All for one and one for all in Versailles

They say that heroes are not born, but raised from the ashes of necessity.  And so, our story begins like any other story.  A near catastrophe, a maiden in distress, and 3 Musketeers.

In the bucolic setting of the postcard-like French City of Versailles, the Empty Nesters spent the better part of a day, Sunday, September 21 to be exact, viewing the overwhelmingly large and fabled Palace of Versailles.

The entire building in this picture is the Palace of Versailles.  

Heralding from the great states of Iowa and Minnesota, (to be politically correct, these states were listed in alphabetical order and with no bias intended) and agricultural buffs that they are, it took very little time for the Empty Nesters' to decide that they would spend their time in the gardens as opposed to wandering the great halls of this massive complex.

This picture is representative of the many gardens that surround the back and sides of the palace.

The Empty Nesters, taken by the beauty of the gardens of Versailles, decided that this would be a fine time to illicit a kodak moment.  Or, as madame et misure might say, a selfie... ladies first.

Once upon a time there were three Thene girls.

Photogenic as they were, it was suggested that a second photo be taken, displaying just a wee bit of whimsey. (the husbands like to refer to this as attitude) But, amidst the whimsical antics and as the picture was being taken...

Oh no...in their whimsical and light hearted moment, Lori, the maiden in distress, had her prescription COACH sunglasses somehow knocked from her head.  The sunglasses landed on a ledge beyond the railing, suitable only for pigeons.  Please note the concerned passing tourist in pink and the expression on Lori's face as the near catastrophe unfolds.

This is the ledge where said glasses did land, and were eventually rescued from.

Quick thinkers that they are,  the three Musketeers sprung into action.  One of the Musketeers began to climb over the ledge to retrieve the glasses as any Musketeer would gladly and selflessly do.  But, alas, the Musketeer was severely scolded by a passing wench proclaiming in a cacophony of sounds and languages, "Remove yourself from that ledge before you become the subject of a French tabloid or fader for the French guard".  Sound advice, but to quote a famous French sleuth. "missed it by that much."

The damsel had all but given up, and admitted that the glasses were expendable.  She was prepared to give up on them for the good of the group.  But, with the odds and time against them, and testosterone now reaching peak levels, the Musketeers decided to use more brains than brawn.  Buried deep within the confines of the Musketeers satchel was a set of green, L'Open Tour issued, earbuds.  They quickly retrieved and untangled the earbuds , and tied a loop in one end.  Fishing in France without a license?  Yes, but these blended Iowa, Minnesota-raised Musketeers could not be defeated by a mere 6 foot drop and splattered pigeon droppings...

Please note the glasses on the ledge.

Pleas note the glasses being pulled to safety and the expressions of joy on the part of Lori and an assisting Musketeer.

Catastrophe averted as the sunglasses are returned to the damsel in distress.

A grateful hug from the damsel in distress!

Problem solved!

Our story continues and concludes with dancing, reckless frolic, and merry celebration as the Empty Nesters, vagabonds that they are, continued their tour of "The Gardens and Fountains of Versailles". (see photos)

Christi took a photo of a young family by this fountain, and asked the child's mother to take ours.  The mother agreed, and her husband acting as a jester made us all laugh pretty hard, but their photo turned out much better than this one!

Au revoir!