something to distract me from watching the clock and counting the days as I prepare / wait for my departure.
I haven't flown in years so I might be a White Knuckle flier...
Antique knife set with silver and Mother of Pearl handles snug in their velvet lined box.
I love the intricate carved details of these pretty knives.
They are perfect for an afternoon tea party when serving scones and jam or a Victoria Sponge cake.
Cuisinart enamelled Dutch oven ~ inside simmering Lidia Bastianich's recipe for meatballs and spaghetti sauce.
I love Jane Cumberbatch's book, her simple approach to home decor is so fresh.
It's so different from how we live here in our bungalow with dark wood walls, beams and floors.
Pepper is back to her usual tricks and is gobbling her food.
She's been super social with us and has been keeping Chester in line.
So grateful to our veterinary team who gave her all the diagnostics she needed and the extra TLC.
The phone has been ringing every couple of days checking in to inquire about her well being.
Primulas are a reliable and hardy perennial in the garden borders.
They are putting on a great showing right now.
Hellebores are another stalwart...and they self seed so you can share them with friends and neighbours.
The Victoria Horticultural Society's motto is Show What You Grow and Share What You Know.
Green thumbs like to mingle together in groups with like minded growers.
Hence the popularity of Garden Clubs.
If you love to garden you will enjoy the club atmosphere with speakers, slides, the lending library, discounts at the local garden centres, the bus trips and the plant sale table.
(with almost free plants)
The lily of the valley is blooming...
the fragrance is heady and intoxicating.
Not sure which scarf / scarves to take with me...
if I only take one I might have room in may case for a few new ones.
The weather forecast says it will be cooler and rainy next week so I might need to pack a cashmere sweater and swap it for the light mesh one.
I might pack my Barbour jacket instead of the vest and layer it under my rain coat.
Will be fun to observe Chic French Femmes...
I've read so much about how well dressed the women are and that the cut and style of their clothes is perfection.
Over the years I've read hundreds of books on Paris and France
history, fashion, love stories, relocation journals, fiction...
and many wonderful and informative French lifestyle bloggers.
Here are a few for you to enjoy...
I'm not sure that I will be "prepared"
for the emotional feeling that will experience by actually "being there."
(Ready or not here I come!)
"Paris is always a good idea."
~ Audrey Hepburn ~
Au revoir!
35 comments:
I have a distinct feeling that you will find you self equally well dressed to the citizens of Paris. Not to worry you are going to look perfect. I hope that you have the most wonderful time. Enjoy!
Ah yes, the flight! I do the trans Atlantic fright several times per year. I'm not a fan of flying either and find the takeoff and landing the most white nuckling. What helps me is reading my book during takeoff and landing and really getting lost in the words, and then there are the movies etc and I can sort of forget about being in that sardine can. The best flights are into Heathrow, but don't look out the window because you inevitable get stuck into a circling queue of several planes above and below yours and I find that a bit uncomfortable. The worst flight is into Geneva because there are almost always pockets of what pilots call negative air over the mountains and the lake, and the plane can drop to one side and then the other to re-balance. Stomach clenching. But if you can think of it like I do, as just one bad day, and then rest are great days. Also, my mother, the Dr. always advises taking a baby aspirin before the flight to prevent any possibility of blood clots. Oh, and Whole foods and other natural vitamin stores sell No Jet Lag pills, a $20 herbal concoction which taste like mint and you take one little pill every two hours around and during the flight. Trust me on this, they really, really cut down on the fuzzy feeling when you land and you adjust faster and sleep better.
So glad Pepper is so much better! I have very similar mother of pearl knives that were my grandmother's. I have a funny story about that, actually. A few years ago one of my uncles was being difficult about anything he thought might be remotely valuable. I had no qualms laying claim to her silver as I'm the host of holidays and would actually use them. He made the biggest fuss about this and it led to a fight among all my aunts and uncles. Well one day I'd had quite enough of all this so I went to Target, bought a $25 set of stainless steel flatware, and swapped it out of the silver box at the storage unit. The good stuff went in my bag and the target stuff was left in the box in the storage unit! That was 3+ years ago and no one has noticed!
So exciting about your trip, it has been so long on the horizon it's probably hard to believe it's REALLY here. In case this is your last before you go, safe travels and enjoy!!!
You will see muguet (lily of the valley) everywhere in Paris right now. On the first of May, charities and gypsies sell it. It is a custom to give it to someone you love. May is a funny month in France because there is a national holiday almost every week. The shops on Ile-St-Louis are excellent to browse for accessories and you must visit Diwali. I'm sure that you must be getting excited. Enjoy your last minute preparations!
So glad Pepper is feeling better. Did the Vet figure out what was wrong? Enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures.
so so excited for you leslie. i would bring everything warm - maybe even a knit cap. i had to buy one in paris. i was so tired of being bone cold. i don't care what season it is...i will never go to europe without a warm warm coat again! have fun lady! xo
Leslie I hope you have an excellent trip, I know you've been looking forward to this for so long! Paris is beautiful this time of year but definitely bring some warm knits.
I hope you enjoy the flight, well as much as possible anyway. I find a nice big glass of wine before boarding helps ;), I know that's not recommended but I think it's one of the reasons I look forward to flying! After security clearance I like to buy a large Evian which I drink while on board.
Safe travels :)
By all means leave plenty of room for scarves to bring home. You wil see more beautiful scarves than you can imagine. I believe no French man, woman or child leaves the house without one on. Make sure when you step into a shop to make eye intact with the owner and smile and say, "Bonjour, Madam (or Monsieur)" and you've made a first great impression. I guarantee you will fall in love with Paris to the extent that you will want to go back again and again. Bon Voyage!
On more practical note, take a small kit for blisters. I had one with an invisible plastic patch that was a life saver for me, and i had broken those shoes in! Enjoy!
Relax and enjoy your trip. We have had gorgeous weather here in the UK this week so hopefully Paris has been the same. Sadly the weekend brings a break in the weather so pop a sweater in your luggage. Paris will be beautiful regardless of the weather.
That picture of Pepper is priceless! I have those same knives! How could that be?? When in doubt, pack warmer garments than you think you will need. you're going to have so much fun!!
So glad Pepper is doing well - what a relief before your big trip. I am so excited for you and hope your trip is everything that you hope it to be. I can't wait to hear all your observations and about all your adventures. I'm sure you will be as well dressed as anyone you see in Paris. Have a wonderful time and safe travels.
Wishing you an amazing time as you journey to Paris...in 4 sleeps :-)
Thank goodness Pepper is over the sick spell! I hope you have a wonderful and magical trip to Paris. Safe travels.
Have a most wonderful trip, L. Paris in the springtime is said to be beautiful - I've only been in the summer. I'd take the warm clothes as I hate being cold and it's easier to peel things off than shiver. Safe travels!
That photo of Pepper is spectacular! She looks the picture of health.
Have a wonderful time in Paris!
I look forward to hearing all about your trip.
Have a wonderful time. We'll be a week or so behind you...but just as excited.
I have enjoyed your blog for the last year or so, but wanted to wish you a bon voyage! I find the anticipation of a trip almost as exciting as the real thing! So happy for you fulfilling a dream!
I have those knives too! And small forks to match. They were given to me by a dear aunt and I use them almost every day. I like to eat small portions and find this helps. Often I take them with me when I travel as I like to have a wee bit of home, plus I just like nice things.
I'm so excited for you knowing your trip is almost reality. I know you will adore Paris and all your preparation will be rewarded - speaking the language, your careful selection of wardrobe, and all the wonderful books you have read.
Enjoy every minute. It will be fun hearing all about it when you get back. I expect there will be new scarves.
Bon voyage! I always travel with a cashmere sweater, even when we go to the desert for a few days. Air-conditioning on a plane or in a restaurant can be vicious and when it's cold it's perfect to layer under a coat.
Thank you Veronica!
I have some baby aspirin in my bag and I bought those No Jet Lag pills at the health food store.
Oh we have a similar family story about silverware too! It's so strange how possessive people can get over "family heirlooms!"
Thank you Stephen...will think of you when I am perusing the Dehillerin shop in Paris!
I have read about all those May holidays...
Paris shopping, sightseeing and dining...and soon!
Merci Madame.
XO
The vet seems to think it was the thread that she ate then expelled that irritated the GI tract as all the other tests came back normal. The series of Xrays using barium most likely soothed it enough that she got her appetite back...plus they gave her Recovery food which is tasty, easy to swallow and high in fat! We have to mix it with her regular food now to wean her off it! They call it kitty cat crack!
Oh thank you Janet!
I will be thinking of you and your garden tour when I wander around Versailles and Luxembourg gardens...there are so many lovely parks dotting the neighbourhoods of Paris and it will be fun to see the boxwoods too! I remember your photos of boxwoods.
Hugs,
XO
Keep hydrated on a long flight is important...and I have been advised to slather on a moisturizer too!
Will pack a cashmere sweater...it's chilly here today.
I am going to take a wool beret and socks too...hate being cold.
Madame, our Parisian instructor in class, has taught us the customary greetings and that one does engage in pleasantries when shopping.
I've heard there are many beautiful scarves in even the tiniest of shops...ooh la la!
I am not too fixated on what I am wearing just that i will be appropriately dressed for the activities that we are going to be doing...and that I will not be too hot or too cold!!
Took Note...have some packed just in case...
I see there are cooler days and rain in the forecast...very much like Victoria.
Oh our knives are beautiful aren't they?
They were a gift from my MIL...I think they originally belonged to her parents.
Thank you Jeannine...I won't be blogging while in Paris but taking pictures and posting them on Instagram and will make notes in a journal, take lots of photos and blog when I return.
Thank you ALL for your well wishes and kind words...I need to get packing now!
Do French people really wear berets or is that a stereotype?
So exciting! Paris will change your life...I know it did mine. Bon Voyage!! xo, A
Post a Comment