London and Home

Saturday, William and Gavin took us to the Essex Agricultural Show. I held an owl, saw work horses, donkeys, flower displays, fruit, vegetables, and all the variety of things one sees at an Agricultural fair. There was even an antique car exhibit that William and Roger enjoyed.

Later, we took a train up to London where we spent two nights with Larry and Lorraine Shearer and their two sons, Sam and Tom. We went to the Victoria and Albert Museum on Sunday, had some great Indian take-away, and watched the final game in the World Cup.

Monday it was time to leave. We had an uneventful flight home, were picked up by Austin Limo, that was really a treat to come home in style. The best part of the whole trip was coming home to find that while we were gone our children had totally redone the living room!!! Freshly painted walls, professionally finished floor, new bookcase, sofas, a new rug on the floor and curtains on the windows. Oh, were we ever happy! No one has children has wonderful as ours are!!!

The Butt and Oyster and Barn Owl

Friday, we went with William to Pin Mill, another setting from Arther Ransome, Pin Mill is featured in We Didn't Mean to Go to See. After lunch we drove down to Shotley where one of Gavin's garden clients, Simon Bullimore, keeps his 50 foot, shoal draft, schooner Barn Owl. Roger was delighted to have a chance to go aboard this Phil Bolger designed ship. It was very impressive.

The Norfolk Broads

We spent three days in Essex with my cousin William and his partner Gavin. Great fun. On Thursday, William took us up to the Norfolk Broads, the setting of some of my favorite Arthur Ransome books including Coot Club. We had lunch at the Swan Inn on the Quay at Horning and later visited the nature center at Ranworth Broad.

The White Cliffs of Dover

We said goodbye to France and watched it recede in the distance from the aft deck of the P&O Ferry that took us across La Manche or the English Channel. It was a pleasant ride, sunny but breezy.

At last, the white cliffs of Dover. We were back in England where they drive on "the wrong side of the road" at least according to Americans!

Driving through northern France on our way from Mont St. Michel to Calais we saw a number of wind farms on the ridges and even as this picture shows by the side of the road.

Paddling Around Mont St. Michel

Mont St. Michel was another place I had always wanted to see. We stayed in a small, very French hotel that had a Small Planet recommendation. Walking across the causeway and then up the tiny medieval street of the village was like walking into a picture book. I climbed up what seemed like hundreds of steps to get to the entrance to the Abbey. Then there were more steps up to a stone terrace with an amazing view of the surrounding sands and the distant English Channel. Excuse me, the French call it La Manche or the sleeve. The inside of the Abbey was impressive especially when one considers the site, high up on what is essentially a rock, and the time of the building (the 6th century through the 18th century). Blocks of granite were brought from another island to build the imposing structure. From the Abby one walks out to a cloister that seems suspend in air, It was truly magical a place of peace and quiet, with a lovely garden in the middle, surrounded by closistered walks and with views of the blue-green sea. I coiuld have sat there for days just absorbing the beauty.

Monet's Garden

Visiting Monet's House and Garden at Giverney was a real highlight. The gardens were amazing and it was inspiring to see the scenes that feature in so many of his paintings. We spent the night in a small hotel about 200 yards from Monet's house and garden. It was serene and peaceful, the food was excellent and so was the wine. After a visit to the Impressionist Museum we went on our way to Mont St. Michel.

Paris in Pictures

Waddling into Paris

We finally arrived back in Paris! We spent two nights there with Lise and saw all sorts of things. Carolyn meet us on Saturday and we went to a museum, had lunch at a small brasserie and went with Lise to a cooking store and a knitting store. The next day Carolyn, her husband and two children met us at the boat and we took a trip on the Seine before having lunch and then seeing some more of Paris. Look for photos of these two amazing days on the next post.

En Route to Paris

On our way up to Paris we drove through beautiful farm land. There was one amazing vista after another. We stopped in the Bordeaux region to visit Chateauneuf. It was a Medieval Chateau or fortress surrounded by an equally ancient village. It was a fairy tale picture, the chateau on a hilltop dominating the countryside with the village huddled around it.






In one of the ancient homes near the gateway to the Chateau was a restaurant where we had a delicious lunch. One of the best parts of lunch was my dessert a tarte aux pommes with creme fraiche. Yummy!!!








After lunch we crossed the wooden drawbridge and entered the Chateau through the great arched stone entryway. Once inside we explored the courtyard, the great hall, the turrets, and the living quarters that were furnished in the style of different centuries. From the windows there was a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. It was easy to see why a fortress was built in this spot.







The great hall was not only where the feasts were served but also where the lord of the manner sat to hear cases and mete out judgements. Roger admired the throne like seat. Everything about the hall was larger than life scale, the room itself, the ceiling, the table, and the lord's seat.











In one of the upstairs chambers we saw a bath ready to be filled for the lady of the manor to have a bath. It was a huge wooden tub lined with canvas type fabric. There were tapestries hanging everywhere upstairs.













We liked this poster advertising a "Pirate Race" on a nearby canal. The canals were one way to move goods in earlier centuries.

















We decided that this was a nice little piece of real estate. We could just see ourselves standing here and welcoming our friends to a great feast in the Chateau!!!














Leaving the Chateau we passed all the picturesque houses of the village. Apparently there is a contest each year for the village in France with the best displays of flowers and this village has won that award in the past. I'm not surprised. It was magnificent!!!

Then it was time to hit the road again and head to Paris.

Quaking Around France -- Lyons

After leaving the Chartreuse Mountains we headed down to Lyon. The Traffic was horrible. We finally made it there and checked into our hotel, which was in a building built in the 1500s during the Renaissance. Roger asked if there was air conditioning and the man at the reception desk looked at him and said "Monsieur, this is a building from the Renaissance. We do not need air conditioning! The stones keep us cool." However, we did find a 2010 fan in our 1500s room and we used it!

As soon as we checked in we raced out go to the concert that JP had gotten tickets to. It was a concert of Opera music in a Roman Amphitheater. We went up the hill in another funicular, and got there just in time. However, there were no seats left. So we were at the very top which was pretty breathtaking. We were perched high above where the orchestra and performers were listening to beautiful music and seeing the lights of Lyon spread out beyond the amphitheater. Up in the sky, in the distance there was heat lighting. The whole effect was magical.

After the concert we got a bite to eat in a tiny brasserie and then returned to our hotel to go to bed.

The next morning after a petite dejunier with Lise we set off to explore the old courtyards of Lyon. JP had returned to Grenoble but Lise was going on to Paris with us.

We spent about an hour going in and out of ancient courtyards, marveling over the architecture. I expected to see a Romeo and Juliet look alike on the balconies.

We then returned for our baggage, went to the car and were on our way back to Paris.

Quacking Around France Chartreuse Mountains

To get to Lyons we drove through the Chartruse Mountains because Lise and JP wanted to take us to a museum of the monastary of the moks who lived there and made the famous Chartruse liquor. The mountains were amazing, green, rocky, with twisting, winding roads. It rained while we went through. It seemed like another world. The monastary museum provided a glimpse of another way of life, an ancient ordered way of going through a day and going through a year. The monk's gardens were lovely peaceful places and the beauty of the surrounding mountains made it understandable why men would want to withdraw to this place to pray and meditate.

Quacking Around France

We slept in a bit after our fabulous meal and what ended up being a rather late night. The next day (Wednesday, June 30) after a petite dejuner Lise drove us further into the Belledonne Mountains above her house. We went to a beautiful mountain pond that was green from the reflections of the pine trees around it in the still waters. We walked around it admiring the alpine scenery.

Next was lunch followed by a trip to the mountains on the other side of Grenoble, the Chartreuse Mountains. There we took a ride up the side of the mountain in the funicular. It was fun and scarey at the same time. We basically traveled straight up th emountain on a narrow track. The funicular opperates on a pulley system. As one car is going down another is coming up and they meet exactly in the middle. It is the kind of ride that makes the bottom sort of fall out of one's stomach.


The views on the way up the mountain were breathtaking as you can see. At the top there was a flat, green area where parasailers run and jump of the mountain to go sailing in the air before landing in a field below. I think that is one sport that I will give a miss to! We sat on the patio of the hotel up there and had a drink while admiring the view of the valley below.

Going down the mountain we had an even better view of the waterfall that comes out of the mountain rocks than we did going up. It was truly an amazing sight.

Thursday we went to a market in Grenoble in the morning. It was a very sensory experience. We the first thing we saw (and smelled) was the poultry stand where live chickens were in cages on the side. There was also eggs, and some of the live chicken's less fortunate bretheren neatly packaged in plastic. There was a meat man with every kind of meat laid out in a traveling case including horse (gross). The vegetables and fruit looked wonderful and fresh. We bought some for lunch. There were vendors selling clothes, lace, cloth, knives, dishes, fish, cheeses, and breads. Just about anything you could want was in this open air market.

After lunch we left for Lyons.

Dinner was just ducky!!!

Me and Rubber Duckie outside the Paul Bocuse Restaurant!

So, after all the arrangements, the travel, the getting lost, the anticipation we arrive at the Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyons. Let me assure everyone that it was well worth traveling 3,000 to enjoy the meal of a lifetime in this magnificent destination restaurant!

The outside of the four story building was decorated with a large painting of the master chef -- Paul Bocuse, himself. There were also paintings of cakes and other treats painted on the building. Also, on the side of the building were plaques to show how high the river Saone which was across the street from the restaurant, had risen in various floods. The most impressive flood was almost two hundred years ago. However, it was a pleasant, dry day so we did not waste any time worrying about floods.

A young man in a costume (or uniform) that was a cross between an organ grinder and a doorman, bright red with a small hat on his head and lots of shiny buttons everywhere, with strips down the pants legs greet us. He led us through the courtyard and into the restuarant where the hostess and maitre d' had our reservation. The young man then led us to our table and feasting began!

Lise and JP with us at Bocuse!

We were all handed enormous menus and we studied them for awhile debating whether to eat a la cart or to choose the menu for the table. The whole table had to agree. Eventually, we all agreed that the Menu Grande Tradition Classique which is prepared for the table would be the best choice.

The first thing placed in front of us was a tiny, demi tasse size cup of the most deliscious cream of pea soup I have ever had along with a crudite. This Lise told us was considered something to "open the appitite." Just enough of a tasty treat to make the diner ready for what was to follow!

Roger, Rubber Duckie, and I pose with Paul Bocuse!!!

While we were ordering, Lise told the maitre d' about why we were there, that I had won dinner for two anywhere in the world and had chosen to go to his restaurant. The next thing we know the Great Chef himself came out to see us and posed for pictures with all of us! He even gave me an autographed menu!

The next course to arrive in front of us was the Esalope de Foie Gras de Canard Poelee au Verjus or pate de Foie Gras on toast with a special sause. I did not think I would like Foie Gras but this was unbelivable! It simply melted in the mouth. The piquant sauce was sweet and sour a perfect compliment to the Foie Gras. Next, the waiter brought out the Soupe aux Truffes Noires V.G.E. a treat created for the French President in 1975. The truffle soup was a delicate consome that allowed the full flavor of the truffles to shine. A marvelous flakey puff of pastry topped the soup. Next we enjoyed Filets de sole Fernand Point. I think this was the high point of the meal for me. The sole was cooked to perfection, just past the raw stage but not at the dry point. A spoonful of pasta was folded into the fish and the whole was covered with yet another incredible sauce. This one tasted as though it had a hint of cheese in it. I would have picked up the plate and licked it clean if it were not for the fact that I did not want to be considered a crass American with no manners!! However, both JP and I used some bread to mop up the final drops of sauce! Then came a short interval almost like an intermission when we were given a Granite des Vigerons du Beaujolais. The only way to describe this palete cleanser is to call it a sorbet made with Beaujolais. It was light, tasted like nothing else I'd ever had and left my mouth ready for the next course: Volaille De Bresse En Vessie "Mere Fillioux" or Chicken roasted in a Bladder. I know, this sounds odd but it was the lightest, moistest chicken I have ever had. It had been prepared with truffles, and was served with another indescribable white sauce which also had truffles in it. This was accompanied by a medely of buttery vegtables including thin slivers of carrot, beans, and snow peas as well as a serving of rice. At this point all of us were beginning to feel quite sufficed but there was more to come!


The Dessert Trolly!!!

One of the espcially nice things about this restaurant was that the service was not intrusive. The diner was certainly well taken care of, the service was impecable but there was no sense of rush nor of being hovered over. One dish was smoothly removed and another took its place while we were all able to converse and enjoy the meal.

The Chicken was followed by Selection de Fromages frais et Affines -- the cheese trolly. I have rarely had the opportunity to choose from so many cheeses many of which were local. There was a creamy goat cheese and a brie that I tried as well as another local cheese that was sharper in flavor. After the cheese plates were removed we were given tiny pots of chocolate mouse accompanied by a three tiered dish of petits fours. We thought this was the end but we were mistaken. The crowning glory was yet to come.

Fresh rasberries with rasberry sauce

The dessert trolly was a beautiful thing. We were surrounded by almost a dozen lovely desserts ranging from chocolate cake to fresh berries. Lise had the rasberries and sauce pictured on the right. Roger also had fruit and I chose a strawberry tart and some of the fresh rasberries. The tart was an amazing morsal, the pastry melted away on my tongue and the cream and glazed strawberries complimented each other perfectly. I wish there were words to describe the taste experince.

All in all this was a meal to remember, a 10 on a 10 scale. It was classic French cooking at its very best, a master chef whose restaurant is definately worth traveling almost three thousand miles to go to for dinner! Thank Rubber Duckie, Allen's Pond Sanctuary, and all the sponsors for this incredible experince!!!

Paris to Grenoble to Revel

After a good night's rest and a tasty petit dejuner we set out to walk around Paris a bit before getting our TGV train to Grenoble.

The first thing I noticed was the sound of the French sirens just like in the old Pink Panther movies. Then I saw a little park with a gate and sign with a dog and a red slash across the dog, obviously, no dogs allowed in the park. However, what really caught my eye was the man who was relieving himself in a corner of the park. No dogs allowed but humans can make a mess? This must have been an anomoly however, I am afraid it will be one of those memories that will stick in my mind!!!

We walked along the Siene and visited Notre Dame. We got in the free entry line which allowed us to walk around the inside of the Cathedrial. It is really amazing to think that people with no modern tools, no machinary, no cranes built this structure almost a thousand years ago.

We walked back along the Siene past boats being used as restaurants and boats people were clearly living on. We saw a family of ducks, people fishing, and all manner of ancient items and edifices. Unfortunately, Roger twisted his ankle which cramped our walking style a bit.

After lunch we collected our bags and headed to the Gare De Lyon. The TGV was amazing. It was fast, comfortable, and the views of the French Midi amazing. For miles, it looked almost like the midwest, flat, lush, farmland. We went past herds of sheep and cows, some horses, ancient clusters of buildings surrounding even more ancient church spires. It was an incredible landscape. I was impressed by how rural it was, and the lack of industry in that region. It was beautiful.

At last we arrived in Grenoble and Lise was there to greet us as we got off the train. I still find it amazing that I am here in her beautiful home in Revel a small town in the French Alps about 500 meters above Grenoble. It was a long journey but worth the trouble to get here!

London to Paris

Our Flight was uneventful. We arrived at Heathrow, went through customs with no problem and took the Heathrow express into Padington Station. Since it was a Sunday things were pretty quiet which was good for us in finding our way through the tubes to Kings Cross/St. Pancreas Station. We were several hours early for the Euro Star to Paris but again, it made us feel relaxed. By the time we boarded the Euro Star though, we were really tired. First Class was comfortable and we had a great meal with the main course being Mousaka and a good one too!

When we arrived in Paris it became clear that one of us (and it was not Roger) had made better use of her time in French Class. I found the correct route, bought tickets, and got us Paris Maps, no problems! The Hotel Lyon Bastille was clean, and comfortable. We ate at a little Brassarie around the corner and then collapsed in bed for a good night's sleep!

Duck Travels

Now that I have had a good night's sleep and petit dejeuner avec cafe au lait I am ready to post again!

Once Austin Limo picked us up, it was a smooth ride to Logan. I still think that getting driven to and from the airport is a real treat! The relaxation factor of not having to battle with the Southeast Expressway is priceless. Thank you rubber duckie and Austin Limo!!!

At the airport everything continued to go smoothly. Virgin Atlantic even offered us an upgrade for an amazingly cheap price, so Roger decided to take it and travel in comfort. He does like his creature comforts. The duck was very pleased as well as you can see! We were off to a really good start!

Next, we had to go through security. No problem for lucky ducks. Rubber Duckie went right through without a hitch! One always gives a sigh of relief after getting through security. We were early enough that we had time for drinks and a snack at one of the airport restaurants though we waited for the World Cup madness to end first. People were jammed into the bar yelling and tooting horns and waving flags as the World Cup games progressed!

There was even time for a little airport shopping to pick up those last minute gifts to bring with us. While in the shop, Rubber Ducky met a few freinds! So, with books, and other entertainments we were ready to board Virgin Atlantic Flight 12 for Heathrow.

The Duck Has Landed

The old adage states that getting there is half the fun. For us, getting this far (Paris) has been a 24 hour adventure!

Saturday was a day spent running around completing last minute errands, having Janet at Stephen & Co. cut my hair, picking up a few more gifts to bring with us, adding last minute items to the already overfull suitcase, paying left over bills, and checking to make sure everyone we are leaving behind will be okay. It is very difficult to step out of one's life for two weeks even when it is to step into such a wonderful adventure! Austin Limo arrived early to pick up the two lucky ducks!

I think one of the biggest treats of this whole adventure was being driven to Boston. We arrived at the airport relaxed and ready to enjoy the flight! Check in was a breeze, we were even able to upgrade.

Jet lag is catching up with both me and the computer. Can't upload photos I want so I will continue our duck tale tomorrow after a good night's sleep!

even

Quack and Pack

The Duck Gets Packed Up!

OK, so we are leaving tomorrow. I haven't even begun to pack yet. There are two kinds of packers, those who take everything but the kitchen sink (and some probably even bring that) and those who leave with almost nothing, not even a toothbrush.

So what do I need? Organization would help. A list would help. I find I can think of packing methodically weeks before going anywhere but when the actual moment of packing arrives I can't think. I start to throw things in a bag. I wonder if the clothes fit? Will they still fit when I get there? What if the style is wrong? Overdress? Underdress? What about weather?

I can always blame my mother. I am a product of learned helplessness in packing. My mother did it all when I was grownig up. We lived in a New York Appartment and there was storage in the basement of the building. Before going anywhere my mother would call the super and have the bags sent up. She was of the generation with a complete set of matched luggage. The suitcases nested in each other from very, very large to a small overnight size bag and my mother's cosmetic case, a hard cover square case with a mirror in the lid.

My mother would meet the bags at the door. She greeted them with a can of Raid. My mother appeared to live in mortal dread of BUGS. She sparyed all incoming objects from the bags to the Christmas tree with Raid to make sure no strange bugs entered her appartment.

Then the packing began. Mama began by making a list of what we needed to bring. How many sets of pajamas, how many undies, etc. She assembled everything on the living room couch. Then the packing began in ernest. She had silky lingerie bags for undies, gloves, and hankies. She had a leather jewelry roll for her jewelry. She would layer the bag like a layered pudding cake. First there would be a layer of skirts and/or slacks covered by a layer of tissue paper, then a layer of sweaters, then more tissue paper and so on. You get the picture. Then shoes would be wrapped in tissue and tucked along the sides.

All of this has left me with a packing phobia. I admit it. I hate to pack. I wish I was rich and could just take my wallet with credit cards and a good book, board a plane and buy all new clothes when I get to whereever I am going.

Since that's not possible, I'm off to pack. See you on the other side of the Pond!

Duck tales from long ago

Lise and I met in First Grade at Marymount School, 1026 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Here we are in first grade at Marymount School. Lise is the one on the left in the second row, and I am in the middle of the first row.

I know many people that remember meeting friends but I do not remember meeting Lise. She was just there. As were most of my classmates. Lise and I attended Marymount for 12 years.

I do remember my first visit to Marymount the spring before starting and visiting that classroom with Mother Timothy. There was a diorama of some clay animals in a box. "Oh, look, Giselle's camel has fallen over," Mother Timothy said straightening the tiny clay creature. I can still see the scene, the window, the view of the inner courtyard from the window that had iron bars in front of it with the diorama on the window sill. I was thrilled. I expected that in first grade we would make clay animals everyday. I waited all year to make a clay camel but we never did that.

I remember being a little jealous of Lise. It seemed to me that she always had money for the school store and could buy candy. She would buy Mint Juleps and I always wanted some. However, my mother would not give me money for these delectable candies. I felt a bit like Amy in Little Women who wanted to be able to buy pickled limes to give her friends. I really wanted to buy Mint Juleps to pay back my freinds who occasionally shared them with me.

First quaker by train

The travel arrangements are complete! Thanks to Dave at Village Travel we have our round trip air tickets. We have chosen to fly in and out of Heathrow since I want to take the opportunity to visit with some special cousins in England on the way home.

From Heathrow we go into London and catch the train to Paris. We will spend one night there before traveling south to Revel, the town where Lise and her husband JP live. Lise was able to get us first class tickets on the TGV, the fast train from Paris to Grenoble, for 40 Euros each person by buying them in France. She mailed them to us and they arrived in Saturday's mail complete with a stamp of Mont St. Michel which we plan to visit on the return trip to England.

As a train enthusiast, I am looking forward to the train rides. I have heard great things about the TGV and can't wait to climb aboard!

We have arranged to rent a car in France and to rent a car in England. Looking at all these bookings and tickets is finally making this trip seem real!

Thank you to the 2009 Duck Derby sponsors

Like winners before me, I am amazed at my good fortune, excited by the trip to come, and very grateful to the sponsors of this trip.

I want to thank the sponsors of the 2009 Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Duck Derby. Thank you to Bayside Restaurant, one of my favorite places to eat! I don't need to go anywhere else in the world to get really good food! But I am thankful for the opportunity to dine in France! Thank you Sylvan Nursery, another generous business we are lucky to have in town! Thank you to Nye the SmartGrease Company for helping to grease the wheels of this trip! Thank you OPPENHEIMER. Thank you to everyone at Millbury and Company who have always been so professional with all those we referred to you for real estate information! And last but not least, South Wharf Yacht Company for helping us to "sail away" on a great adventure!

Dave, at Village Travel in South Dartmouth, has been very helpful to my husband and me. Dave gave us a great deal of time to discuss the options, and book the tickets.

Ground transportation to and from our home in South Dartmouth to Logan Airport in Boston is being provided by Austin Limo. We are really happy that we won't have to struggle with the Southeast Expressway getting to and from Logan. Someone else will be at the wheel!

Thank you everyone for your sponsorship of this trip and your support for one of the gems of Dartmouth -- Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary!

The Duck Decides

Duck Derby 2009, Allen's Pond, Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Courtesy of Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and Kathy Bartel

One of the great things about this prize is how wonderful my friends have been. Everyone has expressed genuine delight with my good fortune. However, most have tried to talk me into going somewhere further away than France. The suggestions fall into two categories: 1) Go as far away as possible because a 20 hour plane trip makes it a better prize! These well-wishers have suggested everywhere from Australia and New Zealand to Singapore, and China. 2) People suggest the place they or their family came from including Italy, Japan, and Cape Verde. All are excellent ideas; this is a big world with many possibilities.

However, for me it is always about people. Thus, on June 26, two days after school ends, Roger and I will travel to the French Alps to visit Lise. Our friendship goes back to first grade. Lise has lived in France for more than three decades, has three children, and two grandchildren. for years, Lise has been asking me to visit her in Revel, a small village in the French Alps above Grenoble. Now, thanks to a little rubber duck, I will travel to France to visit her. I will also get to see her daughter, Caroline, my goddaughter, who was flower girl in our wedding 30 years ago this summer! I am also looking forward to meeting Caroline's children, Elaine (who was born on my birthday!) and Elowan who has just turned one!

Lise has been great about helping us plan this trip. She has even chosen the restaurant where we will eat, Le Restaurant Paul Bocuse in Lyon. Lise tells me that she had the best meal ever there. In any event, good food tastes better when we share it with good friends! I would be happy with bread and cheese on a mountainside but Lise wants us to have the full French gastronomic experience!

Just one duck -- that's all it took!

A proverb I am fond of is one traditionally attributed to the ancient Chinese: Every journey begins with a single step. This journey begins with a single rubber duck!

It was a hot day in July 2009 and the sidewalks of Padanaram, a small seaside village in southeastern Massachusetts, were jammed with people and vendors there for the annual Padanaram sidewalk sale. As I was making my way through the crowd, I saw Malcolm Johnson, the father of a former student of mine, standing under a big, black umbrella on the corner of Elm Street and Seaward lane. I stopped to say hello and ask him how his son was doing at college. We chatted briefly, and I looked at the fliers on his table. Mr. Johnson was selling ducks for the Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary's annual Duck Derby, the organization's biggest fund raiser of the year. My son, Julian, had been telling me to buy ducks. So--since I happened to have money in my pocket, just enough for one duck, I bought one and named it -- Julian!

The weekend of the Duck Derby I was in the Adirondacks with my daughter Ellie visiting my oldest friend Lise. She had traveled to Keene Valley, New York from her home in France for a family reunion. we had a wonderful few days. We visited The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York -- a must see for any nature lover and the brainchild of one of Lise's cousins, Elizabeth Lowe. We talked, we ate, we swam in Long Lake, and at the end of the visit Lise made me promise to visit in in France as soon as I had a chance. It old her that with children still in college it would probably be quiet a while before that chance came along. However, sometimes everything comes together for a purpose.

When Ellie and I arrived home from Keene Valley there was a message on the answering machine asking me to call the director of the Allen's Pond Sanctuary, Gina Purtell. "Call her now," my husband Roger said. "You probably won something." "Maybe a gift certificate to Lees Market?" I speculated as I dialed.

No, it was not a gift certificate, it was The Prize -- The Big One: Dinner for two anywhere in the world. Wow! I immediately called Lise who was still in Keene Valley to say "guess whose coming for dinner?" Lise insists that it was meant to be. I still find it a bit mind-boggling to think that Julian, that lucky duckie, came in first out of more than 4, 000 rubber ducks!