CELEBRATION DAY!!!

Yesterday was May 8, VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), a holiday in Europe celebrating the end of World War II in Europe.  There was a ceremony at Arc du Triomphe with the laying of the wreath by President Macron.  It's an official holiday in Europe so offices, many stores, some restaurants and markets are closed.  Schools, too, are closed so everyone celebrates!!

For me, in my little world, May 8 has its own special meaning.  Forty-seven years ago David and I had our first date when I invited him to my Senior Prom!!!  We talked yesterday about that day and our ensuing romance and wedding.  We would never in a million years have imagined ourselves ever living outside the United States, let alone Paris, France.  

So, what did we do for our "anniversary"?  I've been craving pancakes.  I'm really an egg eater and don't care much for pancakes or waffles for breakfast.  But, for some reason, it's something that has really sounded good.  I'd read a book, "Pancakes in Paris" by Craig Carlson, months ago about his journey opening an American-style diner in Paris that offered American breakfasts.  His journey resulted in the Breakfast in America restaurants (there are now three in Paris).  And we were off....

Breakfast in America

It's not a fancy place and looks like a 50's diner inside.  Space is relatively small but cozy,  and the staff was very friendly.  American rock and roll was playing in the background.  It kind of felt as though we'd gone back in time.  I'd come with a purpose,  so I ordered the Deuces Wild, 2 eggs (any way), 2 slices bacon and 2 pancakes.  I also miss bacon.  The service was really quick,  and the food was good.  This was way more food than I normally eat for breakfast so some pancakes were left, but it was delicious and a fun, morning outing.

What a way to start the day!!!

We had decided to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg since the weather was so beautiful.  We had hoped we could find bikes to rent to bike around the Garden,  but Patrice had told us he didn't think they allowed bikes.  Patrice was right!  No bikes or dogs!!!  Oh, well.  This is a wonderful place for families, couples, singles....there were people everywhere.  Some were sitting in the shade reading, some were sitting in the sun soaking up the rays, and many were sitting around the large fountain where small boats can be rented and sailed in the fountain.  We sat next to a man who had his own sailboat and was installing the sails and riggings.  Children (and some adults) would come over and watch as he labored over his boat.  And then came the moment of truth.....would it sail???

His boat is remote controlled but he sure labored over those sails!

I think we all wanted to applaud!!!

....and away it went!!!!  I think those who had watched him were almost as excited as he was!!!  Many of the larger boats are remote controlled...there were young men there with boats, not just children.  What is they say about men are just little boys with larger toys???!!!  

Such a deal for so much fun!

However, you don't have to own your own boat to sail.  You can rent a boat for 4Euros for 30 minutes!!  With the boat (which is not remote controlled) you get a long stick to help retrieve it when it's time to return.  What a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon with your children!  We had fun just watching the adults and their bigger boats and the little children as they watched their boats sail off.

Sometimes dads have to help!  Our grands would enjoy this, I think!

The Garden also has tennis courts (we think you can rent a court), a playground (that was full!!!), a large court where we watched boys playing basketball and a dad and small son practicing tennis, joggers everywhere and multiple places to seek refreshment.  Though ice cream abounded, today it was warm and I was thirsty so we just got a cool drink.  I told David the next time we come to the Garden I will:   1) wear tennis shoes (I had on sandals since it's warm)  2) bring our picnic basket so we can have a little picnic and 3) bring a book so we can spend the afternoon just enjoying our day.

Time for a refresher!!

The rest of our day was pretty quiet.  For our "anniversary" dinner we fixed "Braised Brisket with Ginger and Coriander" from a new cookbook Nikki sent for Mother's Day, "French Classics Made Easy" by Richard Grausman.  And waiting for us for later from the patisserie is a Mi-Cuit, a chocolate double-cookie looking pastry with a molten filling.  After all, it is a day of celebrations!!!!!