real blessing to have so involved with the program here in Ambialet.  Margaret is in charge of the choir for Sunday mass, and Peter plays guitar. 

                            Peter and Margaret with the group sans John(who took the picture)

I doubt being as humble and kind as they are, neither Margaret nor Peter realize how much they mean to the students and the rest of us here in Ambialet.  I thank them.

After coming back to the Le Prieure, a number of students were excited about a small bonfire that was planned.  Knowing some of the issues with open flames in the U.S., I asked Peter and Margaret if the villiage had any restrictions, and they said only during certain months.  So everyone except me had a bonfire in the open area where we park cars.  This was considered the safest place by far, everyone had a great time, as I understand it.  It seemed like a nice way to start the last weekend in France.  I didn't attend because of sinus issues, not because I didn't think it was a great idea.

The Bonfire (a bit tiny, but it served its purpose)

Today we are going to Albi for shopping and some fun.  We all have a bit of cabin fever and it will be nice to get out and about!

Albi Rugby and Cool Cat

I don't want any confusion here.  The title does not mean that Cool Cat has joined the rugby team.  It refers to the 2 topics I'm discussing today.
A number of students had indicated earlier in the week that they were interested in going to the Rugby match between Albi and Auch.  Auch is 2 hours away and there is a bus for fans.  The total cost is 27 Euros for the bus and stadium ticket.  I think that the cost must have been a terrible deterrent because we went from 8 of us, to myself being the only person interested.  I am disappointed but do understand.

Deb and I were able to get an Albi Sporting Club flag and I bought a t-shirt.  If we can't go to the match, I am hoping to watch it online or at the local pub.  I'll let you know what happens.

When I went to lift weights, Jay-Z, as often happens, followed me down the stairs to the locked gate.  The gate prevents Jay-Z from having the cats as snacks.  The gate is connected to a cement wall.  Cool, the cat saw me closing the gate and jumped up to the top of the gate, easily within biting distance of Jay-Z.  Jay-Z took this quick snap at Cool's head, and Cool barely moved quickly enough not to be caught in the jaws of the Jay-Z.  And then Cool sat on the top of the wall.  He didn't move or run, but more or less looked at Jay-Z wit one of those, "You Ain't So Tough" kind of looks.  I believe that Cool is aptly named.

Both Cool and Bashful once again joined me while I was lifting.  They get in the way, but are still fun to have around.

My New Work Out Buddies

As some of you may know, we have two kittens (closer to cats now) at the Le Prieure.  They stay down the steps by Tim's apartment.  Also down in this area is the weight room I go to for working out.  For the last 5 times I have gone to the weight room, one or both cats have joined me.   The cat that has been with me most of the time has been the white and grey cat from the picture above, who is sitting casually as Jay-Z stares at him.  Maybe working out with me has made him braver or, more likely, less bright.

The cats are interesting in the weight room, because when they first went, they just liked to run in it and explore.  More recently they have taken to trying participate with me while I lifted.  The white cat, particularly loves to jump on my lap and sit while I am using the overhead weights on the one appartus.  He has recently started to "fluff" my lap while I lift.  This of course is a no-no that has lead to several unconfortable scratches,  He also likes to jump on me when I use the hand weights, and move under me while I do rows and sit-up combinations. Last week was almost  his last on nearth as he decided that he wanted to "explore" the weights while I had them in an up position on the machine.  I kicked, yelled and did wvwrything I could to get him to take his head out from under the 90 pounds of weights I was working with for the exercise.
The grey cat is a bit more shy, but when the white and grey cat jumps on my lap, the grey cat often jumps up and starts wrestling with him.  Now I don't have a huge lap, so as one pushes the other, and the cat silps, they try to grab onto whatever is handy, again, that is my lap.  More scratches where scratches shouldn't be!
I need to stop calling the cats grey and white and grey, and instead name them, at least for myself.  The grey cat is for evermore named Bashful, and the white and grey, due to its bravery and calmness around Jay-Z and its smooth manner in doing exercises with me will for now on be called Cool by me.

Rugby in Albi

Yesterday Lauren, Keirsten, Gabe and I went to Albi to see a rugby match.  Being hungry for sports of any sort, when I was asked to transport these three students, I eagerly accepted.  Originally we had thought that the match was to be played at 3 at another stadium, so we arrived for the 2 o'clock game, we were late.  The fact that we had to park about a mile away from the stadium didn't help matters, but we finally got there.  Imagine my delight and excitement with seeing Steeler Gold and Black colors on the flag of the Sports Club of Albi!  Fans in Black and Gold were all over the place.  Now the mascot is a yellow jacket, which brought me no comfort, but would have pleased my wife, a teacher a Ferndale H.S. for 35 years, where the mascot is, you guessed it, a yellow jacket!

For a releatively low price of 9 Euros, we each were able to get a seat at the very corner of the stadium, where we sat about 5 rows from the field.  Actually pretty great seats.  There was already about 17 minutes into the 40 minute half, so we did miss a bit.  Aurrilac led 7 to nil.  The fabs were cheering Albi, ici,ici.  which roughly means Albi, we are here, we are here.  And I thought Penn States "We are Penn State" was lame.  But we joined in the cheering.  Not knowing the rules, we tried to understand what was happening.  About 7minutes after we got these, a fight broke out on the field.  About 10 players were pounding and jumpimg on each other.  Now there are no helmets for the most part and no pads for these players, so the fighting was intense and several players got really banged up.  A couple were ejected.  The students and I were really interested in response from the fans, similar to hockey fans during a fight in the U.S.  We got into it as well!  Soon, Albi scored a touchdown and then a field goal, or something similar and took the lead 10-7.  They never looked back!

Another neat thing is the little car they use to take the tee for kicking field goals onto the field.  It is remote controlled and I thought very good in the muddy field. 

                                               The tee car (thanks Kirsten)
At half time a group of cheerleaders came onto the field.  A Lady Gaga song was started and the cheerleaders, that were dressed in much more clothing than the players, started to dance.  Well, I guess it was dancing.  The only person that looked liked it had any rhythm was the mascot.  They tried to do cartwheels and flips.  One cheerleader's head actually stuck in the mud when she tried to flip!  For the grand finally, the cheerleaders attempted to lift 2 members over their heads in some sort of pose.  The e cheerleaders were only placed about head high, which was lucky, as one was quickly dropped in the mud, tried to be lifted again and went down again.  It was hilarious!  As they left the field, they stopped in front of the grandstands, where the students and I cheered them loudly, but the rest of the fans seemed indifferent.  That's sad because they were very entertaining, albeit not very good.
As we walked out in the area with food stands, we were disappointed to see that you needed to have something called jetsons (tokens) for food and drink.  I was going to have a boisson, but couldn't due to not having jetsons and not really knowing how to procure them.
In the second half we had similar confusion over rules and such, but the final score favored Albi, so we, like everyone else, were quite excited.  I went into their souvenir shop, thinking I'd like to buy a tee shirt or something.  There had been signs for golf shirts with the team emblem for 15 Euros as well.  When I got there, no shirts of any sort were available in my size.   I'll try later, I guess.
As we left, we saw a sign that indicated there would be a bus for the game against Auch next Saturday night.  It is 12 Euros for the bus and 15 for the game, if i read the sign right (of course, there is no guarantee of that).  We are thinking about going!
After the rugby match we went to the Irish Pub for a pint and watched the Irish national team play the Argentine national team on TV.  Great fun all day!

The students at the rugby match!  These were the only empty seats in the stadium, so there were a lot of fans at the game.  Here, I'll show you.

Our Trip to Lourdes

Deb, John, all the students and I went to Lourdes today.  What a wonderful experience it was.  As many of you know, Lourdes is where Saint Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary for 18 days.  The site of the visits is now a shrine.  People from all over the world have had cures and there have been 67 recorded miracles involving Lourdes.
The grotto where Mary presented herself is still as it was those many years ago, but all around it are basillicas, churches, statues and other things.  There is also, of course, a huge tourist area. 

In the legend of Bernadette, Mary asked her to drink from the ground and eat the grass.   When Bernadette looked at the ground she just saw a wet area, with some mud, so she dug some dirt out with her hands and after 4 attempts, drank the water.  Since then water has been plentiful in this spot and is said to be Blessed by God.  From the water, there were baths made, and people come to those to be cured of moral and physical illnesses.  Some of the water has also been taken to other areas and shrines and people that haven't visited Lourdes, but bathed with or immersed themselves in the water claim cures and miracles.  It is really fascinating.

I am taking a little bit of the water home with me. 

The Basillica of Notre Dame of the Rosarie has beautiful mozaics throughout, and has several mosaics outside on its wall as well.  The were amazing.

The ride to Lourdes was 3.5 hours each way, so it made for a very long day.  It was well worth it.  I will have photos on Lourdes when we get to load them, so be watching!

                                                          The grotto at Lourdes

                          The Mozaic in the Notre Dame du la Rosarie (thanks, melanie for the pictures!)

Anniversary DInner

Deb and I went out for our 28th anniversary this evening.  We went to a restaurant named Le Veile d Albi, that was rcommended by Margaret and Peter.  We had a 7:30 in the evening reservation and when we arrived we were the only ones in the restaurant. This caused some concern, but we figured it would be okay.
We had an all French menu and a waitress that spoke no English.  And even though we knew some French dishes, we were unfamiliar with the majority of what was offered.  We finally recognized the word canard (duck), so we decided to have it.  We started with an excellent tasting salad, but other than the greens, I could not tell you one thing that was in it.  Our duck came out in a with anvy beans in a soup type broth, and with a piece of sausage.  It looked a bit strange, but was delicious. 
After I fnished the main dish, I needed to go to the toilet.  I found it, but for the life of me could not find the light, and it was very dark.  Taking some time, my eyes adjusted enough to find what I needed in the toilet, but it was still a tough assignment making sure that all things were properly performed, if you know what I mean.  When I went to wash my hands, I noticed a glow in the mirror.  I looked and the opoosite wall and found a light switch.  I will honestly say that I would have never imagined that the light would be there. 
I then returned for desert.  I had ordered something that said sorbet in the menu, and ended up with an apple turnover type thing with banana sorbet. It was delicious.  Deb had ordered chocolate cake with glace', (ice cream).  When she ate it, the glace' tasted lke roses smell.  It was very strange.
It was a very nice dinner and Deb and I were glad to be able to spend our 28th anniversary celebration in France.

                         This is actually a picture of Deb and I at the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Time to catch up on some pictures!

As promised earlier, I am going to place some photos from various locations here.  I will put some in today.

                                            Jenn, a Bird and I in front of the Jameson Distillery
What's great about this picture is that Jenn and I saw the bird before we started to taste test the three whiskeys and "graduated" as master tasters!

Also, while at the distillery, i made a few friends. 
The fellow on the left is from England, and the gentleman on the right is from Sweden.  They are both in Ireland on vacation from work in Germany, drinking whiskey with an American who is teachng in France!  What a small world, but wonderful, world we live in!

                                                              Jenn and I received "diplomas" at Jameson!


Although Bill and I are descendants of Irish immigrants, we aren't actually products of Ireland.

We also had some neat pictures from Paris.  This first one was at the Arche de Triumphe, I believe.

                           That's most of the gang and was a creative shot taken by Jenn.

Of course you can't have a Paris picture set without the following:


Yes, a boat on a river!  No actually this is one of the Eiffel Tower at night.  While Deb and Deb went up the tower partially,  Bill and I decided to save the money.  Its foolish to spend money on something you are going to have your eyes closed for, in my opinion.

                                           This is Venus at the Louvre.  That place was incredible.

This is a monument honoring all the men that died in Normandy from the Big Red 1 Division.  This was a very somber place and was even more special because we were there on Veteran's Day!

Le Mont St. Michel was incredible!  I can see why it is considered one of the 7 man made wonders of the world.

Well, that's all for now.  once again, i hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Sick day in Ambialet and giving thanks

Thus far, while being here, I have felt remarkably healthy.  That ended this morning when I awoke with a fever, stomach discomfort and a headache.  My body ached and I felt completely worn out.  Deb and I had planned to join the rest of the group going to 2 museums in Albi, but I decided I just wouldn't do to well being out and about.

I am not sure what occurred that caused my illness, and as of 10:43 this evening, I am at times feeling a little better, and then feeling sick.  I slept most of the day.  With our Thanksgiving celebration coming up, I am concerned that I become healthy enough to attend tomorrow's get together.

Here is hoping all of you have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow.  If you are from out of the U.S., it is a day that U.S. citizens celebrate the dinner the Native Americans and Pilgrims enjoyed many years ago.  It is a day of giving thanks for all the wonderful things we have been given.  I have to think this semester is something I am, indeed, thankful for.  I have met some wonderful people, particularly the students and John.  I've had a chance to get to know Lori Woods better, and have really enjoyed being around her.  The staff at the Ambialet site have been really nice to work with as well. Tim, Gerry, Sophie, Marie, and Bernard are all dedicated, wonderful people that have made our time here special.  Our friendly neighbors, Peter and Margaret, have been so nice and helpful.
Of course, what I'm most thankful for has been the opportunity to be with Deb for these past few months, sharing this amazing adventure.  It was like living with another student at Ambialet, since we shared the same room.  But that has been fun as well. 
  Deb and I had the opportunity to travel through much of Europe with our oldest daughter, Jenn and had a wonderful time with my favorite cousin, Billy, and his wife in both Paris and Ireland.  Getting to know Luc and Floren (?) in Fontenay Aux Rose has been a real highlight.  The boys in the Pubs, including Noel, Eddie and the rest were a great joy to meet and interact with, and the trip to Ireland was an actual dream come true for me.  While missed my younest daughter, Caitlin, being able to Skype and IM her was really nice.  I just wished she could have had the time to join us here. 
Yes, its been a great semester with much to be thankful for, and I feel truly blessed.  I have to add that I would have never been comfortable with coming to France if not for my confidence in the abilities of Sue Black and Mary Latterner, back at SFU.  I am truly thankful for the good work they do!

The Need for Food

We  have been able to have bread almost every day since arriving in Ambialet.  It is part of the French culture to enjoy bread and wine with meals.  Most of the time we have had French bread that is relatively thin and long.  The crust is hard and at times a little difficult to chew, but always tasty.  One day we had run out of bread and John made a bread run.  The results are pictured below!


I almost felt like a fisherman with a big catch!  The bread was delicious and now we look for other types of breads when we go.  We have also been sampling different wines, because the 2010 wines "premiered" last week and have been sold for pretty good prices.  Overall, however, the wines have been a bit disappointing.  The white wine wass okay, but the rose was a bit vinegary and both reds had an aftertaste.  Listen to me, I'm starting to sound like a wine connoisseur! 

A Day in Toulouse

Since we had no other organized activities planned, several of us took a trip back to Toulouse to look at Saint Sernin's Basilica.  I was surprised that more didn't go since earlier in the week many students indicated they were planning to attend.  Deb and I even went to the crypt in the church to look at relics of the saints and other objects.  It was very interesting.  The altar is amazing in the Basilica, and roped off from people.

We also had a nice lunch at a cafe in Toulouse.  I had a fish with steamed vegetables meal that was surprisingly good, Deb and Keirsten had duck and John had fish and chips.  It was a pleasant meal, very relaxing.  I continue to look for the elusive pair of jeans.  We even returned to the store where I originally saw them and still haven't been able to find my size.  I think I have been in every C-A store possible!

The mall in Toulouse was decorated for Christmas.  Deb and I noticed something very interesting, none of the trees in the mall were green.  The trees were usually purple or pink, with an occasional white tree.  While attractive, it just seemed strange to us.  Someone said that this is how the French celebrate, and I think that's fine, but why pink and purple?  Trees in the woods here are as green as they are back home, and I've yet to come across a pink or purple one while walking around here.  And although the towns around here all have lights out, they are not turned on just yet.  John thinks it may happen on December 1. 

Christmas at the Mall in Toulouse

Melanie and Gabe were working on their "wine" tree today, but I've yet to look at it with them.  Maybe later.  We may also have another Mel Brook's movie, "Blazing Saddles"!  John's mom sent it to him in a "CARE" package.  Tomorrow we will just lay back and take it easy.