rouler de nuit
indice + Jean-Marc's recorded letter...

location

Tourist (c) Kristin Espinasse
We're back now from salty and floral île de Ré, or the Isle of Rhé. This furry tourist, above, enjoyed people-watching from a window overlooking the farmers' market in St Clément des Baleines. His carefree let-it-all-hang-out attitude is reflected in the relaxed rental sign just below. Discover the sign's missing letters in today's vocab entry, here:

une location (lo-kah-syon)

: rental, renting

 Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc read the following French terms: 

Download MP3 file or Wav file

location de vélo = bike rental
location de meubles = furniture rental
location d'un immeuble = property/real estate rental
location de voitures = car rental
location de maison de vacances = home vacation rental
mettre en location = to rent out
prix de location = rent

Reverse dictionary: rental

rental contract = un bail
rental charge = une redevance

A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse

This story column will return next week. I've got more anecdotes to share with you--and some exciting news too! Meantime, if you would like to take a wild stab at just what it is, this scoop I've been keeping from you, then click here and offer up your most imaginative guess!

Jean-Marc and I will be reading your comments, and I know my mom, Jules, will get a kick out of some of your far-fetched guesses. So get creative and have fun figuring out just what it is we've been keeping secret.

Click here to leave a wild guess, and many thanks for playing along with us!

Amicalement,

Kristin

I love bikes and flowers and baskets (c) Kristin Espinasse
Vélos, or bikes a-gogo on the île de Ré.

A Message from KristiOngoing support from readers like you keeps me writing and publishing this free language journal week after week. If you find value in this website and would like to keep it going strong, I kindly ask for your support by making a donation today. Thank you very much for being a part of this community and helping me to maintain this site and its newsletter.

Ways to contribute:
1. Paypal or credit card
2. A bank transfer via Zelle, a great way to send your donation as there are no transaction fees.

Or purchase my book for a friend, and so help spread the French word.
For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety

Comments

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John L

Hollyhocks, oysters, salt (fleur de sel), bikes...

I've been and those are my fab four.

sue

and ...John L....moules frites for a break from oysters!!!

Linda Quinet

A bicycle parking lot.

Deborah Murray

You have a new dog?

Claire

My wild guess?? That the exciting news is in the form of a movie that they are proposing to make about your fabulous life and wonderful books and blog...am I close? :)

Patrine Baptist

A movie based on your blog.
PS Love ile du Rey.

jan greene

What is Kristin's big news? The suspense is intense! All that comes to mind is that they are moving to a new vineyard with bigger space and more grapes? Tell us soon! Welcome back from vacation!

Wallace

a new baby? ;)

Verna

You are expecting a baby! Well…it happens. And what could be more exciting?

Bruce in northwest Connecticut

Yeah, since Jean-Marc is involved and reading the guesses, I'm going with baby, too.

mimi taylor aka cigalechanta

your wines won a prize!

Julie F in St. Louis, MO

Since all my guesses have been taken I'll just say welcome home and looking forward to more stories and photos, especially after seeing all the beautiful colors in the two from today. I might add a guess related to all your wonderful photographs -- they're being published?

Bruce in northwest Connecticut

But you wanted us to get creative, so how about…

Your farm has been selected as the site for next year's G10 summit.

Lesley

Well the dog and the baby have been taken already. How about a new book with the both of you writing together? Or a TV programme featuring the winery and you both.

Rose Johnson

You've decided to open une location de maison de vacances chez vous for all your friends who want to come visit you en france! Bravo! Quelle bonne idea, n'est-ce pas?

Karen Whitcome - Towson, Md USA

My guess for your "stand-by situation that has you on a roller coaster of emotion" is either that you are expecting a little one or.... Angelina Jolie might come for a visit. :)

Betty

I like Rose Johnson's idea. ;-)

JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

GOOD MORNING TO ALL OF OUR PRECIOUS FRIENDS,

I LIKE the guess that Kristi is going to BLOOM IN PROVENCE....can you imagine Kristi having a baby at this time of her life....as a matter of fact that is the first guess that came to my mind also.

How wonderful of all of you that believe that Kristi's career is still going to climb up into the clouds - I like to pretend that one day there will be a little movie about her life in France too !!!!

I am most excited about her 'secret' and will be happy when Kristi reveals what is really going on in her life so we can all put our two-bits into the pot. I can't wait to be able to talk about this with all of you out there in this big wonderful world.

I must say one of my greatest dreams is coming true.

XOXO

JULES

 pierre maisonneuve

OUI , our next door friend sells his 52 hectares property in a couple of weeks and
he told us that a wine maker will continue
the wine business .COULD BE YOU !!!

Andy

You've been chosen by the Venutians for first contact! Should you stay, should you go? Will they have grapes? Wifi? And perhaps most importantly, do they speak French?

Mary Griffith

All of my guesses have been guessed. My immediate thought, tho, was a new baby. Can't wait to hear the "secret". Welcome back.

Holly H

Hmmmm, kids are too young to be engaged, so my guess is --Your wines will be sold in a large American retail outlet?

Lee Mears

With all of the news about the olympics, I'm going to "go for the Gold" and guess that Kristie has been signed by a big publishing house. Lee Mears, Bradenton, FL

Barbara Richardson

Not a movie but a TV series. Can't wait to see it! Bonne chance....

Paulette

The supreme secret is that Jules is moving to France to enjoy her newest grandchild that is on the way and will be present when Jean-Marc makes THE movie after he has broken ground on the new bicycle park that will be in front of the charming little guest rooms to be built overlooking a grand expanse view of the new vineyards next door...Cheers from sunny Florida

Sue J.

Location de Chiens Adorables. At least, in a perfect world. As for the surprise, I'm thinking movie option perhaps?

Sandy

My first guess was the popular 'new baby'. However, Jules' mention of one of her greatest dreams doesn't really support that. Nor does twins? Maybe Jules is moving to France?

Sandy Maberly

Hmmmmm, I'll say that JM and Kristi have purchased neighboring property and Jules and her hubby will be coming to take up residence in the farmhouse on site!

Holly W

I like Holly H's guess. My guess is that you are coming to the USA with a tasting in every state (hoping).

Lolly Golden

My first wild guess was that you are having a baby but that has been said!! Maybe Max is going to college in USA??

Hampton

A. Jules is moving in with you to babysit Braise and Smokey while you go on book tour.
B. you are moving into Orange to; teach writing workshop; open boutique/winestore/moving to paris
C. having future little winemaker
D. moving winery to Scilicy
E. none of the above.

Lolly Golden

Or maybe Jules is coming to live with you??

Vera Marie Badertscher

How's this for wild guess?--You're moving to Arizona, starting a vineyard in Sonoita in Southern Arizona and Jean Marc will be doing a blog called "An English Word a Day"

After what Hollywood did to Under the Tuscan Sun, I'm fervently hoping it is NOT a movie.

Colette

ON VERRA BIEN. IL FAUT ETRE PATIENT! ;-)

Mike Hardcastle

My first thought was a baby.
But perhaps you met a publisher who will give you an advance on a new book.
Or maybe a world wide distributer for your wine.

Qui peut dire.
On verra bien.

Mike.

GUS ELISON

MY GUESS WAS A NEW ADDITION TO A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. WHATEVER IT IS, I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE BACK LIVE, ON LINE. IT HAS BEEN A LONG,LONG TIME FOR YOU TO BE AWAY FROM YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY. WELCOME BACK.

GUS ELISON. FLORIDA
[email protected]

louis Plauche'

You're going to Disneyland?

Kathleene Eubanks

I agree with Paulette - her comment contains everything in one neat package. Welcome back!

anne

Hmmm! Jean Marc has decided to become an interior designer. That really gets a laugh from me. No, seriously, I think you have decided to move to California to try your hand at the vines there. You will keep your French vineyard in some form. Oh, no, that means you will not write your blog anymore.

pat

You are adopting a child!

Danielle

Anytime I hint of a special secret or surprise, my dear friend Sallie shouts "you're having a baby!" maybe baby will be in the form of... a new book, expanded winery, tv series based on your books... So many possibilities - my heart is excited for your new horizons!

Annette Heath

I'm guessing Max is going to college in the USA??? Second guess is that you have been offered some sort of fabulous book deal! Whatever it is, sounds like it's very happy news!!! I wish you all joyous events in life. You give so much to others. Annette

Julie S.

You will have a television reality show about life on the farm with husband, kids, dogs, and all the vines!

Alyssa Ross Eppich

A publisher came forward raving about your marvelous work!

Dina S in Wichita Falls, Texas

Salut! I have been lurking on your blog forever, and I love it. Thank you for being a warm comforting spot in my day. ( and thank you for helping my begin my journey to learn French!)
So I would guess baby since I am surrounded by them but thats taken. I have to say I think you are expanding your wines to the wider American Market and each bottle will have a french word and definition.

For your dad : the weather here in north Texas is 112. We are in severe draught. And Jules your a bright star in my day too!

Angela Sargent

I think Sandy is right! Your buying another vineyard and Jules is coming to live with/near you.

Do tell soon!Angela

Angela Sargent

Aahh...typing error..."you're" not "your"

Julia - Falling Off Bicycles

Not sure, but welcome back to the famille Espinasse! Hope it was a wonderful and relaxing vacation.

Faye Stampe, Gleneden Beach, OR

All of the great guesses have been taken :(

I'm glad you're home and safe.

The best guesses: I think that Jules is coming to live near you, Jean Marc has purchased more land & vines, AND you will be publishing a book of photos from the sud!

I have missed your posts. Please start back soon ----- I miss that touch of France.

It is cool on the OR coast!

Mary G.

My first thought was also "baby." It happens, and I have a brother who is five months older than my son to prove it. Anyway, don't drag the suspense on too long! Bonne chance, whatever it is!

Dad from Sun Valley, Idaho

You love to keep us in suspense. I am guessing that you are moving to Idaho to be with me and to write a book about flyfishing.

Janine Cortell

There will an ongoing TV series about your life in France from the time you first met Jean-Marc. Just imagine how fabulous that would be for you and the family.And even Braise and Smoky would have parts.
Can hardly wait to find out....
Janine Cortell
Port Twonsend, WA.

Gwyn Ganjeau

Anticipation is a delicious, toe-curling state. Can't wait to hear what the news is and shake my Espinasse pom-poms in gleeful support.

Suzanne Dunaway

Not a baby....oh, boy!!
A book tour????
A new book???
Moving to a new place?
AHHHHH, your wonderful magical MOTHER is having a baby!!!!!!

Kay Bean

Baby, maybe?

corky

You and your family are going to tour the USA. Wine and Book tour. Hope you land in Chicago sometime, Corky

nancy v

All my guesses have been said by others. but i really like the one about Jules coming to live in France and you expanding your vineyard. And some movie deal or reality tv show about living in a French vineyard with two teenagers and two dogs plus all your "friends" from the blog. Tell us soon - you are a bright spot in my life and will miss you if you stop the blog.

Georgia Catasca

I guess it is a TV series on your life or your books.

We love you and your family !!!

Georgia Catasca

Devra Long

Thought about what Jules said about having a dream come true and remembered a few years ago she said that she wanted to take a trip with Kristin and visit with the FWAD family; if this is true; can't wait to see you in Madison, Alabama!!!

Jean Lillibridge

Perhaps the magazine "France" published in Great Britain with a wide circulation will do a cover story on your family and your vineyard? I hope so.

Robin

Mama Jules moves to France!

Claudette Kunsay

Bonjour Kristin ! I also think that your mom is moving to Provence !
Or your wine is finally coming to Quebec ......

J Brown

You and your family are moving to Hollywood where you will write and star in "Un petite maison sur le vignoble."

Peggy

A baby... or perhaps a new addition in the vineyard?

Jimm Hughey

Wait, Kristen, you are not pregnant again are you???! LOL Jimm Hughey, CA

Natalia

Hi dear Kristin,
So glad to have you and your wonderful blog back!
Any and all happy news that you have to share with us makes our day!
Love,
Natalia
XO
(PS All my guesses have been taken!)

Misty Fowler

As much as I love babies, and love it when a secret turns out to be that someone is pregnant, the idea that you might have to wait a few years to tell us, from what you said on the July 13 post, I'm guessing that this time it's something else. So.... a few years. Perhaps that's the amount of time to get new grape vines going well enough for a new wine? I like the idea of your winery expanding, but it would seem odd to have to wait as long as a few years to let the cat out of the bag. So, I'm thinking.... reality tv! Perhaps they are going to have 8 strangers stay with you, and help out with the duties for the winery! Haha, I have no idea, but whatever it is, best of luck to you!

Michelle Charette

Jules is moving to France!

Maureen

You're going back to the States to live .....and grow wine and write? I for one hope not, because then this blog will cease......or maybe take another form? The suspense is killing us all......

joie in carmel,ca

The kids are almost grown, so no to the baby. Jules is happily esconsed in Mexico with her husband, so no to her moving to France. A major publisher, or a movie both plausible and would be great, but I think Pierre has some inside news and I go with increasing the size of the winery and being able to hire more help. Perhaps Jean-Marc and his brother are going together in the wine business. As I remember he bottles wine also. But the best news would be the cancer free.

joie in carmel,ca

Oh, reading a facinating novel that takes place around your area called "The Lantern".

Vicki, San Francisco Bay area

Great to open my inbox this morning and see a post from you, Kristin. I hope your vacation was fun and restful!

My guesses are you are opening up a wine bar showcasing Rouge-Bleu wines and Jules will be the hostess! Or, you're opening a bed and breakfast, and all of your followers will rush to make a reservation!

Nancy in Fort Worth, TX

Are you guys having a baby???

Simon

you will be introducing 2 new wines, a red, named Braise and white named Smokey
or
Your vineyard has been selected to supply the wines to be used in celebration of the next landing on the moon
or
A big and world famous beauty aids company has discovered an essence found only in grapes from your vineyard actually reduce wrinkles and You have signed a multi-million dollar to supply this grape essence for a new line of beauty aids. Oh, I forgot, it only works on dogs! Sorry

Teresa

I agree with Joie!

Sharon McCarthy

OMG! You've sold the vineyard and you're moving to Mexico !

Kathleen from Connecticut

My first guess was also a baby, but after Jule's remark, I don't think so. But expanding the vineyard and Jules and hubby moving there, are possibilities. But we all know how Jules feels about you being discovered, that it might have to do with a publisher or a mini series on TV.
Whatever it is, I know that we all can't wait to find out. The suspense is too much.

Welcome back from vacation and I hope that you all got a lot of R & R.

Martine NYC

Is Smokey going to be a father?
No--I don't know.
I just wonder how your life could possibly get any better!
I am dying to know, and wish the biggest of your dreams to come true.

Cynthia Lewis in Salisbury, Eastern Shore of Maryland


So happy to see FWAD today....I've missed you! I hope your vacation was a nice relaxing one for the whole family.

Such suspense and so many possibilities....I think the surprise has something to do with: the vineyard and the wines....your writing and a publisher....and/or Jules!!! Bises, Cynthia

Alanna Strong

It must be that you have gotten to be such a good good knitter that you are going into yet another creative business.
Alanna

Edie Kilgour

I'm going with the baby guess. Are we all just being hopeful because we think you are a wonderful family and one more would be terrific? How would your kids feel about that? Dying of curiosity!
Good luck with whatever your surprise is.
Edie in Brunswick, Maine.

Janie (Mercer Island, WA)

Whatever it is, Bonne Chance! Et Bonnes Aventures!

Susan Goldey

You are going to teach English at l'ecole!
How luckly they would be to have you.

I'm hoping for a wine tour avec Jean Marc and that New Jersey is one of your stops!

Karen from Phoenix

After all the guesses I have read, I don't think there are any left. I have missed your posts so much and can't wait until you reveal your surprise.

xoxo

Judi Boeye Miller, Lake Balboa, CA

I think it's an expansion of the wine business, either right in your area - or maybe a joint venture in Sicily. Of course it could be any one of the wonderful possibilities mentioned about your writing, a book deal, tour,a photo book, movie, who knows - you are both such capable, hard-working --and loving people, anything is possible. Can hardly wait until Friday to find out the good news! Whatever it is, big or small, I'm happy to hear your excitement!

Anne

I was going with the "baby" idea....then Jules sort of shot that down ...could be that She and partner are going to live in France too... but more than likely a book deal or TV series????? It is making us all CRAZY !!
Put us out of our misery soon please.....

Jan in Monument, Colorado

I certainly hope you're not selling the vineyard and wine business and moving to the States where Jean Marc will teach wine making at UCLA. A trip to Provence with a wine tasting at your place is on my bucket list! I like Misty's reality TV idea. Maybe you'll be a stop on the Amazing Race!

JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

I'M SURE YOU ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH THE TERM =

WHISTLEBLOWER .....

JEAN-MARC JUST SENT ME a beautiful photo of KRISTI this morning - the photo was in my 'inbox' with a sweet message from Jean-Marc.

Too bad I don't know how to put a link up here in the comments box, if I did you all would be able to see a great piece of information about what KRISTI is keeping secret from all of you - her precious friends.

I will be so relieved when KRISTI finally lets you all in on her big secret...it has been so hard for me to keep quiet. I have so much to say about this topic.

I'll be back later - keep the comments coming - I am sure Kristi and Jean-Marc are enjoying these great ideas about their life and future.

Your comments this morning have set my spirit flying - you are all so clever. Kristi and I always say your comments are what make French-Word-A-Day so special. Did you realize that Kristi wrote her blog for years before she ever started placing photo's of herself into the stories...to my disagreement....I would have plastered her precious face all over the pages. Kristi has been taking her little steps, one by one over the past 10 years of learning to trust where she is in her life and the joy of sharing herself with all of you. I am so happy that all of you are sharing in Kristi's life - what more could a mother dream of for her daughter.

I LOVE YOU ALL - THANKS FOR STANDING BESIDE ME AS I WATCH KRISTI GROW.

XOXO

JULES

vicki ford

So many of the guesses are wonderful. If it is a movie..Jules, you will have to play yourself..because there is no one as great as you are! Oh, and the same goes for Kristin and Jean-Marc...

I am thrilled for all of the great things that happen to this family.

Buffy

I will stick to my guess from previously. I think you are buying a vineyard in Marseille. This is I'm sure a far fetched guess, but I remember you saying he would love one there. I hope you had a wonderful vaction, despite not being able to be soaking up the sun. I am looking forward to hearing about it.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Polly Steele

Is it a new puppy?

Bruce in northwest Connecticut

"THANKS FOR STANDING BESIDE ME AS I WATCH KRISTI GROW."

She is pregnant!

JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

OH BRUCE - YOU ARE SO FUNNY !!! I AM SO HAPPY YOU HAVE BEEN WITH US ALL OF THESE YEARS.

XOXO

JULES

Pat Nottingham

Kristi's picture---Jean-Marc---h'mmmm= BABY..?????
Something like that which seems to make them ALL happy !!!
or are they opening a "bed & breakfast" on their property !!!

Maxine Oesterling

Your life is being turned into a reality show. Do they have those in France? Just please do not take up with hip-hop stars or basketball players a la Kardashians!

Jens form Copenhagen

After having read all the comments, I imagine that you have finally found a cabanon for Jules in the neighborhood.

Jens from Copenhagen

I don't 'form' this city, I'm 'from' here!

Polly Adkins

Perhaps you have bought property in Arizona or another southwestern state and will begin another vinyard in America, traveling back and forth between the two countries. Jules will see you more often and your wine label will continue to impress here?
Polly from South Carolina

JULES GREER - PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

OH THE SUSPENSE !!!

THANK GOD THE BIG SURPRISE IS WORTH THIS LONG WAIT.

KRISTI I WISH YOU WOULD CALL ME TODAY - I AM SO FULL OF EXCITEMENT AND ENERGY I THINK I AM GOING TO FLOAT AWAY UP INTO THE CLOUDS - SEND ME SOME PHOTO'S....

XOXO

MOM

annie shultz

hi kristi i did miss you soooo much glad you had a good holiday but glad you are back my first thought was baby!!!

annie shultz sydney australia

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