"This is unbelievable" - a cappuccino with Martie, Helbronner, Italy.

My early morning walk with Martie today got me thinking about the many special times we have shared, from young women in love, to young mothers raising our children and to our many travel experiences over the decades. Our day together in Chamonix in the August of 1987 is still a highlight, one of those rare perfect days.

I sent this Post Card from Chamonix in France to the family in Howick. It has the stamp from Helbronner on the Italian side of the French Alps and at 3428m, it was the highest point of our cable car ride. Mont Blanc (4807m) dominated this white wonderland as did the black needle like peaks, 'Aiguille du Midi'. It was the middle of summer in the valley and so cold at the top, we ordered cappuccino's and watched people ski.

Martie and baby Jess were visiting us in France and we had a action packed, remarkable holiday together. As Fred said, he had two wives and three children under three for a few weeks!

I remember the cable ride so clearly, the first time I had seen glaciers and glacial features, as I wrote, 'heaven for a geography lesson'. My letter to Mom once I was back home to Marly-le-Roi is still full of the wonder I felt.  Shawni was so dear, in her best 3 year old voice, she said "This is unbelievable."

We were all in awe of the scenery. Fred and I still use this expression when we are loving what we are seeing!

From my photo album: "Start of one of the most exciting days we have ever had"

One of my foodie highlights came from Chamonix too, Raclette, it is a semi-firm cow's milk cheese which is melted, served over boiled new potatoes with lots of ground black pepper, accompanied by small pickled onions and gherkins. The name comes from the French verb "racler", to scrape, because of the way the melted cheese is scraped off the block.

It has been far too long since I did a raclette evening so I think it is time for the Kersten's and Krone's to reminisce over this rather yummy melted cheese delight.