A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE…
It’s Monday morning and I’ve typed up a rough draft for Thursday’s post, stuffed towels and Kleenex in an upstairs window frame to keep out the heat, washed a few loads of clothes, and made lunch (a quinoa salad with whatever needed using up in the fridge). While putting the salad away to chill, Jean-Marc came in from fishing.
Holding a large net with a long pole (une épuisette), he walked right into the kitchen.
“Bravo!” I said, noticing two barracudas. What I was really noticing was whether the net was dripping—and what exactly were my husband’s plans. If he thinks he’s going to slide those fish into the fridge, n’importe où, n’importe comment…
Ricci, on the other hand, didn’t care where the fish ended up. As long as she could have a little lick… As she sniffed the floor I was sure something was dripping.
“Here,” I said, quickly grabbing a clear produce bag.
“That’s not big enough.”
“Trust me.”
I hurried to get those puppies inside the food-grade sack, then tucked that flimsy bag into a second one and tied a knot. Before my husband could argue, the fish were in the frigo—no fishy dripping, no fishy business. I sweetly added that he could now return the net to its rightful place… dehors!
Tomorrow, he’ll make ceviche and I promise to stay out of it, even if I’m dying to control every messy step. I’ll mind my own business—or as the French say, occupe-toi de tes oignons. But onions and fish have one thing in common: they’re stinky. And that’s exactly when to make an exception to the rule about minding your own business.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
(See the sound file just below)
le frigo = the fridge
dehors = outside
Bravo ! = Well done!
Occupe-toi de tes oignons = mind your own business
n’importe où = anywhere
n’importe comment = anyhow / any way
amicalement = kind regards, warmly
(I forgot “une épuisette” = small fishing net (often used by children to catch fish or pond creatures)
Ricci says, “Merci pour votre visit.” I hope you enjoyed today’s extra, unplanned post. Let me know if you would enjoy more of these, from time to time. If you’d like to support this site, visit this page. Merci et bonne semaine!
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Hello
Love your emails.
Question: does your book  year in France..include the French vocabulary information as the emails.
Second question..cost to England?
Best wishes
Eunice
Thank you, Eunice! Yes, it does. The stories in the book are from the 2024 blog. There is a vocabulary section at the end of each chapter and the book is filled with colorful photos. The cost to England is 6 euros (already included in the total proce of 35)
Hi Kristi, Along the fishy line…while on a getaway down the coast to Gruissan (by Narbonne), I got some fishes at the quay, right off the boat. Though it was early, restaurants had already come by to pick up their stock for the day, so there was only one fish left suitable for fileting. The others that we needed to complete a meal, the fisherwoman assured me, could be easily filleted at home. Well, easy for her to say. Ralph took on the task, while I kept to my onions. Suffice it to say, from now on, filets are the way to go. Bet the ceviche will be superb! Geez, it\’s hot over here!Big bises, Gayle
Gayle Smith PadgettThe Birdwatcher\’s Wife: A Quest across France for Birds and La Belle Vie Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie gaylesmithpadgett.com
Love your blog this morning. I can certainly relate to the “fish” episode. Love the pic of Ricci as well. France is such a.beautiful place. It’s still my dream to one day visit, especially Paris. At 79 (next month) it seems more a dream than a reality but you never know lol. Have a wonderful week.
….Linda H from Covjngton, LA (USA)
Good morning – good afternoon in France. You are so fortunate to. have fresh fish just out of the water but did he clean them before bringing them inside? I hope so.
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for your post today! I love the color of the peonies!
Happy Summer!
Eileen
Kristi,
I only see part of the picture; even when I scroll to the right, I can’t see all of it.
When I click on web browser, it’s just a page of numbers and letters.
I’m coming to Paris in October; it will be my 33rd trip, all of them short.
I’m already dreading the crowds.
I like the way you quickly dispatched the fish without deflating Jean-Marc’s sense of achievement. And yes, I would love to receive these short posts about daily life in La Ciotat.
I loved the surprise Monday post. It lifted my spirits as the work week begins! And I love minding my own onions!!!
Dear Kristi,
I loved reading today’s surprise post. Short and sweet, written with affection and humor, it all includes the reader in daily events of your French life. It would be fun to receive an occasional surprise post like this! I can see George chuckling over this story. You are really good at what you do and it brings so much pleasure to others! 💕
Dear Kristi,
You really bring us all into your family with every letter. I really feel like I am part of your extended family. Congratulations again on your recent award.
Mike Pearson
Bonjour Kristin,
I would love to receive an autographed copy of your book, A Year in a French Life. I sent you $35 through PayPal which they said you would receive by tomorrow. I enjoyed waking up ce matin to read your \”extra\” entry on les poissons dans votre frigo! 😅 Yes, I would be happy to receive more of your impromptu stories. Any chance I get to experience a moment in French living is a good day, bien sur! 🇲🇫
Please autograph the book to me, Robin. Merci!
Send to:
Robin Goodridge
7799 Martino Cir
Naples, FL 34112
USA
Merci beaucoup Kristin!
Robin
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Get Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg
Unplanned posts get my vote!
My comments with your new website are not being attributed to me, but to an unknown person. I’m Joan Any advice?
Our Kristi,
Thank you for this wonderful post! And!of course! Such beautiful(!!!) Pictures and always super useful vocabulary!
Kristi,once again you had me laughing out loud! Your descriptions are an absolute gem! Anyone who’s been married awhile( as you are,and same for us,now 60 years!) can definitely relate to the shenanigans of one’s spouse!!!
Blessings always,ma chere.
Arms around you tight.
Love
Natalia
Oh, no fish water dripping on the kitchen floors, please! I would have done the same thing! Love that new word. Thanks!
Hi Kristi!
Sure! More of these unplanned posts from time to time would be great!
Merci!
Marti
I always enjoy your posts! Bought the book and have enjoyed every page!
all post welcome. got the book cant wait to open.
Lovely post, Merci beaucoup!!
my friend Kristin,
you know me by now and you know that i like all your writings. to me, your notes are the ones from a friend away from me. you stay in touch with your writing, you share a “snap shot” of your life and it is wonderful.
do not stop.
bises.
jean Barrucand.