I am writing this because I feel incredibly grateful. We started our cycling trip in the Loire Valley. The weather has been a bit cool with occasional bursts of sun. We are meandering through episodic small villages and then move to stretches of golden wheat fields, patches of brilliant yellow sunflowers and lush vineyards (see
Mass at Notre Dame
We headed over to the Notre Dame basilica this evening for Mass. It was hot and humid, and some of us were flagging in our heat-retaining Sunday clothes. Upon arrival, however, we were greeted with the beautiful sounds of church bells and a rapt crowd enjoying the music. From everywhere, and all around us, we
Thoughts on Imperfection (and, Paris)
A gentle rain is falling on Paris. The residents seem a bit subdued after last night’s loss to Germany in the World Cup. The gray pallor of the sky matches the mood in the area. This is our last full day in Paris. One child is exploring the city solo and the others with my
Improv Cooking in Paris
I am getting a crash course in food shopping in French (see results up top). I don’t speak any French and have been making do with a few phrases while we are here in Paris for our vacation. After a long and hot sightseeing excursion this morning, one of our children this afternoon isn’t feeling
Adventures with Chèvre and Airbnb
Well, we made it to Paris. Whilst our children didn’t get much sleep on the flight in spite of the eyeshades, neck pillows and ear plugs, and although we landed at 3 am ET / 9 am Paris time, they were ready to go. The children and I are feverishly trying to learn French phrases
Paris and a Bike Trip
Our family is about to take a trip. It’s a vacation, but also, a mental breakthrough for me (more on that below). We’ll be going to France. We start in Paris to meet up with our oldest child, who has been there on a school-sponsored immersion trip. Then, we go on a bike trip in one of the wine