Soar-Dream-France

Poppy People Post

Posting about poppies brings people out of the woodwork, begging for more. More is easy this season, since they seem to be everywhere I turn. This is the first season that I can remember actually having fields of poppies in Cadrieu. Walking beside the river and through the village with a friend of mine, he mentioned that someone told him a kilo of poppies brings 3000€. That's a lot of poppies. So, for my poppy people...enjoy...I don't know how much longer they are going to last but I'll keep them coming from time to time as long as they do!

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Two years ago, I posted this collage of my family members who served in the military. It seems the perfect thing to do once more, to honor them and show my love and gratefulness. It's turned into a memorial of another kind for me, since this year we lost Uncle Bud Emme and Bruno Boy. That handsome man in the Air Force uniform, with the great smile, next to Bruno, my Dad...is the only one still with us! Happy Memorial Day and Love 'em While You Can!

Celebrating Centuries

While I was in St. Louis, our next door neighbors became a "Century Home" in Ferguson. The City of Ferguson comes out to present the homeowners with a plaque to hang on their home and gives a history of the home and its owners over time. It was fun to see John and Theresa and their home being honored. It's difficult to imagine Ferguson as a rural community where St. Louisans had their "summer" homes. Before the Sunday event, Theresa was out in the yard working hard to have everything pretty-she looked happy and lovin' it when I passed by and caught her in her hat and shades.

Mom and Michel and I went over to observe the festivities. We talked about when our home would be a century old-Michel said next year. Mom said maybe they'd be able to make one more year. It sounded like it seemed more doable than two. In their eighties now, they are approaching a century of their own. Reaching a century is easier for houses than for people. Here are a few more photos of the festivities. Congratulations to John and Theresa and their beautiful Century Home.

 

Place and People

Home and regrouping from a chock full trip, I am reminded once more of the extremes of my life. I love both. Blending them can be difficult. It seems that here is full of place and New Orleans and St. Louis are full of people. My photos tell the story in a way that always smacks me in the face upon return. It's just my life. I am rich in love, family, friendship and experiences. I wouldn't trade this beautiful tapestry for a million and look forward to the more that lies ahead.

Breakfast Time

Hanging out across the street with Michel and André comes with my own contingent of 4-legged nieces and nephews. "Aunt Laury" has Buster, Claude and Molly to keep me company when the guys are off to work. Our outside guy was waiting at this door when I came over this morning. Isn't that an "I'm ready for my breakfast, and you're late" look if you ever saw one. He has obviously gotten used to the work schedule when everyone is up and out early! It didn't take much...André was out with breakfast as soon as I let him know their guy was waiting. No name yet, but you never know! Happy Sunday-I'm on my way tomorrow morning so I'll be enroute...be back when I'm back in France!

Flaming Memories-Spiro's Greek Restaurant

Somewhere between college and graduate school, and then again for a short period after graduate school; I was a waitress at Spiro's Greek Restaurant on Natural Bridge in St. Louis. Two of the skills that I learned there that I'm still very proud of today are tossing and serving the best Greek Salad in the world with one hand and flaming the Saganaki at the table without burning down the place. I always try to go back and get my fix of my favorites, see old friends and hug Spiro and Barbara if they're there. So when Fran Reed-Bauer, a friend from grade school, junior high and high school came in to see me: I knew we had to go to Spiro's.  We had fun, flames, friends, salad and big hugs for Spiro and Barbara. I'm already looking forward to the next visit! Happy Friday!

My Guys-St.Louis

Whenever I'm in the states, I realize what an incredible pack of friends I have here. No matter where I go, I have friends who love me, support me, find work for me, and make living this life I lead easier at all levels. It works. Back at Michel and André's across the street from my folks, Buster is supervising again. There's a nice red, corkscrew and wine glass waiting for me on the counter...with a back up red just in case, and a note that there is St. André cheese waiting for me in the frige. Wine and weeds don't quite go together, but I sure like feeling like a Queen! And, I do! Huge Merci to Michel, André, Buster, the rest of their gang, and my wonderful pack of friends and family all over the states!

Louie-aka-Mr. Whiskers

Our Louie boy has turned into quite a little guy...wiry, long legs, full of energy, and even MORE whiskers since my last visit. Everything he does, he does with gusto and a zest for life and living that is incredible! He has me laughing all the time. Put him in there with Steward and Eric and you have quite a trio. I'm sure he'll be a little man by my next visit...maybe a little more settled in both the energy and the whiskers department. But then, who knows...some of us just stay puppies our whole lives. Off to two pretty solid days of work. When I get tired all I'll have to do is channel our Louie boy and I'll be revved up and ready to go again!

Lucille and Me

Every time I come back to New Orleans, I stop in at the Monteleone Hotel to see if Lucille is working. The last couple visits my timing was off, and once the whole place was closed for renovation. Running from City Hall down to the Whitney in the Quarter on Monday,  I stopped in and found her. I really couldn't stay but promised to come back on Tuesday morning and have coffee at her table like I used to do. When my friend Keith lived in New Orleans, we spent almost every Friday morning at the Monteleone at Lucille's table having coffee. It felt like we had a head start on the weekend. We love Lucille. Keith is in Lafayette now and I'm in France, but we all still try to get together when we're in town.

Lucille and I had so much fun. I sat and did what I always do on my own there, drink my coffee, write in my journal and shoot a few shots. We of course traded storm stories-everyone has them. I sat and watched Lucille do what she does...a true professional. I thought about how both of our lives had changed, but isn't it wonderful that she can still be a part of mine. I had this overwhelming sense of: such a wonderful life you had here, but then you would have a wonderful life wherever you are. I shared those feelings with Lucille and we agreed. We are moving on. We're facing the change. And, even though we may not get to see each other every week like we used to do...we'll be happy to see each other when we can and enjoy it just as much, because we are always in each other's hearts. Love to Lucille-Always

Working Around the Fest

A quick hello to say I'm back and I made it to New Orleans safe and sound. Yesterday with a neighborhood full of Jazz Festers, I made my way around to see friends in the hood, have coffee, and "make groceries"! This magnolia grabbed me as I was on my way down Grand Route St. John to do my errands. I discovered I have easy internet connectivity here on Columbus Street so that was a nice surprise. Between breakfast with Ron, and wine and cheese with Barbara and Frank tonight...it'll be a Fest day with Carol that starts with the Red Stick Ramblers and ends with the Neville Brothers. I don't think it gets much better than that. Happy Festing!