I still can't get the Musee d'Orsay place out of my mind

I suppose the title needs no further elaboration. This video was taken in late October of 2007. Just let me say the next time you're in Paris, skip the Louvre and its lines -- go to the Orsay.

Plan to spend a half day and get the audio guide.

Fun with Photoshop after a visit to Plimouth Plantation

thinking about the Mayflower

Plimouth Plantation

woman

doorway

Happy New Year's Eve!

Paris in the past - Jardin des Tuilleries

Jardin des Tuilleries and Champs Elysees

 Jardin des Tuilleries

Rue de Rivoli et Jardin des Tuilleries

Christmas in Michigan

This picture was so good it demands a repeat -- thanks Aunt Thea!

Taken in 2012 by Aunt Thea at Bernice's condo, Grand Rapids

Flashback: Susie's Open House and Selling Teddy Bears, December 2001 in Rutland, Vermont

Susie with Dorothy and Joyce keeping tabs

Mary in the kitchen

Off to set up at the craft show at the Mount St. Joe Academy in Rutland.

Paris in the past - Grand and Petit Palais, 1900 Exposition

Grand Palais

Petit Palais

Autumn in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island

Now that winter is in semi-full swing here in Rhode Island and certainly around much of the rest of the northern US, here's a little something to remind us all that beauty is only a season or two away. . .

Paris in the past - The Madeleine and rue Royale

Praying Mantis on our window

If truth be told -- and right here it will be -- I've never seen a praying mantis outside of some "insectarium" or other controlled world. Susie first caught sight of this guy (or gal) and we had to record it for posterity. Impressive creature.

If I were a bug and found myself within eyeball-ranger of this baby I'd sweating bullets or whatever insects sweat.

Paris in the past - Opera Garnier

grand staircase

inauguration of the Opera Garnier

Paris in the past - 1900 Exposition and the Eiffel Tower

Paris in the past - Tour Saint-Jacques

Paris in the past - The Conciergerie and Palace of Justice

Cape Cod Potato Chips, Lunch in Osterville and Craigville Beach

We've been eating Cape Cod chips now for some years and they are hands down our favorite side with burgers or sandwiches. So, when I took the time to read the back of the bag and saw that they actually offer self-guided tours of the factory, I said, "yeah! let's go!"

So, I took Veteran's Day off and Susie and I drove the 70 or so miles to the greater Hyannis area in search of the factory. We went off season (mid-November) and the colors on the cape were still gorgeous. It was a good time to go for another reason: there was virtually no one else there so we could just take our time. It was fun and informative to watch the process -- although we both thought the signage could use some updating in both appearance and more information.

Anyway, it was time well spent -- and free to boot! The gift shop was nice and we both got a chuckle out of a sign by the cash register that said, "Unattended children with be given an espresso and a little puppy." Now THAT was whimsical!

We spent about 20 minutes or so following the self-guided tour and once we got back tot he car realized it was time for lunch. A colleague at work who live sin Sandwich on Cape Cod suggested we try Crisp Flatbread Co. in Osterville. So off we went navigating the backroads as we meandered around Cape cod. Less than a half later we found ourselves in Osterville and soon after pulled into the Crisp parking lot.

Again, we appreciated being there in off-season; not a lot of folks competing for attention and food.

The service was pleasant and friendly -- we noticed how the servers interacted with other locals as if they were all one big family.

The space itself was very nicely laid out and furnished with a certain casual elegance. The outdoor seating arrangement, which included adirondack chairs around a fire pit overlooking Main street, must be a big attraction during high tourist season.

We shared an order of shoestring potatoes for an appetizer; I hadn't had shoestrings for years and these were absolutely scrumptious! We each had a wood-fired flatbread and they were tasty with just the right crunch to the crust.

Great food, good service and wonderful location; what more could you want?!

Margherita flatbread

Jimmy's chicken BLT flatbread

After a leisurely lunch we struck for Craigville Beach,  a few miles east (sort of) from Osterville. It was a breezy, brisk afternoon as we pulled up to the beach and spent a few minutes gazing out over the water.  There were few other sun seekers, which added to the overall pleasantness of the moment.

From Craigville we retraced our steps back through Osterville, heading for Mashpee and the interestingly designed Mashpee Commons. Laid out like  a little village, the Commons seemed to be trying hard to create the feeling of a social space. From what little we could see it just might have been working. . .

From Mashpee we headed home. It had been a nice day spent on Cape Cod with new experiences and new sights; just what traveling is all about.