Laundry Day in Paris Holds Little Glamor
Bonjour mes amis,
So…we have now tried out all of our appliances with success but not without some challenges.
Our refrigerator is GREAT, almost like at home. The dishwasher is pretty easy and works like a charm…the washing machine, not so much. I set a dial which I thought was a time indicator, but was rather a water temperature indicator, and I put it on the COTTON cycle instead of MIXED. Running two loads took 5 hours plus another 4o minutes down the street for the drying. We didn’t even do the sheets, just the pillow cases this time. So, phew, glad it’s done for a while. It takes so much electricity at a time when the French are all about conservation of resources. We’re grateful to have a washing machine in the apartment so I don’t mean to be a whiner!
The closest lavomatic is on Rue de Petit Musc where one of our favorite little cafés is located, Le Temps des Cerises, along an area where the cherry trees used to grow in the Marais. It’s a great spot to keep an eye on the entrance to the laundromat and enjoy a café. Here’s a look at the interior and the French version of a fortune cookie!
It was 4:30 before we were finished with our chores. (Bernie is trying out the vacuum this morning and we’ll let you know how that goes.) We met our dear friend and former neighbor, Chantal, for an aperitif at 6pm. She’s a treasure to us. This crazy guy popped in for a visit and wanted us to rate his outfit on a scale of 1 to 10.
We had not walked much during the day so despite the drizzling rain and very cool temps, we took a stroll along the river.
Our waiter last night said there was no sun in March or April and now May!! It puts a damper on everything. People stay in and the businesses suffer. Here’s to some sunshine but none for today in the forecast.
L & B
May 12, 2023 @ 9:12 am
Just remember that all these new experiences are keeping your brain young! Here’s hoping for sunny skies and warm days!
May 12, 2023 @ 10:52 am
Sounds like life in general, the good, the bad, the ugly! Sounds like most of the living arrangements are working out well which is nice. Cloudy skies are always a challenge for me, but having them in Paris softens the blow.
May 12, 2023 @ 11:28 am
I worried about your washing machine all day yesterday. :o) Glad you conquered it… sort of. Hope the vacuum cleaner works, too. The best part about your rainy days is that we get to see lovely pictures, but don’t have to get wet. Thanks always for sharing.
May 12, 2023 @ 11:48 am
Paris looks wonderful even without the sunny days! I love scrolling through your photos every morn!
May 12, 2023 @ 12:33 pm
Love the Cafe! Wishing you good fortune with the weather. Raining here …
May 12, 2023 @ 12:47 pm
The challenge of European washers and dryers – how well I know. When in Nice last year, I resorted to a You Tube Video to find out how to operate the one in the apartment we were renting. There were no instructions with the rental. At least you didn’t ruin your clothes. With that chore behind you, have a great time for the next week. Weather seems to be improving little by little. I’m enjoying the pictures so much. Yours is the first email I read each morning
May 12, 2023 @ 2:38 pm
We have no appliance directions either! Oh-la-la!
May 12, 2023 @ 1:34 pm
Good Morning
It is raining here also!
One of the most delightful things for me about your blog is how real,gracious, and persistent you and Bernie are about the challenges and joys you share in your favorite city.!
To me each of your Blogs are a love letter to Paris and each other.
I rejoice with you each morning but have to admit the laundry would probably defeat me!
May 12, 2023 @ 2:35 pm
Merci, Jemalee!
May 12, 2023 @ 1:54 pm
I believe it was because of Bernie’s birthday that you once chose a more wintertime date for your Paris trip. I believe you usually try for the warmer months. How do you decide what time of year to visit Paris. Are there times of year considerations that you would recommend for others? Thank you.
May 12, 2023 @ 2:33 pm
Well, last July and August, we dealt with upper 90’s and then a few days, the heat index was 106-197. Not comfortable at all without air so that is why we chose to come May and June this time. One can never really win with the weather as it has a mind of its own. Over the past 20 years, however, it has gotten much warmer.
May 12, 2023 @ 1:56 pm
Chores are sometimes a nuisance, but isn’t is a good feeling when they are over and done. We’re still enjoying 3 out of 4 seasons most every day here.
May 12, 2023 @ 8:28 pm
I’ve done laundry in Paris…it isn’t fun! But wine (instead of coffee) makes it easier. U guys look happy despite the clouds and that’s what matters! Here’s to sunnier days ahead!
May 13, 2023 @ 5:05 am
Merci, son! Today is supposed to be some better.
May 16, 2023 @ 5:15 pm
Looks like Mew York City’s Rhinestone Cowboy has arrived in Paris!
Temps are in the 90’s and our AC died. We will be getting a new unit installed Thursday.