Salut all!  Last year I met Marie and Pierre at a writer’s conference.  They are a charming French couple who are a lot of fun.  Upon meeting them, I dug around in my brain and dragged out some of my junior high school French.  (We’re talking about a long, long time back.)  I don’t remember much, but some I’ve never forgotten.  Marie was delighted that I knew what I did.  We quickly became friends.

     She’s coming to this year’s conference.  I decided to surprise her by dusting off and brushing up my French.  The other day I bought a Learn to speak French course.  I’ve completely surprised myself with all that I am remembering.

     When I see Marie and Pierre in May I hope to be able to stumble along and at least give them a few laughs. 

     The next step is to have her teach me a few words that one will never find in a French course.  I have my priorities you know.  One has to be able to cuss people out and done in French, it sounds much nicer.  Rather reminds me of this definition of diplomacy:  “The ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they actually look forward to the trip.”