AUSFAHRT AND OTHER AMUSING WORDS...

Can't help but chuckle every time I see the sign Ausfahrt in Austria. It indicates a vehicle exit, and the Americanized version is somewhat of an exit, too, isn't it?

LG was sick a bit when we returned from our three weeks in France and Spain. She keeps telling us that she is no longer girting, which is her version of the Slovak word for vomitting...

LG is all show biz. JA and KF are much lower key and as they grow up they will most likely end up as her cohorts in crime. She is the oldest and has the strongest "leadership" skills! LG isn't shy about performing, even with her as-yet limited talent. To our great and diabolical amusement, she always insists that we "crap" for her. "We are crapping..."

And, grandpa carefully compared two trendy shirts for JA while shopping at Du Pareil au Meme, finally settling on a very urban/trendy look to go with the "grunge" sweater jacket and cool scarf. Unfortunately, some French words don't translate as PC in American English. The little squishy guy's wonderful shirt announces "retard" in letters bolder than we would wish... With Latin the base language for both French and English, it makes sense that this French word meaning delay or lateness in America English refers to the developmentally disabled [now considered a derogatory term, but commonly used in the late 20th century. Never acceptable when used as a noun: retard; commonly and politely used as an adjective: "The child is retarded."].

PARIS - Exploring

Neither of us wanted to get out of bed this morning! How sad to be in Paris and hiding under the covers, dozing away the morning. This is our fourth week of traveling and burrowing in is so, so tempting. I remember that if I open my eyes and start taking in my surroundings I can better ease into wakefulness. CA goes out to get a Metro pass and I start the shower…

REVISITING PARIS IN THE SPRINGTIME

Ah-h-h Paris. I'm daydreaming about going back soon. I may have to be content with a virtual visit as I read Clothilde Dosoulier's upcoming release Clothilde's Edible Adventures in Paris. I thought it was to be out this week but just noticed that the release date is April 22. Her book tour last year brought her through Chicago and we had a delightful luncheon and visit with her at Froggy's in Highwood.

It's been just a year since I took my small granddaughter for her first visit to Paris. Who knew there were so many playgrounds scattered throughout the city? And, the carousels! There seems to be one on every corner. Liliana had her first and her fifth ride while there.
Seeing Paris through a child's eyes was a treat. She chose her first umbrella and then a blue beret. And, the children's clothing stores are superb--Du Pareil au même is my favorite. Each location has a variety of styles and the prices are quite reasonable.



My all-time favorite stop is always E. Dehillerin for cookware and supplies. It's kind of like my Las Vegas. I have to go in with a "limit" or I could go for broke. A few of my favorites from last year's trip...

photo from remodelista