Category: Fourre-tout

I am a quick study – I can memorize a script in an hour – but I can’t remember a name three seconds — Don Adams

For some people memorizing names can be difficult. They might remember the face but not the name, and this can be embarrassing. So as a public service (and out of the goodness of my heart) I elected for 2018 to put a name on each and every face of our club members.

Most of the people like to see their names in print while some feel uneasy about it. So, if anybody feels uncomfortable about seeing his or her moniker on the marquee of my theater, please give me a whistle and it will disappear in the blink of an eye.

Sometimes nicknames stick to people more tenaciously than their own names and there is nobody more notorious in our club than Le Facteur (the Mailman), aka Jean-Michel Poulnot. He is now retired, but even in retirement, a president remains a President.

There are also lesser-known nicknames such as Minou and Minette (Genevieve and Jean-Claude Etallaz) and La Bête Noire or La Foudre but none are as legendary as our own Facteur.

Our name is our identity. Every action one does affect his name, so think about it before doing something rash.

It is good to have name recognition. It is particularly helpful if you ever intend to run for president. In America, absolutely anybody can become president, as proven by the last election.

So without further ado… roll of drums… you can now peek at my latest photographic essay. I am not allergic to compliments… Feel free to express your approval if you like it.

Meilleurs vœux de bonheur et de santé a tous !

La Foudre

“There are women named Faith, Hope, Joy, and Prudence. Why not Despair, Guilt, Rage, and Grief? It seems only right. ‘Tom, I’d like you to meet the girl of my dreams, Tragedy.” ― George Carlin

He is short… about 3 feet from head to toe, but don’t let this small detail fool you. It is said that “dynamite comes in small packages” and spending a week with a grandchild can be a volatile affair.
It is a very TALL order to babysit a short kid.

He may look like an angel, but this cherub-faced imp is Beelzebub in disguise. Barely two and a half, this kid has a short fuse… and a long memory. If he does not get his way, he will protest, loudly.

Fortunately, like a hero of Ancient Greece he was fitted with two Achilles heels: food and cars. He can, therefore, be distracted and bribed with grub or a new toy.

He has a limited vocabulary but understands more than he lets on. His uncertain pronunciation makes him difficult to comprehend but he will righteously correct you if you misunderstand him.

He is as cute as a button and wherever he goes, this charmer projects the same charisma as a pretty girl. The bouncer will always give him an automatic pass without checking his bag. He may carry three pounds of dynamite, but his seraphic smile wards off any further inspection.
By the way, never try to take away what you give to a kid. They are absolutely intransigent about that. A deal cannot be broken!

Nowadays grandparents need a lot of stamina to keep up with grandchildren.

Children are like crazy, drunken small people in your house. Julie Bowen

 If you ever accept to take care of your grandchildren for more than 3 days, you better go through a Marines Corps fitness program before letting the little tykes invade your domain. Hand to hand combat training might also be a good idea.

But no matter how demanding this experience can be, it is also rewarding. There is nothing more gratifying than the smile of a small child.

And they are never more endearing than when they are resting in the arms of Morpheus clutching their security blanket.

Alain

Most everybody has seen her or played with her. She is difficult to miss. Due to some medical impairment, she is socially awkward, but she has proved to be a genuine pétanque aficionado. She practices almost daily and has tremendously improved her game.

When she started to come to the field, she was way off the mark and many people showed little inclination to play with her. But her dedication to the game and hours of practice paid off.

She is now surprising many with her pointing skills. Instead of being a hindrance she has become an asset to her teammates, and her almost childish delight after delivering a good shot is touching and heartwarming.

Pétanque has also helped to transform her from a bashful, withdrawn individual to a more confident human being. She was once reluctant to any physical contact, but she now demands a peck on the cheek when meeting somebody.

So, for all the above and other varied reasons, I nominate Susan Wyatt MIP (most improved player) of the year.

When you see her, let her know how much you appreciate her newfound confidence and ability.

Three hearty cheers for Susan! Rah rah rah!

Happy holidays everyone! Joyeux Noël and Bonne Année a tous!

Papa Noël