The volunteer who stayed

ONE SUNNY MORNING

I´m finally on top of my admin tasks thanks to a stop at Mc Donalds (not much gluten-free and vegetarian, unfortunately) after dropping off Isabell and Gerry at the airport. I really needed some good wifi and a bit of peace and quiet. Haha.

I´ve been updating our calender and replying on our volunteer requests on workaway. Finally. I always feel so embarrassed when responding to a 2-week old request, especially when I´ve been working hard on increasing our reply rate. Well, we´re on 78%, and that’s okay for now.

Speaking of volunteering, I just realised that I´m the volunteer who ended up staying. After almost 8 months at the chateau, I believe I´ve become a proper «Lalander». I now have more robes then underwear (Influenced by Stephanie). They are the unofficial uniform in this house. We´ve even talked about offering the B&B guests fabulous robes too. One of my favourite things to do in the morning is to go down to the kitchen and get my self a cup of tea while wearing a comfy robe. I´ve also become the «know-it-all» around the house (unfortunately, haha). I usually know what’s happening, where things are and what needs doing. Weirdly, it´s both satisfying and stressful. Luckily I´ve learned to enjoy whiskey in bed while watching Game of Thrones with Stephanie. I haven´t watched anything of the series, and I´m not really a fan, but I love watching it with S as she is a major fan!

When I stayed in Norwich in September (to settle down there), I never would have thought that I would stay in France for this long. I only planned for 2 weeks, and now I´m probably looking at a whole year.

Good God, I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful.

Alright. I better head home to Lalande. Tomorrow we´re doing our traditional Saturday shopping day. It´s been a while since we had a look in the second-hand shops in La Châtre. I´m hoping to find more fabric for my summer dress sewing-project.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Marie