Our day started with some gentle rain but cleared before the end of
the 3.5 hour drive from Brest to Nantes. Scenery today was much the
same as yesterday - farms and towns - gently rolling hills.
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| Cozzie is dwarfed by this mechanical elephant |
The
venue for tonight's concert turned out to be beside a very large
Gallery/Museum of Machinery. But the featured machinery is not the type
farmers are using in fields on their farms. These machines are the
creations of designers who imagine spectacular, mechanical things. The
site consists of showrooms and a construction center.
Currently
there is a massive mechanical elephant on display there. It is out in
an open space but under the roof of this large site. I did not tour
this gallery but was able to view the elephant close up.
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| The "caboose" that powers this machine. |
While
Cozzie and I were strolling around the area, we noticed buses arriving
with large groups of very energetic and excited school children. And
before long we noticed children walking across a ramp to the top of the
elephant where there was an open area that looked like a circus tent on
top with a railing they could stand beside. And as we watched the
loading process, we also saw a man climb into an area that looked as
though it had controls for steering the elephant. In due time, the
elephant began to move - probably about 2 miles an hour - and came right
past us as we watched. Cozzie was in his stroller and didn't seem
afraid even when the elephant began to blow mist from his trunk and then
trumpet with fairly natural sounds of an elephant - really loudly. It
probably helped that I held his hand with one hand and videotaped with
my other hand.
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| Boarding from above... |
It was impressive! I'm sure the
elephant made a big circle through the complex and returned to give a
ride to another group of children as there were many children apparently
waiting for that experience.
You've probably noticed
that there are no photos with today's blog. Oops, I left my camera card
reader in the dressing room at the venue where we spent most of the day
- until after supper. I'm sure son James will bring the card reader
with him when they come to the hotel for the night but that will be long
after midnight so hopefully I'll be in bed by then. Will add photos
tomorrow hopefully. Done!
I haven't mentioned yet that Cozzie is learning new words rapidly
and using them quite often. He has learned to say "Bon Jour" which is
hello (good day) in French. He often says it over and over again in
what seems to be perfect diction. But usually when you want him to
greet a Frenchman with it, he gets shy and won't say anything until the
opportunity passes. Then he says it over and over again. He is also
learning to say Good-bye, Au Revoir, and Please, Sil vous plait. Very
cute!
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| Seeing familiar faces... |
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| Skype is a wonderful link when far away. |
Staying at the venue much of today allowed Cozzie to spend some
good time with his Mama. She decided to Skype home when he awakened
from a nap this afternoon. They were able to talk with his Mimi Wright
and his great grandparents, Gagi and Papa Wright. It was a sweet
connection and made very special because Cozzie decided to say "Gagi"for
the first time and said it over and over which was able to be
understood by his Mama's 94 year old grandmother. She had some wise
words for him and his mama and assured them of her constant prayers.
The call was special but also difficult as the Grandfather is in rapidly
declining health and is not expected to live much longer. He will
probably be with Jesus before this tour ends. Fortunately, there has
been significant quality time within the past few months but that
doesn't mean this is not a difficult time to be so far from those that
are so loved and cherished. Prayers will be welcome.
Our drive tomorrow is supposed to be just one hour. Maybe a sleep-in morning? Think Cozzie will like that?
His nose is still runny but he slept well last night so we both got good rest. Better take my vitimin C and head to bed.
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