I’m not sure why but Lyon reminds me of Salzburg. 
Maybe it’s the hill, the charming castle/cathedral and the river setting.
Or maybe it’s the size or it could be that every time I visit Salzburg the weather is wintry. 
Whatever the case, it’s beautifully European and glows in a soft pink light. 
Both cities feel modern too with a younger university crowd infusing the streets and cafes with energy.
We spent the morning at the Gallo-Roman Museum looking over artifacts that seem somewhat out of place here. 
You will remember our springs travels in the Middle East and Turkey were rich with Roman ruins. 
Seeing them here reminds us of the far reach of the Roman arm.
Sadly, the resistance and deportation museum was closed today and we never did find the ancient silk factory section of Lyon. 
No matter, we slipped into a chocolaterie and watched trick-or-treaters coming and going in the old town.
Halloween is a North American invention that seems to be catching on here. 
Tomorrow is All Saints Day, a bigger holiday, and street crepes seem to be holiday eats. 
The insides are spread with Nutella, chocolate and cream, folded neatly and served in a cardboard wrap. Kids love them!
Speaking of kids, we have never seen so many European children as we have this trip. I remember a few years ago reading an article around declining European population and hearing the writer ask how or if the governments should provide incentives for families. Whatever was decided, Europe has definitely become more kid-friendly with parks, kids’ stores, maternity services and a lot more families. The change is noticable and most welcome.
Where there are families, there’s bound to be food. Lyon is known for a special type of restaurant called a Bouchon. Apparently, it’s a low-key affair with gourmet cuisine and the locals love it. That’s where we are headed tonight. Lyon’s reputation as the gastronomique capital of France is well-earned and we look forward to bringing back a yummy report.
Speaking of families, we are ecstatic to announce that our son, James and his lovely wife, Siobhan are expecting their first child in May. Congratulations you two and may God continue to bless you!
In other exciting family news, our son, Brendan will present his thesis at a conference in London, England, also in May. Congratulations on work well done, Brendan! We are so very proud of you and thank God for the wonderful gifts He has given you!
You’d think a December birthday is a hardship and for a kid, you might be right. 
But for my husband, it’s been perfect timing for a good deal of fun.
Somewhere at the end of the fall shoulder season and the beginning of the holiday high season we have managed to spend at least a few days most years at Crystal Cove on MacKenzie Beach. 
Its arcadian setting pulls out of the Christmas rush and into the wildness of the outdoors where the storms roll through with all their might and main.
Rain, hail, snow, wind, thunder and lightening are not unusual weather experiences on the westcoast in December.
It’s exhilarating.
It’s cozy. 
And it’s realigning.
While the malls crawl with last minute shoppers and tree lots post discounts on the last of their stock, we tuck in by the fire with good books, good food and a good feeling of that good kind of tired. 
Happy Birthday, my December sweetheart!
