I read an article this morning before leaving Paris that claims we don’t age gradually. Gracefully, as they say, but rather in two distinct drop-offs. One at 44 and one at 60. That seems right to me. I still find myself saying, “Why, all of a sudden, is everything falling apart?!” In the next four weeks I have the dentist, my eye doctor, my chiropractor, my regular doctor and a colonoscopy. Did I mention I’m falling apart? Not really. Preventative. I already fell apart.

I am not zooming anywhere, now. Just waiting at San Francisco Airport in the very crowded United Lounge. One of the benefits of age and flying a lot. It is fun to see people coming and going. People are weird.

The summer in Paris was a success, and I am on for the same next summer. I had a few bad days towards the end. Days when I wasn’t doing something and the feeling of loneliness becomes overwhelming. Fortunately Alex, Claire and the boys kept me distracted and happy the last four days.

I did a lot and saw some old friends and made some new ones. I also wrote some and thought about the past and future, both mine and the world. And yes, the meaning of life. I did visit the grave of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. But, only by chance. And I didn’t have any lipstick, so, didn’t kiss it either.

Maybe next summer, some time in Scotland and northern England. Have I mentioned that one of my ancestors, apparently, haunts a pub in Shropshire. Along with his horse. Wild Humphrey Kynaston and his trusty steed, Beelzebub. Now I know where the insane streak in my family comes from. I wouldn’t mind having a word with him.

I’ve been back for too long not to post the above. I wrote it weeks ago, while I was on my way back from Paris. Between jet lag and a little depression, it is taking me longer to get back up to speed. Just two bits of news – I am going to NY in October – specifically between October 27 and November 2. Let me know if you want to meet up in the city. I am excited that when I go back to Paris in December, Hello, Dolly! will be playing at the Lido. It will be a little like seeing the show in the Harmonia Gardens.

I’m going to write more about my impressions of this trip and also NY and back in November for a cruise.