I have overcome my technical problems -- nothing like a password reset to make the world turn right again
This morning I was an early bird, thanks to a touch of jetlag. I plotted my course to the Eifel Tour over a cappicuno and baguette roll and walked boldly onto the still dark streets of Paris. Unfortunately I was walking in the complete wrong direction... but I snapped some charming photos of the city waking up before I retraced my steps to the direction of the tower.
I arrived just as it opened and what a view! It was pretty quiet, not many tourists yet, but we few snapped pics companionably with eachothers cameras and watched the sky get light. I felt very intrepid, and walked down from the second level (shaking in my boots the whole way).
My next stop was the Rodin Museum which I had heard was having a special exhibit of Rodin and Matisse. They were contemporaries-- and apparently didn't think much of eachother. But side by side, I would give my nod to Matisse
After the museum I wandered the streets in the direction of the river until I was too cold and hungry to continue. I stopped for lunch near the Seine. French onion soup (they call it onion soup here) was so hot and cheesy I nearly cried. And I think I embarassed my waiter with my profusive compliments to the chef for my grilled cheese sandwhich.
I will seek out a chocolate shop to fortify myself for the long trek back to the hotel.
Love you all and thank you so much for your notes!
I love it--hearing from my terrific traveler--Tory, do you have a laptop that you are writing from? Thank you, KC, for forwarding the letter to her hungry (for news) family in the USA. Love, Bopcha
I have arrived safe and sound in the city of lights, which today is more the city of the freezing drizzle Unfortunately I can't sort out what I am doing wrong that prevents me from signing into my blog... what is simple at home and in English is mysterious and indecipherable in French. insult to injury, the keys on the French keyboard are not the traditional qwerty my fingers are so trained in. Sigh. Mom, if you can post my note to Bopchas blog until I get it sorted, I would be so greatful.
Despite the 'technical difficulties', I am reveling in the Parisian air. I'm staying in a neighborhood not far from the Eifel Tower (though I can't actually see it), very near the Moulin Rouge. The area is charming, principally due to the abundance of bakeries, bistros, and chocolate shops. May I confess, at lunch I consumed the entire contents of my bread basket (a treasure of fresh rolls) well before my entree arrived.
After my midday feast, I wandered the streets, delightfully lost, working off all my energy... then rewarded myself with a chocolate bonbon when I found myself again
Tommorow I hope to visit the Louvre pyramid and Notre Dame, soak in some culture, maybe have an espresso on the Left Bank... Though, who am I kidding-- all I can really think about is what to eat next!
Yesterday, both Noah and Jess had the day off, so we went to dinner at Elliott's Oyster House (with Gavin along, too) and had no oysters, but a wonderful dinner notwithstanding. Bill opened his presents and cards and had a lot of fun - he got a scrabble dictionary, too!
Today, I am only working till one, then Bill and I are going to the Snoqualmie Casino to see what all the fuss is about. We plan on eating lunch at its buffet and then going to see a movie.
Does he bug you as much as my brother bugs me? (As you know, Sid is my brother).
We have two cats, and right now they are cuddled together on the couch. What lazy animals! I try to talk them into keeping the house clean, but they have continually refused.
I did really well (100) on my science test - I am happy to report. I just want to let everyone know that i miss them and cannot wait to visit again. I hope all is going well. Good luck at the farm Bopcha!!!
The days have gone by so fast---I wrote Wednesday following repack but it vanished into thin air---I thought I'll just write Thursday===but that day followed Wednesday===so here I am on Friday, Gleaners day in Corvallis.
Wednesday, I won the neatest prize--a ten pound kettlebell. You know, a weight lifters device with a handle and a booklet of directions. Ten pounds is really heavy for me and the directions were just completely beyond my limits. So I'll just wait and torment my visitors with a workout!
We have had much rain, but mild weather/ The air is so fresh. Love, Bopcha
Forgot to mention that Judi brought over several neck scarves that she knitted for my crew. I will be taking back to Rhode Island so my California crew can stay warm. They are absolutely beautiful. Makes me want to learn knitting.
There is embroidery, cross-stitch and crewel which is usually done in woolen yarn and different types of stitches. Really don't know how to explain but it doesn't matter because if I don't get a needle soon - this project will be going to Goodwill.
KC & Tom sent me a wonderful early birthday present - The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary. It will be going with me to Bopcha's when we do another game and also to CA when I go down and beat Steph and Al at Scrabble. I was reading some of the words and by the way don't challenge me when I use cocobola (plural for cocobolo - a tropical tree).
This morning I rode with Cousin Janey while she delivered meals on wheels (through the Senior Center). I talked with Cynthia at the Senior Center (or was it Sylvia) and she remembered Uncle Matt and the daffodils he used to bring. She said he also brought daffodil bulbs. Did they give them to people eating at the Senior Center? She asked if there were still daffodils that they would love getting some. Told her I would check with my mother to see if I could bring some in this Spring. Again, did she mean the flowers or the bulbs. Guess I need to clarify. When Janie and I returned from delivering the meals, she called me in where people were eating to find out Uncle Matt's last name, apparently they had been discussing him.
This afternoon had an appointment with Dr. Huffsmith (that's right the exwife of the man who rents out the fields at the farm) for a test involving flashing lights. Didn't do so well on the test and my eye pressure is a tad elevated so she put me on eye drops and I have another appointment in 3 weeks to test the other eye with the stupid flashing lights and re-test the pressure. This town is pretty darn small and I swear everyone is somehow either knows or is related to someone you know.
I think the lady across the street from me died. The ambulance was there a few days ago and for the last several days, the family has been cleaning out the trailer (a single wide). They rented large trash container and filled them to overflowing. The trash man emptied them this morning and this afternnon they are filled to overflowing again. Turst me you can cram a lot of stuff in these things. We should be seeing a for sale sign going up. I guess this is part of living in an over 55 Park.
Diana, I thought that was a great shot you posted.
Wow Diana, that is some great action in that photo. When I was taking the photo class, back in the good old days when I could do something other than work, one of the things I wanted to learn a lot about was taking action photos. Being able to capture action in sports is really awesome, isn't it. KC, you have done your fair share of action images, and done it well I might add.
Yes the sisters are a hilarious bunch. Your entries were very funny, especially Kays'. Kay, you may not think you have found your "claim to fame" but I think you have. Your "storytelling" of what happens to you on, on what one might think is just a regular day, is so well done and really funny. I always find it so charming when one can really laugh at themselve and makes others laugh with them. So keep sharing your life experiences, because they are far from dull.
My world continues to be a profound study of what happens to people's state of mind when they either loose their job or others around them loose their jobs. We had more layoffs last week. But we are still standing - more determined than ever to keep plugging along.
Wow can you believe the earthquake in Haiti? That is a tremendous event. Sorry to bring it up but I was just looking at some footage of it, and it certainly makes you want to just be grateful for today. After seeing what those people are enduring, I feel like I have absolutely no complaints
Anyway, I hope you are all well and enjoying the winter. I actually like the cold weather and I am enjoying it. By the way, I can wait to read up on Tory's blog. I want to hear all about her ventures through Europe. I love hearing about one's travels. Perhaps
Gee, I am really confused about what day it is. Last night, as I was posting my newest basketball photos, I was convinced my camera had the wrong date on it and that it was actually the 11th. Now I found out that my camera was right and that I accidently put the wrong date on all the photos I labeled. Grrrrr......
All is well here. Noah is getting ready to house and cat sit for Tory's first week away. Then Judith will take over and will be tasked with hauling all the empty pizza boxes left from Noah's stay (just kidding!).
We will be coming to CVO on Friday the 22nd of January. No basketball game that evening so we can head on down on Friday rather than Saturday.
Unfortunately I can't sort out what I am doing wrong that prevents me from signing into my blog... what is simple at home and in English is mysterious and indecipherable in French. insult to injury, the keys on the French keyboard are not the traditional qwerty my fingers are so trained in. Sigh. Mom, if you can post my note to Bopchas blog until I get it sorted, I would be so greatful.
