Dinner in Gerardmer

Last night, we had dinner in Gerardmer with Remi, our nephew (Philippe and Christine's son). Ren enjoyed a fillet St. Pierre with a green salad and some potatoes made in the traditional Vosgian way (lard, butter, herbs...).

I can't remember what Remi ate, but it was good.

As for me, I ordered the Menu du Jour, which started with a beautifully presented and delicious type of pate' made with lentils and thin slices of duck. My main dish was Rognons de Veau. Do you know what those are? I thought I did. I thought I was ordering little veal steaks. I was wrong. Rognons are kidneys....

Since it is considered impolite and bad manners not to finish what is served to you, I ate them. And to be honest, they were really good--once I got beyond the idea of it. (Can you tell how I felt when I figured out what I was eating?)

This morning, the three of us went on a bike ride nearby. After a lunch of sliced tomatoes from the garden, tuna, cheese, and bread, Patrick and I rode our bikes over the his brother Philippe's house, just in time for coffee and chocolate. Then Patrick ran an errand while I picked up our mail from Ida's house--a letter from Lynette was waiting--what a nice surprise! And then I rode my bike to the butcher to reserve a roast chicken for Sunday lunch. We'll have more of the green beans and potatoes that our neighbor Mr. Rouault brought us to thank us for helping him put up his wood, roast chicken, and salad from Ida's garden. Life is good! The only wish is to have more sunshine!