Friday Fives.....

Let me squeak in here  under the wire for a Friday post.....

Let's do some Friday Fives!!!!
1. What is the last movie you watched??

2. What is the last thing you ate?

3. Where is the last place to which  you drove your car?

4. What did you drink today?

5. Sweetest thing you saw today????

Day 1 -Paris!

My sweet husband as we ate our first picnic in Paris!

City traffic around the Arc de Triomphe.....notice the buildings in the background...so typical of all of Paris!

There are car dealerships in buildings along the Champs Elysees...this is a Toyota dealership....with all kinds of fancy cars inside!  Notice the tiny one on the wall and the lady posing for a pic as if she is holding it up!

When I flew into Paris, it was pretty early in the morning.......I think we arrived at 7:25 or so. The Charles De Gaulle airport is very interesting!  By the time I got to the bus ( I had decided to ride the Air France Bus into town so that I wouldn't have to deal with my bags on the train with my healing shoulder, which is doing well so far).  I took the bus into town, about a 45 minute ride into Paris.  I took some time to sit in a cafe (costs less to stand at the small bar inside and drink your drink than to sit at a table; felt like I was paying rent at the table!) and drink a "limonade" because I had to wait to meet the guy that was going to let me into our apartment.  My husband had to travel separately since he had already flown ahead for business...I was just a tad nervous about getting to town before him in a place where I barely spoke the language!!!!  It really all worked out fine, and I have to thank God for answering all the prayers for my safety, peace and smooth travel!  So I found everything I needed to find, and made my way to the apt.  My husband didn't arrive until about 2 hours later.  It would have been good for me to take a nap but I was so excited, I couldn't!! 
Once my husband arrived, we decided to take a walk and find a bite to eat.  We wandered over by a grocery store, went in and bought some sandwiches and fruit and ate our lunch out on a bench.  The weather was beautiful!!!  We walked down the Champs Elysees and watched all the cars and scooters/motorcycles buzzing around town.  I wore out pretty quickly and we headed back to the apt where I finally showered and unwound a little and hubby went out to the grocery store and picked up a few things for us.  Bedtime came pretty quickly that night....um, I might have checked Facebook before I went to bed!! HA!  The computer (which we were glad to have) because the tv in the apt only got American news.......we did get to watch Jay Leno two nights by staying up until midnight.  I wish I had remembered to pack some DVD movies to play on my computer!  NOTE to self for the future...take some DVD movies!
I'll show you a couple of pics we took that day, and then show you more tomorrow.

Keep in mind, I've had very little sleep in this picture!! Ha! This is taken in front of the Arc de Triomphe.

Taken from afar, for perspective, so you can see how large it is!!This is the Arc de Triomphe, built so that troops returning home could march through it. It sits in the middle of a large traffic circle, so that whatever street the troops marched into town on, they would march through it.

Cell phone info.....

I'll come back with more info about my trip, but thought this info was valuable enough to inject into my trip info.  Some great info here!!

 My mother in law passed on this info in an email, and it contains some very info about your cell phone and how you can use it:






FIRST (Emergency)

The Emergency Number worldwide for  Mobile  is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out. 

sECOND (Hidden  Battery  Power)

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time. 
I SO could have used this when I got to Paris and my phone was down to 20% power and I was trying to contact the apt. people to get the key! I was so afraid my phone would go dead and I would not be able to get in touch with them!!!!

Third (How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?)

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone:       

                  *#06#. 

A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. 

If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
  
And Finally.... 

FOURTH (Free Directory Service for Cells)

Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: 

                (800) FREE411   or   (800) 373-3411 

without incurring any charge at all.  Program this into your cell phone now. 

This is sponsored by McDonalds. 
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends.

I took a garden tour.....

At Versailles!! (The Versailles Palace is located about 30 minutes outside of Paris, accessible by train)
Oh my word!!! At one time, it was 1000 acres, I think and they had to sell some of the property after the war.....now it's somewhere in the 800's of acres, I think!  Take a look:

 Since it wasn't full blown spring yet in Paris, the gardens were still coming back to life.  It would be magnificent in the summer, I am sure!

Next time, I'll show you some pics of the INSIDE of the palace!!

Things I've seen in Paris.....

Fashion:
LOTS of tights and boots, lots of stockings in general, even fishnet hose and lacy tights.  We, especially in Texas, have gotten so out of the habit of wearing pantyhose, I guess because they are just so HOT!  Here, in Paris, there are even hose with shorts this season.
Lots of leather jackets, and rain gear.  You never know this time of year when it might rain!  We did get caught out in it once and scrambled with everyone else for a bit of shelter!

Maroon hair...and hair colors of all shades!! I saw one girl whose hair matched her coat...no kidding...both maroon!

Small dress shops/designer wear shops.  I am sure it is indicative of where in Paris we rented an apartment, but there are many small,  exclusive dress shops that would fit inside my living room!  Well, they don't appear  very wide, but perhaps they go deeper than one can see from the street!  Anyway, very well dressed windows and couture type clothing.  And lots of adorable baby clothing!!

Scooters and motorcycles and tiny, tiny cars.......are everywhere!  Makes me wish I had had one while here.....to scoot around Paris.  We chose to walk, walk and walk.........whew!  But thank goodness for the Metro.  It is huge and extensive, and takes a little studying to get used to....but can get across town in a New York minute.....or rather, a Parisian minute!  People watching is interesting there. And lots of running to catch the next train.

Smoking!!! The tobacco industry is flourishing in Paris!

Lots of nannies.  One day we sat in the park about the time school was out....late afternoon...and we saw more Nannies with children!! Wow.  If anyone needs a job, you could probably find one as a nannie or au pair here in Paris!

Fresh flowers.......flower markets abound....as do Pattasseries, and boulangeries.  Or in our vernacular,bakeries, pastry/ bread shops and cafes.  And coffee.....it's everywhere!  But oh, the pastries are exquisite, both in taste and design!!!  We consumed our share of baguettes and pain au chocolate!!!

Macaroons are a special treat....these from famous Laduree!!! Ooh la la!!!

Flower Markets on many corners!

Scooters and motorbikes line the streets!

Boat tours on the Seine

And we saw lots of tourists....it would be interesting to know how many of the people we saw, and we saw a LOT, how many were tourists, and how many were actually Parisians.
I'll be posting more about the sights we saw and more!! Au revoir!

Some other things I've been reading.....

I told you earlier this year that I had read The Apothecary's Daughter, by Julie Klassen.....it was wonderful.

Well, just recently, I read another of Julie's books called The Silent Governess.......it was just as wonderful and delightful!  I loved it!  Especially if you like Jane Austen, I would think you would enjoy these books by Julie Klassen!  Do check them out!!!

Things I've been reading...

Some things/blogs/books I've been reading to prepare for my trip:
David Lebowitz has a blog and even lives in Paris, so he should know stuff, right?  Well when I read this today, I decided, I'd really rather have a different kind of jam, but he does offer lots of GREAT information and yummy recipes on his blog....the post I'm referring to is HERE!!!

He has lots of good recommendations for living the life in Paris! Go check it out!
Then of course, there is Rick Steves blog and website, that basically can tell you AnYtHing about traveling, especially traveling in Europe.  Gee, what a hard job, right?  Traveling the world so you can offer the best of what to do and not to do!  Great travel tips HERE.
Then there's always GOOGLE!! It offers loads of info, maps, images, etc of what to expect on your travels.
The list of accommodation possibilities is endless.  We happen to be renting an appt., hoping to have a little more room (European hotels are not known for their large size!), a washer and dryer, as well as a small kitchen.  There are numerous companies from which to rent an apt.  I'll let you know how it turns out, but from the looks of it, it will be enjoyable.  Ten years ago, when we went to London, we rented a flat, and it worked out perfectly!  I will let you know how this one works out!
So, my friends, for today, Au Revoir!!!

In a few days, I'll be looking at this!!!!

And I cannot wait!!!  My trip is finally coming up and I'll be glad to tell y'all all about it when I return!!!

Her Eyes!!!

I may not be every mother's dream for her little girl
And my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the world
But that's all right as long as I can have one wish I pray
When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say

[Chorus:]
She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can't be found
Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain
Knowin' what you're going through, and feeling it the same
Just like my Father's eyes
My Father's eyes
My Father's eyes
Just like my Father's eyes

And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done
Good and bad they'll all be had to see by everyone
And when you're called to stand and tell just what you saw in me
More than anything I know, I want your words to be

Can I get a reference????

Where do you turn when you need a service done and don't know who to contact?  How do you know who you can trust???  Haven't we all felt from time to time like someone was taking advantage of us with a service just because they felt they could?? 
I just read about Angieslist.com....what a good idea.  You do have to join to get the recommendations, but these are tried and true service providers!  I think this is a brilliant idea....and wish I had thought of it myself!!!  I would love to know who, in my local area, that I can get a good value for my hard earned dollars.  So if you are in the need for some service providers, check out AngieList.com!!!

AngiesList.com




* I just found out about this by reading my latest Real Simple magazine.  It is always chock full of great ideas!  I love to read it, but I am not being compensated by Real Simple or by AngiesList.

Friday Fives......

Friday Fives are back!
We are going to focus on your house today.....so jump in and  share with today's Friday Fives!!

1. Do you have a space you call "your own"?  Is it simply a chair and a lamp or is it a full room???

2. Do you like where your house is right now, or is there a project you'd like to tackle and redo something in your house?

3. Do you enjoy having the windows thrown open when the weather is good?

4.  What are your favorite colors you use in your house?

5. Do you treat yourself regularly to fresh flowers to have in your home? Do you have live plants in your home?

Enjoy your Friday and the upcoming weekend!!! TGIF!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

A Prayer for Japan

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/a-prayer-for-japan


John Piper shares a wonderful prayer for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami......

Friday Fives!!!

1. Are you taking a Spring Break this week???

2. Are you feeling spring coming on where you are???

3. If you could plan a trip for the next week, all expenses paid, where would it be?

4. What's your favorite Spring flower or sign of spring?

5. Have you already made Easter plans????

Happy Friday, Y'all!!!

And what about daylight savings time???

 

Daylight savings time this weekend!! We lose an hour!!!

a Quiet Saturday morning....

It's a luxury, I know.....but I do love to sip my coffee, spend some time on the computer and sit quietly.  Not having a huge agenda for the day, I can sit here for a little while and enjoy the quiet.  I can catch up on a few blogs that I haven't made time to check on this week.  I can pray when I see/read about  a friend who needs it.
I can relish in good ideas and pretty things to make/cook/buy.  I can LOVE seeing how people have put such effort into their home and they are just right now for their family.
I have taken a little break recently from reading blogs....I find sometimes that I just have too much input and need some down time.  I need to clear my brain of good intentions/good ideas/good thoughts of OTHERS and make some time to be quiet and relish in my own intentions/ideas/thoughts.  I bet you know what I mean.

  But how nice to find them all there waiting for me when I can catch up.  Or to know that I might not read them all today, but one day in the future, I will discover them by surprise.  I LOVE the blog world, the friends I've made who I might not ever even meet in person.  But my life has been enriched by them.  I also have to remember, however, that a life online does not replace a life lived in the present.  Community is what God intended for us to live in......
Anyway, if you're my blog friend, you may have not seen comments from me lately......I've just been more busy, taken more time to do things with some friends here, and taking a little more time to be quiet.  Sometimes being quiet is a good investment to make, right?  It's a little like cleaning out that overflowing closet.......time to clear the mental clutter.  INTENTIONALLY cleaning out the closet of the mind.........something I need to do more often.  Not that all my real closets are in order!!  While I had only one working arm/hand, it was challenging to do some things, so it was easy to just throw some things in the closet......well, you can imagine I have a little catching up to do now that I can use both arms again!!  But I will indeed get to those closets this spring!
In all this randomness today, I will also mention that I miss my kids........I hope we can have a family reunion together soon, because while I love the quiet, I miss being in their lives and knowing what they are doing, what they are enjoying, what they are dealing with, just being with them!  I don't miss them in a sad, maudlin way....I just miss them.  I will call them today just to say hi, and at the end of the conversation tell them I love them and miss them.  Thank goodness for the telephone! 
I hope you enjoy your weekend.....rest a little if you can.....take a moment to be thankful, to be quiet, to clear out a little clutter.  You'll be oh so thankful.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good......let us exalt His name together!

Funny Friday (inspired by a friend!)

My friend, Shannon, over at Crescent City Ramblings, is having Funny Friday today! She is a good friend, and def. has a sense of humor.
While on Facebook this morning, I saw this Youtube clip that had me in stitches........take a look, for a quick chuckle!  Also, go back to yesterday's post and read about some REALLY great personalized tote bags!!! Happy Friday, y'all!!!

Simply Bags – Tote Bags

We all know that Monogrammed and Personalized Tote Bags are all the rage right now........
I wanted to share a GREAT location to browse for your own Personalized Tote Bags!   Mr. Shirilla recently contacted me to see if I would be interested in receiving a tote bag, personalized for me, to share with you readers!  Of course, I said yes!!!  I would love to try out new things and companies to be able to pass on to you good, honest businesspeople!  Who doesn't want a good recommendation!!??


So the good folks at Simply Bags

  sent me this bag with my name on it embroidered in Kiwi Green!!!  I LOVE it!!!
It is such a good size, a great fabric for keeping clean, and has such potential!  Here are the specs.....

Embroider - Maximum 10 characters - Thread colors (Lt Pink, Lt Blue, Lt Green, Fuchsia, Red, Gold, Beige, Kiwi)

Black Embroidered Tote Bag is nylon micro fiber construction, measures 20"W x 15"H,  with a  5" gusset.
Overall height 28".  Two inside compartments, one with zipper.

Retails for $29.95

 You don't often see bags that are 20" wide!  OH boy, will I ever have fun using this one.....maybe it will go to Paris with me!!!! =)
Simply-Bags not only has this bag, but they have a huge selection of types of bags, and types of fabrics!  You MUST go check them out......
So run right over and do a little shopping!  I do think you will like what you see over at Simply-Bags!!!

Things I won!!!!

I love being in Blogland, where anyday might be a happy Mail Day......as it was for me recently.  Thanks to the generosity of some blog friends, I won a few things lately....and they  definitely added cheer to my days.  Many of you know that I've been going thru Physical Therapy post surgery, to get the use of my right arm back after the shoulder surgery I had in December.  Well, it's tough....and it's been fun to get a few fun, happy things in the mail to brighten some of the days when I wanted to throw in the towel that I use to do towel stretches......what is a towel stretch you ask???  Well, take a towel, hold it in your left hand, dangle it down behind your back, and reach around with your right arm behind your back to hold it and lift .......for someone with a wounded wing, it stretches and pulls and generally if you are doing the right thing, hurts like _____!!!!!
So I bet you're wondering what I won???!!!  So I'll share!
First of all, my friend, Tanya (and yes, she has become a sweet friend over the years of us reading each other's blog) at Frou Frou Britches  hosted a giveaway for some Arbonne bath salts (she is a rep, in case you need something!) !  They are just the right prescription and they smell heavenly!!! Ahhh.....

When she emailed me to tell me, I could hardly believe it....and what a perfect way to unwind, especially after Physical Therapy!!!
THEN, (yes I won TWICE!!) I won a beautiful necklace from my friend, Cricket @Cricket's Cafe !  It is handmade by Theresa Mason, and it is simply beautiful!!!  You can see Theresa's work here at Theresa'sCreations.  She has got some totally gorgeous collections and pieces that she's made!! Need a special gift? She has lots of choices!! So a HUGE thanks to Cricket and Theresa, as well!! Here's my necklace!

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL????????

 And lastly, I was given an opportunity to try out a new tote bag......from Simply-Bags.com!

They contacted me to see if I'd like to have one so that I could share on my blog about their products! I'll be telling you more about that tomorrow....You're going to love it!