He is here and I have someone to cook for and eat with. I have a date to take to dinner parties I’m invited to. He chops kindling. He washes dishes and keeps the fire going. He is just so wonderful and I am so grateful for this time together.

This week we are both working but even a rainy Monday morning felt lighter because he was there. I tiptoed in the dark so as not to wake he or Sophie as I got ready for the gym. Still tired from his travels, Matthew slept in until I returned home. Then, together, we braved the elements and Sophie and I took him on our walk. This time we hit the track so Sophie showed off her fierce sprinting skills. He was impressed. Hard not to be.

This week will be quiet with a few planned visits with friends. On the weekend I hope to take Matthew to Rennes one day and a beach the other. He wants to go to the beaches of Normandy but many have recommended the beaches in Brittany as more beautiful.

I changed out the window boxes the day before he came. These should weather the frost that is finally predicted for the end of the week. Actually, it is frost and snow forecast. I have only seen snow a few times her and it most quickly melts once it hits the ground. The first fall and winter I was here was a bit colder and I remember December brought with it a few ice storms. Now, the grass is still green and the farmers are planting their winter crops.