Living in the Past...

9/30/2013

Bonjour mes amis!

Tell me something...

Did you move a lot when you were little?

I mean, did you grow up in the same town all your life?

Well, I really only moved once during my childhood that I can remember well, but I was 16 years old, so it is pretty etched in my memory.  We moved from the East Coast to Chicago.  Though I loved our new house, I remember having a hard time in my new School, and one of the teachers told my parents that I was "living in the past".

Well, I missed my old School.

I missed my old Friends.

This School was too big for me, and I wanted to talk about the things I got to do in my "little" School.

Does this sound familiar to ANYBODY?

I mean I wanted to talk all about how wonderful it was where I used to live, and all the fun things I did in my spare time, and how there were mountains and beaches not too far away...

Now, before you go worrying about me, please know that the move to Chicago did not scar me for life.  Chicago had its perks...

• I got to get my License earlier than my old friends, since the age was 16 in Chicago.
• I got to explore the City of Chicago with its Museums and awesome Architecture, and the Water Tower Place Mall with it's cool glass elevator.  (I had never seen one of those in my life!)
• I met my husband in Chicago!  (The biggest perk!)

To name a few!

AND...

For your information, I have moved a few more times since, and I think I've learned to not "live in the past"...

I think...

Nope.

Excuse me while I "live in the past" for a few minutes here.  Honestly, I got tears in my eyes looking back at all these pictures.  Our year in France was really special for us, and we made many wonderful memories, and besides that...I definitely want to go back!  I told Dr. J that I have "people" in Orléans now!

And, I still want to talk with you about it, and share all the wonderful things we loved and still love about France...

Our friends who came to Rome with us, wanted to also visit us in France.  When you wander around in Orléans, where we lived, you must visit the Cathedral.  It's huge, and there's always something "new" for you to notice.

I've shown you this Cathedral numerous times on my blog, but it really is beautiful, and I do always try to show you something I hadn't noticed before...

 

The Stained Glass Windows are so amazing...

The immensity of the Place is awe-inspiring...

The wood-work is just full of detail...

Seriously...

Aren't French Chairs kind of neat?

I love the tiles, and even the floor grates...(which apparently come from Paris!)

Again, with the wood-work!

Okay, I've said my piece...

Got it out of my System...

I think I've conquered it...

Yes, I'm pretty sure I have...

Uhmmmm....


Nope.  I definitely haven't.  I'll keep "living in the past", so I can reminisce with you about the awesome year we spent in France.  I certainly hope you won't hold it against me.  I give you permission to do the same.  How's that?

Until next time...

Have a "Jewel" of a Day!
Jan

It's all about the Bling!

9/24/2013

Bonjour mes amis!

I have so much to tell you about in Europe yet, but I had an exciting weekend, and I just can't help but share the details...

One of my daughters, Ms. Emerald, is a Senior at Texas A&M University, and last week, she received her Aggie Ring.

IT'S A HUGE DEAL!!!

Those Aggies are a proud bunch, and everything is a big deal as you progress toward your Degree while you are studying at Texas A&M.

Me and the Diamond Duo had a harrowing drive down to College Station in lots of rain, but thankfully, we had this sweet pup with us to entertain us...

Ms. Emerald was ready...

Her Roomie, Laura, was also getting her Ring!

This is the Moment...

Me and my Girl!

First, the Signature...

Ms. Emerald asked me to present her with her Ring!  (Notice Ms. Emerald's Brother looking on with anticipation!)

This is one SERIOUSLY Happy Girl!  Congratulations, Ms. Emerald!

Maybe my Title should have been, "Going for the Gold"!!!

Ms. Emerald and her Gang of Supporters!

Proud Family...

Whoop!

Me and my creative photography!  (I love this winning smile!)

Ms. Emerald and her Roomies...super good friends!

Ms. Emerald and the Diamond Duo showing off their Aggie Rings!

A little Brother and Sister Fun!  AKA "Don't Hug Me"!

As you can see, fun was had by all!

Congratulations, Ms. Emerald, on this accomplishment!  I'm looking forward to Graduation, and planning a Party to celebrate!  She's a Horticulture Major, so there's much we can do for a themed party, don't you think?

Thanks for stopping by today.  It was such a pleasure to share this with you...

Have a "Jewel" of a Day!
Jan

Not just another day in Rome!

9/17/2013

Bonjour mes amis!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!  Well, I did it!  I finally spent a whole day working on "unseen" things in my home, rather than Vignettes!  I cleaned the entire second floor of our Home last Friday...which means, I scrubbed two bathrooms, cleaned three bedrooms, and a gameroom.  I finally vacuumed up the puppy hair from our recent canine visitors!  I also organized the upstairs Linen Closet.  First, I emptied everything out, and then, I carefully refolded Towels and Sheets, and tried to think clearly about what is really needed in there, since we only have one child living at home now, and we, no doubt, will host guests.

This is a tough closet to photograph (so a couple shelves are missing from the photo...the shelves of sheets didn't make the cut!), but it all looks nice now, and it was part of a good day's work!

Now, let's go play...

How about another visit to Rome?

I had mentioned a few Posts ago that I would take us back to the Roman Forum, so let's head there today.  First, we'll pass by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage...

And get a view of the Square from the Steps...

On to the Roman Forum!
These old ruins are just amazing...

And the Frescos...

A Stadium...

And a final look at the Coliseum...

Our Sons tried to catch a good shot of us with our friends...

What an awesome day we had together!

I'd love to hang around and show you more photos, but I really do have to tackle some more closets.  What are you doing today?

Have a "Jewel" of a Day!
Jan