Thursday, April 28th - Paris, day 2

After a good nights sleep, I woke to another sunny morning, although it was a bit chilly to start off.

I took my time because I was wanting to find somewhere to purchase an adapter to allow me to plug in my laptop. I thought I had one but it turns out it only will work with USB plugs, not regular plugs. I did some searching online to find somewhere local that might have them but most didn't open till later. So after 9:00 I headed out. I tried a couple of places and finally found one who had just what I needed. Now I have no trouble keeping connected.

I sent the link to the blog to a handful of people yesterday but unfortunately I sent the wrong information. I've since sent out the proper link. It should work this time.

After finding my adapter, I strolled down the streets and found a couple of things I thought I might need. One is a very flowery and flowy top and the other is a scarf with dragon flys on it.

By now it was getting close to lunch time so I came back to the apartment and packed a picnic of sorts. I had a lovely sandwich I had purchased yesterday and along with some bottled water and some yogurt I headed off the see the canal. 

There are lots of spots along it to sit and enjoy lunch but it was still slightly chilly so I opted instead for a coffee and macaron dinside at a little cafe, before heading back. (nothing wrong with eating dessert first!) I chose to sit out on my balcony and substituted the bottle of water with a glass of wine for the rest of my lunch.

One of the sights I was interested in visiting this trip is Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père Lachaise). There are numerous famous people buried here over the course of history but being a rock and roll girl from way back, my focus was on the grave of Jim Morrison. 

It truly is a sight to see. The tombs are beyond description and the pictures really don't do it justice. 

Morrison's grave itself is not that impressive compared to most, aside from the fact there are metal barricades all around it to keep fans out. I remember when we were here in December and some of the pilots had visited. They were a little taken aback that there are lots of famous people buried there, some who have done amazing things, and yet a rock singers grave gets all the attention. Just doesn't seem quite right somehow.  And yet here I was.

Outside the walls of the cemetary there are long stretches of marble with names engraved on them of, I suspect, is every french citizen who has ever died in a war. It truly is remarkable.

It was a long walk to the cemetary and equally long coming home after spending over an hour touring the inside. It had warmed up so it was only appropriate that I stop along the way to quench my thirst.

Now I'm back and done exploring for the day. I think my tired and achy feet will enjoy a soak in a hot bath. 

Need to rest them up for a walking tour tomorrow with Sandeman's. We've done their tours in other cities and they are always really good. 

Wednesday, April 27th - 10 days in Paris - day one

 My day actually started around noon on Tuesday. I woke up that morning to the sight of a very large truck backed into the neighbours driveway, literally within 2 inches of my car. I finished packing up my stuff and the cat's things then went out to see when they might be finished. I spoke to this very nice youg man who informed me that they would likely be there all day. I explained that I needed to get my car out. He was surprised as he had asked the neighbour if my car might be able to be moved but the neighbour told him I was in Paris. I politely explained to this young man that I was indeed going to Paris but I needed my car to get to the airport! In the end he agreed to back my car out for me as I was just too nervous to do it myself. With it parked safely on the street, I could breath a sigh of relief and get on with my preparations for leaving. 

After gassing up, I made my way to Guelph to drop Pepe Le Pew off at the Dennisons. While there I picked up Patti's parking pass and was on my way.

The ride to Pearson was uneventful, except for a bit of a slowdown that added about 15 mintes to the trip. Fortunately I had left early enough that it wasn't a problem.

I really enjoy watching people at airports and it amazes me what matters to some. There was a group of 3 young women, trotting around the waiting area very arrogantly. You'd have thought they were the Kardashians or something. I happened to be at the desk when one of them came up to the counter and wanted to know why her and her two friends hadn't been upgraded to business class. She was quite put out that the best they could do for them was premium economy. She was not happy. I just wanted to look at her and remind her that it was hour out of the rest of her life! Seriously people. I really wouldn't want to have the job of the agents. 

I made my flight to Montreal with no issues and lots of time to spare. While I was waiting for my name to be called a couple of young women approached the desk to have their documents checked so they could board. One of them was wearing a headband with two glittery animal ears and a purple unicorn horn in the middle. She was at least 30 years old. She asked the desk agent if there was anywhere she could go to have a cigarette before getting on and was told no. Then she wanted to know how long the flight was. The agent told her around 6.5 to 7 hours. Then she asked if she could smoke on the plane. Again she was told no. I've never smoked so I really have no idea what that addiction feels like but I'm betting it was a pretty awful night for this poor woman. I did she her again when we were in line to go through customs. Apparently she'd made it that far.

I recognized this escalator from my last trip. They were only allowing a few people down at a time. It would have taken forever had my fellow standby passenger  not spotted our crew in the crowd once we got to the bottom. Today it took close to 45 minutes. I'm sure it would have taken much longer in December with the Covid restrictions that were in place. Today we just sailed through, with no issues.

Once out of customs it was time to find my way to the apartment. The owner had given very detailed directions and they worked for the most part. It was about a half hour train ride to the metro and then a short hop on the subway. I did take a wrong turn out of the metro station and walked a bit further than needed but I had lots of time. On the ride in, everything was so very lush and green. The leaves are out on all the trees and it was sunny and warm. A gorgeous first day in Paris.

 I wasn't meeting the owner until 2:00 so I walked around a bit and then stopped into a little cafe and had a coffee and tart au poire (that would be a pear tart!). Very tasty and a great way to kill some time. The older fellow who served me didn't really speak very much english so we had a bit of trouble communicating. He finally leaned over and confided that it was his first day on the job there. I told him it was my first day in Paris so it was all good and we both had a bit of a chuckle.

Eventually I met up with Aline and she gave me the tour of the apartment. It's a very lovely little spot with a tiny balcony with a table and chair. It's a perfect spot that gets the afternoon sun.  I was a little concerned about being on the top floor. I was afraid I'd have to carry my bags up all four flights of stairs. You can imagine my delight to find an elevator. Mind you it is only big enough for one person and a not too large bag. Anything too big will require sending the luggage up by itself! But it works and I was ever so grateful to see it when I arrived.

After unpacking I headed out to have a look around. I found the local grocery store and picked up a few provisions as well as a small bottle of wine. Just what I needed for sitting outside in the sun!

                                         

                                           The view from the balcony to the street 4 stories below

After sitting out and enjoying the lovely sunshine and balmy temperatures for a little while, I thought it best to try to take a bit of a nap. It had been a long 24 hours.

I tried to sleep but I think I just dozed for a little bit. There was just too much out there to explore. So after my nap I struck out to explore the neighbourhood a bit more. I've only been here less than 12 hours and I would gladly stay here forever. What a lovely place this city is. 

After walking around some more I headed home to have some supper. I had picked up some cheeses and meats, olives, cherry tomatoes and a lovely loaf of some kind of bread packed with nuts. The very nice fellow at the store offered to slice it for me and it was perfect on my plate of charcuterie! I had forgotten I'd picked up a delicious looking sandwich that was meant to be for supper, so it will be lunch tomorrow along the St. Martin Canal. I've read it's another lovely place to stroll around and have a picnic lunch.

On that note, I think it's time to call it a day. A nice hot bath and then off to bed so I will be refreshed to start exploring more tomorrow.

Stay tuned.....

Friday, April 15th - Happy Easter (part 2)

 I returned from PEI on April 4th just in time to stop at the pharmacy and pick up the eye drops I needed to start that day. My 2nd cataract surgery was scheduled for the 7th (Thursday). 

I wasn't the only one "going under the knife". Pepe Le Pew was being neutered on Tuesday so we would be convalescing together. I dropped him off at 9:00 on Tuesday morning and picked him up at 5:00. He was wearing a cone around his neck and was not a happy camper. I took him home and within half an hour, he had the cone off. I tied it tighter so it would be harder to get off. That lasted a couple more days and then he had it off again.  I've been keeping an eye on him and he's not bothering his incision so I think we're okay. 

Patti picked me up on Thursday morning and dropped me off at the hospital around 11:00. I was about half an hour early but they started prepping me right away. My surgery was actually scheduled to take place at 1:30 but by 1:20 I was done and sitting in a wheel chair waiting for Patti to pick me up. 

Poor girl had made plans to go for lunch with a friend and was really surprised when they called and told her I was done before I was scheduled to start. Fortunately they had at least finished eating. 

I spend a quiet afternoon at their house and had an early evening. She drove me home early the next morning. I was eager to get back to make sure his nibs hadn't hung himself with the cone or anything in my absence over night. But all was good. The surgery went well and there were no complications. I had my follow up appointment a week later and got the okay to drive again. Many thanks to Kay for taking me to Guelph and back again. 

So I had a quiet week at home. Lucky for me some days were above average temperatures and I was able to get outside and get some walking in. I need to do as much of that as I can over the next couple of weeks.

Did I mention I'm going to Paris for 10 days? Patti and Meghan are going to join me there. I was so taken with the city when I was there for 48 hours in December that I decided I'd love to go for a longer visit. It will be much nicer weather and I'm looking forward to leisurely strolls exploring this amazing city

I'm leaving on April 26th and arriving the morning of the 27th. We don't leave until the 7th of May. I'm really looking forward to it.

Friday, April 15th - Happy Easter everone (part 1)

Well the last couple of weeks have certainly been a bit of a whirlwind.

I had the pleasure of spending a weekend on PEI. I flew out to help with the Irish Stew dinner. It was so very nice to catch up with so many people I hadn't seen since leaving over 2 years ago. Many asked if I was back or planning to move back but I assured them it was a temporary visit. 

I needn't have worried about getting a seat on the plane. I took this picture right before we took off! All these rows and I was still at the back of the bus!

Brenda picked me up at the airport on Friday morning (April 1st) and we went straight out to do some shopping for the event. When that was done we met Helena in town at the Merchantman for some lunch. It was a cool and drizzly day but that didn't dampen our spirits. It was really nice to sit down over a beer and some good food to catch up.

On our way out to Fort Augustus we stopped at No Frills and picked up the remaing items on the shopping list. (Just a few things!) Then the liquor store and Sobey's where I was able to say hi to a couple of old co-workers.  On our way home we stopped at the Rec Centre and dropped everything off in preperation for Saturday's work day.

We still had some time before we had to go out so I popped over to see my friend Margie. A lot has happened in her life since I last saw her and it was good to catch up, after a good cry of course. Then it was a shared dinner with her and a chance to learn what the future holds for her. I suggested she come out on Sunday and she agreed it would be a good idea. 

I was fortunate that Friday was also the start up of Capture the Queen at the Rec Centre. No one knew that I was coming so there were just a few surprised faces when I walked in. It was lovely to see everyone.

Me and Anna

Many hands make light work and we had many hands. So many in fact that some where there waiting for us when we arrived on Saturday morning, with peelers and paring knives in hand.

It took a few minutes to get everybody organized but once that was done, we flew through the prep. 

Just like old times!

By lunch most was done so we headed back to the VanGaals for lunch and left the beef, ready to simmer after we returned.

Everyone else was gone when we returned so we got stuff on the stove, made some tea, and then just sat back and relaxed. It was just like old times. Brenda has been there for me so many times, and I was really happy to be able to return the favour.

Bernie had some guests in the shop so Brenda and I called up Helena to join us for supper. We had her delicious fish and reluctantly shared what was left with the guys in the shop. It was nice to see Paul and Richard, who were quite surprised to see me walk through the door!

It had been a long day and Brenda had gone up for a brief nap while I visited with Meghan out in the big building where her tiny home is still being constructed. Winter hasn't cooperated in terms of being able to do much but now that Spring is here it should be getting closer to completion.

I look forward to seeing it when it's all complete and out in the woods. 

Sunday morning was another early one, although not quite as early as the day before had been.

I had brought them a new teapot from Amsterdam to replace their old one they had gotten years ago when they visited the Netherlands. Breakfast was tea, blueberry pancakes with local blueberries and maple syrup produced right there on their property from their very own trees. Doesn't get much more local than that.

By mid morning it was time to head over to the Rec Centre and get started. There were people busy setting up tables, musicians were busy getting set up and tuned up and the kitchen was in full swing.

By most accounts the day was a success. There was lots of positive feedback and I'm assuming some money was made, as it was a fundraiser after all. 

When everything was cleaned up, it was back to the VanGaals where we had an early night. My flight was leaving at 5:00 which meant I had to be there by 3:00 (am) so leaving the house by 2:30. Lucky for me Bernie doesn't sleep well and actually I didn't either. You know what it's like when you have to get before the crack of dawn and you're afraid you might sleep in. But that wasn't the case and Bernie had me there in really good time. I didn't get on the flight to Toronto but I did make it on to the Montreal flight, that left an hour later. Good thing I did. Brenda sent me a picture from her window mid morning, where there was a full on blizzard happening. Got out just in time.

Monday, March 21st - Welcome spring !

 Spring is in the air - or at least it certainly was last week. Thursday reached a high of 19' - not too shabby.

We know we aren't quite done with the cold weather yet but it was certainly a nice change. In fact when I was walking home from the thrift store 3 convertibles passed me and 2 of them had the tops down. I was so tempted to get mine uncovered and the battery connected, but it's just too early! Once it's out I will want to drive it every day so I will have to be patient.

Speaking of patient, we have all patiently waited for our mask mandate to be lifted and today is the day - almost exactly two years since I arrived in Ontario on March 20th, when everything got locked down.  Hard to imagine how far I've come in that time. I have a really busy few months coming up and I have many people to thank for that and you all know who you are.

I was lucky to have spent 48 hours in Amsterdam recently with Patti and Meghan. The weather cooperated and we enjoyed walking many streets during our brief stay. Some areas were an eye opener, for sure. 

We were amazed at the number of bicycles that are used and how efficient the roads are set up to accommodate them (although as a pedestrian you had to be super vigilant not to step out in front of one of them.

We packed a lot into a short time - a river cruise, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, shopping and eating. A good time was had by all. 

Stay tuned for the next adventure ...

Saturday, February 26, 2022 - Finally things to write home about!

 It's been quite a while but there's really not been much of interest to talk about. We are still battling Covid but we are cautiously optimistic that things are improving.

Restrictions are slowly being lifted and hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel (that's not attached to another Covid train). Having said that, I'm so sorry to hear everyday about the increasing numbers of people on PEI who are infected. They did so well for so long and now they seem to be experiencing what the rest of the country had been dealing with for almost 2 years. But at least with high numbers of vacinated folks, deaths are not the same issue we dealt with in the beginning.

With things easing up a little, travel is now an option once again, although somewhat more of a challenge than in the past, but still doable. I was thrilled to be able to go with Patti to Paris in mid December. It had been on my bucket list for a very long time. I had no idea what to expect, but it far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Of course it helped ttemendously to be with Patti, as she is fluent in French. But it really was an amazing experience. So much so, that after Christmas I was looking around online and, long story short, I'm going back in the spring. 

We've rented an apartment that sleeps 3 so Patti and Meghan are coming as well. Meg is studying art at Western so is very eager to visit places like the Louvre. We leave on the 26th of April, arriving on the 27th and we are there until May 7th. (I had to time it perfectly as I have a ticket to see Jesse Cook on May 12th around the corner at Centre in the Square, literally a 5 minute walk from my house.)

Then last week I was lucky enough to get through and buy 3 tickets to see Sir Paul in Syracuse, NY on June 4th. Tristen has become quite a fan of Beatles music and has mentioned several times that I took his brother to a concert but not him. Turns out he's apparently never been to a concert! I did not know that and I'm so thrilled that I'll be taking him to his first ever. I've also never taken Patti, so now it's her turn! It's on a Saturday, so we'll drive over on Saturday morning, get a hotel and then come back on Sunday. I was very surprised when I got the notification that he was touring this summer - the guy's going to be 80 years old two weeks later! 

Then come July I'm off to PEI. My very generous and kind family gave me a wonderful gift at Christmas. It's a combo Christmas/Birthday present. I'll be turning 70 this summer so they have rented me a cute little one bedroom cottage at Lakeside Beach for 2 weeks! Then at the end of the 2 weeks they are flying down to the island and we all move to a bigger place for the weekend to celebrate my birthday. I can't express how

much I truly appreciate all they've done for me since coming back to Ontario. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family that I love very much. 

Well, that's almost it for now. I'm house/dog sitting at their house from Monday to Friday as they are going to Florida to spend a few days with Lynn and Paul, Greg's parents. They get back on Friday morning, then on Friday night, Meghan and I are tagging along with Patti. She has a 48 hour layover in Amsterdam. Seems only right that we should go as well. Meg is keen to visit the VanGogh Museum and just see the sights. Since she has previously traveled to Spain and Italy, she is now keen to travel even more. 

Stay tuned...