Category: Jules

Aging, Jules, Thanksgiving

How to Say Caregiver in French (and in the Cosmos)

TODAY’S WORD: l’aidant(e) : caregiver PRONUNCIATION: [lay-dahn(t)] A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Two weeks ago, Mom moved into the house—into Max’s old room. She immediately loved the firmness of the mattress, the cozy space, and the way the wooden shutters blocked out all the light—perfect for nap time. She packed only her toothbrush, in her pocket, and, for the fortnight that … Continue reading How to Say Caregiver in French (and in the Cosmos)

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Camargue, French Destinations, Horses, Jules

Cheval: Jules meets the Wild Horses of the Camargue

Kristi and her mother, who has been struggling with an autoimmune condition, embark on a two-day trip to the Camargue, hoping to uplift Jules’s spirits. Despite initial reluctance, Jules eagerly participates, reveling in family connections and new experiences. The journey brings joyful memories and strengthens their bond, emphasizing resilience and adventure. Continue reading Cheval: Jules meets the Wild Horses of the Camargue

Kristin Espinasse37 Comments
Jules

Le Collier: Mom receives a symbolic necklace

A story of old friends and the necklace that connects them–and all of us.  TODAY'S WORD: LE COLLIER     : necklace A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse When our friends Charles and Martha arrived from Florida, they came bearing gifts: bottles of wine for Jean-Marc, Worcestershire Sauce and giant jars of beurre de cacahuète for the family, and a whimsical necklace … Continue reading Le Collier: Mom receives a symbolic necklace

Kristin Espinasse22 Comments
Jules

LE BONHEUR: Mom Shares The Meaning of Happiness

We've had unusual weather, lately, and local businesses have suffered from the lack of customers. But today is a perfect day to head outside. Update: At the time of this posting, it is pouring cats and dogs (il pleut des cordes)!  TODAY'S WORD: Le BONHEUR  : happiness A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Mom and I are lounging in the garden. It’s … Continue reading LE BONHEUR: Mom Shares The Meaning of Happiness

Kristin Espinasse31 Comments
Health care, Jules

La Belle Dormant: Jules Returns Home & A Reason to Be Proud of France!

Mom had a few rides in the ambulance these past few weeks. She loved every one of the drivers! Here she is with Sofiane, who stopped for a magnificent view of the Mediterranean. Merci! EASY EXPAT TAX FILINGHere in France, I just completed and filed my US Tax Return electronically. I highly recommend Expatfile. Give it a try and be done, finally, with your 2023 … Continue reading La Belle Dormant: Jules Returns Home & A Reason to Be Proud of France!

Kristin Espinasse34 Comments
Health care, Jules

Bonne Fête: Celebrating Moms Twice!

Read about two inspiring women in today's story. One of them is my Mom, who sends sincere thanks for all the loving messages and prayers you sent her, following the previous post. Merci beaucoup!  Read to the end for a full update and picture of Jules. EASY EXPAT TAX FILINGHere in France, I completed and filed my US Tax Return electronically. I highly recommend Expatfile. … Continue reading Bonne Fête: Celebrating Moms Twice!

Kristin Espinasse24 Comments
French Hospital, Health care, Jules

Convoquer: Leap of Faith & Mom goes into the Hospital

Missing Grandma Jules at this celebration for Max's 29th birthday in beautiful Cassis. An update on my mom in today's story. From left to right: Jean-Marc, Ana, Jackie (reflected in the mirror) Max, and me. (If this, or any photo in this post is not showing, click on the link or somewhere in the empty square to bring it up. My blog site is experiencing … Continue reading Convoquer: Leap of Faith & Mom goes into the Hospital

Kristin Espinasse110 Comments
Health, Health care, Jules, Positive Thinking

Voir La Vie en Rose: Mom’s Secret to Facing Challenges

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

Kristin Espinasse16 Comments
At the Doctor's, Driving, Health care, Jules

Jamais Deux Sans Trois: Road Rage, A Flat Tire (Bad Things Come in Threes)

"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)

Kristin Espinasse11 Comments
At the Doctor's, Health care, Jackie, Jules

Une Friandise: Chocolate Sundaes following Jules’s visit to the Ophtalmo

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

Kristin Espinasse20 Comments