Bonjour Monsieur Poulet! - Wednesday

Bonjour Paris!  Bonjour Mister Chicken!

We launched our Wednesday in separate camps.  The ladies headed for Musee D'Orsay and Lyle and I decided to skip it (I love art, but my feet hurt.)  So we wandered through the Mariais, the Ile St Louis and the Ile de la Cite.  The Ile de la Cite is where Notre Dame is.

 While we were walking past Notre Dame, Lyle and I saw what appeared to be a photo shoot for a Japanese bridal magazine.  I sprang into action!

Don't judge me.  I later saw two Japanese girls doing the exact same pose atop Notre Dame.  I really wish I had asked to take a photo with them.

We arranged to meet the ladies at the Bon Marche Grande Epicurean in St Germain.

The food there is amazing.  Each item a work of art.  Even the radishes all looked polished and perfect. Such an beautiful, glorious, expensive store...

 Vueve Cliquot was sponsoring an a large display of champagne.  They had special packaging showing Vueve packed away like sardines.  Cindy and Lyle share the difficult task of begin in a photo for scale and perspective.  I think Cindy is Scale, Lyle is perspective.

Our plan for a lovely sit down lunch was slightly hindered by being ready at about 2:30 for lunch.  No sitting down for lunch in Paris at 2:30.

 So we purchased some nibbles and had a standing picnic in the middle of the food floor.

 Post "lunch" we did some tour of the shops in St Germain.  Angie bought a pair of hot pumps, Cindy, Dorothy, and Bev all bought some, how do they say it in France?... "seductive wear".  Let's leave it at that. (wink, wink)

We can't shop all day.  Ok, I can shop all day.  But other people wanted to see "sights".  We headed to Jardin du Luxembourg.

 Bev shows us all how it's done, strike an imperial pose!

 Angie hit a regal mark.

 Cindy is royal and pondering who to have beheaded.

 Venita let us all know she is in charge.  Do not question the queen!

 Dorothy was back at he apartment.  Insert Dorothy, here.

 The Jardin du Luxembourg is the park directly behind the French Senate building. Its gorgeous.

 Lyle directs the royal guard to do his bidding with a little assistance from Venita.

 Of course I am winsome and warm to all.

On our way headed home we am across something none of us had seen so far this trip... SUN!!!

After a number of hearty French winter/spring meals, the ladies were crying out for one thing: Vegetables.  Lyle and I made a reservation at Nos Ancetres les Gaulois.  When you are seated, they bring the table an ENORMOUS basket of fresh vegetables to eat to your heart's content.

 Cindy looks pretty content.

The meal also includes a bottomless jug of red wine, coldcuts, a hot meat skewer of your choices, a cheese and fruit course and then, just when you think you'll explode, dessert.

 This is a little bit into the endless jug 'o wine.

 Beverly was missing her kiwi.

Dorothy always knows how to make friends and an entrance.

After a late night of dining, we made our way home by foot.  Foot.  Foot.  Everything we do in this city is on foot.  My feet are killing me!

All pretty like apackage with a bow.

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"It's a great day to enjoy Orangina!"
(taken at Robert et Louise)

Yes, I wore a bow-tie on vacation.  It looked good.  The proprietor of the restaurant commented how fancy and French i looked.  I guess the weirder part is, I packed a bow-tie to take with me on vacation.  Well, you can't help being exactly who you are.  Can you.

Indoor Grilling

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"Lunch is seared. "
(taken at Robert et Louise)

En Paris, il pleut beaucoup - Tuesday

 Tuesday We slept in.  And by slept in, I mean we didn't get up before 8 am.

Lyle, Cindy and I went out for a quick coffee and pastry (petite dejeuner) and to buy toilet paper.  5 girls in an apartment.  As Lyle said, "What do girls DO with all that paper?"  Once supplies were laid in, we were ready to tackle the day.

We headed out of the apartment and aimed for the Metro stop of Republique.  My favorite part of being in Paris is the ability to wander and discover.  We wandered towards our Metro stop and discovered a cream puff shop.  An entire shop, dedicated to mini cream puffs.  I had to have one. 

Anyone who knows me, knows I had to have the one with the most cream filling.  And I did. 

 It was delicious.  The bottom of the cup was chocolate, the top cream was praline.  It was like Neutella peanut butter cup cream puff.  three bites and it was done.  Just the right size for 10 am.

We continued on and wandered through a market.

 I saw this man who was getting ready to take his puppies for a motorcycle ride. 

The dog who wasn't in the satchel, was placed inside the front of his jacket for the ride.

We made it  to Le Metro, and got off at Blanche.  This is the sight of the World Famous Moulin Rouge.  I've never been inside, but the photo opportunity from the street is a delight.  We were all so excited because it wasn't raining.  Perhaps our luck with the weather had changed?

 It had not.  5 minutes after our beautiful photo, it started to rain.  Then it began to pour.  As I've said, even Paris in the rain, is still Paris.  Today I was saying even Paris in the Pouring rain is still Paris... but I'm sick of being wet.

We walked to the Montmartre Cemetery.  Parisian cemeteries are beautiful and I knew we'd all enjoy seeing something we wouldn't normally see, but I did have an ulterior motive.  I adore Dalida.  She is an icon in France.  Only when I was researching where to go on this tour day did I discover that the Montmartre Cemetery is where her grave is.  I had to make the pilgrimage.  I had to see this site.

 Even is pouring rain, she was radiant.  I wish I had brought flowers.

The rest of the cemetery is also interesting. 

 

 This grave marker reminded me of the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland.  The concave carving of the face followed you as you walked past.  Who says to themselves, "After I die, I want my grave marker to be creepy?" Apparently this guy.

We continued up the hill, in the rain, heading towards Sacre Couer.

 Venita and Cindy pose with the Parisian skyline.  If you can see the tiny gold dome behind them, that is the dome over Napoleon's tomb.

We made it to Sacre Couer.  My favorite thing to do is climb to the top of the church (all 300 steps) and see the amazing view from up top.  Except it was no longer raining, it was PISSING DOWN WATER.  So many clouds, so little view.  Instead we went inside to see the church, along with everyone else who was dodging the rain.

Sacre Couer, exterior.

 It may be raining in Paris, but hey, we have each other and that, as the sign above says, is "No Problemo."

 After Sacre Couer, we walked out of the Montmartre area, took the Metro to the Belleville area and started walking back to Republique.  The rain never let up.  Lyle bought an umbrella, Cindy bought a gold handbag, Beverly bought "nude" patent leather boots, and we all stopped and bought an alcoholic drink in a corner bar to fortify us for the rest of the journey back to the apartment.

Tuesday night we went to a favorite restaurant of mine just off of Place des Vosges, Bistro L'Oullette. This was my third time eating here.  I come for the cassoulet.  It is the best I have had (apologies to Lyle) and I must say the photo I took of it is terrible.

So much food, such good company, and a fitting finish to the meal, Dessert! 

Pastry is good

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"Is it time for breakfast yet?"
(taken at Antelise Sarl, boulangerie et patisserie )

Afternoon refreshements

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"Let's stop for a drink this afternoon. Along the canal. In Paris. During the rain. "
(taken at Canal Saint-Martin)

Dalida is radiant

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"I made the pilgrimage. "
(taken at Cimetiere De Montmartre)

Bonjour Paris! - Monday

After flying overnight from all different points across Western North America, we started our day in our Marais apartment the best way I know how, with a photoshoot.

 Angie hasn't arrived, she will arrive on Tuesday.

We left the apartment and walked down into the heart of the Marais, in the rain.  As most people know I hate the rain.  But I often say, even in the rain, it's still Paris.

We stopped for lunch at Cafe Philosophers.

 Dorothy entertains Lyle at lunch.

Apres lunch, we took the Metro to Les Invalides, the home of the military museum and Napoleon's tomb.  Napoleon's tomb is under the GIANT GOLD dome.

 It was pouring rain.  I believe that this picture of the statue of Napoleon is probably how he felt most of his military career, cold and in the rain.

 The doors to Napoleon's tomb are so plain and unimpressive.  I'm kidding.  Can you believe that!?!

 Under the dome, on the inside

 The worship chapel inside the dome at Napoleon's tomb.

If you look closely, you can see Lyle there in his silver white motocross jacket, he's so Parisian.

After Les Invalides, we headed home.  And by "headed home" I mean that Lyle and Dorothy went directly home and Cindy, Bev, Dorothy and I went shopping at BHV.   By 5 pm, in my new Prada shoes... I was ready for a break, or rather my feet were ready for a break.

When we got home to our apartment, a gift had arrived, ANGIE!

 We went to L'Ambassade d'Auvergne for dinner.  Angie and I had the duck breast.

 

The specialty of the restaurant is traditional regional food and they are famous for their CHEESY garlic mashed potatoes. So Cheesy, they bring them out in the pan and demonstrate the stringy texture for you at your table.  I should mention, they are delicious.

 Dorothy seems suspicious of her liver.  Or is it the photographer?

 Cindy shows off her big sausage.

 Beverly had the Cod fish, which came with a light healthy salad.  Who invited her?

Since we are here celebrating birthdays, we chose last night to celebrate Venita's.  In celebration of her special day, she order an extravagant appetizer of lentils with bacon.  And nothing else.

 The beauty of the restaurant is that the lentils arrived in a large family style serving bowl and we were all able to have numerous helpings of the lentils, and the portions of our main courses were large enough to facilitate sharing, and still have leftovers.  But for me, the most important moment of the night still lay ahead... DESSERT.

The Mousse aux Chocolate is also served "family style" in a LARGE terrine.  I didn't eat it ALL by myself, but I promise you this: I TRIED!

On the way home we saw a very pointed piece of graffiti.  I share it with you as your thought for the day:

Breakfast is ready

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"Bonjour Paris!"
(taken at 17 Rue Du Pont Aux Choux)

Over London

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"London's Tower Bridge, from above. "
(taken at British Airways Lounge (South))

Blue Bag goes First Class

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"The Blue Bag couldn't be more excited. At last, his OWN seat!"
(taken at Gate 102)

Mountain makeover

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"Before haircut, after haircut. Ready for travel!"
(taken at Los Angeles International Airport - Terminal B)

Tickets, Money, Passport

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"What's better than seeing The Blue Bag? Seeing The Blue Bag with passports."
(taken at Mammoth Yosemite Airport)

Traveling (un) Light

I am packing for a 12 day trip to Paris and the French countryside.  I have worked diligently through the years to pare down what I take on vacations.  In the past I have always over packed.

There was my first trip to England where I took three bags, one large, one medium and one small.  Each one weighed 60 lbs.  My luggage weighed more than I did.  I never did wear that tuxedo. Yet I didn't learn the lesson either.

About 5 years ago we took a 5 day weekend trip to Puerto Rico.  I decided I did not want to wait for my luggage on the other end and packed as light as I possibly could.  It's Puerto Rico, you need two pairs of shorts and swimsuit, right?  So I packed light, we walked off our plane, to the curb and into a taxi. We were in our hotel before most people were out of the terminal.

I was hooked!

Which brings me to this trip, we cashed in our points and we are flying first class.  And I am allowed to have THREE checked bags.  Now I'm no fool, I know I can't carry all that.  I am only taking two checked bags.  However I have slipped an empty duffel bag in, just in case I need to bring back MORE.

P.S. Don't tell Mr Cooper.  I have been packing in secret so as to not freak him out.

Dog Mecca

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"No matter where he lays in the house, his head must ALWAYS be pointed at the kitchen. "
(taken at 13 White Pines Dr, Mammoth, CA)

Tan-tastic!

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"Mr Cooper says, "It's a great day to catch some rays.""
(taken at 13 White Pines Dr, Mammoth, CA)

Mmmm... butter tarts...

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"Today's baking, butter tarts. "
(taken at 13 White Pines Dr, Mammoth, CA)

The Tutti Fruitti Hoodie

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"Does this milkshake make me look gay?"
(taken at Grumpy's Sports Restaurant - Mammoth Lakes)

Don't feed the bears!

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"Fair warning. "
(taken at 13 White Pines Dr, Mammoth, CA)

Giving you the birds

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"From Palm Springs hawk on Sunday, to Mammoth bluejays on Tuesday. "

Shoveling in Shorts

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"Shoveling in shorts. That's how we do it California style!"
(taken at 13 White Pines Dr, Mammoth, CA)

Time flies

So we moved. We moved to Mammoth mountain to live on a ski hill. I agreed to 3 months, Lyle somehow heard 4. And I thought, "Oh my god, FOUR MONTHS IN THE SNOW?" And then I thought, "It will fly by before I know it."

And we have about a month left here in our quiet little mountain town.

I can't believe it. First off, it's been a terribly mild winter. And I mean that, TERRIBLE. It's bad for the town, it's bad for the skiers, it's bad for your skis! So I've gotten off easy. Last year we came up for a weekend in March and in the middle of the mountain having the most snow in all of North America, it snowed 6 feet in one day. There were snowbanks 10 feet tall. This year, we can't keep snow covering the grass in the front yard. It snows 2 feet, then melts in two days.

But we've survived. I have more winter coats than I could ever have imagined I would (being a complete Southern California transplant). I think we'll be back next winter. We need to find another house to rent as this one was available just this once this year.

It's mystifying how we were able to slow down and adapt to mountain living. I've had to go into Los Angeles a couple times for work. Don't worry, I remembered all my swear word and were my horn is located. Its like riding a bike. But up here, its all breezy.

I told my mom all about Happy Hour here in Mammoth. $5 gets you a hand roll and PBR at the sushi place. At Z-Ranch, $5 gets you a cheeseburger and a Mickey's beer. Every restaurant has a special from 4-6 in the bar. You need to get out there early or you won't get a table. And then, BAM, it's 6:00 and Happy Hour is over. Just as well, I'm full and the prices just went up. So we're home by 6:05, it's still light out, but I'm full and sitting down to watch TV... My mom said, "Oh we're just the same, Early dinner out, home by 6, car in the garage with the doors closed. Except we call it the Early Bird Special."

The end of this month, the ski hill begins to close the runs on the far ends of the hill. The Main Lodge run will stay open through Memorial Day, but we will be gone by then. We will be headed to Palm Springs for the hottest time of year there, summer. Something is wrong with us, but we don't seem to mind.

Bread & butter

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"Couldn't help myself, I baked bread again. "
(taken at 13 White Pines Dr, Mammoth, CA)