I'm enjoying reading about your adventures in one of my favourite cities.

Sounds like a lot of fun.

laurel nd hardy do Paris again
 

Not shore of actual think it is Monday. Sunday night we got everything out for early Monday am. Had hotel wake us up at 4:45 a.m. and 72 also set her alarm. We had ordered a cab forr 4:30 because 72 looked on computer that it took 45 minutes and we had to be at the bus at 6:45 for 7 am departure to Normandy. But come to find out 72 looked at bus time not cab time so it only took wa 20 minutes. Well that was not easy because 72 did't put the phone back on the hook when she called for wakeup call. Still not too bad but 72 did 4:30 pm instead of 4:30 am. alarm. So desk clerk came knock on our door and said the cab was waiting. Took us seven minutes to get dressed with no makeup, just jewelry, phone, and money. What a crazy start to day. Bus held fifty people and seats were very close together so leg room was very uncomfortable. Had plenty of rest stops which was nice. Guide was history lover so we learned a lot. Went to American cemetery and saw two fighter jets go over and tip their wings when flying past. Then to Omaha beach, Ad Hoc lunch and Utah beach. Back to hotel about 9 pm. We were exhausted.down. Thanks for listeningg

Now for some sad news at least for me. Daughter called when on bus and told me my beloved cockerpoo was not doing well and I should put her down. I knew she was not doing well so not surprised. Vet called me to get my permission and my daughter and her mother in law took Bailey on her final ride. I would have loved to take her myself but they did an excellent job and I am very appreciative. But I had her for 15 years and will miss her terribly and, of course, my heart is broken. Life has lots of ups and downs and this one was very down.

Came home and went out for dinner to a restaurant we had been to before. 72 thinks the restaurant next door was better

Bed. At 6am this morning I somehow fell out of bed,. All ii remember is crashing on the floorI and I actually thought I was under the but just on side. 72 jumped out of bed and came to the rescue. Was concerned I had broken bones but I was ok. But the problem was because my knees are not perfect I have a lot of trouble getting off the floor. So I schooedl ed on my but to the bottom of the bed and 72 took off the mattress and pushed it against the headboard and I pushed my ass up onto to box spring almost breaking my back until I was up on the box spring about half way and could sit up and the stand up. We were iin hysterics the whole time The beds are made like a cocoon with very tight sides. Usually we pull out the bottom because you cannot move. Tonight 72 is going to leave my caaconand I will in in a very tight taco and hopefully can stay in the bed. At least we can hope.Ithis am thought I made a reservation for a food tour in the Marais but make a mistake and did not make it. So today we had the whole day with nothing to do. But I made a reservation for tomorrow for Les Frenchies brother and we are looking forward to that..

Went to Paul's for 11 am breakfast two croissants and large Cafe Latteach . Really good. Got some euros and then cab to Bon Marche. Just a little damage but enough to get detax at airport. Had lunch there and walked to City Pharmacy. Absolutely packed and bought stuff to help us look younger hope. More detax here we come..

Cab back to hotel and sitting in lovely room downstairs next to lobby writing this blog. So now it is almost 8:30 and we are going to dinner. I cannot believe how late people eat here but we are now one of them. At home this is bed time for me. But when in Rome....... Till tomorrow

PS on the bus there was a women in front of us with a Dior hat on with netting and visor. I wore netting in the fifties but not since. She worked in NY at Dior and also Atlanta. Had either leather or pleather very tight pants on with high top black and white sneaker. I was jealous since she was powering her face several times and I had Nothing. I assume I was rather pasty..

I have a scar on the side of my face and a small black eye. 72 is pumping me with ibuprofen and some salve for my back. She is an excellent nurse. I am so thankful to be traveling with her.

I hope you are ok and sorry for your loss of your obviously very loved cockerpoo.

Ouch, sounds very painful!

I too am sorry to hear about your doggie, but good that your daughter was able to look after her at the end. We have dogs too (onto our second generation) and it is hard travelling when you have pets, especially when they are older. Rest in peace, puppy.

Lavandula

Oliver and Hardy
 

Thank you for your bereavement comments. I appreciate it. Yesterday we were supposed to take food tour of Le Maris but I didn't;t book it. Another problem with getting older - stupidity. The original guy I wanted was not available but at lunch checked again and he must have had a cancellation and I booked Vincent. He is Les Frenchies brother. Was a 1 star chef around Paris and does tours of Le Maris, Momartet and St. Germain. Fabulous tour. Started walking around the Marais with a hot croissant right out of the oven. Pointing out the different streets and houses. Chocolate crepe, bread, cheese, nutter. Stop at restaurant to have the bread and cheese with champagne and red and white wine. Demonstration on how ro open champagne, how to taste. Then to park near Victor Hugo's home and tea and chocolate shop. Tour was about five hours. Worth every penny. and highly recommended. 72 is now 73 - she had birthday two days ago. Dinner next door.

Today was the big demonstration at the Bastiile and City Hall. Hotel told us to be careful. We took cab to the 15th to meet Michael Osman (gentleman who has given us several tours in Paris in the past. It was easier for him for us to come to the area where she lives. Absolutely delightful day. Went to park where they used to slaughter animals in the 80's (yes, 34 years ago)). It is now a lovely park for walking and families to relax. Went for coffee and lunch and of course dessert. Coffee-good; salad-good; dessert-wow! Meringue cup, Pistachio whipped cream, candied clementines with raspberry sauce. Yummy

Forgot to say opera last night was wonderful. Great seats row 17 on floor. We saw everything conceivable tor clothing. Ladies in Jeans, dressy dresses, pants, ladies dressed up and husband in a shirt and pants. Lots of sneakers and everything in between.. Today was warm, saw lots of white pants and silk skirts. Anything goes. We used to only get picked up t taxi stands. Now just like NYC to hail a cab. The one thing you have to be very careful of are the bicycles. Do not always to at traffic light and are flying by.. Twenty deaths las year Yuck

We rode in a Tesla this am to see Michael. Wow what a car. Screen for driver to see all pedestrians and bikes. Roof was glass so could see all the buildings.

We spent seven hours with Michael - tired - going for more French Onion soup for dinner.

Tomorrow: Fashion Show at Galeries Lafayette. Used to be free now a charge of course.

Forgot to mention the day before the day before. Cab to Bon Marche. Driver had music in cab playing so loud and he was dancing in his seat. At stop light actually got out of cab and danced in the street. We made it safely but wonder what he was on maybe something or just a happy guy. 73 shopped and had lunch there. Walked to Citypharmacy. Craziest three floors for everything. Crowded beyond belief. Bought some skincare and again detax form. Cab back to hotel.

Had appetizers and wine before opera. Then soup after dinner. Massive police out front of Bastile and saw some people already camped out for this mornings protest.While at park today sitting on bench with Michael and 73. I fell asleep for 20 minutes. Never thought I could ever napper poo sitting up. Oh the wonders of maturity.

" We took cab to the 15th to meet Michael Osman ... "

Wow. We went for a half day (turned out to be a 2/3 day) tour with Michael way back in 2006. How's he doing? Still wearing the cool hat (pictured here with Tracy)?

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76’s Eldest Daughter here…
I’m a little concerned that 76 has once again, succumb to her love of Paris and all the shopping that it has to offer! How many suitcases are you going to purchase tomorrow at Galleria Lafayette after the fashion show (this is a legitimate question as it would not be the first time)?
73, I’m sure you have made your best effort in curbing the collection of detax slips.😝

SO HAPPY that you can both laugh when things don’t go as planned. You two work hard so that you can have wonderful travel experiences!
Lots of love to you both.

The two of you certainly have adventures and make the most of your tine in Paris. I will be there next month and wish you were still there so I could meet you. Would love to shop with you just for the experience. Don't have the budget but it would be fun to tag along.

76, I'm so sorry your cockerpoo will not be home to greet you. The loss of a beloved pet always leaves a hole in your heart.

I'm so surprised Michael Osman is still doing tours. I know he was very ill a few years ago. Looking forward to more!

P.S. Happy Birthday to now 73! ((F)) ((D))

Michael goes to therapy three times a week. Uses a cane and walks slowly. He does not do tours anymore but is hopeful that maybe in the future. we just sat in a cafe and laughed, chatted and enjoyed his company. he has such wonderful stories.
Friday--breakfast at Paul's. cab to Galleries Lafayette. cab took us on a much longe tripr than it should have been. they will take advantage of Americans. anyway looked at scarves and bags. went LOUIgene knife store. got a lesson on their knives. VERY EXPENSIVE but nice. butter knife is over 100e and it takes them a whole day to make two.

went to fashion show. lots of boots, flats and silk blouses. and satin. I ned a black satin skirt. am I too old-----NEVER

went to laudree for cafe a lait and macarons. for us that is our top one. I have a cold so went to pharmacy for meds and Sephora for face stuff. 73 bought some perfume and tried on so many she thinks she smells like a French whore. Shee has told me she hates me because when we shop if I get something she does the same a vice versa. Paris shops have smoke signals to each saying here they come

Back to hotel for wine and chocolate. 73 bought a bottle of wine at the market for 3e Actually had a cork and not a screw top. 73 said it was better than Manichevitz or Boon's back in the day.

Yesterday we got a call from the Champagne tour company we were doing Monday. They said because of the strike they have to change our date. Gave two dates one was tomorrow and the other we cannot make. We said the 20th would be fine and then they called back and said the 20th was not available anymore. So we have asked for our money back. We are getting $420 back apiece. And in our truest fashion we are discussing how we are going to spent.it. . Isn;t that just the most wonderful thing about a woman's pure logic. I love how my brain works. men would have the opposite thought process. let's hear it for the women.

Dinner down street. Onion soup and roque Monsieur and bed!

to my eldest daughter. of course we are going to buy another suitcase. did you think this trip would have been any different? 73 is keeping up with the death forms. . I think we are even

DETAX forms. I hate this friggin auto correct

76s youngest daughter here….I just wanted to chime in and say I have a picture of you sitting up asleep in Paris 20 years ago…are you saying you’ve been that mature for that long?! Anyways…glad you are having fun! Love you very much! Oh and thank god for :toj:

I am really enjoying this TR and I love that 76’s daughters have chimed in with their comments! What a great mother-daughter relationship. Makes me miss my sweet Mom❤️

I’m not a shopper yet love reading about your experiences.

Vicariously enjoying your incredibly ambitious and costly shopping forays. No wonder you’re falling asleep sitting up. There is no more perfect shopping ground IMO than beautiful Paris. Been there - done that having had enormous fun indulging in major damage in years past. I applaud your efforts. More power to you!

Since what I wrote last night was inadvertently deleted I will do a quick update about yesterday. Breakfast Paul's--Cab to Galleries Lafayette to buy what we had to think about the night before. Lunch, more drugs for colds (yes we both have colds) back for hour rest out to park. 73 wanted to see if the artist she had seen several days ago was still there. Walked around square and saw another artist His art looks like pen drawings. I purchased a piece and he took our picture and added 73 and me to the piece. Quite special and now I have to get it framed. Wonder what that will cost. Dinner was cookies in bed.

today again Paul's for breakfast. They were having a Sunday market in the area. Clothes, dishes knick knack jewelry fur coats silver scarves. We bought antique jewelry of course. Lovely lunch in Place de Voges. Went thru Victor Hugo's home. I tried on a lovely wool jacket. Little tight but doable. Decided against because last time I was in Paris I bought lovely boiled wool coats. at a second store I think.

Took cab to Notre Dame. You would not recognize the church.It is so beautiful inside.Very crowded. Walked to Isle d St Louis shopped and then walked back to hotel for wine and something for dinner. Almost 8,000 steps today.

Monday - Breakfast at Paul's. 73 wanted something at Sacre Cour so cab there. asked around, ate lunch, funicular down to more shops. Cab to my family's favorite shop in the 7th/. Maison Chaudon and ordered our paves formic up Friday. 73 wanted to see the Eiffel Tower so walked over there, then wanted to walk up Rue Cler. We stopped for more food 4pm early dinner pizza with wine. Cab back to hotel. Out again for some shopping in the Marais. Sandwiches in bed. 73 Started to pack so we know where all our items are located when we do detax. 73 is the organizer in the group. Oh forgot the chocolate shop owner said we could get what 73 wanted at Bon Marche so cabbed there and got what she wanted. Ended up at food store great place.

Today Paul's. 73 wanted to go to the Manicurist-she uses their products. while in the cab we realized they do not open until noon. So change plan of action. I wanted to go one of the passages Wonderful shops. Then walked to Manicurist and found a cab back to hotel. Wine and writing this and tonight Moulin Rouge. Had a wonderful lunch in the passage Jouffrey.