Help edit today's post by contributing corrections–in French or in English, in the comments box. Merci beaucoup! un éboueur     : garbage collector, bin man Audio File  Click here to listen to Jean-Marc read this sentence: Un éboueur aussi connu comme agent de propreté urbaine ou plus familièrement comme ripeur (pour ceux à l'arrière de la benne), vidangeur (québécisme) ou poubellier, poubelleur, poubelliste (de … Continue reading Eboueurs or imposters? Door-to-door calendar sales: attention aux arnaques!

My daughter turned 5 when this word journal began. Here she is at eleven… and recently she turned 20. This week marks the 15th anniversary of this French word journal. You've learned a lot about our Franco-American family over the years. Help me celebrate this journal's birthday by sharing a line or two about you, in the comments box at the end of this post. joyeux, … Continue reading Celebrating a Milestone! Joyeuse, Joyeux

Harvesters sorting grapes at Château La Mascaronne. Though everyday life goes on, today's post being no exception, we pause to remember those who have suffered in the recent catastrophes.  Jean-Marc and I join all vineyard owners in France, all who are in the wine business, all who are French, and all who are human, in extending our condoleances to those who lost loved ones in the … Continue reading Coup de Coeur: Jean-Marc talks about the wines of Mascaronne… and, for Bove, the best is yet to come

One of my favorite French expressions? It's mettre toutes les chances de son côte. (photo: "We are what we are taught," taken when Smokey was a babe). Mettre toutes les chances de son côte     : to put all chances on one's side, to stack all the odds in your favor Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc read the sentence below  Mon enregistrement #100 Une … Continue reading The Metaphysics of French & how it connects us all

I am busy looking up the term bénéfice du doute–all the while doubting this is the way to begin today's letter. I am numbed, saddened, and shaken by the carnage in Las Vegas, as well as by the hurricaines and earthquakes, and by more local terrorism. Two girls, cousins my daughter's age, were stabbed to death Sunday–at the Gare St Charles in Marseille. Only a … Continue reading Will the sun still rise tomorrow? + Le bénéfice du doute