Gidget is 2

Happy second birthday to my sweet baby girl!  I can't believe it's been two years.  You fill my life with so much joy and laughter, and frustration! You are the smartest, craziest, sweetest, most hard-headed dog around.  I'm so glad I chose the wild puppy that day on the farm. 

Day 1- Our first - The farmhouse 

Today- 2 yrs old 

Scenes from Weekend

My dear friends, Randy and Julie, were down for the past few days.  We had a blast, as we usually do together. 

We started with drinks and appetizers at Elijah's.

We made tomato pie for dinner. So delicious.

We went to Indochine the second night and ate in the outdoor hut. So fun

We hit up the beach a lot!

We made dirty martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives.

For dinner-  Chinese chicken burgers on the grill, sweet potato fries, and a spicy slaw. 

Last night we went to the local wine bar, The Fortunate Glass, and had some amazing petit Syrah.

10 Places, 2 weeks - My Conclusions

Barcelona - La Rambla, sangria, and your proximity to the Mediterranean were your shining moments. Your people weren't friendly, making you less desirable.  

Banos de la Encina-  visiting here is like taking a trip back in time.  So little has been touched and changed.

Jaen- A mere drive through the city and quick stop at the Gypsy market didn't do you justice.  Your greatest tribute was the people I met from your city.  

Granada- Although I didn't get to see as much of you as I would have liked, from the Alhambra, your view was the most breathtaking of all.  

Salamanca- You were a fun town.  Young people are drawn to your excitement.  Your plaza is lively. 

Vecinos-Site of the Wedding.  Your country hills, filled with livestock, create the illusion of a different time.  Your warm days and cool nights made a perfect venue for the lively wedding. 

Segovia-  You were full of history and intrigue.  Your village, sitting high on the hill, made a perfect day trip. 

  

Bordolat- Southern France, gorgeous.  Your farms and simple life make the perfect getaway.  I see why people retire here.  A great break from a fast paced life, a little slice of country heaven. 

Paris- You are lovely, just as I knew you would be.  You are romantic and thought provoking.  I know why writers and artist find inspiration here.  Your breads and food are unlike any other.  You are beautiful in the rain and probably even more beautiful in the cooler months.  And though I thought you'd steal my heart, you didn't.  

Madrid- I felt something special about you the very first night; your history, your color, the length of your nights.  Your plaza, so alive and vivacious.  Your people, so friendly and passionate.  A stumble down any of your streets results in a new adventure.  Photographs of you should always be in color, because if they aren't, they don't really tell your story.  Madrid, I will be back to visit you soon, you were my favorite. 

Thats a wrap

Yoga Around Europe

My yoga studio is having a competition for best yoga poses, in the most scenic places.  The winner receives a free month of yoga.  Here are the ones from Europe.  Also, I just received the email last night, I won. Beyond excited!

Pose: Bow Pose

Where: Second oldest castle in Europe. Banos de la Encina, Spain. 

Background: The hills of Andalucia, at Sunset

Pose: Eagle Pose

Where:  Royal Palace - Madrid, Spain

Background:  The Royal Cathedral

Pose: 

Where:  Banos de la Encina, Spain

Background:  European Castle

Paris

Day 1 

We woke up early, caught the metro, and headed for the Seine and coffee. We had an espresso at a local bistro.  We then went for a walk along the river, heading in the direction of the Notre Dame.  Paris is best seen on foot.  It was a cloudy day, the sun only showing itself a time or two, as if too shy to make a full appearance.  A steady mist followed us most of the day, making the walk even more authentic.  

We walked across "lovers bridge"; couples attach locks to the bridge.  In hopes their love will last forever, they toss the key into the river.  

The Notre Dame was crowded with tourist, but even they couldn't distract from its glory.  The gothic architecture is stunning.  I lit a candle inside the cathedral and listened as a local choir sang beautiful melodies.  

We decided to stop at a nearby brasserie for lunch.  Mercedes had the salmon quiche and green salad, both equally appealing.  I enjoyed the croque monsouire, also accompanied by a green salad.  We ate outside; enjoying the food, people, and glass of Bordeaux.  Lunch lingered; unlike in America where we feel rushed to eat, Paris is a place meals are savored and appreciated.  

Next on my must see list was Laduree, the famous macaroon bakery.  A hidden gem I was unable to locate, but I did stumble upon a great shoe store in the process. I bought the perfect pair of loafers that will be great in the fall.  Luxembourg gardens appeared in our vicinity and we made our way in that direction, a beautiful spot for a picnic.  Still on the hunt for macaroons, we stopped in a local boutique to ask for directions.  I was advised of where Laduree was located, but told that Pierre Herme, three doors down, was the real macaroon genius.  Trusting a local, I headed to the store. I got two macaroons, both delicious, but a little rich for my taste.  

After an afternoon nap, we headed back out for dinner.  We hit up a brasserie in our neighborhood.  We both ordered an avocado salad and pomme frites.  

Day 2 

Thursday morning we took the metro to a pastry store. I had an amazing, buttery croissant. We had coffee at the bistro next door.  We went to the Musee D'Orsay after breakfast.  I particularly loved the Van Gogh and Neo-Impressionist exhibits.  

We walked along the river until we arrived at the Eiffel Tower.  It is much larger than it seems.  We took a ride on the merry-go-round; when in France....

We headed for lunch, not far away, at an outdoor cafe.  I had an omelet royal and Mercedes had the vegetable salad. 

 

Tonight, we are going for pizza, because every pizza we have seen in Paris looks heavenly.  Tomorrow, we head back to the states.  Epic trip indeed! 

Southern France

We arrived at Mercedes' cousins' farm late Monday evening.  Anne, an American, moved back to France with Patrick, her husband, who is French.  They bought a working farm in southwestern France in 2005.  It is breathtaking.  

The perfect French country home.  We went outside to their patio for dinner.  

We ate foie gras, bread, cheese, omelet, salad, and brioche.  We also enjoyed some wine. 

The house was charming. 

We walked the property Tuesday morning, looking at all of their wonderful work. 

They had two precious dogs; one had only three legs, but lots of energy.  Spending the morning with them helped me miss Gidget a little less. They also had chickens, which provided the eggs the night before. 

After our tour, they took us to the train station.  Anne packed us a traveling basket full of bread, cheese, and apricots.  This was so kind and we enjoyed our lunch on the train.  We checked in to the apartment in Paris last night and enjoyed a dinner down the street.  Today, we explore the city.