Last Day with Cousins
Bonjour mes amis,
Twenty-two years ago, I was retired and struggling with loneliness, wondering where my life was headed. I was 56 years old. The golf course was my respite along with some of you who are close friends. Then a lady named Jan Smith introduced me to Bernie (his former boss) and a whole new world opened up. If you’ve read Bernie’s Paris, you know the story. I hope you will as I think it’s still available on Amazon. What a journey it has been and a blessing. I would have never known Paris or people like Pierre & Laurie. We were recounting some of our times together last night at dinner as we enjoyed our final meal. We will say goodbye this morning as we walk them over to the St. Paul metro for their train ride home. They are not my family but feel like it! As we all age and things change, it is sad but also incredibly rich with memory, laughter, and timeless devotion.
We spent yesterday with them doing some shopping, first at the Chanel store on rue St. Honoré to alter a raincoat recently purchased by Laurie. She is so petite that the smallest size was too big. All went well and she should have it back in two weeks.
Then I took a deep breath and honored my vow to purchase a designer handbag, something I have always resisted. I was leaning toward a Prada until Laurie said with fervor, “Linda, it should be French.” And after thinking about it, I realized that she was correct. After all the time spent here, it SHOULD be a French bag! First we looked downstairs at the Chanel choices which are exquisite, but there is no way that I will spend 13,000 euros for a handbag. Yes, you read that correctly. It was fun to look but I chose to move on to the next. The Hermes store was flooded with shoppers, and I just didn’t find anything in shape or color that appealed to me. I’m a very quick shopper. I stopped at Prada just to check and found something I liked but not totally. Then Laurie said, “Let’s look at Christian Dior” which we found on rue Royale. The salesperson can make such a difference, and I had a delightful one named Santiago. He first of all listened carefully to my comments about each bag he showed me, and he showed me many. I finally settled on one that I really, really like at a price that is much more in line with what I’m willing to invest. 
I have a daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter who will inherit this someday. It epitomizes all the memories and love I have for Paris. I am so blessed.
We had lunch at Lapeyrouse at Le Hotel de la Marine, then took a long rest and then a final dinner at our favorite spot on the river, Le Flore en L’Ile. It was a lovely evening with a cool breeze topped off by tasty desserts.
There were tears this morning and many hugs and kisses to these two very special folks! Bon voyage.
A bientôt
L & B
June 27, 2025 @ 10:39 am
What sweet people. I am so glad you got to be with them again.
June 27, 2025 @ 11:37 am
First let me say how happy I am you got to see Laurie and Pierre again. And I’m thrilled you indulged in getting the very attractive purse. Life is short and you deserve to splurge from time to time. Once again your dessert choices look fabulous. Looking forward to following the rest of your trip.
Cindi
June 27, 2025 @ 1:12 pm
What a beautiful post Linda. Full of love with many years of memories. Your journey with Bernie has brought you so much joy and oh, the adventures. Thanks for sharing these personal comments about Pierre and Lauri and how they have enriched your life.
The Dior purse is perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lovely and so you. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 27, 2025 @ 1:26 pm
Sounds like y’all had a great time together. Thanks for letting us tag along.
June 27, 2025 @ 3:06 pm
I so agree with Sharon, have loved seeing you together for these many years and what a blessing you are to each other! I believe our “chosen family” members can become as precious as those we are born with and so happy Pierre and Laurie are those for you. If you haven’t seen “A New Look” series on Apple TV, I highly recommend you watch it. I so admired Christian Dior’s standards and behavior during WWII and think you will be even more pleased with your beautiful bag purchase. So loving your daily posts, and hope you both continue enjoying every day together in Paris! Love to you and Bernie.
June 27, 2025 @ 4:10 pm
Your bag is so lovely! I’m happy you took the plunge!!
Enjoy your posts daily, as always!
June 27, 2025 @ 7:19 pm
Love the bag.