Slow Easy Day in Paris, But Where’s the Rain?
Bonjour,
Yesterday, August 15, was a national holiday in France, Assumption Day, which in Roman Catholic tradition is when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken bodily up into heaven. It is a day of obligation for Catholics meaning they must attend Mass or face going to hell! Louis XIII declared August 15 as a holy day in gratitude for the birth of his son Louis XIV who became the influential Sun King. Bernie was raised Catholic so he’s my major source of information!
Given that it was a Monday (which is always a day when many shops are closed), a national holiday and a bit cooler, the streets were quiet. Rain for three days which was in the forecast did not happen, but the high was only 80… a pleasant difference for us.
We had finished with laundry and took the opportunity to do a little cleaning. Yes, daily chores happen here just like at home. Because we are on a very busy boulevard, the grime and soot from traffic finds its way onto everything in the apartment…a layer of black dust. I would surely slit my wrists if I had to deal with it permanently! Reminds me of those movies we’ve all seen where the pioneer women in Kansas tried to keep house in a land of dust storms!
Anyway, we enjoyed the slower pace and went for an afternoon walk in our new neighborhood trying to feel more comfortable. If we shift about four blocks from our apartment, there is a definite improvement with nicer shops, etc. We still haven’t found our “new place” for evening drink or coffee yet. But we will keep looking. 
After days of eating out, we prepared both lunch and dinner in the apartment and ended our evening back on the river where I snagged another doggie photo!
Sharon and Johnny arrived safely back in Arizona about 10:30pm their time. It was a flawless journey for the most part with just one little hiccup in Newark where they had to change terminals. They are eager to see their little dog, Sally, who is their baby. Oh, the memories we now have!
I also spent time yesterday trying to organize my photos. In regard to our themes, we have 21 dogs in cafés and 77 café chairs! You know where this is going at the end of our visit! 
Jim & Peggy Bilbro sent a message yesterday: “nous somme ici!” We are here. Hopefully, we will see them tonight! Bienvenue à Paris.
Next for me—a haircut and pedicure, both desperately needed!
L & B
August 16, 2022 @ 11:09 am
Fun seeing the door to the frame shop and the repurposed gateway entrance to the new apartments. I already have my favorite dog and favorite cafe chairs, so don’t take any more good ones. :o) We hope you find a cozy spot in your own neighborhood, even though you might not be returning to that neighborhood next year.
August 16, 2022 @ 11:51 am
Actually, that entrance would have been the original entrance to the courtyard for the family home. Glad you’re enjoying the posts!
August 16, 2022 @ 11:27 am
Sounds like a much needed change of pace, along with cooler temps. Looking forward to new adventures.
August 16, 2022 @ 1:33 pm
Maybe you covered this before, but I believe there is a drought happening in Europe. Do you see any effects created by this? Stay cool. Thank you
August 16, 2022 @ 2:06 pm
Yes, I answered once but it went away. Yes, the trees are wilted and losing lots of leaves, It’s very dry our in the countryside as we saw going to Giverny. Usually everything is so green but not this year. Also there is no foie gras in Paris that we’ve found due to bird flu which may be related to the drought. The wine vineyards are in great jeopardy due to the drought and fires. Very sad.
August 16, 2022 @ 2:14 pm
Love those down days! A shame it has to include cleaning dirt and grime. A lead ant morning here also. Early morning walk in the 60’s!!! Keep trying- you’ll find that special “watering hole” yet!
August 16, 2022 @ 2:36 pm
I always enjoy your posts and photos. Even though I have never been to Paris I feel like I’m there. The architecture and doors are so beautiful. Thank you and Bernie for the annual tour.
August 16, 2022 @ 2:37 pm
I always enjoy your posts and photos. Thank you and Bernie for the annual tour.
August 16, 2022 @ 2:51 pm
I had to chuckle at the chained table. When Rachel was in school at Cordon Bleu, she had a nice bike, chained for security. The first night, thieves took the seat. The next night, they returned and took the entire bicycle. At their restaurant in the Alps, they have a terrace across the street with tables and a grill, which they have chained down. There have been attempts to steal it, so far unsuccessful…
August 16, 2022 @ 3:14 pm
Yes, I think you’ve shared this story with me on FB.
August 16, 2022 @ 3:05 pm
We remember Glue quite well. Good food! I hope it is still the same.
August 16, 2022 @ 3:18 pm
Lovely old buildings! Happy for cooler temps and a slower day. I hope you get rain soon. It’s still quite dry in Huntsville.
August 16, 2022 @ 7:32 pm
Tonight, finally, we got a downpour for about an hour!!!
August 16, 2022 @ 3:28 pm
Linda and Bernie, thank you so much for making Sharon and mine’s visit to beautiful Paris so wonderful. I loved seeing all the sights and places you showed us. The great food, the wines, the adventures, and the times sitting at the sidewalk cafes talking and laughing together. You two are the best! Love you, my good dear friends!!
August 16, 2022 @ 7:31 pm
Love back to you and Sharon. Memories of a lifetime!
August 16, 2022 @ 8:01 pm
Hurrah for the downpour! May more be on the way to you!