Here and there (posted by Ann)

Lani, I can't believe it has snowed already for you. I'm still trying to fit in a last few sails before the harbor closes for the season. I'm not ready for fall yet. Here's a picture from the last time we were out sailing with friends. Ignore the bad hair and focus on how happy I look!

I was in Madrid last week, and now I am here.

On Saturday, I spent the day at the Palacio Real, the Plaza Mayor, and all the small streets around it with shops, tapas bars, bazaars, and lots of local flavor. I took this picture for Laura to consider for her bridesmaids dresses - honestly, I think I had a couple that were almost this bad when I was doing the bridesmaid thing.

Then I took the overnight train Madrid to Paris, and the scenery north of Madrid as the sun was setting was just fabulous. You go into the mountains, and it looks like the hills of California - sun drenched and golden, with solitary trees and dry washes, stone fences and old foundations of buildings long gone - it was wonderful, and I watched until it was so dark that you could only see lights in the distance.

In Paris, I went to - of course - the Musee d'Orsay, then out to dinner to Au Pied de Cochon, where they serve you these after dinner. Yes, that's right, little piggie meringues. It made me think of Beth & Pete's neighbors when they lived in Coral Gables, they would have been right at home in this restaurant.

I have a couple of new favorites from the d'Orsay. Look at this sculpture done in different stones, just fabulous!

And now one for Steve.

Other than that fun, it's all work for the rest of the week. Home on Friday!