Look who's back! Jean-Marc has returned from New Zealand. Today, read about the sweet reunion while learning several new French words and phrases. Photo taken on Tongariro. TODAY’S WORD: " LA BANDEROLE" : banner Are you an expat and need to file your US tax return? I am using Expatfile again this year to complete all tax forms quickly and easily and I highly … Continue reading Banderole & A Warm Welcome Home to Jean-Marc
The garden of wonderments. Apart from the red valerian behind my dog, learn about the latest trouvaille or finding in our garden, and don't miss the colorful expression at the end (the funny French equivalent to "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"). TODAY'S WORD: la trouvaille : find, discovery, treasure Are you an expat in France … Continue reading Trouvaille: Surprise in the garden & a funny adage for not worrying what others think about you
Mom always said to take a new road each day, which is how I discovered this secret square in La Ciotat. Growing up, Jules also taught me to see things that are not as though they are. More in today’s missive “La Vie en Rose”. Expat in France (or anywhere outside the US) and need to file your taxes?Good news: you have an automatic extension … Continue reading Voir La Vie en Rose: Mom’s Secret to Facing Challenges
The sign reads "change of ownership". Today's story takes place in a town nearby: Ceyreste. FYI: The inhabitants are called "Ceyrestens" for men and "Ceyrestennes" for women. Are you an expat in France (or anywhere outside the US) and need to file your taxes?Good news: you have an automatic extension through June 17. I am using Expatfile again this year to complete mine quickly and … Continue reading Il devait en être ainsi: Meant to be (predestined) in French: A Chance Encounter with some Ceyrestens
"Precious Cargo." Jules, at Mas des Brun vineyard in St Cyr-sur-Mer (That's Jean-Marc in the pink shirt, behind his tractor) TODAY'S WORD: Jamais Deux Sans Trois : bad things come in threes Are you an expat in France (or anywhere outside the US) and need to file your taxes?Good news: you have an automatic extension through June 17. I am using Expatfile again … Continue reading Jamais Deux Sans Trois: Road Rage, A Flat Tire (Bad Things Come in Threes)
This blog post narrates the author’s experience with their dog undergoing a hysterectomy. From recognizing unusual behavior to navigating veterinary surprises and post-operative care, the story provides insights into pet health, language nuances, and personal reflections on pet ownership.
Continue reading BUTÉ: A Phantom Pregnancy, A Hysterectomy & A New Job + French word for Stubborn
Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Photo: Dmitry Avdeev TODAY’S WORD: BOUGEOTTE : wanderlust, travel bug : restless, ants in your pants, move about A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristin Espinasse Special thanks to those who have signed up for one of Jean-Marc’s Provence Wine Tours. For anyone interested, there are a few places left so don’t delay. And now, … Continue reading Bougeotte = Wanderlust, the need to move about + A New Attraction The Paris Airport
Dusk in La Ciotat, where today’s story begins… Jean-Marc’s PROVENCE WINE TOURS begin again in May! Cassis, Bandol, Châteauneuf-du-Pape—don’t miss our beloved winemaker’s favorite stomping grounds for grapes! Click here. TODAY'S WORD: FOU RIRE : the giggles, hysterical laughter, deep belly laugh A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It's dusk and I'm alone at home, emptying the dishwasher. When Ricci suddenly … Continue reading Fou rire? Éclat de rire? How to say deep belly laugh in French
I typed the word friandise into my Google photo album search box and voilà, a photo of my daughter and one of her all-time favorite sweets appeared: strawberries with chantilly cream. Jean-Marc’s PROVENCE WINE TOURS begin again in May! Cassis, Bandol, Châteauneuf-du-Pape—don’t miss our beloved winemaker’s favorite stomping grounds for grapes! Click here. TODAY'S WORD: UNE FRIANDISE : a sweet treat A DAY IN … Continue reading Une Friandise: Chocolate Sundaes following Jules’s visit to the Ophtalmo
The curtain is now opening on today's pièce: a feisty (and sentimental) mother-daughter story. My mom loved these circus curtains, seen on a recent walk together. Jules sewed our dresses when my sister and I were little, and these rideaux remind me of our visits to the fabric store. TODAY’S WORD: "Avoir du cran" : to have guts, grit, to be brave A … Continue reading Avoir du Cran (To be brave in French) + Mom and I get in a little fight & end up at the circus
