Earthquake! Prepare now! Week 3 Aug. 31, 2015

Earthquake!  Prepare now!  Aug. 31, 2015

Ok!  If you have collected all the supplies we have mentioned so far, look how much more you are ahead in safety for your family already!!!  Maybe you already had all your stuff and have checked it over just to make sure everything is up to date and where it is supposed to be!

TO DO †
Out-of-state contact:
        After Loma Prieta earthquake phone lines were down in local areas.  Many people had to call an out-of-state contacts to have them call back to friends or relatives in CA.  The local calls couldn't get through where long distance could.   So. . . Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency. †

Prepare a list of important phone numbers: out-ofstate contact, physicians, veterinarian, family, creditors, insurance, etc. †and add to First Aid Kit in car and in house.

If you haven't done it yet, make an emergency family plan.

SHOPPING LIST
† 1 gallon of water per person!  if you haven't already!  Also, once we get all the water for drinking for
          3-5 days, we are going to need to have water for sanitation purposes also...did you forget about
          that!

†1 jar peanut butter per person  - protein and filling and kids usually like it!† Don't worry there will be
          more food than peanut butter!
 Hand-operated can opener
 †Instant coffee
 Tea
 Powdered soft drinks (because, if you didn't buy your water, the water available may not taste the
           same.)
 † Permanent marking pen to mark date on cans & water container
 Diapers, baby food, baby supplies
 Pet food, and pet meds, if needed

Better pics of the Victorian Mourning Dress

Still a bit hard to see with all that black, but overall these are better pictures.

Front

Sleeve

Ruching, pleats and ruffles!

Side View

Back

President Abraham Lincoln's casket (replica) for viewing at Ardenwood

To commemorate the 150^thanniversary of the assassination of President Lincoln (April 30, 2015), the Batesville Casket Company created a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s coffin for the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train Commemoration.  After official 150th anniversary ceremonies in Illinois, the replica has travelled throughout the United States.  The Chapel of the Roses in Fremont asked the Patterson House at Ardenwood to host the casket while it is in the San Francisco Bay area from September 4 through September 13.  Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA just off Hywy 84. 11:30am-3:30pm  The park opens at 10 am.

Following President Lincoln's assasination on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, a casket was custom built to hold the president's remains.  The first public viewing of Lincoln was held in the  East Room of the White House on April 18, 1865. Following the funeral the coffin was transported to the Capital for another public viewing. It was decided that President Lincoln should be returned to his home in Springfield, Illinois for burial and not in Washington, D.C. as Congress had hoped.

President Lincoln’s funeral train began the long journey to Springfield on April 21, 1865. The remains of his son, Willie, who died in 1862, was taken on the train with his fathers remains.  The funeral train would travel the route that Lincoln had made as president-elect. The only changes to the route were the omission of Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and the addition of Chicago.

Large funeral precessions were held at each major stop along the funeral route, as the coffin was transported from the train to the place of public viewing. Cleveland, Ohio was the only city to hold its public viewing outdoors, as they did not have a building large enough to accommodate the large crowds of mourners. Finally, on May 3, 1865, the funeral train reached its final destination of Springfield, Illinois. On May 4, 1865, President Lincoln was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

President Lincoln’s elaborate coffin was constructed of solid walnut, lined with lead and completely covered in expensive black cloth. It was six feet, six inches long and was decorated with sterling silver handles and studs extending the entire length of its sides. The center of the lid showcased a shield outlined in sterling silver studs and a sterling silver plate bearing the inscription:

It is estimated that one million people viewed President Lincoln’s body from the time of his death until his burial in Springfield, Illinois. His coffin was the most elaborate of that time. President Lincoln also had the distinction of having the largest funeral throughout the world, until President John F. Kennedy’s death in 1963.

It could be said that Abraham Lincoln’s death triggered the beginning of modern day funeral service. President Lincoln was the first public figure to be embalmed and put on view for almost three weeks. The embalming technique used on President Lincoln was primarily used on soldiers who died during the Civil War and needed to be transported home for burial. Being able to view the body for extended periods of time without being iced was the precursor for modern day funeral service. People at that time thought embalming was a barbaric violation of the body, but Lincoln’s funeral had changed that perception. President Lincoln’s public viewing introduced the population to the benefits of embalming. Mourners were able to see the late president for twenty days and embalming made it possible. 

Ardenwood's Mystery Dinner!

Coming up!

Ardenwood, Fremont, California.

The Rail Fair will be held on Labor Day weekend.  The park will be especially full of 4 year old boys!  But there will be lots of girls too!  The children love all the model trains set up in the farmyard.

Abraham Lincoln's casket (replica) will be on display at the Patterson House  September 4-14.
     This replica was made in 2015 for the anniversary of Lincoln's death to celebrate his life and re-enact the funeral train trip that brought his body to be laid to rest in Springfield, Ill.   The train stopped at several cities so the people could express their goodbys.   Since the 2015 anniversary the replica has been traveling throughout the country as a memorial to Lincoln.  The Chapel of the Roses has offered it to be displayed at the Patterson House before it moves on to its next destination. And now that I have my Mourning Dress finished with all its embellishments I am ready for the proper viewing of the casket.

Ardenwood will hold the next Murder Mystery Dinner on September 12.  More information will be posted on the Patterson House facebook page soon.

There will be the Foundation Rummage Sale on September 19 in the front parking lot at Ardenwood.  7-Noon.

Spifying up the Victorian Mourning Dress

I have never been able to let go like the Victorians and go full bore on throwing all kinds of decoration on their late 1800's dresses.  But I decided to really give it a try.

This is what the Mourning Dress looked like originally.




































I did end up adding pleats at the hem.


















Now I decided to try some ruching. . . yards of ruching.

And lots of stitching and lots of thread...

And lots of gathers.

I added some ruching on the sleeves too.

Then I decided to make an overskirt too, with ruffles all along the edges.  And the end result . . . .

Well, that was fun!

Earthquake! Prepare now! Week 2 Aug 24

Week 2  Aug 24

Emergency Water Storage And Purification

Following are recommendations for storing and purifying water supplies:

• The minimum drinking water supply is 1 gallon per person per day. You will also need water for food preparation, bathing, brushing teeth, and dish washing. Store a 3-5 day supply of water (at least 5 gallons for each person).
• Water should be stored in sturdy plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Rinsed chlorine bleach bottles work well for water storage. Plastic containers for juice and milk do not work as well because they tend to crack and leak more readily. All containers should be labeled.
• Stored water should be changed every 6 months.
• Avoid placing water containers in areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline and pesticides, are present. Vapors may penetrate the plastic over time.
• Do not store water containers in direct sunlight. Select a place with a fairly constant, cool temperature.

It is a good idea to put together a first aid kit for your car also. 

Since we are talking about the car....what if you are at work and overpasses are down?  How are you going to get home to your family?  If you do need to walk, it's a good idea to have tennis shoes and jacket, water, power bars in your trunk, even a whole "go-kit" if you can.  We can go into that more later.

Hopefully you have your first aid kit together since last week, or at least you are on your way.

Don't forget to add in your kit:

family medications

emergency phone numbers *

AND while we are at it, put in your calendar right NOW, 6 months ahead, to check your supplies and their expiration dates and change out what need to be updated. (Especially water and meds and batteries!) 

SHOPPING LIST FOR WEEK 2

A metal trash can if you are storing any supplies in your shed, etc.  They have them at OSH.  Rodents can't get through metal vs. plastic.

       You can put a table round with a long tablecloth on top of a trash can and it looks like a table for storage in the house.  Put it in a place easy to get at from an outside door. 

Radio and batteries.  

Just a thought.....We keep our camping supplies near the garage door.  Just in case. . .

To me I sound like I am really paranoid, but really after you set this all up you feel that you have really gotten it all together.

EARTHQUAKE! Prepare!

After our little shaker this morning, I decided to put a few things together to post for our neighborhood web site.

I put ours together just a month before the Loma Prieta.  Luckily we didn't have to use it but felt really good we had it.  Actually, we gave most of it away in Watsonville to the people out of their homes and in the rain.  We helped give out hundreds of tents that had been donated by TARGET!  Families were so thankful for the tents, but I worried for them without lights, trying to put up tents without being able to read the instructions or without even being able to see the picture of what it was supposed to look like!

I will try to post  a bit once a week so shopping won't hit the wallet all at once.   The first shopping list will be at the end of the page.

First things first!

You could look into joining your neighborhood CERT group.
Gas shut off valve.  In a real shaker, you may smell gas.  Be sure to have something to turn off the gas and know how to do it.
Water shut off valve.  Do you know how to turn off the water in case a water pipe breaks?
Electric shut off.  Do you know how and where to turn off your electicity?
Water is a necessity and running water may not be available.
First Aid Kit, important in case of injuries.
Flashlights & batteries


____________
CERT group
I believe the initials stand for Citizen Emergency Response Team.  You can find information on CERT at the fire station.  They train citizens in all sorts of first aid and response techniques in case of emergency, like a large earthquake.  Each community will need people trained.  CERT provides very interesting and important information and training.
___________
Gas shut off valve
Find out where it is and be sure there is a designated shut off wrench in a place where it will (for sure) be in case of an emergency.
Be sure you know that the valve  is open when the line you turn is in line with the pipe, it is off when the line is across the pipe like a +.
Only turn off the gas if you smell gas though.  You should have PGE turn it back on (and it may take days after a big earthquake because they will be busy!)
__________
Water shut off valve
There should be a valve where the water comes into the home and one at the street.  Your valvat the street may need a special tool.
__________
Electric shut off switch
Do you know where your electric box is?   Usually it is on the side of your house.  PGE give you information if you need it.
__________
Family evacuation and meeting place
An important topic for a family discussion:  if everyone is home, some at school, some at work.
If phones are disabled because of heavy usage, how will family members communicate or waiting place.

Shopping list:
WATER!!!  Water is much more important than food!
First Aid Kit - Either by as a kit or put a kit together.  I know it will be hard to find some of the things on the Red Cross list, but if you have at least the easier ones it is better than none.   I have mine in a nylon lunch bag that we weren't using.

The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket) [Available on the Red Cross Store]
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) [Available on the Red Cross Store]
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet [Available on the Red Cross Store]

Flashlights
Batteries

This is the second earthquake we have had in the Bay Area lately so better ready than sorry!

Catch up. . .Again!

We have been up to lots of things these last several months.  We have been down to Pacific Grove and enjoyed the ocean again.  We actually stayed a couple days this time!

I have been doing all sorts of small projects, mending and changing what needs it.

And more weeding.  The back yard is looking a lot better, even though it is dry.  The scientists are thinking we will be having a very rainy winter!  I am starting to think of projects for rainy days.  One of them may include an Victorian evening dress and a 1918 day dress.  And who knows what else!

I decided since I delved into making the Regency Dresses, I really needed the stuff that goes under them.  So, I am taking an online class to make a Regency Chemise and Corset.  Surprise, surprise!  Under those cute little airy dress of the Jane Austen period, they wore corsets!  I never would have thought!  But, they needed something in the way of a "foundation" garment to get that "shelf-look" in the bodice area that looks like they are going to have a fashion malfunction!  We will see if I can harness some of that "lift".

The class started a couple weeks ago with a list of supplies we need.  This last week we worked on the chemise.  Very easy and I am finished.  Tomorrow we start on the corset.  The Regency corset is not boned, it is corded.  Literally instead of sliding metal bones in casings, we are pulling butcher's string through casings.

I have also been taking a course on "Literature and the English Country House".  It was very interesting and in the process I read the "Mysteries of Udolpho" a gothic novel by Ann Radcliffe.  It was written before Jane Austin and quite interesting.

That course just finished up last weekend.  It was a free online course provided by the University of Sheffield in England.

EVENTS UPCOMING!

There will be one more round of Summer Camps.  More information is on the Patterson House facebook page.

Cajun Zydeco will be Sat., August 15
     This is a popular event, come early with your lawn chairs, blanket and sun umbrella.  Cajun food         will be sold but you can bring your own also.

The Rail Fair will be held on Labor Day weekend.  The park will be especially full of 4 year old boys!  But there will be lots of girls too!  The children love all the model trains set up in the farmyard.

Abraham Lincoln's casket (replica) will be on display at the Patterson House  September 4-14.
     This replica was made in 2015 for the anniversary of Lincoln's death to celebrate his life and re-enact the funeral train trip that brought his body to be laid to rest in Springfield, Ill.   The train stopped at several cities so the people could express their goodbys.   Since the 2015 anniversary the replica has been traveling throughout the country as a memorial to Lincoln.  The Chapel of the Roses has offered it to be displayed at the Patterson House before it moves on to its next destination.

Ardenwood will hold the next Murder Mystery Dinner on September 12.  More information will be posted on the Patterson House facebook page soon.

There will be the Foundation Rummage Sale on September 19 in the front parking lot at Ardenwood.  7-Noon.

What's up!

I have been busy, just not on here!

Ben has been through another IVIG treatment, plus a evaluation at Stanford of how he is doing.  He is doing much better though still has a long way to go.  He has a couple more IVIGs to go then the treatment will change.

I have been taking an online course with Sheffield University on Literature in the English Country Houses.  Very interesting.

I have been doing TONS of weeding in the back yard.  It had been neglected for so long because with the drought it is rather depressing.  We have lost quite a few plants and it had slowed the weeds down too.  But we had just enough rain to get weeds start growing again.  So I have 21 garbage cans filled waiting for their turn to get picked up on Thursdays.  I can get rid of 4 cans a week but I have still been filling them as fast as they are emptied.

On the sewing scene I have been mending and I shortened my 1905 Wool skirt.  It was way too long, so I finally shortened it and wore it Thursday.

This week I will be starting a new online class:  Regency Corset and Chemise class.  The corset looks very interesting to make since it has boning with cotton string.  I haven't done and cording before so it should be fun.

There will be a Christmas Tea at Ardenwood this winter.  Sunday, December 13th in the afternoon.  Just a heads up!

And, take a breath! . . . The girls and I have been planning our trip to France in 2016!  We have been having lots of fun and have all the travel plans and hotels taken care of except one, we can't book it until October.   All the friends are getting sick of hearing about it!  I won't drive you away with talking about it, we have our own private blog to wallow about in the fun of it all!

Wall Street Article on PANS (PANDAS)

From an article in the Wall Street Journal re: a study my grandson and his parents participated in.

 5 Things to Know About PANS 

12 JUL 2015 4:55PM BY AMY DOCKSER MARCUS

 The idea that there might be a link between infections and certain psychiatric disorders has gained credence among scientists over the past few years. Resources have followed, including the creation in 2012 of a Stanford University clinic dedicated to studying and treating the condition, known most commonly as PANS, for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.  



 1. The name for the condition was coined in 2012. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health led by Susan Swedo focused their work on youth who had a sudden and dramatic onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder following a Group A streptococcal infection. They called that condition Pandas, or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections. Over the years, researchers recognized that many patients had symptoms of Pandas but no documented evidence of a preceding strep infection. Researchers met and established criteria that would include both infectious and noninfectious triggers for the condition and published a paper in 2012 describing PANS. Pandas is now considered a subset of PANS.

 2.  A PANS diagnosis requires more than just a sudden, dramatic onset of OCD and/or severe eating restriction. Patients must also have two or more neuropsychiatric symptoms from seven categories, including anxiety, cognitive deterioration, and sensory or motor abnormalities.

 3.  Researchers believe there might be a genetic component. The latest studies indicate that youth who get PANS might have a genetic predisposition for the syndrome, which is then likely triggered by something such as an infection or environmental factors. In a published paper describing the first 47 cases in the PANS clinic at Stanford University, researchers found that patients with PANS frequently reported psychiatric disorders and autoimmune disease in family members.

 4.  To be diagnosed with PANS, other conditions need to be ruled out. Researchers at the First PANS Consensus Conference called PANS “a diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning that doctors first must rule out other known medical conditions that may have similar or overlapping symptoms.

 5.  Parents have played a crucial role in driving awareness and research. Even while the doctors debate the condition, parents have helped drive attention to the disorder. They run chat groups and Facebook pages. They have helped get PANS and Pandas Awareness Days passed in a number of states. Beth Alison Maloney, an attorney and advocate, wrote a resource guide about the disorder and a memoir about her experience helping her son overcome Pandas called “Saving Sammy: A Mother’s Fight to Cure Her Son’s OCD.” Earlier this year, parent advocates spoke at hearings that led the Illinois Legislature to pass a bill to create an advisory committee. The committee will raise awareness and disseminate information to doctors and the public about PANS and Pandas.

4th of July, 2015

This year I was at Ardenwood for 4th of July.  It is my favorite event at Ardenwood, but it seems that quite a few years there are other activities I attend.  Last year it was the Alaska Cruise!

But this year was for Ardenwood!  And most special was that my friends. Simone and Spencer, brought a traditional 4th of July picnic lunch for me to enjoy with them.  We had a wonderful spot on the lawn in front of the gazebo and were serenaded by the Fife and Drum Corps while we ate

!

1900 walking suit

This is the latest project: 1900 walking suit

I used the Truly Victorian Trumpet Skirt and Truly Victorian 1896 Ripple Jacket

The fabric is linen/wool and requires dry cleaning.  I found this fabric in a costume post that it was on sale (reg $14, on sale at $7 a yard and just had to get it.  I knew it was going to be a challenge.  Lucky for me I ordered 7 yds, thinking of just making a skirt and adding for matching.  It turned out since it was 60" wide and the way the skirt was cut, there was enough to make the jacket also.

The challenge:  The border was more than 2 ft wide along one edge.  There is a scallop on the bottom edge.  The skirt pieces are curved and the border is straight.  Then the floral embroidery is spaced with about a foot between each one.  That meant they had to be spaced on the separate skirt pieces so they weren't chopped off where the seams go.

After much adjusting, it all turned out pretty well, pattern-wise.  Though on each side there is a seam where the scallops don't meet.

If you look where the seam is you can see part of the embroidery just floating up there.  I was able to fix this picking out the stitches of that embroidery.  This happened in several places

When it came to the jacket, there was just enough fabric left.  There was a piece of embroidery that was just large enough for each sleeve.

Now I have to make a blouse to go under the jacket to complete the outfit.
And, I'm going to have to try another method to show this dress.  Black on Black doesn't show much.

Regency Ball Gown

Just finished the Regency Ball Gown, made from fabric in my stash.  This dress is from the same pattern as the Regency Day Dress.

The fabric is probably some kind of acetate or something.  It does look like a silk taffeta or something though.  I found it on Joann Fabric's bargain table when I was looking fabric for the Downton Abbey Ball.

Regency Day Dress

I had decided I wanted to learn more about the Regency Era last year.  I started those stays I shared with you a few days ago.  I was rather frustrated because I didn't know just how they were supposed to fit.  I actually made 2 trying to get it right, but frankly I think I got it pretty much right but they just aren't that comfortable.  I think one of these days I will try the long stays, maybe that will help.

Anyway, I decided to take a class on a Regency Dress.  this is a Laughing Moon Pattern and a class online with historicalsewing.com.  The pattern is pretty straight forward but I learned a lot, both sewing techniques and on Regency dressing.

I started the introduction lesson.  She lets you know the fabrics of the period and what supplies you need and the class starts two or three weeds later giving you time to order and get your supplies.  I realized I needed a Regency petticoat and the stays to fit the dress correctly.  I finished the stays but since she mentioned you could use a push-up bra I order one since I felt it may well fit the dress better than my stays.  I also bought a petticoat pattern and had plenty of muslin to make the petticoat.

Then I tackled finding correct fabric.  Feeling that I really didn't know the fabrics of the period I ordered a wonderful 100% cotton from Burnley & Trowbridge.  I knew it would be correct.

As I started lesson 1, it dawned on me how I never would have thought a computer and sewing would go together.  Well, it is a great idea for classes online, especially since sewing is not offered in the schools anymore.  I am sure you could learn all you need online.

This pattern has an apron opening with is different.  The main bodice section has a closing in the front that ties to hold it closed.

The "bib" part of the front is left hanging while you are tying the front.

The class just finished and this is the final result:

The lessons are a week apart and so when I was caught up I started another dress from fabric in my stash.  Just finished it...will show you tomorrow!

Jen makes me laugh!!

Thought you may enjoy my daughter's adventure to Paris several years ago.  Jen is very much a "free spirit" but at the same time she is very honest about it and somewhat fights her free spirit too.  All and all, she is so funny when she tells me her stories, I just had to memorialize these here.

Jen:

I found my old e-mails to everyone while I was in Paris last.

I compiled them into a little journal.  Interesting read.

All my Paris Journals

I am 9 hours ahead of all of you - Crazy Stuff!

On the flight I met a really nice girl named Amelie and she lives in France.  We exchanged e-mail addresses but I managed to loose hers by the time I got to the hotel. 

I arrived yesterday morning and went through customs just fine but then I forgot to get my suitcase and went directly to the money exchange window instead.  I realized that I messed up about 10 min. in line so I decided to just do the exchange and then somehow get back into an area that was restricted once you leave.  Culture shock just set in now because I realized I couldn't just tell someone that I forgot my suitcase in baggage and that I need to get back in.  So, I decided to just wait till someone was coming out and slipped in without being seen.  Scary security there :) I managed to get almost all the way in when three security looked over at my guilty face - I played the dumb blond and used sign language to get my way through. 

Once that was over I needed to find a taxi and get the heck out.  I frantically dug for a copy of the name of the hotel and got in the cab and pointed at the piece of paper - luckly he knew where it was located.  Little did I know it was going to be an hour and a half ride in serious traffic to get there.  I was having talking withdrawal at this time so I just blurted out "Hey, your electrical poles are different than America"  He almost crashed I startled him so - he said what and while I was repeating what I said I realized how dumb it sounded and that he had no idea what I was saying.  He said that he didn't speak English and continued to drive.  Longest silent ride of my life.

Finally getting to the hotel Robert greeted me showed me our room and headed back to work.  I took a long bath and went to sleep till Robert came to pick me up for lunch.  I felt much better and headed out with him to find restaurant.  We picked a cute little cafe and Robert had mushroom ravioli's with major cream sauce and I had salad with hot goat cheese.  Really there wasn't anything else to choose from but the salad part was really good.  Then Robert walked me back to the hotel and he headed off to work telling me he would be back around 7-7:30 for dinner.  I took another long nap and then got up and went out - very intimidated I felt like a total tourist without a camera.  I wanted to fit in and I so didn't.  Culture shock something bad.  I got and idea from a television show I like to watch called "Dog Whisperer" where this guy "Cesar" tells people how to take control of their dogs and become the pack leader.  I thought I would use his techniques and when back to the hotel room and put on my headset and turned up the music and took control of my situation.  Stand tall and owned the sidewalks.  I stepped out feeling so good and fitting in.  I walked for a couple of hours and on my way back to the hotel, as I was casually walking blowing bubbles with my gum - a French Guy stopped me and said something about blowing bubbles and started a conversation with me like I was one of them.  I hated stopping him to tell him that I was American and didn't speak the language but I had to.  He said he thought I lived here.  Yes, I had pulled it off.  Then he gestured to go have a cup coffee with him and try to communicate to each other.  Well, It was almost 7pm and I need to get back to the hotel to meet Robert so I pointed at my wedding ring and gestured to my wrist that I had to go meet my husband.  He said please just 5 min.  I said okay and here I was walking to the closest coffee place with a local.  I think he ask me what kind of coffee or something (the sign language wasn't working well - so  tried to say the opposite of grande and that didn't work so I gesture small cup and he said okay and went in to it.  I was still chewing that gum so I needed to find a trash cane to chuck it.  No luck - not a trash in site.  I asked the owner for this and she thought I was saying I needed a ash tray.  I pointed to my gum and she and a customer said (in french) go outside and throw in the gutter.  I thought "I am not going to dirty another country" and said no to them - so one of the customers got up and walked me outside and pointed to the drain in the gutter - he gestured spitting it out in there.  I reluctantly did it and he was so happy.  I went back to table to continue the conversation with the coffee guy.  He wanted me to teach him English and me to learn French from him - this went on for a few min - I learned his descendants are from Armenia.  I had to leave so he asked if Robert and I would meet him back at the coffee shop tomorrow at 7pm and he would show us around and have some drinks.  I said bonjour and left

Robert had this are you crazy look when I told him my story.  I'm not sure I'm going to get him to meet this guytomorrow. 

Anyway we went to a cute vegetarian restaurant and had a full meal (Robert is really good at ordering in French with ease).  I had vegetarian pate, a bean stew and chocolate cake.  I'm drinking the water here so I hope I don't get sick.

That was my first full day in Paris - I'll send pictures when I get brave enough to look like a tourist and take them.

Bonjour,

Jennette

2nd day in Paris, France

Today I learned the Metro and took myself to Place de la Contrescarpe.  It took 3 different Metros and a short walk to this fascinating place where there is a farmers market, cobblestone roads, fountains, cafe's and great people watching and not tourist kind either - the French. :)  There I read my book outside a cafe while I drank a glass of wine.  At 3:30 all the schools let out and lots of students passed by.  Later two of those teenagers were in their room on the third floor above a corner grocery store - they were up to no go - I could just tell.  I watched further and noticed that they were throwing bread at the people going by - too funny.  An old man cursed at them and they hid till it was safe and continued.  When that got boring they got glasses of water and began pouring it on unsuspecting people below.  One of the girls noticed me giggling in the cafe and watching them.  She waved my way so I waved back.  Unfortunately someone that got drenched went up to their flat and told their parents - so the fun was over.  About 10 min later - the girls came outside and called me over to chat with them.  I paid my tab and went over.  They were just bored 13 year olds with nothing to do but be bad - they showed me where the mail is for all the people in their apartment and proceeded to pull out mail from one and put in another - they were having a ball.  I attached a picture of the place I was and the girls Charlotte and Lu.  I waved goodbye and headed back to the hotel where Robert was still working hard at his computer. 

We are about to go to dinner now. 

au revoir,

Jennette

3rd day in Paris

Robert had to go to a customers site today so no lunch date for me today.  I walked to a vegetarian restaurant we went to for lunch yesterday and got a bit lost but then found my way - they are so sweet there I took a picture of the lady that spoke English and interpreted the menu for me.  Today I was a tourist and I embraced it.

Then I was off to see the Jardin du Luxenbourg - wow it took my breath away.  Statues everywhere and I love statues - best art out there.  Flowers are all in bloom and the Parisians were sun bathing in the wonderful weather.  They don't have signs for the lawns you can go on and the ones you can't - I got busted trying to get a good picture - oh well.   I walked for hours and hours.  40 cents to potty and 5 blisters later I made my way back to the hotel for a nice bath and nap before Robert got back and said "I'm done working and on vacation now - lets go see the city". 

We took a couple Metro's to go to dinner at an Indian restaurant that was absolutely fabulous!  We then went to the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed the wonderful views at night.  I really didn't want to go up the thing until I saw it in person then I was like - "lets go up"  Poor Robert got suckered into buying me a rose from a vendor - I loved it though. 

We then rushed back before the Metro closed at 12:49am - very close.  I am going to sleep really good tonight. 

Random Stuff

I was petting some guys dog while he was in a shop - he came out and said "looks, here is a gift for you" and handed me the leash.  I said "no, no" and he said "Yes and he even knows english - watch" he tells the dog to sit and the dog sits - he says "see he does know english"  Robert managed to get me away before I took a brown lab home to american with us. :)

I found a health food store on the walk back from site seeing.  I went to open the door but I pulled instead of pushed.  I thought maybe they were closed.  Nope they were watching me look stupid because the note on the door said push - of course it was in french and I can't read french - They all giggled when I finally figured it out.  Stupid American. :)

I am going to miss the bidet - It's like taking a bath through out the day - fresh and clean. :)

The metro doors don't automatically open like they do on bart.  You open as you need.  I stood there the first time and was like "this thing is broken"  Someone showed me - how embarrassing. 

People don't have right away when it comes to crossing the street.  You know me - I almost get killed anyway crossing in California.  A local was watching me trying to cross (in a cross walk) a busy street and was giggling at me dodging cars and then going back to the curb again.  I guess it did look kind of silly - especially because I just wanted to get over there to take a picture and when I was done I realized that construction had closed the sidewalk ahead and so I had to cross again in front of that guy - I did a better job of running that time.

As you can see its very early in the morning on Saturday and I can't sleep.  We are going to a new hotel in the Latin Dist tomorrow and I'm excited.  Robert is out like a light. 

I guess I better try and sleep myself - big day tomorrow.  

Day 4 in Paris

I had a bad case of excitement last night so I got about 2 hours of sleep.  I couldn’t wait any longer so I woke Robert up at 6am we went to sleep at 2am so this wasn’t much sleep for him as well.  Today we are leaving the 14th Qtr and heading over to the 5th Qtr (Latin Dist).  Our check out time was noon and check in time at the new place was 1pmso to kill an hour we asked them hold our bags for a couple hours while we walked to lunch.  We ate at Aquarius one last time and of course the food was fabulous and the service so friendly.  This vegetarian restaurant is a tiny little place and the owners are a happy older couple that sing while they work.  Beautiful place.  We then said au ruvoir and left to wander the streets counting how many baguette we see people carrying around – we got to 25 in less than an hour and we met lots of dogs and one cat that was peering out of an open window on the 1st floor apartment.  The cat looked very French and snobby.  Too cute – wish I had brought my camera.  I stopped in a small store and bought a scarf – I was all green and yellow – we kept seeing the color green that I was wearing on everything so we got a picture of a fence with me matching so well. J

After picking up our bags and catching a cab for the new hotel we checked in and met our new room – so cute and quaint with windows that open over the special streets.  The room is perfect I love it.  The colors are calming and home feeling with a milk chocolate wall and multi paint transfer on the rest with natural hews – the curtains are burnt orange and milk chocolate strips.  Very nice.  A little LCD TV is hanging on the wall and plays one English channel but again boring stuff compared to the outside world. 

When we got finished getting situated we ventured out into our new environment.  "Wow" is all I kept saying with cobble stone EVERYWHERE and gargoyles peering down from above.  We only stepped a block away and discovered a tiny church that looked pretty cool from the outside – I notice the door was open so of course me – I walked in and holy cannoli was it a find. I will attach picture from it.  I can’t even describe the beauty and the fact that it isn’t on the map is crazy. 

We continued on to see the Notre Dam and although we didn’t go in (because the line was too long for our patience) the outside was a sight to see.  I have never hung my mouth open in awe for so long ever.

Later we had dinner at a vegetarian restaurant where the waiters spoke pretty good English.  – Yummy gourmet food.  Walked across the oldest bridge in Paris and checked out the night scene.

Wow was I tired at the end of this day.  With no sleep the night before I slept so well and I needed that.

Day 5

We went to the Louvre today – I saw the things I most wanted to see.  I am now very statue, painting and antiquities out.  My feet are killing me and Robert can just keep going – I will have to rest a bit before our next urban hike thru town.  

Yesterday I had a banana split with sorbet instead of ice cream - yum.  I went to use the rest room - the only one I found was just a urinal.  So, I went to the owner and asked where the toilette is and she pointed to the place I just came out of.  I told her (mostly sign language) that it was just a urinal.  In so many words she said that it was much cleaner because I wouldn't have to sit down.  Okay - I gave it a shot.  She was right and that was my first experience with a urinal.  :) 

Last night we had Mexican food - didn't really taste Mexican it tasted Paris Mexican - but it was good and healthy.

Today we are headed to the palace of Versailles should be pretty cool.  

The weather was about 70 - 75 degrees and so beautiful.  Perfect day for the Versailles - We rented a golf cart and rode around the entire gardens and over to the "hamlet" where Marie Antoinette had her little pretend village. Really the golf cart was only for an hour - the rest of the time we wandered all around for about 5 hours  I took tons of pictures - I loved it.  My feet are so dead - but later we went out for dinner over in the 4th qtr.  Great food - then we looked for some cute pubs but the 4th qtr is a bit seedy.  We did end up finding a couple places and then went off looking for the oldest house in Paris - we found it - down a little dark street out in the middle of seedyville. built in 1407 Its a restaurant named Nicolas.  Popular name here in Paris. 

We are waking up early to fly away home to USA in the morning.  good night.