I found some Lay’s Barbeque Potato Chips in the grocery store. I bought them, since they are my favorites. It made me wonder why the store carried them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m grateful to be able to find these items. However, from all angles you hear how the French hate everything American yet you find Coca Cola/Pepsi and McDonalds here. Lay’s, Nestle’s Quick, Skippy peanut butter (ok Skippy is a bad example since it is actually marketed in the foreign foods section) Quaker Oats, Pantene, Heinz Ketchup (no Hellmann’s Mayo though, I’ve e-mailed Hellmann’s about that and am awaiting an emergency shipment from them any day now.) the list is long. I think that somewhere along the line the French news makers have failed to inform the average French Joe that they hate everything American. McDonalds is hopping every time I go past it. Do they not know that McDonald’s is the anti-christ?
Just re-heated my morning coffee in my new microwave. Baked scones yesterday and am having one for breakfast. They are really yummy.
Spoke to J this morning before she went to sleep. Sending warm thoughts and comfort to her. Mom will be back soon darling. Chin up.
Looks like it’s going to be a bright sunny day. S will be home early today so I can steal the car for a bit to shop. He is leaving tonight for a couple of days. Again.
We received the following e-mail from Americans in Toulouse:
A DAY IN THE GERS WITH GILBERT (Adults Only)
(NOTE: Children will not be catered for on this occasion)
Saturday, 4 October, 10:15 – Cologne, Abbaye de Planselve, Gimont, Caumont, Cazaux-Saves, Foie Gras farm near l’Isle-Jourdain
There is no need to always take your visitors to Carcassonne or Cordes! This day with Gilbert will give us the opportunity to become acquainted with treasures close to home, beginning with the thirteenth century bastide village Cologne where we will meet near the covered market at 10:15. We will then follow Gilbert to the Abbaye de Planselve with its wonderful pigeonnier cum mediaeval ice house and learn about its important links with America before a brief tour and lunch in nearby Gimont at Le Coin du Feu which is offering for 16 euros per person a seasonal lunch of Assiette de Rillettes d’oie, Cuisse de Canard Vigneronne et sa garniture, Glace Pruneaux Armagnac, vin et café (vegetarian alternatives available on request).
After lunch, we will head for the magnificent sixteenth century Chateau de Caumont (again with strong American ties) and the adjacent mediaeval village Cazaux-Saves before ending our day with an introduction to the Gers’ most famous export - Foie Gras! For those with the time and inclination to continue, Gilbert will lead us to a duck farm close to l’Isle-Jourdain, where we will watch the birds being fed, and afterwards be treated to a tasting of foie gras made on the premises.
I’m all on board until the foie gras part. (Sorry Ken) But S will want to do that part I’m afraid. Well, we received our confirmation e-mail, so now we’re committed (or should be).
