FALL, FAMILY AND FRIENDS - THE END!!!!!

What a fall it's been!  All the visits have really been wonderful, and, contrary to the concern of some of our friends, rarely in the visits have we visited something we've already visited.  In fact, each visit has been unique and fun.

Our last visit until Courtney's after Christmas visit was from Dan and Carolyn Lawson.  They'd been in London and were good enough to give us a few days at the end of their trip.  We were so excited to see them and catch up on the news of their family and the small group from church we left.  Dan had mentioned they were "drive by sightseers" so we weren't quite sure what that would mean as we considered where to go and what would give them a good feel for Paris.

They got in and we got them settled into their hotel just around the corner from us.  We had all decided to take the non-dinner boat tour on the Seine,  but there was an hour wait so we just stopped and got a coffee/hot chocolate and visited.  David and I have done the dinner cruise several times, and it's a really nice experience.  However, this hour-long cruise was just right.  It was dark by then and pretty cold (at least for me!!) and we sat on top which gets the best views.  It was perfect!

The Lawsons

Assemblee Nationale-where French Parliament meets-ready for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I

Following the cruise, we went to a little restaurant new to us not far from the apartment.  It was quiet and cozy so we were able to visit easily.

Saturday they really wanted to go to the market with us so, umbrellas in hand, we walked to the market and did our weekly shopping.  Carolyn loves the market environment and is a big Central Market shopper so this was right up her alley.  They perused the different stalls as we shopped and even picked up a few little things they were interested in.  In the process, Carolyn and I talked about the woven market bag Nikki and I had gotten at that little French shop, La Super Marquette, while she was here.  She wanted to go there so.....that was our next stop after putting our goods away.

I felt as though they really got a feel for the "real" Paris as we took the bus and then walked in the cold rain.  This is our life (of course, it's not always rainy and cold!!) and how we live each day.  We found La Super Marquette and Carolyn got her bag.  She was thrilled!

Ready for the market French-style!!

I thought they might like Julia Child's favorite kitchen supply store so that was our next stop.  Along the way, we visited, noted some little shops, patisseries and just the uniqueness of Paris.  Walking in the rain is tiring, I think, because it's hard to hold an umbrella over two of you and talk and watch out for unevenness in the sidewalk.  But we managed!!! No purchases from E.Dehillerin but I'm really considering buying a copper pot or two to take home!!!

You know we always have to pop into a church,  and we were in the neighborhood of St. Eustache so stopped in.   A church is always a good place for a moment of peace in a busy day and, on this day, a little respite from the rain.

One of the things we love about Paris, and Carolyn even mentioned this, is as you're walking you turn a corner and there's something wonderful to see.  Even now, after being here nearly nine months and walking in many of the same neighborhoods repeatedly, that happens to us.  As we walked with Dan and Carolyn,  we passed this detective agency that is the the agency belonging to the main character in a set of Paris-based mysteries David and I have gotten addicted to.  The author, Cara Black, has written a story (The Aimee Leduc Mysteries)  for each of the 20 arrondissements (actually, she hasn't quite covered the entire 20 yet but that's the goal), and she comes to Paris and researches for the books so the details are accurate (even though the books aren't set in 2018).  I love her characters and the books aren't gory or scary.  We met her at one of Adrian's Apre-Midi events and recently bought her newest book.

The Leduc Detective Agency

Saturday evening we stayed in and all had dinner at our house.  After such a busy day and all the walking, it's nice to sit and just relax.  David and I have entertained quite a bit here, and while the menu may change (usually not the dessert because I have a new recipe that may become my "signature" dessert!!), the fellowship is always warm and intimate.

The Lawsons left after church on Sunday, and while we were sad to see them leave (as we are with all our guests), we so appreciate friends taking the time to give us a few days while they're vacationing.
Now we'll be preparing for our Thanksgiving feast with friends, again at our house.  They're not Americans and we're going to show them what  American Thanksgiving!  Gobble!  Gobble!!!!