July, the time of the village parties.  In July, we prepare Duck Confit and Fries. … and salad and cheese and the rest. Very hot last night, but with the breeze we managed to keep things moving. Guests arrived for a giggle and a drink before dinner.  Our kids each drank a can of coke.  ’tis the season! They don’t drink Coke very often, so a nice cold “Coca” on a hot day is even better than a treat. The confit is prepared in a large round hot plate that has some name in French that escapes me.  Though, I’m sure in French it sounds better than “large round hot plate.”   I grabbed this rare shot of the villagers “blessing” the Large Round Hot Plate.  All arms in, a chant in Gascon before they put the confit into the large round hot plate to be cooked and offered to the village. .. that was a joke, I’m think they were testing the temperature.  … but it was a funny photo! After the chant, the duck legs go in and they cover with foil. The music plays and the confit cooks. This guy had some sort of synth accordion magic going on.  He could play Kenny G as well as classic accordion hits.  Also 80’s memories for most of the audience, except me.  If only he knew Billy Jean. A pick-up basketball game erupted with the hungry boys waiting for dinner. Gratuitous Z photo demonstrating how cute she is and therefore I must be also this cute.  Them there eyes. You know that feeling of an ice cold beer on a hot summer day?  Now add Peach syrup to that.  Think French Heifer Veizen.  AAAAaaaah. A bit of texting next to the confit.  We’re not all that isolated in Kentucky France. Good chats before dinner.  You can see by the still capture of mouth position, this group does not speak English.  There is a lot of passion in those lip positions.  Lots of vowels. Consonants tossed out like yesterday’s croissants.  If you want to express yourself in France, use your vowels. or shrug. Confit about ready.  Frites are on. Carlos, is ready to serve. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal.  We are still working out the timing of the frites, but when the frites arrived, they were great!   Salad, cheese followed.  Then apple tart with ice craem.  coffee and some local Armagnac. Then some dancing! Even the dogs tucked in to the groove.