Last chance.

Dean woke me up this morning begging to watch his Batman DVD on the laptop. I told him he could and almost turned over to fall back asleep when the thought popped into my head . . . Homburg. I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes and ran out the door. My last flea market before I leave and to make it really memorable, I walked around in the rain. Not that I had a choice, my umbrellas are nailed shut in a crate somewhere en route to the U.S. There weren’t many vendors there because of the weather, but I mananged to find the most important thing I was looking for–a sugar bowl for my sister-in-law. It’s an old Villeroy and Boch “Bergenland” pattern in red and white. I think she’ll like it. And the real treasure I picked up was two matching Limoges creamers for €14. The poor man didn’t know what he had. I didn’t bat an eyelash when he said €15 and then I promptly offered him €14. They’re a terrific shade of celedon green with gold detailing, in perfect condition made circa 1925. Okay, I realize the only person reading this who might care at all is my friend Casey. I wish she would have been there with me.

I feel like I’m now in the eye of the storm. There’s nothing to do but wrap things up here and get on the plane. Then the wind will start blowing the other way. It still cracks me up, after all the adventurous places we’ve lived, that I’m excited to move to Little Rock.

Slim pickings.

Slim pickings at the flea market this morning. I almost left and then at the last minute, my radar picked up some red and white dishes. They just happened to be exactly what I needed to finish off my dinner plates. What luck. I also found a perfect small teapot and oval platter. The pattern I collect is old Villeroy & Boch called “Fasan” and I try to only buy the oldest stamp, dated around 1950. Here’s what it looks like. It’s similar to the famous “Bergenland.” The vendors were quite comical as they tried to calculate what they’d normally charge in Deustche Marks into Euro… then promptly escalate the price way too much.

Eric left Friday for his final interview with Wake Forest University. I can’t stand it. The suspense is killing me. I think I’m going to get a babysitter and slip off to see Black Hawk Down tonight. I would much rather see another movie, but beggars can’t be choosers. Who knows, maybe I’ll be surprised.

Out for crêpes.

Courtney and I jumped in the car this morning and blasted off to the Christmas market in Strasbourg (France.) But before we strolled off to the outdoor market (it was raining), we detoured through several patisseries, bookstores, etc. and came out loaded with pastries and hand-made paper and ribbon for wrapping presents. I almost bought a $200 black beret until I came to my senses.

The outdoor market was a little disappointing, until we stopped for a crêpe. We must have passed 8 or 9 crêperies until finally we couldn’t stand it any more. It was meant to be because the one we chose to stop at was owned by the most delightful family. The man was quite the comedian and not only did he talk me into a banana et chocolate-noix crêpe (with plenty of sugar and a splash of Grand Marnier) but he tried to talk me into taking his son, Nicolas, home with me. “He’s very useful . . . he can do your dishes . . . he can make the beds . . . you can eat crêpes for every meal . . .” And he couldn’t decide where the heck I was from because he kept switching from French to German to French and back to German. It was so charming.

The cathedral in Strasbourg rivals any I’ve seen in Europe. I can’t believe that in a few months I won’t be able to take little day trips into France.

Plan B.

Casey and my flea market plans were thwarted this morning. When we arrived in Metz, the empty parking lot didn’t look too promising. Since it was 7 AM, we decided we might as well make a Cora run back in Forbach. Only, Cora didn’t open until 9 AM so we had a little time to kill. We found an open patisserie and had croissants, Perrier and great conversation; which was followed by roaming isles of fresh sea food and French cheese and pastries. So much for the flea market, we’re set for dinner.

I got home and washed the car inside and out to keep myself from crawling into bed for a long nap. Then came the fun part. I spent half an hour de-heading and shelling shrimp. Now I’m debating whether to wait for Eric to get home before I dive into the shrimp, pain de compagne, fromage, and taboulé.

Mmmmm.

Met them in Metz.

Latest flea market treasure … (drumroll) … matching crystal chandeliers, French, circa 1930. Totally worth getting up at 4 AM for the drive to Metz (France).

Douglas and Eric were kind enough to indulge me by hanging one of them above the dining room table so I could get that instant gratification. Wow. It looks great. Now I have to make up my mind where the other one will hang. Somewhere no one will bang their head on it. I guess over the bed would not be such a good place.