MORE AUGUST THOUGHTS FROM DEB. 8-25-15

*We've been taking advantage of the Parisian parks during the hot weather. And we're not the only ones. European travellers make full use of the parks in their travels, refilling water bottles at the Wallace fountains, napping on the grass, picnicking with excellent sandwiches and pastries from the boulangeries at a fraction of restaurant costs, and just like us, enjoying the fascinating people-watching.

* Speaking of Wallace fountains and people-watching, we loved seeing a patient granddad making the circuit of the many Wallace fountains in the fashionable Parc Monceau. His curly haired young grandson was leading him from one to another, trying to figure out how his grandfather could cause a delightful gush of water to come forth, while he could not (might have had a bit to do with hand size and strength.) Little Della-Robbia-angel boy would make a show of washing his hands in the water, then lead his grandfather off to the next fountain. I have no doubt they spent the entire afternoon in this way.

* More people-watching: an elegantly dressed woman in the same park engaging one of the gardeners in an active conversation about the cultivation of various bushes. He was standing there in his muddy Wellies, watering the aforementioned bushes and she was gesturing and questioning, looking immaculate from her stiletto heels to her Hermes purse. Both were totally absorbed and enjoying the conversation. After some minutes, they formally shook hands (after he carefully rinsed his off in the hose) she went on her way, and he went back to gardening.

* An observation of some eternal, unchangeables: the continual fascination of children for ducks in the water. And the ducks insatiable appetite for bread crumbs. The bread being offered in full view of the signs directing that it not be offered. Both ducks and children law-breaking. Both blatantly unrepentant.

* We had promised Warren's doctor that we would keep up with his yearly blood test to monitor his blood pressure meds. We were pretty concerned that his cholesterol (and mine) might have skyrocketed since we have been supporting our local cheese shop singlehandedly  since we got here. Amazingly it was unchanged. Whoopee! There must be something to this "French effect" proposition (the statistics indicate that despite high cheese/wine/bread etc. intake, French obesity rates are markedly lower and life expectancies higher than the US.) We have no idea of why that might be, but immediately bought more Brie and a baguette to celebrate.

*The end of August is bringing the "Rentree", or Back-to-School. Harried looking parents with various sized, mostly bemused looking students in tow are all over town, clutching long lists of required school items. Because outfitting pupils is an expensive proposition, stores all over town are vying for business with sales on children's items. And everyone is trying to work in a few last summer activities. Our courtyard has been ringing with the sounds of revelry from end-of-summer get togethers. Pleasant to hear laughter and the clinking of glasses on a summer night.

*The news in Europe has been full of the young Americans who thwarted the terrorist on the high-speed train from Belgium. I'm amazed at their bravery and quick thinking. Astonished, too, that some American news sites criticized their informal dress at the ceremony at the Presidential Palace here in Paris where President Holland awarded them the Legion of Honor, France's highest honor. None of the French coverage cared that their best clothes for the occasion were polo shirts and khakis. They were on vacation for heaven's sake - not expecting to visit the president. I think their courage was spectacular and their clothing inconsequential. Mutter, mutter, mutter...

*I'm eating apricots like a glutton, knowing the season's days are numbered (or mine, or both). The cherries - red, yellow, purple, orangey-red - have come and gone. Wish I'd eaten more of them.

*Warren and Jim Cook are off to the Catacombs today, checking one more thing off Jim's list. I would love to see the site, but can't go since they don't allow anyone with asthma or any breathing issues to go down into the tunnels. So I'll have to do this touristing vicariously. I'll assuage my disappointed feelings by overeating tonight at our dandy neighborhood seafood restaurant, celebrating Warren's birthday. Happy, happy, happy to my dearest travelling companion!