Montigny-bound

Heading down to our "winter quarters" for some days (we'll doubtlessly be shuttling between Paris and Montigny).

I'll hopefully do some updates and devise a new "process" for blogging in 2007. Your comments are, as always, welcome!

View of Montigny-sur-Loing, oil on canvas by Jacob Maris, 1870; in the Haags Gemeentemuseum, Netherlands.

Follow along ... or catch up with us!

Sunday relaxathon in and about Paris (ALL Right Bank!) - feel free to catch up with us:

1. Baron Rouge for oysters (and that after the massive quantities at Benj's last night)
2. Hôpital Saint-Antoine to say "hallo" to Alison
3. Bolivan restaurant , Candela Calienta, to listen to Carlos and his group
4. Sushi dinner at Anne Baudart's

Numbers 1 & 3 are open to you, kind Readers. If you're in Paris then come on by!

And here's the map.

"Un Tramway Nommé Désir" - Streetcars Make a Comeback in Paris ...

The last Paris tram ground to a halt 60 years ago. Now a new tram line is being introduced with lots of fanfare ... and we're going at 2pm today to join in the public inauguration with a free ride along the new route. See you there?

The new Bélière

Recently reopened, after a two-year hiatus, this neighborhood landmark has been totally refurbished in a much more "branché" style, but still retains its owner, Colette, and good feeling (and live music). An enormous improvement is the food (see my "What We're Eating" blog) which is an excellent value and nicely presented.

Aline, Celestine, Mariusz and I wrapped at midnight ... but (naturally) Odile & Denis stayed until 3am!

Les temps des cerises

The "Commie" resto tonight with Aline, her friend Celestine (in from Galway), Denis and Claudine & Franck (both up from Toulouse) and Frankie's sister, Florence. Very nice time getting caught up with everyone.

Happy Birthday lil bro' !

Today is the birthday my brother, René, and he catches up with me (56y/o) for two months ... then the counter turns over for me, too.

So, I thought I'd point out to him (and you all) that it is also the birthday of singer, dancer, and actor Sammy Davis, Jr who was born this day in 1925 and was a member of the legendary “Rat Pack” with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. So, Réné ... in your honor I've decided to create a club dedicated to YOU ... and we'll call it the "RAP Pack" ... your T-shirt will arrive soon (and you others can order from ... me. How's that for viral marketing?).

Anyway, Odile and I (plus Fanchette, Benjamin, Sylvie, Jean-Marie, Alison... and others you met when last you came to Paris) all wish you a très bon anniversaire !

Nuestro Tío Mágico

I just received (from both my brother and cousin) a copy of a recent article entitled "La aventura de ser Toño González" about the life of my very dear and "magic" uncle, Toño - besides my parents one of the people I most love and who has, perhaps unwittingly, taught me so much. I'll try to get the article posted somewhere soon - for now, dear Readers, if you want a pdf copy just post here or e-mail me and I'll gladly send it along.