MY BIRTHDAY YA HOO

Alanea went to England for a conference and met Chesteroo in Guildford, Jame's and Brad's little boy.  They are all staying with Francis until they move to their new house, Francis is very kind.  He is a very good little boy but he had a little belly problem that is OK now.  Alanea says he is so black coloured that you cannot see him in photos unless he is on a light background.  Dave and Alanea took me to the beach today because it is my birthday.  I am 12 years old today and I am still going strong.  I have had an interesting 12 years.  Born in Stevenville Ontario I first me Alanea and Dave when they came to check me out at only a few weeks old, Dave said that I was small then but now I am big 3 kg.  I decided that I would let them take me instead of my brother because my brother was not so smart as me so once again proof "if you snooze you lose".  Alanea and Dave picked me up after Dave ran in the New York Marathon (because I could not go to New York) and the rest is history.  I had good friends in Toronto but I like it here too.  Sharon might come in September.  I am now living in France and staying happy by eating good food and avoiding the douche.  Unfortunately Aunt Francoise and Uncle Heinz from Switzerland inspired Dave to buy an outdoor shower and I got put into it because it is so hot here.  Another year and soon Uncle Georg and Aunt Birgit will be here from Denmark.  Maybe Chester will come to France for a visit or I can go there.

Alanea and Chester in Guildford

Me on the Beach on my 12th birthday

Dave and me au naturelle in the back yard shower.

3 reasons why it is a great life

The Tour de France in Paris, me at the Cycling Club dinner and Dave's crepe creation.  Another Tour de France has come and gone faster than you can say Nibali.  The wonder and majesty of the TdF thrills cycling fans every year with the speed of the athletes outdone this year only by the attrition rate.  Injuries and fatigue considered "normal course" took out the big guns early but Vincenzo Nibali triumphed in Paris to the delight of fans all over the world.  Dave said that the big guns like Froome and Contador were missed if only as potential runners up.  Great to see French cyclists winning big.  The "Wiggins whiners" will have to wait until next year.  The photo taken from the TV is the best that I could do from Roquebrune Sur Argens.  Then last night Dave took me to the Cycling Club dinner outside in the village.  It was great but Gilbert, in the white shirt, said a joke in French about me that embarrassed the girls and made them squirm.  I was very happy to go despite the teasing and I got a piece of beef.  This morning Dave made a big crepe with peaches, banana, melon and raspberry topped with Greek yogourt.  I ate some too and it was very good.  My neighbours from Switzerland Uncle Heinz and Aunt Francoise left this morning but Uncle George and Aunt Birgit will come soon from Denmark.  George will give me something like salmon maybe.  I wish that the little ones were coming too but they are only a few months old and Maiken says it is too hot here.  No excuse (but love) for Iben not being here though.  Maybe she should have heard Gilbert's joke.