...To Mamie's house we go! After a lot of indecision, we've decided to keep up with our yearly vacations in France. We were undecided, mostly, because of the cost. Friends, this family has spent many thousands on vacations in the last few years. Since we aren't wealthy, the traveling means sacrifices in other areas. We wondered if two international vacations each year wasn't a bit extravagant, after all. The final decision? We're willing to make the sacrifice. Traveling delights us in ways no expensive cars or entertainment ever could.

We're leaving mid-September. We'll likely be spending most of our time in Compiegne, in Mamie's (thankfully) spacious house, though there will certainly be some time devoted to travel. Here is Mamie's house:

Compiegne is a lovely and interesting city. It's rich in history and some of the buildings date back to the middle ages. One of Napoleon III's residences is located there, along with the surrounding gardens and forest. These have now become a public park. Alas, I wish I had more photos to share (this year, I will endeavour to take more). Here is a photo I took from Mamie's second storey window. I think the house looks gothic, not technically gothic style, understand, but something that rather belongs perched on a craggy cliff next to an angry ocean. Adding to the effect, a crotchety old couple live there. The old man comes out like clockwork, every morning, to buy his baguette from the baker down the street. He also comes out to ask how long you're staying if you park momentarily in front of his driveway. There are many houses like this one in Compiegne, many are even more ornate and interesting (and pretentious).

Lovely photo's. I hope you have a wonderful vacation.

Love,
Mom