They charge one euro ($1.18) and some change to use the bathroom at The Louvre in Paris.

That wouldn’t phase me if they didn’t make me wait in a long line of needy ladies while an attendant cleans each stall as it is vacated. She moves from toilet to toilet with rubber-gloved hands carrying disinfectant and a scrubbing tool, wearing a much understood grimace on her face. Meanwhile, the line grows with dancing ladies giving new meaning to the can-can.

Appointing myself the leader of the group, I began to protest, but was warned by a friendly fellow tourist to keep quiet and avoid “The Ugly American” appearance. In the future, I think I’ll just wear Depends.

I have to say, I loved France. It wasn’t just the food, the museums, the cobblestone streets, the majestic cathedrals and the amazing architecture — but the people are truly wonderful. I traveled on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy.

Visiting the graves of more than 9,000 Americans who sacrificed their lives at Omaha Beach on D-Day renewed my feelings of pride in my country. French women cried as they laid a ceremonial wreath to honor the fallen.

They thanked all the American tourists present for their freedom and the freedom for their children. It was a chilling experience to walk the remnants of this World War II battle. There is an energy at this site that will encourage you to feel courage. We go on because they cared.

When in France, please don’t miss Monet’s gardens in Giverny, Versailles Chateau and gardens, (you will understand the French Revolution when you visit Versailles), Musse National Picasso in Paris and my absolute favorite, the Musee d’Orsay. If you enjoy Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Gauguin and other impressionist artists, this is the museum for you.

Changing topics abruptly: Please email to me your nominations for “The Real Housewives of Federal Way.” So far, we have Sherran Koshork, a long-time community activist whose husband, Dave, once drove a golf ball from the ninth tee into the swimming pool at the Twin Lakes Golf Course. Both are legends.

Leanne Stock, a kind, generous woman whose husband Jeff Stock is “the most interesting man in the world” is long overdue to be honored. Mary Gates is a Federal Way super-star, whose husband Bill Gates is the best barbecue chef the Twin Lakes Swim Team has ever known. One will never know how much money these people have raised and donated over the years.

The celebration ceremony for “The Real Housewives of Federal Way” will be a formal English high tea with cucumber sandwiches and scones. Champagne punch will be served to toast these ladies donned in royal tiaras. The master of ceremonies will be Federal Way City Councilman Martin Moore, with entertainment to be announced at a later date. Honorees will have their picture in this newspaper.

The criteria for “The Real Housewives” has no definition. For me, she is a stand-up woman, one willing to fight for the rights of those less fortunate. She is generous, charming, smart, and by the way, she doesn’t have to be married. She may just be someone you love very much.

Please email me at judithmagruder@hotmail.com. Botox is not a requirement and beauty is in the heart.

Contact Federal Way resident Judith Madden Magruder at judithmagruder@hotmail.com or 206-941-5977.