A Little R and R

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: April 16, 2015

It was another great day of R and R for me! I was settling quite comfortably into my home away from home. Every day had given me a more relaxed and refreshed attitude. After my first cup of coffee, I walked several blocks to revisit a favorite bakery. It was the one closest to the apartment that Craig and I had rented a couple of years ago. It was hard to choose from the glass cases filled with delectable treats, but I selected a lemon tart and then slowly made my way back, enjoying the spring weather and the lovely views of the neighborhood.

 A delightful lemon tart.

Beautiful flowers in front of a church in Orléans, France.

At lunchtime, I decided to treat myself to a burger at Oh, Terroir. My cheeseburger was delicious. It had a thick, melting slab of Cantal cheese on it, along with fresh greens, roasted tomato relish, and Bearnaise. I sat at a little table outside in the fresh air and thoroughly enjoyed my lunch. I have never had a bad meal at Oh, Terroir.

Burgers at Oh, Terroir in Orléans, France.

On the way home, I stopped in at L'Occitane en Provence, where I did a bit of shopping. There were many wonderful and fragrant items from which to choose. I then picked up a few items at the supermarket before I returned home. Desmond came in from work feeling lighthearted, as it was his last day on the job before spring break. I told him that to celebrate, I wanted to treat us to dinner. Des chose a Korean restaurant called Kogi. It was apparently one of his favorite restaurants and we were greeted warmly upon arrival. We started with cocktails, and then an appetizer of miso soup followed by a salad. I had never eaten Korean food before and so I took my son's advice and ordered a main course called bibimbap. A very heavy and very hot granite bowl was brought to the table, filled with a sizzling combination of rice, bean sprouts, Japanese cucumber, kimchi, spinach, shredded carrots, and pork. A fried egg topped it off, and was quickly stirred into the meat and vegetables. There were some tasty sauces to accompany the dish, which was delicious and quite filling. It was a fun evening and we had a good time. When we returned home, we watched a movie and enjoyed ice cream bars for dessert.  

Dinner at Kogi in Orléans, France.

No Plans? No Problem!

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: April 15, 2015

How wonderful it was to sleep late, with no one to take care of but myself! I had no worries and no responsibilities. Ah, vacation! Don't we all need time to relax and recharge? Unfortunately, Desmond did have responsibilities. He had left early for the office while I blissfully slumbered. I was on my own for most of the day, but that didn't bother me. I knew I could find plenty of things with which to occupy my time. On such a gorgeous day, even just a long walk would be a pleasure. I never tire of looking at the lovely architecture of the old stone buildings in Orléans.

Just a cute house in the neighborhood.

I began the day with fresh coffee and a slice of marbled brioche before setting out to do a bit of shopping. I mostly just "window shopped" while browsing in Halles Chatelet, Monoprix, and Mr Bricolage. At a bookstore, I found a cute Paris coloring book, or adult color therapy book, as they are known now. I planned to purchase one for each of my sisters. I am still using the one that Desmond gave me a while back. It contains page after page of stained glass windows to color. At CarreFour I bought a small bedside lamp for "my" room, along with a basket of fresh strawberries, a demi baguette, and a jar of pork rillettes. I rode the tram back to the apartment, where I munched happily on my little lunch, texting Craig, who had just gotten up. The poor guy wouldn't be starting his vacation for a while.

A perfect little lunch.

After lunch, I tidied up and then attempted to take a nap. I didn't fall asleep, but it was nice to rest in my lovely, cool room. When Des returned, we enjoyed an apero of cold drinks accompanied by sausage, cheese, and some of the snack mix I had brought from Nifty Nut House in Wichita. My son and I had fun preparing a vegetable roulade for supper. He thinly sliced strips of beautiful heirloom carrots that were purple, yellow and the classic orange, along with zucchini and eggplant. I arranged them in a puff pastry crust atop a layer of creme fraiche and Dijon mustard, placing the veggies in an ever-growing spiral. This was topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a few dashes of salt and pepper. After baking, the dish was garnished with fresh herbs. It was as tasty as it was beautiful! We ended the meal with plump, fresh strawberries dipped in a rich chocolate ganache. 

A temptingly delicious veggie roulade.

We finished our day with a board game and a sitcom before heading off to dreamland. It had been a rather uneventful day, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered.

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