18 October 2009

Friends for almost 30 years Josette and Bruno Petrillo, Saint Aygulf, France President of France-Etat Unis both died this year Josette 23 February, Bruno 14 October. They left their footprints on the Heart.

After an uneventful trip we returned to Fort Lauderdale to the unusually hot weather. No matter it is great having more space. Paula remained until the 4th to help get us settled in before returning to her home in Louisiana. Only back one week when Jack fell out of bed as he got tangled up in the railing. The paramedics took him to Broward General Hospital where he remained for 5 days. After Xray, scanner and tests no broken bones were found however a urine infection and dehydration keep him from being discharged sooner. Joseph is back as his cargiver.

Time is a passing...23 July 2009

Saturday 18 July, with Gylls, Gerald and Jerry at Grimaldi Forum Monaco for Moscou Splendeurs des Romanov, recounts the history of 300 years of rule by the Romanov dynasty over 600 works, includiong the famous Faberge eggs. Nicholas II and family were the last of the Romanovs to rule.

Happily, things are pleasant inspite of the invasion of the Italians, English, Germans and Scanvanians on the beach and in town. Who can blame them, we seem to have all the sunshine and good weather. At present the Canadair are pouring water on fires near Marsielles, Corsca, Spain and Greece are also fighting out of control fires. The Atlantic coast, northen and central France are experiencing storms of rain and hail.

Gerald arrived in time to enjoy Bastille Day celebration. We were 20 on the balcony for the spectacular fireworks. During his weeks stay we enjoyed the quite times, good conversation, good food, good wine and good friends.

29 June 2009

Every section of the market has it's own speciality, for example, this bee keeper offering his honey of the region. Generally he is here only on Saturdays.

Pain de seigle (rye bread), pain noir, (black rye), pain complet (wholemeal bread), pain viennois (wheaten bread) baguettes (french bread) etc. avec la vendeuse. The bread of France is justly famous and the boulangers are proud practitioners of their many varieties. The life line of the french. Paula chose (her photo) this as her favorite bakery. I have my favorite just around the corner. Both are excellent, good reason to visit every day.

Early morning

Opening up early morning this is what I see, the Ocean Village coming to Saint Raphael. Music blasting to wake 2500 British tourist. The port is inadaquate to accomadate this large ship so it is anchored out a short distant from shore. Using numberous life boats the passangers are brought ashore where buses are waiting for those who have chosen to tour the area. Others enjoy the beach, casino or/and the local area. Too they will enjoy music until they board for their departure as bands are posted all over town. One of the bands will be right under my bedroom window until 11PM. Fortunately it is usually pleasant and look forward to this evening.

21 June 2009

Couldn't forget all those special Father's who enriches the lives of others today. Happy Father's Day!

A lot to celebrate today 1st day of summer and Music Festival.

14 June 2009

Photo from last year.

Tomorrow is Jack's birthday. We shall celebrate it with his favorite foods, there is a special ice cream that he especially likes. His friends will be here with their best wishes.

All in all things are running smoothly now that we have new personnel that arrives on time between 0800 and 0830. Because of Michel's busy schedule, he sees about 50 clients daily, he would arrive at any time between 0900 and 2PM. It just was not working, after a long discussion he agreed to find someone that would be available in a more timely manner. Now we happy with Jean Michel and Federick, 2 RNs that were not so busy that agreed to our schedule, early morning. Benoit the caregiver arrives at 1000 stays until 2PM, Marie Helene arrives at 4 after she finishes her shift at the local hospital, she is here until 8:30. At the moment I am happy with change.

We shared a bottle of champagne with Jean, Annette and Nicole last evening. Since everyone had a large lunch we skipped dinner. The girls visited while Jean went to the Casino. Marie Helene had Jack in bed by 8:30. After Annette and Nicole left iI was soon in bed.

You would think this is July with all the tourist already established on the b each early morning.

Voila! My news of the moment.

8 June 2009

Day before Paula's departure with Annie, English, French and German teacher. Annie is especially fond of Paula and the progress she is making with the language.

After an early morning flight Monday she is back home in Esterwood. The month seemed to go by quickly, I got used to her pulling the night duty with Jack, shopping and cooking. Benoit, the day caregiver, misses her meals and pastries, he wants to know if she will be returning soon. Yes she will be returning in Sept.

3 June 2009

Arlequin c Paul Cezanne 1888

After our visit with France we took advantage of being in Aix to see the Picasso and Cezanne Exposition. And what a marvelous exhibition and great museum. The works of Granet was also very much appreciated. The museum exceeded our expections.

2 June 2009

Today we visited my dearest friend of almost 30 years in Aix-en-Provence. This lovely lady was placed in a retirement home by her daughter because of a fall in her beautiful home 130 km away. In my opinion and of Paula's she doesn't belong here. By retirement standards it is probably one of the best here. She has her own furniture in a small apartment with balcony, she lives with about 100 other residents, mostly women. The dining room was nice and bright, white table cloth and napkins , porceline plates and silverware. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with rose wine. After a stroll in the garden we visited in her apartment. It would have been nice if we could have taken her back to her home in Saint Raphael, but of course we could not. She said her daughter wouldn't allow it. She has only been there for a short time and said she is adjusting and has been through worst, meaning World War II.

Monday 25 May 2009

Today we are profondly sad as we layed Josette Peillet Petrillo to rest at the cemetery Saint Etienne de Frejus. Abbe Joseph Houze of Saint Aygulf officiated at the gravesite to comfort those loved ones left behind. She was my friend who introduced me to many friends, places and things in this wonderful country, the place I call home for almost 30 years. I am thankful for this special relationship and for the opportunity to have shared in her life. May she rest in Peace.

24 May 2009 Memorial Day

Mayor Max Piselli of Draguignan and the nephew and niece of Sgt Ryan burried here.

Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa laying wreath.

Paula and I attended the memorial service at Draguignan Sunday. For the last 65 years the French and American citizens gather at this memorial cemetery to honor the brave young men and women who gave their lives in our country's service. They came from every State except North Dakota, some came from District of Columbia an Puerto Rico. The 861 headstones are arranged in a straight line .

Pres. Sarkozy honoring World War Veterans for the liberation of France Photos from TF1

13 May 2009

With the help of Paula the trip, though long, was uneventful. The 8 hour flight, Miami to London went by quickly as we slept most of the way. Arriving at the new terminal 5 and departing for Nice in the same terminal was a great improvement from having to transfer via navette and long walk which took a good 30 minutes . Our reserved Cabana with shower, toilet, sink, lounger, TV and room service made waiting for our connection more enjoyable. Gylls, Jerry and the medical transportion was waiting our arrival at Nice. Though Paula had to take a Taxi we arrived in Saint Raphael at the same time. The apartment was as we left it in October, thanks to Christiane. The frig with our favorite foods and wine, flowers of roses and lilies filled the rooms with their sweet aromas. It was good to be back.

March 2009

After 8 years Jack's daughter Peggy and grand daughter Sara visited. Sara lives in Port Lucie, Florida about an hours drive from here Peggy lives in Lindhurst, Illinois but is often in Florida as she also has a son at the Naval Base in Pensacola. They promised to visit more often.

9 March 2009

Tux with his backpack waiting for his walk.

It was such a pleasure having Dena here for a visit. Fortunately she was able to spend a couple weeks before returning to Arkansas, a 3 day drive to her home.

23 February 2009

After a brief hospital stay Josette shocked her friends by not waking up two days after her release. She was never a stranger to the newcomer. We met in 1982 in Saint Raphael at party for France-Etat Unis of which she was President. She was a great organizer and you just didn't say no to her outings. She met and married Bruno Petrillo 46 years ago in New York where her career started at Boston College. She returned to France when her parents were ailing and, though she longed to revisit, never returned to N.Y. We will have a memoral service for her 25 May. This very unique lady will be missed.

Paula's visit 4 Feb.

On her visit she filled the freezer with her famous gumbo, and scones.

Pete and Donald

I can't believe that we are approaching May and I have no new posting since Christmas. Here is a recap of what has been happening since then.

Christmas

Paula and Ed" 28 year anniversary on the day of their departure from FLL. enjoying breakfast with Jody and Gerald.

Jack, Joseph, Paula and Jody.

Dena just reminded me that my last message was at Thanksgiving. I will try to catch up with a new posting. Paula, Jody, Ed and Gerald enjoying Christmas dinner with us.

THANKSGIVING

BECAUSE IT IS THANKSGIVING
HERE AGAIN

IT'S TIME TO WISH YOU

CHEER AGAIN,

AND TIME FOR BEING

THANKFUL TOO,

THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE

NICE AS YOU!