The All-Important Perspective

One of the unique anthropological/cultural experiences I’ve had with the purchase of the chateau is meeting some aristocrats who live in the area. I met a few in Paris, of course, but the ones who’ve remained in the country, with their estates and way of life in tact, have been more accessible, and perhaps more … More The All-Important Perspective

Emotional Distancing: Old Money and Compassion

As I mentioned, our indefatigable comrade-in-arms, C.V. sent a couple of links that I thought worthwhile. This is the second of those, an article that discusses the psychological impact that wealth has on the human emotion of compassion. It’s a meaty read. So, pour yourself a hot tea, put your feet up, and find it … More Emotional Distancing: Old Money and Compassion

Essential Items…for Parisians, Anyway

During the current lockdown here in Paris, boutiques and other stores are closed. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and bakeries are open. The latter provide what the French government considers ‘essential goods’, necessary for survival during the pandemic. But, as our foreign correspondent David noted with this article from the Telegraph, there’s a contradictory wrinkle or two … More Essential Items…for Parisians, Anyway

Paris Lockdown 2.0 and Other Thoughts…

Bonjour, everyone. I hope you are all well and safe. As you probably know, much of Europe–and now the UK–are returning to lockdown mode. Non-essential shops and businesses are closed. Travel for anyone not working for the government or involved in directly saving lives is prohibited. (I’m sure there are exceptions to this rule, but, … More Paris Lockdown 2.0 and Other Thoughts…

Back To Basics

In the past six plus years that I’ve been posting–and you’ve been commenting–on thisĀ  blog, we’ve covered a lot of ground. Starting out with articulating and discussing Old Money characteristics and the Old Money philosophy, we’ve branched off of that theme more than occasionally. We’ve discussed having cash on hand and renting vs. putting a … More Back To Basics

The Golden Age of the Netflix Documentary

I mentioned to a family member recently that we are currently in the Golden Age of the Netflix Documentary. The streaming giant seems to be releasing one informative and entertaining documentary series or film after another right now. Like all ‘golden ages’, this one will not last forever, but it is great while it lasts. … More The Golden Age of the Netflix Documentary

The Bare Minimum and Old Money

Our Foreign Corespondent David and I were recently discussing the minimalist lifestyle trend that has been gathering steam in recent years. The concept is to live with as few material possessions as possible. A Netflix documentary on the subject can be found HERE. As I mentioned to David, my wife and I came face to … More The Bare Minimum and Old Money

The Back To School List That Wasn’t

Each year about this time, I hobble together a list of classic, reliable back to school clothes and accessories that can benefit the high school senior or college freshman. This year, not so much. Parents, teachers, students, and administrators find themselves at a crossroads right now. The pandemic presents plenty of problems and no clear … More The Back To School List That Wasn’t