Au revoir, Paris

I am at the airport all alone. No more cousins (though I'll see Elena
tomorrow). I have SO much time before my flight so I got a manicure.
They turned out like Barbie nails!!

I had such a great time in Paris with John and Elena, but can't wait to sleep in my own bed tonight. There's nothing like returning home.

R.I.P. Blanca

My beloved family dog died today. I am so devastated and cannot stop crying. She was the sweetest dog and I loved her so so much. I will miss her forever. These are photos I took of her on Madeline Island this September. It was one of the places that made her happiest, I think.

This afternoon Elena and I went to buy food for dinner tonight. On the way we stopped at the Pâtisserie des Rêves. It is a beautiful little pastry shop not far from our apartment that a friend told me about. We were very hungry for lunch but knew that we wouldn't be able to eat proper food for a while, so we bought brioches.

The most delicious, flaky brioches! It did kind of spoil my appetite for lunch, but it was worth it! Everything in the shop looked so pretty. They even have baking kits to take home with you.

We went to the Grand Epicerie to buy food for dinner and got sidetracked looking at the beautiful shellfish! I have never seen so many scallops in their shells. I didn't have my phone so Elena took photos for both of us. There was a young French man taking photos next to Elena. I have never seen food displayed so beautifully as at the Grand Epicerie.


John requested two Bresse chickens, so we went to pick them up. I watched as the butcher chopped off he head (with feathers and beak and everything) and then the still scaly feet. Even though it was hard to watch, I couldn't not. It was fascinating.

Samedi

We tried many times to get a good photo of the two of us, but this is the best we could do. I love that Elena seems SO happy and excited that she can't stand still!! This was taken right after we got our awesome boots, so maybe that's what has her all hyped up?

Yesterday we had a two and a half hour lunch at Taillevent. It was delicious and luxurious. There were so many different people waiting on us!! The manager (at least I think he was tw manager) was adorable! He first complimented my tattoo - never happens here - and then when he heard that we came from the states, lifted his lapel to show me a tiny, hidden American flag pin. He then tapped it and said, "toujours ici". It was so adorable!!

Tonight we are having a little dinner party. I have four friends who all happen to be in Paris at the same time so John is going to cook us a delicious meal! Elena and I are going out soon to buy some cheese and delicious desserts, as one can only find in Paris. I can't wait to see everyone!!

Chaussures

We have been having a wonderful time here in beautiful Paris. John, Elena and I are in a cozy, well-appointed apartment in the 6th. The weather has been beautiful and sunny - perfect for walking through the city. John has been enjoying all the food and wine while Elena and I plan our shopping trips. The first thing I saw in the Bon Marche was an amazing pair of Vanessa Bruno boots. I decided to give myself a day to think about them so as to avoid any impulse purchases. I didn't have to think long. Yesterday both Elena and I got them (it took visits to three different shops, but we found them!). The minute I got back to the apartment I put them on and practically pranced with joy. While John thinks we are ridiculous to 'torture' ourselves in such a way, he still offered to take a pretty picture for this blog.


Very different from my photos of elephants and African adventures, but just as beautiful to me!!!

Today we are headed to Taillevent for a delicious and indulgent lunch. We are all dressed up and looking quite respectable - I'm leaving the new boots at home, though, so I can walk off my lunch this afternoon.

Paris, je t'adore!!