Wednesday, June 28th
The summer “soldes” (sales) begin today throughout the Cote d’Azur. Our plan was to do some shopping but since it’s so nice out—we ditched the idea and will hit the pool. We’ll see what the rest of the day brings.
Another hot day at the pool.
I’m at the pool now beginning book number four—The Paris Architect. I just can’t get into it. I dunno if I’m all read out or what. Perhaps I just need to write instead.
The heat was, as usual intense and clouds rolled in around noon. We took it as an omen to leave and decided to head up to Cabris and do a bit more shopping at Fragonard.
Just as we were getting into the car, the phone rang. It was Bonaparte’s brother, Martin.
Dany passed away a few moments ago. The attendants were getting ready to clean and change him and he stopped breathing.
He let go. He could leave in peace because his sons were with him during his last days. Just shy of 97 years old, he led one of the most interesting lives I’ve ever heard about. Some of his stories were fascinating—especially the ones of his growing up rather privileged and his adventures during WWII. I’ll write about them sometime.
Looking on the bright side, Dany waited until Bonaparte crossed the Atlantic. The timing was a gift. If this had happened after we arrived Stateside, Bonaparte would have had to turn back around and….
Martin told us that Francois was on his way down from Paris to make arrangements for the funeral—because we were leaving in five days, the funeral would be held as soon as possible. There was very little time to plan. But for now, things were at a standstill.
This was probably one of the oddest vacations I’ve ever been on—and I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. It’s just that Dany couldn’t have picked a better time to leave—and I know that sounds twisted but it’s just one of those things that we happened to be there when this happened. Do you know what I mean? I hope so.
And after seeing how Dany’s health took a turn for the worst, the news of his passing was a relief. He was out of any pain and suffering and our last vision of him was the one from the documentary. It was one of dignity and life.
Bonaparte talked about Dany while we were driving—we decided to go ahead with our plans and we headed up to Cabris to walk around. We wanted to stop at Atelier Lulu—a lively and fun art studio. The focus is the artist’s cat—Lulu! It was our plan to make a purchase but the studio was closed.
Our favorite little studio was closed!! I should have called first!
Winding streets.
A little square by the
…..by the auberge.
A view from above.
And below
A house with a stone bench
A charming DIY planter.
Blue shutters
Another view.
So, we walked around. As usual, my clumsiness got the best of me and I walked into a small wall and cut both legs. Some things never change!
The wounded wanderer!
The visit to Cabris ended with my annual visit to St. Rita. I lit a candle, prayed for Dany and a few of my friends, and mentioned to St. Rita that I saw her in Marseille last week!!
Saint Rita always leaves the door opened for me! Merci Ste Rita.
And the Chapelle is dated….
We made a second stop at Fragonard. Oona needs a summer scent. Her signature scent is Mademoiselle by Chanel. But, like the meddling mom that I am, I decided she should have a parfum for the summer. One that is lighter.
I LOVE this tile picture of Louis XIV–Fragonard is a great place to spend a few hours just smelling stuff!
She can’t do many florals, though, because she gets headaches.
I enlisted Bonaparte in the mission and we focused for about an hour on different scents—fruity, floral, woodsy, airy.
We sniffed the contents of every bottle…
And then some more
But we kept going back to “Figue”–It Figuers!
We picked up a Fragonard tote for her too. I picked one up for me–these make great beach totes. Aren’t they colorful?
And ended up with “Figue”—it’s a light but fruity number and I know she’ll love it! We also picked up a Fragonard shopping tote for her.
Back to Cannes for wine and dessert and more Socca Chips and we headed off back home to have a peaceful and quiet dinner. And Bonaparte entertained me with more stories of his dad.
More guilty pleasures..
In hindsight, I’m glad these are not sold in the States because I would be eating them every day. At least two bagsful!
Bonne Nuit.
Thursday, June 29th
OMG. The wind was fierce last night. I swear I slept straight through thunderstorms and never woke up once during my epic slumbers—but I woke up from the wind.
The sky is clear and the air is hot—but there is still a strong wind. Bonaparte says it is the Mistral. Bonaparte says this with every breeze that blows by. But I think he may be right. The Mistral can last from one day to six. I sure hope this is a mini-mistral! I’ll have to make sure my wig is on tight!
Dany’s funeral is tomorrow but today we’ll celebrate his life!
We’re going back to L’Estagnol and tonight we are going to celebrate Dany with dinner at Gaston Gastounette. After all, this is a vacation!
McDonald’s IS my kind of place–for a decent cuppa cawfee!
We stopped at McDonalds for some nice hot cawfee—and I received news from the States. My oldest son is moving to L.A. in an opportunity we can only dream of. I can’t say anything more for now—but stay tuned. And yes. I did break down crying. But I was also happy for him. Never a dull moment in France!
Ya know. I really really should have not had cawfee at the apartment knowing full-well that I would be wolfing down more on the way to the beach. Once again, we took a wrong turn. Only this time the turn wasn’t in the usual spot. I had to go to the bathroom. My usually incredible strong bladder was feeling serious effects.
I had to break my sweet demeanor and insist that Bonaparte drive off the road and find a nice lush “spot” for me. Oh—and yes, I did. I managed to meander down into a deep gully without falling. I was one with nature as I “made”. But then I realized that my leg was wet and so was one of my Rondinis.
As I turned to leave I heard a splash. The cicadas in the nearby trees were jumping down into the lake that I created. I heard them thank me. I turned around, smiled at them and made my way back to the car.
Meet my little friends. These guys are the greeters outside of L’Estagnol!
L’Estagnol was extra fun today. The “Mistral” gave the sea a fresh look—complete with small waves. The water was great. Bonaparte refused to go in due to the fact it was too cold for him. It was perfect for me!
These were the huge waves at L’Estagnol. Notice. Nobody is in the water. It’s too wavy!!!
That woman had the greatest bathing suit. I’ll bet she paid a lot more than 11 euros!
Everyone’s having fun!
After an enjoyable drive back,
We drove back on the Bord du Mer
I need to watch it or I’ll walk into another wall.
we drove into Cannes to a wonderful dinner at Gaston Gastounette at our favorite table—Number 80, overlooking the port and the many people who were walking by.
I wore my ten dollar dress from Old Navy and did NOT go barefoot!
At Gaston Gastounette
I was guarding that Rose like a pit bull. I had quite the buzz on..
I started off with crab meat and wasabi. It was beyond delicious..
Bonaparte started with moules.
I had Loup de Mer (Sea Bass) with Asparagus and Ravioli in a sauce that I should have just applied to my hips. This was one great dinner!
Bonaparte went with his usual filet mignon–which was served with the most tarragon-flavored, thick Bearnaise sauce. I wish I could dupe that sauce!
People-watching never gets old here..
Nor does admiring the boats..
..and as the sun goes down, I say goodnight!
Tomorrow will be a more serious day.
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We got a Mistral. There is a song about this. Mistral Gagnant by the very talented Renaud.
