Friday, May 16, 2008

Snippets

* This is not photoshopped in any way. Well, except for cropping. But that doesn't count. I popped over to the botanical gardens yesterday to check out the spring progress. The lilacs are just starting, and the apples and cherries are going gangbusters.


* I was very pleased to see my home state's supreme court overturn the ban on gay marriage. It is not activist judges disobeying the will of the people, it is judges rightly interpreting the law, the tyranny of the majority notwithstanding. My terrible fear is, however, that this is part of some evil plan to win McCain the election.

* Only 12 sleeps until vacay. I think this might be the best part.

* If there's one thing in Paris that spouse shouldn't miss, what is it?

* I mowed the lawn. Or perhaps I should say the dandelion patch. I used to think they were pretty. But then I became a landowner.

* I'm reading Perfume whose storyline unfurls in Paris. It takes place hundreds of years ago when all sorts of matter was in the river, the streets, the stores. There were 75 different kinds of stench, all layered atop one another. Such foulness made perfume a popular item. But it kind of grosses me out too and I know I'll be thinking about it as I walk along the Seine.

* I was thinking today was going to be kind of an easy day. That's because I have one class and the rest of the day to do as I wish. But it's not all grand, I've got to leave at 6:15 this morning, ugh. Y'all have a nice weekend. (Ours is long, the queen's birthday or some such nonsense Monday. I wonder what we'll do......)

23 comments:

scotrock said...

Go for a walk in the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. The place is full of atmosphere and the various graves and monuments are wonderful. Buy a map, though, don't rely on the freebie. The map you pay for makes it much easier to find the graves of the famous.

Rick Bettencourt said...

I love spring. Great pics!

Snooze said...

Those colours are so vibrant!

Lemuel said...

"...I wonder what we'll do......)..."

...whatever Queens do for their birthdays, of course. ;)

Have a "royal" weekend!!

Anonymous said...

McCain will use the California decision to spread alarm. It will be his job and purpose to make sure that normal people are protected from terrorists and queers. Ed

lattégirl said...

* I am reliably informed by people who go regularly to Paris on business that the city still STINKS. Dogs shit with impunity on the sidewalks and curbs, and nobody picks it up. It may be somewhat cool and less smelly this time of year, though. Apparently, on hot summer days, it is almost unbearable if you are not a Parisian accustomed to it.
* I guess if there's one thing neither of you should miss it would be the Louvre.
* You could have picked the dandelions to make tea.(I fear I am turning into Mother Earth's Little Helper these days...)
* Enjoy your weekend. You will post, won't you? (and go pick wild garlic?)

Patricia said...

The lilacs are my fave. I liberate some from my neighbor every few days. My house has smelled sweet for days.

The anticipation of vaycay really is part of the whole package. I'm excited for you!!

GayProf said...

Since its own decision to endorse equal marriage, Massachusetts has reaped the benefits of an increasing number of talented gays moving to the state (and exiting backwards states). Given that CA already had a larger gay population, this could only expand its lead in the nation.

All the same, I sometimes wish I could escape all the hate that thrives in the U.S. Democrats always underestimate the levels of racism, homophobia, and sexism that deliver victories to Republicans.

Anonymous said...

Go to Julian's. It's a famous restuarant from the 20's. Beautiful stained glass windows and fabulous food and adorable waiters.

Anonymous said...

My choice for Serge (and you!) in Paris: Hot dogs and champagne on the cinqieme etage of the Tour Eiffel. I remember doing it as a college kid with my partner. Great fun! by: BobVT

lattégirl said...

Patricia has the right idea. Liberating trees of their flowers means even more blooms the subsequent year. :)

Greg said...

If I'm doing anything in photoshop lately, it's taking color away from overly-exposed photos! Those tulips are damned lovely and the trees, as well...I just love this time of year!

I've never been to Paris, so I have no true recommendations. I know I'd want to put together a tour of all the scenes from Les Mis if I went...particularly some serious time spent in the gardens at La Luxembourg. Just watch out for the dog poo, apparently.

Enjoy your celebration of Old Queens this weekend!!

don said...

For me the Parisien experience is all about walking, getting lost in all of those fabulous arrondisements. I especially like going to the smaller museums, like the musée Picasso which is in La Marais. And going for a run in le Bois de Bologne est fantastique(during the day)!

My adventures said...

The Musee D'Orsee is not to be missed! And I agree with BobVT, the hot dogs are fab but I forgot to bring champagne, and now need to go back! Have a FAB trip! I'm green with envy and hope you'll take lots of pics!

Gregory McCormick said...

OK the one not to miss place in Paris is the Rodin Museum. Even if you're not into sculpture particularly, it's a really beautiful peaceful place with a lovely garden that I could sit at for hours.

The Louvre is great, but it's just too much. And it's packed usually with people from California and Tokyo.

Don't do too much in Paris: one museum in the morning, then spend the rest of the day just walking around...

mare said...

* If there's one thing in Paris that spouse shouldn't miss, what is it?

Les Catacombes

Butch said...

The tulips are quite beautiful. All the plants flowering make Spring such a feast for the eyes.

I too, am glad California ruled the proper way. I do not understand why people want to vote on someone else's rights. No one's rights should be up for a vote, period. I understand there has been a signing petition to try and bring this for a vote in the fall.

I will give Arnold Schwartenegger credit on this one. He says he will respect the court's decision ( after ignoring the law of the legislature twice with his vetos ) and would veto any bill that would want to change the constitution of the state to descriminate against gays. I also know we can count on the bigoted republicans to gather the mouth breathing, bible thumping, snake-handling, knuckle-draggers again, to vote against Obama in the Fall. I think this time around the public is going to say "enough" and hopefully, vote them all out of office.

( a wee segue . . . )

Definitely, go to the Louvre. We were last in Paris in 1984 and the glass structure in the front hadn't been built. One could spend weeks in there and not see enough. Do not miss the Mona Lisa ( La Gioconda ) I thought it was going to be larger than it was but never the less, one of the highlights on our trip. Napoleon's Tomb sight seeing tour can be fun as well, but if you are not fond of the rush of tour guides, the Metro (or is that Britain?) is a great way to get around. We enjoyed Notre Dame, and the Sacré Coeur up above the city, gives one a lovely view of it.

Jeff said...

Ouff... How long are you in Paris? If I had just one day, I'd skip the museums. I'd pick up some bread at http://www.poilane.fr/
Buy some equally good cheese and a great bottle (or 2) of wine or maybe a bottle of http://www.lavieilleprune.com/
and head to a park for a picnic. Then I'd watch all those hot French guys stroll or catch some sun topless in the park!

Anonymous said...

For a short visit to Paris, you HAVE to go to the Louvre (even if you just wander around the outer court), take a walk along the Tuileries to the Musee d'orsay, spend an afternoon in Montmartre and the Sacre-Coeur. Also not to be missed is Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle, a trip on the bateau mouche. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time going up the Tour Eiffel: huge lineups and not that great a view. I also second the suggestion of the Pere Lachaise, Napoleon's tomb in the Invalides and the Musee Rodin. You will be tired and sore-footed at the end of it, but it will be an unforgettable trip. And if you have a spare day, Versailles is certainly worth the detour... I am now getting very jealous!

Anonymous said...

Ummm...Paris...hmmm...well, a lot of people like to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but I've never been even though I've driven past many times. Wait...you did mean the Paris of the Midwest, didn't you?

Jen said...

I second the catacombes, and the gelato place mentioned here:

http://www.dessertcomesfirst.com/?p=433

The marais district is great for walking... a very vibrant neighbourhood.

Summer said...

I"m late to the party but the tulips are just beautiful! I tried to make it my desk top but it didn't work. keep the pics coming. :)

Mark in DE said...

The spring photos are gorgeous!

Mark :-)