April is still raining; March was punishing; France is beckoning, and we're waving back!  We've double checked our itinerary... in fact, we have it memorized.  We love Rick Steves, and decided to give up our armchair voyaging to book a real trip and decided on Viking Cruises. We need a vacation, we need to rest and yet there is that yen to explore. So, we hope this will be a good combination. Explore, rest, explore, practice at least the present tense and the bonjours and au revoirs ... relax, visit Shakespeare and Company, relax, drink in Giverny, relax. you get the message.

The details of preparation are daunting; from kitty care to ditty bags. From drop off at the train, to pickup at journey's end. It's all on paper, yet we hold our breath and wonder what we've forgotten. Our ADD lists hang on the refrigerator, on bathroom mirrors. The cat is uncharacteristically affectionate... ah, yes, a trip is in the air!