i picked up my dusty french book last night for some review. i had spent some time this past weekend at a french-heavy BBQ and wanted to clarify a few phrases. the standard book isn't much help. i need to find one that teaches useful things like: -"Has that mayo salad gone bad in the…

Le Tour de France is coming up, Mom and Bert are keen to see the Gap-Marseille leg (about 2-3 hours drive from here), though it is far too late to get hotel accomodation. hm, camping? that i would pay to see!

word is the McMullen family reunion was a big hit, fun was had by all..and even the St.Louis summer weather was cooperative..not too hot and muggy. it's hot and muggy here..hottest June on record. mom bought a portable airconditioning unit, which is supposed to cool down at least the livingroom. any minute now, yep, it's…

i'm probably totally embarassing myself with all of these pictures of dental work, but anything for family (Aunt Anna)! another two hours in the chair this morning, but what a difference! (very hard to convey in photos, desole) "Je fais des sculptures" as my dentist says. pic one before, pic two after steps one and…

Suzanne, Jack and i spent the morning and early afternoon at Hotal Royal Beach. it spoils you for public beaches forever…chaise lounges (with cushions), large umbrellas, side tables, fresh sand, clean water, beach-side drinks service, showers and changing rooms…we didn't have any Rose, but maybe next time… i happily floated around in the sea water…

ventured on a car trip into the mountains today to escape the heat and humidity in Antibes…had a lovely traditional french lunch (including cheese course, my favorite) in Coursegoules, drove back through the picturesque Gorges du Loup. in short: Suzanne isn't so keen on heights, i'm a pretty damn good driver (just watch that rolling…

we had to hang our heads in shame at our favorite sandwich stand the other day as a gaggle of bikini-clad American cheerleader-type teenage girls (has anything more cringe-worthy ever been created?) nearly assaulted our beloved Madame Sandwiche (no relation to Madame Poulet). no Bonjours, no pleases or thank yous, not even in English. imagine…

indeed, step one was a bear afterall…after the initial numbness wore off, it feels as if my gums were peeled away from my teeth (oh, right, they were!) and the roof of my mouth now most closely resembles raw hamburger meat. trust me, the roots of your front teeth exposed is something you never want…

just returned from the dentist…step one of five done. he's fixing that problem i've had with the six front teeth that were veneered 13 years ago in some sort of composite that was prompty discontinued because it failed quickly and discolored beyond repair, not to mention that mine were done way to thickly, nearly gave…