Very few free moments around here this week as getting home from work lands me right into the activity roster of a busy almost-4-year-old. I really like my downtime, and I haven’t had half an hour to my awake self for over a week now, but how can I resist hanging out with Nola and a stable of My Little Ponies (those babies really have staying power!). Especially since her Granddad has already filled her day with a crabbing expedition (they caught five, but had to throw back every one, undersized as they all were), a trip to Mon Petit Choux for hot chocolate, and countless hours in the park (to which he trundled her in the wheelbarrow!)
Nana can’t match that energy level, especially at the end of my work day, but I had wisely found a DVD of Milo and Otis, a lovely older film about a kitten and a pup who become friends, go on a long adventure, and try to find their way back to their farmyard home. Dudley Moore narrates and does a marvelous job of a wide variety of animal voices. Nola’s watched it three times in the three days she’s been here, and I happily snuggle in next to her, watching her fascinated face almost as much as I watch the screen.
We talk about our eventual trip to Paris together. I’ve realized that her enthusiasm for this is based on a firm belief that there will be beaches there, as in her previous vacations in Hawaii, Mexico, Honduras. I push the projected year of this visit off a few years, hoping to inculcate a motivating love of shoes. . . .
But these vitrines in Hermès’ Left Bank store might entice, no? They certainly spoke to my inner child!
What a mad dinner party! Easy to imagine that the trouble-seeking Milo might have been involved. . .
I hear stirrings upstairs and fear that my little pocket of snatched solitude is ending soon. I’ll check back here later and see what you think about this wonderful Paris window. Also curious to know if you’ve ever seen Milo and Otis. If not, and you have little ones in your life, do try to find a copy — it’s got a lovely soundtrack of very appealing classical music.
What a delightful story the window tells. Very fun. I have not seen Milo and Otis, no grandchildren for me yet. That window is really so clever, I'm getting a real hoot out of looking at it.
It was amazing, J!
Just delightful! Both the windows and the descriptions of yours and Pater's time spent with Nola.
Glad you enjoyed the post. We're having a sweet (if busy) time here.
Whimsy speaks to the child in me. How I love these windows!
Milo and Otis was a favourite in our home when our children were growing up. I don't think we owned the video, but friends did and we borrowed it often.
Enjoy the time with Nola!
I picked up a copy for about $8 at London Drugs, and it's already been watched 4 times! Money well spent.
I can imagine Nola's nose pressed up to the glass, peering in. Hopefully you'll have some downtime soon.
My daughter & her husband arrive today, but Sunday afternoon might be quiet . . .
Those windows are … interesting. What is that orange animal at the dinner table? Is it an orangutan?!
How lovely to plan a trip to Paris with Nola … that will be a memory to be treasured. P.
I think it is an orangutan — such craziness, eh?
What a fairytale window! It's too bad you don't have more time to yourself, but Nola seems a worthy distraction! I'm happy for your time together.
Worthy indeed! And yes, although I'm craving some solitude, I wouldn't give up this company yet.