Our 1st Petanque Tournment, and a surprise dinner!

Our friend, Louis, and his friend, Francois, entered us into a pétanque tournament!  It was held in a small village, about 15 minutes from here.  We knew Francoise and his wife, Bette 3 years ago at Louis' birthday party.  We joined a group of people, men, women, and children in a day-long series of games.  It was just wonderful.  Of course, we were the only unknowns in the tournament, in that these people were all from the village of Matzenheim, and surrounding villages.  The town people had put up 4 tents and set out about 25 picnic tables and a few benches.  The day started out cool, but was slated to be a hot one, with sunny skies and the temperatures rising into the 90's!  

   Bruce and I were paired up and matched against older couples, young men in their late teens and little boys, none of whom speak English, but all of whom were rather interested in the people from California!  Fortunately, the game speaks for itself, but unfortunately, we are new to the game, and not very good players!  All of the players seemed pleased that we were interested in their favorite past-time, and, combined with the fact that we had the grace to loose, we felt welcomed as semi-special guests!  

   Lunch was prepared by the town butcher and several lovely young ladies.  (Ham or grilled sausages, German style potato salad, and sliced tomato salad).  Beer, wine, coffee and German pretzels were for sale the entire day.  Toddlers ran around the area, adding a lovely spectacle for all.  The day did get hot, with sun burns and sun tans appearing on every piece of exposed skin!  Hot! From 9:30 to 6:00, we played 5 games at a leisurely, French pace....a civilized break for beer or wine or water, in between games!  

  Trophies were presented and everyone celebrated the winners.  Nothing marred the day...not even a bee sting!  Everyone called our Auto Revoir to us when we left! ......So French...a day of inclusive sport, with babies, children, mamas, papas, and grandparents (into their 80's),  sunshine, food, and drink!  Humm....I think they are doing something RIGHT! 

    At the end of the day, as we sat down to have a glass of Rosé, Francois announced that he would like all of us, and Lillian,  Louis' wife, to join him and his wife, Bette, for a glass of Crémant (a fine,  Alsacian sparkling wine) at his home.  Of course, we said yes!  We thought it was only for a drink!   But no, we arrived to find that Bette must have been in on this wonderful surprise!  Their lovely apartment had a smell of fresh-baked something...Hum?   Well..... from the the Crémant we moved into a very special dinner of Raclette...a Swiss specially of cheese, sliced meats and sausages, shallots and lardon (little chunks of Canadian bacon), that you bake on the table, in individual little trays.  The melted cheese, shallots and lardon are poured over boiled potatoes.  Delicious!  More Alsacian white wine was served.  And just when you thought you were done...Bette brought out the lightest, most delicious cheesecake that we have ever tasted!  Licquors were introduced, but by that time no one was interested!  The night ended at about 11:00, with our new friends telling us that this lovely dinner in their home, came from their heart!  

The entire day was fun, and the dinner was really touching, and just plain delicious and special!  What a great experience!

Here are the trophies (that we didn't win!) .......the players.....Bruce staring down the cheese cake, and our friends, Francois and Bette, with the wonderful cheese cake!