Stroll and stop. Our day was cafes, crepes, fondue and meandering on cobblestone streets. All of this ancient architecture brings out a mystical magic to our walking as we drop into cathedrals on a whim, where music soars inside domed ceilings, candles flicker against carved statues, and organs are wielded by a Phantom of the Opera.
And the pièce de résistance of today…a magical bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. There I was surrounded by my favorite things, cozy nooks, stone walls and history that inspires me to dream. I could have stayed all day.
I was snapping a few photos to remember the moment when a very nice employee gently told me, “No photos please.” I felt a little guilty that I was so engrossed in my experience that I missed the signs that said no photos. But I am glad now that I have my contraband to remind me that the world of books, authors and the people that love them are my bliss.
We walked back to home base along the rushing, muddy Seine in more rain with time for a nap before a cabaret tonight at historic Lapin Agile.
The cabaret was iconic, a sing-along of sorts, in a gorgeous neighborhood, with nine throaty singers and musicians sharing traditional French songs and encouraging us to sing along. I knew only a few songs but the atmosphere was delicious which reminds me of a book I admired today…”Women Living Deliciously.” That is my gift of the moment.
After a wonderful stop outside Minneapolis, Minnesota to visit family we are back on the road to get to Mackinac Island on Lake Huron. Just about an hour outside of Lake Ham, MN, we finally saw a bear! A darling black bear was crossing the road and after he got across, he turned to look at us and showed us his darling brown snout as if he was posing for a picture. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough to grab my phone.
Today I decided to get myself to the doctor to check out my ears and dizziness. And as I surmised, I have a myriad of things happening in my ears because of the virus and was prescribed nose spray and anti-nausea meds and more over-the-counter decongestants. But all is well, I am feeling much, much better and glad to have had a doctor take a look just to rule out anything that might hurt my hearing. 
Sometimes you have all the luck and your life is charmed, sometimes you hit a large pothole in the road. Today I was at the pothole. I woke up with the room spinning wildly around while my eyes were closed. Thanks to Mr. Hitchcock we all know the word VERTIGO and I was gripping the side of the bed while it spinned. Welcome to my morning. I did a quick google search and deduced that I most likely have an inner ear infection brought on by the virus I have been fighting off. 
meanderest 