Friday, 19th April 2024 - A Symbol of Long Life

 My thoughtful sister came for coffee with a box of Macarons just in case we were missing Paris.

I seem to have expanded. My jeans are just a bit tight around my wobbly waist. At least I know the reason and thoroughly enjoyed my almond croissant, Aperol spritz, baguette, roast pork in a cream sauce, wine, apple tart with caramel butter and more. 

I pruned my mint and put the cuttings in water. They have sprouted roots and a caterpillar. The caterpillar and it's mint has been put in a jar with compost. I am keeping it for Herbie to look after. He loves an insect. I have just had an internet explore to check they are insects as they have many legs but according to the Woodland Trust site they have six legs which class them as insects and up to five pairs of stumpy prolegs with useful hooks for hanging. 

We have come home to a garden with an abundance of fruit tree blossom. So pretty.

A Symbol of Long Life 

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Thursday, 18th April 2024 - Lunch at Mignon Cafe

We were still in Paris this morning. Alex and Julia met us for a walk around Sacre Coeur. There was a street that I had read about, Avenue Junot, that had beautiful houses and the sun was shining. I really hadn't thought of taking my sunglasses. We stopped for lunch in Mignon Cafe. Being vegetarian we filled ourselves with black radish, spelt and sourdough. 

Now back at hom. I have had the most wonderful time celebrating my birthday. Thank you Tim for organising the whole trip from our 6th floor apartment in Montmartre, trains - many trains, restaurants, a gallery trip - I love a Monet painting of turkeys, the sunshine, and the surprise dinner with Steve and Zoe. What a wonderful couple of days. I love a city visit. Always pleased to come home. I miss my friends and family.

Lunch at Mignon Cafe 

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Wednesday, 17th April 2024 - Pavilion de Flore

 I woke to my husband bringing me an almond croissant. Perfect with a mug of tea. I bring tea bags wherever I travel. Lindsey understands the importance of tea particularly in the morning. He was up and out while I slumbered and showered. We packed our backpacks and headed downtown. It was a beautiful morning for a Parisian walk. Just adore it here. We spent the afternoon in Musee d’Orsay amongst the Impressionists. So many paintings I had only seen in books and some I had never seen. There was a Monet of white turkeys I particularly liked. It chucked it down while we were immersed  in paintings. So lucky with the weather. A Metro took us back to Monmatre. A brief freshen up, a cold glass of rose then back out for an evening of food and exploration.

We went for an aperitif. I was confused by Tim ordering two grand beers!?! Steve and Zoe were there. What a lovely surprise. We had dinner at Ma Biche which was good apart from a toilet fiasco. A wander back to the bar below our apartment to finish the evening with a Cointreau. I have heaved myself up over 100 steps of a spiral staircase to bed. Good night lovely people. 

This is the kit I take away with me.

Pavilion de Flore

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Tuesday, 16th April 2024 - View from 19 rue Gerando

 Tim has taken me to Paris as an addendum to my birthday celebrations. What a treat. Springtime in Paris. The Eurostar took us to Gare du Nord. We had a picnic on the train. My cranberry and vodka Cosmopolitan went well with a tuna and gherkin roll. What a fine way to travel. We are staying in Monmatre in an apartment on the 6th floor. 

After unpacking our undies we had an explore. Loads of bars and restaurants. We took the advice of bnb host. Dinner in Les P’tits Gros -translates as The Little Fat One!!! Wine, bread - why can’t we have bread like the French make - delicious food. After our meal we clambered up the steps to Sacre-Coeur and watched the lights dim over Paris while the Eiffel Tower lit up. Just stunning. 

 View from 19 rue Gerando

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Monday, 15th April 2024 - Tom and John

We have had a new flue and woodburner fitted today. Tom and John battled through wind and hail. It was a rather dusty process. The end result looks great. We look forward to many nights of warm toes.

My lovely sister came for tea this morning. We chatted about our love for our grandchildren. The rest of afternoon I spent in my studio lino cutting a fish.

Tom and John 

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Sunday, 14th April 2024 - Clive and his Singer

We were five minutes late to the beer festival at The Bell & Jorrocks due to the broadcast change in time of The Archers. There were many many sides of Morris. Steampunk in black with leather, many bells and rainbows of ribbons. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday.

Tim has printed a map and we are planning our few days in Paris. I keep forgetting we are going and then get excited when I remember. Paris in the Springtime - so romantic.

Clive and his Singer 

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Saturday, 13th April 2024 - Punch Club Finding Inspiration

The punch embroidery Harriet and I did yesterday was a course held at Water Lane in Hawkhurst. I chose something we had never tried before. What a wonderful way to spend a morning with my daughter. There wasn't even too much frustrated swearing. I can't really explain how you do it much more than it involves wool, canvas and a needle. Ian from Water Lane took us for a tour of the garden for inspiration. We were set up in once of the glass houses where Alice Liptrot - great name - led us through how to punch embroider. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. 

Today has been a catching up day. I haven't caught up yet.

Punch Embroidery

Punch Club Finding Inspiration 

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