April 20, 2025 by Patricia Sands (Edit)

Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring!

Joyeuses Pâques, Joyeux Pesach, Joyeux Printemps!

Whatever joyous occasion you celebrate at this special time of year, may it bring family and friends together for reflection, fellowship, food … and chocolate. Let’s count our blessings and focus on how we can help those who cannot.

In France, the traditions around Easter are quite different than most countries. Here’s an excellent article from The Good Life France (my favourite website, as you all must know by now). It is written by my friend, Margo Lestz, who will give you all the history. It begins like this … “On the Thursday night before Easter, all the church bells go silent and they won’t be heard from again until Easter Sunday.” Click here to read more.

With the tragic fire that occurred five years ago at the beloved Notre Dame in Paris, thoughts will also be centred on once again celebrating Easter this weekend and hearing the bells ring out in the newly rebuilt cathedral. Whether for religious reasons or for the tremendous historical symbol it represents, people around the world are rejoicing at the amazing efforts by all involved in the restoration work. Response has been heartwarming and unifying, from the greatest to the smallest level. The heroes of that day are les pompiers, the men and women firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the flames and those who helped save the priceless art. Click here to see an excellent video about the restoration.

This was the last photo I took of Notre Dame when I was in Paris in 2019. I will be there again this September and cannot wait to visit once again. I’ll send you a new photo and hope you will go with me in spirit!

I trust you are enjoying warm spring weather and good fellowship with friends and family at this special time of year.

From the window where I write, I can see the ski hills of Blue Mountain Resort. Amazingly, there are still two runs open leading into the village and the lifts will close tomorrow. It has been an amazing season with the best snow in years.

By the way, The Bridge Club is on sale this month … pick up a copy of the ebook for a friend if you already have yours! Just click here, it’s easy!

Bon weekend everyone!