Tricolor

July 14, 2015 {195/365}

There's a lot to celebrate today. First, Joyeuse Fête nationale to all of my French and francophile friends! What better way to toast the day than with une coupe de Champagne (especially one with a tricolor reflection)?! And speaking of tricolor, our little beagle is on the mend! Miss Piper has been through so much this past week (as have Maman et Papa), but the treatment worked like a charm and she seems to already be in remission. Thanks again for all of your best wishes for the three of us!  Bisous 

Finally, I have one more francophile reason to celebrate: I will be teaching a blended French 4/5 course in the fall and have been working hard on a simulated year in Paris website (check it out: Une année à Paris). It's still a work in progress, but I'm excited to be «Madame» again!

Lavande

July 13, 2015 {194/365} Lavande

This week, in honor of La Fête Nationale/Bastille Day, I'm celebrating la vie française chez moi. Today, we're au jardin. Every year, I try to grow lavender. I love the fragrance, the color, the taste -- it's a Proustian sensory memory that immediately transports me to the south of France. But let's face it, the weather in Wisconsin doesn't compare to the climate en Provence. I'll never have enough blossoms to make soap or a sachet or lavender ice cream, but if I'm lucky, I can pick sprig or two to brighten a stormy day or a glass of lemonade. 

Presque...

July 12, 2015 {193/365} Bastille Days

In the 1920s, Gertrude Stein famously stated, "America is my country. Paris is my hometown." How nice when the two combine!  I love that Milwaukee is the City of Festivals, celebrating the cultural diversity that makes up the fabric of this town. My favorite celebration is Bastille Days or obvious reasons. Although I long to return to Paris, its great to enjoy live music, the international marketplace, cooking and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, and of course the Eiffel Tower (albeit a 43-foot replica -- barely 4% the size of the one -- with an MSOE sign) right here at home. Vive la France à Milwaukee!

6 months old

July 9, 2015 {190/365} 6 months old

Miss Piper is six months old and 17.5 pounds today! She is such a sweet, pretty, little puppy, and we love her so much! She loves her family, being outside, peanut butter, her many toys, playing with Roxie and Lucky, and snuggling. She is very smart, social, and sassy!

This past month has been rough for our little girl. In June she had dental surgery to extract 4 retained canines and two more stubborn baby teeth (in this regard, she takes after Mommy). While she was under, she also had her laparoscopic spay. After her operations, we thought our trips to the vet were over for a while, but this week, Miss Piper hasn't been herself.  Over the past three days, she has endured a night in the emergency room, IV fluids and pain meds, and a spinal tap. We are so thankful that they have almost certainly ruled out meningitis, but she may still be facing further x-rays and blood work to try to determine why she hasn't been feeling well. We are doing everything we can to help her get better, but through it all she keeps wagging her tail and giving everyone kisses. Piper has been the cause of a lot of worry and a lot of expense lately, but she has brought so much joy and love into our lives. We love you, Miss Piper! Happy Half Birthday!