A closer look at Precious Notre Dame After the Fire
Dear Friends,
We wish for you in Alabama and other ridiculously hot places to have Paris weather. At 3pm yesterday afternoon, it was 65 or so, with enough breeze to feel chilly in the shade.
It was a gorgeous and productive day for us which started early with a thorough vacuuming of our apartment, doing things which I’m sure no other renter does, like baseboards, wet-mopping the floor, etc. There is no dust like black Paris dust which creeps in from the pollution-filled air almost overnight. Vacuuming and filling the ice trays have always been Bernie’s two jobs and he does both willingly and well!
We also had coffee with our friend Richard Nahem to get caught up, tried unsuccessfully to find our cable company to help with a television that’s not working, tried a new spot called Le Regalade for lunch which was only mediocre, and managed to get Bernie’s birthday celebration set at Les Hombres on the evening of November 15th. After weeks of trying to book it on-line, we showed up in person and voila, took care of everything.
Our trek to Les Hombres took us to Pont Alma where the Diana memorial is located. She was killed in the tunnel immediately beneath the Flame of Liberty. 
It was such a beautiful day for strolling so we decided to do a deep dive in the area around Notre Dame. We got as close as we could all the way around. Bernie’s sophisticated camera captured an amazing view of the injured lady. I’ll let the pictures tell the story. So sad…Bernie broke down in tears when he realized that he may never see the finished renovation, now predicted to be ten years.
We thought the exterior would be blacker which begs the question as to whether some of the outside has already been cleaned. The fragility of the structure makes me think otherwise but we’ll try to find out.
Our Light photos of the day are pretty lovely. Everyone seems to be enjoying them, and it’s a fun challenge to see the world with a slightly different eye.
Happy day to all!
L & B
P.S. If you’re coming to Paris and looking for a place to stay, we were introduced to a new hotel in our area by Richard called the JOBO which stands for Josephine Bonaparte! It’s adorable but oh so pricey! Almost 500 euros per night. It’s right off St. Catherine’s Square.
September 19, 2019 @ 8:13 am
Dear Linda and Bernie,
I am absolutely certain that Bernie will enjoy seeing the restored Notre Dame. I have honestly said to Antonia more than once that I would be lucky to be even half as fit and youthful as Bernie at his age.
Nonetheless a moving account of your visit.
Love to you both
Malcolm and Antonia X
September 19, 2019 @ 8:45 am
And a very moving response, Malcolm. Thanks from both of us! I hope I told you of the change from L’Osieu Blanc to Les Hombres for the dinner party. The former now has two stars (!) and a little rich for my pocketbook for the 10 of us. Have you been to Les Hombres in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower? I thought it would be dramatic and meaningful. The Quai Brantley Museum opened during one of our visits and Les Hombres was a special treat for us!
September 19, 2019 @ 10:00 am
Thank you for the update, Linda. Tell Bernie that his photos are excellent and really show the care they are re taking tonprotect the remaining structure. Kudos, Bernie!
September 19, 2019 @ 2:20 pm
He’s a great photographer like someone else I know. Are you flying or training back to Paris?
September 19, 2019 @ 11:15 am
We’re currently raising cups of coffee, and later we’ll raise glasses of wine, to far, far more than ten more birthdays for the soon-to-be birthday boy!
September 19, 2019 @ 2:20 pm
Thanks you two. You are dear to us and really need to think about abandoning Kansas and coming over next year.
September 19, 2019 @ 11:16 am
I am very much enjoying your light theme. The pictures are lovely and a much needed uplifting theme in this sometimes dark world. The photos of Notre Dame are both lovely and heartbreaking. So happy you’re enjoying some cooler weather.
September 19, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
Did you see my latest missive? Closer and closer.
September 19, 2019 @ 11:38 am
Thanks very much Linda! Your blogs bring back so many memories.
September 19, 2019 @ 2:18 pm
Doesn’t everyone just love Paris? It’s a great city that touches peoples’ hearts.
September 19, 2019 @ 11:41 am
As always, your posts are my morning treat. You both have such a good eye and a wonderful way of presenting my favorite city! What wonderful memories you inspire! Rick and I used to share your posts every morning, but unfortunately he passed away in November. I said his tears helped put out the fire at Notre Dame from heaven.
September 19, 2019 @ 2:17 pm
Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. These posts will be bittersweet for you. Blessings!
September 19, 2019 @ 12:28 pm
So loved Bernie’s marvelous pictures of the great Notre Dame! Your theme of “light” in the beautiful city of light is wonderful Linda! Thanks so much for your blog!
September 19, 2019 @ 2:16 pm
Glad you are enjoying! The weather is superb!
September 19, 2019 @ 1:22 pm
We love your Light theme and can’t wait to see what you see each day. Bernie, your photography is masterful! Lovely, lovely Norte Dame- always. We’re off to Egypt next week but making whine for Paris!
September 19, 2019 @ 2:16 pm
Have a great time in Egypt! You are brave!
September 19, 2019 @ 3:14 pm
I will echo all the others with the post comments; Marvelous photography Bernie and Linda. Almost like we are there with you.
September 20, 2019 @ 2:58 am
Merci, Fred!
September 22, 2019 @ 9:26 pm
Your photos are amazing! Just the walk through the streets will be fun. I can’t wait to sit and watch the people.
September 23, 2019 @ 3:36 am
The blog will get you primed and ready for your visit. Here before you know it!