Monday, May 23, 2011

Return to Paris

Well the mini vacation is over and I'm on the plane going back to Paris.  It is truly with mixed emotions that I return.  We had a VERY busy time home.  I can't believe how fast it went and I feel bad I didn't get to visit with many friends and family.  The scheduled events all went off without issues.  One kink in the plan - Donna broke her hip our first night home.  The timing was good because we were home so Jill could visit / help.

Now as I sit on the plane I wonder why am I doing this.   I really enjoyed being home and don't look forward to spending the summer alone in Paris.  For sure I will immerse myself into my work. As Jill says... No distractions. The positive side is that I've decided to start running again.  Jill and I are doing a weight loss challenge during the summer separation.  I am committed to return to the U.S. for the summer break 20 pounds lighter.  It should make the lake house more enjoyable.  We'll see...

If anyone is going to be in Paris this summer, be sure to look me up.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

A Break from France

After 5.5 months it is now time for us to go back to the U.S.  Of course for me it is only a 10 day visit.  Jill will stay for the summer.  I'm not sure what it will be like to be back in the States.  But It will be nice to not have to practice my French every day, I need a little break.  We are very excited to come "home" home.

We have a busy 10 days and I apologize to anyone we don't get to this visit.  We arrive late today, dinner with Bryan & Kyrstin.  Tomorrow AM I drive to NYC to pick-up stuff from Kaitlyn.  Brother Dennis is suppose to ride with me.  We'll spend the night, pack her stuff, get it to the storage and drive back home on Thursday.  Friday we drive to Meadville for Matt's graduation on Saturday.  Sunday back home, Monday is Nicole's confirmation.  And I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

I wonder how many times we'll greet people with bonjour or say merci to the waiter or ca va to someone who asks how we're doing.  Oh well -- it will be nice.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Steak Tartar

Last night Jill and I went to Le Petite Tour for dinner.  On Friday night we stopped there to make reservations and have a drink at the bar.  It was pretty hectic, but Gary (the owner in case you have forgotten) took good care of us.  I had a cognac and Jill had a glass of Sancerre (one of our favorite white wines).  Before the night was over we were treated to a bellini (my spelling probably wrong, but its made with strawberry sorbet mixed really well with champagne), the remainder of a bottle of wine that someone else didn't finish and I don't remember what else...  When we went to leave Gary claimed it was his treat.  So we spent a couple of hours in good company and had free drinks!  Doesn't get better then that, unless you go back the next day for dinner.

On Saturday we went back.  When we were seated Gary brought us complimentary glasses of champagne.  During our previous visits we talked with him about trying steak tartar.  Both Jill and I were not certain we would be able to do it, but we went for it.  Gary made a special appetizer sized dish for each of us.  It came out mixed with onion, scallions, worchester sauce, Tabasco and garlic.  Gary serves his with a raw egg yolk on top (which you have to mix into the dish) and a delicious pesto sauce decorating the plate.  Jill called it yummo and I must agree with her.

The rest of the meal was just as good.  I had one of the best fish dishes and Jill did her normal salmon dish.  We had a bottle of the wine we sampled the night before.  When that was gone Gary brought us a half bottle of a Chablis that he had opened for someone else.  

The fun started when we finished our main dish.  Seated next to us was a couple from Australia.  We heard them speak English and they were trying to figure out the menu.  Jill leaned over and started a conversation that kept us there until almost midnight.

This morning we met them at church and due to some confusion mass was delayed so we went for a coffee together.   Just goes to show, if you're open to meeting new folks the world is full of nice people.