Howdy Friends,

I know, I know that less than 24 hours ago I said I would be putting up a post once a week but with the horrific events that took place in Paris last night, I felt the need to reach out and support the people of France. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to families of the victims and the whole country. May they find peace during this difficult time.

France is such a fabulous country, filled with great people, and a nation that has made so many contributions to the world. For example, our third President Thomas Jefferson served as the US ambassador to France for five years. He was enthralled by the music, art, architecture, engineering, education, and experienced the French enlightenment that helped to shape his thinking and actions when he returned to the US.

In September 2013, Melissa, our youngest daughter and I traveled to Italy to attend the wedding of one of her housemates when she studied abroad. From Venice, we took a Ryan Air flight to Marseille in the south of France, then a train to Arles, where we stayed six days. It was so much fun, the old town, the markets and beautiful countryside and Mediterranean were interesting and beautiful. But even better were the people. I heard the French could be cold and arrogant but in my experience were just the opposite, warm, kind and inviting. Arles is a melting pot city so lots of diversity. One day we took a tour to the French countryside and our guide thanked us as Americans for helping them out in two world wars. Arles was occupied by the Nazi’s during WWII and the American military helped to liberate the city. It was also a hotbed of the Resistance. So the people were great, like many that we’ve met in our travels, they want to provide for their families and have a good life. So again our hearts go out to the people of France.

Attached are a few photos from our trip. Enjoy and remember.

Til later,

Tom