A New Vocabulary Word

Bonjour!
Maggy and I are showing off my latest pre-trip acquisitions: new hiking shoes and gaiters.  Never knew the word gaiters  until my neighbor  Diana in Monflanquin  displayed these anti-mud  pants protectors. They come in different sizes and are held together with velcro and a strap to buckle underneath the hiking shoe.  Will let you know how well they work.  I participate in two hiking groups  around Monflanquin. The Tuesday coed Francophone group and the Friday ladies only, mostly English, which culminates in lovely cakes and catch ups. To their credit, the English women choose to speak French most of the time. I have met really interesting people through both hiking groups. Each hike varies in length and location. Usually 10 k is my limit, but I have been known to make exceptions.  It takes a lot of rough weather to cancel a hike.  Looking at Maggy's snow white dog legs and her penchant for puddles, what do you think about gaiters for dogs?

It's Not As Easy As You Think

Delighted to get my renewed American passport in the mail!

Passport Renewed!

My next trip to France is coming up in exactly one month from today.  In a bold self-affirming move, I am taking spring term off from PCC. I will continue tutoring private students and  teach my French Book Club Class.  Also on the menu  for spring is a French Cooking Class chez moi. Date to be announced.

You may think traveling must be a breeze for me since I do it so often. Non, non, et non!  I just spent at least six hours online arranging my next flight to Paris this summer.  Indecision and pickiness plagued me. I want a reasonable fare in a comfortable duration of time with a not too early  morning departure.  What!  Ce n'est pas possible! Actually, it is not. I finally made peace with the ungodly early departure time and the not quite such a bargain fare. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also want to earn air miles.

Well, it's done now.  The next steps will be car and hotel rental and purchasing train tickets before I can finally arrive at our beloved home in Monflanquin. You know what they say. The joy is in the journey. At least, I tell myself that.

As I write this pre-trip blog, I am going to share my pre-trip anxieties and pass along any tips that  help me and might help others who struggle with the pre-trip jitters and the myriad of details necessary to leave husband, home, and dog in a somewhat sane state of mind.

Tip #1: At least a month before a trip, take a clothing inventory.  Have I gained weight? Yes! :(  My favorite jean skirt no longer fits.  My body seems to have read the article on what to expect during menopause and  followed all the unwanted changes exactly.  Time to make a few new purchases of roomier basic clothing items. If anyone wants details, I am happy to share. In the meantime,  my foot size remains a diminutive six or six and a half worthy of rejoicing.

More later. Would love to hear any tips you might have about clothing and packing. I allow myself only a carry on no matter how long the trip so it is always a challenge.