Walking along the stretch of lonely beach, the absence of surfers, sunbathers, dogs, children was a moment which brought the distant thunder of memories rushing in with the tide. It was the region known to Americans as Omaha Beach, Normandy. It was as quiet and eerie as a cave, yet obviously a gravesite of brave heroes. Thank you to all the veterans who protected us then and protect us still without hesitation.

Otherwise, Normandy is an area of contented cows, delectable cheese offerings, and apple cidre ..a fizzy mild semi sweet drink. Driving through Trouville, Deauville, recalling the book about Coco Chanel's early beginnings there as a fashion leader, was a pleasant memory of my own time as an instructor at an international modeling academy. The stillness of Chartes Cathedral, built before 1000 AD and  Chenencou, the chateau of the ladies, spanning the river Cher, the gardens of Giverny with the lily pond and flowers at their very peak of perfection, all combined to give our brief holiday to London and Paris a more complete experience of the countryside joy of life.

The continual passing scene of living in older homes there, contrasts abruptly with our southwestern style of house here in Arizona. We are told that people in Arizona move every five years. When the closets and garages cannot accommodate another bike or box of collectibles, families up and move to larger quarters, looking for a bathroom for every bedroom, a pool, a grassy play area for the little ones, and often a change to a "better" school. Parents in this area often are extremely concerned about the quality of education and sacrifice into longer work hours to accomplish these transitions to a different house across town, or across neighborhoods. Then we have the downsizing group. Adults who continue to maintain the large house and garden, pool (which many haven't entered for years...amazing and true), who are triggered by a murmur of a physical let down to move into smaller quarters with a hospital nearby as they migrate across neighborhoods. Young people who are sick and tired of apartment living and suddenly wake up to the hard facts that they can indeed afford to buy a place, and begin to accumulate equity in a new home are another group. People who cannot find the down payment are now promised by President Bush that the American Dream Plan is now in effect. Call me and share with me the plans in your future for a new home. I am able to assist you in your move, as I have with others for over 25 years.

Best regards, 

Helen 

ps   I'm working on the next trip, for the Friends of Helen trip club. Anyone out there interested?  I have been a group tour leader in the past...think about it.