Old Paris

I know I am not alone in the world in thinking of Paris as one of my favourite cities.

The Eugene Atget  exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW is a fascinating pictorial of Old Paris - during a time it was going through a major transformation.

EE and I  saw over 200 original prints - mainly capturing the streets, old shops and buildings  in late 19th and early 20th century before the work of Haussmann's 19th century modernisation program.

 Very evocative images, mostly without a person in sight

 It is hard to imagine the gracious boulevards of Paris that we see today

but this is just as beautiful 

I love that these photos have captured a period of time forever.

Really worth a visit - but be quick it closes soon.

First swim

It's a holiday weekend in New South Wales.

 Labour Day, commemorating the eight-hour working day for Australians. 

It also recognises workers' contributions to the local economy.
It's an annual public holiday and its date varies across our states and territories.

I celebrated my contribution to the economy this week by having an early swim yesterday afternoon.

By this I mean my first dip for the summer season in the harbour at Balmoral.

The Rotunda at Balmoral, a favourite landmark

I can't recall getting into the water in Sydney in September -  ever!  

I usually swim through to April- so I am optimistic for a long swimming season this year.

Outside temperature was unseasonably warm and humid - 31C or 92F.

I wasn't the only one

It was bracing and refreshing at 18.1C or 67 F when I dived in and it really cleared the end of work week cobwebs away.

The extra warmth in the air as I walked back to my towel quickly took the chill away.

I believe there are two types of swimmers - those that swim when the temperature of the water equals or is greater than the temperature of the air.

Or people like me - who swim to cool off!

If it's your turn - dive in and have a great long weekend.

City Bread

As much as I enjoy making bread on the farm it is much easier in my busy city life to buy my bread. Have you noticed that bakeries are the latest food mecca?
 They are everywhere. I know people that travel miles to get their favourite loaf.

Today I dropped into The Bourke Street Bakery in Alexandria after a meeting at the airport.   I have driven past on several occasions and noticed a crowd and thought it must be good.

They make everything by hand including organic sourdough and pastries and cakes.

The coffee was excellent - smooth and full bodied
(sadly something which is hard to find in the US,  particularly outside of the bigger cities).

The staff were friendly 

And I'm looking forward to trying these loaves- particularly the fennel, cherry and raisin loaf on the left.

 A baker's life is a hard one, with its long and antisocial hours creating the staff of life for a demanding audience.

I do hope they earn a good crust (excuse the pun) for their effort!

Home again

Back from our short break to Connecticut and New York, including a three night stay in the city - 

New York City that is...

I am still reeling from the orgy of wining and dining, city street life and entertainment we experienced.

Sorting through my mind and photos for a post tomorrow.

In the meantime it's back to reality.

First job today was to pick up sticks strewn around the yard from the storm before we went away.

 And to gather these beautiful pears from under our old pear tree.

Delicious.