Summary Paris Blog: Did’s and Did-Not’s for 2017
Bonjour,
It’s almost time to bid you au revoir until next year!
Today, Sunday, after we pack, we’ll make a shortened trip to the Champs to see the parade and the gaggle of bicyclists as they make a few spins around the Arc de Triomphe for the final stage of Le Tour de France. I will not have time to post new pics but have pulled a few from previous years to give you an idea of the parade. 
Then we’ll head back home to eat our traditional last meal at the little dive below us, Le Bouquet St. Paul. It’s where our journey began on the first of June. At sunset, we’ll take a final stroll to Pont Marie, our official goodbye spot on the river and the bridge of lovers.
We’ll be wistful and sad, but just for a little while as we look ahead to 2018 which is already shaping up to be very busy! We’ll have a side trip to Norway with Bernie’s cousins and lots of company in July.
Tell your friends about our blog AND if you’ve enjoyed my writing and Bernie’s photos, we’d be thrilled if you bought a copy of our book, “Bernie’s Paris…Travel Stories with Love” from Amazon.
And now, my sentimental thoughts from this year of things we did have and those we lacked.
First, what we did have…
-Sun!
-Cherries, blueberries, strawberries and apricots galore…more than ever before! Truly a tasty summer of freshness.
-Wonderful visitors including my precious son and his family which was the highlight of my summer. Andrew & Avery, never forget our good times together. I know you won’t forget the heat!
-New dishwasher, washing machine, iron, and vacuum cleaner
-Beautiful church bells always ringing from l’Eglise St. Paul
-A visit with Bernie’s beloved cousins in Alsace
-A party for friends and neighbors
-Three sets of new friends: Mark and Linda, Brooke and Kayla, Carolyn and Clive
-Lots of homeless people
-Lots of calories!
-Netflix
-Lots of doggie poop!
-Pollution and black dust
-Best exhibit ever in Paris…the Dior
-Many new blog followers
-Two terrorist attacks
-Reconnecting with Malcolm and Antonia for their anniversary meal at Jacquemart-André
-Always the brides and wedding caravans down rue St. Antoine in decorated cars and honking horns
-A new food experience at Dessance
-Enjoying some overlap with the Bilbro’s from Huntsville
Now a few things we did NOT have:
-Much rain or cool weather
-Food poisoning and trips to hospitals
-Kidney stone attacks
-Locking ourselves out of our apartment
-Easy maneuvering on the streets because of all the sidewalk upheaval
-Floods along the Seine
-Any need hardly for an umbrella or raincoat…what, in Paris? It’s known for its rain.
-Any falls or foot and knee problems
-All the steps from last year
-Worries about our book. Last year we spent hours working on marketing photos and trying to get the cover photo for “Bernie’s Paris.”
One thing is for sure: we are exceedingly blessed to be able to be in Paris, to have good health, good friends, wonderful family, and the spirit of adventure that keeps us young.
And now, the winner of the “Purely Paris Photo of the Day” was very close, and the wide range of different likes was obvious. The winner by one vote was the little girl with the red umbrella. Runner up was the musician on the subway. The Diner En Blanc tutu was third and Lovers was fourth. Merci beaucoup to all who voted and to all the wonderful comments. Forgive me for not having the time to respond to each of you individually, but your expressions of kindness were dear. The blog takes a lot of time, and your feedback makes it all worth the effort!
As I close, may I please ask for your prayers for special friends. My heart has been so heavy since Thursday morning when I learned that Charles and Judy Gattis of Huntsville lost their 18-year old grandson, Brad, in a terrible auto accident in Tennessee. It has been difficult to have so much enjoyment here when their lives are filled with so much grief.
Blessings and health to all of you, and we’ll see you next year from the City of Light.
Au revoir,
Linda & Bernie
July 23, 2017 @ 8:14 pm
You have had a wonderful summer. I’m so glad, even though, I’m not surprised. I’ve read every day, but you know how little I’ve responded. Of course, all of your posts are great.
And, I’m so sorry to hear about the Gattis’s loss.
bbc
July 23, 2017 @ 8:32 pm
Thanks, Barbara. Hope to have lunch soon back in hot Alabama!
July 23, 2017 @ 8:30 pm
Praying for safe travels back and look forward to seeing you!! So glad it’s been another great summer…with lots more good than bad/crazy. Thanks for sharing and taking us along your journey ❤️🎉
July 23, 2017 @ 8:32 pm
Thanks, sweetie, and glad you traveled along with us. We’re going to Turquoise with C&N!
July 23, 2017 @ 9:32 pm
This has been great fun to follow! Thanks for including us and safe travels home!!
July 23, 2017 @ 9:52 pm
This is such a poignant post. Love the thoughts and am tickled Clive and I are on the ‘did have’ list 🙂
Merci, L & B, for the joy and inspiration you’ve given your readers with your faithful posting of words and photographs from Paris. Everything you do is quality and I will miss your daily updates *beaucoup*!
Wishing you both a happy and healthy year ahead. Godspeed on your journey home and à l’année prochaine,
C & C
July 23, 2017 @ 10:34 pm
Prayers sent and thoughts and a safe trip home merci
July 23, 2017 @ 11:26 pm
My post popped out after I’d written it, so let me just say Bon Voyage and I will be arriving back in the States about the same time you are. I pray we aren’t ready to turn around and leave the moment we hit the ground. You two are the best and I am sorry I didn’t get to see you while I was in the vicinity this time! Next year! The blog is great — lots of fun for all of us who read. Jeanie
July 24, 2017 @ 12:28 am
Thank you for sharing your spectacular journey! I have enjoyed Paris through your blog!
Travel home safely and get some much deserved rest when you get home!!
July 24, 2017 @ 12:48 am
Can’t wait to see you back in tropical Huntsville, Al. Hoping for safe and uneventful travels for you.
July 24, 2017 @ 2:30 am
Merci beaucoup for the kind parting thoughts. We love you and Bernie. Safe travels home.
July 24, 2017 @ 3:22 am
I really enjoyed hearing about all your observations and adventures this summer! Your photos have been so entertaining – and what a treat to see the Dior exhibit! Thanks for sharing it all.
July 26, 2017 @ 1:07 pm
Paris will miss you but we will be happy to have you back in Huntsville. Safe travels home.