More Birthday and a Little Christmas in Paris

Bonjour,

We have so much to share with you today and the pictures tell the story.

We had a lovely time with all the cousins yesterday as we visited the Jacquemart-Andre museum for a Perugin exhibit and lunch at the elegant tearoom,  It was a first for the cousins who said, “You guys know Paris better than we do!”   This is one of the nicest museums in Paris, not as well known, but always a delightful experience.

After lunch we walked to les grands magasins, the large department stores downtown, to catch the storefront Christmas windows, something we have never done before.  Without question, the windows at Le Printemp were our favorite, all sponsored by Burberry.  I suppose this is all about money but we aren’t sure how the selection process works.  Here are their windows and notice in the one with purses, that there is a hole in the center of the purse which serves as the train tunnel.

Here are the pictures from Les Galleries Lafayette and their theme was the Monsters logo.  Laurie explained that this is a play on words a little bit as “monster” in French means very big involving lots of people.  So a Monsters Christmas makes better sense in that regard.  I’m sure these will be a hit with small children but not our favorite.

For the evening, I hosted Bernie’s “official” birthday party at Le Grand Colbert.  It was a very touching night for Bernie.  The restaurant had printed a special menu with his name on it.  He received many cards, another Hermes tie and a framed photo from his son, James.  The photo was taken in 1979 in front of the L’Arc de Triomophe when James was 8 years old.  The name “Verdier” appears on the Arc and they are standing right beneath it.  Today, they are going back to the very same spot to replicate that photo.  How special is that??

Bernie extends his sincere thanks to so many of you who have sent cards and birthday wishes in email and on Facebook.

A bientot,

L&B