December 13th

We spent the day in Milly. it alternated freezing rain and watery sunshine. We mostly stayed in the truck, though Hilary had spent the night at Jacky and Nick's with Josie and Elena so I went around earlyish to pick her up. We found an aire to stay at, it doesn't have power but does have other facilities and it keeps us out of Jackie and Nick's hair, there is another one in the town with power but it was too wet to stay there (grassy underground) but maybe in a day or two there will be a spot we can use. Ze babysat Elena in the afternoon in the truck which was fun, she had a lovely time playing with Hilary's toys and enjoying our company. She seems to know we are relatives and doesn't mind spending time with us, though she is still a little anxious about creche.
I had a quick walk into Milly to post our insurance letter (which got to Le Mans very quickly I must say) but it being 3 o'clock a lot of the shops were closed. In the afternoon Hilary and I played soccer in the car park at the aire, and then we went to Nick and Jackie;s for dinner. We slept well in the truck despite the rain and howling wind; and are now here at Jacky's again looking after Josie while Jacky and Elena are at swilling lessons. Josie doesn't have school on Wednesday. she used to go on Saturday morning instead, but now they just do 4 long days instead. It is lovely to be able to help out with child care to give a bit back to Jacky and Nick who have been wonderful at accommodating us and making us welcome and helping with dealing with French businesses etc. Of course it is also wonderful that Hilary and Josie can spend time together too. They get on really well and it is nice for them both to have English speaking companions to play with. They are in the kitchen now creating a birthday cake for Nick who has his birthday today, they didn't want any help, so hopefully all will be good.  Josie has done a 10 day courdon bleu course (she is only two days older than Hilary) but they have great opportunities over here (if parents can afford it). She is going on a 10 day camp in January to the Alps where she will ski (alpine and cross country), sled with teams of dogs, go our animal tracking in the snow, and raquetting (I think) walking on those snow shoes/tennis racquet things.
Anyway, I need to go, to let Di have a turn, and to get some bread, hopefully I'll be able to sort the computer out with Jacky's help and then it will be all go again.