A Walk with a Wine Fridge

In preparation for moving, we sold most of our furniture and appliances.  The appliances were a top priority to get rid of because we wouldn't be able to use them in America.  The voltage needed for French electrical items isn't compatible to the voltage available in the United States.

One of our friends bought our wine refrigerator.  We had some trouble moving it though.  It was too large to fit into our car or our friend's vehicle, so we had to literally walk the wine fridge across Strasbourg.  We made a short parade with our friend pushing the fridge on a dolly, my husband carrying our daughter in the baby backpack, and me following behind, taking pictures.  I couldn't miss the opportunity for a humorous photo shoot.  This was one of those "only in France" moments in our lives.

Les Photos du Jour: A Lady Selling Lilacs

This lady was selling bunches of freshly cut lilacs at the farmers' market in the Place du Rohan in Strasbourg, France.  Customers were lined up to buy the flowers.

Our Last Saturday Shopping at a French Open Air Market

We have spent our last Saturday morning shopping at the open air farmers' market in Strasbourg.  It has been one of my favorite activities while living in France.  I love the fresh food, colorful flowers, and eccentric characters that populate the market.  It is always a feast, not only for the stomach, but for the eye as well.  I will miss starting off the weekend picking up vegetables, cheese, and the occasional bouquet of tulips at the Place du Rohan.

My husband, daughter, and I are moving back to the United States in less than a week.  I haven't blogged about it before this because I didn't know what to say.  My feelings have ranged from bouncing around because I was so excited to crying in the next minute because I will miss my life in Strasbourg.  I know that the move will be good for us but I am always apprehensive when facing change.

I am planning to continue this blog.  I have hundreds of photos of Alsace and other European sights that I would like to share.  Also, I am sure I will have some thoughts about the transition from living in France back to daily life in the United States.  One of my top priorities after moving back will be to find some farmers' markets in Southwestern Pennsylvania!

Fresh greens are being sold next to last year's crop of carrots.

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Check out the price for these morilles.  Yes, that's right... 95 euros for a kilo!

The French love rhubarb.  Almost all of the stands offered the beautiful silvery red and green stalks.  

More rhubarb

New, Fresh Green

It has rained on and off for the past couple of days.  There were a few sprinkles but the gray skies have been mostly dry today.  The trees and plants are starting to sprout foliage.  The fresh green of the new leaves looks so bright against the dark dampness of the trees and ground.  Seeing the contrast makes me feel refreshed from the dreariness of winter.

La Photo Du Jour: Joyeuses Pâques

A view of the cathedral in Strasbourg, France, seen through the Place de la Republique park.

May you have a very happy Easter and an extremely beautiful spring.  

Joyeuses Paques!

La Photo du Jour: The Bunny at Place Gutenberg

I normally think that France is a wonderland of beauty and good taste.  I had to question that pronouncement when I walked by Place Gutenberg recently.  Right beside the traditional statue of Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented the printing press, was an enormous, inflatable Easter rabbit, complete with green pants and a mushroom sidekick.  I wonder if anyone else finds this as odd as I do?