RETIREMENT IN KALAMAZOO AND TAKING TIME TO REMINISCE

 

A series of essays….

OUR HOME AND GARDEN IN KALAMAZOO ARE PROGRESSING
NICELY. LOOKING FORWARD TO SHORT, PLANNED GETAWAYS
IN ORDER TO JUMPSTART OUR NEW TRAVEL LIFE.

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

No one warned me that after my husband retired, and despite already spending over one year within Covid-19 precautionary conditions, that we would be busier than ever! 

Retirement is only a word. It is not a death sentence or even a number that defines who we are in relationship to how many years we have already spent on this earth; how much time we have left to spend. If we think or believe in finite terms only, we have already written our later years off as unimportant, unproductive, and not worth seeing through with dignity and self respect.

Finding a decent blend between working at whatever you love to do and taking breaks from everything you do in any given day, is highly important. Even if a break consists of a few minutes of meditation or sitting out on the back deck to watch golfers pretend that they are good at the game, the mental downtime is so worth it. This break reminds us of the importance of resuming whatever it is we’ve started. Being both physically and mentally sharp as we strive to do our best along the way, contributes to a much needed sense of balance in our lives.

Spending several hours each day writing is as natural to me as drinking my coffee in the morning. I can get lost in time during this period, very early in the day, and find that three hours have passed by as if I’d merely blinked them away! One of my first published poems was, ironically, entitled Time, as if losing myself between the click, click, click of the ‘second hand’ was always going to be a part of my life and I’d realized this fact a very long time ago.

Dan has lived a highly productive, full life within the construction business in various places around the country and has adapted well to learning the trade no matter what the terrain. He understands first-hand how building apartments in the middle of a snowstorm in Michigan differs from having to dynamite rock in West Virginia in order to create buildable space, and what an important role the water table plays while building in Florida. 

Today, he is spending his time remodeling our little cottage here in Kalamazoo. After everything he’s accomplished in the field of construction, you might think this would be a fairly simple task. Well, not really. Change orders still inundate his work day—only now they are coming from his wife as his client, (critic), and co-worker throughout various projects. I am the design person who relies on the brawn and expertise that I know he can deftly supply. I’m not so naive as to believe that he always feels our working relationship to be ideal, but I do know that it all seems to be working out for us with each project we complete.

Recently, with more people becoming fully vaccinated, we’ve decided that taking a short break from construction and routine could be more than sitting on the back deck relaxing and taking in the view. It’s been almost three years since we left our life and friends in Florida and It’s time to pay that life a visit and reminisce for a little while. So, with Covid-19 realities in mind, the planning stages have begun, and I couldn’t be more excited!

BRILLIANT SUNSET OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO

While we plan, life goes on and several big ticket items have definitely shaken us to the core. And, like most retirees, we question if spending money on this trip is feasible right now. Our car is in the ‘shop’ being worked on and the air conditioning unit for the house has decided it no longer desires to keep us cool and comfortable now that we’re heading into the heat of summer. (Enormous hugs and thanks to our friends who offered their air conditioned homes to help guard us from a possible meltdown. You know who you are!!) But, we still have smiles on our faces and understand these challenges to be stepping stones rather than giant boulders blocking our future plans.

I saw a post recently that featured a famous quote by the Italian filmmaker, Federico Fellini, which read: “One of the greatest handicaps is to fear a mistake. You have stopped yourself. You have to move freely into the arena, not just to wait for the perfect situation, the perfect moment… If you have to make a mistake, it’s better to make a mistake of action than one of inaction.” Sound advice for all of us who have reached retirement age and beyond.

I was fascinated by this quote because I know what it feels like to be paralyzed and do nothing while being afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing. This tactic kept me from finishing my book by feeling I was not good enough; I believed I was doing the wrong thing and not following all of the rules. I was afraid of doing or saying something “wrong” so, I did and said nothing at all. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that these so-called mistakes and fears are as bad as the mistake of doing absolutely nothing. 

I am learning—even at my age, I am learning to take action for my own life and make those mistakes with the confidence of someone who knows that she learns by her mistakes. Like a room filled with every color imaginable, I will extract energy from these colors and continue on. 

CHIMICHANGA FROM DON JULIO’S MEXICAN KITCHEN 

 CHICKEN WITH COCONUT CURRY BROTH ~
PHO VINH VIETNAMESE DINING

So, on with our plans to revisit the haunts that we loved so much in Orlando: restaurants, independent book stores, tea shops, wine bars, sandy beaches (along the Gulf and Atlantic coastline), walking the campus of Rollins College, having pedicures, and shopping at Publix grocery stores, again. Oh, how I miss my Publix! Often it’s the simple things in life that motivate us straight into our happy place. 

Dan and I like to call this trip back to Orlando our ‘littlest adventure’ that will lead the way back to epic adventures as time goes by. It’s our first set of baby steps that are walking us out of this pandemic and into a healthier future. Let us all plan away and release ourselves from the tentacles that have held us in place for so long. Besides, road trips can be as much fun (sometimes even more so) as a cross-country flight. It may take a bit longer to arrive at your final destination, but you have such diverse attractions along the way.

Please get fully vaccinated and then plan your first trip with the peace of mind that we all deserve while venturing out into the world, once again. Enjoy life to the fullest each day—because that’s what living is all about.

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

Photos Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

HERE COMES THE SUN

 

A series of essays....

DOWNTOWN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN:
THE NEW ARCHITECTURE COMPLIMENTS THE OLD.

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

I find myself having trouble putting down my thoughts and describing my recent actions that would make this story particularly interesting for all of you today. I do apologize. But, I am finding my thoughts all scattered and incoherent and if I could corral them all in one spot, I might be able to put the various pieces together and make something out of them. 

For now, I will try as best I can. Here goes!

Dan and I got our second dose of the Pfizer vaccine this week and all went as smoothly as the first time around. We were fortunate to have for each round the beautifully orchestrated and highly organized people working at the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department taking care of us. The sparkle in their eyes reflected the genuine smiles they had behind their masks at each station and with every poke in the arm they administered.

LIKE THE LINES AT DISNEY WORLD
ONLY WITH MUCH MORE SIGNIFICANCE

WAITING TO GO IN FOR SHOT NO. 2

DAN’S EYES SAY IT ALL!

I wasn’t as giddy feeling this time around, though. I had heard from several sources quite close to me that the second shot would/could do me in for, at least, a day or so with possible unfavorable reactions to the vaccine. But, not to worry, it just means it’s working and my body is reacting to it as it should, or something like that. I admit it, I psyched myself up for the worst-case scenario and was pleasantly surprised to have proved them wrong. Now, I’m not discounting the fact that my current fogginess doesn’t have something to do with it all but, at least, there’s been no hard side-effects such as having a temperature, dizziness, or headaches to deal with!

With the bright, sunny day ahead of us and second shot in our arms, we left The Expo for downtown Kalamazoo to a shop whose motto is, “Your best choice for all things in print! More than a store—an enlightened community!” How could you go wrong by visiting the Michigan News Agency on W. Michigan Avenue? This independent bookstore has been around since 1947 when Dean Hauck’s father established it and then Dean took it over in 1988. During the pandemic, Dean vowed to remain open to the public with her day beginning at 7 am, sharp, seven days a week, because she knows how many people depend on her to begin their day.

DEAN HAUCK STANDING AMONG HER
THOUSANDS OF PRINTED ITEMS

Courtesy of Joel Bissell

This outgoing, amazing woman has spent her entire career cultivating a community atmosphere and the pleasure was all ours as we opened the front door and happily stepped inside. My mission was to find two books by the author, Jacqueline Woodson and it didn’t take me long to find Woodson’s novels neatly displayed at the front of the store. As we continued to walk around the bookstore, many individuals dropped in to purchase their morning paper, slide their change across the counter, and say good morning to Dean as she replied to them on a first name basis, eyes sparkling.

I purchased my books and took my time as Dean, Dan, and I chatted together for a few minutes at the glass case counter near the front door.  Hauck, a high school English teacher has a master’s degree in English Literature and is dedicated to the promotion of local writers and poets and offers live readings by many of them in the very back of her cozy establishment. As we bade our good-byes, I couldn’t help but think how fortunate we all are for the existence, enthusiasm, and dedication of Dean Hauck and for the opportunity to know her and to have, right downtown, one of the last remaining newsstands in the Midwest!

Dean Hauck lovingly goes on my list of important women meant to be celebrated year round and highlighted in March during Women’s History Month here in the U.S.A.

The morning sunshine continued to break over the tops of the taller buildings in Downtown Kalamazoo and splash its warmth on our upturned faces. I was very happy to have only taken a half hour out of this spectacular morning to get our vaccine shots. More time for play and discovery as we decided to leave the car and walk to the other end of town to yet another well established local business and promoter of the arts, Sarkozy Bakery and Café, who has been “Proudly baking for Kalamazoo since 1978!” 

JUDY SARKOZY WELCOMES 
ALL WITH OPEN ARMS

Courtesy of sarkozybakery.com

Judy Sarkozy has been baking up a storm for over forty years and nothing expresses community vibes like fresh baked goods and a hot mug of coffee or tea! As with Dean, Judy has not closed her doors due to the pandemic and has offered curb side pickup and take-out throughout this past year. When you’ve been a large part of a community for so long, you accept the fact that so many people depend on and feel comforted by your services no matter what. Judy, her huge smile covered by a black face mask, came up to the counter to bid us a good morning before shuffling back to the belly of the bakery and her home away from home where she has felt comfortable and productive for so many years. 

Okay, as I add Judy Sarkozy to my list, along with Dean Hauck, of local women who have kept this community growing and strong year after year, I marvel at their strength and long term dedication. It is obvious to me that there is great respect and love for each and every one of us who, also, take pride in living in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Grabbing our crisp, white bag of freshly baked goodies, including a loaf of warm, French bread, we walked back outside and followed the long shadows on the south side of town leading us back to our car. Along the way, I have to stop at each business entrance, open or closed, to take pictures of the dated terrazzo tiles that remain and have welcomed customers into these shops since 1915 and before. Towns like Kalamazoo are simple treasures of architecture, history, and the people who lure us into the heart and soul of a community and always keep us wanting for more.

Finally, back at the car, we decided to make a beeline for home with breakfast in hand. I will make two large mugs of Irish Breakfast tea and slightly warm-up the pastries with a touch of Irish butter on top. The anticipation is mounting.

Seems like hours ago that we left the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for a visit with Dean and Judy downtown. I know we all have our favorite women with whom we identify during this special month of honoring the history of women and they may include anyone from Harriet Tubman to a favorite teacher to our own Mothers who have greatly influenced us along the way. Today I was happy to put two more women on my list and thank them for all of their hard work; thank them for helping to knit the lives of people in our community together in so many educated and delicious ways—for decades.

I encourage you to take a walk around your own town sometime soon and make a list of the women who help make it a better place in which to live, raise children, and work in. Have fun watching that list grow!

PURE DELIGHT!!!

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

Photo Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

THE DYNAMIC REDBUD TREE

A series of essays and poems....

ONE OF OUR WILD REDBUD TREES THAT
LIVES ON THE HILL

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Oh, it’s so good to have so many sweet, talented friends here in Kalamazoo!

I am exceedingly fortunate to be surrounded by people who understand and appreciate the quirkiness of being an artist, whether he or she be a painter, writer, woodworker, poet, book lover or so many other examples I apologize for not naming here. Simply stated, they are the meat of the story, the ‘real deal,’ and the spirited souls who truly understand how to express their inner thoughts. They make my heart sing with pure joy! 

If you ever happen to hear me criticize the weather patterns here in Michigan, I do apologize, once again. I have been pampered living in Orlando, Florida, for so many sunny years and miss that brilliant yellow orb showing its lovely face up in the sky almost every day, spreading its warmth while providing us with much needed Vitamin D.

I do confess that when the sun fails me here in Michigan, I have my friends to supply sunshine by offering me their genuine smiles and gracious companionship. You see, I am learning. It is important to be able to compromise and find comfort in the many friends who bolster your self confidence and support you along your own life’s journey, wherever this journey might be taking you.

A new friend of mine, Marijo, whom I met through our mutual Book Club, is a multifaceted artist. She inspires others with her handmade paper making and is one of the most talented calligraphers I know. She and her fellow calligraphers belong to the Kalamazoo Pen Dragons Calligraphy Guild and sponsor various exhibitions throughout the year. 

When Marijo explained to us about the Treewhispers Exhibit the Guild was sponsoring at the Kalamazoo Nature Center from June 2 through July 31 this year, she asked the Book Club members if they’d like to participate. It was a simple ‘yes’ on my part as she explained that the Exhibition is all about 'Awakening The Stories Within Us.' And, you know that I always seem to have a few of those lying around!

MY CONTRIBUTION DESIGNED ON ONE OF
MARIJO'S HANDMADE PAPER ROUNDS

Providing us with a handmade paper round, we were invited to tell our own “tree story” on it. “Just as the rings of a tree embody the stories of the tree, so too do we carry the stories of trees. These stories inspire us to renew our sense of wonder. They connect us with one another through shared experiences as they deepen our understanding of our connection with nature.” —Treewhispers

Have you ever built a treehouse with your Dad? Perhaps you’ve planted a tree with your child and together watched it grow from year to year. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a particular tree and found solace in climbing it as high as you could until you discovered the spirit of the tree itself.

Perhaps the shape of a tree, the color of its bark or spring blossoms, its heart-shaped leaves in summertime, caught your attention. That’s exactly what happened to me when I realized, having lived here in Kalamazoo for the first, full Spring this year, that the beautiful Redbud Tree grows everywhere and gracefully marks the arrival of warmer weather with her display of full-blown color. 

Learning more and more about the Redbud Tree, I decided to draw the delicate (and edible) flowers that cluster along its branches in early Spring and softly wrap them in spectacular shades of red and pink. The wild Redbud Trees have taken over our eastern side yard and the profusion of color marching down the slope is pure joy in tree form. 

Then I decided to fit a poem I’d written about this dynamic tree within a drawing of its heart-shaped leaf and explain how this tree’s beauty extends to all four seasons in its own, breathtaking way. 

Thank you, Marijo, for giving me yet another means of expressing my inner thoughts while, hopefully, creating something beautiful to be shared and added to by many others. Also, my genuine appreciation to Treewhispers for their collaboration with handmade paper, art, and personal stories relating to our love of trees.

THE DYNAMIC REDBUD TREE

Amidst the starkness of Winter’s chill 

Stands the barren Redbud Tree;

An impressive sculpture of elongated limbs, 

Ballerina curved, decisively delicate.

Warmth and showers are Springtime hugs 

That awaken the slumbering Redbud Tree,

Wrapping her graceful branches in clusters of tiny red buds, 

Exquisite bangles worthy of royalty.

Edible Summer pea pods dangle like exotic fruit 

From the elegant Redbud Tree.

Delicate flowers are exchanged for universal symbols of 

Joy, Happiness and Love.

How can you not love a tree with heart-shaped leaves?

Green hearts change to crimson and gold 

As Autumn conspires with Winter’s desires....

What story is Redbud telling me now?

Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

WHY DO BUTTERFLIES STAND ON THEIR FOOD?

 A series of essays....

A VARIETY OF PEPPERS....
PART OF NATURES COLOR PALETTE

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

“Welcome to PFC Markets: Connecting customers and market businesses through honest relationships and supporting community and local economies through a thriving market culture.”  —-Michigan Farmers Market Association

A GENTLEMAN WITH A SONG

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market, a PFC (People’s Food Co-op) market, was quite an unexpected surprise when good friends asked if we’d like to join them at the local Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago. We were thrilled to do so considering that one of our greatest adventures while in Europe and, especially, France, is spending hours at the local village markets. Not only is this a great way to explore what the area has to offer in fresh produce, spices, local cheeses, sausage and other high quality meats but, these open markets introduce you to the area, the land, the local people and their language, and so much more! 

MAKING A DIFFICULT DECISION!

THE SHEER BEAUTY OF NATURE

We were excited to take this special opportunity to meet and rub elbows (literally) with the locals and carry-on conversations about the town and surrounding area. Immersing oneself into the community truly requires getting to know the local farmers, bakers, florists, honey suppliers, and artisans of many beautiful and practical items for yourself and your home.

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market did not disappoint us. The day began cloudy and overcast. Then, the sun showered us with its brilliance and Floridian-like heat as we parked our car and walked into the bustling crowd of shoppers. People were clutching their market baskets filled with a delightful conglomeration of locally grown produce with carrot tops, a variety of fresh lettuces, and vividly colored peppers dripping over the sides like dense clusters of colorful phlox over the rim of an ancient stone wall.

COLOR AND TEXTURE....
TEMPTING THE TASTE BUDS.

One does not proceed meekly as you make your way forward among your fellow shoppers within the large aisle separating the vendors on the left and vendors to the right. You must employ a calm, positive demeanor as you find yourself bobbing this way and that, head turned towards the left and body aiming to the right in ‘pretzel’ position, never missing a deal or an opportunity. And, politeness being a virtue as you excuse yourself for the hundredth time after, unfortunately, stabbing someone with your elbow. Farmers markets can be considered a contact sport in many ways!

And, that’s always good because the genuine enthusiasm for the chance to mingle with your neighbors while shopping in a healthy, sustainable manner with the benefit of being a part of the greater community....is never to be turned away from. 

JUICY GOODNESS RIGHT FROM THE FIELD!

Where else can you find a local bakery that employs people who have difficulty working in traditional work environments and give them a chance to have a purpose, be productive, and achieve a goal? —-Bova Bakery does just that!

When you shop at the farmers market you support your neighbors; you give true meaning to the phrase ‘know your farmer, know your food’ because you have the opportunity to speak directly with them, ask questions, and learn their stories and practices first hand. At the same time, a large portion of your dollar will stay in the community as you are directly helping local families survive economically. 

FARMERS MARKET CHEESES,
THE BEST YOU CAN BUY!

After walking along the stalls of over one hundred vendors, some supplying the people of Kalamazoo with their particular wares for many decades, and weaving through the crowd of determined yet smiling faces for over an hour, I was quite satisfied with the items chosen to fill my wicker market basket with. Unlike shopping at the market in Bédoin, France, as we do each time we visit Provençal, we are not disguising ourselves as locals for the week....now, we are the locals and we could not be more proud! 

CAPTURING THE BEAUTY
AND INTRICACY IN NATURE...

I’ve been reading extensively about the rich history of The City of Kalamazoo’s Farmers Market which extends back into the mid 1800’s. Incredible for so many reasons, the market has woven its way through major wars, relocation, economic upheaval, local politics, and has grown stronger and stronger as the years progress.

Gone is the belief that similar European markets can only hold the exclusive keys to the four categories requested by every market business in order to self-identify their role in a Farmers’ Market as a retailer, grower, producer, and artisan. And, we should all be fairly impressed by the longevity and constant growth that the Kalamazoo Farmers Market has enjoyed and delightedly shared with the people of this community. 

MY FAVORITE ARTISAN CHOICE FOR OUR TRIP:
HAND-KNIT, FINGERLESS GLOVES.  PERFECT
FOR PHOTOGRAPHY! 

Dan and I are slowly becoming a part of this incredible community with the help of good neighbors and friends. We’re looking forward to many, many years of giving, sharing, and participating in local places and events. Our formal introduction to the local Farmers Market has been one huge building block helping to form a foundation of unity and belonging to something far greater and, often, wiser than ourselves.

Answer to: Why do butterflies stand on their food? Because they taste with their feet. All creatures have one thing in common....they all must eat!

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All photo rights reserved

FEELING QUITE PARISIAN IN LEXINGTON

 A series of essays....

OUR 'PETITE SLICE OF PARIS' ON NORTH LIMESTONE IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

What goes up will come back down, eventually....at least for a few more road trips, anyway!

We’re heading back to our Florida home after spending two cold, snowy weeks of Winter in April up in Kalamazoo! Some highly productive work accomplished on the inside of the house with enough demolition to fill a ten-yard dumpster! That was a very good thing. Anything that needed to be done on the outside was a distinct impossibility, and this set us back on our time schedule a bit, unfortunately.

A SCENE DAN AND I DON'T
EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY!

Months ago, Dan’s initial demolition of the back of the house was shared by the highly capable hands of our son-in-law, Matthew. Ripping out the existing three-season room was their specialty. I admit it; I played ‘voyeur’ by observing some of their hard work via the security camera we’d installed in the dining room, located in a window just off of the back deck. I remained in Florida for the long weekend while all of this was taking place.

POOR GUY IS STUCK IN
DEBRIS TWO RUNGS DEEP

During a subsequent trip we both made up to Michigan, I watched Dan and his brother, Leo, level out and finish the new floor deck, build the new portion of the kitchen’s side walls, and construct its vaulted beams and plywood clad roof. I was in heaven! We were making progress towards a new kitchen, as well as a new life, eventually, up in Kalamazoo!

This recent go around afforded us a two week span for completing kitchen demo, placing the new windows and doors that, also, needed to be stained, and figuring out electrical placement and heat runs.

"HEY! WE REALLY DIDN'T NEED TO
SUPPORT THE SECOND FLOOR!!"

The demo of most older houses can be tricky to quite difficult at best. You just never know what you’re going to find! Knowing all of this going in helped to ease some of the pain as Dan discovered floor joists cut in half, large notches cut out of studs to make way for water pipes, and the fact that one corner of the old, existing kitchen was so rotted from years of water intrusion that it had to be framed-up again before it came crumbling down on our heads. You know....the typical stuff, and all very frustrating and time consuming.

A SPIDER FROM HELL;
A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN!

In taking down some of the drywall in the garage ceiling to try and make sense out of the current pipes and electrical positioning, Dan discovered the quintessential outlet from hell. There were thick, black wires coming out of this ‘monster’ that traveled every point of the compass throughout the house and resembled a large, mutant spider that had been unleashed after many years of captivity. Always good for a laugh or two, right?

While Susie, Leo’s wife, thoughtfully brought a large pot of her delicious, homemade ham and bean soup which provided the four of us with two amazing, healthy meals, she and I made miraculous headway towards keeping dishes clean by utilizing the bathroom sink. Marsha had brought over a 'right out of the oven' quiche that we, gratefully, called breakfast the next morning. Delicious! Also, it was openly and gratefully discovered how productive Susie can be on a construction sight. Never afraid of getting her hands dirty or ignoring what needs to be done, she wields a mean trash shovel and is wicked when it comes to pulling a million staples and nails from the old kitchen flooring with a hammer in one hand and a crowbar in the other!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PICTURES OF LEO AND SUSIE:
SKYPE SESSION WITH THEIR GRANDSON...

After attending a highly productive writer’s workshop by the author and poet, Jack Ridl, with my dear friend, Marsha, spending sweet, quality time at dance and gymnastic classes with two of our five grand babies, and going out to dinner with several of our good friends....our amazing neighbor, Ginny, sent us off last Saturday morning with a goody bag of rich, delicious homemade Michigan brownies layered with dark, sweet cherries. Yum! All in all, Dan and I felt very well taken care of and, of course, loved! 

MR. JACK RIDL: TEACHER, POET, AUTHOR,
AND A MOST DELIGHTFUL HUMAN BEING!

ADMIRING THIS WEDDING
GOWN IN A SHOP WINDOW

Deciding to spend the night in Lexington, Kentucky, we consciously shortened the first day of driving in order to relax and enjoy seeing this clean, beautiful city from a daytime perspective. “Where should we have dinner?” was the important question of the evening and we just took off heading downtown with the element of surprise in mind. Dan’s eye caught the green of an Irish Pub and took a right turn onto N. Limestone before realizing that we’d landed in the famous historical section of Lexington. Driving slowly by the Irish Pub, Le Deauville Bistrot, beautiful old storefronts and shops, and architecturally brilliant, restored, two-story walk-ups, we decided to park and walk this historic portion of Lexington while taking it all in slowly and methodically.

Le Deauville Bistrot was our dining place of choice. Just like its namesake located on Av des Champs Élysée near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Le Deauville Brasserie, it offered late-night food in a cozy and casual atmosphere.

WAITING FOR THEIR TABLE

Crowded with couples and small groups either already eating and drinking or waiting their turn at a table, the maître d managing the ‘front of the house’ asked if we had a reservation! What were we thinking? It was a Saturday evening at this intimate French Bistrot in major downtown U.S.A. and we thought we’d be able to be seated! Bon chance, my friends....

Well, good luck is exactly what we had because, you see, after a moment or two, he came back to us and said, “If you would like to wait, a couple will soon leave a small (as to verge on insignificant) round table that is positioned near the back of the bar area.” The hustle and bustle of wait staff and all of the warm bodies pressed up to the small bar before being taken to their reserved tables offered us a unique challenge but one we were happy to accept if it meant being fed. Since Dan and I are devout ‘people watchers,’ we felt we had nothing to lose. That is, of course, if you don’t count stepped-on toes and feeling quite exposed along with six to eight others brushing arms together by the curtained-off front door.

With patience can come great rewards. After a ‘loud’ span of around thirty minutes, our smiling maître d leads us towards a cloth covered table for two within the main dining area while explaining that we had been so patient and the couple at the tiny table had taken so long to wrap up their dessert and pay their bill. We were delighted, of course, and celebrated with a glass each of fragrant, Provençal Rose, a cheese and fruit board to share, and small loaves of crusty French baguette. Pure heaven!

The table for four near us was, eventually, vacated just about the time our entrées arrived and the staff was elegantly clearing away dishes and exchanging soiled cloth for clean, pure white linens. Each movement was orchestrated right down to the tinkling of the new glassware and spotless flatware being inspected and set out for four new guests.

THINLY SLICED ROASTED DUCK

DAN'S FILET MIGNON

As I am taking pictures of my thinly sliced duck with seasonal vegetables and sweet potato purée, I hear Dan saying, “We know the gentleman they just seated at that table. He’s a news or sportscaster but, I just can’t place him right now.” Sneaking subtle peeks at his table and peering out through the bottom of my tilted wine glass, I felt I had a good idea about who the man was seated only several steps from our table.

His name I could not connect with and I reasoned that we only saw him upon certain occasions as a broadcaster for the Peacock Station. Sitting in the heart of horse country, we associated him with the Derby and proceeded to Google him for a name. Tom Hammond was staring back at me from across the short distance as he drank his white wine. I didn’t have the heart to share with Dan, at the time, all of my thoughts about this man, a University of Kentucky alum who lives in Lexington (thank you, Google!) and has broadcast basketball, football, and the Olympic Games. After all, I couldn’t even remember his name a few moments ago!

TOM HAMMOND AND FRIENDS

This chubby man with his thick, salt and pepper mane and strange, overly made-up eyes was now staring at me because I was the only person directly within his line of sight in this small, three room maze of a French Bistrot that is so wildly popular with many Lexington locals. Instinctively, I did what anybody with an i-Phone would do and took his picture! Granted, Dan was intended to be the main subject but, I was pleased by the results. I am hoping that Tom Hammond was flattered because you couldn’t put much past anyone in such small quarters.

No dessert, coffee, or brandy for us after such a great meal. We had a long day of driving the following day and wanted to get enough sleep that night. 

What a wonderful date with my husband on a Saturday night in Lexington! It almost felt like being in a small bistrot on a side-street in Paris with delightfully anticipated food and wine to tantalize the taste buds and get the blood flowing. Perfect!

Oh, and when we sit down to watch the 2018 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5, and listen to the dulcet tones of Mr. Tom Hammond serving as NBC’s main host and broadcaster, I’ll be sure to tip my lavishly eccentric, wide-brimmed, beribboned, “Southern Belle” inspired hat while raising a frosty mint julep his way. Cheers! And may the best horse win!!

MY SWEET GARDENIA PLANTS GREETED
US HOME IN FULL REGALIA ~ HEAVILY LADEN
IN SOFT, CREAMY FLOWERS...

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