tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86636108429809012912012-01-25T07:07:06.376+01:00my daily nothing and everythingcocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.comBlogger2401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-62074772909276412872012-01-20T18:16:00.000+01:002012-01-20T18:16:17.111+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbVjpD4OsqQ/TxGDoTERKqI/AAAAAAAACm4/UdMCFEy3L_U/s1600/018s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbVjpD4OsqQ/TxGDoTERKqI/AAAAAAAACm4/UdMCFEy3L_U/s1600/018s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the gentle, warm shades of these&nbsp;beige, off-white, and grey sweaters. Antidote to all the black I see outside, the color favored by many French people during the already-depressing winter. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6207477290927641287?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-453224140046077852012-01-14T14:29:00.001+01:002012-01-14T18:04:46.970+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYmseoDzj7Y/TxF7JfZMSNI/AAAAAAAACmg/gnPSBHIwqNI/s1600/013s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYmseoDzj7Y/TxF7JfZMSNI/AAAAAAAACmg/gnPSBHIwqNI/s1600/013s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2005/12/corsican_clementine.php">Clementines</a> <a href="http://www.fantasticprovence.com/section/nature_r7/my-darling-clementine_a376/1">from Corsica</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At about 2.95€ per kilo, they are more expensive&nbsp;than Spanish ones, which are more&nbsp;widely available at the markets in and around Lyon. But "these are soooo much better, Mom!", according to my son. I happen to agree with him, so they are the only ones I&nbsp;buy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We go through&nbsp;6 to 7 kilos a week, mostly consumed by&nbsp;our soon-to-be 10 year-old Clementine&nbsp;<span class="hw">connoisseur. I have several during the week, and occasional two or three find their way into vin chaud. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-45322414004607785?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-39227198268393293352012-01-03T21:09:00.000+01:002012-01-03T21:09:02.258+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rngJc_5oHXM/Tv62EkmfHnI/AAAAAAAACj8/bpZlCpV5vrs/s1600/280fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rngJc_5oHXM/Tv62EkmfHnI/AAAAAAAACj8/bpZlCpV5vrs/s1600/280fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />The year 2011 was a difficult one for me, on many different levels. But it was also a year of personal growth, with moments filled with appreciation and gratitude. I'm not sure&nbsp;whether everything happens for a reason, but I know I can learn something&nbsp;from everything that happens, and take that with me.<br /><br />If things move along as expected (warning: sometimes they don't), we will be wrapping up our stint in France and heading back to the U.S. six months from now. It's a beginning of another chapter! There's a lot to think about and prepare for, but when I do, I get all tingly with anticipation.<br /><br />So here's to the new year, a fresh new beginning. I feel blessed to be here, looking directly forward. I will take my steps, one at a time, with my head held high.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3922719826839329335?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-16819542636024143832011-12-24T10:58:00.000+01:002011-12-24T10:58:57.296+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnX28j0YGM4/TvWfTl8XJbI/AAAAAAAACaU/SBhPpc4gGHs/s1600/157s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnX28j0YGM4/TvWfTl8XJbI/AAAAAAAACaU/SBhPpc4gGHs/157s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing everyone a warm,&nbsp;comfortable&nbsp;Christmas, and sending my thoughts to those who are hungry and&nbsp;those&nbsp;surrounded by danger. Special prayers to people who are facing this Christmas for the first time after a personal loss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">May the message of the season lighten your load and lift you up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1681954263602414383?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-43886080442863064442011-12-16T16:29:00.002+01:002011-12-17T10:05:44.123+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnPaeIBGZZ8/TtJnHebF36I/AAAAAAAACYg/dcjr-pahPjY/s1600/550b-s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnPaeIBGZZ8/TtJnHebF36I/AAAAAAAACYg/dcjr-pahPjY/s1600/550b-s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div></div><div></div>It was cloudy and dark this morning. And windy. Very windy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was waiting for the light to change. The bridge was shaking because of the strong wind. Pedestrians and cyclists hurried&nbsp;past me, trying to keep themselves from getting blown into the vehicular traffic.&nbsp;From the comfort of my own car, I watched people walk, leaning heavily into the wind and&nbsp;holding the collars of their coats.&nbsp;Then <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr-htpPV_Z0">this song</a> came on my car stereo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I thought about&nbsp;the friend I just said good-bye to, quite possibly for a&nbsp;long time, if not for good&nbsp;-- her family is leaving France. I also thought about the two-and-a-half years that have gone by since we moved to Lyon. Six more months and then <em>we</em> leave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">People come and people go. We are part of that migration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne ?</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>And surely you’ll buy your pint! And surely I’ll buy mine!</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine;</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><em>We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine;</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>But seas between us broad have roared, since auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o’ thine!</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne">Scottish traditional</a>&nbsp;song. Above is just one version of the lyrics, and not the exact words sung by James Taylor.</div><br />Yes, I'll take a cup of kindness yet, but not for the sake of old times. I'll take my cup for here and now, becuase that's all we've got. <br /><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4388608044286306444?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-18532345680151534502011-12-11T20:07:00.000+01:002011-12-11T20:07:22.791+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvMylWc3BKc/TuT6u55EApI/AAAAAAAACZ4/o_I5yigxriY/s1600/076fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DvMylWc3BKc/TuT6u55EApI/AAAAAAAACZ4/o_I5yigxriY/s1600/076fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was at a fund-raising event on Saturday, staffing one of the craft tables for the children and taking photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2YAXmWGKuo/TuT64pTDKqI/AAAAAAAACaA/GQet41UBz5M/s1600/087fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2YAXmWGKuo/TuT64pTDKqI/AAAAAAAACaA/GQet41UBz5M/s1600/087fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love watching children create. I love watching the serious expression on their faces while they are at it, and the obvious satisfaction they feel upon finishing a project, no matter how small it is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do have a few things I'd like to say to some parents, however. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, stop telling your children to "put that over there, this over here, it's crooked, that's way too much glue." It's their project, not yours. They know what they're doing. More importantly, they <em>like</em> what they're doing. So let them be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, please do not tell them to "look at the camera and smile." That <em>so</em> spoils the&nbsp;moment. For the children, and for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for listening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22lxepiO52c/TuT7adyzbRI/AAAAAAAACaI/z8f7X8Apjlk/s1600/056s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22lxepiO52c/TuT7adyzbRI/AAAAAAAACaI/z8f7X8Apjlk/s1600/056s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1853234568015153450?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-42770027626477325392011-12-06T10:11:00.000+01:002011-12-06T10:11:41.607+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkVJYWzl234/Tti6Jf13Y0I/AAAAAAAACZg/dmF-h9zHQbY/s1600/030s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkVJYWzl234/Tti6Jf13Y0I/AAAAAAAACZg/dmF-h9zHQbY/s1600/030s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Little Drummer Boy" is one of my favorite Christmas songs, but it cannot be any verison. It has to be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCQwwCRiDZQ">this one</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4277002762647732539?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-50377322838345325422011-12-05T13:41:00.000+01:002011-12-05T13:41:10.565+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmbrrR_lsXs/TtiyAr5fXPI/AAAAAAAACZY/ZlbOPplAzHI/s1600/065s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmbrrR_lsXs/TtiyAr5fXPI/AAAAAAAACZY/ZlbOPplAzHI/s1600/065s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Water just once a week until blooming. Once blooming, water twice a week. Do not consume -- for decoration only." ~ care instruction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5037732283834532542?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-24737128449063306702011-12-02T11:44:00.001+01:002011-12-02T11:45:58.090+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMwsihAxbhc/TtioIxhIwZI/AAAAAAAACY4/tlEwgbH2_sY/s1600/045d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMwsihAxbhc/TtioIxhIwZI/AAAAAAAACY4/tlEwgbH2_sY/s1600/045d.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's something I used to do with children around Christmas: (Note: this is easier, and actually more fun, if some adults are present to help name the reindeer... especially if those adults have never read this book.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: Can you name <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus's_reindeer">all of Santa's reindeer</a>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: Dasher and Dancer and.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Waitl til all the reindeer&nbsp;are named. Sometimes people forget Rudolf. Make sure he's counted, too. Then: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: And?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: And what?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: There's one more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: Who? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: Olive. You forgot Olive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: There's no reindeer named Olive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: Yes, there is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: Where?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: "All of the other reindeer~♪"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: Huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me: Don't you see? "<em>All of</em> the other... <em>Olive</em>, the other reindeer..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids: Oooh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then pull out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Olive-Other-Reindeer-Vivian-Walsh/dp/0811857190/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322822565&amp;sr=8-1">this book</a> and read it to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2473712844906330670?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-78233407195720731372011-11-28T12:16:00.000+01:002011-11-28T12:16:00.651+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbMJF8ViolY/TtJlREoN3PI/AAAAAAAACX4/JUjDiKvIykk/s1600/048s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbMJF8ViolY/TtJlREoN3PI/AAAAAAAACX4/JUjDiKvIykk/048s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have about 90 Christmas albums in my music library. One that's currently on heavy rotation is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/James-Taylor-at-Christmas/dp/B000I0QK74/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322475763&amp;sr=1-1">this one</a> by James Taylor, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJfgtGrYlS4&amp;feature=related">this</a>&nbsp;is my favorite track.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7823340719572073137?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-62978266297387885492011-11-25T11:28:00.001+01:002011-11-25T13:13:07.300+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zhGvRcc6wM/Ts9qWP8MwQI/AAAAAAAACWQ/iiT-SDxHOEY/s1600/012s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zhGvRcc6wM/Ts9qWP8MwQI/AAAAAAAACWQ/iiT-SDxHOEY/012s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Animals-Christmas-Little-Golden-Random/dp/0375833412/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322216054&amp;sr=8-2">One of the sweetest Christmas books</a> ever. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-What-People-All/dp/0394818237/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322216358&amp;sr=8-1">I</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-Bedtime-Stories-Pictureback/dp/0394882695/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322216358&amp;sr=8-11">love</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-Day-Airport-Pictureback/dp/0375812024/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322216358&amp;sr=8-8">Richard</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cars-Trucks-Things-That-Go/dp/0007111444/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322216464&amp;sr=8-44">Scarry</a>&nbsp;books, period, but this one is probably my favorite of all.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6297826629738788549?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-51408119149380434792011-11-21T10:21:00.000+01:002011-11-21T10:21:51.720+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxapzHdFggk/Tsiv9uzh4_I/AAAAAAAACTI/EgK19SPe5F0/188rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxapzHdFggk/Tsiv9uzh4_I/AAAAAAAACTI/EgK19SPe5F0/188rs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I'm thankful for...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OwyxJZQCg0/TslF5fa5_WI/AAAAAAAACTw/JFYZaMcK86I/s1600/016trim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OwyxJZQCg0/TslF5fa5_WI/AAAAAAAACTw/JFYZaMcK86I/016trim.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our&nbsp;home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-CMxxy85cs/TsitEWXpbmI/AAAAAAAACTA/V7t1V6hwiT0/s1600/051s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-CMxxy85cs/TsitEWXpbmI/AAAAAAAACTA/V7t1V6hwiT0/051s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Freedom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5rUNL40rvU/TsiyVOwBO4I/AAAAAAAACTQ/QNRtMRDfpnk/s1600/852s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5rUNL40rvU/TsiyVOwBO4I/AAAAAAAACTQ/QNRtMRDfpnk/852s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Hands to hold.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytI7e7u1yuc/TslFLDQfFvI/AAAAAAAACTY/3-raTPD4ScA/s1600/865fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytI7e7u1yuc/TslFLDQfFvI/AAAAAAAACTY/3-raTPD4ScA/865fs.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My five senses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EimUwXLCA0w/TslFXcewqWI/AAAAAAAACTg/IzUqqILvbcQ/s1600/122s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EimUwXLCA0w/TslFXcewqWI/AAAAAAAACTg/IzUqqILvbcQ/122s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Protection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy_foOoxgzs/TslHXTyLdEI/AAAAAAAACT4/UErmyv_JyzQ/s1600/024fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy_foOoxgzs/TslHXTyLdEI/AAAAAAAACT4/UErmyv_JyzQ/024fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Memories.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHnKOzwNTg0/TslKKR2iUtI/AAAAAAAACUA/7P3wfsqROdk/s1600/049bs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHnKOzwNTg0/TslKKR2iUtI/AAAAAAAACUA/7P3wfsqROdk/s1600/049bs.JPG" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />And for all that I can hold in my hands, and in my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I'm wishing everyone a good Thanksgiving, wherever you might be.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5140811914938043479?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-33822038772779451092011-11-18T10:09:00.000+01:002011-11-18T10:09:03.433+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fM0Eu5Demxw/TsYYReR5lzI/AAAAAAAACSQ/DeJRmfqYv9E/s1600/004s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fM0Eu5Demxw/TsYYReR5lzI/AAAAAAAACSQ/DeJRmfqYv9E/004s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuao">Pure</a> <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1635/">Chuao</a>, 55% cacao dark chocolate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Regular plain Bernachon chocolate bars are 6€ each, but this one is 7.50€. For a 150g bar of chocolate. That's $10 for 5.3oz. of chocolate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It tastes like heaven, and I don't mind the price -- it's a pleasure I don't indulge in often. I&nbsp;just can't help wondering if the cacao farmers were fairly compensated.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3382203877277945109?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-40590065869836963462011-11-12T12:16:00.000+01:002011-11-12T12:16:41.070+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcfak-MC-a8/Tr5Ca0L1pfI/AAAAAAAACRY/eX_e5AUMkUc/s1600/096fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcfak-MC-a8/Tr5Ca0L1pfI/AAAAAAAACRY/eX_e5AUMkUc/096fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />Fall is my favorite season of all. It always has been. I love the colors of fall, the textures of fall.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1KZGzdnDKI/Tr5CgJ_tCPI/AAAAAAAACRg/xSCzEwy-wE8/s1600/076fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1KZGzdnDKI/Tr5CgJ_tCPI/AAAAAAAACRg/xSCzEwy-wE8/076fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />In the countryside not too far out of Lyon, we found lots of tactile evidence of the fall&nbsp;season.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAeUp0Uw9l4/Tr5CqpFOutI/AAAAAAAACRo/_WWlc3DH91Q/s1600/110fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAeUp0Uw9l4/Tr5CqpFOutI/AAAAAAAACRo/_WWlc3DH91Q/110fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />It's&nbsp;fun to walk on the fallen-leaves carpet. We could feel and smell the moist ground underneath. You have to watch your step, though -- this carpet can be slippery.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7AkrUdZQYA/Tr5CvAtj9pI/AAAAAAAACRw/IvSHhUlyKRw/s1600/012fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7AkrUdZQYA/Tr5CvAtj9pI/AAAAAAAACRw/IvSHhUlyKRw/012fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlDGQO94tDQ/Tr5CxywfiLI/AAAAAAAACR4/q4wDbwtLnuM/s1600/069fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlDGQO94tDQ/Tr5CxywfiLI/AAAAAAAACR4/q4wDbwtLnuM/069fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />We found bumpy little acorn hats and lots and lots of pokey chestnuts. The moss on the tree trunks were velvety to touch.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhDesQC8sVk/Tr5C8MLgiWI/AAAAAAAACSA/WYC7tpRDNvM/s1600/072fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhDesQC8sVk/Tr5C8MLgiWI/AAAAAAAACSA/WYC7tpRDNvM/072fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />Ah, fall. It's a good thing that you come around every year.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3APotwe7QE/Tr5DA3xeB_I/AAAAAAAACSI/ZCqVU28bHfE/s1600/056fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3APotwe7QE/Tr5DA3xeB_I/AAAAAAAACSI/ZCqVU28bHfE/056fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4059006586983696346?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-2437577788577213582011-11-07T10:53:00.002+01:002011-11-07T11:02:53.016+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiYFmm8IUM0/TredKnLpi_I/AAAAAAAACQQ/hVjgGr0cE_c/s1600/039fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jiYFmm8IUM0/TredKnLpi_I/AAAAAAAACQQ/hVjgGr0cE_c/039fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My "office" is a small corner of our living room, essentially a desk with a laptop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the setup -- the room is bright, and I've got a comfortable chair. But the space is not just for me, because it resides where the TV, along with my boys' Xbox, is located. In fact, I alway end up&nbsp;shutting my computer up and moving elsewhere when they come in to play games, because I can't think or write with all that game sound booming next to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not a serious complaint -- the issue comes up only when my husband and son are home during the day, as in during weekends and vacations. But it gets me thinking. How is it that I, who spend greater amount of time in this home than either of them, do not have a dedicated space just for <em>me</em>? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband has his office (with a door that closes!), and my son has his playroom (which actually is a spareroom/guestroom, but we don't have guests that often). But <em>moi</em>? Just a small desk in the corner of our shared space. Is that fair??? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mumbled to my husband, and his response was, "You have <span style="font-size: x-small;">ALL</span> the space in this apartmen <span style="font-size: x-small;">ALL</span> to yourself during the day!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, he's right.&nbsp;And&nbsp;he didn't say, "The kitchen is where you belong," either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But in the next home we live in, I'm going to set up my "office" away from my boys' entertainment area, where I can be mostly alone and not bothered. That should not be too much to ask or too hard to accomplish. I just wonder why I have this feeling that it will be in the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPXzhzC40bY/TredR7TB17I/AAAAAAAACQY/eBGPAs0GKXA/s1600/052s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPXzhzC40bY/TredR7TB17I/AAAAAAAACQY/eBGPAs0GKXA/052s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I have a small mirror sitting behind my laptop, leaning against the wall. Occasionally I look up from the monitor and catch my own reflection -- shoulders slouched forward,&nbsp;eyebrows furrowed. I straighten up right away. I highly recommend this self-posture-check system for anyone who spends a lot of time at the keyboard.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-243757778857721358?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-32553556428701002982011-10-28T09:25:00.001+02:002011-10-28T11:20:49.994+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCahO_3strc/TqkjUhakk7I/AAAAAAAACGg/m1tOIVd4UH4/s1600/010fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCahO_3strc/TqkjUhakk7I/AAAAAAAACGg/m1tOIVd4UH4/010fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I brought home some cuties and beauties from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/">Les Puces du Canal</a> a few Sundays ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some days, I go there and I don't see anything I want to take home -- and that's&nbsp;okay, because half the fun is in looking (not just at the stuff, but also at the people). On this particular day, however, I kept finding things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I fell in love with this serving utensil because of its delicate floral etching detail. It has a slightly irregular shape -- it must have had a very specific function. I would love to know what that might have been.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9A6zuIztgQ/TqkiFy4kQ7I/AAAAAAAACFY/WzWG1XcgLFE/s1600/011fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9A6zuIztgQ/TqkiFy4kQ7I/AAAAAAAACFY/WzWG1XcgLFE/011fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love vintage tea towels.&nbsp;I spend so much time in the kitchen, often doing the dishes --I figure&nbsp;I might as well use pretty things that make&nbsp;me happy. The linens in these photos came from&nbsp;four different stalls, and were incidentally all 5€ each. I don't ever spend more than 7€ on a tea towel; otherwise I'd&nbsp;hesitate to use it because it's too precious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trwxecqFQlE/TqkiKtaNJoI/AAAAAAAACFg/kr_SgVWRFiM/s1600/013fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trwxecqFQlE/TqkiKtaNJoI/AAAAAAAACFg/kr_SgVWRFiM/013fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Two pieces of cloth caught my eyes at the stall of <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/plan-des-puces">one of the ladies in the hangar</a> who specializes in laces and linens. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIHtiyAIeWk/TqkiOyRvXWI/AAAAAAAACFo/4lY_783x45A/s1600/014fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIHtiyAIeWk/TqkiOyRvXWI/AAAAAAAACFo/4lY_783x45A/014fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />They are both made of several pieces of fabric, patched together to make a larger piece. The MP one is actually quite small, and also very narrow. I have no idea what it may have been used for -- it's too small to be a tea towel, and&nbsp;too long and narrow to be a dinner napkin. The DM one is larger but isn't even a recutangular -- the fabric used in the corner has a slanted edge, and&nbsp;the whole&nbsp;piece looks like an indecisive&nbsp;pentagon. All the sewing is done by hand, with stitches so small that I can barely see them without a magnifying glass. <br /><br />I keep&nbsp;spreading them out on my lap, looking at them&nbsp;again and again.&nbsp;I look at the stitches and think of the women who saved fabric scraps and patiently&nbsp;repurposed them.&nbsp;I remember how my mother used to mend our socks when the toes got thin -- does anyone do that any more? People talk about recyling as if it's such a cool, new, green&nbsp;thing, but that's how things have been done for hudnreds of hudnreds of years. Mending, fixing, reusing, upcycling. When&nbsp;did we stop repairing things to keep them in use longer? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5CZozW0BM/TqlxpniqzVI/AAAAAAAACGo/8O5jj1hjWjc/s1600/029fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kU5CZozW0BM/TqlxpniqzVI/AAAAAAAACGo/8O5jj1hjWjc/029fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This little princess&nbsp;of a plate is about 16cm by 12cm. The lady at the stall&nbsp;wanted 10€ for it; I paid 8€. I can't date it but here are some clues: The bottom is all bumpy, so I'm guessing it wasn't factory-produced on an assembly line. The drawing looks like transfer printing and the color hand-painted (but I'm no expert).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr5uRiNH4yU/TqkiZOCMtBI/AAAAAAAACF4/EPxEr-1Yc60/s1600/025fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr5uRiNH4yU/TqkiZOCMtBI/AAAAAAAACF4/EPxEr-1Yc60/025fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's no indication of where it was made, either. Does it look English, perhaps?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmsjbgjdcdE/Tqkid35mLiI/AAAAAAAACGA/KBnJH4Uj5Bo/s1600/031fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmsjbgjdcdE/Tqkid35mLiI/AAAAAAAACGA/KBnJH4Uj5Bo/031fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />The dealer I bought these cups from would not negotiate (he's in <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/plan-des-puces">La Halle</a> -- under the arcade, toward the western end). I almost walked away but eventually indulged&nbsp;because I was smitten with the patina on these cups. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhuCLX1-XoM/Tqkiia0KbkI/AAAAAAAACGI/VayEV2_5MiQ/s1600/038rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhuCLX1-XoM/Tqkiia0KbkI/AAAAAAAACGI/VayEV2_5MiQ/038rs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love the medieval chainmail-looking design&nbsp;on one, and the sweet way the number 64 is carved on the other. I won't use them for drinking. They'll look pretty with miniature cactus plants in them, or&nbsp;cradling&nbsp;our toothbrushes in the bathroom. Maybe I'll use them to hold a small stem of flowers from my backyard -- once I have a backyard again.<br /><br /><br /><br />Many of the things I buy at Les Puces are indeed French vintage and antiques. Occasionally I ask myself if it's right that I will be taking them out of the country, out of the context of where their being makes most sense. But I'd like to think that they are finding a new, good home with me. I'd also like to think that they appreciate being used by someone who enjoys their function as well as their beauty. <br /><br />And if I do things right, they will last 30, 50, maybe even 100 more years.&nbsp;They will&nbsp;find new owners who would do the same as I've done, wherever they are.&nbsp;Then they&nbsp;will be passed on, once again, to someone who will take care of them, so it can be shown to the future generatoin that, you know, people didn't used to just throw things away. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tf3Uq8DiX3s/TqkipRYohpI/AAAAAAAACGQ/lXaiV7ziQ58/s1600/041fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tf3Uq8DiX3s/TqkipRYohpI/AAAAAAAACGQ/lXaiV7ziQ58/041fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3255355642870100298?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-25711786512101157372011-10-14T10:39:00.000+02:002011-10-14T10:39:29.400+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azOXyiRVELM/TpP8qFgRC9I/AAAAAAAAB84/RRMHWqno8vE/s1600/009fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azOXyiRVELM/TpP8qFgRC9I/AAAAAAAAB84/RRMHWqno8vE/s1600/009fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During the last weekend of September, we had a visitor from&nbsp;England staying with us. It was sunny and very warm; perfect&nbsp;time to walk around in <a href="http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/en/tourisme/fil_quartier/vieux_lyon">Old Town Lyon</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHnjUV1dt64/TpP8-oInHCI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/uJRl541eETQ/s1600/011fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHnjUV1dt64/TpP8-oInHCI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/uJRl541eETQ/011fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The exterior walls of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyon_Cathedral">Eglise Saint-Jean</a> had been completely cleaned, and&nbsp;the cathedral&nbsp;looked like a young woman who just came out of the shower -- fresh and happy to have all that&nbsp;yucky stuff scrubbed off. <br /><br />When we see these gothic churches, they&nbsp;are typically wearing grey skin, dotted with&nbsp;decades' accumulation of black dirt. That's how we know these buildings, and when we see them with all the dirt&nbsp;washed off, it almost feels "not quite right", as if not&nbsp;gothic enough.<br /><br />But old buildings weren't always old. What a privilege to see&nbsp;them like this, the way people saw them when they were first built. I had a sensation, as I&nbsp;admired the facade of&nbsp;this&nbsp;beautiful (and clean) church, that I was sharing the joy and awe with the people who stood there when it was dedicated back in 1476.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHsrzzZpftU/TpWiEIylzII/AAAAAAAAB_w/_elmrusAXno/s1600/007s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHsrzzZpftU/TpWiEIylzII/AAAAAAAAB_w/_elmrusAXno/007s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lovely weather means lunch outside. Soon all the terrace tables at cafes and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouchon">bouchons</a> were filled with people enjoying food, wine, sunshine and&nbsp;conversations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_emX5ivmkk/TpWZsW2o0TI/AAAAAAAAB_o/8QmKUzyLJNY/s1600/012fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_emX5ivmkk/TpWZsW2o0TI/AAAAAAAAB_o/8QmKUzyLJNY/s1600/012fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alas, there was plenty of cigarette smoke there, too. So&nbsp;my friend and I&nbsp;opted instead for a brioche and a crêpe, and ate them as we walked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EwMMOolCkk/TpP9mHhp5RI/AAAAAAAAB9w/1Ad24czItMc/s1600/016fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EwMMOolCkk/TpP9mHhp5RI/AAAAAAAAB9w/1Ad24czItMc/s1600/016fs.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EwMMOolCkk/TpP9mHhp5RI/AAAAAAAAB9w/1Ad24czItMc/s1600/016fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EwMMOolCkk/TpP9mHhp5RI/AAAAAAAAB9w/1Ad24czItMc/s1600/016fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EwMMOolCkk/TpP9mHhp5RI/AAAAAAAAB9w/1Ad24czItMc/s1600/016fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EwMMOolCkk/TpP9mHhp5RI/AAAAAAAAB9w/1Ad24czItMc/s1600/016fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><br /><br />I had always wondered why <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;q=rue+du+boeuf+lyon&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=0x47f4ebaaf69f6745:0x88d9797794fa5c11,Rue+du+B%C5%93uf,+69005+Lyon,+France&amp;ei=eiWUTp76B4ik4gSpnpydCA&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=geocode_result&amp;ct=title&amp;resnum=1&amp;ved=0CBkQ8gEwAA">Rue du Bœuf</a> was called that: The Bull Street. It's such an unusual name for a street. Did this street get its name because this statue was here? Or was the statue erected to reflect&nbsp;the street name? Which came first: the statue or the name? It only took a click on the mouse to find out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_du_B%C5%93uf">the answer</a>&nbsp;(the former).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I'm curious as to <em>why</em>&nbsp;it's a&nbsp;bull. This&nbsp;bull is placed <a href="http://www.alyon.org/InfosLyon/photos/">in&nbsp;the&nbsp;part of&nbsp;the building where we normally find a niche adorned with statues of saints or otherwise important people</a>. So who put a bull up there? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure something has been written about that by someone somewhere, but I can only Google in English (unfortunately my French is too poor to do any type of in-depth research), and I have not found anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAgwjwBIrNo/TpP9rjCBHEI/AAAAAAAAB94/2sz0AhK8kp8/s1600/027ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAgwjwBIrNo/TpP9rjCBHEI/AAAAAAAAB94/2sz0AhK8kp8/s1600/027ts.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>La Tour Rose is one of the most famous Vieux Lyon landmarks. Part of this building is a hotel, and there is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traboule">traboule</a> here that's open to public. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wonder what function this tower used to serve. The staircase it houses doesn't lead anywhere but the room at the top. It sure looks like a watchtower of some kind, but this&nbsp;-- in the middle of a town -- seems to me like&nbsp;a strange location to have a watchtower. Perhaps this used to be a good vantage point to watch the traffic on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%C3%B4ne">Saône</a>, before the taller buildings were built along the river?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbxcctFVJHM/TpP98fpCNCI/AAAAAAAAB-I/6NK6F1vK9jk/s1600/020fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbxcctFVJHM/TpP98fpCNCI/AAAAAAAAB-I/6NK6F1vK9jk/s1600/020fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since that lovely weekend, the weather in Lyon has gotten&nbsp;rather cold rather fast, and we now have heat in our apartment. I need to get out more often with my camera before it gets too cold to walk around.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDfDNHTUFuQ/TpP9wbUDkuI/AAAAAAAAB-A/SwYIUD88_-8/s1600/035fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDfDNHTUFuQ/TpP9wbUDkuI/AAAAAAAAB-A/SwYIUD88_-8/s1600/035fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2571178651210115737?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-28404933190491249562011-10-07T10:23:00.000+02:002011-10-07T10:23:43.018+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujc0saUF6BM/To61RHyZu5I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/9JgsxZYSpgI/s1600/022fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujc0saUF6BM/To61RHyZu5I/AAAAAAAAB8Y/9JgsxZYSpgI/022fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />How does a pumpkin know where to stop being yellow and start&nbsp;turning green?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3jxohB0JxA/To61Xn1AgJI/AAAAAAAAB8c/7fn7Ham_hqA/s1600/010s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3jxohB0JxA/To61Xn1AgJI/AAAAAAAAB8c/7fn7Ham_hqA/010s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the many, many shapes and colors and faces and textures of pumpkins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for being so astonishingly beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcSGemA2Nns/To615mnY1VI/AAAAAAAAB8g/P9OMIPIEc3w/s1600/034fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcSGemA2Nns/To615mnY1VI/AAAAAAAAB8g/P9OMIPIEc3w/034fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2840493319049124956?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-45198556721431760392011-10-02T20:15:00.003+02:002011-10-20T20:06:19.625+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ory-tI5jBAA/Tohf-7iffNI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/WDp8jdvVf14/s1600/027s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ory-tI5jBAA/Tohf-7iffNI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/WDp8jdvVf14/027s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was Sunday. The sun was smiling happily on us,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;afternoon light was bright and crisp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljJQ-ufOx5I/TohgKOeaz2I/AAAAAAAAB6c/hS8l8EMS-E4/s1600/120ft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljJQ-ufOx5I/TohgKOeaz2I/AAAAAAAAB6c/hS8l8EMS-E4/120ft.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realized it had been a while&nbsp;since the last time&nbsp;I stepped outside just to walk around and look at things.</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzMsYGIzVpo/TohgMqpCHNI/AAAAAAAAB6g/7nlXKyjRMu8/s1600/004s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzMsYGIzVpo/TohgMqpCHNI/AAAAAAAAB6g/7nlXKyjRMu8/004s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a few hours to spend alone, so I grabbed&nbsp;my camera and headed out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G52DIfWbKqw/TohgPDseHnI/AAAAAAAAB6k/ckVTALD5oBY/s1600/062fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G52DIfWbKqw/TohgPDseHnI/AAAAAAAAB6k/ckVTALD5oBY/062fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>I love the area between the hill of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croix_Rousse">Croix Rousse</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presqu%27%C3%AEle">Presqu'île</a>,&nbsp;where the 1er and 4eme arrondissements meet and the slope toward the hill starts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfM9kL4e6d8/TohgQ26j9JI/AAAAAAAAB6o/7W3TOdmour8/s1600/001fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfM9kL4e6d8/TohgQ26j9JI/AAAAAAAAB6o/7W3TOdmour8/001fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This area, I've been told,&nbsp;used to be much seedier and was frequented by questionable characters. But that meant the rent was cheap, and cheap rent attracted poor artists who needed big spaces to paint, sculpt, and otherwise create their stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-mDjQhNFnI/TohgSjWYPHI/AAAAAAAAB6s/avumlnyEvGg/s1600/020fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-mDjQhNFnI/TohgSjWYPHI/AAAAAAAAB6s/avumlnyEvGg/020fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />That history explains the many galleries and art studios we see&nbsp;in this quartier today. The vibe is funky and bohemian. I don't quite stick out walking around in my Birkenstocks here, like I do in the 6eme (where high heels and brand-name handbags rule).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4DfhlRJ420/TohgbHqjHdI/AAAAAAAAB60/JSAhVLmcJJI/s1600/127fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4DfhlRJ420/TohgbHqjHdI/AAAAAAAAB60/JSAhVLmcJJI/127fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Rust, cracks, peeling paint, crooked doorways -- I love them all. I just need to remember to look down every few meters, just to make sure I'm not stepping on something horrible on the sidewalk.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2x1CxT34Hwo/Tohgjlwj42I/AAAAAAAAB68/WFEJgHiTaAw/s1600/013s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2x1CxT34Hwo/Tohgjlwj42I/AAAAAAAAB68/WFEJgHiTaAw/013s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My understanding is that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traboule">traboules</a> are open to public if the entry&nbsp;is not locked.&nbsp;I still&nbsp;feel as if I'm trespassing, but I have to admit: that feeling kind of contributes to the sense of fun when I'm exploring&nbsp;the old sections of Lyon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vGWBJjvK0g/TohgrOD6mAI/AAAAAAAAB7A/s6CZIZ4I7Y8/s1600/124fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vGWBJjvK0g/TohgrOD6mAI/AAAAAAAAB7A/s6CZIZ4I7Y8/124fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzItqixUpsE/Tohgu_8Xv2I/AAAAAAAAB7E/VIdTOjzca2E/s1600/074rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzItqixUpsE/Tohgu_8Xv2I/AAAAAAAAB7E/VIdTOjzca2E/074rs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zb2EZpMlkw/TohhF3IFCAI/AAAAAAAAB7I/8byJifyf878/s1600/134fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zb2EZpMlkw/TohhF3IFCAI/AAAAAAAAB7I/8byJifyf878/134fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are many fabulous trompe l'oeil&nbsp;murals in Lyon.&nbsp;This one, perhaps the most famous of all,&nbsp;is called <a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/55162/LA-FRESQUE-DES-LYONNAIS-Lyonnais-3">La Fresque des Lyonnais</a>. I don't know <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresque_des_Lyonnais">anyone on this wall</a> except <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Bocuse">Paul Bocuse</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_de_Saint-Exup%C3%A9ry">Antoine de Saint-Exupéry</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_and_Louis_Lumi%C3%A8re">the Lumière Brothers</a>. There are a couple of benches facing the mural, and it's the perfect spot to sit and take a five-minute break before I continue my walk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvJNcHR5c1Q/TohhJNantLI/AAAAAAAAB7M/8KsTt3RKNY8/s1600/154fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvJNcHR5c1Q/TohhJNantLI/AAAAAAAAB7M/8KsTt3RKNY8/154fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />Just by the mural, I cross <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%C3%B4ne">the Saône</a> on <a href="http://ruesdelyon.wysiup.net/PageRubrique.php?ID=1001546&amp;rubID=1001610">Passerelle Saint Vincent</a>. Lyon has <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponts_de_Lyon">many bridges</a> crossing its two rivers, every one of them having different history and unique character. Passerelle Saint Vincent is one of my favorite -- I like suspension bridges and foot bridges; this one is both.<br /><br />Whenver I walk on this bridge, I stop to take in the view toward North/West. I don't venture out much further that way from this point, so&nbsp;this view to me signifies an unchartered territory, a mystery. I also like how the river bends when I look in that direction. Elsewhere in the city, both rivers&nbsp;are pretty much straight, but here, the&nbsp;Saône turns quickly to the right and disappears, as if beckoning me to follow it. <br /><br />Ah, yes, mystery. An adventure.<br /><br /><div id="mw-js-message" style="display: none;"></div><div id="siteNotice"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDWFORliJxQ/TohhSLLh5_I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/fp_wbJsGvw0/s1600/149fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDWFORliJxQ/TohhSLLh5_I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/fp_wbJsGvw0/149fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>But not today. My two-hour sabbatical is ending soon and I must head home. I see people fishing and think to myself, hmmm, fish for dinner tonight. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, the fish isn't from the rivers around here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's probably a good thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3x-Hw7zA7c/TohhXVjBHfI/AAAAAAAAB7U/LP5VXsafiPc/s1600/167fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3x-Hw7zA7c/TohhXVjBHfI/AAAAAAAAB7U/LP5VXsafiPc/167fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4519855672143176039?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-29729453754175817702011-09-30T09:55:00.000+02:002011-09-30T09:55:07.210+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvZwnwZm2tw/ToGfzbLWjBI/AAAAAAAAB5k/IE7ta1UtZxA/s1600/183r.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvZwnwZm2tw/ToGfzbLWjBI/AAAAAAAAB5k/IE7ta1UtZxA/183r.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The staircase of our 19th-century apartment building is made of stone. <br /><br />More than a hundred years' worth of footsteps going up and down have worn away the stone's surface to a gentle, almost organic sheen. When I take the stairs, I think of the people who walked here before me. Who were they? What were their lives like? <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZgC1PNOOIE/ToGf6cigeII/AAAAAAAAB5o/bswNH-tgweo/s1600/172s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZgC1PNOOIE/ToGf6cigeII/AAAAAAAAB5o/bswNH-tgweo/172s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Our building does have a retro-fitted elevator. We live on what would be the Amreican 6th floor, and luckily, it has never been out of order when I come home with&nbsp;wine bottles and laundrey detergent. But it does break from time to time, and when it was broken earlier this month, it took them -- whoever they were -- 10 days to fix it.<br /><br />During those 10 days, I thought of the gentleman who lives upstairs from us every time I walked up to our apartment. I thought of him when I was going down, too. You see, he uses a mobile chair to get around. I have seen him down in the entrance hall taking several steps, but he needs to steady himself on the railing when he does. If the elevator is out of service, he cannot possibly go out.<br /><br />Then I thought of the people who lived here before the elevator was installed: people who had trouble moving about, people who were confined to their apartments, people&nbsp;who didn't have the&nbsp;hope to hold onto, for the day "when the elevator is repaired." <br /><br />How oppressive that must have been. My heart ached at the thought. <br /><br />The day I came home after an errand to find&nbsp;the elevator&nbsp;working, I&nbsp;was relieved for our upstairs neighbor. I felt lighter (I know that's silly), and&nbsp;it looked as if the inside of the building got&nbsp;brighter (even sillier). I decided to walk upstairs instead of&nbsp;riding the elevator.&nbsp; <br /><br />Taking the stairs one step at a time, I couldn't stop thinking about how the world must have remained&nbsp;dark for the housebound. A broken elevator is just an inconvenience for me, but for someone like my upstairs neighbor, it is a broken connection to the outside world. <br /><br />I now take the stairs whenever I can. I am doing so for the past residents in this building, for the people who would have wanted to go outside and take a walk but couldn't. <br /><br />I walk their sadness out of this building with me. When I come back and walk up five flights of stairs back to my apartment, I am walking in their stead. I do this every day, hoping to lift up the ghost of their memories.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pr9gHOXXENA/ToGgBa1-SoI/AAAAAAAAB5s/TDS1OQctdOY/s1600/170rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pr9gHOXXENA/ToGgBa1-SoI/AAAAAAAAB5s/TDS1OQctdOY/170rs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2972945375417581770?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-21995388711918828312011-09-09T13:25:00.000+02:002011-09-09T13:25:06.710+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fljzDLFPZe0/Tmn2Y0m_agI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/wkdHFkZwC70/s1600/022sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fljzDLFPZe0/Tmn2Y0m_agI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/wkdHFkZwC70/s400/022sm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An apple from a farm in <a href="http://maps.google.fr/maps?rlz=1T4ADRA_enFR424FR429&amp;q=Thurins,+France&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=0x47f4f0ea468823fd:0x408ab2ae4bb1a30,Thurins&amp;gl=fr&amp;ei=x_ZpTp2OK4PA8QOy36U5&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=geocode_result&amp;ct=title&amp;resnum=1&amp;ved=0CBoQ8gEwAA">Thurins</a>, France. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2199538871191882831?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-27860462586558422042011-08-29T09:28:00.000+02:002011-08-29T09:28:26.232+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BVGTAgxfhs/Tls313cFLcI/AAAAAAAAB4E/SjXCU8CKnh4/s1600/237fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BVGTAgxfhs/Tls313cFLcI/AAAAAAAAB4E/SjXCU8CKnh4/237fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To live is to appreciate. Wherever we are, no matter what the circumstances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQdu0Bp6lyo/Tls-YWV0sMI/AAAAAAAAB4I/AEzQOFHiln0/s1600/231fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQdu0Bp6lyo/Tls-YWV0sMI/AAAAAAAAB4I/AEzQOFHiln0/231fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://world-businesses.4ra.in/Japan/82838.xhtm"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kyoto Gokomach Church</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> was designed by </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Merrell_Vories"><span style="font-size: x-small;">William Merrell Vories</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;and was built in 1913.&nbsp; </span><a href="http://gipsymania.exblog.jp/4632452/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here are some more photos</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> of this tiny but beautiful church. </span><a href="http://www.vories.co.jp/index.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vories' legacy</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> continues today. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2786046258655842204?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-83377168698938385372011-08-20T03:40:00.000+02:002011-08-20T03:40:20.747+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3va7b77goTc/TktixmYARCI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ENYVznig3dQ/s1600/081611%25E7%2594%25BB%25E5%2583%258F+003-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3va7b77goTc/TktixmYARCI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ENYVznig3dQ/081611%25E7%2594%25BB%25E5%2583%258F+003-s.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>It was hot, hot, hot with oppresive humidity when I arrived last week. But the weather in the Osaka/Kyoto area has gotten milder in the last two days. Perhaps the worst of the subtropical summer weather is over. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have <a href="http://photojapan.karigrohn.com/Toji-kobosan/kobosan.html">Kobo-san antique market at Toji</a> on my calendar&nbsp;for tomorrow. Occasional brief&nbsp;thunderstorms are in the forecast, but that will not stop me. The question is, should I bring my camera or not?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8337716869893838537?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-18434507918029195492011-08-10T11:47:00.001+02:002011-08-10T11:55:37.023+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4Er74d-c98/TkJSfs_xDlI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/5Txm4a23un0/s1600/575ss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4Er74d-c98/TkJSfs_xDlI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/5Txm4a23un0/s1600/575ss.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is what we were drinking, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocopuff1212/sets/72157624791315707/show/">exactly a year ago</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br /><a href="http://www.suntory.com/beer/premium/en/quality/material.html">This</a> is what I'll be drinking, in about a day and a half. The heat and humidity be damned! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1843450791802919549?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-46781856669567829462011-08-01T11:32:00.000+02:002011-08-01T11:32:06.632+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ecz8RBN1E/TjEsDwwbtgI/AAAAAAAAB0w/UKqgz9mTzN0/s1600/610s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ecz8RBN1E/TjEsDwwbtgI/AAAAAAAAB0w/UKqgz9mTzN0/610s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Last year&nbsp;for our Easter vacation, we rented a house in a small village in Provence called <a href="http://www.provenceweb.fr/e/bouches/ventabren/ventabren.htm">Ventabren</a>. It was a lovely little village situated on a steep hill, surrounding a 19th-century townhall&nbsp;and a 17th-century church whose bell woke us up every morning at 7:00a.m. (we were two doors down). There was a chateau ruin at the very top of the hill, complete with a cemetery where I walked around for more than an hour and took lots and lots of photos. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The house we rented was absolutely delightful. It was an old stone house, and&nbsp;the owners had done a remarkable job of resotring it, giving it modern comfort&nbsp;without sacrificing&nbsp;its quaint rustic charm. It was decorated with real antiques and small -- but great -- art pieces here and there. This wasn't some vacation rental place they bought and furnished with cheap, "not good enough for ourselves but good enough for holiday renters" furniture. It was a French-country-dream-come-true kind of place for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I want to write about today, however,&nbsp;is not the village, nor the house. I want to write about a chair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8bSYRzrAgo/TjEsJDBa4SI/AAAAAAAAB00/i8Aizhw2TCA/s1600/611s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8bSYRzrAgo/TjEsJDBa4SI/AAAAAAAAB00/i8Aizhw2TCA/611s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two chairs, actually.&nbsp; They were in the master bedroom of this house: a&nbsp;pair of Louis XIV armchairs <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I think that's right; please correct me if I'm wrong)</span> reupholstered in my favorite flax linen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love, loved, loved everything about these chairs. Their form, the finish, the details... I took photos of them from the front, from the side, from the back, and upclose.&nbsp;They were beautiful from every angle. Not only that, they were very comfortable.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I kind of made up my mind right then&nbsp;that I would find a similar pair before leaving France.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B942cy2-WFA/TjEsPlYrSgI/AAAAAAAAB04/wBK8gtGGsdY/s1600/604s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B942cy2-WFA/TjEsPlYrSgI/AAAAAAAAB04/wBK8gtGGsdY/604s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And I've been looking. I look every time I go to <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/">Les Puces du Canal</a>. I look even when I'm traveling and can't possibly buy chairs and bring them back with me. Because, well, I loved, loved, loved those chairs we had in our bedroom in that lovely house we rented during our vacation in Provence. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Oval back, woodworking design that's not too ornate, in a feminine shape, and with arms. I don't care if the upholstery is in a bad shape; that's easy to fix. I don't even have to have a matching pair. I'd be happy to take two in a similar style and have them finished in the same fabric <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and it's cheaper that way, as anything in a pair or a group commands a higher price)</span>. <br /><br /><br />Still I haven't found them yet. Am I asking too much?<br /><br />Has anyone seen these chairs anywhere near Lyon?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MRTeJD6oQ4/TjGJsYej2EI/AAAAAAAAB08/Kj1fViWLQlg/s1600/600ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MRTeJD6oQ4/TjGJsYej2EI/AAAAAAAAB08/Kj1fViWLQlg/600ts.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4678185666956782946?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-77918999673350780922011-07-21T09:11:00.006+02:002011-07-21T13:14:04.015+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvcKvineirs/TifSo_KI4jI/AAAAAAAABy0/TseojUhM7kU/s1600/017-bw-t-f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mvcKvineirs/TifSo_KI4jI/AAAAAAAABy0/TseojUhM7kU/017-bw-t-f.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Of the two-hour-and-five-minute train ride from Lyon to Paris, all but 20 minutes is through an endless countryside. Rolling hills, green pastures, cows grazing, little quaint villages with&nbsp;church steeples poking in the middle, and occasional chateaux here and there in the distance. So, so relaxing.<br /><br />I love traveling by TGV.<br /><br />I don't need to get to the station 2 hours early to check in. I don't need to stand in line and wait. I don't need to take my jacket or shoes off for x-ray. The seats are wide and comfortable, with plenty of leg room. I can get up any time to walk around the <em>voiture</em>.<br /><br />I once took the train from Washington, D.C. to New York and really enjoyed it. I wish this mode of traveling was more available in the U.S. I would definitely take it whenever the option is feasible.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7791899967335078092?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-61743732356814883982011-07-17T10:47:00.000+02:002011-07-17T10:47:51.053+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TPRVxKrGvA/TiKhSln5liI/AAAAAAAAByc/z9G-5EaFYmg/s1600/182fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TPRVxKrGvA/TiKhSln5liI/AAAAAAAAByc/z9G-5EaFYmg/182fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best view of the Eiffel Tower is from Trocadero across the Seine. Too bad it was raining.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6174373235681488398?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-76257781876118668792011-07-08T16:46:00.000+02:002011-07-08T16:46:35.210+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fnEkvLhNk4/ThcS-27I4SI/AAAAAAAABwo/-H5CTtBDF4k/s1600/1007fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fnEkvLhNk4/ThcS-27I4SI/AAAAAAAABwo/-H5CTtBDF4k/1007fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We were blessed&nbsp;with beautiful, beautiful weather in Copenhagen.</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZRsPqeKqYg/ThcTfC9JTOI/AAAAAAAABws/c-LJejTCFwQ/s1600/1152fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZRsPqeKqYg/ThcTfC9JTOI/AAAAAAAABws/c-LJejTCFwQ/1152fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sunny and bright, yet not too hot. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ssv8NFdwcE/ThcTle2XV1I/AAAAAAAABww/uqbSGYrVc8Y/s1600/1274s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ssv8NFdwcE/ThcTle2XV1I/AAAAAAAABww/uqbSGYrVc8Y/1274s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We made sure we had sunscreen on, and headed out on the tour boat.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u794M-hthxc/ThcTpsbhSNI/AAAAAAAABw0/mOc0TW4KE6o/s1600/1288s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u794M-hthxc/ThcTpsbhSNI/AAAAAAAABw0/mOc0TW4KE6o/1288s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kio22xLAqQk/ThcQIo2YqdI/AAAAAAAABv4/_ocvMQHIi_U/s1600/929fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kio22xLAqQk/ThcQIo2YqdI/AAAAAAAABv4/_ocvMQHIi_U/929fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jA-OyaR0zmw/ThcQ2XZCI4I/AAAAAAAABwM/scWqoqJVEyI/s1600/993fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jA-OyaR0zmw/ThcQ2XZCI4I/AAAAAAAABwM/scWqoqJVEyI/993fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWBbVAvElJM/ThcQ8_0wYGI/AAAAAAAABwQ/Uls86VE_vZI/s1600/1000fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWBbVAvElJM/ThcQ8_0wYGI/AAAAAAAABwQ/Uls86VE_vZI/1000fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq7YCVobs-A/ThcQftYoP6I/AAAAAAAABwA/Ytd5OYwk9a4/s1600/965s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dq7YCVobs-A/ThcQftYoP6I/AAAAAAAABwA/Ytd5OYwk9a4/965s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJVOqIFZTVU/ThcQmW0SPeI/AAAAAAAABwE/XdCXVWU9LAo/s1600/990fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJVOqIFZTVU/ThcQmW0SPeI/AAAAAAAABwE/XdCXVWU9LAo/990fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A40cokIqfhc/ThcQvwQL4tI/AAAAAAAABwI/kAvntA1zAEU/s1600/963fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A40cokIqfhc/ThcQvwQL4tI/AAAAAAAABwI/kAvntA1zAEU/963fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSdOxqFfhzE/ThcQaJ5J6YI/AAAAAAAABv8/Wfe4z9eKwY8/s1600/979s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSdOxqFfhzE/ThcQaJ5J6YI/AAAAAAAABv8/Wfe4z9eKwY8/979s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjLFEDpVLGs/ThcWS5_j5LI/AAAAAAAABw8/6BzM5gApn0E/s1600/1257fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjLFEDpVLGs/ThcWS5_j5LI/AAAAAAAABw8/6BzM5gApn0E/1257fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkc9383MJ7o/ThcStiW4QwI/AAAAAAAABwk/ND9bdyDtWp0/s1600/973fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkc9383MJ7o/ThcStiW4QwI/AAAAAAAABwk/ND9bdyDtWp0/973fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K50K_E8wB_k/ThcRf1iOfcI/AAAAAAAABwc/Lt-0ABgewVM/s1600/1014s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K50K_E8wB_k/ThcRf1iOfcI/AAAAAAAABwc/Lt-0ABgewVM/1014s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjuD9O0ntvM/ThcRozu44UI/AAAAAAAABwg/fOCBshq5eRU/s1600/967fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjuD9O0ntvM/ThcRozu44UI/AAAAAAAABwg/fOCBshq5eRU/967fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />What a wonderful, relaxing&nbsp;day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDocUQxwyr0/ThcT2JWEVaI/AAAAAAAABw4/ynsLMrLkZ1M/s1600/1255fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDocUQxwyr0/ThcT2JWEVaI/AAAAAAAABw4/ynsLMrLkZ1M/1255fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7625778187611866879?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-38073283456377538112011-07-02T12:39:00.004+02:002011-07-02T20:38:47.941+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm2eNyaBbvY/Tg6-yd_2knI/AAAAAAAABtk/AOcuOiS4X_A/s1600/1427fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm2eNyaBbvY/Tg6-yd_2knI/AAAAAAAABtk/AOcuOiS4X_A/1427fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bicycles, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er3Fmod-p48/Tg6_Vq3OpQI/AAAAAAAABto/UMMmPwAWu2E/s1600/088fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-er3Fmod-p48/Tg6_Vq3OpQI/AAAAAAAABto/UMMmPwAWu2E/088fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">bicycles, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcyyezZoSsw/Tg7Db-aLrGI/AAAAAAAABuM/dnkgC-d4dgs/s1600/1498fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcyyezZoSsw/Tg7Db-aLrGI/AAAAAAAABuM/dnkgC-d4dgs/1498fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">bicycles,</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRFxvvEc22w/Tg7ASd7pq5I/AAAAAAAABtw/Ngca_6DfScs/s1600/107fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iRFxvvEc22w/Tg7ASd7pq5I/AAAAAAAABtw/Ngca_6DfScs/107fs.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo2CQYrJze8/Tg7EEE03AOI/AAAAAAAABuQ/2a1OESmrXSQ/s1600/829fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo2CQYrJze8/Tg7EEE03AOI/AAAAAAAABuQ/2a1OESmrXSQ/829fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31AWsmhMnEY/Tg7CqPK30GI/AAAAAAAABuI/vhRfY8gQyQ0/s1600/1478rfs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31AWsmhMnEY/Tg7CqPK30GI/AAAAAAAABuI/vhRfY8gQyQ0/1478rfs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">more bicycles,</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoA_Ww3nrQ8/Tg7GKemrPKI/AAAAAAAABuY/9fZkMY4ceO0/s1600/772fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoA_Ww3nrQ8/Tg7GKemrPKI/AAAAAAAABuY/9fZkMY4ceO0/772fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and tricycles here and there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-yLFYY3W3U/Tg7AtLELvkI/AAAAAAAABt0/xVkQEs7k-FE/s1600/158rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-yLFYY3W3U/Tg7AtLELvkI/AAAAAAAABt0/xVkQEs7k-FE/158rs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were some colorful ones, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EAJjBeomPI/Tg7Bo4cGQLI/AAAAAAAABuA/n2emHaOTxys/s1600/1654fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8EAJjBeomPI/Tg7Bo4cGQLI/AAAAAAAABuA/n2emHaOTxys/1654fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">...although&nbsp;black seemed to be the most popular choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K6WTDxLhj0/Tg7A6WxPSTI/AAAAAAAABt4/20IX1Ho-MSg/s1600/535fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K6WTDxLhj0/Tg7A6WxPSTI/AAAAAAAABt4/20IX1Ho-MSg/535fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I read that in Copenhagen, there are more bikes than people. I believe it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2N0mhpSQug/Tg7CFxxncRI/AAAAAAAABuE/_Gr0LMV5-nc/s1600/1639fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2N0mhpSQug/Tg7CFxxncRI/AAAAAAAABuE/_Gr0LMV5-nc/1639fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It must be hard when it rains (which I hear is often), and also in their long, harsh winter. </div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aICTa87-Uk/Tg7FBgsC_FI/AAAAAAAABuU/5UmnP74zYV0/s1600/1594fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aICTa87-Uk/Tg7FBgsC_FI/AAAAAAAABuU/5UmnP74zYV0/1594fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I admire these people who made a consicous choice to use bikes instead of cars. No doubt that the choice contributes to Copenhagen's laid-back, low-stress atmosphere. The streets are quieter&nbsp;because there are fewer cars -- except for occasional ring-ring-ring! of bike bells.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_zc6DQ4FKg/Tg7SRfMGvvI/AAAAAAAABuc/CNGuLREhzRk/s1600/1481fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_zc6DQ4FKg/Tg7SRfMGvvI/AAAAAAAABuc/CNGuLREhzRk/1481fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bike lanes are wide and sometimes separated from the vehicular traffic by a median-looking thing, making it safe for both cyclists and drivers. Incidentally, Copenhagen is also very safe for pedestrians --&nbsp;if we were in&nbsp;a crosswalk with no traffic light, all bikes (and cars!) stopped for us. That made an impression on me, because in France,&nbsp;it's the pedestrians' responsibility to avoid bikes and cars. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: I should clarify -- that's probably <em>not</em> the traffic law, but it's certainly what it feels like in France.</span></div><br /><br />I would love to have this lifestyle, especially if I can get my hands on one of those tricycles with passenger/cargo space in front. My husband would be horrified and wouldn't want to be seen with me riding that, but I'm the one who has to go grocery shopping most of the time, right? <br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://matadornetwork.com/trips/the-worlds-15-most-bike-friendly-cities/">list of world's most bike-friendly cities</a>, where I may be able to have this two-wheel rythm of life.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efrgSFXgCe4/Tg7BIVn7hAI/AAAAAAAABt8/RzvaARVdlHI/s1600/917fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efrgSFXgCe4/Tg7BIVn7hAI/AAAAAAAABt8/RzvaARVdlHI/917fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3807328345637753811?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-19354407808163935842011-06-21T17:50:00.000+02:002011-06-21T17:50:48.136+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93iQzcV4PtU/TfsNBcW6xdI/AAAAAAAABsk/0lSXJ8JzbP0/s1600/050s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93iQzcV4PtU/TfsNBcW6xdI/AAAAAAAABsk/0lSXJ8JzbP0/s1600/050s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Such gorgeous garlic -- 66 centimes a head.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've noticed that there is a bit of misconception outside of France that marchés in France are farmers' markets. They aren't.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many of the vendors at the market -- a majority of them, I would say&nbsp;-- are&nbsp;distributers, not farmers. They get their fruits and vegetables at the wholesale warehouses, and bring them to the consumers at the local market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is not to say that that's bad, no, not at all. But if buying directly from the growers is important to you, then you have to look for the word <em>producteur</em>. </div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewSesMXtrMQ/TfsPGCM4TTI/AAAAAAAABs0/gnGpSCTCEII/s1600/054s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewSesMXtrMQ/TfsPGCM4TTI/AAAAAAAABs0/gnGpSCTCEII/s1600/054s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">See the word <em>producteur</em> at the bottom of the receipt? <span style="font-size: xx-small;">FYI: </span>Thurins is a commune that's 25km southwest of Lyon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Producteurs</em> sometimes (but not always) have&nbsp;signs in their booths somewhere, perhaps hanging from the awning or even printed directly on their awning, marking them as such. They tend to have longer lines of customers than distributers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Producteurs</em>&nbsp;are&nbsp;also quiter.&nbsp;Distributers might call out to&nbsp;shoppers, yelling out that the strawberries are extra fresh this morning or the peppers are a great deal today. <em>Producteurs</em>&nbsp;don't do that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, and the ones who have their produce all weighed and piled up on plates, ready to bag ("3€ a plate!")? Those&nbsp;are also distributers. <em>Producteurs</em> leave their stuff in the wooden crates, and will let you buy as little, or as much, as you want.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZha1oKkm2o/TfsPg5K9svI/AAAAAAAABs4/ZAJMtRaZxWg/s1600/051s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZha1oKkm2o/TfsPg5K9svI/AAAAAAAABs4/ZAJMtRaZxWg/s1600/051s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I love these crooked cucumbers. They remind me of my childhood when cucumbers were all crooked.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite <em>prooducteur</em> comes to the market near my son's school twice a week. The truck brings loads of fresh produce, along with six or seven people to work in the booth. I give them my basket, and they put my purchase directly in it, skipping the plastic bags. Things like green beans and peas are&nbsp;wrapped in&nbsp;brown paper before going in the basket.&nbsp;I also get my eggs from these people. BYOEC -- Bring Your Own Egg Carton. Today I spent 15€ here and they gave me a bunch of parsely. </div><br /><br />Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheerful <em>bonjour</em>, human contact,&nbsp;<em>merci</em> with a smile and a <em>bonne journée.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;There's little wonder why I feel happier and more uplifted on market days. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iCR14RguWg/TfsNWsoBC_I/AAAAAAAABso/qZVeb3e2p3k/s1600/042s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iCR14RguWg/TfsNWsoBC_I/AAAAAAAABso/qZVeb3e2p3k/s1600/042s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Smell the basil!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1935440780816393584?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-69273244520328491642011-06-17T10:12:00.001+02:002011-06-17T13:33:48.680+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2kOY2afVS4/Tfs7fqWjLHI/AAAAAAAABtA/4WzNvbh4ORA/s1600/002rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2kOY2afVS4/Tfs7fqWjLHI/AAAAAAAABtA/4WzNvbh4ORA/002rs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Those who say French people are unfriendly haven't met my neighbors.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6927324452032849164?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-62612054178486237842011-06-14T18:03:00.000+02:002011-06-14T18:03:21.076+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YAgpWA1ibA/TfeCps-rabI/AAAAAAAABsY/rZRPPwU7RLc/s1600/407fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YAgpWA1ibA/TfeCps-rabI/AAAAAAAABsY/rZRPPwU7RLc/407fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We finally have our summer travel plans all set in place.&nbsp; We have some family business to take care of, and our trips are not all fun and pleasure. Never imagined we'd be making these trips all the way from Europe, but life happens while we are busy making (or not making) plans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, I hope to make a few small -- domestic! -- trips here and there. Paris, anyone? Here's a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocopuff1212/sets/72157626876185274/show/">slideshow</a> from my trip last month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6261205417848623784?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-76448924932762745852011-06-07T12:10:00.000+02:002011-06-07T12:10:38.231+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F-6xryLjBw/Te34JyNerCI/AAAAAAAABrc/WA-L8jNhtlc/s1600/016s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1F-6xryLjBw/Te34JyNerCI/AAAAAAAABrc/WA-L8jNhtlc/016s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-heart-our-local-markets.html">love</a>.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7644892493276274585?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-33566569342660627292011-06-05T14:05:00.001+02:002011-06-05T14:06:55.948+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHjcFkrCqNY/Tetvox1nddI/AAAAAAAABrI/8u04CyqPGDg/s1600/002fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHjcFkrCqNY/Tetvox1nddI/AAAAAAAABrI/8u04CyqPGDg/002fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After being told "no more TV or video games for the rest of the day," my son's chosen activity was sketching. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">La petite maison, from <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2011/05/little-piece-or-two-of-paris-for-me.html">this post</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTI-jvNEv4U/TetvsiY0gqI/AAAAAAAABrM/ydtSmoB1fR0/s1600/003s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTI-jvNEv4U/TetvsiY0gqI/AAAAAAAABrM/ydtSmoB1fR0/003s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3356656934266062729?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-88509315215621753412011-05-29T14:33:00.000+02:002011-05-29T14:33:57.344+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeQ1xKKHbVY/TeI6Pjp2bCI/AAAAAAAABqs/twd-hvjvuuo/s1600/001s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AeQ1xKKHbVY/TeI6Pjp2bCI/AAAAAAAABqs/twd-hvjvuuo/001s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a beautiful sunny Sunday, but allergy symptoms have me stay indoors. I've changed bedsheets, done three loads of laundry, and ironed two shirts and a dozen napkins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it hasn't been all work, either. I've also caught up on blog reading and done quite a bit of <a href="http://pinterest.com/cocopuff1212/">pinning</a>.&nbsp;Now it's time to play some games with my son.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy rest of the afteroon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Happy Mother's Day to those in France!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8850931521562175341?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-14053807089105321452011-05-24T09:27:00.002+02:002011-05-30T09:28:30.237+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kx5mYBLsrog/TdfV1yHHjFI/AAAAAAAABqg/Vf76Gj6j3C8/s1600/422fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kx5mYBLsrog/TdfV1yHHjFI/AAAAAAAABqg/Vf76Gj6j3C8/422fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the places I was determined to visit on this trip to Paris is a little ceramic studio/shop called<a href="http://www.lepetitatelierdeparis.com/welcome.html"> Le Petit Atelier de Paris</a>.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0gBw8b7kAk/TdfV8qxoHuI/AAAAAAAABqk/GZkdYO_g49w/s1600/424fts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0gBw8b7kAk/TdfV8qxoHuI/AAAAAAAABqk/GZkdYO_g49w/424fts.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is located in le 3eme on one of those narrow, endearing streets. It's&nbsp;open just Thursday through Saturday, and only in the afternoon at that. I was so excited that I was finally able to visit the shop -- I've been wanting to, ever since I read about it in <a href="http://www.nordljus.co.uk/en/some-of-my-old-and-new-favourites-in-paris">Keiko's blog post</a> -- that I got there 10 minutes before it opened. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_1VovaHMUI/TdfWBdkg6xI/AAAAAAAABqo/-iT2VLefDpE/s1600/419fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_1VovaHMUI/TdfWBdkg6xI/AAAAAAAABqo/-iT2VLefDpE/419fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I fell in love even before it opened, though. The way things were laid out and displayed in the shop window, simple lamp hanging in front of an unbleached linen curtain, sign written in white on the glass -- everything&nbsp;was just so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I walked inside. It's a tiny space of a shop, but oh, what a lovely, warm, calm&nbsp;space. The friendly welcome by the owners' dog didn't hurt, either. I was instantly smitten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKu4bfBDBEM/TdeBA4GnlHI/AAAAAAAABp4/k-Z5WC7K-RQ/s1600/037rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKu4bfBDBEM/TdeBA4GnlHI/AAAAAAAABp4/k-Z5WC7K-RQ/037rs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to buy everything in the shop. After agonizing for a good 15 minutes (it may have been longer), I decided on a cup, because it's something I can use every day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv-dFU6fBQ4/TdeBFJ7ldtI/AAAAAAAABp8/Q4JclyOfaYo/s1600/034s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv-dFU6fBQ4/TdeBFJ7ldtI/AAAAAAAABp8/Q4JclyOfaYo/034s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Inside the cup is the atelier's logo -- loving hands that make these beautiful things.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuTzQstmRxk/TdeBJaOTsUI/AAAAAAAABqA/IOEuHkQj_PU/s1600/018s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DuTzQstmRxk/TdeBJaOTsUI/AAAAAAAABqA/IOEuHkQj_PU/018s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />I also indulged and got myself the atelier's signature house-shaped objet d'art. Mine has a number, but plain ones are available, in two different sizes&nbsp;(second photo from the top).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6nPRefd2dg/TdeBNqPfVlI/AAAAAAAABqE/UlOrUh6RMt8/s1600/016t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6nPRefd2dg/TdeBNqPfVlI/AAAAAAAABqE/UlOrUh6RMt8/016t.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What made my&nbsp;experience at&nbsp;this atelier even more special is how beautifully and thoughtfully my purchase was wrapped. The cup and the house were gently swaddled in double layers of tissue paper as if they were precious pieces of jewelry, and the paper bag was adorned with a little ceramic star&nbsp;that's graced by the atelier's logo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I lived in Paris, I would be visiting this place regularly and frequently, but I don't. I hope to come back before our time in France is up, hopefully soon. Until then, take care, Pompon<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (that's the dog's name -- isn't it sweet?)</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8kEc7eRxE8/TdeBRCU-3EI/AAAAAAAABqI/1DxR6DihGPw/s1600/014t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8kEc7eRxE8/TdeBRCU-3EI/AAAAAAAABqI/1DxR6DihGPw/014t.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1405380708910532145?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-62909885500031120322011-05-20T14:30:00.001+02:002011-05-21T11:18:32.573+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I04tBHHejHc/TdZUJRzKbGI/AAAAAAAABpQ/0Zf-Xqsd8Wk/s1600/198rs2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I04tBHHejHc/TdZUJRzKbGI/AAAAAAAABpQ/0Zf-Xqsd8Wk/198rs2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had not slept much the day before, so I thougth I'd sleep in. But the church bell ringing&nbsp;a few&nbsp;blocks away woke me up at 6 a.m., and I thought, "Might as well get up and walk around."</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm glad I did. Streets were quiet, tourists weren't out yet (except for this one), and I got to see the city's elegant apartment buildings slowly waking up, bathed in gentle morning light. </div><br /><br /><br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3eLPAzwiwc/TdZQaheTsdI/AAAAAAAABpI/-e5m7lc7Boc/s1600/232s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3eLPAzwiwc/TdZQaheTsdI/AAAAAAAABpI/-e5m7lc7Boc/232s.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br />I wanted to sit on a bench at Square Jean-XXIII, but it was too early and the park gates were still closed. I had to laugh. I crossed the bridge to Île Saint-Louis, and after walking around some more, found a little cafe and went in.</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjvqpPDlzEo/TdZZI5-JoRI/AAAAAAAABpc/-SnPLbblN5U/s1600/332s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjvqpPDlzEo/TdZZI5-JoRI/AAAAAAAABpc/-SnPLbblN5U/332s2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pot of Darjeeling tea to warm me up (it was overcast and a bit chilly) and a fluffy croissant to fill me up (20% air, 80% butter).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friends in the U.S. and Japan all think I'm living a dream. I think&nbsp;I can see why now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W65XFcaioKU/TdZZNxoHv2I/AAAAAAAABpg/3Yk9OoPHfmQ/s1600/333s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W65XFcaioKU/TdZZNxoHv2I/AAAAAAAABpg/3Yk9OoPHfmQ/333s2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6290988550003112032?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-77274303111385488882011-05-12T10:19:00.000+02:002011-05-13T22:31:29.952+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-s-JUCBsMk/TcvHt6B7zEI/AAAAAAAABoY/zjMCFDUU_5g/s1600/003s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-s-JUCBsMk/TcvHt6B7zEI/AAAAAAAABoY/zjMCFDUU_5g/003s2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Liqueurs and hard liquor are not my specialties. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Well, except for Limoncello and Frangelico, that is...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvvHq9LZqZU/TcvHzEpMfDI/AAAAAAAABoc/834cvTJaHfM/s1600/016s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvvHq9LZqZU/TcvHzEpMfDI/AAAAAAAABoc/834cvTJaHfM/016s2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Antique and vintage prints are the specialities of <a href="http://leboisdebout.com/">Les Bois Debout</a> in Vieux Lyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This store is just steps away from&nbsp;<a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primatiale_Saint-Jean_de_Lyon">Cathédrale St. Jean</a> in the lovely neighborhood where quaint shops and cafes grace cobblestone streets. I always stop by when I'm in the area, and I always find something that I really like (not necessarily in the price range I like, but that's a different issue). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was attracted to the vibrant colors in these prints -- there were two of them and no other like them, so I thought I'd keep them together and bought the pair. The note said that they were from the 1920s~30s. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be making a trip to BHV soon to see if I can find inexpensive matting and frames for them. How fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCJKWmL35Kg/TcvH2rOTuPI/AAAAAAAABog/qSMiaFg5xFQ/s1600/015s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCJKWmL35Kg/TcvH2rOTuPI/AAAAAAAABog/qSMiaFg5xFQ/015s2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7727430311138548888?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-4113365186894921342011-05-06T11:03:00.051+02:002011-05-06T11:28:25.396+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlVqKZDz6Rg/TcO2-HOBTJI/AAAAAAAABn8/lI0J5hx1nMg/s1600/002s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlVqKZDz6Rg/TcO2-HOBTJI/AAAAAAAABn8/lI0J5hx1nMg/002s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought these greeting cards at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187791-d190132-Reviews-Porta_Portese-Rome_Lazio.html">Porta Portese</a> in Rome. I buy antique and vintage cards whenever I see them, and I always try to get a whole bunch and negotiate the price down. I use them to decorate the top of the mantel, place them in a little tray on the table, or enclose them in gift packages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Porta Portese is a flea market, not an antique market. It's quite&nbsp;different from all the other markets I've seen, even different from the great <a href="http://www.funtouristattractions.com/a/porta-palazzo-market-turin-italy/1717">Porta Palazzo Market</a> in Turin. I am tempted to write "You can find everything there but a kitchen sink," but the truth is that I <em>did</em> see a kitchen sink being sold! (In case you're curious, it was an old one.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You have to be a local market junkie like I am to enjoy Porta Portese -- I had to bribe my husband and son with a gelato and a cold bottle of sparkling lemon water -- but I thoroughly enjoyed the racket that is Porta Portese. It is great fun to see how the locals truly live.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmWuAjIhJ7Y/TcO3BLbP_0I/AAAAAAAABoA/7E3E-q61J3U/s1600/004rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmWuAjIhJ7Y/TcO3BLbP_0I/AAAAAAAABoA/7E3E-q61J3U/004rs.JPG" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-411336518689492134?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-37335223017312061932011-05-04T10:42:00.001+02:002011-05-21T20:00:14.019+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8sF--Er5dg/TcEQ0aCLc3I/AAAAAAAABn4/kYlx4ZmkSyU/s1600/032ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8sF--Er5dg/TcEQ0aCLc3I/AAAAAAAABn4/kYlx4ZmkSyU/032ts.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(In case you're wondering, yes, it is Anakin. I couldn't find his toupee in&nbsp;my son's&nbsp;trunk-size Lego block container.)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3733522301731206193?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-43250563671621920442011-04-29T09:55:00.000+02:002011-04-29T09:55:45.547+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aM6j-qrOPD0/TbpsA-rJByI/AAAAAAAABnU/lyyINrSdpac/s1600/025s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aM6j-qrOPD0/TbpsA-rJByI/AAAAAAAABnU/lyyINrSdpac/025s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I seldom buy flowers for our home any more because of the hay fever type allergy my son and I suffer. But yesterday at Parc de la Tête d'Or, I saw a gentleman selling tulips for the benefit of a cancer research/support organization. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tulips. Along with cosmos and gerbera daisis, they are my favorite flowers in the whole world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They were 5€ a bunch, but the kind, friendly monsieur gave me three bunches for 10€. The purplish-pink perfectly match the color of the flowers in my aunt's water-color painting on the wall. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4325056367162192044?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-6977102916777170242011-04-15T11:43:00.000+02:002011-04-15T11:43:51.295+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPbcBwNnsP8/TagO7aGB6cI/AAAAAAAABnI/_3dECPWWSoM/s1600/007fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPbcBwNnsP8/TagO7aGB6cI/AAAAAAAABnI/_3dECPWWSoM/007fs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Packing is a drag, but the Eternal City waits for me. See you all in a week.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-697710291677717024?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-55132558568824926282011-04-14T10:20:00.000+02:002011-04-14T10:20:39.659+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgKwHJzStf4/TaapzLePnTI/AAAAAAAABnE/dIPyzykDCss/s1600/300s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgKwHJzStf4/TaapzLePnTI/AAAAAAAABnE/dIPyzykDCss/300s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Someone was speaking to me from heaven this morning. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5513255856882492628?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-56439657069399461012011-04-05T11:39:00.000+02:002011-04-05T11:39:58.723+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVFAHGE-01Q/TZriDKqhNDI/AAAAAAAABmo/7QPDVRuN1_k/s1600/011s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVFAHGE-01Q/TZriDKqhNDI/AAAAAAAABmo/7QPDVRuN1_k/011s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seasons repeat, and spring is coming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A ray of light, bringing a bit of hope. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5643965706939946101?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-8247976534947710452011-03-21T21:22:00.000+01:002011-03-21T21:22:48.168+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jjr0f2imZic/TYeyXMJtY0I/AAAAAAAABmY/kh6bRS5hnys/s1600/instacandlevigil-SM2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jjr0f2imZic/TYeyXMJtY0I/AAAAAAAABmY/kh6bRS5hnys/s1600/instacandlevigil-SM2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From a French city famous for its lumière, to people in Japan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are lifting you up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y5zsCV-eTtQ/TYeya_6G1uI/AAAAAAAABmc/DvNsr8Nx574/s1600/047bws2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y5zsCV-eTtQ/TYeya_6G1uI/AAAAAAAABmc/DvNsr8Nx574/s1600/047bws2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-824797653494771045?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-89803930803051710392011-03-12T09:39:00.013+01:002011-03-14T17:13:24.341+01:00<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">Updated info on donation sites below.</span></strong><br /><br />It's been 24 hours since one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history hit the northeastern coast of Japan. <br /><br />The powerful tsunami caused by the earthquake just about completely wiped out the alraedy damaged areas. Hundreds of people are confirmed dead.&nbsp;Thousands&nbsp;are unaccounted for. Many are at shelters with no heat in below-zero temperature; even those whose homes escaped severe damage are without water and electricity. Aftershocks are still coming. <br /><br />And I just read a newsflash that said an explosion was heard and black smoke was seen at Fukushima nuclear power plant. There really are no words.<br /><br />I am thankful that my immediate family is safe and well, but my heart is heavy. It took Japan years to recover from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Hanshin_earthquake">Great Hanshin Earthquake</a>, and that happened only 16 years ago. <br /><br />Please pray with me for the people in Japan. Please pray for the country.&nbsp;They need it.<br /><br />I don't have any photo today.<br /><br /><br />Note: Donations can be made to:<br /><a href="http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&amp;s_src=RSG000000000&amp;s_subsrc=RCO_ResponseStateSection">Red Cross</a> <br /><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/chika-shewhoeats/japan-disaster-relief-with-sakura">fund-raising site set up by Chika</a> of <a href="http://shewhoeats.blogspot.com/">She Who Eats</a> <br /><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/cocoandme/Japan-Disaster-Relief">fund-raising site set up by Tamami</a> of <a href="http://www.cocoandme.com/">Coco &amp; Me</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8980393080305171039?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-38135304806174774192011-03-09T10:28:00.000+01:002011-03-09T10:28:20.881+01:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6MELCdza39Q/TXc6BbCxLZI/AAAAAAAABlM/TYI8wnisBt8/397ss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6MELCdza39Q/TXc6BbCxLZI/AAAAAAAABlM/TYI8wnisBt8/397ss.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We just got back from our&nbsp;<em>vacances de neige</em> in <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Houches">Les</a> <a href="http://www.leshouches.com/fr/hiver_accueil.aspx">Houches</a>, and we are already trying to get organized for our vacation during the Easter break. I think the "work to live" lifestyle of the French is growing on us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seriously, we are loving our ability to just hop on a plane and travel to a different country in just over an hour.&nbsp;Swiss border is only an-hour-and-a-half of drive away. We will never have opporunities to travel like this once we go back to the U.S., so we might as well take full advantage of our fortunate circumstances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l10RGEWBn88/TXc9ZrBKEFI/AAAAAAAABlU/48Sb2QvBmMo/556rfs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l10RGEWBn88/TXc9ZrBKEFI/AAAAAAAABlU/48Sb2QvBmMo/556rfs.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's photos are from our trip to Venice in January. What a lovely, romantic, sigh-inducing&nbsp;place!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every city wants to think that it is special and unique, but Venice really is unique; there's no place like it. The view of it from the airplane window -- a medieval city just floating on water (well, it isn't really floating technically, but you know what I mean), as if it has been cut out from somewhere and pasted into the ocean&nbsp;-- it's stunning and mind-boggling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-id26msfeYLw/TXdE2rVAnEI/AAAAAAAABlY/xwAecf7pynE/082s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-id26msfeYLw/TXdE2rVAnEI/AAAAAAAABlY/xwAecf7pynE/082s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's one of the small-yet-still-mind-boggling things I saw in Venice: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canal_(Venice)">Canal Grande</a> completely disects the city but has only three bridges crossing it. So during the morning and evening rush hours, local people commuting use service of crossing boats to get to the other side of&nbsp;the wide canal. What surprised me is that, on these boats, people do not sit down.</div><br />I can see why they do this -- they can fit more people this way -- but it freaked me out! <br /><br /><br />How would you like this to be a part of your daily commute???<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cUzn7H-TbbI/TXc6MIWc1AI/AAAAAAAABlQ/NCQQx2BODIw/240fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cUzn7H-TbbI/TXc6MIWc1AI/AAAAAAAABlQ/NCQQx2BODIw/240fs.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocopuff1212/sets/72157626074886352/show/">more pics</a> from our Venice trip (a Flickr slideshow). </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3813530480617477419?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-56048722339891921272011-03-02T18:14:00.000+01:002011-03-02T18:14:11.240+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0yef9M3jatM/TW54II3dLRI/AAAAAAAABk8/PDs2Wnx4QOg/s1600/056s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0yef9M3jatM/TW54II3dLRI/AAAAAAAABk8/PDs2Wnx4QOg/056s.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />In a rustic chalet up in the mountain, time seems to pass more slowly.&nbsp; Tonight, I'm taking time off from cooking.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5604872233989192127?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-83311158662407358662011-02-22T09:55:00.002+01:002011-02-22T13:09:22.903+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSBkzJX2R7E/TWN2mHYTOvI/AAAAAAAABkk/rl5Aj2Ac9vY/s1600/009s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSBkzJX2R7E/TWN2mHYTOvI/AAAAAAAABkk/rl5Aj2Ac9vY/009s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the clothes these girls are wearing. And guess what, little girls in France do dress like that, even now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In France -- in Lyon at least --&nbsp;children are dressed very properly. Girls, especially. They wear skirts and tights with leather Mary Janes (which would be more like girls' Sunday best outfit in the U.S.) as their everyday school clothes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not completely convinced that they're comfortable, but they do look adorable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2009/06/ooh-la-la.html">more photos</a> of these cards. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8331115866240735866?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-73362691737415188062011-02-18T17:00:00.001+01:002011-02-18T17:13:31.851+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxQUshbrQV4/TV6Vwr3GmyI/AAAAAAAABkI/9geicAst-iE/s1600/095s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxQUshbrQV4/TV6Vwr3GmyI/AAAAAAAABkI/9geicAst-iE/095s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2010/07/hotel-dieu.html">Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon</a> behind the trees. I love looking at this building, but I've never&nbsp;gone inside of it, which is now a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel-Dieu_de_Lyon">museum</a>. I think I should!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great weekend, everyone :)</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7336269173741518806?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-27638366452517420952011-02-14T11:26:00.000+01:002011-02-14T11:26:59.208+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XejnxryI2vo/TVkDIgtJjXI/AAAAAAAABkA/bUD_Qtrv9L8/s1600/082ss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XejnxryI2vo/TVkDIgtJjXI/AAAAAAAABkA/bUD_Qtrv9L8/082ss.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Every day is a Valentine's Day for me :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2763836645251742095?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-1112612149399440402011-02-09T10:24:00.000+01:002011-02-09T10:24:18.916+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TVJOf4hQTZI/AAAAAAAABj0/VdnPNzw-kT0/s1600/007s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TVJOf4hQTZI/AAAAAAAABj0/VdnPNzw-kT0/007s.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd never been a big fan of stripes and never worn them much until I moved here. But oh boy, French people love them, and you know how easily influenced I am. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nautical stripes come out in spring -- in full force --&nbsp;like daffodils bursting into bloom after waiting silently during long, dark, cold winter. Summer is the official&nbsp;"stripey season" in France (and of course in the rest of the world as well).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That doesn't mean I can't wear stripes during the cold season. In fact, I've accumulated quite a few stripey shirts because I've discovered that wearing them noticeably lifts my mood on long, dark, cold winter days. Sometimes I'd be walking outside, feeling bulky and clumsy in a heavy winter coat, and suddenly remember that I'm wearing a marine stripe shirt underneath. Instantly uplifted, now I feel like smiling and skipping on&nbsp;the sidewalk (you know how easily influenced I am).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm wearing a stripe shirt and channeling <a href="http://iseastripes.blogspot.com/2010/05/pablo-picasso.html">Pablo Picasso</a>, <a href="http://www.unefemme.net/2009/12/stripes-ahoy.html">Coco Chanel</a>, <a href="http://www.stylebistro.com/lookbook/Jean+Paul+Gaultier/BAz6JC_157b">Jean Paul Gaultier</a>, <a href="http://www.mattersofstyleblog.com/2009/12/im-dreaming-of-striped-christmas.html">Audrey Hepburn</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel stylish, but more importantly, I feel happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-111261214939944040?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-59495728669959095022011-02-03T11:04:00.002+01:002011-02-04T08:52:03.773+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkMUpHpZI/AAAAAAAABi8/j9HcwFWnZYE/s1600/039s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkMUpHpZI/AAAAAAAABi8/j9HcwFWnZYE/039s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can No.1: Top</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One person's junk is another person's treasure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkSx-d16I/AAAAAAAABjA/jcG78GQvPEo/s1600/043s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkSx-d16I/AAAAAAAABjA/jcG78GQvPEo/043s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can No.1: Bottom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not too long ago I took someone to the flea market with me, and she kept making comments like "Why would you want to pay money for that?", "You're not going to take that back to the U.S., are you?", "But it's all bent and rusty! So ugly!"... and my favofrite of all: "You can get a new one at less than half that price!" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(She is absolutely right!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkY5PFjpI/AAAAAAAABjE/roOpspxUBPA/s1600/053s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkY5PFjpI/AAAAAAAABjE/roOpspxUBPA/053s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can No.2: Top</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's really fun to see what others at the flea market are buying. Occasionally I see people carrying something very unusual-looking and think, "What the heck is that? What is that person going to do with it?". Once in a while I see something in someone's hand and think, "Now <em>that's</em> ugly." </div><br />But hey, it's one person's junk, another person's treasure.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkeCMww8I/AAAAAAAABjI/EGlvIHttzSo/s1600/063s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUkkeCMww8I/AAAAAAAABjI/EGlvIHttzSo/063s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can No.2: Bottom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll keep my mouth shut because they keep theirs shut. While on the subject, I should publicly thank my wonderful husband for keeping his mouth shut every time I come home from the flea market. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want you to know, honey, that not everything I bring home from <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/">Les Puces</a> is useless junk. Some of the stuff has found work in the apartment. Have you noticed????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUpwGMVwlxI/AAAAAAAABjg/gZNLdyF0N6I/s1600/009s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TUpwGMVwlxI/AAAAAAAABjg/gZNLdyF0N6I/009s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can No.3: Happily occupied.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5949572866995909502?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-79427563209991884102011-01-24T13:06:00.000+01:002011-01-24T13:06:45.626+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTayrI5pdsI/AAAAAAAABhg/qG_93S9lU98/s1600/009t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTayrI5pdsI/AAAAAAAABhg/qG_93S9lU98/009t.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a sucker for medallion designs on furniture. When I saw this armoire in&nbsp;a store in Vieux Lyon a few weeks ago, I fell in love with it instantly. The armoire itself is very simple, with no elaborate details other than this medallion, which is just the way I like it. It's&nbsp;from the 1920s, one of the proprietresses of the store told me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shop is owned by&nbsp;a mother-and-daughter pair. The daughter speaks very good English -- she told me that she restores and refurbishes old furniture, and her mother is in charge of the finishing touches like staining and painting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This armoire is thoughtfully and sensitively refurbished, especially inside. All working parts move beautifully without anything getting stuck or making squeaking noises. There is a crack on the side, but it doesn't affect the armoire's functionality, and I honestly don't mind it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The store sells smaller things as well, and it's a delightful gem of a shop. If you're in Lyon and make it there, do go downstairs and look at the beautiful antique cradle. I was told that it can be rented.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.merefilledeco.fr/">Mere Fille Deco</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">21 Rue du Boeuf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">69005 Lyon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7942756320999188410?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-45482549212159443652011-01-17T12:17:00.005+01:002011-01-20T14:17:34.713+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">A bit of an update -- see bottom of post!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTQcFp0IoKI/AAAAAAAABhY/ivOrJgHeiXc/s1600/002s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTQcFp0IoKI/AAAAAAAABhY/ivOrJgHeiXc/002s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've long had a <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2010/08/grab-it-when-you-see-it.html">policy of not buying portraits at flea markets</a>. But that doesn't mean I can't browse, and if there is a stack, I always flip through it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday at <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/">Les Puces</a>, this group photo made me violate my own policy. I know I'm transfering the blame... think whatever you want to think... but I asked the people in this photo&nbsp;if they would feel bad if I took them out of France (eventually, I mean. We're not moving just yet), and I heard them saying, "No, no, go ahead and take us with you. We're glad you found us." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I swear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it's how these people are standing, some of them looking almost relaxed, instead of standing stiff looking scared (or scary!) and uncomfortable. It didn't feel like a crime to "buy them" and make them mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the bottom is a line of captions&nbsp;that says:</div><br /><br /><blockquote>Ecole de Medicine Paris 1910 <br />Mr le Docteur André Castex<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (The first word looks like "Mr", but the second letter is so tiny I'm not 100% sure it's an "r")</span><br />Lucien Wormser Phot 45 Rue du Cardinal-Lemoine</blockquote><br /><br />This address is in Paris 5eme arrondissement, not too far from Île de la Cité, just one block from Cardinal Lemoine metro station. I'll keep&nbsp;a few images of this photo on my iPhone, so I can look this place up next time we're in Paris. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTQcMDzzF9I/AAAAAAAABhc/yHVRz9pxxsk/s1600/003rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTQcMDzzF9I/AAAAAAAABhc/yHVRz9pxxsk/003rs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Update 18-01-2011:</strong> I forgot to note that, between "Ecole de Medicine Paris 1910" and&nbsp;"Mr le Docteur André Castex",&nbsp;the caption also says&nbsp;"Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie." Sure enough, I&nbsp;got a quick note from a friend today telling me that </span><a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Castex"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Dr. Castex was a famous ear-nose-and-throat doctor</span></a><span style="color: #351c75;"> at the time, and that he wrote many books as well. The man in the center in the white lab coat, who looks older than other people in the photo, must be him. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4548254921215944365?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-44904478687363070402011-01-14T18:54:00.000+01:002011-01-14T18:54:07.816+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTCKVFEruqI/AAAAAAAABhE/DuP87b83vBQ/s1600/008s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTCKVFEruqI/AAAAAAAABhE/DuP87b83vBQ/008s.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyday world, turned into a scene from a storybook. I waited for a fairy to appear out of the fog, but the moist air made me cold and I had to go home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTCKyMiXlRI/AAAAAAAABhM/KUaHpsVvFRY/s1600/023s2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TTCKyMiXlRI/AAAAAAAABhM/KUaHpsVvFRY/023s2.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4490447868736307040?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-61427321534010468872011-01-12T16:13:00.000+01:002011-01-12T16:13:09.729+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TS3BLiflKXI/AAAAAAAABhA/oZf8sPemj18/s1600/016s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TS3BLiflKXI/AAAAAAAABhA/oZf8sPemj18/016s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />After being in this apartment for more than a year, we finally have curtains hanging on our bedroom windows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are dark purplish-grey but are made of rough linen, and they don't completely block the light. The sun coming through them in the morning washes the whole room in a&nbsp;soft, muted lavendar color. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love it.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6142732153401046887?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-51503895590122650642011-01-10T09:29:00.000+01:002011-01-10T09:29:45.577+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TSrCelEiicI/AAAAAAAABgw/-13vDarrlHY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TSrCelEiicI/AAAAAAAABgw/-13vDarrlHY/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5150389559012265064?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-89874702188831953492010-12-29T12:17:00.000+01:002010-12-29T12:17:01.790+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRh448seGxI/AAAAAAAABe4/1bqpuL-VcV0/s1600/054s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRh448seGxI/AAAAAAAABe4/1bqpuL-VcV0/054s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, I would <strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">LOVE</span></em></strong> to have a round room like that in the corner of my home. Of course, it has to have a domed ceiling and a few porthole windows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRh4-hmESoI/AAAAAAAABe8/rdCd3d1PueA/s1600/039rs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRh4-hmESoI/AAAAAAAABe8/rdCd3d1PueA/039rs.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I acutually prefer living on the ground level with a bakcyard&nbsp;to living&nbsp;in a 5th- or 6th-floor apartment. But&nbsp;apartment living would be much more tolerable if I had a lovely balcony, where I could sit sipping my coffee&nbsp;while watching the hustle and bustle of down below.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRh5D11iZSI/AAAAAAAABfA/0bMewDLUVMU/s1600/081s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRh5D11iZSI/AAAAAAAABfA/0bMewDLUVMU/081s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also wouldn't mind having a dark and narrow tower like this as one of the features of my home. I would slowly and cautiously walk up and down the tightly wound stairs with only a small candle for my light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All these buildings are in Lyon. First two are in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presqu%27%C3%AEle_(Lyon)">Presqu'île</a>; the last one in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieux_Lyon">Vieux Lyon</a> by the Metro Vieux Lyon station (I&nbsp;think it's part of the Bibliothèque 5eme).&nbsp;Aren't they delicious????</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8987470218883195349?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-26162111990108723892010-12-27T12:10:00.000+01:002010-12-27T12:10:31.969+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRcF1FN5xgI/AAAAAAAABds/jgluswifNms/s1600/010s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRcF1FN5xgI/AAAAAAAABds/jgluswifNms/010s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cookies for my husband and son. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I actually bought them for the tin can. I didn't mean it as a pun, but it<strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>IS</em></span></strong> <a href="http://www.tintin.com/">Tintin</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought it was perfectly sized for my sewing stuff, and it really was.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRcFwtIFqQI/AAAAAAAABdo/f4_IEIaa6Fc/s1600/001s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRcFwtIFqQI/AAAAAAAABdo/f4_IEIaa6Fc/001s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2616211199010872389?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-44424853515592881102010-12-22T15:09:00.000+01:002010-12-22T15:09:37.039+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRIFfULC9YI/AAAAAAAABdU/3GLIrBbviC8/s1600/033fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TRIFfULC9YI/AAAAAAAABdU/3GLIrBbviC8/033fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"If you don't have Christmas in your heart, you won't find it under the tree." ~Unknown</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merry Christmas, everyone. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4442485351559288110?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-69874311768975336162010-12-20T11:31:00.000+01:002010-12-20T11:31:28.862+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQ8kKbSxROI/AAAAAAAABc8/9kjiLmr7nqU/s1600/001fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQ8kKbSxROI/AAAAAAAABc8/9kjiLmr7nqU/001fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQ8kOwBbgVI/AAAAAAAABdA/KO9vuf2HvS4/s1600/003fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQ8kOwBbgVI/AAAAAAAABdA/KO9vuf2HvS4/003fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These photos are from last year's snowstorm, several days before Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was scheduled to fly out, alone, to go to the other side of the world. To say good-bye to somebody. Some of the airports in Europe were starting to shut down because of the weather, and others were limiting flights departing and arriving. I sat in front of my living room window, looking at the thick snow curtains and wondering if mine would be departing as scheduled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I wasn't worried. The snow kept falling, erasing my worries as it fell, whispering, "It's okay. Whatever will be, will be." My flight did leave on time, and after 24 hours, I got where I needed to be.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A year has gone by since then.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQ8vjN2wdYI/AAAAAAAABdE/rde7stsx8Mk/s1600/355bs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQ8vjN2wdYI/AAAAAAAABdE/rde7stsx8Mk/355bs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A whole year gone by. I am exactly one year older, but am I wiser? Am I a better person now than I was last year? Did I learn? Did I give? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most importantly, though: Did I live?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6987431176897533616?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-83782105614759825252010-12-11T23:21:00.000+01:002010-12-11T23:21:11.451+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQP40M74IvI/AAAAAAAABc0/fuUFI1JcMfs/s1600/033s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TQP40M74IvI/AAAAAAAABc0/fuUFI1JcMfs/033s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our front door, version Noël 2010.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8378210561475982525?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-72036191424874164702010-12-07T10:11:00.001+01:002010-12-08T11:01:19.384+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPuGOxTM5vI/AAAAAAAABcY/yy_M4fsvq_o/s1600/007fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPuGOxTM5vI/AAAAAAAABcY/yy_M4fsvq_o/007fs.JPG" width="266" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On December 24, 1968, the fourth flight day of Apollo 8, the first human mission to orbit the Moon, after reestablishing radio contact with mission control in Houston, command module pilot Jim Lovell replied to CAPCOM Ken Mattingly's attempt to reestablish contact, saying, "Roger. Please be informed there is a Santa Claus," to which Mattingly responded, "That's affirmative, you're the best ones to know."</div><br />~from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes,_Virginia,_there_is_a_Santa_Claus">Wikipedia</a></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, Houston, <a href="http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/">there is a Santa Claus</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7203619142487416470?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-19703447362934925142010-12-05T10:03:00.000+01:002010-12-05T10:03:37.897+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPkVbpjLoAI/AAAAAAAABcQ/dxViupGEcoQ/s1600/003s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPkVbpjLoAI/AAAAAAAABcQ/dxViupGEcoQ/003s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thinking about my family and friends, who are scattered all over the world, and sending them my thoughts and prayers for a safe and peaceful Christmas season. Miss you all.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1970344736293492514?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-66904717481092757852010-12-03T14:17:00.002+01:002010-12-03T14:20:15.387+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjk0aVWorI/AAAAAAAABb4/v5xgRbTBXNU/s1600/003ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjk0aVWorI/AAAAAAAABb4/v5xgRbTBXNU/003ts.JPG" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The snowfall started Tuesday afternoon.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjk7aEoOFI/AAAAAAAABb8/hXSu5SE-BxA/s1600/015s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjk7aEoOFI/AAAAAAAABb8/hXSu5SE-BxA/015s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />It started to come down really hard as&nbsp;I&nbsp;was driving&nbsp;to pick E up at school. When I got there, the bell had not rung yet but all the students were at the building entrance, ready to be picked up and taken home as&nbsp;quickly as possible. It was clear that this was turning into a major weather/road condition, and the school staff wanted to make sure everyone went home safely. God bless these people. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjqo73HMFI/AAAAAAAABcM/i0DUaO7a2IA/s1600/069s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjqo73HMFI/AAAAAAAABcM/i0DUaO7a2IA/069s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />We walked back to the car to find it covered with a few inches of snow, just in the&nbsp;20 minutes I had left it parked. The ice scraper that we never took out of the car after our ski trip last Februay -- well, I was really glad we never took it out of the car.<br /><br />Driving home wasn't fun, but we got home safely and that's all that mattered. I made a pot of hot chocolate immediately. Home is a good place to be, especially when there's a snow storm raging outside. We have heat, we have food, and we have clothes to keep us warm. How lucky we are.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjl9O_HcAI/AAAAAAAABcI/86YVdBsUvjQ/s1600/081ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjl9O_HcAI/AAAAAAAABcI/86YVdBsUvjQ/081ts.JPG" width="271" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The school was closed on Wednesday. E had a few friends to play with and&nbsp;a foot&nbsp;of snow to play in. <br /><br />It was a magical winter wonderland.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjl30f-27I/AAAAAAAABcE/ViWOVWkOhPQ/s1600/055s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPjl30f-27I/AAAAAAAABcE/ViWOVWkOhPQ/055s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6690471748109275785?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-30177623864841514732010-12-01T11:07:00.000+01:002010-12-01T11:07:36.311+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPYc9-Qzq6I/AAAAAAAABbY/lRBo6VoHVxw/s1600/043s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPYc9-Qzq6I/AAAAAAAABbY/lRBo6VoHVxw/043s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Time to start the Advent Calendar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3017762386484151473?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-83062540773205514032010-11-28T19:48:00.000+01:002010-11-28T19:48:34.649+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPKg_Yuf_kI/AAAAAAAABbQ/v4pKswUeuwI/s1600/001ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TPKg_Yuf_kI/AAAAAAAABbQ/v4pKswUeuwI/001ts.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Such a pretty -- and happy -- plate to look at. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I saw that it was from Portugal, and for a brief moment I thought, "But I plan to visit Portugal. So why buy this in Lyon? Why not wait until I go there and select from a wider selection?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I realized that things like this do not travel well, especially on airplanes. Plus it was really, really calling my name. So it came home with me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The (Happy) End.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8306254077320551403?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-77579271336737196552010-11-25T17:57:00.001+01:002010-11-25T17:58:18.050+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TO6Q-03Eq-I/AAAAAAAABao/eMDpy3sivww/s1600/028Rfs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TO6Q-03Eq-I/AAAAAAAABao/eMDpy3sivww/028Rfs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />I made an Advent wreath today.<br /><br /><blockquote>There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath. The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life.<br /><br /><br />In some traditions the first candle is called the prophet's candle and is meant to signify the hope of Jesus' coming. The second is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ's birth. The third candle is the shepherds' candle. The final candle is the angels' candle, symbolising the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth. A number of carols have been written for use with the short liturgy accompanying the lighting of the Advent candles in church services. A common format is to add an extra verse each week, relating to the symbolism of that week's candle.<br /><br />~ from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath">Wikipedia</a></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TO6Q4EPRi5I/AAAAAAAABak/ILu5fdFPYr8/s1600/017s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TO6Q4EPRi5I/AAAAAAAABak/ILu5fdFPYr8/017s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br />The wreath smells wonderful. I can't wait for Sunday.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TO6QxXp1PaI/AAAAAAAABag/LVmRAfr9mLM/s1600/030s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TO6QxXp1PaI/AAAAAAAABag/LVmRAfr9mLM/030s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7757927133673719655?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-27365988333798885332010-11-23T14:47:00.006+01:002010-11-28T09:13:15.801+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Added 25-Nov-2010: Scroll down for an <strong>update</strong>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOu9xMp-cvI/AAAAAAAABaM/ykJMuVsxx0o/s1600/018s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOu9xMp-cvI/AAAAAAAABaM/ykJMuVsxx0o/018s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can someone please tell me what this is? I found it at <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/">Les Puces du Canal</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what it&nbsp;looks like&nbsp;upclose (you can click on the photo to enlarge it):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOu_cKEaPmI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Re23GwSK6-k/s1600/016t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOu_cKEaPmI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Re23GwSK6-k/016t.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />It says in the upper left&nbsp;corner "Quittance d'Entrée". What&nbsp;is a "bill of entrance"?<br /><br />The certificate itself is only 19cm wide, 12.5cm long. According to the writing, the document is from 1750 (see second line from the bottom, "mil sept cens cinquante").<br /><br />I figured out the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_s">long s</a>" thing, but there is another letter that doesn't exist in modern French: see the 6th letter of the first word in the 5th line (That's a mouthful. Incidentally, the third letter of that word is a "long s")? It's a "c" with a plume. I'd like to know the history of this, too, but it's obviously a French language thing and I don't know how/where to look.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: blue;"><strong><u>Update</u></strong> -- I received an e-mail message from a friend; here's what she wrote (copied here with her permission):</span><br /><br /><blockquote>...as far as I know, that letter that you're looking&nbsp;at is the "old" "c" or whatever letter was used in old French that then became the c.<br /><br />The document is kind of a receipt from a tax that was charged at the "Ancien Régime" regarding beverages, generally wine. What I know is that "les droits des cinq sols" is the name of a royal tax on beverages from 1561. It seems that the document is a proof of customs tax that replaced the old tax on beverages called "les droits des cinq sols".<br /><br />The translation would be more or less like:<br />-----------<br /><br />Direction (Secretary or Department or Office) of ... Office of ...<br /><br />I've received from M. Simon ... living at .... street ..... the amount of "four pounds" (whatever they were using as money) for the royal tax on beverages (the droits d'anciends cinq sols), charged at Boiffons, and then it gives the standard (2 fols per pound) just to explain the law, what basis to charge him 4... then says that he paid 4 based on the weight, or measure, then specify the measures of the product, coming from (can't read the place) because the Office of the place that is suppose to be was on holiday (congé), making M. Simon have to detour and pass by this city and have to pay tax on the product that he was carrying &amp; M. declared that he was going to Rue de .... (that's why there was a customs tax) without causing damage to others, or rights or any kind of actions.<br /><br />Place, date, time and signature.<br />--------<br /><br />Basically you had customs tax to transport products from one place to the other, M. Simon from the document went to his usual place and they were on holiday so he had to go to a different place and pay the "entrance fee" to be able to cross that place.</blockquote>&nbsp; <br />Isn't this wonderful??? <br />&nbsp; <br />Here's an old --&nbsp;really old -- piece of paper. Someone bothered to keep it, or perhaps it wasn't meant to be kept for more than five years or so, but it happened to be kept somewhere. Then someone else found it and bothered to frame it nicely. And I, just a foreigner passing by, chanced upon it and get a history lesson and a chuckle out of it. <br />&nbsp; <br />I mean, I can just picture M. Simon cursing and muttering to himself, "Dang! They're closed! Now I have to make a detour! This is going to add an extra day to my trip. And I'm already two days behind!" <br />&nbsp; <br />It is so delicious and delightful. <br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />On a totally different note.... The source of this information is a young lady from Brazil who's studying law in France. This sentence I just typed makes it obiouvs that she handles three languages at a highly complex level (the quote from her e-mail above is verbatim), and I feel compelled to add that she also speaks Spanish. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Please don't tell me&nbsp;Spanish is similar to Portuguese; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differences_between_Spanish_and_Portuguese">there are notable differences</a> and she had to learn it.</span> <br />&nbsp; <br />The fact that she can have&nbsp;intelligent&nbsp;conversations in four languages -- that&nbsp;alone is enough to impress me, but now she tells me she had a history/theology double major in college. <br />&nbsp; <br />I'm trying not to feel completely inadequate.<br /><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Added note (26-Nov-2010): My friend sent in correction/clarification. Hers wasn't a double major. Her major was theology, and her mémoire (thesis) was specialized in history. Well, I'm still impressed. Wouldn't you be????</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2736598833379888533?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-82511612299363472852010-11-20T12:55:00.001+01:002010-11-20T14:34:57.375+01:00<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOe1-mfOBnI/AAAAAAAABaE/s8b3BG-lWD0/s1600/066s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOe1-mfOBnI/AAAAAAAABaE/s8b3BG-lWD0/066s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I use the aforementioned matches to light the candles. Then I&nbsp;listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06t60Ei_8Vg&amp;feature=related">this</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8251161229936347285?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-49256234095088180132010-11-19T08:49:00.002+01:002010-11-19T08:49:49.284+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOYr2KSuEAI/AAAAAAAABZ4/S0OQWgL5iEg/s1600/071fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TOYr2KSuEAI/AAAAAAAABZ4/S0OQWgL5iEg/071fs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />I find them rather pretty.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4925623409508818013?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-68151357303552607502010-11-12T17:11:00.001+01:002010-11-12T17:13:09.558+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TN0eDyVgEII/AAAAAAAABZs/GyFB8Tyb9yE/s1600/137s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TN0eDyVgEII/AAAAAAAABZs/GyFB8Tyb9yE/137s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, it's still hard. But it isn't as hard as it was <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2009/11/giving-thanks.html">last year</a>. So, they're right -- whoever they are -- it does get easier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, I needed some distraction/pick-me-up so I won't be so acutely aware of how much I miss Thanksgiving. So I went shopping. For Christmas decorations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, it worked! My moods are lifted (yes, I am predictable) and now I can't wait to get a Christmas tree. I vote for a tall one this year -- our apartment has 11-foot ceilings, so why not?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6815135730355260750?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-30815272015845346292010-10-27T08:36:00.002+02:002010-10-27T18:26:50.692+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TMbeAHpZbuI/AAAAAAAABZY/94wlMnT4--M/s1600/095b-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TMbeAHpZbuI/AAAAAAAABZY/94wlMnT4--M/095b-sm.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>It's not&nbsp;exactly warm outside today, but at least it's sunny and we don't have the horrible wind we had a few days ago.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://weather.com/">weather.com</a> tells me that days&nbsp;are getting&nbsp;shorter by approximately three minutes every day. I wonder how long the shortest day in Lyon is -- about nine hours of daylight? Considering there are 24 hours in a day, that really doesn't seem much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I do what I must do, to compensate. Lots of candles seem to help. I light them in the morning, too, because&nbsp;they make the breakfast table cozy and my son likes them.&nbsp;In my home, candles are always white, and all unscented except for a few in the entry hall and living room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I cook soup often -- I'm in love with all the beautiful&nbsp;mushrooms that are available now, and I find great comfort in the warmth and aroma coming from the simmering pot. Speaking of simmering pot, 'tis the season for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vin_chaud">vin chaud</a>! <a href="http://frenchfood.about.com/od/wineandwinerecipes/r/vinchaud.htm">This recipe</a> calls for Cognac -- I must try it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And last, but not least, cold weather is made tolerable with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate">chocolat chaud</a>. I had never been a chocolate enthusiast; in fact, I never really&nbsp;ate much chocolate until I moved to France.&nbsp;Now I feel as if I'd been missing out all my life ("Is this what chocolate is supposed to taste like???"). <a href="http://www.bernachon.com/accueil_en.html">Bernachon</a> is my favorite chocolate shop&nbsp;in town, and during the cold season,&nbsp;you can find me&nbsp;dreamily sipping the chocolat chaud at <a href="http://www.asiaone.com/Wine%252CDine%2B%2526%2BUnwind/Features/Places/Story/A1Story20070726-19827.html">the salon de thé</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact, I just might head over there this afternoon....</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3081527201584534629?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-51681390986784615072010-10-19T12:42:00.000+02:002010-10-19T12:42:04.355+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TL11VAFOJ3I/AAAAAAAABZI/5myXCikYV2Q/s1600/089ts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TL11VAFOJ3I/AAAAAAAABZI/5myXCikYV2Q/089ts.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Kids see and hear things we grown-ups don't. I wonder at what age we lose that ability.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5168139098678461507?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-6779020123085278212010-10-12T18:42:00.026+02:002010-10-13T20:14:08.688+02:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TLSQV_ObImI/AAAAAAAABYo/yfHdjwY_94c/s1600/022s.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527201350114026082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TLSQV_ObImI/AAAAAAAABYo/yfHdjwY_94c/022s.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The weather was beautiful last Saturday.<br /><br />I felt like a bike ride, so I rented a <a href="http://www.velov.grandlyon.com/">vélo'v</a>. My destination: <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%8Ele_Barbe">Île Barbe</a>.<br /><br />I crossed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presqu%27%C3%AEle_(Lyon)">Presqu'île</a> and a bridge, and up the quai I went. There wasn't much traffic once I went past <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponts_de_Lyon">Pont Massaryk</a>. I pretended I was <a href="http://wolfandwillow.typepad.com/wolf-and-willow/2010/01/vintage-icons-audrey-hepburn.html">Audrey Hepburn</a> riding the bike through the fallen leaves along <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%C3%B4ne">La Saône</a>.<br /><br /><br />Once I got to <a href="http://www.planetware.com/lyons/lyon-ile-barbe-f-rh-barbe.htm">Île Barbe</a>, I parked my bike, sat on a bench, and snacked on the baguette. A guy was playing a guitar nearby, a woman was taking a nap on another bench, and a father-and-a-daugher pair was playing on the playground equipment. It was a lovely, quiet moment on a lovely, quiet afternoon.<br /><br />I wanted to explore further down in the residential area, but I chickened out. Technically, the area is off-limits to non-residents (althought I'm sure they get "visitors" all the time), plus I didn't know where to secure the bike. I wondered what it would be like to live on a little gem of an island like Île Barbe. I mean, I don't think there's garbage collection -- so do the residents haul their garbage off the island themselves? To the arrondissement dump?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TLSQkuqAkwI/AAAAAAAABYw/JJmxuoI1yis/s1600/004s.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527201603364360962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TLSQkuqAkwI/AAAAAAAABYw/JJmxuoI1yis/004s.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Time flows a little bit more slowly at places like this, I think.<br /><br />I rode the bike past the Île Barbe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A9tanque">Pétanque</a> Club and its two members (seriously, there must be a club -- the sign said "Île Barbe Pétanque" and the two gentlemen sitting in front of it looked very authentic, very professional-pétanque-player-like). I pushed the bike up to the bridge, back to the quai and biked for about a mile. I then returned the bike to a station and caught the bus back to town, because my legs gave up.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1009765">Here</a> are two photos of Pont de Lîle Barbe (which show just how small the bridge is -- there's no way a gargabe truck can go over it), along with some of the other pretty bridges from Lyon. Ours is a lucky city, to have two beautiful rivers running through it, and such pretty bridges adorning them all along.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TLSQOrrqnQI/AAAAAAAABYg/xmkzbAGLCbM/s1600/013ts.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527201224608881922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TLSQOrrqnQI/AAAAAAAABYg/xmkzbAGLCbM/013ts.JPG" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-677902012308527821?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-80139272333195190062010-10-07T17:30:00.003+02:002010-10-07T17:39:23.574+02:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TK3ntk0TukI/AAAAAAAABXw/IMgnWhZZymc/s1600/092s.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525327088016669250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TK3ntk0TukI/AAAAAAAABXw/IMgnWhZZymc/092s.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Okay, I had some extra time today and was a bit more patient with my research -- and I found a way to upload photos again.<br /><br />The following is for my fellow Bloggers who are having the same problem and have not discovered this solution yet:<br /><br />At the top of the post editor page are several tabs, one of which is Settings. Select that, and toward the bottom, find Global Setting, and select Old Editor (be sure to Save Settings). Voila, and we can happily upload photos again!<br /><br />Blogger should really make this information a little bit easier to find.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8013927233319519006?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-43131516232590580582010-10-07T10:33:00.000+02:002010-10-07T10:33:57.934+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI5EOirXjUI/AAAAAAAABTA/55U8_MRmtwI/s1600/091b-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI5EOirXjUI/AAAAAAAABTA/55U8_MRmtwI/091b-sm.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blogger won't let me upload image files from my hard drive! It has been nearly two weeks since the problem started,&nbsp;and Blogger is aware of the problem. But it isn't affecting everybody, or they will be working harder to fix it. Rather frustrating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, the weather has been beautiful in Lyon. MIL is visiting, and I actually made time to do some sightseeing with her. What fun. I should do this more often. I took some nice photos (if I say so myself) at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourvi%C3%A8re">Fourvière</a>, but oh darn, I can't upload them here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomorrow&nbsp;my MIL and I&nbsp;will be participating in a group tour of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieux_Lyon">Vieux Lyon</a> (with a guide!), and I'm hoping I get to go inside of some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traboule">traboules</a> that I haven't been able to see in the past. Then we'll have lunch with everybody at one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouchon">bouchons</a> in the area. Can't wait!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4313151623259058058?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-37015362039457945562010-09-21T16:45:00.001+02:002010-09-21T16:54:18.930+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TJiUw9-rMkI/AAAAAAAABUI/NLKGrTORDlM/s1600/003s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TJiUw9-rMkI/AAAAAAAABUI/NLKGrTORDlM/003s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the joys of going to the morning market is&nbsp;experiencing the change of seasons through the eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TJiU1FQuFhI/AAAAAAAABUQ/1ONSqMUfk5A/s1600/008s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TJiU1FQuFhI/AAAAAAAABUQ/1ONSqMUfk5A/008s.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fall is here and berries are beginning to go, but mushrooms are coming back. And the pumpkins! I would have bought more this morning, but I didn't have my cart with me and I already had two baskets full of vegetables. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe tomorrow, at another market -- because here in Lyon, I can go to a market every day of the week. In fact, there are <a href="http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/en/economie/halles_marches_2">more markets in Lyon&nbsp;than I know what to do with</a>, unless I take up&nbsp;a challenge of visiting every single market that's held outdoors throughout the city. It would be an interesting project, as every market is different and has something unique. Each market seems to have its own personality.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just wish sometimes I had a third arm, so I&nbsp;could carry two baskets <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>AND</em></span> pull a cart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TJiU6b0BluI/AAAAAAAABUY/cnXM2zKbaag/s1600/004s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TJiU6b0BluI/AAAAAAAABUY/cnXM2zKbaag/004s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3701536203945794556?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-31357681071137626972010-09-13T17:24:00.000+02:002010-09-13T17:24:13.622+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI4XCD-t5MI/AAAAAAAABSg/KZE2LG-bbfI/s1600/007t.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI4XCD-t5MI/AAAAAAAABSg/KZE2LG-bbfI/007t.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had been looking -- for a long time now -- for&nbsp;"that special tea cup" specifically for Japanese tea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found three this weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI4XHcMWhxI/AAAAAAAABSo/XHnTW-W58jM/s1600/011fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI4XHcMWhxI/AAAAAAAABSo/XHnTW-W58jM/011fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I puchased them at <a href="http://www.tupiniers.com/">Les Tupiniers du Vieux Lyon</a>, a pottery fair held every year in September at <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primatiale_Saint-Jean_(Lyon)">place Saint Jean</a>. I love the ethereal quality of these two porcelain cups as well as their celadon color. The combination of those two elements, executed with Japanese sensibility (or at least that's how I perceived it), had a very strong appeal to me. I coldn't&nbsp;decide between the two, so I got them both. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They are from <a href="http://perrinepoterie.fr/">an atelier</a> in the commune of <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montauban-sur-l%27Ouv%C3%A8ze">Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze</a>, in the south of France. </div><br /><br /><br />The third one, this one is a charmer. I had already bought two and wasn't looking for another one, but <em>it</em> found <em>me</em>. So decidedly different from the other two, it has a wonderfully earthy feel that I love. This cup will be perfect for a more robust tea, like hoji-cha. <br /><br />It's from <a href="http://ceramique-poterie-signoret.com/">an atelier</a> in <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caromb">Caromb</a>, which is not too far from where the other two cups were made. Is this coincidence, or is the soil really good in that particular region?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI4XMKSDPeI/AAAAAAAABSw/7K8IUAXCXGM/s1600/015s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TI4XMKSDPeI/AAAAAAAABSw/7K8IUAXCXGM/015s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3135768107113762697?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-28918882679237565992010-09-09T09:42:00.002+02:002010-09-09T10:25:30.513+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TIiLV549sKI/AAAAAAAABR4/2dURSRzCPvI/s1600/087sf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TIiLV549sKI/AAAAAAAABR4/2dURSRzCPvI/087sf.JPG" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We keep our son's bike in the cellar of our aparment building. There's no elevator from the basement level to the ground floor, so I have to carry it up the stairs when he wants to ride it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It would be much easier if I was taller and I could hoist it higher, but since I'm not, I bump the bike into the steps as I climb up, and it's a struggle every time (The bike is very heavy. Next time we're getting him a titanium lightweight one).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then one day I was in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieux_Lyon">Vieux Lyon</a>, walking around, taking pictures, and saw this courtyard with beautiful staircase. The bikes are a cute touch, I thought. And it dawned on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This building does not have an elevator. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I won't compalin -- at least not about carrying the bike up one flight of stairs -- any more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2891888267923756599?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-28172992835387759292010-08-30T11:23:00.002+02:002010-08-30T11:24:36.841+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtuw6mYGhI/AAAAAAAABNQ/a5wauCxwe9A/s1600/016fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtuw6mYGhI/AAAAAAAABNQ/a5wauCxwe9A/016fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lovely, isn't it?</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtvCKk9y0I/AAAAAAAABNg/_IYGvXBwzWI/s1600/231s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtvCKk9y0I/AAAAAAAABNg/_IYGvXBwzWI/231s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turin's cobble-stone streets are easier on feet, paws,&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and small wheels than those in Lyon.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THttLyGu4AI/AAAAAAAABMw/gTZ9c2WT-bw/s1600/082s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THttLyGu4AI/AAAAAAAABMw/gTZ9c2WT-bw/082s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had the most delicious view from our hotel room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THts8lgYlwI/AAAAAAAABMo/zZd57fyK1J0/s1600/018s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THts8lgYlwI/AAAAAAAABMo/zZd57fyK1J0/018s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">27 August had come and gone, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but this shopkeeper still wasn't back from her vacanze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtu26ZlReI/AAAAAAAABNY/9OnoSAx2rsI/s1600/019s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtu26ZlReI/AAAAAAAABNY/9OnoSAx2rsI/019s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The same tower we saw from our hotel room,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just from a different angle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THttTdRROzI/AAAAAAAABM4/r3KvWQ31yCI/s1600/093fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THttTdRROzI/AAAAAAAABM4/r3KvWQ31yCI/093fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A glass of vino bianco with lunch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(of course!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtta4OGSyI/AAAAAAAABNA/QujGToua3UY/s1600/186s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtta4OGSyI/AAAAAAAABNA/QujGToua3UY/186s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An evening stroll while we wait for our waiter to bring us the bill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(it was a looooong wait).</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtuBK-qteI/AAAAAAAABNI/DXomyj34XJY/s1600/238s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THtuBK-qteI/AAAAAAAABNI/DXomyj34XJY/238s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It took me&nbsp;forever to walk&nbsp;just a few blocks,&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">because I&nbsp;wanted to look at every one of these courtyards.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THts3gOmcII/AAAAAAAABMg/T02NEe552vg/s1600/148s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THts3gOmcII/AAAAAAAABMg/T02NEe552vg/148s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Normally I'm telling my son to get out of the streets, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but here, I actually asked him to get<span style="font-size: x-small;"> IN</span> the street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just so I can take a photo like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did make sure there were no trams coming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THt4TI8ovRI/AAAAAAAABNo/dag-T6_5xQY/s1600/142s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THt4TI8ovRI/AAAAAAAABNo/dag-T6_5xQY/142s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gelato, anyone?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2817299283538775929?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-84208467990878694972010-08-26T13:13:00.001+02:002010-08-26T13:13:32.373+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THZLHClfuBI/AAAAAAAABLg/qxosO403aS8/s1600/013sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/THZLHClfuBI/AAAAAAAABLg/qxosO403aS8/013sm.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cutest marché basket ever.&nbsp; I almost stopped this gentleman and asked if I could take a photo of him holding it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alas, he walked away while I was composing the sentence in French in my head.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8420846799087869497?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-69583799693468788402010-08-20T10:44:00.000+02:002010-08-20T10:44:15.563+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TG4_I6YOBgI/AAAAAAAABIg/KS7EAR6IYv0/s1600/072fs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TG4_I6YOBgI/AAAAAAAABIg/KS7EAR6IYv0/072fs.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were told, "You don't sip Guiness, okay? Seven gulps to a pint. Three pints to a day!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TG5ALEjBRoI/AAAAAAAABIw/slH5SrkepJk/s1600/554s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TG5ALEjBRoI/AAAAAAAABIw/slH5SrkepJk/554s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6958379969346878840?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-18863896607044235622010-08-07T11:03:00.002+02:002010-08-07T15:00:54.308+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0URcbhIII/AAAAAAAABE4/OAik2pO3G0M/s1600/003s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0URcbhIII/AAAAAAAABE4/OAik2pO3G0M/003s.JPG" width="266" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, you must grab it when you see it. You snooze, you lose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0UnLl1pvI/AAAAAAAABFA/xpsm9JngzOI/s1600/552f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0UnLl1pvI/AAAAAAAABFA/xpsm9JngzOI/552f.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was looking for the right "font," but a lady walked over, positioned herself&nbsp;next to me and snatched up the letters I needed to spell our name.&nbsp; Her actions were so swift, so efficient, I watched in awe.&nbsp;She was&nbsp;a flea market pro. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I learned my lesson: &nbsp;Don't think and select. Grab first, and then think. You can drop what you don't want, but you can't grab something that's in someone else's hands. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VGGrmkqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/CrAQbp3ItXQ/s1600/509s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VGGrmkqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/CrAQbp3ItXQ/509s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These lovelies are from <a href="http://pucesdevanves.typepad.com/">Le Marché aux Puces de Vanves</a> in Paris. I've never been to <a href="http://www.parispuces.com/en/Default.asp">the flea market at Clignancourt</a>, but it's so famous that I suspect that it's too big, too upscale and too touristy for me. It was too far from our hotel anyway, so we opted to go to the one at Vanves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VMkwRspI/AAAAAAAABFY/X1LOJLwqQoA/s1600/545s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VMkwRspI/AAAAAAAABFY/X1LOJLwqQoA/545s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a fun place to be!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VSbmLY0I/AAAAAAAABFg/qBxYdoRjf44/s1600/512f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VSbmLY0I/AAAAAAAABFg/qBxYdoRjf44/512f.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... although poor M must have been bored to tears. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0U4KdkYbI/AAAAAAAABFI/zgpMHJeuLsM/s1600/530f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0U4KdkYbI/AAAAAAAABFI/zgpMHJeuLsM/530f.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not a purist and I often buy things that are "made to look antique." But the fun of owning the real stuff is knowing that there aren't many like it, as well as being able to say "I bought this at a flea market in Paris, and I got the guy to give me a 5€ break!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VZiwOnxI/AAAAAAAABFo/XCGAgWZauKs/s1600/525s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VZiwOnxI/AAAAAAAABFo/XCGAgWZauKs/525s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were a few things I would have bought had I not been traveling. There was this medallion that was so, so beautiful but also incredibly heavy (I had to use both hands to lift it). There were also a pair of beat-up cafe chairs that were calling my name, but I couldn't quite picture myself (or my husband) lugging those on TGV back to Lyon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0Vh7q9EpI/AAAAAAAABFw/Z39_IO_86tc/s1600/521f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0Vh7q9EpI/AAAAAAAABFw/Z39_IO_86tc/521f.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seeing old portraits at flea markets always makes me sad. Did the family willingly give them up, or were they lost? Could someone be frantically looking for them? These are&nbsp;someone's history, and is it right for a foreigner like me to buy them up and take them out of the country? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I stay away from photos of people. Landscape, I don't feel so conflicted about. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VzhLxHJI/AAAAAAAABF4/-yQEDPhwIPo/s1600/532s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0VzhLxHJI/AAAAAAAABF4/-yQEDPhwIPo/532s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And pottery. I love anything white and blue. The pitcher I&nbsp;wanted had a handle that had been broken off and repaired, so I negotiated the price down from 20€ to 15€. I can't use it as a pitcher (I'm afraid that the handle might come off), but a bunch of gerbera daisies would look very&nbsp;pretty in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0WWqbHPoI/AAAAAAAABGA/MioNcR6-HsU/s1600/002s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0WWqbHPoI/AAAAAAAABGA/MioNcR6-HsU/002s.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And it kind of matches the plate I bought at a brocante in Aix-en-Provence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not that they have to match. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They only have to please my eyes, and <em>that</em>, they do. Very well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0Wqw3NsNI/AAAAAAAABGQ/uYtBfO2z3AA/s1600/015s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TF0Wqw3NsNI/AAAAAAAABGQ/uYtBfO2z3AA/015s.JPG" width="266" /></a>&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1886389660704423562?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-69083657233416254332010-08-02T14:59:00.000+02:002010-08-02T14:59:34.911+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-UHLyfOI/AAAAAAAABDI/7QZEmYl8SnA/s1600/114f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-UHLyfOI/AAAAAAAABDI/7QZEmYl8SnA/114f.JPG" width="257" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Q: When is a library not a library?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-hLG4jTI/AAAAAAAABDY/06wiLhhLwPo/s1600/111f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-hLG4jTI/AAAAAAAABDY/06wiLhhLwPo/111f.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />A: When it's in France.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-bmHzgWI/AAAAAAAABDQ/EIdEz56G-Cc/s1600/084f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-bmHzgWI/AAAAAAAABDQ/EIdEz56G-Cc/084f.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then it's a bookstore. If you're looking for a library, head to a <em>bibliothèque</em> instead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know, I know -- the spelling is not quite the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, then, try this one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Q: When is a crayon not a crayon?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go ahead, <a href="http://www.reverso.net/text_translation.aspx?lang=EN">type "crayon" and click on FR -&gt; EN</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-KyUX_CI/AAAAAAAABDA/1G0lBUTzDcc/s1600/075f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFa-KyUX_CI/AAAAAAAABDA/1G0lBUTzDcc/075f.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-6908365723341625433?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-37681678786718312782010-07-29T14:44:00.000+02:002010-07-29T14:44:38.627+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFncoXgk5I/AAAAAAAABCA/Xi4d9owQcBg/s1600/170f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFncoXgk5I/AAAAAAAABCA/Xi4d9owQcBg/s400/170f.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFy3A4bZlI/AAAAAAAABCg/60h0Rzd9gyE/s1600/029b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFy3A4bZlI/AAAAAAAABCg/60h0Rzd9gyE/s400/029b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFtiY6R7fI/AAAAAAAABCI/YrKWo01zoGY/s1600/Paris+-+20090817+394f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFtiY6R7fI/AAAAAAAABCI/YrKWo01zoGY/s400/Paris+-+20090817+394f.JPG" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFzeIoKhYI/AAAAAAAABCo/EftCPQSPFjA/s1600/033f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFzeIoKhYI/AAAAAAAABCo/EftCPQSPFjA/s400/033f.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFx8DG17UI/AAAAAAAABCY/N8fniL1zD3A/s1600/Paris+-+20090817+109b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TFFx8DG17UI/AAAAAAAABCY/N8fniL1zD3A/s400/Paris+-+20090817+109b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've posted the link to <a href="http://www.paris-26-gigapixels.com/index-fr.html">this site</a> before, but I'm doing so again because I just love it!</div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaFDhiIUz98&amp;feature=related">Here</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAMuNfs89yE">are</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_yN1R2b5M">some</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IJzYAda1wA&amp;feature=related">music</a> to go with the view.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-3768167878671831278?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-52352751376619235772010-07-26T14:39:00.000+02:002010-07-26T14:39:40.044+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TE1UKxdkAwI/AAAAAAAABAo/UMlr6OTol-Y/076fsm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TE1UKxdkAwI/AAAAAAAABAo/UMlr6OTol-Y/076fsm.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week Friday, my son and I were on the way to the metro station when I spotted three children's chairs on the sidewalk. The apartment above was being remodeled, and unwanted things were being thrown out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, how I wanted, really wanted, those chairs. They were charmingly dented and beat up, with the paint peeling off and the metal parts slightly rusty. But we had to catch the metro and be somewhere in 30 minutes, and I didn't have time to take them back to our apartment. A dump truck slowly pulled up as we walked away, and I pretended not to see it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I looked for the chairs when we returned a few hours later, but they weren't there any more (hope never killed anyone). I am imagining that someone "found" them and took them home, cleaned them up and gave them a new environment where they can just, well, sit and look pretty.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5235275137661923577?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-2593145617628352652010-07-23T14:59:00.000+02:002010-07-23T14:59:10.221+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TEmJ-gDv83I/AAAAAAAABAA/15gtzIvOvnk/s1600/012fsm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TEmJ-gDv83I/AAAAAAAABAA/15gtzIvOvnk/012fsm.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part of today's loot.&nbsp; How beautiful are they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were several empty spots at today's market. My Bread Guy<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(*)</span> is one of the vendors who are already on vacation. I miss his bread and I sincerely hope he is having a wonderful summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(*) </span>My&nbsp;Bread Guy sells cheeses,&nbsp;sausages and bread, although most of the time I buy&nbsp;just bread from him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago when I went to the Friday market, I didn't intend to buy bread because I already had a loaf at home. My Bread Guy&nbsp;was reading newspaper behind his cheeses, and I was going to quietly pass in front of his booth -- when he briefly looked up from his newspaper, caught my eye, put his newspaper down and walked toward the bread. Then he smiled and said "Bonjour." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was a major milestone for me. A local vendor now considers me a regular customer! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So of course I had to buy a loaf, although I really didn't need to. And I ate a piece as soon as I got home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was good.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-259314561762835265?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-18709871326028986522010-07-18T08:39:00.001+02:002010-07-18T14:24:53.244+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TEKfFpERHSI/AAAAAAAAA-g/MqArnVp9eXs/013f-xm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TEKfFpERHSI/AAAAAAAAA-g/MqArnVp9eXs/013f-xm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A detail of&nbsp;the painting we bought recently.</div><br />This domed building is <a href="http://www.planetware.com/lyons/lyon-hotel-dieu-f-rh-hd.htm">Hôtel Dieu</a>, one of my favorite buildings in entire Lyon. Now&nbsp;we can take it back to the U.S. with us when our time in Lyon is done.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1870987132602898652?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-51233243387593907622010-07-15T10:58:00.000+02:002010-07-15T10:58:28.197+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TD7MarPL8PI/AAAAAAAAA-A/QH6Fi4CI_Rg/113ff-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TD7MarPL8PI/AAAAAAAAA-A/QH6Fi4CI_Rg/113ff-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These guys probably don't take this as a compliment, but their uniform is way too cute! Note the footwear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5123324338759390762?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-59946091129192021352010-07-13T13:16:00.001+02:002010-07-13T13:33:25.176+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TDxIK9mcfCI/AAAAAAAAA9I/yCctR0HPy7U/024fsm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TDxIK9mcfCI/AAAAAAAAA9I/yCctR0HPy7U/024fsm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Prince">him</a> on the ground at the park where we were having picnic lunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He was covered with dirt and dead leaves, and lying dangerously close to something unmentionable left by a dog (actually, by its owner).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I looked around, and saw no little girls nearby. We were there&nbsp;for about an hour,&nbsp;but nobody came apparently looking for something. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hesitated. The thing is, we weren't in Lyon; we were in a town about two hours away. So I couldn't leave&nbsp;him there and come back a day later to check on him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we had to pack up our basket and leave, I decided to bring him home with me. After all, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_de_Saint-Exup%C3%A9ry">Lyon is his home</a>, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave him a quick bath when we got home, and after that, he looked much better and appeared to be feeling better also. But that may be just my imagination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome home, Mon Petit Prince.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-5994609112919202135?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-70261900150139129402010-07-03T07:38:00.000+02:002010-07-03T07:38:30.479+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TC7Ia6tW3qI/AAAAAAAAA6o/8iRLzrPaY3c/051fsm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TC7Ia6tW3qI/AAAAAAAAA6o/8iRLzrPaY3c/051fsm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My <a href="http://earlkai.blogspot.com/2010/06/honey-ginger-syrup.html">honey ginger syrup</a> was happily deployed and turned into awesome ginger ale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first batch turned out not very ginger-y and definitely not strong enough for me. So when I made the second batch, I increased the amount of ginger (which, this time, I didn't blanch in boiling water, either) and also put some extra lemon slices and cinnamon. I did go easy on other dry spices, as <a href="http://shewhoeats.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-like-it-sweet-and-spicy-and-sparkly.html">Chika</a> suggested.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My second batch was a success! I made enough syrup to fill the <a href="http://www.bonnemaman.us/">Bonne Maman</a> jam jar (370g one), and that disappeared rather quickly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FYI: You need quite a bit of this syrup to make properly ginger-ale-tasting drink. The jam jar full of syrup made only about four glasses of ginger ale -- I need a bigger jar! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't tried mixing this with sparkling wine yet, but I'm having dinner guests soon and that's what I plan to serve as <em>apéritif</em> . </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-7026190015013912940?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-40476027323434519452010-06-30T12:44:00.000+02:002010-06-30T12:44:25.757+02:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCsdoKhBE_I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tWx-mNqRJy8/393-sm2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCsdoKhBE_I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tWx-mNqRJy8/393-sm2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Exactly a year ago, this is what we were doing. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCsd1kl0oqI/AAAAAAAAA4g/8f6urMq8oKQ/373b-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCsd1kl0oqI/AAAAAAAAA4g/8f6urMq8oKQ/373b-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is where we were.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">How time flies. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCsfJfpEkFI/AAAAAAAAA4o/LQOf1AgGIlU/208-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCsfJfpEkFI/AAAAAAAAA4o/LQOf1AgGIlU/208-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4047602732343451945?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-23260782586368548332010-06-28T13:01:00.002+02:002010-06-28T13:13:34.489+02:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCXA7lQs8XI/AAAAAAAAA3A/jTWjUDXwnXY/003f-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCXA7lQs8XI/AAAAAAAAA3A/jTWjUDXwnXY/003f-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, we are in France indeed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning, I took two of my husband's suits to the cleaner. I was on my way to the grocery store, which is&nbsp;one block away from the dry-cleaning place.&nbsp;I walked six city-blocks to get there,&nbsp;and I had M's suits in my <a href="http://jkmassonfrance.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-is-how-i-now-roll.html">rolling cart</a> so I wouldn't have to carry them <span style="font-size: x-small;">(*1)</span>.&nbsp; The thing is, grocery shopping was my No.1 priority this morning and I wanted to get it over with quickly, and I was so excited that I could manage two errands on one outing <span style="font-size: x-small;">(*2)</span>&nbsp;that&nbsp;I had completely forgotten about the high likelihood that the cleaner wasn't open until 2:00 p.m. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Why isn't it open until the afternoon? Because it's Monday, you silly <span style="font-size: x-small;">(*3)</span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stood there for several seconds, in front of the door that said "Hours: Monday 14h00-18h00....". I looked in my rolling cart, wondering if&nbsp;M's suits haven't shrunk in volume since I left our apartment and perhaps there would be enough space to go on grocery shopping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So back to the apartment I went, six city-blocks, just to empty the rolling cart so I can go grocery shopping. And the same six blocks I walked again, then past the cleaner, and one more block to the supermarket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, to answer your question: "What do you do all day, living in lovely France? Are you spending your time at the museums? Or at a sidewalk cafe, sipping <em>café au lait</em> every day? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(*4)"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My days are spent running errands.&nbsp;And occasionally failing to run one. And blogging about them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>*1</strong>: I can do this on the way <span style="font-size: x-small;">TO</span> the cleaner. When I pick the suits up, however, I would have to carry them by hand, or they'll get all wrinkled. Have you ever carried men's suits and walked six blocks? Do you kow how heavy they are?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>*2</strong>: Because I do my errands on foot, the amount of things I can carry is very limited. If whatever I just bought is too heavy or too bulky, I have to go home first to drop it off before I can go on to the next errand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So why don't I drive, you ask? Obviously you've never tried to find parking inside the city during the&nbsp;day.&nbsp;Plus, our apartment building doesn't have a garage, and our car is parked in the underground parking facility&nbsp;a few block away from our apartment. So there's no point in buying more stuff than I can carry on myself at one time, or I would have to make multiple trips between the apartment and the parking, taking the elevator up and down here, and the elevator up and down there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">IF</span> the elevators&nbsp;are working, that is, but that's a different post (coming up soon, perhaps).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>*3</strong>: A lot of individually-owned stores don't open until 2:00 p.m. on Mondays. Many of them also close early on Saturdays (and stay closed on Sundays).&nbsp;The hours between Saturday 5 p.m. and Monday&nbsp;2 p.m. are the "dark hours of shopping." I should mention that our local post office doesn't open until 2:00 p.m. on Mondays, either. Thankfully, many supermarkets are now open even on Sundays (morning only), and I can always count on that corner <em>boulangerie</em> to be open early Monday mornings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>*4</strong>: Surprise! You can't order <em>café au lait</em> at cafes in France. It's evidently something little kids drink&nbsp;at home in the morning, and not served at cafes or restaurants.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will have to order <em>caffè latte</em> and be okay with it or order <em>cafè allongé</em>&nbsp; and ask for some milk (be prepared to get a funny look). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCXA92NDByI/AAAAAAAAA3I/Np6VBDSGVew/014f-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCXA92NDByI/AAAAAAAAA3I/Np6VBDSGVew/014f-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-2326078258636854833?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-9899365753026241332010-06-25T10:23:00.002+02:002010-06-26T18:38:21.373+02:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCH4LGr5riI/AAAAAAAAA0M/hW9OwlCGnsI/024f-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCH4LGr5riI/AAAAAAAAA0M/hW9OwlCGnsI/024f-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I had everything I needed&nbsp;to make&nbsp;<a href="http://shewhoeats.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-like-it-sweet-and-spicy-and-sparkly.html">this honey ginger syrup</a>.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The spices were in stock thanks to all the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulled_wine">vin chaud</a> and spiced cider I made during the colder months. I didn't think I would be seeing much of them until autumn again, but here is an excellent opportunity to use them.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The honey is from the mountain commune of <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuyer">Chuyer</a>.&nbsp;I bought it at the Sunday market by the Saône a few weeks ago. I wanted something to put on my bread or in my tea, and I asked the gentleman&nbsp;at the honey booth (who spoke beautiful English and didn't mind my absolutely horrible French) for a recommendation. He was most helpful and very kind. The honey I bought is light&nbsp;and has&nbsp;almost no bitter aftertaste. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>I did, of course, make this syrup with the intention of mixing it with sparkling water to make ginger ale. I like my ginger ale spicy and wanted to add some red pepper like Chika did, but I decided against the idea because I want my son to enjoy&nbsp;our home-made&nbsp;ginger ale as well.<br /><br />During the last two days, I took the jar out of the fridge a few times to stir the content&nbsp;around a bit. It doesn't smell all that ginger-y and I've been tempted to add more ginger in it. But I did put a good-size knob worth of ginger slices in it, so I'll see how this batch tastes when it's done "brewing" (hopefully by tomorrow). If it's too weak, we can always add ginger slices in the glass, right?<br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Now my question is going to sound really snobby: Will it be Perrier, San Pellegrino, or Badoit?&nbsp; I&nbsp;have all three brands in the fridge, ready for our <em>degustation</em>. <br /><br />The weather forecast is most positive for the weekend, and I think picnic with some home-made ginger ale sounds just about perfect. We just have to decide which brand bottle of bubbly water&nbsp;to bring with us, that's all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCH4NXCXKJI/AAAAAAAAA0U/h_EcQY9F99E/028f-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCH4NXCXKJI/AAAAAAAAA0U/h_EcQY9F99E/028f-sm.JPG" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-989936575302624133?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-45129614139221716152010-06-24T09:23:00.001+02:002010-06-24T16:24:04.894+02:00<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCG9LKafjQI/AAAAAAAAA0E/KKg1hyh3t5U/s1600/001f-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCG9LKafjQI/AAAAAAAAA0E/KKg1hyh3t5U/s600/001f-sm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I found this piece of cloth at <a href="http://www.pucesducanal.com/">Les Puces du Canal</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It's fairly large -- 1.2m by 3.5m.&nbsp;Perhaps it is a tablecloth? I wonder if it's&nbsp;too big (too narrow and too long) to be a tablecloth? It cannot be a bedspread. What is it?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCG9JnJKwFI/AAAAAAAAAz8/RQhjp8or6yM/s1600/007f-sma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCG9JnJKwFI/AAAAAAAAAz8/RQhjp8or6yM/s600/007f-sma.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Whatever it is, I love the way it's patched up everywhere. Someone made stitches here and there to reinforce the thinning fabric. This&nbsp;cloth was much loved and well taken care of, I can tell.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">When I picked it up at Les Puces, this cloth&nbsp;radiated the&nbsp;smell of mold. I went home and immediately washed it in the quick cycle (30 minutes), using cold water and a small amount of regular laundry detergent. That did nothing!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Undetered, I put it back in the washer with diluted bleach solution&nbsp;and ran it&nbsp;through the regular cycle (2 hours --gotta love French wash machines!) at the 30℃ setting. Still the cloth came out smelling musty. One more wash in the&nbsp;2-hour/bleach/40℃&nbsp;setting helped, but the musty smell is not completely gone. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Someone suggested line-drying it in the full sun, and I wish I could. There's no balcony in this apartment, and the only room that gets direct sun does not have any room whatsoever. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />I'll try two more times (full cycle, hot water, and with bleach) before designating it to the role of a picnic blanket. <br /><br />I'm actually having fun with this après-purchase process, and for 8€,&nbsp;this piece of cloth&nbsp;has provided better entertainment than anything else in a long time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCG9Hc5LAhI/AAAAAAAAAz0/sk5xBx53lfo/s1600/012-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCG9Hc5LAhI/AAAAAAAAAz0/sk5xBx53lfo/s600/012-sm.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-4512961413922171615?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-7601103670794637472010-06-22T13:44:00.005+02:002010-06-28T09:26:08.544+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9dpM_1FBI/AAAAAAAAAy0/cZr7q6YgGPM/s1600/124-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9dpM_1FBI/AAAAAAAAAy0/cZr7q6YgGPM/s600/124-sm.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Beautiful, fresh produce. Too bad we were staying for only four days and didn't have a kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9ed3ZyL4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/fM3XaCZM5CU/s1600/mosaic-sm2ec0d88878749d77d38d84c742ea47bb34564eee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9ed3ZyL4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/fM3XaCZM5CU/s800/mosaic-sm2ec0d88878749d77d38d84c742ea47bb34564eee.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But there was food we could eat right away. And we did. My lunch was a vietnamese sandwich -- I had not had one of those since I left Hawaii!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9ehjUaizI/AAAAAAAAAzM/nEbtmkZ1XQg/s1600/mosaic202502f4a63baa42dd6167a7c677b0a51301a632-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9ehjUaizI/AAAAAAAAAzM/nEbtmkZ1XQg/s600/mosaic202502f4a63baa42dd6167a7c677b0a51301a632-sm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Tamami of <a href="http://www.cocoandme.com/">Coco &amp; Me</a>. I've been following her blog and have been a&nbsp;big fan.&nbsp;What a privilege&nbsp;it was to meet her. I bought her brownie. I only had a bite (someone else finished it), but it was dreamy. Next&nbsp;time I want to try the chocolate cake (and the cheesecake, and the berry tarte, and....).<br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9evvUknRI/AAAAAAAAAzc/QfS4YEYF-XM/s1600/133-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9evvUknRI/AAAAAAAAAzc/QfS4YEYF-XM/s600/133-sm.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Vegetable falafel from <a href="http://www.arabicafoodandspice.com/">Arabica Food &amp; Spice Company</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9ek01VMmI/AAAAAAAAAzU/pNg9WQnC9PE/s1600/mosaic-sm89f0a1a03671d6104fa70441f81f7403355ef55f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ru="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9ek01VMmI/AAAAAAAAAzU/pNg9WQnC9PE/s800/mosaic-sm89f0a1a03671d6104fa70441f81f7403355ef55f.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Lovely jewelry and such at <a href="http://jessieandbuddugtheshop.blogspot.com/">Jessie Chorley&nbsp;&amp; Buddug</a>. I wanted to buy everything she was selling. After considerable agonizing, I finally settled on a small, heart-shaped pin.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9eSg3RfZI/AAAAAAAAAy8/DAlTqipq3pc/s1600/138-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9eSg3RfZI/AAAAAAAAAy8/DAlTqipq3pc/s700/138-sm.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.broadwaymarket.co.uk/welcome.html">Broadway Market</a> is held on Saturdays on a street that's lined with great shops and cafes. It's a perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, read the newspaper, buy some groceries (and lunch), and just people-watch. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved it. I&nbsp;will be going&nbsp;back soon.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCChta7FDQI/AAAAAAAAAzs/Yro_XpzHeR8/s1600/163-sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TCChta7FDQI/AAAAAAAAAzs/Yro_XpzHeR8/s700/163-sm.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-760110367079463747?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-85185747554336125012010-06-21T14:13:00.001+02:002010-06-21T15:55:56.423+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9Wj9p7A4I/AAAAAAAAAys/hwghn6Ferw8/s1600/PhotoFunia-4eaacc-SM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TB9Wj9p7A4I/AAAAAAAAAys/hwghn6Ferw8/s400/PhotoFunia-4eaacc-SM.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Transporting me&nbsp;back, back, back....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo processed on </span><a href="http://www.photofunia.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PhotoFunia</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-8518574755433612501?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8663610842980901291.post-10370935360057720582010-06-16T21:59:00.002+02:002010-06-24T16:36:46.012+02:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBj1fTL8q-I/AAAAAAAAAyU/Bgp_k3QsDZ4/s1600/mosaic-sm-f65afb802f3e099f28e76bb11d52b359b26a9146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBj1fTL8q-I/AAAAAAAAAyU/Bgp_k3QsDZ4/s800/mosaic-sm-f65afb802f3e099f28e76bb11d52b359b26a9146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNHDKxjZBiQ">in Berkeley Square</a>. No, we didn't actually hear the nightingale. But we stayed a few blocks from the square and walked by it (or through it) every day on the way to the tube station. Every time we did, this song started to play in my head, and it was always the Manhattan Transfer version.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBkT7GCoXQI/AAAAAAAAAyc/gFqT9VYA9gc/s1600/mosaic-sm-6b7fe2eabd86e1dc71ed75c92ff649a635fac495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBkT7GCoXQI/AAAAAAAAAyc/gFqT9VYA9gc/s800/mosaic-sm-6b7fe2eabd86e1dc71ed75c92ff649a635fac495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />We were in London only for the weekend, and didn't try to do too much. We played tourists -- I'd never been there before&nbsp;--&nbsp;and rode the open-deck sightseeing bus with live commentary. I'll tell you; we've done that in Paris, and I don't care how cheesy you might think they are, those bus tours are <span style="font-size: x-small;">WONDERFUL</span> and definitely worth the price.<br /><br /><br />One of the things I really appreciated in London was the food. I think the notion that the food&nbsp;in England is boring is an old stereotype.&nbsp;We found a huge variety of food from all different cultures. <br /><br />I also liked how food was available at all times of the day there. <br /><br />In France, restaurants don't start serving food until noon and stop taking orders around 1:30 p.m. That's a really narrow window there. Then they close after lunch service and don't reopen for dinner until 7:00 p.m., some not until 8:00 p.m. If you're starving at 11:00 a.m. or get hungry around 4:00 p.m., you're out of luck unless you can find a bakery or a conveience store. It can be really hard when you're travelling and you can't predict your schedule for the day.<br /><br />In London, I could eat decent food when I was hungry. What a concept! <br /><br />That's not all. I was able to get "real" breakfast there, which isn't really available in France unless you cook it yourself (or perhaps you stay at a very expensive hotel with restaurants serving international guests, but I've never stayed at a place like that so I wouldn't know). I'm talking about scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages, hash brown potatoes -- good, substantial, start-your-day-with-fuel-for-the-body food. Not a dainty croissant, not some pieces of bread&nbsp;with strawberry jam. I can't eat sweet stuff in the morning. I need salty food, and I got it! What a concept!<br /><br />All of these things, combined with the fact that I was able to understand the menu and order my food in a language I spoke, made me very, very happy. <br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBkmcqndd9I/AAAAAAAAAyk/SgpNCF5xx2w/s1600/mosaic-sm-b9bd9a4eb2313915092295ec1375fbf4ff25fb58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qu="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBkmcqndd9I/AAAAAAAAAyk/SgpNCF5xx2w/s400/mosaic-sm-b9bd9a4eb2313915092295ec1375fbf4ff25fb58.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br />The trip&nbsp;wasn't all about food, however.<br /><br />I liked the architecture in London. The handsome brick buildings witn simple sash windows reminded me of Nothern East Coast, U.S., particularly <a href="http://visitalexandriava.com/">Old Town Alexandria</a>, a place with great memories. I do realize&nbsp;it's actually the other way around and the colonial buildings in Alexandria were copied from England, but I am an "American expat" and that's my frame of reference. <br /><br />I loved the front porches and painted doors with knockers on the ground floor level, and windows adorned with flower boxes. We don't see these things in Lyon because there are no townhouses here; just apartment buildings. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBj1cfp4J2I/AAAAAAAAAyM/Ufr_G3GVHB0/s1600/mosaic-sm-af49fa9686791063c5a314dfe7a688ea654d5d34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BHdI5Xk7N60/TBj1cfp4J2I/AAAAAAAAAyM/Ufr_G3GVHB0/s400/mosaic-sm-af49fa9686791063c5a314dfe7a688ea654d5d34.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In case you're wondering, I didn't do any shopping. Really! I figured there wasn't enough time. But I did go to the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.eu/europe/page/home">Antrhopologie store</a> on Regent Street while M and E were looking at the wonderful toys at <a href="http://www.hamleys.com/">Hamleys</a>, as it&nbsp;was only a few stores down the street. Alas, it was closed for inventory and was to open at 2:00 p.m. that day. We had to be at Heathrow <span style="font-size: x-small;">AT</span> 2:00 p.m. for our return flight to Lyon.&nbsp;Darn, darn, darn.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess I have to go back soon. The flight is only an hour and twenty minutes, so why not?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8663610842980901291-1037093536005772058?l=earlkai.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>cocopuff1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/09434246406709552013noreply@blogger.com0