My Birthday Week

 Sunday 15- the week started off quietly. I read, took the dog out, read some more. Later in the afternoon we took the kids to the beach. I waded but didn't dunk. The kids played and had fun and Karen went in too. I did a crossword and people- watched as I didn't have a book with me. 

Charlie, Karen and I played a couple of games in the evening. At 1 a.m. David was leaving Crotone, for a special overnight walk to Capocolonna to arrive at sunrise. ( link below)

 https://www.interfaithmary.net/black-madonna-index/crotone

Monday 16- took the dog on a walk of exploration today. Decided I needed to see something new. I wove up and down streets to 'connect the dots' for me and did 5.11 km. In the afternoon, I made a grocery list as I planned to make gingerbread cake for my birthday. I researched how to do it without molasses (not to be found in France) and found one, and also one for gluten free for Karen. I planned to cook them next day while kids were at school. I found everything I needed at Intermarche, and kids needed a Covid test on way home from school.

Tuesday 17- prepared to make the cakes but waited till Charlie went to the gym. The dough tasted and smelled right so I could only hope they would turn out okay. Besides, anything can be enhanced with dollops of whipped cream(forgot pictures). After they cooked, I did the dog walk. Then, at noon when Karen was done, we got ready and went out to lunch on the boardwalk by the beach. We had Salade Thai avec Crevettes, dessert of Mousse Marscapone aux Agumes, and coffee. It was lovely and warm and felt very touristy. I considered trying to buy the little coffee cup which said Cafe Richard( like I'd done in Napoli), but settled for a picture.

 We had the gingerbread for snack before they went to judo. I talked to both sons through the course of the day and got oodles of good wishes by email, and facebook. 

Wednesday 18- very laid back day today, listening to a book much of the time. For supper, I ordered several pizzas (my birthday choice) and chicken wings for Karen. None of them opened till at least 5:30 so we took advantage of the luxury of  delivery. 

Thursday 19- mostly just reading and walking. Today on our way home Ribsy and I went to fruit/vegetable stand and got some things for lunch. I like the neighbourhood feel of walking everywhere to get what you need. I'll sure miss that.

Friday 20- Tedy's teacher was sick today so both children stayed home. I left them at the playground while I walked the dog and then we got baguettes and tomatoes and cukes for lunch. 

Saturday 21- this is the last day of celebration. After Karen finished around noon, she and I took a drive. She had a plan. It took us through Nice, which was technically my first time in the city. We drove for a while beside Promenade des Anglais

and then on to Eze.

There is a medieval castle and church on top of a mountain and you can tour it . We ended up parking outside town, in order to find a place, and then walked back and up to it. It was interesting to see, 

but all the buildings were taken over with expensive shops, so nothing looked authentic, except the church.

 Mass is still conducted there and it is in restoration process but lovely to see.

It amazes me how it was decided to chisel a town out of the top of a mountain, and how it would have been done. 

It was an interesting adventure. Finished the day with a family game of Dixit. Watched David's team in the evening on Facebook playing Mad Bulls again but in Barletta. Unfortunately, Achei lost 24-20. Close one, not like when Achei beat them 26-0 a couple of weeks ago.

And so ends the Birthday Week chalked full of memories. Add it to ones I've had in Russia, Thailand, Frankfurt, Haiti, and mostly Canada. 

Enjoy your long weekend, Canada.