the biggest SNAIL I've ever seen.

As it is common knowledge,  Escargot is a popular dish in France.  



I think I have figured out why.  France has GIANT snails.   Well, at least to this Tennessee girl, they are giant.  I have seen some tiny ones, but today I saw the biggest SNAIL I've ever seen.


It was probably 3 inches long.  I could see its entire body slithering across the window.  I do not really even remember seeing an actual SNAIL itself, only one's shell. 



Today, Marie and I saw this giant snail on the kitchen window.  We watched mezmorized (mezmorized for her because she is 4, mezmorized for me because it was incredible!) but then we continued playing whatever little game we were playing.   A few hours later, we saw another GIANT snail by the back door.  I could see its eyes, body, and shell.   Marie and I watch again!   It was time for dinner, so her Mom told her not to go outside.   

ext thing we know Marie has ran into the other room, only to come back with her rainboots on and her coat zipped up.  She was ready to see that snail.  Her mom said, "Okay, but do not crush the snail."     

So we go outside and watch it slither around.  Next thing I know, I spot ANOTHER giant snail not to far away.  Just as excited as Marie, I exclaimed, "Marie, Look!  Another Snail!!!"  I then picked up the second snail and placed it next to the first.   Marie ran over so happy, and we both enjoyed the little snail family.     We had to go inside for dinner, but we were able to watch them every now and then as we ate.


At dinner, playful little Marie decides to do something not very nice to the potatoes, so her father tells her she is in time out and has to go to her room.   She begins bawling her eyes out, and we can hear her crying alll the way in her room.   Her dad goes up after a few minutes to explain to her what she did was wrong.   We thought she was crying because she was in trouble.  

"I want the snails to come inside with me."

She was bawling, because the snails were still outside. Not because she was in time out.  Not because she did something her parents didn't like.  Oh that little Marie!


So then she comes back downstairs, we look out the kitchen window and instead of TWO snails, there is only ONE!  The tears start flowing again.


Meanwhile, this whole scene is being spoken in French.  I still think Marie is crying because she is in trouble.  Until she is back downstairs crying and pointing, "Escargot! Escargot! Escargot! Escargot!"    I finally picked up on what was going on.   Her parents and her were being all serious, and I was trying so hard not to laugh, so I had to run into the other room and I start dying laughing. Then everyone else starts laughing.    



The Dad then gets a glass jar, puts some water, and leaves, and the little snail inside.  


Escargot.    I hope this is not going to be dinner tomorrow night.




Leah