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.