The first week at Acquigny

The first week at Acquigny has been a whirlwind. Madame d'Esneval speaks extremely quickly and is very difficult to understand, and Monsieur switches back and forth between French and heavily accented English with us, so it's just as difficult to understand. Thankfully Adrien is easy to understand, so at least when I'm working I'm not too confused. The other intern here is working with the visitors, and she's already been a life-saver in helping me understand what's going on and by being a little piece of the states to help me feel less homesick.

The guardians have some English Bulldogs that they're breeding, and they have puppies that we get to play with! They're really adorable, and puppies always make you feel better when you're feeling a little lost and lonely.

Seriously, how could you NOT feel better after seeing this face?

There are 5 puppies. And they're all so FAT!

Lisa really wants to take this one home with her.

Work in the garden this week included weeding, maintaining edging, and collecting fruit. They have quite the collection out in the potager (kitchen garden) here! Wild strawberries seem to the family favorite, as well as raspberries and cherries. I finally learned what currant plants look like, but I only thought there were the two types – Black and Red. Of the standard ones, there’s also a Pink which is much sweeter, and then some crosses that look like big grapes. I have no translation for what they told me they’re called, but they’re definitely close relatives to the currants. Madame uses the fruits I collect to make preserves and jams that will last the family all year. I’ve never met anyone so determined to waste nothing, it’s pretty fantastic!