The Pleasures & Pains of this Trip

Bonjour to everyone,

I have recovered from my stay on the East Coast. It was 2 weeks of living with wheels under my ass. This trip taught me a lot of things .. and some of these things were nice, some were pains in my butt.. So as my Auntie always said to me, as I was going out on a date …”remember, pleasure is followed by pain ” …. yep ..how these words of wisdom still haunt me to this day ..

So lets start with the good – this trip’s mission was to go and get my dog.She was with my pet sitter, and it was a year, and it was time for me to get my girls. Nic and I should be closing on a house, in the suburbs of Paris in 40 days, so there will be a yard and a larger home for everyone. I found my dog , in good condition, plus an additional 20 pounds. The sitter gave her way too many treats .. but I think, this is better than her starving and thin. In appreciation for him helping me, I signed a 5 year lease with him, and every Dec. as a Christmas gift to him -he can deduct 50 dollars from the rent . He is on a fixed income, so I think, he apprenticed this The farmhouse was in good condition, and the yard was very clean. (except the 1000 lightbulbs my ex dumped in the backyard, and we have started to remove them, before I get a fine). I also picked some cotton, to keep my homesickness at bay .. and I plan on creating a centerpiece with this beautiful plant .

The Bonneau home, needs some work- the hurricane did some damage to some shingles, and sofits. Otherwise, this renter is working with me, on the repairs. The house is neat and clean. He is on a budget, newly divorced with 2 kids. I am allowing his children to visit on the weekends with their family dog. I am a SPCA girl – I can’t say no to this , especially with the house kept in good condition.

So both renters I have now, are paying less than the market rate – but it saves me tons of headaches , and I learned this is the better way for me.

The trip from NYC to Charleston was on Amtrack- and I was very pleased with the comfort with the leg room . I also noticed , they have these private little rooms- cars , kinda like the Orient Express for rent. I paid 150.00, and the upgrade to this was 75.00 more .. and next time, I will pay for it . I liked the fact, that I could have some space , to repack my cases, or take a nap ..the privacy is very attractive on long trips.

I also returned to Virgina Tech Beauty School ,in Charleston, for my 14.00 wash & cut special. I was very happy to learn, that if you tell the student, in advance of your time table, it works for you. The student I had, was scared to cut the hair, when it was one hour later, and my hair was only washed and combed.. the instructor stepped in and finished my style..so in effect, I got a professional cut for 14.00 !! And it LOOKED just like the picture I walked in with !! cool

Also American Airlines was so much better, than my last trip bringing my first dog to Paris. Continental lost the paperwork, and tried to give me a cat when i went to get my pet . I almost killed the employee ! This time, I used AA to bring my dog to Paris and WHAT a difference. You still have to buy the special cage , and get the paperwork for the airlines, proving all rabies shots are up to date, and France requires the pet to have a microchip for proof of responsibility. Also, all pets must come fixed ..no babies .(to bad this rule can’t be applied to other kinds of imports)..yes that is not nice ..but I saw you agree !! lol

And of course there is my family and friends – who i spent some time with , and who allowed me and my OCD ways into their homes. I felt sad, because this trip had such a time frame, I did not have enough time to see everyone. I plan on going back with Nic, and taking time to visit everyone.

I love Goodwill, and miss it very much when I come back to Paris ..and of course …you know it .. Walmart and my salad dressings and sweet tea mix . I picked up as much as my suitcase could hold. I arrived with one suitcase, and only allowed myself a 2nd bag for goodies . Even the 2nd bag is cheaper on AA , only 60.00 as opposed to US Air, which is 75.00. I picked up a very nice beige duvet cover, and boots and boots…i think I am at 10 pairs now.. have to stop now ..

So these are the pleasures of this trip, which I like to share with everyone.. because with information, you can make better choices …

(this pic of my girls, waiting to get into the apt garden door..finally all together)
bises