Day 147 (24 November 2010) – Dear Christine’s Mom
Dear Christine’s Mom,
I know we’ve not met but Christine tells me you are a regular reader of my blog. In many ways, that makes us friends, although so far the communication part of our friendship is kind of one-sided. Do you keep a blog? I’d be pleased to be a regular reader. 
You know, even things up as it were.
Also, you get to see lots of pictures (well, one each day) of things that interest me. Look at today’s for instance. Of course you know that’s your daughter. I took it a while back. She and your son-in-law came over one night. I so liked Christine’s dress that I asked her to pose for a photo, thinking the picture might be blog-worthy. I hope I’m not getting her in trouble when I tell you that’s a cocktail in her hands. She tells me she’s a grown-up and can make her own decisions about things like cocktails. I don’t know. I’m guessing she’ll always be your little girl. Anyway, if you do share with me any blog you may be writing, be sure to put some pictures on it for your new American friend in France.
Before I sign off, I think you’d be interested in knowing that your daughter just left our house. She came with your lovely granddaughter Claire (yes, Celeste is lovely, too, but she didn’t come), and she dropped off a turkey she had just picked up from the butcher. You see, Melinda and I are in charge of making an American Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and your French branch of the family is all coming (you know it’s a work or school day for those people in our neighborhood not lucky enough to be on a sabbatical). I may even post a photo and write about it tomorrow night. We’ll see how it goes.
Bisoux,
French Sabbatical 
Hi Andy! What a delight to meet you, at last! As Christine has told you, I am a faithful reader of your blog and enjoy every word and every picture (even those not of my grandchildren!) I think I enjoyed your parents’ visit as much as they did. Your Thanksgiving feast looks splendid, as do our beautiful families seated around the table.
Unfortunately, I do not have a blog, nor do I post to Facebook – I just shamelessly read everyone else’s posts (but yours are my very favorite 🙂
I look forward to following the remainder of your year in Nantes. Thanks for sharing!
Christine’s Mom (Diane)
Diane! So nice to get your comment and to meet you, as well. We feel so fortunate to have landed in a neighborhood that includes your family. Thanks so much for taking the time to say hi. 🙂 –Andy