Home Again

I am back from my journies in France. Paris is an incredible city to visit -- so many interesting slices of history. I got a chance to visit a wonderful store (La Drogherie) while I was in Paris. It had yarn by weight for sale and some adorable children's outfit kits along with the most incredible collection of buttons and ribbons and beads that I have ever seen. Since my current stash is already quite large, I decided to look without buying anything. But they did have some bulky chenille that I was very tempted to take home with me!

I was struck by how different Paris is from American cities (in terms of age and stores and types of food) but I was also struck by how similar it is as well. Very strange to see McDonalds and the Gap next to traditional French cheese shops! I really only had Saturday to look around at Paris (the rest was spent in Palaiseau where I was on business) -- someday I hope to go back with my husband and spend more time walking around and eating.

I was lucky to be able to stay in the home of a French colleague while I was there. She introduced me to some incredible cheese, fois gras and escargot. I never thought I would ever eat escargot, but they turned out to be quite good. I will add a little Christmas shopping to my list for her children who were beautiful and a pleasure to be with. Her oldest daughter is learning English and she spent some time teaching me French words while I read to her a little in English (she's 8).

I worked on the Furz scarf on the way to Paris, but stowed it in my checked luggage on my way back because I was worried the circular needle might not make it through the security check. I do like working with Furz, and I am getting much better at tensioning continental style and going back and forth between knit and purl stitches. I think I am almost ready for my sock lesson from Julie.