~Bonjour Paris~

Last weekend, le Rey and I went to see his brother and sister-in-law at their apartment in Paris! I went to Paris for a couple days way back in 2006, but it was a very quick trip. Since Reichardt and Karin have been living there for almost a year, they know their way around (and can speak French quite well!). They are there for Reichardt's job.

His work pays for their amazing apartment.

I know.

And his company pays Karin a small "salary" instead of a work visa. So she takes French classes, works on her photography skills, plans trips and does housewife stuff.

I know. Amazing. That is the way to move abroad. Have the employer take care of everything!

Anyway, Paris was soooo different this time around (as we got to stay with them, they have a car, and we were there for 4 1/2 days). It was a fantastic to spend time together and to see Paris through their eyes. They have made the most of their time and seen alot of France, as well as fitting in 3 week backpacking trip around Europe!  Karin is an inspiring woman-usually in the typical workforce, she has patiently put her career on hold while she and Reichardt enjoy this special time of their life in Europe. She happily cooks, cleans and enjoys Parisian life. She has reminded me to live in the moment and take things as they come.

We know it is quite a blessing to be so close in proximity at this time and we are so fortunate that we could see them! The train from London to Paris was only 2 hrs 15 min!!! Can you believe that?!

We are hoping to fit one more trip in before they move back to South Africa.............

Paris is more beautiful than I remember, and indeed a romantic city. What a great time!

Thankful

Hello!

Schools were on holiday this past week, but I still do not know where the time has gone!  Hope you are doing well.  Here are some pictures from walks through the park and a trip to Camden market with a long-lost (not really lost) traveling companion!

{sidenote}: as I upload these photos, I'm watching the movie Dear John. I remember watching this in Australia when le Rey was in Afghanistan. I feel guilty that I don't say a prayer of praise everyday thanking our merciful God for protecting le Rey through his deployments. How quickly I forget what those times were like. 

If any of you have a loved one on deployment, my heart goes out to you. I know it's heart wrenching and uncertain. I hope you have moments of peace as you wait, and the deployment ends quickly.

That's all for today. Feeling grateful that my sweet, wonderful husband is sleeping peacefully in the next room and that I don't have to wonder about the next phone call.

 

 

there were some huge mansions on the way home from my walk

 

May summary

Hello family and friends!!!

Although cloudy yesterday and today, last week and all weekend the weather was SUNNY AND WARM!!

My mood improves dramatically over here when this happens. Sunday afternoon le Rey and I went with our friend Toni to a pub and sat in the garden having some drinks and appetizers.all afternoon.love.

I got to wear shorts and a tank top.

If the whole summer could be like that I would be so grateful.

I have decided to celebrate with a shop in London (that will remain nameless because I am far too old to be shopping there....take your guesses) and get myself some new tank tops. 

This is not wise because basically warm clothes are need for about 10 months out of the year here, but hey.

 

Moving on.....did you know that it's the Diamond Jubilee this weekend? 60 years of reigning as the Queen. 

Red, white, and blue bunting or Union flag bunting or Union flag suitcases or cups or WHATEVER is everywhere.

I don't know if I'm going to do anything for the festivities.......I may wander upon some street parties or whatevs. I care more about the weather and getting my white legs back to their normal color of TAN. That would make me most happy this weekend.

On the job front, I took a very big risk and applied for a job that is very much out of my comfort zone. The reward is greater than the risk, so I went for it. The outcome looks good, but I will explain more when all is finalized.....stay tuned : )

Yesterday le Rey had the day off. It was great to have more time together.

One of the things we did was go through a LOT of his clothes/things. He had clothes that were too small, stained, old, hadn't been worn in forever. We made it a lot of fun, and I couldn't resist taking a few pictures:

  

Really le Rey, where did you think you were going to wear that SPERM shirt?

Tears for a favorite South Africa top that was stained and missing buttons.

I don't have a picture of everything we're donating, but it's alot!!

Thanks le Rey for letting me put up these photos (don't know if I specifically asked you but....)

I still have mixed emotions about being here as I miss friends and family and yoga at LA Fitness on  83rd and Union Hills and laying by the pool with my sis and meeting my girls for coffee, but I'll try and stay in the present and enjoy everything now. 

Life with my dear husband is great. He treats me like princess--I am so loved and adored. We're loving every second of our life together!

Love,

Kelli