tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37658162011-04-21T17:30:19.274-07:00fond du lac chicago madison savannah antibes Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comBlogger2101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002863022003-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:002003-05-13T13:54:33.876-07:00

You will be automaticaly redirected to the new site. If not click here. Don't forget to update your bookmarks. If you are using my RSS feed be sure to grab the new one from the new site.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002740602003-05-11T07:09:00.000-07:002003-05-11T07:12:24.000-07:00

there are so many empties around the house, no surprise i painted yet another bottle. well, i had to do it, today i painted the dog.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002727282003-05-10T16:17:00.000-07:002003-05-10T16:17:45.156-07:00

went to a lovely cocktail party last night in Cannes...feeling very groggy today, due to father-of-the-hostess' drink making tactics...when making a gin and tonic, he filled a large tumbler with gin and then just waved the bottle of tonic near it. (credit for that ingenious description must be given to one Miss Liz Dickens) another note: i managed to wear my two inch heels the entire evening

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002718392003-05-10T10:24:00.000-07:002003-05-10T10:24:09.636-07:00

my sister Margaret has a new site (thanks to my brother Thomas) that is more blog-style and easier for her to use (she was handcoding previously!). i'll have a newly designed one shortly as well, with all the features (comments, trackbacks, etc) that my brother says i just can't live without...stay tuned. (note: address won't change)

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002637312003-05-08T14:33:00.000-07:002003-05-08T14:33:25.990-07:00

having finished a few trashy beach-reads last week, decided to stretch the brain muscles this week and am now mid-way through The Great Shame, and the Triumph of the Irish in the English-speaking World. extraordinarily well written and researched, not to mention interesting...Grandma Quinlan will be proud.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002582762003-05-07T16:28:00.000-07:002003-05-07T16:34:29.000-07:00

uncle Bert has some friends in town this week, including a young sister and brother (20 and 24) from Madison...cured my homesickness (see earlier brat-reminiscing) right off! a pic (sorry for the grainy quality, that's me in the middle, in silver, pre-tan...cheeky Rachel at the bottom left, solid Liz behind Simon and sweet Tina to the right) from the Forum social clubs most recent outing....a

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002514842003-05-06T13:15:00.000-07:002003-05-06T13:15:40.000-07:00

some of todays 10 minute watercolor studies: glass study ihategeraniums apples this afternoons gouache: red laundry

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002454182003-05-05T11:46:00.000-07:002003-05-06T13:03:24.000-07:00

i bought myself a pair of hot pink spangly flipflops today to cheer myself up...it worked a little. every girl needs a pair.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002432062003-05-05T04:45:00.000-07:002003-05-05T04:45:38.933-07:00

barbeques are fun, but make me homesick for WI bratwurst (is that possible?) ...i've found sausages, but they are so tiny and shrivel like old men on the grill...and the idea of a bun is laughable here...spicy mustard is find-able, but sauerkraut ..i'll probably have to make some myself. Racine Kringle Co. will fedex their goodies anywhere, wonder if someone else can do some brats and cheese

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002431592003-05-05T04:31:00.000-07:002003-05-05T04:31:46.226-07:00

same shit. different place.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002385082003-05-03T15:16:00.000-07:002003-05-03T15:16:16.196-07:00

it was painted from life, so you figure it out.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002385052003-05-03T15:14:00.000-07:002003-05-03T15:14:43.693-07:00

mom wants me to let you know that her hair usually isn't that sticky-uppy in the back.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002384952003-05-03T15:11:00.000-07:002003-05-03T15:11:26.780-07:00

a little number in a New Yorker magazine cartoon-style that i finished earlier this week of mom in her usual evening repose.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002384482003-05-03T14:47:00.000-07:002003-05-03T14:47:09.656-07:00

my boobies are sunburnt.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002334852003-05-02T09:51:00.000-07:002003-05-02T09:51:02.690-07:00

mix liberally, let rest for eight hours before suffering: -five hours direct sunlight -insufficient sunblock -five carafes of Rose -one salt water dunk -one large salmon and poached egg salad repeat Rose (4-6 glasses) add one full pack cigarettes sprinkle with additional bummed cigarettes throughout, then add: -three glasses of indeterminate Red wine -one bowl of potato salad (eaten over

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002235692003-04-30T12:55:00.000-07:002003-04-30T12:55:24.256-07:00

tomorrow is May Day, a significant holiday in France...for the banks, businesses and stores anyway. we have our obligatory Lily of the Valley on the coffee table...i fear mom may “accidentally” use it as an ashtray. the terrace geraniums fell victim to butts-syndrome earlier this year, but are making a nice recovery. have painting system (we are all about systems now...more on that later) down.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002070632003-04-27T13:51:00.000-07:002003-04-27T13:51:11.720-07:00

is it just me or is everything i see a cheesy tourist scene? lots of paper, buckets of gouche...nothing to paint.... ok, so i could do the whole inner turmoil thing, but that is just as tired... if i don't find something inspiring soon, i'll be resorting to painting the dog. and that's just sad.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002039492003-04-26T12:53:00.000-07:002003-04-26T12:53:19.950-07:00

bought a giant (4ft x 30ft!) roll of paper today...quite "economique" for painting studies..i quite like this (new to me) watercolor sketching technique...very nice to practice material/surface (glass, metal, fabric, etc) techniques...been painting in the strong direct light on the terrace in the afternoons..much more pleasant than the "parking area" in Valleris! now, just have to find a

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2002002502003-04-25T12:01:00.000-07:002003-04-25T12:01:59.826-07:00

the only good thing about stress between Mom and Uncle Bert over the boat is that it has nothing to do with me! (for once!) everything is fine, but there are moments of tension because the work is sometimes so tedious and the various and sundry parts suppliers and sub-contractors for the incredibly important parts (gee, like the rigging) are falling behind, losing stuff, sending the wrong thing,

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001901532003-04-23T14:45:00.000-07:002003-04-23T14:48:52.000-07:00

i ventured up to La Colle sur Loup this afternoon to investigate another art school...Maison des Arts to see if it had more to offer than the currently bleak state of affairs at the "Academy"...and indeed, by comparison, it was glorious! a beautiful little village, a lovingly renovated house and actual facilities...complete with sunny spacious studios, terraces and gardens, and A SUPPLY ROOM

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001728582003-04-20T09:06:00.000-07:002003-04-20T09:06:52.986-07:00

i woke from my Sunday afternoon nap, joined Mom lounging in the livingroom, where a bag of tasty little 'tater chips had appeared on the table...hmmm, a salty snack sounds good...hand reached in and got....a soggy crumpled up snot rag?!? with nasty cigarette butts clinging to it? what the hell?!?! i don't know what was grosser...that cello-surprise or mom's rushing off in a purple-faced fit

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001728232003-04-20T08:53:00.000-07:002003-04-20T08:53:47.633-07:00

there are so many bloggers more interesting and clever (and funnier and less likely to over-use annoying parenths and hyphens) than me. it's really very depressing. C:\Pirillo.EXE Eric's Weblog Scott Rosenberg's Links...

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001722652003-04-20T03:35:00.000-07:002003-04-20T03:38:33.000-07:00

there is an neglected and unloved little '90/'91 red SAAB 900 three door languishing in a parking spot down the road, i pass it everyday. i'm lonesome for my little car sometimes, she was so perty and, well...you know. when it's right, it's right. of course, mine didn't run for the last two months i had her, but love is love. ever faithful. i wonder, does she ever think of me?

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001722502003-04-20T03:18:00.000-07:002003-04-20T03:19:47.000-07:00

we are a million miles from the land of Beer, Badgers, Cheese and Plaid Flannel, living in the land of sunshine, on the sea, arms length from dozens of beautiful beaches full of beautiful people wearing high fashion gear of every description.... and why is it that the only place we can find decent looking swimsuits that fit is to order from Lands' End in Dodgeville, Wisconsin?

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001707672003-04-19T12:40:00.000-07:002003-04-19T12:40:43.946-07:00

small joys....the large extra-grumpy lady behind the counter at the Tabac knew my brand today, and held them out on the counter the minute i entered, with a knowing smirk that turned into....a smile!! at Da Cito, our usual family Saturday night dinner out spot, Monsieur recognized us, knew my regular order and took extra time to chit chat..in Franglais. my hair girl greeted me in the street

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001659212003-04-18T06:07:00.000-07:002003-04-18T06:07:34.550-07:00

with all the macho inspecting, grunting and discussion about the various parts, equipment and technical attributes of sailboats going on this week, it occurs to me that it isn't such a mystery afterall... a sailboat, no matter how lavish, is basically a bathtub with some poles, rope and bedsheets attached. and you are suppossed to go to sea in it. hmmm..have to give that some thought.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001659152003-04-18T06:03:00.000-07:002003-04-18T06:03:49.340-07:00

more work on La Tishie Mae today, Mom and Prisca masking out the waterline, mom's 'arrow' detail in the works, port side, note fancy-shmancy new winches soon to be attached.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001637062003-04-17T14:49:00.000-07:002003-04-17T14:54:48.000-07:00

my brother Thomas blogged about his car protocol this week, and i thought, though it has been awhile since i've been a regular driver, i would add my two cents worth to the discussion: >mom absolutely gets first dibs on shotgun (as do grandmothers and the occassional boss) >when giving rides home at the end of the night, there are two options...a) priority in order of drop off..first one off in

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001636212003-04-17T14:27:00.000-07:002003-04-17T14:27:43.010-07:00

rather than handle a paintbrush in the studio, today i worked on La Tishie Mae instead....touching up the non-slip paint "topside" ("foredeck" to "midships")...mom hated the color (i think because she was not in on the choosing) but i like it and it seems to have grown on her as well. its kinda powder-blue meets turquoise meets mid-50's aqua. very Med. nice to have a cool color to look at...its

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001584822003-04-16T15:49:00.000-07:002003-04-16T15:49:05.856-07:00

car-less, unemployed (and unemploy-able), single, having to say, "no mom, i don't know when i'll be home", having but two cents to rub together, sleeping in a twin bed (lumpy), wondering what on earth i am doing with myself....not exactly a crisis mind you, but i feel so....19. again. friends say they don't want to turn 30 (or 40 or whatever), but would you really rather be 19? honestly? i

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001515132003-04-15T11:04:00.000-07:002003-04-15T11:07:47.000-07:00

my sister Margaret's husband, Ryan, just got a job in London! so, as soon as June, nearly all of us will be on this side of the Atlantic. unless a hot Swedish chick is involved, i doubt that my brother Thomas would ever join us, but you never know. plans for a visit to London are already in the works, mom is keen on 'helping' her find an apartment...there might be a few things yet that little

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001514922003-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:002003-04-15T10:57:54.923-07:00

i've missed two days of 'class' at the "Academy" with this nasty cold/flu and i'm nervous about going back tomorrow...i'm sure Jurgen is disappointed that i haven't made enough progress on my two paintings...though there is the language barrier, its not hard to see annoyance on his already stern face....he frightens me sometimes. and that big black trenchcoat doesn't help matters any.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001491312003-04-15T03:34:00.000-07:002003-04-15T10:57:08.000-07:00

i hadn't thought about my divorce in a very long time til someone i love very much (and who doesn't usually talk about these things) mentioned his...by way of referring to yet someone else's: lemons. it does get better, i promise.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001490832003-04-15T03:12:00.000-07:002003-04-15T03:28:17.000-07:00

mom and i (Maria and baby Grace were last week and Bert before that) have been down for the past two days with a nasty cold/flu bug that won't relent. mom is a big baby when she's sick.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001404432003-04-13T07:59:00.000-07:002003-04-13T08:03:43.000-07:00

i've finally linked my blog to my domain name of choice...girlatlarge.com in the future i see perhaps a gallery or professional (what profession?!?!) use for the main page and a blog link, but for the moment it will just take you directly to the blog.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001350162003-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:002003-04-11T14:19:50.000-07:00

the holiday lease ended on Bert's fabulous apartment today (we'll sorely miss that new modern kitchen) so, he's off to bunk in the sailboat tonight! its a rather nasty night here, stormy and raining, rather cold (for this region anyway) but he insisted on passing up the spare bed in my room. he does snore, but i don't mind all that much. but no having it, he'd rather be on the boat! he just

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001290382003-04-10T14:00:00.000-07:002003-04-10T14:03:03.000-07:00

mmmm....Chinese food tonight! hadn't realized how much i have missed 'ethnic' food (don't get me wrong, French food is among the loveliest, but not often spicy)...now i just have to find thai, sushi, vietnamese, mexican, tapas, indian, and cajun restaurants. ooh...and can someone send me some low country boil from The Crab Shack?

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001229562003-04-09T13:49:00.000-07:002003-04-10T14:04:57.000-07:00

to those who received the pictures this week, yes that is a piece of parmesean cheese (from market day in Ventimille, Italy) as big as Ruby's head! today at the "Academy": figure drawing (the local drunk again) and then nearly three hours learning how to sculpt a face (bone structure, building up the form, keeping the clay 'closed', etc). my little head/face was coming along very nicely, nearly

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001161852003-04-08T11:30:00.000-07:002003-04-08T11:30:56.070-07:00

i was "outed" this weekend, blog-wise. warning: A) do not blog drunk and pissed off. B) when busted, be drunk and in a good mood and it won't be so bad.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001161772003-04-08T11:27:00.000-07:002003-04-08T11:27:57.330-07:00

we had a model for figure drawing this morning at the "Academy"....Patrick, the local handyman/drunk. not exactly what i had imagined, but i made a go of it (thank goodness he remained clothed!) at least it wasn't drawing the cat in the parking area again.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2001052782003-04-06T12:37:00.000-07:002003-04-06T12:37:32.903-07:00

went into SFR to get a simple pre-pay cell phone (like mine, very convenient and actually much less $ than stateside) for Bert to have on the boat...you know, for the "Get her ready, we're coming out to the harbor in twenty minutes!" calls. this is how is goes: >first, wait patiently 30 minutes for the person who arrived AFTER you to be served first >then, ask for what you want. (politely, in

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000935002003-04-03T13:42:00.000-08:002003-04-03T13:42:07.223-08:00

mom was up at dawn today, off to the new boat for a major cleaning session, yellow rubber gloves and all. i've never seen anything like it. tonight's dinnertime Bert-ism: "You see it all more clearly on a sailboat. I mean, you can feel like you are just drifting about life...and then, out on the water, you realize you really are just bobbing and drifting about."

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000868722003-04-02T11:19:00.000-08:002003-04-02T11:30:16.000-08:00

i had no idea it was so hard to make "un petit homme" in clay. my little man looks completely distorted and i have yet to attach the head. so the sculpture lesson started at 5pm...some 8 hours after i arrived. Prof. Waller came in for 5 minutes today. he said (to Max, in German) that i have 'good lines'. but i must draw larger. ok, tomorrow...attach clay head, draw larger. the question

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000805772003-04-01T11:21:00.000-08:002003-04-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

"Madame" did not speak english and my french was lousy this morning, but we finally understood each other and she lead me through the ceramics gallery to the "Academy" behind. the "Academy", at first glance, is a gravel parking area, complete with large sleeping dog and a variety of straight backed chairs. Max; young, tousled and English-speaking (stereotypical art student type), greeted me

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000744802003-03-31T11:40:00.000-08:002003-03-31T11:43:45.000-08:00

Ruby is passed out, sprawled out, limbs splayed....chocolate hang-over, she's done and crashed from the caffeine high at last.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000743712003-03-31T11:16:00.000-08:002003-03-31T11:18:53.000-08:00

well, it is official! Mom has bought her sailboat! 7m, sleeps 3 (4 if you are really familiar), roller reefing, spinnaker, etc. it will take a few weeks to get her in sailing shape, and there is work to be done on the interior over the summer, but it will be a fun project and she is looking forward to making it her own. she's chosen her "colors" (so girly) already! working name: "La Tishie

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000743002003-03-31T11:05:00.000-08:002003-03-31T11:20:20.000-08:00

had dinner the other night at Maria's....well, all the girls are watching their figures for "season", so an otherwise fabulous meal, but no dessert. riding home, we were thinking lovingly of the box of high-end gourmet chocolates we had sitting next to the bottle of evening port back home. turn the key, open the door to the usual wags and spins from Miss Ruby.....and scraps of chocolate

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000691212003-03-30T10:57:00.000-08:002003-03-30T11:01:16.000-08:00

my brother, Thomas, bought a motorcycle. i hate to think of his brains as pavement-spaghetti, but i do have fond memories of riding on the back of one of my old boyfriend's bikes in the midwestern summertime. i'd never work up the courage (or the €!), but i lust after a vintage Vespa myself.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000652432003-03-29T07:02:00.000-08:002003-03-30T10:59:58.000-08:00

i am still pleasantly surprised to take Miss Ruby out on our morning walk, down the block, turn the corner, and , there it is...Port Vauban...thousands of white boats; sailboats, schooners, fishing trollers, stink pots, shiek yachts and all the rest...just sitting right there on the blue water, swaying a bit some days. and there i am, a chubby pasty girl from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, standing in

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000614492003-03-28T10:25:00.000-08:002003-03-28T10:25:03.366-08:00

we went to Ventimille, just across the border into Italy (a little over an hour by train) this afternoon for a little shopping at the big outdoor market....leather goods, bags, belts, shoes, bedding, jewelry, you name it...and of course, parmesean cheese. very nice. somehow, i ended up with two backpacks..neither of which is big enough to actually use for school (which starts on Tuesday) but

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000574112003-03-27T15:10:00.000-08:002003-03-28T10:25:37.000-08:00

La Gaffe....two-for-one well drinks on wednesday nights, live cover band (mediocre) and heavy beer-goggle firting after midnight...funny, it could have been any bar in any town with a decent post-college 20/30-something population...drink deals, long bathroom lines, slutty jeans and too-loud boy band music is international. (Genna's, Pinky's, Mercury, and now La Gaffe) don't get me wrong, i

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000437142003-03-25T09:52:00.000-08:002003-03-25T09:54:50.000-08:00

i crocheted a hat today! an entire hat in one day, all by my lonesome! okay, so it's a little baby hat for Grace, but that still counts! jeez, am i going to be the spinster living with mom and the lap dog, knitting and crocheting my days away? is it that awful if its on a sailboat in the south of France? i think i can live with that.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000385142003-03-24T12:05:00.000-08:002003-03-24T12:09:26.000-08:00

i went to one of the local baby shops this afternoon to pick up an item for mom, the babysitter (she watches our friend Maria's 6 month old Grace a few mornings each week)...one of those rolling walkers, you know the type? a flying saucer with a sling seat, plastic tray and wheels for scooting around just prior to really walking. do they have a name in English? if so, i don't know it. ok, now

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000323742003-03-23T07:39:00.000-08:002003-03-23T07:39:18.870-08:00

Bert, Mom and i went to check out the sailboat today....she's a pretty little boat. in need of some love and elbow grease, but i think this is the one for Mom. up to 6 can sail, it can comfortably sleep 3-4, and she has something called "roller reefing" which as i understand it is not just a teenage passtime. should take only three or four more "committee" meetings with seller to seal the

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000299992003-03-22T14:32:00.000-08:002003-03-22T14:37:47.000-08:00

ok mom, enough about the bras.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000293962003-03-22T11:36:00.000-08:002003-03-22T11:39:26.000-08:00

i got ‘mademoiselle’-d twice yesterday! when you are ‘madame’-d an average of 15 times each day as you go about your usual business, the rare ‘mademoiselle’ is a moment of pause (and inner glee)...why did i get that? you think. was it the age difference? (age of vendor/greeter vs. your age is in direct proportion to mme/mlle quotient) was it the outfit? was it just a Monet? (looking younger

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000257562003-03-21T14:25:00.000-08:002003-03-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

aunt Anna has made me blush, she gave my little ol' blog such a glowing 'review'...the idea of writing short stories (or even a little book after the year is up) keeps coming up, knocking around. only i've kept knocking it back; that little low-confidence monster has been keeping house. hmmm, have to give it some serious thought. have been giving it some serious thought to be accurate...see 03

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000257042003-03-21T14:13:00.000-08:002003-03-21T14:20:04.000-08:00

from the french blog: "You know the world is going insane when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, The Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the US of arrogance, and Germany doesn't want to go to war." but that is all i'm going to say about politics right now. politics, sex and religion...the three subjects one doesn't discuss with loved ones or in polite

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000240182003-03-21T09:50:00.000-08:002003-03-22T14:26:59.000-08:00

this is so cool. my brother Thomas' blog was mentioned in another, french, blog! (and just as cool..i was able to complete his translation request no problem!!) translation: "As long as I am talking politics, I advise you to see the blog of Thomas Noe. I very much like his way of approaching these things."

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000231222003-03-21T07:34:00.000-08:002003-03-21T07:34:33.253-08:00

mom has begun to use her Blog..look for interesting and 'only Mom' style entries on her life in France at www.pquinlan.blogspot.com or use the handy MOM link on the left. the weather is not cooperating with my sunbathing needs today, so just some light reading and housekeeping instead. i'm looking forward to classes starting up soon as i am as yet unaccustomed to this much leisure time. i

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000187022003-03-20T12:57:00.000-08:002003-03-20T12:57:41.296-08:00

i had a very successful day speaking french today! miss Maria and i went shopping in Nice (after a lovely visit to the Matisse museum!) and i found it very easy to converse...when i want to buy something, boy can i figure out how to say it! it is particularly charming when a clerk wants to practice their english with you! if they are learning too, they have endless patience and understanding!

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000106162003-03-19T08:13:00.000-08:002003-03-19T08:13:55.643-08:00

oh yeah, the war thing sucks. freedom fries? come on, give me a break.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000105932003-03-19T08:11:00.000-08:002003-03-19T08:11:52.996-08:00

sun, sun, sun....and i am even getting a bit of a tan if you can believe it! my favorite description of my particular skin color...my french professeur actually said "comme asprine" ! uncroyable! uncle Bert has returned from his adventure in Corsica with the Russian millionaire (turns out he controls all the salt mines in Russia), his mistress and Phil the boat capitain. As Bert says, "man,

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000059242003-03-18T11:53:00.000-08:002003-03-18T11:53:11.300-08:00

i have no idea what i want to do for the rest of my life. ok, so i know what i WANT to do, but i don't have any idea how to procede. i cannot seem to locate the groove or whatever inside that's supposed to tell you 'you can do this', etc. i wish someone would just walk up to me and say, "Here, do this, you'll like it." bonus if it managed to pay the rent too. why am i obsessed with this

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000059102003-03-18T11:50:00.000-08:002003-03-18T11:50:03.980-08:00

took some pictures with the digital camera today while we were out at the cafe enjoying the sun...Maria's baby girl Grace is an irresistable subject of course. they turned out great, but you cannot help but take great shots here...the sun is freakin' amazing..it seems to glow from every direction, you have to try hard to take a bad photograph. of course, i'm sure you've noticed that i don't

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-2000047942003-03-18T08:53:00.000-08:002003-03-18T08:56:32.000-08:00

big thanks to my brother, Thomas for adding a nifty little number to my blog..see my name in orange under the posts? click that and you can directly email me! very nice.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-908638022003-03-17T09:36:00.000-08:002003-03-22T14:31:04.000-08:00

the art school (i use that term very loosely) i will be attending in two weeks finally completed the english (again, loosely) side of their website. it might be just the right thing for me, i'm looking forward to it. with only 20 students, it certainly will be intimate!

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-908615512003-03-17T09:18:00.000-08:002003-03-17T09:22:35.000-08:00

miss ruby and i went for a long walk in the sun along the ramparts by the sea this afternoon..there is a spot were cobblestone steps lead right down to the rocks and the white waves...she can run about a bit without her lead, investigating the stones and leaping back from and/or barking at waves. great fun! she came running back when i called her, full steam ahead...and then right past me! back

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-908160222003-03-16T15:31:00.000-08:002003-03-16T15:38:03.000-08:00

uncle Bert took the ferry from Nice to the island of Corsica yesterday with his bicyclette for a few days away...planning a simple touring trip, biking around, doing some quiet exploring and crossing his fingers that he would find a hotel. an hour or so after he left (rolling down the cobblestoned street, backpack on, wicker basket on the bike) our friend Maria called, "Is Bert still going to

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-907791442003-03-15T14:42:00.000-08:002003-03-16T15:00:36.000-08:00

yesterday was my last day of french classes. je suis triste parce que j'ai les adorees. i was given a nifty, very official looking (three signatures, an embossed heading and two stamps; the french adore stamps!) certificate of completion. mother prefers to think of it as a diploma. she stuck the damn thing up on the wall. well, after my having GED'd out of highschool and left how many (?)

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-907629422003-03-15T08:44:00.000-08:002003-03-15T08:47:50.000-08:00

online at home! mom had to steal an AOL start up disk to make it happen, but you know mom...if the law needs bending to get something done, damn it she will! (it was driving her crazy to wait ...the idea of such an expensive paperwieght was killing her...)

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-905838712003-03-12T08:05:00.000-08:002003-03-12T08:06:57.000-08:00

mom and i had a little lunch at Pimm's cafe (outside in the sunshine!) this afternoon. ok, so it was just a salad, but my god what a salad. basil, mint, three kinds of lettuce, pruscuito (more specifically parma), fresh goats cheese (you know how i feel about that stuff), tomatoes, pine nuts and figs with a very light cucumber cream dressing. i adore the food here...fresh, REAL and actually

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-905838342003-03-12T08:00:00.000-08:002003-03-12T08:01:44.000-08:00

Frank called yesterday to schedule our liavrison! the mac G4 ordinateur will be delivered and set up on Friday afternoon. i have alot of pictures to get up! stay tuned.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904452832003-03-10T05:04:00.000-08:002003-03-10T05:04:11.300-08:00

i just checked my secondary email address...the one i use for 'surfing', online purchases, etc. there were 606 junk emails. that is beyond excessive.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904452472003-03-10T04:53:00.000-08:002003-03-10T04:53:41.593-08:00

C'est la dernier semaine a l'ecole! Je suis en peu triste parce que je l'aime. Quand j'allerai a l'autre ecole (des beaux-arts) je pense que je n'ai plus desolee. Mais, je dois perserver les etudies et continuer a travaille. Cette semaine, je peux parler meilleur, mais qu'est qu'il passe semaine prochaine?!

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904283612003-03-09T08:15:00.000-08:002003-03-10T04:48:34.000-08:00

a weekend away....went by car on the A8 with Mom and uncle Bert to Aix-en-Provence, a good size town only about 1 1/2 hours drive west/northwest of Antibes. unlike the USA the terrain here changes dramatically in just a few miles; within minutes you are above sea level, heading into foothills and forests and well on your way to having lunch at the foot of a mountain. Mom found a lovely hotel in

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904143682003-03-06T03:46:00.000-08:002003-03-06T03:46:51.170-08:00

class outing today to the marche in Nice, complete with assignments...talk to the vendors and get answers to the following questions... the poor Japonese gals..they are so shy. it was not that much fun really, because it was so cheesy. the conversations are much different when you are an actual customer! the difference between a visitor and a resident (no matter the origin) was painfully

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904093522003-03-05T05:11:00.000-08:002003-03-05T05:11:04.443-08:00

the new bra has dramatically changed my outlook on life...literally...i'm standing nearly 1/2 an inch taller i swear. and the gals are casting shadows.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904055652003-03-04T09:47:00.000-08:002003-03-04T09:50:02.000-08:00

ok, that's it, i can die a happy woman! a very happy large-busted woman! imagine the scene: a small wood paneled room in the back of the boutique, three, four no-five! little ladies circa 1958 standing about, ready to help Madame choose une gorge supere sexy! first, a proper measuring up, then try one on to be certain the fit is correct...of course, to determine this, each little lady must

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904039912003-03-04T03:48:00.000-08:002003-03-04T03:48:47.223-08:00

"if there is a big hole in the shelf, it has to be a good deal, doesn't it? i mean, the french are buying it, so it must be a bargain!" -in reference to the remaining two bottles of 1.95 wine at Carrefour (comme Target) "i think she really likes me, she was flirting with me so much it was almost embarrassing" -the girl behind the counter at the bakery was helpful "it didn't look that far" -

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904039832003-03-04T03:43:00.000-08:002003-03-04T03:43:44.680-08:00

the weather is gorgeous today! il fait tres beau au'jourd'hui! i'm sure i've spelled that wrong, but whatever. you get my drift. its finally staying warm and sunny, displaying at last the gorgeous weather mom promised! (she forgets how warm Savannah can be, i've been so cold here the first six weeks or so..could never get truly warm!) going bra shopping this afternoon...an ambitious

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-904000102003-03-03T08:16:00.000-08:002003-03-03T08:19:45.000-08:00

will someone please, please, please tell me why men don't get it?!?! if a girl asks you what you are doing this weekend do not , i repeat do not reply with a list of things (as long as an arm!) that you are doing WITHOUT her! she's asking if you want to do something with (or perhaps to!) her numbskull.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903999872003-03-03T08:11:00.000-08:002003-03-03T08:19:30.000-08:00

i received my written progress report today from french language school... i have made 'tremendous progress' and contrary to popular belief, my accent is quite good! i do feel a bit better about my oral (be quiet!) abilities lately...but my nerves often fail me at critical moments. if only i could wear a big sign..."I am learning to speak French, please do not go immediately into English when I

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903891222003-02-28T08:23:00.000-08:002003-02-28T08:24:25.000-08:00

the french do everything by commitee. (its understandable when you know the history, and that one in three are employed by the government, but still, at times it can be baffling). i had five little cartes postales to mail to the USA today. step one: stand in line (with three people pressed right up against/behind you) at an open window marked 'pour envoyer etranger' (for foreign outgoing mail

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903838412003-02-27T08:16:00.000-08:002003-02-27T08:19:37.000-08:00

the weather has turned sour today, a nasty wind out of the mountains and cold rain. but that does not deter the french! in the streets, everyone is out walking and doing their regular daily shopping...baguette, cigarettes, flowers...mom and i included. i've taken up crochet again, after many many years...mom re-taught me a few nights ago, and i am off and running. i am so domestic, can you

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903777602003-02-26T06:01:00.000-08:002003-02-26T06:03:36.000-08:00

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, i am, i was doing, i did do, i am

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903730602003-02-25T07:52:00.000-08:002003-02-25T07:55:39.000-08:00

...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 side door, rendering it useless. Balls is climbing

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903665852003-02-24T06:50:00.000-08:002003-02-24T06:58:37.000-08:00

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 expression whatsoever or

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903630232003-02-23T09:47:00.000-08:002003-02-23T09:47:43.310-08:00

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 card, letter, gift, nothing. ok, so i know i've forgotten lots of other birthdays too, but this guy just came

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903629812003-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:002003-02-23T09:38:24.000-08:00

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 least 9 feet high and 5 feet wide. two remarkable delivery men managed to

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903271752003-02-15T03:17:00.000-08:002003-02-15T03:17:32.936-08:00

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 miss and yearn for the companions, friends, amies left stateside! ...this one that is such a

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903243382003-02-14T09:31:00.000-08:002003-02-14T09:33:05.000-08:00

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 he is correct to do so, especially since there is sadly, still some blood in his urine. i will keep all posted

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-903067122003-02-11T04:21:00.000-08:002003-02-14T09:47:21.000-08:00

"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. He cut through the fence with his teeth two nights ago and left the

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902991672003-02-09T12:44:00.000-08:002003-02-09T12:46:41.000-08:00

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 gréve' logo!!! it's on every firestation; professionally printed placards and each red fire truck. i must admit, it is a good logo.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902946652003-02-07T23:50:00.000-08:002003-02-07T23:51:10.000-08:00

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 the old town boulangeries, butchers and markets open doors, push carts outside, unfold tables and spill into the squares

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902909752003-02-07T06:14:00.000-08:002003-02-07T06:14:59.956-08:00

well, its friday. enough french lessons for one week, im burned out. today i had to give a presentation on life in the US of A...in front of the class, in french!! mon dieu! but i muddled through somehow, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it, seems the Swedes in particular are enamored with America. the french of course, are not so crazy about us yanks. you wouldn't believe the

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902865232003-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:002003-02-06T09:12:20.390-08:00

woke up to bugs this morning!! little; itty bitty ants or so they appear to be. everyone in my french class learned the french terms for ants, roaches, bug bomb, etc today!! watercolor group this afternoon, hosted/taught by Miss Janet, a lovely Swiss lady of nearly 90! i really enjoy the structured time for just sitting quietly and painting. mom accompanied me this afternoon on my

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902808582003-02-05T07:55:00.000-08:002003-02-05T07:55:10.573-08:00

my french course has come to the point that my previous schooling left off at...so now i really have to study, not just jog my memory. i'm feeling a little stressed out, overwhelmed i think. at the four week point, it begins to set in that this is not a holiday. and i've been too willing to do anything anyone asked of me...odd jobs, cleaning, etc. i'm going to drop some of my little odd jobs,

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902773662003-02-04T13:52:00.000-08:002003-02-04T13:54:21.000-08:00

note newest link; English Osteopath. that is Rachael, whom i am currently housesitting for and the gal who has been kind enough to take me around town, get me liquored up, .....

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765816.post-902773282003-02-04T13:41:00.000-08:002003-02-04T13:41:36.536-08:00

sorry that my links were invisible for a bit there; thanks to brother Thomas for helping me with the goof up.

Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06616134353848987045noreply@blogger.com