One of my boys came to see me this weekend, Master Sergeant John Alen, U.S. Marine Corps with his bride of 5 months, Natalie Alen.
John was commanding gunnery sergeant (Gunny) for the Marine corps detachment tasked with guarding the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali. The personification of what a Marine should be; leader, gentleman, fellow Texan and good ole boy, John is someone I’ll always be proud to know. Even though he’s just a little bit of a cut up, I love him still 🙂
In honor of their visit, I made Texas ribs and potato salad. And as always, if I’ve got one of my boys in town, I’m too busy looking and talking to take photography seriously.
We paid the customary visit to M. and Mme Parret to share a couple of glasses of Cremant and their good company.
Natalie is such a beautiful woman! John got lucky there, boy howdy! I couldn’t have chosen better myself.
On Sunday, we took the train into Paris for a quick look at Notre Dame and the Louvre. I took almost no pictures but I had an exceptional duck breast with orange sauce for lunch that I’m certainly going to try to duplicate!
For the ribs and potato salad http://atomic-temporary-17826715.wpcomstaging.com/2011/12/23/jacques-does-ribs/
Cooking in Sens 
What are you talking about? Those pictures are great!
Thank you Greg
Nice post, but who is the dude with the long hair?
Thanks Roger. Sens is home to a small group of aging hippies. Their favorite hangout is the Tete de Veau bar where we were having coffee.
I think that aging hippy is awesome! Best ‘stache ever!
Lovely photos and family!
Thank you Tessa.
I see why you weren’t blogging – fair enough :D. This sounds wonderful. Your photography really is still lovely.
Thank you Frugal.
I agree, really nice photography and family! 🙂
Thank you.
Best ribs, tater salad and company I’ve ever had! Thanks again Rose for a fun two days!!!! Much love!!!
It was great to see you and Natalie. We had a great time!
It is always so much fun to have family around and I’m sure that the ribs and potato salad had everyone smiling. I would be…that’s for sure.
While John is like family, he’s was actually the Marine commander at the Embassy in Mali and we always took care of these young men so far away from home and their families.
Rosemary, that makes it more special…your family has a great heart.
Thank you Karen.