Guess which lucky girl got to go to Epernay (self proclaimed Champagne capital), France this weekend?

And guess who got to sample a few glasses?

I know there are all sorts of scary, bad things going on in our lil shithole world, but I am not going to let any of that dampen my time in the land of glorious food, wine, beer (another Bachus miracle) and champagne.  It is 2018, and I’m no longer moving in or settling in to my new school, I’m in the thick of it and finally getting the chance to breathe and appreciate all of it — including the rare moments of actual sunlight (she’s danced quite a bit with us this weekend).   In less than 30 days (can you believe?!!) Joe and Badger join me, and then a little after that spring kicks in, and, well, there’s just so much for us to enjoy.  Thank you to all the powers that be for the gift of now and where I get to live, work and play.

Epernay is less than a 3 hour drive from Mons.  It’s an easy route (especially when you’re not the one driving), and great to do in the winter because it’s not crowded.  Since I’m blessed to get to meet and befriend wonderful people, I had a great time with my bubbly-sipping crew.  We laughed, sipped, ate, shopped and learned a lot.  I appreciate champagne more now that I know more about its process.  Perhaps during the summer Joe and I can visit the actual orchards too.

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And look at all of those glorious bottles just sucking up dust and time waiting for their champagne to be born…

As for other news my house is officially sold.  On January 4 a new family’s name went on its title.  I was surprised at how sad I was that day.  Had a good cry and mourned the passing of the place where I raised my children, but let’s be fair I raised my children in several places, that one was just where we lived the longest.  And our bond doesn’t end just because the house most of us haven’t lived in for a while is gone.  The next day I perked up when I saw the money in my account and realised, for now (you know it won’t last), I’m debt free.  The stresses in my life are no longer connected to bills, and I so hope to keep it that way!

Oh, and I also got my new spiffy iPhone for Christmas (Thanks Santa Joe), so enjoying having a phone that works quickly.  I’m learning to play with its camera too, but I still prefer an actual camera to the phone thing.  That said a phone is more convenient for tours and stuff.  When Joe gets here we’ll go on hiking trips where I can play with my Nikon and whatnot (sadly my Sony died), so life is transitioning back to normal again.

Of course there’s so much more going on — I’ve had some great meals, great times with friends, great experiences with students and the not-so great stuff like jet lag and wearing the wrong footwear on a cold rainy day.

Tried this tasty French appetiser Oeufs en Meurette.  It’s a poached egg in a red wine sauce (beans, meat and mushroom stew).  I’m on a mission to visit Le Creuset (yeah I know Staub was this restaurant’s choice) in France to buy my own dutch oven and little cute stew serving dishes, so that I can start making some of these dishes on my own.

To counter all my imbibing I’m also joining a Zumba class and attempting to use the gym on base.  God help me it’s all about the balance.

As for all of you who plan on visiting, Mama has goodies waiting for you…