Distractions

Of course, as well as preparing for France, we have our usual life going on. Right now we are coming up on Roger's retirement and Mardi Gras. Roger's last day of work is February 12. After that, he will be on vacation until April 30, at which time he will officially retire.

February 12 is also the commencement of Mardi Gras weekend, when we will be providing sleeping quarters for about 14 people and feeding about 18. Plus my grand-dog, Bruno. My kids are coming earlier so in reality, the "weekend" starts before that time. I think Eric comes Wednesday and Alicia and Shelli on Thursday. I'm not clear exactly when everybody is leaving. It is always a lot of fun hosting our kids and their friends for this time. We don't care much for Mardi Gras, so we put all our efforts into making it a fun time for others. I have to admit, though, that we are thoroughly exhausted at the end!

Beds are all worked out, food is not. Some of it is very traditional - we have served the same thing for the past 10 years or more! King cake for breakfasts, Cajun roast beef sandwich makings for Saturday lunch to take to Iris and Tucks, chicken lasagna for Sunday lunch. This year we are thinking about a big pot of soup for Thursday night, and some shrimp fettuchini or something similar for Friday night. Monday might be chicken enchilada casserole. I'm thinking about pre-making mini-quiches and sausage balls to supplement breakfasts, plus we have a Cinnabon mix we really need to use up before we go to France. It has been sitting in our pantry for a while because we cannot afford to eat it!