Thursday, December 24, 2015

Joyeux Noel - Merry Christmas from Bordeaux, France

Wishing Everyone a Joyous Christmas!!

May it be filled with family, joy, peace and love

This month has been unusually busy between work, getting ready for the holidays and just juggling it all!  Like other families having children, it's always a balancing act to meet their needs and prepare for this special time of year!!  I wanted to share how beautiful this area looks during the holidays - lights everywhere, decorations and always that festive feeling.  This year, the month of  December was a bit low-key for us, but we managed to enjoy the lights and the magic of the city and I was fortunate to enjoy many other villages and towns and profit from their joy!  Here's a taste of the magic and lights in this area - Enjoy and may peace be with everyone on this special day!
Our town of Pessac and the beautiful way they decorate for this season!

The city of Bordeaux was as usual looking beautiful and luminous for the month of December.  It was also great to wander through the smaller streets to enjoy more decorations around the city.


Always a treat to work in some of the smaller villages around Bordeaux and see how they celebrate this season...On the left is the town square in the Village of Cadillac. and then one of the entrances to Saint Emilion.



Finally what is the season without some chocolate and the French LOVE their chocolate and in this season they find clever ways to celebrate with all kinds of adorable creations.  Take a look at one of my favorite chocolate shops - Larnicol.
As we get ready to celebrate - le Revillion or Christmas eve this evening with a dinner including traditional food of Oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon and a yule log for dessert - I wanted to take the time to:

Wish everyone a wonderful Christmas from Southwestern France!  
May your holiday be bright and full of peace, love and joy!!

Joyeux Noel!!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Dreaming of Learning French....Here's a gift for you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND 
HAPPY NEW YEAR
New Year’s resolutions and 
a gift to you -
my fellow reader!


Have you thought of the new goals you would like to achieve in 2016? Spend more quality time with the kids, get that new job you’ve been dreaming of, lose weight.. How about learning a new language? How about learning French?
What is the real draw of French though? How will it make you a more sophisticated and thus a better person - more suave, more cultivated, with lower hygienic standards? That's the question that I'll attempt to answer with something exceedingly rare on the Internet these days, a top 3 list.

Reason #1: Dominate your dinner menu

There’s nothing classier than ordering a pie à la mode at your local fast-food establishment, but every aspiring bon vivant should know that with just a handful of French terms, you can take your bistrot game to the next level. Start your evening with an apéritif, then move on to an amuse-bouche. By this time, your mouth should be so amused that you’ll barely have room for the pièce de résistance. A quick trou normand should help you find a second wind, just in time to go tête-à-tête with a planche de fromage. Cap off your soirée with a digestif, before heading to an after-dinner fête, where the drinking can begin in earnest. Bonus: if you've been using all these words during your meal, your date may have even transformed from a “peut-être” to a “oui oui”. Bon appétit, you little connaisseur, you.
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Reason #2: Become a cinema snob


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There’s a very thin line between pretentiousness and refinement, and learning French will put you firmly in both camps. To achieve the coveted status of Monsieur or Madame Je sais tout, however, you’ll need to master the basics of le cinéma français. Film is after all an art invented by the French, according to the French (les frères Lumière).

Try casually slipping the terms Nouvelle vague and Cinéma verité into your next poker game. Did anyone run away or spit on you? Good. You’re halfway there. Carefully, cautiously, while protecting your private areas, mention Truffaut’s mise en scène in Les 400 coups, or Godard’s handheld camera shots in A bout de souffle. Feel free to use the term chef d'oeuvre. No derisive laughter? No punching? You're well on your way to becoming an insufferable critique, the pride of your local cinémathèque. You want to know how it happened? Because you dared to learn French - the language of cinema snobs.


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Reason #3: Plan your honeymoon to Gabon


Did you know that French is spoken outside of France? We were skeptical at first too, but thanks to France’s glorious colonial history, French flows freely in 29 countries officially, and many more unofficially.

French might prove useful (there's a first time for everything) in these dream destinations: Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, Djibouti, New Caledonia, Burundi, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, Burkina Faso, etc, etc.

Ouagadougou ain’t your thing? Why not honeymoon to a country that doubles as a tax haven. Monaco, Luxembourg and Switzerland are perfect for all your sketchy financial transactions - No questions asked.

Still not sold? With French at your disposal, you can finally make the trip to the ultimate exotic destination, the jewel of the Americas: Canada. Time to brush up on your bonjours, eh?

After those 3 very logical reasons…
...and because Christmas is coming along shortly, I would like to give you the very special gift of French! I’d like to thank you for being with me throughout this year (or longer if you are a faithful long-term reader). As a token of my appreciation, here is a special gift for you!


Have a wonderful Christmas and an even more special New Year!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving 2015 - Reflections & Nana's Apple Sausage Stuffing

Happy Thanksgiving!  

Yes, today is American Thanksgiving.  Living in France means that we do not celebrate traditionally here as it's not a French holiday.  Today is just like any other Thursday - work day, school day - normal day.   However, if you have been a follower of my blog, we have created our own traditional way of celebrating in France.  I prepare a Thanksgiving meal on Saturday evening and invite friends and other families to join us.  Often, we have shared our table with French friends who have not had the pleasure of feasting and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal. Food is slightly different here, but I'm now able to find everything that we are use to and I'm able to serve a traditional meal with our favorite recipes. It's a learning experience for our friends but one that they have all really enjoyed.  This year is no different as we welcome 2 other families and a couple friends of my girls...I will be setting a table for 17.

As I take this moment to reflect, I am thankful for my girls and great friends here in Bordeaux. This past year has not always been easy and has definitely had it's moments of adjustment. However, I am grateful for a wonderful network of friends here - both expats and French.  I was just thinking this morning how much more fluent I have become in French - how much more comfortable I am in starting a conversation, and feeling confident.  Yes, I've lived here for four years now, but when you speak mostly English in your house and at your job, it takes longer to be more at ease.  I am truly grateful for French friends who have been patient with me and who have encouraged me to speak more.  I cherish these relationships from the bottom of my heart.

For my girls, I feel blessed that they continue to enjoy their life here in Bordeaux and at this point are naturally bilingual.  I'm grateful to have given them this gift of living abroad.  They have a more worldly  perspective and are coming to understand how different cultures see and understand the world differently.
 
After the events of a couple of weeks ago, they are also asking more questions in trying to understand world events and why things like this happen.  I'm happy for their curiosity and continue to educate them on making good decisions.

I'll keep this post short - but wanted to wish all my American friends and readers a very Happy Thanksgiving day - everyone is in our thoughts this special day and throughout this upcoming holiday season.

One final note - I am sharing my family's Turkey stuffing recipe below.  I had written the following post a couple of years ago, but thought it would be fun to share again for new readers.  Enjoy and even if your not American - in the spirit of the holiday take a moment, count your blessings and reflect on what you are grateful for in your life.  











Re post from November 2013
Our Thanksgiving Tables last year

It's almost Celebration Time!!


Thanksgiving is just around the bend. Here in France, it is not a holiday - it's just a regular Thursday - workday & school day.  But that doesn't stop me from celebrating one of my favorite American Holidays!!

Yummy farm Turkey and cranberry sauce
Obviously, it's a bit different here, my family is all back over in the States and I do miss that traditional time of getting together with my brothers and their families.  It was one of those times of year when all the cousins came together from afar and enjoyed a great weekend!  I have to say - it's these moments that living abroad gets a bit hard - we all get a bit homesick.

But new place, new traditions.  For the first time last year, I prepared a real Thanksgiving dinner and it was so fun to celebrate this holiday with our traditional favorites! It was also fun to introduce it to some French friends who had heard about this great feast but had never experienced it.  Again, this year, we will be sharing our Thanksgiving table with French friends and celebrating everything that we are grateful for!

I wanted to share my favorite family recipe for this holiday!  (Thank you mom!!).  This Stuffing recipe is a combination of 2 family recipes.  My mother combined her mother's stuffing recipe and her mother's in law's stuffing recipe to create this delicious dish.  I have always enjoyed it over the years and every year I look forward to having it at Thanksgiving!  It's been shared with many guests around our table - and it's always well liked!  I, of course,  will be passing it down to my girls. I have therefore named it, Nana's Apple-Sausage Stuffing  - for my daughters!   It can be made spicy or mild - depending on sausage and addition of hot pepper sauce.
The Famous stuffing before it went into the bird

NANA'S THANKSGIVING
APPLE-SAUSAGE STUFFING
1 pound sausage (for spicier version- 1/2 mild, 1/2 hot sausage)
1 pkg whole kernel cooked corn- or canned corn
6 apples (chopped, peeled)
10 cups dry bread crumbs (if you can't buy dry unseasoned bread crumbs, cut up some bread in cubes, bake it to dry-Use French bread)
1 1/4cups beef broth
2 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 1/4 cups chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup sugar (to taste)
5 eggs, beaten
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp poultry seasoning
3/4 cup milk
Hot pepper sauce (optional-amount depending on taste)
Mix all together in a big pan, then put inside the turkey.  Extra stuffing can be place in a pan and baked separately.

For a 18 pound turkey, which should be enough for 11-12 people; you can bake it separately in casserole dish; maybe cover it so it doesn't crust on top.
All stuffed and ready to cook! - Extra cooks separately
Last year was the first year I made it here in France - luckily had most of the ingredients.  My mother sent me poultry seasoning - & I had to make my own bread crumbs.  (Side note, Use French baguette for bread crumbs, I thought it would be too hard once dried, but the softer bread disappeared with all the moist ingredients)  but other than that - DELICIOUS!! 

So here's to you - Mom - Thank you for creating such a special recipe and one that will be passed down for generations to come - I hope!!  



Thursday, November 19, 2015

Life after the Paris Attacks - How it affects our everday life in Bordeaux

Reflections on the Week..
I've been trying to write this post for a few days now but to be honest, I haven't had the energy or the strength.  The attacks of last Friday night have really shaken and shocked me and the rest of France for that matter.  Yes, we live in Bordeaux - around 370 miles away, 5 1/2 hours by car but only 3 hours by fast train.  On one hand, it seems far away but on the other hand, France is small, similar to the size of the State of Texas - so events like these feel close.  Not to mention the severity and the shock of innocent people being killed.
It was 3 am (French time) Saturday morning when I found out about the Paris attacks.  I had gone to bed early, as I had to work an early shift at the airport.  As I do every work morning, I grabbed by phone as I got up and double checked to see if there were any last minute emails with work instructions.  I was surprised to see the facebook messenger icon indicating that I had 15 private messages.  As I clicked on the icon and the messages opened...I could see the first lines of each one...."I hope you and your family are fine", "Hoping you are all well", "Sending prayers and hoping things are okay", "I know you are not in Paris, but thinking of you", "My heart aches for Paris"....they went on and on.  I quickly accessed my French news and was shocked, like everyone else to read the headlines - Paris Attacked...over 100 killed over 250 wounded - several different simultaneous attacks.  I couldn't believe what I was reading.  I felt numb, I was shocked.  I didn't have the time to read too much, I couldn't even read all the messages thoroughly, I had to get dressed,get to the airport for work and at this point, I had about a half an hour.

As I drove to the airport, I still couldn't process it all.  I shifted to work mode - would planes be able to come in?  I had heard that the borders were shut.  I had also heard that there were no outgoing flights.  But as it was early in the crisis - one just has to move through, wait and see.  I arrived at the airport a few minutes early, my clients were still on their way from the ship, so I continued reading what I could and wrote a quick Facebook status update letting friends and family know I was fine.  I essentially worked in automatic mode that morning, still cheerful but numb - assisting our clients with checking in to their flights.  Flights were headed out - to Amsterdam and Paris.  Air France couldn't say what would happen to the overseas flights from Paris, but at this point the flights weren't cancelled.

The one thing that was definitely present that morning was a silence in the airport. Initially, there were no planes arriving and  I think others like myself were all in shock - so were just quiet.  The security presence had already been increased, so instead of seeing our "normal"  (since the Charlie Hebdo attacks last January) 3 armed military guards walking and monitoring the airport - it was increased to 2 teams of 3 each.  Seeing the camouflaged military soldiers with their machine guns walking diligently and focused through the airport makes one feel nervous and protected at the same time.    I know my American clients had some questions and were concerned and we did our best to reassure them.
I was pleased to be able to go home between shifts (6 to 9am).  I knew I wanted to tell my 2 older girls before they saw it on the news or more probably heard it from friends.  I waited until 8am to wake them and then shared the tragedy.  My older daughter's eye's got really big and she said that her friend's parents were in Paris for the weekend attending a concert.  She quickly texted her friend and checked in.  Luckily for them, they were at another concert, but a mere 10 minutes from Bataclan.  As a mother, I breathed a sigh of relief for my daughter's friend - but my heart broke for those families of the the 135 who innocently died.  This was France's 9/11.

I returned to work, again still a bit numbed, checked in more clients and welcomed this week's new clients in.  A few people asked some questions, but the information was still coming in and was still not clear.  So we couldn't answer much.  For the most part we were just doing what we do each week.  Life continues.  I returned home after my shift at 2 pm - had lunch and really just cocooned with my kids.  I didn't want my 14 year old heading into Bordeaux for the afternoon - I just wanted to feel safe.  I was happy to have all of them with me.  My mind flashed back to that day 9/11/01 when my oldest was not even a year old.  I remember being so happy to return from work and just pick her up in my arms and hold her.  This particular afternoon was no different,  we picked a movie and all of us - hung out together in the living room.

I would check the news on the Internet from time to time.  I hadn't explained it to my 8 year old yet.  I really loved that she was innocent and free from all the "bad" in this world.  Just being with her and then watching her and her older sister play barbies was all I needed that afternoon.  The normalcy of childhood activities. Being in the presence of Love and life!

By late afternoon, my oldest wanted to head out and meet a friend in our town - I knew she needed to see her friends and I also knew life goes on. So out she went to catch a bus for the 6 minutes to ride to our town center.  That's the tough part  - life goes on...life needs to go on...but yet it's changed.

Changed - yes. We are presently (6 days after the attack) in a National State of Emergency.  Signs in the tram and on the bus, remind everyone to be vigilant with their comings and goings...Stay alert.  On Monday, there was a National Moment of Silence at noon, All flags were at half mask until yesterday.  School is in session, but all field trips and class trips have been cancelled for 2 weeks - no unnecessary travel.  Security has been tightened.  It's strange this week - everywhere you go - something is different but at the same time, the same.
For example, as you enter a mall, a security guard has you open your bag or purse, each door or entrance to a mall one sees a guard posted.  More police officers are in the streets, military armed guards walking/patrolling in the city center.  Even entering the new Promenade Saint Catherine which has entrances on several street corners, one must show their bag.  I walked into the Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux today, same thing.  My daughter said when she went into the mayor's office in Pessac, same procedure.  Again, it's reassuring in some sense but makes one more aware and more nervous in another.
This week has definitely been different.  When we started the week with a moment a silence on Monday at noon, it seemed to set the mood for the week.  Quiet, somber, reflective and serious all at the same time. The cloudy rainy weather adds to the sadness.  I was in Cadillac with clients on Monday at noon.  Another guide and myself were going to reflect and take the moment together with our 60 clients at the entrance of the town.  However, the village had planned it's own gathering and openly embraced us to join with them in the moment of reflection and solidarity.  It was a moving and touching speech given by the Deputy Mayor of Cadillac, who spoke sadly how it was our second time in less than a year that we gathered to honor innocent people struck down by those who are angry and radically taking other lives.  She spoke of grief, of sadness and of anger but also spoke of upholding the democratic values of France - Liberty, Equality and brotherhood.  It's those values that have endured through the centuries, it's those values that have built this country and the free world to what it is today and it's those values that will continue to support the people of France in this time of need.  It was a beautiful moment & one that I know both the French townspeople and our American clients won't forget for a long time.  People embraced, cried and the unity of these two cultures was felt.  We were all thanked for joining in their ceremony.
As the normal work week has continued I've been touched and moved by people around me.  People want to talk about it, they want to process it all.  One hears debates in the streets about how to react, how to fight back but at the same time the fear.  I've had several conversations this week with French friends and even strangers discussing the events.  All of these conversations are educated, thoughtful and reflective.  Yes, everyone has opinions, everyone is struggling but there seems to be an overall sensitivity to not generalize about religions, take care of those people in need and at the same time figure out how to react against these terrible terrorist acts.  

So as I sit here, as an American living in France I am moved, touched and shaken by the events of this past week.  But it's events like these that remind us of those deep values that we, in the free world, hold true.  It is those values that give us strength, courage and motivation to keep going, keep living life and keep away the fear.  I am following the various perspectives that I read about these attacks and it's aftermath. People want answers, they want to blame, they was quick results. Reading how people process and focus on what's next is all part of the healing process. I've even been shocked by the reaction of some of my fellow countrymen back in the States.  But again, I have come to learn that by living in Europe - there are many different perspectives on world problems.  Here in Europe, we may be part of the European Union but there are 28 different countries and cultures having unique voices about world problems.  I also live here among many Muslims, many of whom have been born in France and see themselves as French first.  They identify with the people of France and just as there are many different types of Christians, there are  many different kinds of Muslims too.  The People who I live around are just as shocked and outraged as everyone else. 

Just as Americans did after 9/11 - I have no doubt that France will do the same and stand tall together with all it's citizens. Fight back against all that is wrong and all that is dark. Moments like this give us all strength, give us all the reminder of who we are and who we are as a country ( my adopted country in this case).  Yes, I wish events like last Friday night didn't happen, I wish innocent people wouldn't die, but let's use these events to get stronger, and move forward in world humanity and peace.   Events like this also help us to see past stereotypes, see past generalizations and focus on loving each other and embracing both our similarities and our differences.  This gives us strength to keep on living! This also gives us strength to stand with each other and fight back.  Don't give into fear and hate.

So do that for those who innocently gave their lives.  Live, breath, love, accept and embrace all the life has to offer. 
The New Yorker - November 15, 2015 - Daily Cartoon by Benjamin Schwartz

Friday, November 6, 2015

Great Wine Capitals-2016 Best of - Awards in Wine Tourism-Bordeaux Region- The "must visit" list!

Another magical evening in Bordeaux celebrating Wine Tourism
Last Thursday evening, I was invited to attend the Best of  in Wine Tourism Awards for the Bordeaux region sponsored by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.  This yearly event honors chateaux properties (vineyards) in 6 wine tourism categories.  This is a prestigious international yearly event which honors properties who are distinguished by their quality and presentation in wine tourism.  There are 6 different categories in which properties can compete.  These are:  Landscape & Architecture, Discovery & Innovation, Accommodations, Restaurant Services, Wine Tourism Services,  & Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices.  These categories are world-wide and each wine region within the Great Wine Capitals Global Network has their regional competition and then the top winner of each category or "Best of Gold" will compete internationally for their category.
 
What I love about these awards each year is that they highlight those various chateaux properties that distinguish themselves in Wine Tourism.  From a tourist point of view, these properties get added to my list of "Must Sees" and "recommendations for guests".  After all, these awards are all about wine tourism and welcoming visitors.  I'm constantly amazed by how creative and unique each visit can be at different chateaux properties - ranging from a simple classic quintessential French chateaux visit where one can marvel at the age of the vines, the buildings and the old cellars to newer more modern facilities and tasting rooms where one can experience something different and unique. Some examples are creating art galleries on the property, restaurants, family activities, offering picnics and other recreational experiences.  The ideas are endless and unique.

I loved this evening, as it's truly magical and honors these proprieties for their hard work and innovative efforts made in wine tourism.  The following  4 minute video gives you a sense of how special this evening was to attend.  It has a feel like one is attending a Hollywood Awards Ceremony.  The large screen video presentations were put together by a wonderful video company - La Maison du Bonheur - enabling us to see each winner's property and services displayed in a short vignette.  

After the ceremony, including some musical entertainment in the middle, we all got to enjoy the wines of the winners and also feast of some of our local delicacies - a variety of meats, cheeses, Oysters, caneles and macaroons.
This year, there were 92 regional nominations presented for the 6 categories and 20 winners were chosen - for each category - one Best of Gold winner was chosen, for a total of 6 Best of Gold winners.

So without further ado, in the words of the presenter, here is this year's list of Winners. This is definitely a list to keep handy if you are coming to the Bordeaux area and want to tour some wonderful properties.  I have linked their websites to their names and added their appellation for further reference.


Landscape & Architecture

Discovery and Innovation

Accommodation

Restaurant Services

Wine Tourism Services

Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices



*Denotes Best of d'Or (Best of Gold) Award
The Best of Gold winners will compete globally against other regional winners within the Grand Wine Capitals Global Network at the International conference next week held in Bilbao, Spain.  The Great Wine Capitals of the World include the areas of Bilbao/Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Le Cap (South Africa), Mayence (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), San Francisco-Napa Valley (USA), & Valparaiso (Chili).  

So if you are a wine lover and love visiting wonderful wine producing areas - these areas work together to provide a wonderful wine tourism experience.  Additionally, for those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you may remember that I wrote about this same event last year.  So here is the link to that post, as it's gives even more wonderful wine properties to add to your visit to this area!

2015 - Best of Wine Tourism Awards - Bordeaux Region

Congratulations to all the  2016 winners!!  I look forward to visiting your properties!



Lou Messugo

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Autumn afternoon in Bordeaux & Cafe Suspendu

Beautiful colors and weather to enjoy 

It's Fall in Bordeaux.  I have to say that these past two months have been colorful, warmer than normal and just plain beautiful.  To be honest, I don't remember seeing so much color in the leaves in previous years.  Maybe I'm more in tuned with nature or perhaps, it's just been an extra beautiful season! Either way, I'm just happy to enjoy it each and everyday!
When we have days like this, I love wandering the streets of Bordeaux, taking in the atomosphere and enjoying the last few warm days before the rainy Winter sets in.  I love the cafe culture here in Bordeaux.  People stop, sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.  It may be small but it's the life here.  You don't see people walking around with coffee mugs or plastic cups and drinking as they walk - it's just not done here.  It's called savoring the moment and enjoying some time to relax either by yourself or with a friend.  To meet for coffee is a common way to catch up with a friend.

So this afternoon, my friend, a fellow blogger and I enjoyed taking in the warm breezy air of Bordeaux and sat down for a coffee at Chez Fred located in the Place du Palais.  This Square is located just behind the famous Port Cailhau along the river.  It's designed as an open square with a beautiful low fountain in the middle.  The lovely trees with their yellow leaves added  beautiful color to the square.  Just so peaceful to sit, relax and talk.
This cafe has long been a fixture at Place du Palais and I love the vintage signs and quaint cafe tables with chairs purposely facing outward to allow the customers to people watch and enjoy the outdoors.  It's so hard to believe it's November.
But there is one very special thing that I noticed inside this cafe and my friend explained it to me. They participate in what's called "Cafe Suspendu".  Mmm...That phrase doesn't really translate into English well - but it simply means a cup of coffee is available for those who can't afford it. A type of "pay it forward" kind of system.  As you can see on the chalkboard, there are 3 available.  It's a simple concept, those who are able can donate toward a coffee for someone not so fortunate.  Then when someone who can't afford to pay wants to order one, they just indicate that they want a "cafe suspendu" when they are asked to pay.  It's a nice gesture. The board or sign is prominently displayed, so people know that this cafe participates. 

Apparently after doing a bit more research on this concept, it's been in practice at Chez Fred since 2013 and the idea had originated in Naples, Italy.  Chez Fred was one of the first cafes in this area to iniciate the concept in Bordeaux.  It had been in practice in other French cities like Grenoble, Brest and Paris.  Now many other cafes and other establishments participate in this "pay it forward" simple gesture.
Apparently, according to my friend, Cassandra of Live Love Bordeaux, this concept is also done in Belgium.  She explained to me that barber shops, hair salons and other stores can participate and offer something to someone not so fortunate.  In this case, it's a coffee, but it could be a muffin, a pastry or even a sandwich - haircuts or shaves - it all depends on the shop. In Bordeaux, apparently there is also "Baguette Suspendu" or bread made available for those who can't afford to pay. I have to say that's a very warming gesture and I'm glad to see in in practice.  From an article I read, it's used most often by students or retirees who are on very limited fixed incomes.

This is my friend Cassandra, who writes a new blog in French called Live Love Bordeaux. Check it out through the link.  It's a fun and nice way to practice your French - for those you who want to give it a try.  

Enjoy the rest of your week and I hope your Fall is as beautiful as ours.  Don't forget to check out my facebook page where you will find a cute video recap of our Fall.


Lou Messugo

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