The Hardy Heyday: Eid Mubarrek!

We've been a bit MIA this past week because of Eid Al Fetr, the holiday following the end of Ramadan, Islam's month of fasting. We were around some and out some (photos of Dubai safari and Abu Dhabi's mosque coming!). The days in were mostly taken up with some housekeeping and continuing Jacob's internship search (where we stop - next - nobody knows!).

It was nice to finish up reviewing our France photos, though and think of our sweet vacation and the short glimpse of fall we got while traveling there. It's amazing that September is almost over. Even an Indian Summer might extend to September, but in the next few days it will be officially fall - one of my favorite seasons (but not here, even thought it will be cooler, Insh'allah).

I'll miss the tea-scented fallen leaves strewn around the tree-lined streets of my neighborhood, especially on Catalpa, where the Gingko leaves turn the street brilliant yellow for a spectacular week. I'll miss the first crispness in the air, clear mornings and jackets (worn because it's cool and not because I have to cover my arms, even in the hundred-plus-degree heat!).

So, here are the photos of Tours, in the Loire Valley. A preview and the album!