Lascours Lockdown, Day 337

Valentine's Day!

The girls came home early this morning to do homework and get ready before heading down to Roquevaire. 

At 9:45, we hopped in the car for the short drive down the hill to Maxime's. We were met with a warm welcome. A fire was blazing outside in a pit in the garden and a little table was set up with coffee, candy and crêpes. Luckily, in addition to masks, I had made the girls wear tights under their leggings, gloves and hats as it was only 4 degrees Celsius out. Maxime and Maeva exchanged gifts. Penny had also gotten a red sequin heart pillow for Laureva. Maeva's Winter Cardinal painting was a big hit.

When I saw how much trouble Maxime's parents had put in to the event, I felt bad about having to leave so soon, so after I dropped off the girls with Marie-Elisabeth at 10:10, I went back to finish my coffee and crepe. I ended up staying until nearly 2pm! Penny's mom in Australia is dying of cancer and she's thinking of trying to catch a government repatriation flight which leaves for Darwin from Frankfurt on Friday. The logistics of testing, travel, quarantine and family organization are complicated, however, but she'll have to make a decision about it tomorrow. After four hours outside in the freezing temps, I was chilled to the bone when I got home. I had to soak in a hot bath to warm up. As I did, I started reading the first Land of Stories book that Maeva loaned me yesterday. She seemed keen for me to read it, so I thought I'd give it a go.

The girls got back from their hike about 4pm. They'd gone up to a military installation on a hill above La Ciotat with Alain, Jackye and Gabrielle. The views were reportedly good, but it was windy at the top. Laureva's cheeks were quite rosy from the cold. I can't imagine it was the most enjoyable picnic ever, but I haven't heard any complaints.

It was fun to see everyone's snow on the hangout this evening. Stay warm and safe!!