Woke up this morning to a heartwarming story in the online journal France Bleu. A baby dolphin was helped back out to sea after getting lost in the the old port of La Ciotat (dolphins in La Ciotat!!). What a sight he was among the colorful wooden fishing boats, or "les pointus" (sorry the little dauphin is not seen here, in this file photo. But you can see the cutie pie rascal here, along with all those magnificent and historic boats). Read an excerpt from the article, below, and listen to Jean-Marc's recording. The English translation follows.
Donner du fil à retordre
: to give somebody the run around, to give someone a hard time
AUDIO FILE: Listen to Jean-Marc read the following paragraph, including today's expression "donner du fil à retordre"
Download Donner du fil a retordre
"LE STAR DU WEEKEND A LA CIOTAT"
Pendant deux jours, ce weekend, un petit cétacé de moins d'un an s'est invité dans le port de La Ciotat, seul, affaibli et égaré. Les agents du Parc National des Calanques… le groupe d'étude des cétacés de méditerranée ont tout essayé pour le reconduire vers le grand large, mais le dauphin de l'espèce bleu et blanc, préférait les eaux calmes du port. Ça a été la star du weekend et une véritable attraction au port, néanmoins il a donné du fil à retordre aux agents du Parc National des Calanques.
THIS WEEKEND'S STAR IN LA CIOTAT
For two days, this weekend, a little cetacean less than a year old, alone, weak, and disoriented invited itself into the port of La Ciotat. Officials from the Parc National … the research group for Mediterranean cetaceans, tried everything to redirect it toward the open sea, but the dolphin, a blue and white type, preferred the calm waters of the port. It was the star of the weekend and a real attraction at the port, howerver, it gave them the run around–those agents of the Parc National des Calanques
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Don't forget to make a tomato tart while the tomates are in season. This time, yellow tomatoes made a nice change! Here is the easy recipe.
Lily–the cat who came with the house. She ignores us when we call her and appears when we least expect it. Always a nice surprise.
"Hors service." Out of order…but soon to be back in service thanks to those who've contributed to a most thoughtful housewarming gift. More info, below.
Did you enjoy today's edition? Could you hear the sound file? Thanks for your feedback. And for those who missed it, Margaret, from Yorkshire, had a very thoughtful idea regarding a housewarming gift, or cadeau de pendaison de crémaillère – info at the end of this post.
"The fountain will remind you of the love and support of all your readers and friends on those days when you feel homesick or lonely. All best wishes for an abundant and joyful life in your new home!" – Deborah, in Zurich
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Chère Kristi,
, I’ve enjoyed your charming blog for some time now. My husband and I are in Cassis for the month. I would love to treat you to lunch someday in La Ciotat or here, just to let you know how your postings have helped me with my study of French, and further understanding of the culture in this lovely country. Of course, along with your many devoted readers, I am pulling for you and yours to quickly feel at home in your new digs!
Amitiés,
Marion
I saw the video of the dolphins earlier on the Le Ciotat Facebook page. Started following it when you decided to move there. Such a charming spot and so much going on there. You will never be bored in Le Ciotat. Still love the pepper tree. Now I must check out how to help fix the fountain.😄
But if the dolphin was “young, alone, and weak”, did it make it to safe water?
Thank you. I would love that, Marion!
Sherry, We are so enjoying it here. It is a pleasure to walk everywhere and swim anytime. Happy to know you are following La Ciotat on Facebook. I will go check out the baby dolphin video! And thanks for your note about contributing to this housewarming gift. I am off to write some thank you notes now….
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for sharing the story of the little dolphin! While googling some more info on the dolphin in La Ciotat I found a funny song about La Ciotat….very catchy tune….Moussu Te Lei Jovents A LA CIOTAT…ma pitchounette….lalalalala so cute (my little pitcher?)
The news article says that they think the young dolphin found a group of dolphins and swam out when the waters of the Sea were calmer on Monday, but no one saw it do this. I cannot get the sound file on my phone, have to try another computer.
I can access the sound file from my desk top computer, but not from the smart phone.
Thank you, Sarah. That is helpful. I will see if anyone else reports an issue with mobile phone access.
Haha, Eileen! I will have to google that. Are you still singing it – it sounds like a catchy one 🙂
So glad to hear that you have roots again….and before the winter.
La Ciotat sounds a great choice and it’ll be fun to discover somewhere new !
Bon courage
It looks as though you and Jean-Marc have found your own corner of Heaven. I cannot think of two more deserving people. Blessings!
I think it had a good chance, given the number if dolphins in the area. Dolphins would seem to look after their own. Anyone else know about dolphin behavior?
Diane, We are so touched by your words. Thank you. So good to hear from you. 💛
Angela, it does feel good to have roots again. Wonderfully said!
Just wanted to let you know. I can’t get the sound file to work on my smartphone.
Our dear Kristi,
The only things I enjoyed more than the story about the baby dolphin in France Bleu are your wonderful stories (Dernier Mot).First ones I read !And! Always something to look forward to,just like wonderful FWAD,which never fails to wrap us in smiles and hugs!Thank you!
Your words and voice again have a lilt in them!So joyful to hear!We all are sharing your happiness!!
Blessings always to you and your dear famil.
Love
Natalia XO
Still no sound file 🙃
Dear Kristi,
I was FINALLY able to send a fountain contribution! Long story but I had some paypal issues. Forgot to include a message
but it is for the fountain and the serenity that will come from the gently bubbling water in your peaceful garden! May your new home be a comforting haven for you both…
Just visited LaCiotat in May where friends from Montpellier moved in. I enjoyed their location four blocks from the beach!
what a beautiful setting, boardwalk full of artists, typical housing and building and a lovely Mediterranean sea and its collection of ships.
Enjoy your new destination
C
It is so lovely that you have settled in well to your new home. It all looks wonderful.
Thank you, chère Chris (and please thank cher George for us too!). The fountain will definitely add to the serenity!
Uh-oh! Thanks, Anne. Did it always work for you before?
I like thinking the bebe ciotat made it out to join the crew. Nature can be so wonderful!
Hello Kristin
I do hope I’m still on your radar, sometimes I think I’m missing
missing stories, or, could be pc trouble here. Always heart-warming to
hear..have been following you for sometime; not always regularly, but
with warmest wishes…and your pains and joys of family life. It’s the same the world over…
Wonder if I’m your youngest member, coming up to ninety in November; a former National newspaper writer and Royal Reporter…British Press.
Visited France several times, love it. Now a painter, like your Mom…
Where did she buy those colourful summer shirts? I should like one, especially the blue! Can you advise please?
Wish you joy, health and peace in your new home; so Shalom would be a good choice…and would be lovely to meet if fate decrees…
Sylvia, you are most certainly still on my radar. So good to see your note. Regarding my Moms (the apostrophe will not show up when I comment via email… ) colorful tops, they are sold in Puerto Vallarta. Her husband, John, always bought them for her. Happy birthday in advance 😘😘
After returning to my classroom after summer and catching up on things I realized I had not seen a post from Word a Day in a long time. Our tech person is constantly adjusting our access to things, so I had to re-subscribe. I’m glad to be back in the loop and happy to know about your new location. Enjoy!
Adorable picture of Lily “The Cat Who Came with the House. ” Jean-Marc looks smitten by this little feline. What does Smokey think of sharing attention?
So glad you are back, Joan! Bonne rentrée ☀️
All I have to say is you have found my kind of heaven and wonder how many rooms do you have to rent?!!! Lovely story, lovely place, lovely you!!
Lovely to hear Kristin and to know I’m still on your radar…
Haven’t heard since Sept.5, wonder if I’m up to date..? are you writing daily or is it three times weekly?
Will try to look out shops in Puerto Vallarta online to see if can buy colourful shirts like your mom’s….or, maybe she could suggest shops I could contact there?
Mom, you and family welcome here for lunch, should you be near Watford,Herts..(20 miles from London) anytime..need good warning of dates please. Love Sylvia