Category: Fourre-tout

Nestled amidst the picturesque vineyards and rolling hills of Sonoma wine country awaits one of the most anticipated events of the year: the popular WCO Pétanque tournament. This event draws competitors from far and wide, cultivating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and camaraderie. It has become a beloved tradition, celebrated with great fervor by both participants and spectators alike.

This year, the tournament drew over 120 competitors from all over the country and a few celebrities from France. The tournament is not just a contest of skill but a celebration of the game’s spirit and the camaraderie it fosters. The stars of the show this year were 2 amiable young fellows named Dylan Rocher and Damien Hureau, who amazed everybody with their extraordinary shooting skills.

In the game of pétanque, “le carreau” is one of the most spectacular shots of the game. This happens when a player’s boule knocks an opponent’s boule away and takes its place in the same spot. It is a feat difficult to achieve, and it usually takes years to perfect. However, to the amazement of the crowd, young Rocher and Hureau produced as many “carreaux” as a plate of green peas.

One of the major attractions of this tournament was the array of substantial prizes up for the top players. The allure of these prizes draws top-tier talent, elevating the level of play and the overall prestige of the event.

Yesterday, the tournament was well organized, except for a major boo-boo. In the afternoon, the players had to wait a long time before being given the green light for the second half of the tournament.. There was a large number of players, and somehow, a shortage of playing courts occurred. The organizers made a mistake and assigned the same court to various teams. Confusion and a long waiting period occurred.

This long delay naturally affected the rest of the day. In my old age, I am like chicken, I go to bed early. So around 4:30 pm, as it started to get a little nippy, I left the field. But I was told later that the tournament lasted until nightfall. Much too late for my delicate little nature.

The tournament fosters connections, creating lasting bonds among participants and spectators. Friendships are formed over shared interests and experiences, and the event serves as a platform for cultural exchange.

Whether you are a competitor, a spectator, or simply a lover of Petanque, this event should not be missed.

Partial tournament results procured by my (sleepy) moles:

Concours A
1^st place: Dylan Rocher & Patrick Neuville
2^nd place: Mark Greenberg & Damien Hureau

Concours B:
1st place: Emile Boujek & Joe Hass

Consolante A :
1st place : Bernard Passemar & Fabien Assie

Consolante B :
1st place : Caitlin & Albert Woodbury

 If you know more about these results and have pictures of the winners, please let me know, and I will update my report. Thank you.

PS: I have a few pictures…

Merci Jean-Michel pour m’avoir aidé a corriger mes erreurs =😎

You’ve probably heard the saying, “misery loves company.” It’s more than just a comforting cliché—it is the truth. Because who else could understand back pain or any other ailment better than another fellow afflicted with the same predicament? A pill peddler? Don’t make me laugh…

Similarly, who could better empathize with the agony of a sentimental breakup than another person who went through a similar emotional turmoil? This shared experience creates a sense of understanding, which can help to alleviate feelings of misery and depression.

Sure, young folks may have endless energy and joints that haven’t betrayed them yet. But try discussing a knee replacement over coffee with a 25-year-old—they simply won’t get it. That’s why seniors often find solace in one another’s company. It’s not about being exclusive; it’s about not having to explain the obvious to someone familiar with the topic.

Empathy is the secret sauce in this whole “misery loves company” business. When you meet someone who understands what you’re going through, it’s like running into an old foxhole mate. It is like meeting somebody who speaks and fully understands the intricacies of your native tongue. That is why seniors would rather talk to a fellow sufferer, rather than to a health novice.

Interestingly, it’s often friends, not family, who offer the deepest solace. While family ties are rooted in blood and obligation, friendships are forged from shared experiences, mutual trust, and the freedom of choice. What matters in life isn’t what you were born into, but what—and who—you’ve chosen along the way.

When people share their pain with others, it creates a circle of support that lightens the emotional load.

So, what about health? When you’ve got it, it’s hardly worth talking about. But once you reach a certain age and find yourself in that unofficial club known as “Les Tamalous” (“T’as mal où?” — “Where does it hurt?”), suddenly, health becomes much more preoccupying.

“It’s no longer a question of staying healthy. It’s a question of finding a sickness you like.” —Jackie Mason

Alain

Hello, my young friends! Uncle Alain here, ready to sprinkle some wisdom on your unrealistic expectations.

Let’s talk movies, for example… Yes, they can be fun, flashy, full of car chases, and kisses galore. But let’s not kid ourselves— bad movies are like candy: syrupy, addictive… and fattening…

Take parking, for example. In movies, our hero zooms through traffic and finds a parking spot right in front of his objective. In real life? The likelihood of such a miracle in a cosmopolitan city is practically nil… unless you are a VIP… or own the block. It would be far more believable to have this person dropped off by a cab. Or just… walk in. Yes, some people still do that.

Movies often depict characters performing great feats of strength or agility that defy the laws of gravity. I would not recommend imitating any of those tricks before getting some serious practice… and health insurance. The likelihood of a serious mishap is as obvious as a full moon. James Bond is invulnerable… and interchangeable. You are not. Give some thought to the idea before jumping off the first floor of a building to escape your irate mother.

In reality, if you sprain an ankle, you’ll be waiting in Urgent Care until the next ice age. And if this happens during a weekend, be courteous! Don’t call doctors at inconvenient times… It is really bad form. I will share a little secret with you. On weekends, qualified doctors generally go into hiding until Monday.

In rom-com movies, everybody is always smiling, and there is always a happy ending. Life is a tidbit more demanding than that, my little friends. I think that anybody dreaming of matrimony ought to take a special course to make sure that you and your inamorata are on the same wavelength.

In this respect, I think that arranged Indian marriages are more lucid and realistic than Hollywood fabrications. In-laws are always wise and caring. And anyway, I prefer Bollywood dancing to square dancing …

Movies are a powerful form of storytelling that can entertain, inspire, and educate. However, children need to understand that what they see on screen is almost always a twisted version of reality.

Children listen to me! Don’t ever believe what you see in movies! – They are facades made of cardboard. Instead, enjoy some creative and imaginative experiences while making a clear distinction between fantasy and reality.

And let’s be sensible… on Christmas night, Santa Claus doesn’t travel in a reindeer sleigh… Too far-fetched! As grown-ups know, he uses a fancy drone equipped with a powerful GPS. It makes way more sense, doesn’t it? Don’t believe what you see in movies… or even freshly minted documents such as this one.

Happy to be of service, kids!

Uncle Alain