Had a good coaching yesterday, and had planned to go listen to it today in the Louvre. Yesterday
it was nasty outside, and advertised to be the same today, however when I actually walked outside, the sun was peeking through clouds and it felt oddly balmy. So I stopped to eat my lunch outside the gorgeous gothic cathedral St. Eustache - a sandwich from my favorite bakery I've found so far, on my favorite street (Montorgueil) filled with cafes, cheese shops, bakeries, two chocolate shops, etc, etc. Had to snap a photo while the sun shone so brightly for a few minutes.
By the time I got down to the Louvre, it was nice enough that I thought maybe I should do something outside and take advantage of the weather. Well, in the end, I had no choice. The employees of Louvre were (in classic French fashion) protesting something or other and the museum was temporarily closed. I found a nearby bench in the Tuileries and started listening...and of course then the clouds gathered and a freezing wind. I listened for a half hour before I had to give up and wander in the shops of the Carrousel. Good thing too- I found a gift that I've actually been keeping my eyes open for for years.
It's been a sad few days, as one of my dogs did pass away on Tuesday. You pretty much know this is going to happen with pets (that you'll outlive them), but it doesn't make it much easier when the time comes. She was a great dog and fabulous companion and I'll miss her.
