Paris Part 2 and 3 continued

If you are following the story of my daughter Susan's modeling career part 2 is found at this link  https://accidentallyaging.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-love-affair-with-paris.html  so go there and then continue with this post (it's part 3)

It was time to leave this 'weird and scary' hotel! So, the two of us set out in search of anything nicer and we found La Louisanne Hotel on Rue de Seine and knew we had hit the jackpot. We had our own bathroom with nice, fluffy towels, a view out a window that we could open and just soak in the Paris vibe.

It was perfect.... and it was near Notre Dame cathedral. 

Susan had met a Parisian back in New York so she called him up and he showed us some of the sights. He drove us out to a Hugmonous flea market where he treated us to lunch and we wandered and drooled over everything we wished we could bring home. 

It was nearly nightfall when we parked near the Eifel Tower and watched the twinkling lights of the city. On another day Susan and I rode the lift up to the first deck of the tower and the view was breathtaking. 

We went to Versallies Palace. All I can say is WOW. We toured Notre Dame, ate in quaint little sidewalk cafes. 

At Versaille Palace

And, then the week was over. It was time to leave my 20 year old in Paris to begin her work, ALONE. 

Susan took me to the train station for the trip back to Brussells, Belgium. My plane would lift off early the next morning so I knew I  had an overnight stay in the airport. 

Once there, I settled in, the place was empty except for a lone traveler (me) sitting in a seat,  my purse wedged behind my back, my suitcase in the adjoining seat so I could lean over and sleep. SLAP, SLAP, SLAP... footsteps are approaching. I open my eyes to see a uniformed guard with heavy boots carrying a sub-machine gun doing his patrol. Should I be scared? Or should I feel safer? What the heck! I went back to sleep. 

The plane covered in snow

By morning snow was coming down heavy, flights were cancelled and so I spend the day in the airport waiting and waiting. Finally we take off for Newark Airport. Remember. No cell phones so no one knows I've been delayed. 

By the time we get to Newark my connecting flight had been gone hours ago... no more flights out so I settle down to spend another night in this airport. Sometime during the night I look out the huge glass windows and snow is coming down! Guess what. Flights are cancelled and I spent another day not knowing when I can fly out.  Finally after dark, I board a plane that has been deiced and I head for Alabama. 

My poor baby, my daughter I left behind has been worried sick. I was to call her as soon as I got home and here it is two nights and two days and I am still not home. When I did call,  she said she thought she had put me on the wrong train and had sent me to Siberia or some other cold, dangerous place. 

My husband met me at the airport. I hugged him and then said, 'Home, please. I need a hot bath.'

More pictures from our trip:

One of my favorite photos ever! Taken out the car as we sat waiting for the light to change.

Susan and me at the street market outisde our hotel

Susan with her Parisian friend

Susan beside the Seine River

A Milestone!

                       Yesterday I hit a milestone!

picture made in 2023 on my birthday

I celebrated my 91st birthday and I think that was quite an accomplishment! 

It was cold, rainy, sleety, snowy...

no way was I getting out in that so I stayed home, all by my lonesome, and had a great day!

Had lots of phone calls, text messages, facebook greetings and I even got a hug or two. 

Oh, I won't forget the beautiful flowers my granddaughter's family sent. She knows I love pink and carnations! 

I thought about my precious mother, newly widowed, giving birth to me and not a cent to her name. No plans for the future. All that had been linked to Daddy, who was now gone. It must have been a frightening time for her.

My Mom and Dad

But, we made it and just fine, I might add. And, here I am 91 years later! Gee whiz! So many blessings over the years, so many heartaches, too, but I love my life. 

I spent the day in reflection, in meditation, in looking forward....

The First Goodbye

 

I wish I knew how many times I had kissed my husband goodbye as he headed off to sea in his Naval career. I might could figure it out but that would be work!! 

We'll say it was a bunch.

I was just thinking about that first time I saw Elbert off to sea. A new bride of 6 months and wouldn't you know it! The night before the ship left, Elbert had duty! 

Early one misty morning, Elbert and I stood on the pier, arms tight around each other, savoring every second we had together. I was determined I was not going to cry in front of him... and I remained dry eyed.... until that ship eased away from the pier, Elbert standing at the rail waving a last goodbye. Boy, did I let the tears fall then.

Back at the apartment, I packed up my belongings, went to the train station and headed back to Alabama and the comfort my family could give me. 

I was 17 years old, 3 months pregnant, alone oh so alone. 

But, that was the first of so many goodbyes. 

What I wouldn't give to see him sail off to sea once more! Those were sad,lonely moments of life but oh, the homecomings were beyond joy! 

He "set sail" his last time on Jan 3, 2011. 

The homecoming is going to be beyond joy! 

This is a picture of me made about that time. Back in Alabama!

Bears and Snakes OH MY

 

It was 1951, I was a new bride living far from home, just waiting for my sailor husband's ship to pull out of port for Korea. 

I was only there for about 3 weeks so we rented a room upstairs over some sort of business. The young Navy wife in the room next to us and I struck up a friendship and we spent lots of time together. 

Me and Millie having a big laugh on our apartment rooftop

One day we hopped a bus and rode over to the San Diego Zoo. That zoo is top-notch and we spent all afternoon looking at bears sun-bathing, monkeys jumping from tree to tree, birds preening in wire cages. We'd about done it all when Millie, that's my new friend, wanted to go in the Snake House. I do not like snakes! But, to please her I suffered through looking at all those slimey, slithering things.

It was late when we got back, the guys had duty. I'm not fond of spending the night alone but I'd crawled into bed, trying to fall asleep, when there is a banging on my door. It's Millie. 

"I'm scared. There's something in my apartment. Can I sleep with you?" Of course, we both have visions of those huge snakes in our heads. Imagination can be a wonderful thing... or it can scare you half to death! 

So, I slid over and gave her a spot next to me.  

Next morning, she cautiously opened her door. I would have been leery of going in there myself. So, being the 'friend' that I was, I went back into my room and left her to face the THING all by herself. Wasn't that just sweet of me!! 

A few minutes later she's banging on my door again. 

"I found it," she said. The picture hanging over her bed had fallen and scared her half to death. Well, at least we had each other. We agreed, no more visiting Snake Houses at the zoo!! 

I am Bored!

 I am just bored 'outta my gourd'. 

It's Sunday. There's nothing to watch on tv. The phone doesn't ring. Noone drops by. And, I don't want to tackle a big project. I do need one day of rest, right?

Yesterday I set up a painting station in my office/guest bedroom. I've been needing to do this for a long time. It was such a chore trying to drag my art supplies out from every nook and cranny. Now, I can just sit down and paint. Which is what I did! Here's what I cranked out yesterday. 

I'd painted onions before. I think maybe I like this one the best. What do you think?

Here's the ones I'd already done?

Not in the mood to paint today. Just may go in the kitchen and cook me up something to eat. A gal can eat when she can't do anything else! 

I do cook ... 

Sometimes

I made some corn chowder the other day for lunch. 

It was yummy

The Intruder

 I often get what my grandmother called 'wild hairs'.. 

That means that it's a completely ridiculous idea.

I think I tried this once before but my 'wild hair' died and I moved on.

It's back!!

                    I want to do Memory Monday again.

Some have told me they enjoy my stories. I hope you will enjoy these Monday tales.

So, here goes............

After my husband retired from his Navy career he moved the family to Alabama, out in the country, at the end of a dirt road. We could see one neighbor! 

The kids all grew up, moved out, and I became an empty-nester at the end of this road. Oh, BTW, it had been paved by then.

My husband loved to foxhunt, spending all night in the woods, spinning yarns with other hunters, listening to the hounds chasing a fox. And, that left me alone.

We had enclosed the carport and was using it as a bedroom. The head of the bed was under a high-up on the wall window at the front of the house. 

I was alone... dreading to go to bed. I don't do nighttime well. I see and hear buggers everywhere and if I screamed no one would hear me. 

Finally I crawl into bed and fall asleep. Awhile later, I am jolted out of my sleep by the sound of someone walking on the other side of that wall. I am petrified. I just know that somebody is about to break in. I lay there trembling, scared outta my wits but eventally get up enough courage to stand up on the bed and peer out the window. 

The moonlight wasn't bright, a quarter or half one I guess, but there was enough light for me to make out my 'intruder'. One of our cows had gotten out of the pasture. She was busy walking around just outside my bedroom, having herself a feast in my flower bed. 

           Some of our cows... I wonder which one was 'the intruder'? 

Words on Technology

 13 years ago on this day my husband left this earth for a better place. He's been on my mind all day. 

I miss him so much. Always will.

I feel so much better today. I even packed up all my Christmas stuff... Oh, I forgot ... the wreath is still on the front door.  I'll grab that later. 

I haven't done my covid test today. When I take it, I hope that thing is negative!!  I managed to escape that nasty stuff all through the pandemic to get it right now. Just doesn't seem right to me. But, I wasn't asked. haha. 

I hope all of you are having a beautiful start to the New Year. I am going to catch up on the beautiful part very soon.

My words of wisdom for this Wednesday:

"Technology has taken away the art of true communication. "

Enlightening Moments

                                                         Lordy Mercy, where does time go? 

I've had some interesting and enlightning moments this week. 

1. For the first time since getting a walker (which I do not need except when I go out where the terrain might be difficult), I used it for my appt. with my surgeon. Oh, and btw, my walker is metallic hot pink.. thanks to my daughter. I told her I'd shoot her if she got me a hot pink walker. She's still alive!! And, I love the color. I am never at a loss for where it is! 

2. For the first time I used my brand new handicap placard! It made it so much easier for me to park in a more secure place and get where I needed to go without getting tired out. I fought getting a handicap placard... It was something 'old people' had to use. haha. Where did I get that idea? I am so happy I have it. 

3. I trust my surgeon 100% so when he suggested I 'tuck tail' and go back to see my oncologist I told him I would. I had quit my injection treatment for the HR2 positive. Long story and I won't bore you but if the surgeon says I should reconsider, then I will.

4. Went to a Health/Wellness workshop on Wed. I was already on the 'healthier lifestyle' kick anyway so that was helpful and encouraging. Here's my brunch plate this morning. 

a scrambled egg atop a bed of southwest blend of brown rice, quinoa, black beans, corn and Pabloma pepper. sliced tomato and sliced avocado. I squeezed lemon juice over it all. Yum.

5.It's been a rough year for me so I do sometimes get depressed and just want to crawl in a hole and let the world go by. But, I can't do that!! I have way too much left to do, to share, to enjoy. So, when I get in those moods I just have to crawl out of that hole and march forward. I know that I am not alone, that I have so many friends who are marching along on this journey with me. We gals gotta stick together.

6. And, as of today (Friday) I am preparing for a tropical storm to hit me. Haha. What next!!!! Well, I just gotta look at each thing, good or bad, as another adventure. So, the adventure aspect of this storm will be me trying to secure the items on my balcony so that they don't blow away. 

                                 Now for some fun stuff. 

I am counting down the days until Michael arrives. He'll be going on to Annapolis, Maryland to attend the boat show there. But... when he heads back home... guess what... I will be a passenger in his car heading south. I always enjoy visiting him so much and we got some plans already in the works. Will keep you posted it. 

Getting Caught in my PJs

 

Even though I live alone and sometimes for days on end, do not see a soul, I try to dress, put my makeup on and sometimes add earrings and other jewelry. It just makes me feel better about myself.

But, then there comes a day... ever once in awhile... that I just want to be lazy! 

Such was last Sat. I knew I would be spending my afternoon curled up in my recliner watching college football and it being Saturday I just knew in my heart that no one would come by. So, at noon I am still in my pjs. 

And, it always happens. 

Knock, knock!

Oh Lordy, there's someone at my door.

So, I slowly crack the door a tad and there stands my friend/neighbor holding a piping hot dish of mac and cheese for me. 

I just looked at her and sheepishly said, 'It's Jammie Day'. 

All I needed was fluffy bedroom shoes with floppy ears and my hair up in curlers! 

But, I am so happy to see her and happier to see that mac and cheese, so I let her in.

I swear I won't let that happen again........

But, you can bet your bottom dollar that the next time I am being lazy in my pjs, somebody will knock on my door.

That's okay.... if they are bringing mac and cheese!! 

All By Myself

 You ever get tired of eating the same old, same old? 

It may be hard with a family but, boy, when there is just one of you.... well, your cooking creativity just flies out the window. 

I'm so tempted to just eat whatever is handy, leftovers, frozen entrees, a sandwich. 

So... I decided the other day to look at one of my Pinterest Boards? The one titled "Foods To Try". 

I had the ingredients: a sweet potato, brown sugar, marshmallows and walnuts. 

I baked my sweet potato, slit it open, sprinkled it with the brown sugar. Didn't have the little marshmallows so I took my kitchen shears and whacked some bigger ones into pieces. Put that on top and placed some chopped walnuts last.

Well, I was supposed to then place it under the broiler but the heat from the potato had already melted the marshmallows so I said, 'Not gonna do it'. 

The thought came to mind that it's such a 'freeing moment' when you know you don't have to follow the rules. You can do whatever any way you want to. You are in charge. 

I scarfed down that yummy potato and had myself a grand ole time,                        

                                     all by myself.                                        

This and That and Something Else!

                      What have I been up to lately?

                           Well, just let me tell you. 

Of course, I watched the fireworks from my balcony on the 4th but for some reason they weren't as nice as in years past. I think something went wrong with the lighting. There'd be long pauses and then they'd start up again and there was no grand finale. But, I did see some! 

Shirley and some of her family left for Alabama the day after the 4th. Dylan, who is 12, is going to space camp at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Michael lives nearby so the rest of the crew will hang out with Michael during Dylan's adventure. 

I tell you, it felt mighty strange, having them head down to visit Michael. Shirley and John always let me tag along but I had a dr. appt during that time as well as they are packed.. two cars, 4 adults, 3 kids, a dog, luggage... no room for me! 

The day after the 4th a bunch of us residents were treated to hotdogs, chips and ice cream in the community room. 

Oh, and I did a watercolor....

Oh #2...

I started that new blog featuring flowers. You'll find it here:

The Joy of Flowers

SURPRISE!

               You can tell when I get bored!!

I start doing all sorts of silly things... but I hope this one is not silly but will be of some enjoyment to others.

                                     Yep, I started a new blog. Lordy help me.... haha.

I love flowers and have tons of pictures of flowers. I took most of them. So, I'm sitting around here bored. All by my lonesome! 

                                                   Then it hits me... I need another blog! 

Please check it out, follow me if you'd like, leave a comment and come back to visit me often... so I won't die of boredom. 😁

Here's the link...The Joy of Flowers

I'll also follow it myself so it will be on my blog list on Accidently Aging. That way you can click there or on here. 

I Need A Hug

Where was I when all of you were sleeping?

I was sitting on my balcony, in the dark, the air misty with dew, listening to the fountain flowing in the pond and eating a bowl of some sort of multicolored little flakes. It was 3 a.m. 

I've been having trouble sleeping the last few nights! Shirley says it's nerves but I really don't feel nervous about my upcoming surgery. I DON'T think I do... maybe it's subconscious. Who knows. All I know is I am so ready to get this dog-gone lump out of my breast and get on with my life. Maybe it's anxiousness that is keeping me awake, who knows. 5 more days... 

I've never gone out on my balcony in the middle of the night! It was so peaceful. The constant traffic on the nearby highway was non-existent. All I could hear was the water splashing out of that fountain. I could see the outlines of the trees, the hotel that is a block away, the buggar light behind the clinic next door. I could see the dew that had formed on top of the cars in the parking lot. I peered over the railing but there was nothing moving, no people, no dogs, not even that pesky stray cat that doesn't even belong here. Everybody and everything was asleep. 

I felt so alone. I went back to bed and I thought... if I just had my husband here to hold me, to put his arms around me and say, 'Honey, it's gonna be ok'. But, that's not going to happen. He's been gone 12 years now and I've learned to be alone. I relish my alone time. But, right now, I just need a hug. 

Night Terrors!!

             I'm having trouble sleeping lately. I heard it was caused by old age! 

Last night I was lying in bed on my side, facing the empty space next to me. I was chanting in my head 'go to sleep, go to sleep'. The room was very dimly lit by a small nightlight in the adjoining bathroom so I can sort of see... if my eyes are open. 

I crack one eye open. Just enough to see something move at the edge of the bed. I close my eyes and then it registers. There's not anything that is supposed to be moving in my bed... but me! So I open both eyes. Same thing. It looks like the ear of a kitten and it's switching back and forth. 

                                       I don't have a cat!

So, I raise up on my elbow to get a better look. Well, I be danged if I am not seeing my own finger. My hand is spread out over that empty space and for some strange reason I'm switching my finger back and forth. Maybe I'm counting how many times I repeat 'Go to Sleep'.

                        Well, at least it  wasn't a bug or a snake or some other varmit. 

                                           It was just me! 

                     A gal can't be too careful when she lives alone, can she?

A cat I did in pastels back in 2016.