Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 9
October 26, 2023
Joyeux Anniversaire! Let's blow out some candles & celebrate!
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A partir de ce weekend this journal begins its third decade! Here's my sister Heidi's scrumptious chocolate cake to celebrate.
TODAY'S WORD: JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE!
: Happy birthday!
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
On Saturday this language and life blog celebrates its 21st birthday. Just think...if it were American it could legally drink. If it were French it could now drive a 7.5-ton vehicle. But having been born and bred, né et élévé, in France, this journal is some sort of wine...
October 19, 2023
From France to New Zealand: Jean-Marc's Big News!
From the Mediterranean to Nouvelle Zéalande--Jean-Marc will be a traveling winemaker once again. After making wine in Italy (Sicily), The United States (Oregon), and around France, ce vigneron will now experience a longtime dream of blending grapes in New Zealand! We would like to thank Whitehaven Wines for this amazing opportunity! Read my husband's update, below, for more details. TODAY'S WORD: LE VIGNERON (LA VIGNERONNE) : winemaker, winegrower
NEW ZEALAND HERE I COME
by Jean-Marc ...
October 13, 2023
We have a new dog. Welcome Ricci!
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UN BERGER = SHEPHERD
After one year and three months sans chien, we are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our newest family member: "Ricci". She is a 3-year-old Mini Australian Shepherd and she hails from une ferme in Aveyron.
Ten days ago, at a party, I was chatting with Corinne about her mini Aussie. "We love those dogs," I said, "but aren’t they a bit nervous?" Corinne, visibly gaga about her Berger Américain (as they are called in France), assured me le tempérament depends on the owne...
We have a new dog. Welcome Ricci!
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UN BERGER = SHEPHERD
After one year and three months sans chien, we are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our newest family member: "Ricci". She is a 3-year-old Mini Australian Shepherd and she hails from une ferme in Aveyron.
Ten days ago, at a party, I was chatting with Corinne about her mini Aussie. "We love those dogs," I said, "but aren’t they a bit nervous?" Corinne, visibly gaga about her Berger Américain (as they are called in France), assured me le tempérament depends on the owne...
October 6, 2023
"To get an eyeful" in French: An accidental trip to a “Naturiste” beach
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Amidst fragrant parasol pine trees, see the charming blue umbrellas, lower right, in front of a highly sought-after restaurant and its terrace over the sea. Hiking down toward this turquoise paradise we had no idea it was a "no clothes" cove... Too late, there was no turning back--not when we'd reserved a table at Chez Jo a week in advance!
To View All Photos, click here to visit the blog
TODAY’S WORD: "se rincer l'oeil" ("to rinse the eye")
: to get an eyeful, to see too much of somethi...
September 29, 2023
Heartwarming in French: Ana & A Gift for the Birds
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Today's story is part wedding anniversary, part birthdays, part peanuts, and part people. You have already read a little about Max's girlfriend, and today you'll learn more about Ana (and why we love her).
Are the photos in this newsletter appearing? If not, view all of them here at the blog.
TODAY'S WORD: “Qui réchauffe le cœur”
: heartwarming, that which warms the heart
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
This week marks 29 years since Jean-Marc and I walked the matrimonial carpet at...
September 21, 2023
Vineyard tour & lunch Châteauneuf-du-Pape with my Little Sister
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One of the prestations Jean-Marc offers within his wine business is Provence vineyard tours. Sometimes I get to join him--especially when my sister is the customer! Read on in today’s histoire.
TODAY'S WORD: La Prestation
: a service, offering, performance
Translation of opening sentence into French:
L'une des prestations que Jean-Marc propose dans le cadre de son entreprise autour du vin est la visite de vignobles.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
C’est la rentrée and Jean-Mar...
September 14, 2023
Trépidant: French for hectic + Things we can't control....
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The sea and coastline, or littoral, in La Ciotat, France
TODAY'S WORD: TRÉPIDANT
: frantic, hectic, chaotic, turbulent
: exciting, thrilling, exhilarating
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
Out on a morning walk with Izzy The Pocket Beagle, my mind jumps from thought to unrelated thought: Does organic milk have growth hormones? Do readers unsubscribe when I write about non-French-related topics? Is it time to rename my blog to better reflect the theme of my writing? What abou...
September 6, 2023
Bonne rentrée: Happy return to work or school (or a new fall season)
Returning to work or to school or real life demands after summer break? France wishes you Bonne rentrée. Some lucky dogs are still in vacation mode, though. Photo taken in Cannes, where Jackie and I stopped after Villefranche. In the following story from the archives, Jackie is 16 and on her way back to school.... Le temps vole! Be sure to read to the end for a personal update and photo.
TODAY'S PHRASE: "bonne rentrée"
: Happy back-to-school! Enjoy the new school year!
A DAY IN A FRENCH...
August 30, 2023
Faute de Frappe: Funny Surprise After My Dad Hits the Wrong Button
By the time the leaves turn gold in Lyon, we'll be meeting up with part of my American family. Read about our virtual meetup in today's story, and pick up a host of new French words.
TODAY’S WORD: UNE FAUTE DE FRAPPE
: typing error,
: error made when hitting the wrong button
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
I wish I had a written transcript of our accidental family video chat, week before last. The surprising live conference began when my dad tried ringing me via Messenger ...
