A Relaxing Spring Day

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: April 14, 2015

I awoke to a beautiful sunny day. Sadly, Desmond had left the house early for the office, but I enjoyed my morning coffee then walked across the square to the little bakery for my morning pastry. I chose a delightful raspberry and cream tart. After more coffee to go with it, I set out for a walk along the Loire. Though still early, it had already warmed up enough to leave my jacket at home. I didn't go far, but it was peaceful and lovely down by the river. 

A raspberry tart

 A family of geese on the Loire.

Around 11:00, I made my way to the tram, which is a mere three-minute walk from the house. I was headed for the university where I would meet Des for lunch. He had packed Bento boxes for us that morning and we planned to eat in the office while chatting with some of his colleagues. A man on the tram attempted to strike up a conversation with me, but when I explained to him, in my halting French, that I didn't understand, he soon gave up and left me alone.

This is where Desmond's office is located
 at the University of Orléans.

The campus was looking very pretty, with most of the trees leafed out and wildflowers growing haphazardly across the new grass. We had a fun lunch, but soon I had to leave so that my son could get back to work. I walked over to Parc Floral, and spent several very pleasant hours wandering in that beautiful botanical garden. It was still a bit early for most of the showy flowers, but I enjoyed the tulips and other early bloomers. I visited the spring, which was quietly flowing as it has been for who knows how long? I stopped at a concession area and ordered a glass of fruit juice, which I sipped while sitting at a lovely shaded table. The cool breeze was refreshing and carried the heavenly scent of flowers. A group of young children, along with their chaperones, went past, giggling and shouting as they pedaled their rented four-wheeled bikes. It looked like a fun way to see the park.

A tree in a basket at Parc Floral.

I met Desmond back at the tram, and we rode home together. We had a little snack and then bundled poor Azur into his cat carrier for a trip to the vet. It was time for his annual shots. He was not a very happy kitty, but he soon settled down once we were home again.

For our evening meal, Des cooked a wonderful dish of pasta with roasted chick peas, cauliflower, and broccoli, all seasoned with freshly grated Parmesan. It was delicious and I plan to cook it for the family at home. We had ginger floats for dessert. The rich vanilla ice cream and spicy ginger beer were a perfect combination. 

Time for Me to Fly

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: April 13, 2015

My long-awaited travel day had finally arrived! After a short flight and a long layover on Sunday from Wichita to Chicago, I boarded the Boeing 767 for Paris. Imagine my delight when I discovered that I had no seat-mates! It was a first for me to be able to spread out and relax on an overnight flight. I was even able to sleep for a couple of hours, curled on the seats in warm socks and cuddling my own comfy travel pillow. As the plane approached Paris, the clouds thinned and I had a lovely glimpse the beautiful countryside below.

Approaching Paris. 

The terminal was surprisingly uncrowded that morning. I was able to retrieve my luggage quickly and easily. Upon entering the arrivals area, I spotted Desmond, who was grinning from ear to ear, as I was. It was so good to see him again! After hugs, kisses, and a few happy tears, we were soon on our way to Orléans. The weather was gorgeous, sunny and cool, as we sped south.

I loved the new apartment! It's on an upper floor, which allows for cool breezes and better security. It is truly a comfortable home and even though Desmond had been living there only a short time, it was already nicely furnished and filled with good vibes. I loved the layout, with the two bedrooms being separated by a large entryway, kitchen, bath, and the living area. There were colorful pots of herbs on the wide windowsills, and even some cherry tomato plants! 

Colorful pots of herbs on the windowsill.

The guest room, which is also Desmond's office, was quite roomy and had a view of a small tree-lined square and several half-timbered buildings. A bar/cafe, a bakery, and other shops are just steps away. The river is very close, though it can't actually be seen from the windows. We stowed my luggage in the room and went out in search of a bite to eat. As we approached the cafe, we noticed a couple of friends, Fanny and Ficus, having lunch there! We pulled over another table and enjoyed our lunch as we visited with them. 

The charming views from my window.

The food at the cafe was very good. Des ordered the plat du jour, which was fragrant, herb-roasted chicken and potatoes accompanied by a zucchini gratin and ratatouille. I opted for the croque monsieur, which was served with fries and a salad. Des had to leave for work soon after our meal, but I walked across the Loire to a market for fresh vegetables and continued on to the artisan bakery for some rustic chestnut-apple-walnut bread. It was wonderful to be strolling along those familiar cobblestone streets once again. I felt very much at home. I finished my shopping with a visit to the French Coffee shop, where I relaxed over a tasty coffee creation before meandering back toward home. 

Rue de Borgogne, one of my favorite streets in Orléans.

After Desmond returned, we worked happily in the kitchen, where we roasted veggies and toasted the fresh bread. The bread was then spread with herbed goat cheese, layered with vegetables, and topped with thinly sliced ham. It was a simple and delicious meal that we all relished. I had brought Azur some kitty treats from America and began a nightly ritual with him of "foreign" food and pats from his cat-loving guest. Later, Des had papers to grade and I was worn out from traveling, so I went to bed early. I don't think I ever stopped smiling, even in my sleep.

My blue-eyed buddy, Azur, saying good night.

Ready, Set, Go!

April 8, 2015

Yes, I AM ready! I haven't actually begun packing, but I have been sorting clothes and making lists of what to tuck into my suitcases. I have made a few purchases of last-minute items and I am planning another small shopping trip to pick up American gifts for my French friends. One more load of laundry will take of care of the rest of my clothing and then I will be ready to pack my bags.

Spring arrived with a vengeance here in the Midwest. It seemed that everything burst into bloom at the same time, which left me gasping for air as all that pollen hit my lungs! I have never been knocked flat by allergies this early in the season. I am only just beginning to feel a bit better and I hope that by Sunday I will be back to normal. Nothin's gonna stop me now!

Korean lilacs just beginning to bloom.

I haven't planted any spring annuals yet. That pleasure will have to wait until I return from France. My doctor has advised me to stay indoors as much as possible, though it's difficult when the weather is so lovely. Okay, I DID purchase one small six-pack of impatiens. I simply had to have a bit of cheerful color on the front porch. The lilacs are blooming and scenting the outdoors with their heady perfume. In the flowerbed out front, the columbines are showing lots of green and will be flowering soon. 

I had a moment of concern when I learned of the air traffic controller strike in France. However, it seems that my flight may not be affected by the strike. In just a few days I will set my feet on those familiar cobblestone streets. It will be wonderful to see my son again. I have missed him terribly and can hardly wait to spend days with him, enjoying all the delights that France has to offer.

Soon I will be enjoying more of these! Yum!

In The Works

At last, plans are concrete! The anticipation is building. Our plane tickets have been purchased and hotel reservations have been finalized. Dreaming of a springtime visit to France helps me to get through these cold and dreary days of another winter in the Midwest. It has been the usual roller-coaster ride of freezing cold, bitter winds, sleet, and snow, interspersed with a day or two of delightful warmth. Kansans have been much more fortunate than people in others areas of the U.S. We have not had an ice storm or blizzard this winter. A recent storm dropped 5 inches of snow and another little storm last night brought us an inch or two more.

Pretty, but not very inviting.

I was a bit disappointed to find that airfare prices had not dropped at all. I didn't feel as if I should wait any longer, and am now restraining myself from taking another peek. We have our tickets, and that's what matters.

Craig and I continue to be very busy with the home remodeling and are thrilled that some of our projects are nearly complete. Our half bath is done. Well, almost. All that remains is to grout the tile backsplash. We have already started on the new guest room. The plumber will be arriving this week to install fixtures for the additional half bath which we are putting into the basement. That will definitely keep us occupied for a bit! It's amazing how much we have managed to fit into this small house. With five people living here now, we need to utilize every inch of space.

Desmond been busy as well. He is nearly finished with his move and is happily settling into the new place and the new neighborhood. Desmond has a guest room ready for us, which will be a special treat. Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed staying with him in his tiny apartment. He both made me feel very welcome and comfortable. Craig will now be able to enjoy the hospitality, too. Once we return from England, that is! I still can hardly believe that we will be visiting London and Bath. Desmond and I will meet Craig in London, where we will spend only one night before traveling on to Bath. We are all looking forward to the excursion. Until then, we will carry on with home renovations and continue to dream of April in Paris.

Lavender, growing near the Seine.

April in Paris.

That's SO Kansas!

As usual, the weather in Kansas has been unpredictable. In the past few weeks we have had a few unseasonably warm days (highs in the upper 60s and low 70s!), which have been followed in succession by chilly rain, high winds, and bitter cold. This morning, the thermometer had dipped to 10 degrees as I drove one of my grandchildren to school. Brrr! But I know it could be much worse. We have been spared ice storms and heavy snows.

A winter moon in Kansas.

Craig and I are still working on our remodeling project. It has been slow going. We have many other obligations and can usually only get into it on Saturdays. We managed to paint the sitting room area with only a couple of mishaps. Craig stepped into the paint pan and I, not to be outdone, dropped a fully loaded brush and tried to catch it, thus flipping paint all over the door, a jacket, and the carpet in the hallway. We rushed to clean it up and were relieved to see that it left no residue.

I have been watching airfares in anticipation of our upcoming vacation in France. It's amazing how much they can fluctuate in the course of one day! Our hotel rooms were reserved months ago, except for one night in Paris, which will be the final evening of our holiday. 

One evening in Paris.

Desmond will soon be moving into his new apartment. We are looking forward to staying in his guest room. He is a wonderful host and goes out of his way to entertain us. I will be flying out ahead of Craig, which will give me 8 or 10 days to enjoy wandering around Orléans. I'm certain we will make at least one little day trip. I love exploring new places in France!

The Hôtel Groslot, Orléans, France

  

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's 14 degrees outside, with worse to come. I am very happy to be snug and warm inside my little brick house, with nothing more to worry about than what I will cook for supper this evening. My heart goes out to all those who must work outside in adverse conditions.

A view of our chilly back yard.

The Christmas decorations have been put away, and the house is back to normal. Schools are in session after the long holiday break. I hung the 2015 calendar last week with a smile, already anticipating my next visit to France this spring. I'm thrilled to be going again, yet I don't want to wish these days away. Time seems to fly more swiftly, the older I become. Each day is precious.

One our remaining cottonwood trees. This one is probably 80 years old.

I can't say we are doing anything very exciting right now. Craig and I have been reorganizing and it seems that we keep changing our minds as to what goes where! We have been gradually turning our little sitting room into less of an office and more of a cozy nest where we can enjoy coffee, read, or watch a movie. I have picked out paint colors and am almost ready to begin on the walls. 

In all of our reorganizing, Craig and I have moved most of my vintage items downstairs, where he has created space for me in a corner of his workshop. It is a daunting task to shelve all of those things in such a way that I can quickly locate and retrieve an item for shipping. If you would care to view the vintage treasures I have for sale, please visit ColorTheMoon.

Even our dog, Bella, won't stay out for long in this cold!

Until next time, stay cozy! Oh, and I have decided what to make for supper. It's not a French dish, but I must share this recipe with you. It's absolutely the best homemade spaghetti sauce ever! Desmond found it on Allrecipes.com and shared it with me. Now it is the only sauce I make. Even people who don't like mushrooms will like this: Mariu's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Enjoy!

No Apologies For Sentimentality

I love holidays, especially Christmas, mostly because of the memories which warm my heart and, of course, the traditions that I adhere to. Little things such as decorating a gingerbread house, making candy, baking cookies, and stringing popcorn for the tree are all important in their own small ways. I remember that, as a child, our home seemed to be filled with visitors. Nearly every day from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, someone would stop by. Mom (and Dad, if he was not at work) would put on a pot of coffee and slice some fruitcake or pie. The house was warmed with the hum of conversation and laughter.

Gingerbread house 2014

Life is more hectic now, and it seems that many of us are too busy or too stressed to take the time to just breathe in and savor the season. People rush to and fro, frantically hunting for bargains or for that "must-have" toy or electronic gear. Some try to outshine their neighbors with ornate decorations and lights that flash in time to music. Each year the decorations become more elaborate. Though I prefer simple decorations in my own yard, I do enjoy taking a ride around the neighborhood to gaze at the twinkling lights. I remember one year in particular, when there was a gentle snowfall as we were on our "light tour". It certainly added an element of wonder to the evening.

Some of the ornaments on our tree are over 50 years old.

Of course, I am missing Desmond even more than usual. He loves the Christmas season as much as I do and has always participated eagerly in the traditions and festivities. Now, he lives in France, and is creating new traditions even as he holds on to the old ones. 

Desmond's French Christmas tree.

I find it sad that there are many people who become melancholy during the holidays. They try to hide away from the festivities and can hardly wait for life to return to "normal". My heart goes out to all those who are troubled at such times, and I hope that they can find some joy. I hope that all of you can open your hearts to compassion and love for one another, and may peace be with you.