passe compose, present, futur proche, futur simple, imperatif, conditionnel, and imparfait… dear god! (mon dieu!) i am completely over my head in this french business! i can handle the written grammar, even the irregular verbs (in present and passe compose) and endless conjugation…but my mind just cannot get around the tense switches in conversation…i was,…

…two surgeries (and daily homemade sausages) later, Napo the wandering dog is showing some improvement. much less bleeding today. cross your fingers, put the dear old boy in your thoughts and prayers. another on the 'church of kate' prayer list today: the Mighty Colt. an unfortunate (driveway!) accident has damaged the side panels and drivers…

most afternoons, on the walk home from french class, i stop by the small sandwich stand down the lane from the house for an easy and tasty lunch…yellow and gold awning, glass case, pyramids of baguette sandwiches….jambon et fromage, poulet aubergine, and the newest, curry poulet…the french make fabulous sandwiches! but seemingly stonefaced service…no facial…

i totally forgot my VERY DEAREST, BEST FRIENDS BIRTHDAY! Ryan turned 28 (god, i had better be right about that) on February 8th, and i forgot, AGAIN! even worse, i think i called him that week and because he was out i left a message, but DID NOT MENTION the birthday. i didn't send a…

ma mere purchased an armoire during a very successful visit to the local resale furniture shop late last week. after arranging the delivery, which required only responding to a few phone calls in french, i thought my job was done. but no! the armoire in question is HUGE. solid (and veneered) walnut, mirrored doors, at…

as i meet new people, attend dinner evenings, english speaking events and find myself searching for the right fits in companions (trying each new person on as you might a jacket; does it feel comfortable? does the color suit me? can i afford it?) in this new ville, this new country, this new life; i…

i got my st.valentine's day kisses (bisous) from miss ruby this morning, what else can a girl ask for? dear old Napoleon is improving, but the vet prefers to care for him at the clinic for a few more days, perhaps until Rachael returns. i believe he is taking pity on me as well, but…

"bbbbring, bbbbring" -"Allo? Dr. F's Vet Clinique" -"Allo! Je m'appelle Kate Mikkelsen. Excuse moi, Je parle francais mais un petit peu. Mon amie Rachael Dickens est un patiente de vous…. (continues in french like so…) She is on vacation for two weeks, I am staying at her house and also caring for her dog Napoleon.…

only in France: the firefighters are on strike throughout the region; a symbolic strike but not without some teeth. and in classic gaul style, the firefighters union (of sorts) hired a graphic designer to create an 'en grŽve' logo!!! it's on every firestation; professionally printed placards and each red fire truck. i must admit, it…

the morning sun hits the cream stone walls of the houses higher on the hills first; each window is a sleepy eye facing the sea, roused minute by minute, level by level down to the old town. you can tell the time by the slices of sunlight falling on the red tile roof lines. in…