a tale of two donkeys

I’m not sure which came first, Gabriel or Patrick, but W and my love for them is cemented.

Patrick is the donkey (and therapist) in the wonderful film, My Donkey, My Lover & I. Despite the film using more than one animal during filming, there will for us always and only be one Patrick; pronounced Pah-treek in our best French accents. Trust me, it was love at first bray.

Gabriel, the other donkey to steal our hearts, is the longest running Metropolitan Opera stage donkey, running 16 years before retirement. He was featured most often in La Bohème and The Barber of Seville. My opera bracelet, a version I had envisioned with charms related to operas or their arias, was started for me by W. The first charm was Ponte Vecchio, followed by a Rigoletto figure. My most recent gift was a donkey. A Gabriel!

So how fitting that Bistro 3906 now has a nod to Sir Gabriel. Meet Little Gabriel, also known as Baby Gabe. So adorable.

there's no place i'd rather be

Last night was the third night reading by the glow of the small battery lights W had foresight to purchase months ago. A lesser storm than the one which caused this dim routine, had just blown thru bringing more blessed rain.

Earlier we stood at a window listening to the constant croaking of frogs layered with two late cardinals’ unusual duet, then the newly arrived gophers. What cute chatter! Seemed they knew what was coming our way. 

I am reminded, although this book is set in Paris and has transported me there, of one of the things I love the most about the bistro. It could be the magical way that it has of holding in coolness. With wood floors in the back half, carpet and tile and marble in the front, you would not expect on so many days, to enter and utter an immediate, “Ahhhh,” as if you were in a vacation villa, but that is what we both do, so often.

That night, instead, I was reminded of how much I love this home when it rains. It has a very, very wide overhang and unless the wind is fierce, the windows can remain wide open. A true gift! Who would have thought a 1965 suburban brick house could transport us like it does.

“Ahhhh...”