Why this blog?

To understand why this blog was created and where it got its name, start here

Friday, January 31, 2014

Snowy Colorado

I've left behind the snowstorms in Denver and have returned to Paris. Colorado depends on its winter snows to fuel the ski industry and today many ski resorts are celebrating two feet of fresh powder.
The sun typically returns quickly, leaving me with memories of cobalt blue skies.

Monday, January 27, 2014

San Diego visit

I made a short visit to San Diego this weekend with my mother and sister. We celebrated my aunt Mary Lou Alanis's 90th birthday at my cousin Paul's beach home.
Mary Lou Alanis (seated, front row) with her family
I couldn't believe the gorgeous January weather!
 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Blue skies in Boulder

I am loving the warm temperatures and blue Colorado skies this week.


National Center for Atmostpheric Research (NCAR)


Monday, January 20, 2014

Sunrise in Denver

The view from my mother's house this morning.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Mount Tabor park

Mount Tabor park sits atop a volcanic cinder cone and is the highest point in SE Portland. A perfect place for photos on a foggy Friday morning.
A pair of skateboarders made runs up and down the steep incline
I'm not sure if this cat really enjoyed walking on a leash
I was mesmerized by the sun piercing through the fog

Laurelhurst park - Portland

I am currently in Portland, Oregon visiting my son Philippe and his wife Rachel.
My younger son, Eric and his girlfriend Shuchen have also flown in from Taiwan to join us. It's a wonderful family reunion.

Philippe lives very near the Laurelhurst city park in Portland. Eric, Shuchen and I took advantage of the sunny weather to visit the sequoia trees which grace the park.
Elaine and Eric
Elaine and Shuchen

Elaine and Shuchen closeup
Eric and Shuchen
 

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge which spans the Seine in the heart of Paris.  A tradition has developed in the last few years whereby lovers come to the bridge and pledge their love by attaching a padlock to the railing and throwing the key into the river below.

My son Philippe and daughter-in-law Rachel became engaged on the Pont des Arts in 2007. A few years later, in 2011, they returned to Paris and carved their names into a padlock which they attached to the almost-empty bridge.

 

I went back to the bridge last week to see if I could still find their padlock. I did. You can see how the tradition has grown in just a few short years!

Forgot to bring a lock? No problem. Itinerant entrepreneurs offer solutions.
And entertainment

The bridge attracts lovers of all ages and all nationalities
However, the railings have become so heavily laden that the city of Paris worries about the weight of all that metal damaging the railings and even the bridge itself. At least one section has already collapsed under the weight of all the locks.

Now you know where to find one of the most romantic locations in Paris.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Tour Eiffel

A co-production by Patrice and Elaine

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Photo of the day: Guilin sur Seine

Guilin, China? or Paris, France? or both?

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year

Our new year is starting off with plumbing problems resulting in some heavy and unanticipated expenses. Hopefully, all will be resolved soon.

We are optimistic and we wish all of our family and friends a happy and healthy 2014.