This is the monument for Auguste Burdeau. A self made man who made money by traslating philosophy works into French. He later joined the army where he became a prisoner of war and afterward became a politician. Although there is no credit to the artist that created this bronze piece it is unique in how it interacts with the monument.

This image may be very misunderstood. It is two gentlemen holding hands. It is not as I had first thought a couple. It is in fact two of the first high altitude balloonists who pioneered high altitude flight and the use of oxygen for those flights. According to the US Centennial of Flight Commission, "...in April of 1875" Scientists Sivel and Croce-Spinelli went up with balloonist Gaston Tissandier. "They climbed to 28,820 feet...At that height they lost the use of their limbs so they could not use their meager oxygen supply. They became unconscious. While unconscious, they began an uncontrolled climb..." Tissander was able to wake when the ballon had begun its descent. He was the only person to survive the event.

The artist for this bronze piece may be A. Dumilatre dated 1878

This lovely lady is a bust on the monument for the Jouhanneaud family. The last date for Charles Jouhanneaud is 1920-1996. The only clue to the artist is the name Naubrey in block letters under the slab with the family names and dates. Like many of the statues and the bronze castings most of the art work is not signed.

Paris

This is the view from Notre Dame of the Eiffel Tower and the Place de Invalides (below) On the right is one of the main walks through Pere-Lachaise where most of the funeral art I will be posting later comes from.

Ive just returned from Paris and although I saw most of the regular things I had the most fun just wondering my neighborhood. This is the fountain near the Gambetta metro station.

We just got back from Maine. The weather was wonderful. It was also wonderful getting to see my family and to play tour guide to Lee. While there we went on a "lobster boat tour" Basically we went out in a boat from Rockalnd harbor and pulled a few traps caught a wopping 2 lobster, but had a nice time. Having been on a real lobster boat before, thanks to a wonderful man, Walter Hupper, of Port Clyde, I was a littel disappointed by the tour. But for those folks who don't like the smell of bait or would like to actually be able to sit down it was perfect. Here are a few of the photos from the weekend.

If anyone is interested check out Captain Jack's Lobster Boat tours. He told me they will soon be on facebook, but they already have their own site. Don't get my comment above wrong. I think it would be great for anyone who wants a brief glimpse into the life of a lobster fisherman. It gives you most of the benefits of lobster fishing without any of the drawbacks.