life in france

Spring is Purple, at Giverny

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With a few touches of pink, blue and complimentary orange. Along the walkway, in front of the American Museum, are a series of ‘rooms’, small areas, enclosed by hedges and themed in colors.  This is one of the ‘Blue Rooms’ The American Museum showcases works from American artists.  The museum also welcomes both American and … Continue reading…

Asparagus with Quail Eggs; Eating an Orange with a Fork

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Tripping down the Primrose Path… In my herb garden. According to the Etiquette Mavens, the only two foods it is acceptable for one to eat with one’s fingers are asparagus (without sauce) and bacon (crisp). The only time I have ever seen asparagus eaten with fingers was at a rather proper dinner party in Andorra… … Continue reading…

A French Meme! Pour Moi? Mais Oui!

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I've been tagged…. In French! Apparently this is what happens when one declares oneself French.   But, if Riana, of Garlic Breath,  the lovely lady who tagged me, can answer in English so can I! Interspersed with my answers, and having no relationship whatsoever to the questions, are some photos of the bike ride we had … Continue reading…

Mon Dieu! Am I French? Have a Salad and Ponder the Question…

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Go directly to recipe Sacré Bleu!  Has it happened?  Have I become French?  Can one just wake up one morning and be a different person than the night before? Let's consider the evidence: Am I fluent in French?  Non, just the other day I commented on how lovely the flowers would look under the table. … Continue reading…

Fear of Phone Calls

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One thing no one ever tells you about when you are learning a language: Phone calls are impossible.  When you are talking, in person, to another human you can each see each other's expressions, hand movements, blank stares, etc.  That's all taken out of the equation during a phone call. Making a phone call is … Continue reading…

Breakfast Wars: Sweet v Savory

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Go directly to recipe Look what I had hanging off the garden gate early Sunday morning! The local school kids were having a money-making drive for something or other (they were terribly shy when they realized I was 'etranger').  Instead of magazines, candles or cookies, these French kids get right back to basics: Bread.  Did … Continue reading…