Family is a Privelage

I had a very productive but uneventful Saturday.

Spent the whole day in the library attempting to do work. I may or may not have failed to be as productive as I should have been due to the fact that I may or may not have brought my iPod with me.

When I got home, Benoit and one of Anne's older sisters who was visiting were bottling up the second box of wine. I got there in time to apply all the labels. It was a very relaxing time, with all the windows and doors wide open to let the house breathe and embrace the sweet spring fragrances carried on the gentle breeze. Dinnertime was very lively and delicious. I head out early to meet Trey after his daytrip with ERASMUS. Of course, we had planned to head on over to Le Welsh.

I almost did not recognize him. Trey had a giant red beard that he had been boasting for the past year and a half. Last Thursday, he decided to shave it all off. It was a startling contrast. I still managed to point him out because of his sandals, jacket and backpack that he sported every day. I believe the first words that I said to him were, "Your chin is gone." We had a good laugh, then I asked how his wife reacted to his change of facial hair. He said she liked it alright. Honestly, it took a few hours for me to get used to.

The walk over to Le Welsh was a refreshing one. As soon as we walked in, the barmen recognized me, but were taken aback by Trey's nude face. One thing I love about Le Welsh is that their beer list is endless. I've gone in and tried something new every time. Saturday was the day for me to try vin chaud. This is hot, spiced red wine, and it is absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be making it in the fall and winter for my family and friends. We did not stay very long that night, as both Trey and I were exhausted from the day. Besides, Sunday was a big day, and I needed my rest.

Sunday was the reunion of Anne's family at our house. About two or three times a year, and her siblings all like to get together and catch up. This was the first meeting of the year. Anne is the youngest of 6 children, with 3 older sisters and 2 older brothers. They came from a very Catholic background (Anne is the only daughter that doesn't have "Marie" in her first name... but it is her second middle name). Almost all of them brought their spouses, so we had 9 extra people in the house starting at 11am.

It was a very traditional French gathering: hors d'oeuvre and amuse-bouches accompagnied by apéritifs from the beginning until around 2pm. Then, we all gathered inside for a very large meal and some great red wine with fresh baguettes and delicious cheeses. It was so much fun just being a part of all the conversation and bantering with all the aunts and uncles that had come to visit. Manon and I were definitely the odd ones out, but it was still a great time. After such a luxurious lunch, we retired once more to the patio outdoors for dessert, fruit salad, and accompanying beverages (coffee, tea, rosé, and a very strong alcohol made from plums that I could barely have a sip of). It was such a wonderful afternoon! The whole dining and talking and digesting process lasted until 5 in the afternoon. Anne has such a nice family! They're all amazing, open people. When I told her this, her response was, "Yes, we are very lucky." The next dinner of the siblings is at the end of May... and I was invited!

This is how I want my family to function. Corinne and Andra and I should make a point of maintaining a close connection like that as we get older. It's funny how going away has made me realize how important these relationships really are.