Just finished unpacking, cleaning and loving up on the animals...Carly Mead, our guest, house sitter and friend, did a great job of looking after the beasts while we were away.  The worst part about travel.  Missing the animals, therefore, I take photos of dogs and cats I see when visiting foreign lands...

Just back from 17 days in France...it was simply divine.  3 days in Paris, Aix en Provence, then a river boat trip through Normandy.  I really liked the river boat, which was a surprise...it saves the hassle of a car and stopping in every little town along the Seine was just wonderful.  If you want to take day excursions farther afield, it's easy enough via taxi or tour....planning the next adventure now!  Lyon and Spain.