Bon Anniversaire

"Happy Birthday" to my little sister!  Love yeh.

Went to Tours today to celebrate dear Christopher's birthday.  Here's a beautiful cathedral there:

Also spent some time with these fabulous ladies, Gina and Erica.  Gina and I met in Houston at the French Consulate and Erica is her roomie.  Love 'em!

French Jazz

L'Estiminat is a little cafe right down the street that has live jazz every Friday night.  We decided to pop in and found this underground the cafe we usually see:

Quite possibly one of the coolest things I've experienced here.  Almost everyone in attendance played some sort of musical instrument and they switched around playing the keyboard, guitar, drums, violin, sax and singing.  So much talent.  So much cool.

“The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.” JRR Tolkien

Secret tunnel connecting two streets which I previously believed to be very far apart.  Ah, exploration.

Luck

Played Texas Hold 'Em with some amis tonight, and learned that in French, if someone is "lucky" in a game, it means their significant other is cheating on them...oh, Frenchies (who are SO competitive)!

After 2/5 players were knocked out, my winning hand!

And for dinner?  Grilled chicken with mushroom, spinach, onions and Farfalle pasta.

An Ode to Speculoos

The following is a result of jetlag/no sleep/exhaustion/delirium.  Enjoy...(And laugh WITH me)

An Ode to Speculoos
First I found you as a cookie
Crunchy, light and sweet
Then one day, by happenstance, your creamy form I did meet

Could it be Love,
So addicting and tasty?
Because now, everything else is just plain pasty

Oh Speculoos,
I see you everywhere, like a fool
In Tiramisu and Cheescake crusts, it's getting harder not to drool

Can't wait to pack you up
So my friends will finally know
The yummy goodness you are and shout, "Alaa, bring us mo'!"

I believe this is crack, in a government-sanctioned form.
Fret not, American friends, I'll be bringing home PLENTY for you to gouter.

Back in Blois

After two weeks of family-filled adventuring, I'm back in Blois.

And what lovely mail I had waiting for me...

Thanks girls for the cutest holiday card!  It's up on the fridge bringing non-stop cheer.

Of course, being back in Blois means back to cooking.  Made a broccoli, shrimp and penne medley with lemon.  Here's the yumalicious recipe!

Happy New Year!

May this year be blessed with health, happiness, love and success.

 Le Tour Eiffel sparkling at midnight.