Ricci went to the vet’s this morning for her first détartrage. Jackie came with me for moral support, as I was nervous about our little shepherd going under anesthesia. When the vet’s assistant asked, “Is there anything else you would like to signaler?” Jackie surprised us with a confident Oui. I turned to listen as she informed the assistant that our little toutou had gained weight—the industrial scale read 13.5 … Continue reading When Mom Met Dad: A Love Story from Provence

TODAY’S WORD: se relayer : to take turns, to relieve one another PRONUNCIATION: [suh ruh-leh-yay] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:En famille, il faut savoir se relayer pour que chacun puisse se reposer.In a family, you have to take turns so everyone can rest. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse It’s early morning and a cool breeze is coming through the bedroom window. Outside, in the street, the sidewalks of … Continue reading “Se Relayer”–Passing the Baton: It’s Jackie’s Turn!

A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse I’m back from a last-minute visit to the States. The whirlwind trip, followed by a 20-hour journey home, leaves me feeling wrung out—lessivé, as the locals say. (Lessive = wash.) Picture how your body would feel after being put through the wringer that is international travel—airport security, long lines, bone-chilling air turbulence, passport control… and a … Continue reading Bon. Allez. Ciao. Back to France and all its character.

Bonjour, The regular edition of French Word-A-Day will return soon. For now, an update from America… On Bastille Day I walked down to Pike Place Market to order a medium latté and a dozen chouquettes for Dad at a little French bakery, Le Panier. Kip has no appetite these days but can stomach sweets a little more easily than savory foods—though he does his best … Continue reading Séjour & Chouquettes in Seattle with Dad

I was working on the following story about Jackie when my sister, Kelley, called to tell us our Dad was going into the hospital following some fatigue and disorientation. I am flying to the US to hold Dad’s hand and cheer him back to recovery. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for “Kip”, our dear dad. (Picture of Dad by my sister, Heidi) TODAY’S … Continue reading Jackie back in France (Kristi now in the States)

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 … Continue reading Le Frigo: No Fishy Business in the Frigo, SVP!

TODAY’S WORD: tchin-tchin : cheers (a toast)PRONUNCIATION: [tchin-tchin] EXAMPLE SENTENCE:Au Domaine du Banneret, tout le monde a levé son verre de vin—tchin-tchin!At Domaine du Banneret everyone raised their wine glasses, tchin-tchin! A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse At the historic Château de Mille, I’m standing in a stately garden, amidst a fragrant roseraie, encouraging a convivial group from Atlanta to smile for a photo. “Now … Continue reading Tchin-tchin: A Memorable Birthday Tour in Southern France

TODAY’S WORD: la fête : the party, celebrationPRONUNCIATION: [la fet] French sentence: Il faut fêter ça—trente ans, ça se fête !English translation: This calls for a celebration—thirty years is something to celebrate! A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse“Can I throw a party at the house for my birthday?” Max asked, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. I flinched. Why here? Why not somewhere … Continue reading Celebrate 30 Years: A Milestone Party in the Garden