Have you broken Federal Law in your Bathroom?

It would be a bad way to begin the new year - by breaking federal law, so, in the spirit of transparent bathroom glass doors, I thought I might share this news alert: Are you aware that you may be breaking federal law if you are not cleaning your toilet bowl according to the directions on your cleaning product label? The cleaning product in question is regular bleach. Please read the label of your regular bleach product carefully. You may note as I noted this wording: Directions for Use: It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. I am worried that if I do not follow the procedure, this could be extremely risky: Here's the procedure for toilet bowl cleaning: "To sanitize and deod0rize pre-cleaned toilet bowls, use 1 cup of this product." What if I only have half a cup of product left? Must I buy a new container of bleach to remain consistent with the labeling? "Flush, pour in bleach, swab with brush making sure to get under rim." This makes good sense. Getting on under the rim is crucially important and the whole procedure would be a complete failure if one didn't get under the rim so from a strategic viewpoint, let's make sure that we all get under the rim and the world will be a better place for it. "Let stand for 10 minutes" Here's where I am worried. Are you letting your bleach stand for ten minutes? Because, quite honestly, I think I may have failed to wait that complete 10 minutes - and, would this be considered to be inconsistent with the labeling directions? Is that ten minute standing period negotiable? "Flush. Do not use with bowl cleaners or any other household chemicals." This is where you want to be really careful. Apparently very strange things may happen if you should mix up procedure #1 which requires a 'pre-cleaned' toilet bowl. For example, if the slightest residue of the previous products you may have used (for pre-cleaning) should have mixed with the bleach you are currently using, all bets are off. Strange things may happen - case in point - avoid at all costs the interaction of bleach with cat pee. Trust me. I would not give you this warning otherwise. Bleach is a handy product to keep your home tidy, but it also needs to be used properly according to label guidelines. Isn't it nice to know that your government is watching out for your and wants to keep you safe? Here's a toast to clean homes and clean living!

European Designed Bathrooms?

Happy Holidays et Bonne Annee aux amis en France!!! Parisgirl has returned to Cyberland after an entire year of condo renovation in south Florida. Pour nos amis Europeans, je vous donne un conseil - gratuit: N'achetez jamais une propriete en Floride avec des travaux 'a faire'. Nous avons un proverbe en anglais: "Time flies when you're having fun." Quant aux renovations en Floride: "Money flies and you're not having fun." Quick translation: Here's some free advice folks: Don't ever buy a property in Florida with 'a little work to be done', (unless you're a contractor or very handy). And if you're still foolish enough not to heed this advice, you had better have a really good sense of humor. For example: Here is the hottest news in bathrooms: Glass doors for total transparency. That's right. Even though we may not have total transparency in banking and business. At least you can have total transparency in your home. We have already received compliments from neighbors on our 'European style bathrooms'. (Although, I have yet to visit a European home with transparent glass bathroom doors). Trust me, we did not intentionally order bathroom doors with transparent glass. Our custom-made Feather River doors (which we ordered through Home Depot) have 'bronze reflective glass'. So, when you are on the opposite side of the bathroom door, you look slightly bronzed but, you are still clearly visible from the other side. (This is when you'll be happy you stuck to your Dukan diet.) Seeing as we weren't on site when the bathroom doors were installed, I guess Home Depot, Feather River and our contractor who installed the doors thought we'd be okay with the idea of transparent bathroom doors. But, I'm not sure we'll be having many guests coming to visit. Or even coming over to dinner. If you do still want to visit, please remember to bring your own curtain. Chers amis, nous vous invitons venir diner quand vous voulez- mais apportez vos rideaux, SVP! Translation: Dear friends! Come for dinner when you wish - but be sure to bring your own curtains!

Paris Opera House on Strike

What would the Phantom of the Opera have to say about a mechanics' strike at the Opera House? Last night (September 21st) was the first Gala event of the Fall 2011/12 season and a major Franco-American event. The ballet production Lifar Ratmansky will tour the US after Paris.

This is our second experience with a Garnier Opera House Gala tarnished by a strike.
Last spring's strike did not stop the entire show. This time the show did not go on.
Nevertheless patrons of the arts were invited to drink champagne, and enjoy the famed Garnier staircase. For the gala event, the staircase was enshrined with an array of white floral bouquets. And champagne flowed non-stop.

Wandering through the ornate halls in the evening felt somewhat eerie at times. I was eager to regain the remaining group of stalwart supporters resplendent in their sparkling gowns and tuxedos.

Perhaps, having viewed the film Melancholia the previous evening, tinged my perspective. I recalled the conversation between the two sisters. They are awaiting the collision of the two planets: Earth and Melancholia. One sister suggests going out on the terrace and toasting with a glass of wine - to which the other sister replies the thought of drinking a glass of wine on the terrace is revolting. Instead, she suggest to her nephew that he helps her create a magic tent where they will be safe.

Certainly, a canceled show at the Opera isn't the 'end of the world'.
But, it may well represent a world that has almost imperceptibly changed course.

Are we headed for a collision between those that love the arts and those determined to display their total control over all aspects of our lives? There are no magic tents and no safety nets. But better to build than destroy. In creation, we affirm our soul. Even if we create only to have all turn into dust.

To quote an acquaintance from Greece, "You cannot avoid politics. We eat, drink, and breathe politics every day of lives." Donc. Bonne sante.

Dukan Diet news

Tailoring a Great French Diet to your Florida Lifestyle

For those of you who followed my Parislogue posts about the Dukan diet three years ago, you'll be delighted to know that the Dukan diet has finally hit the US of A! I just picked up a copy of the Crown Publishing edition and it's a beautiful translation of Dr. Dukan's inspiring call to arms.

And let's face it, losing weight - whether you want to lose one pound or fifty pounds is a battle against an army of junk food, constant attack of food advertisments, impulse food at cashier check-outs, and the daily stress that drives us to find refuge in our sense of taste and texture.

If you haven't yet read, The Dukan Diet, read it from cover to cover, and tell me you're not inspired to take up arms and do the good battle for your health and happiness.

I have done the diet - and can tell you that it does work. That isn't to say that there are pitfalls if you're doing this for the long haul (all of which are honestly mentioned in the book!).
But also know, that I am here for anybody who wants to take a stab at the program.

Something new about the US version of the Dukan diet:
Originally, exercise was not emphasized with the exception of taking stairways as opposed to elevators - but in places like south Florida where you're living on the 12th or 18th floor of a condo, taking the steps everyday would be a REAL work-out. Therefore, the US edition does emphasize 20, 30, or 60 minute walks as part of the program.

Some of the things not mentioned in the book are your psychological preparation before beginning the diet, so here are some additional suggestions which I've found to be useful:

Assess the influences good and bad around you before undertaking a diet.

Begin by clearing your kitchen and refrigerator of any food that remains as a temptation. If you share your kitchen with others that have no interest in dieting, then you need to set aside a portion of the kitchen/refrigerator that is yours and yours alone.

Do not panic when you are invited out to a restaurant. Accept the challenge. Servers will always try to load up your plate and you need to insist on what you want.
Protein happens to be the most expensive item on a restaurant menu so most restaurants will load up your plate with carbs to mask the miniscule piece of fish or meat. Tell them to bring out your steak, fish, chicken or veal with NO pasta, no potatoes, no rice and the chef will most likely be too embarrassed to skimp on your protein.

When it's time for an aperatif, club soda with a twist of lime is bubbly and refreshing.
Going out to eat is part of south Florida culture - you can enjoy it doubly when you know you are following the plan and working toward your goal.

So, if you've been hesitating to start the Dukan diet, wait no longer!

The Secret Life of Moles

Although I promised you that the New Year's post would be my 'last' Parisgirl post, I decided that we couldn't leave France (and, particularly, Normandy) without a word about moles.

While in the US, spring is when a young man's fancy turns to major league baseball, Parisians will be opening up their country places in Normandy and discussing the ideal method for battling the 'mole problem'.

So, I thought this might be the ideal time to bring up the important discovery that Christopher has made about moles. It appears that very few scientists have taken the time to look at the secret lives of moles. For example, if you've ever visited Stonehenge, you might be surprised to know that moles have been building miniature stonehenges on your lawns. Moles choose not any old stones to mark their 'front doors' - those eyesores that deface your perfectly manicured 'gazon'.

All of this observation began on the day that Christopher decided to take a non-violent approach of co-existence with the moles. Rather than choose any of a variety of lethal expulsions (bombing, drowning, or maiming), he merely raked over taupe mounds (the word for mole in French is taupe) as soon as they appeared. After much raking, he observed the curious configuration of stones - most often including a flat stone or two at the entrance of each taupe mound.

After a number of years of raking over taupe mounds, Christopher finally caved into the more conventional approach. This was a sad day. Especially because no matter what technique one chooses, the moles do come back. They were here first.

If you want to make friends with your moles, rake over the mounds, plant with grass seed, fix yourself a gin-and-tonic and wait for the next taupe mound to appear. It's cheap entertainment, and meanwhile you may even break the code.

Happy New Year in Paris 2011

Perhaps you have shared my dream of bringing in the New Year in Paris - the City of Lights. Of course, for Parisians, this dream is easier to realize - but the truth is, ringing in the New Year with friends is not entirely simple when it comes to logistics.

All I can say, if you plan on coming to Paris for New Years Eve - be sure to bring your walking shoes or book your driver well in advance.

This year, it was reported that 350,000 were milling around the Champs Elysees - but for some reason the annual Eiffel Tower fireworks didn't go off as planned. The Metro was supposed to be open somewhat later than normal for the revelers but at 2:30 am, certain Metro stops had already shut their gates.

So, what do you do at 3 am on a cold winter's night when your date is wearing high heels and your hotel is a mere 5 kilometers?

Be sure to know your date's shoe size in advance - and bring along a pair of jogging shoes and a warm pair of gloves.

Happy New Year from Paris!
PS. This is Parisgirl's last post. Yes, Mike I have begun the novel.

The Battle of Cedar Creek Re-Enactment, October 15-16, 2010

Yeah, we were there. And if you have never observed a Civil War battle Re-enactment, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? (Sorry for the uppercase hype) but for once, I need to be emphatic. We ended up at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Middletown, Virginia, all thanks to Lois at the Wayside Inn, an incredibly cool 18th century coach station and inn with its own share of stories (and a phantom or two, to be sure).

If you don't believe me, ask the folks that are participating in a seance in the slave kitchen tomorrow night? Whether you believe in the spirit world or not, they Wayside has a knack for dragging you back into the past. With creaky floors and finely carved period beds, a potpourri of antiques lovingly collected by the former proprietor, Wayside is simply oozing with history. In fact a Civil War soldier's letter home is framed right above the check-in counter.

But back to the battle. I am not a Civil War buff so I won't go into the details except to say that the men in blue and the men in gray were in abundance along with wives, tents, campfires, musical accompaniment and even a ball, the night before doing battle. Did I mention cavalry? Of course, there were some proud-stepping horses, totally non-plussed by the canon fire.

The weather complied dishing up a sun-drenched fall day for both Saturday and Sunday's re-enactments. Apparently the annual event occurs regardless of rain or sun.
On Saturday morning, we walked to the battlefields with a mass of boyscouts. From the center of Middletown, it's about a 3/4 mile to 1 mile walk to the Union's campsite. The Confederates were shooting from the opposite side of the valley near the Belle Grove plantation. We arrived about 15 minutes before the first skirmish scheduled for 11 am. Fortunately we crossed the valley along a path before the cannons began to smoke and before the cavalry made its first advance.

If you want to photograph this battle, I would suggest arriving early in the day to take photos of the campsites both on the Union and Confederate sides because once the battle begins, observers are requested to stand behind the 'battle lines'. I started shooting (photos, that is) from the hilltop of the Confederate side. You had a good view of the Union soldiers approach - and quite honestly, I think the Confederates had picked a good site to begin the battle. When you cross over from the Union soldiers' camp, you can't see much of anything over that hill and I would have not liked charging into a surprise attack.

Later in the day, at 3 pm, we observed a re-enactment (which according to the commentators actually began at 5 am with heavy fog) the best place to photograph this battle was from the Unionists encampment - just below the gun emplacements. That's where the front lines of the two camps made contact. (In other words, if you're approaching from Route 11, choose a spot in the designated observation area closest to Middletown and the Union soldiers' camp as opposed to the Confederate campsite.

Several of the re-enactors lodged at the Wayside Inn so we were able to discuss more of the details of the time period. As one of the participants mentioned, many of the people who do this year after year (one couple with whom we spoke had been attending for over ten years!) are truly dedicated to 'living the life - and bringing the event to life)