Gryphons in Paris

I write from The Marais in Paris on the final dark, cold afternoon of the decade. Yes, it is dark because the sun sets early (17:03) in this northern latitude (48º 52' North) and it is cold because it is mid- winter. Duh!

Douglas Draper '90 joined us for the Christmas week, and on one of our long Paresian walks we came upon what I thought must be massive Gryphons. Thus the picture of Douglas and the faux Gryphon. I had the smarts to send the picture to Deb Hunt since she has a good collection of Gryphons in her library at school. Her learned explanation of the beast follows:

Bonjour John and Alison -

These creatures (from your pics) are a variation on the traditional gryphon. They're called Wyverns and were favorite heraldic devises of Napolean because such a creature - if it existed - would be able to rule the air, land AND sea. Right up the little Corsican's alley! Think how easy invading England would have been if only he had controlled the weather.

Well, we tried and, I guess, got close to the real thing. Who ever heard of a Wyvern?

Our final effort with Gryphons in Paris gets a little bizzare. Alison and I found a strange, slightly twisted and small Christmas tree that would fit nicely in the apartment. It was one we could carry home easily. We bought some minimal tree decorations and lights at the local department store, BHV, and set the little guy up a few days before Christmas. Can you find the real Gryphon in that picture?

We wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful New Year.