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Elle's had a visitor for the past 5 nights, a French Canadian friend from her year abroad in Canada.
When they're not out touring the Capitol, the Library of Congress or visiting the cherry blossoms, they're here filling the house with fruity scented shampoos, cooking turkey burgers on the grill, drinking endless bottles of white wine and talking in a polyglot of tongues. I walked in the other night and they were both sitting on the sofa listening to and singing along to Abba"s Dancing Queen.
And French or French Canadian they both make those poufy faces when displeased.
What"s not to love.
Tonight they grilled hot dogs, I had a kale salad. We met in the middle with smores.
I have to thank S-man for opening up my eyes to the joy of actually engaging with not just living with "The Renter".
If you're gonna live with someone, live with them, he said.
Elle has been a ginormous help during these 7 weeks of recovery. Perfectly coiffed she takes out the trash on her way to work, insists on scrubbing any pots or pans I may have used in my stabs at cooking. She puts the cover on my duvet and shakes, shakes, shakes it up in a very bonne femme manner.
She is the keeper of the gate for the cats, letting them in and out and in and out.
She is in charge of the dishwasher and scolds me roundly if I dare to empty it.
We're a good team, she says.
Oui.
My friends love her. She's been invited to Cape Cod to visit Susan and as I sit here typing, she and My friend Nelda are on line buying tickets for a soccer game.
This time last year my heart was cold and empty. Now my heart and home are filled again with friendship, cooking and laughter.
Glass filled to the brim. Thank you Universe.
xo J
Awesome.
ReplyDeleteS
xo
Right?
DeleteI have wondered what it would be like to share one's home with strangers like you do. I guess they're only strangers for a short time.
ReplyDeleteYour post title now has the Canadian national anthem stuck on a loop inside my head. I adore hockey, and I sing along whenever I'm watching the beginning of a game that includes Canadian teams.
Now you know why it takes me so long to find a new roommate....close quarters.
DeleteI heard it about a 100 times over the long weekend:-)
Sounds like a party at your house. We too had house guests this weekend to see the cherry blossoms. I am SO glad that my partner bought the metro tickets ahead of time. On Saturday, the Vienna metro line came out of the ticket area, down the hall (on both sides), out the door and down the block! I have never seen it soooo packed but we made it downtown and took our pictures with thousands of others. Then it was time to head home for a very late lunch and drinks.
ReplyDeleteI love the "...in and out and in and out." A cat is never happy being on what it considers the wrong side of a door.
fyi, there's a possible freeze warning out for tonight in our area.
You are braver than I, i forgo the trip and enjoyed the flowering plum in my own yard.
DeleteWhat a day today, it's sleeting now! Luckily I have no annuals to bring in. Crossing my fingers for the pansies.
Oh Jane this makes me so happy! Families are made, and you seem to make the world yours. Enjoy. And continued healing, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHealing on all levels, right?
DeleteHow wonderful! Hugs (but gently to protect your shoulder).
ReplyDeleteThank you, I appreciate your delicacy:-)
DeleteNo one deserves a happy year more than you do. Am glad that Elle has been a good fit - after S-man we were very worried that you would never have a good renter again, but it appears that you have struck gold again. Perhaps the real joy is in finding different kinds of gold.
ReplyDeleteHope the shoulder is coming along well. June 1 and you will be good to go! xoxox
Beautifully said Webb. I love that my world gets bigger every "shift change".
DeleteShoulder doing well, PT a killer, I'm finally using weights and am encouraged to reach up high to get something off a shelf. Of course I'm also encouraged to keep my left hand there too in case I can't hold said item.
I want my muscles back!
Glad to hear it! xo
ReplyDelete:-))
DeleteInsert smiley for Jane.
ReplyDeleteI think we all knew you'd again be surrounded by love and girls - and SMan was such a good transitional live-in for you. You have gifts Jane. Wonderful gifts.
ReplyDeleteAs ever you are too kind. My friends are my true gifts. xo
DeleteNow this is heart warming. I think I could learn a lot about friendship from you.
ReplyDeleteYay. Sounds like a lovely arrangement.
ReplyDeleteCheers to a good team! And I agree with Jen...heartwarming!
ReplyDeleteHurray to you! Glad to hear you are so Happy :-) Have a great Easter Jane!
ReplyDeleteMadelief x
So happy to hear of all your happy! Life has been dragging me away from blogging recently but lovely to find you in great spirits. Gutted to have missed FITH! Big love, Bx
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing to come home to!
ReplyDeleteGulp.... what a touching post. I feel so happy for you; S-man was so right.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you have found such a fabulous housemate and friend, and to read that things are looking up for you. You're certainly due for some happy times!
ReplyDeleteCheers to glasses filled to the brim!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I thought that after four years in France, I would have perfected that French pout, but it never happened ;(