Every November for many years, Larry and I went far away for Thanksgiving. (we started going away after my Mother died. Thanksgiving was always at her house.) Larry chose France because one of his best friends is from Tours FR and we found a few long lost relatives in France too. So, He took us away to Paris. Lauren and Jami were not very happy on that first trip. We stayed in little, no name hotels back in the beginning of our trips. It was all we could afford. They are such good memories.

Last year would have been year 23 or maybe 24 going to France in Autumn. I have lost count. We could not go because I was dealing with a second diagnosis of breast cancer. We stayed home. I had surgery and treatment.

Larry and I are going to stay home this year also. All airfare has turned into vouchers and the suitcases are still in storage. I am looking toward 2021. Fingers crossed.

The photo below was taken in 2018. It was our apartment near UNESCO. The neighborhood was wonderful…and one cold morning while on the terrace, it snowed. I loved that apartment. I accidentally broke the TV in that apartment one day (and Larry had to go to the appliance store and buy a new one. He brought it home in a TAXI! It was awesome)….and it had a service entrance …in the kitchen. Every day a man came to the service door. He talked so fast that neither Larry nor I could understand what he wanted. I hope that it was not important.

The photo below was taken one day after our cooking class. It is hard to believe that within 5/6 months later the Cathedral would burn.

This time of year, I am typically super busy packing, etc….not today , but I do have a confession. A friend in Paris gave me a recipe a few years ago. The recipe is for Rosemary Cashews. I felt a bit homesick today so I made a double batch. I wish that you could smell the house…roasted nuts always smell so warm. (and it smells like France to me now)

I have been planning Thanksgiving dinner for a few weeks. This weekend I will start wrapping Christmas gifts and our Thankful Cards are finished being made. All that is left is to sign them…

Tomorrow is never promised to us. I know that. I just cannot help feeling a bit sad about what we all have given up over the past year.

OK, I got that out of my system. Thank you for listening! Email me if you would like the cashew recipe.

Love you beyond the moon and stars.

Me