“We will build a beautiful fence around the Pétanque field and make the Dog Park People pay for it.”

This is the persistent rumor that I heard last year in our club’s locker room. The purpose of this fence I was told, is to prevent thieving, drug dealing dogs to cross our field and go on a crime spree.

Some people did not believe that this would happen, but happen it will, very soon.

This fence (unlike another infamous barrier) will be built, and we owe it all to the dogged determination of the Davantes/Moran clan.
Charlie and his daughter Brigitte are not from the wood matchsticks are made of. They are determined and resourceful and they managed to raise the prerequisite amount of money demanded by the county.

Everything new is sometimes difficult to accept; but eventually, even the naysayers will grudgingly admit that this was a project worth pursuing.

Over a hundred years ago, when the Eiffel Tower was built in Paris, some famous detractors (Alexandre Dumas, Guy de Maupassant, Charles Gounod, etc.) called it a monstrosity. They clamored for its destruction and removal. The same ruckus was raised over the San Francisco  Transamerica Pyramid. But both buildings are now proud, beloved symbols of their respective cities.

There are two ways out of a problem: accept what’s happening, see the positive, and choose a peaceful state of mind; or fight against it, be miserable, and struggle against the universe.

I am convinced that our pétanque field will become a shining example of what all American “boulodromes” should look like. Spacious, well groomed, attractive and free from party-crashing bow-wows.
Don’t get me wrong! I looove dogs, but not petanque roving mutts. To avoid futile conflicts, we need to keep the hounds and the swines (cochonnets) separated.
A dog often wags its tail to show his approval. I think many tails will soon start wagging.

In all likelihood, when the fence is completed, I am convinced that all our club members will definitely say, “well-done mates”.

Alain

So it is September again, the season’s languorous time of slowly retreating summer, falling leaves and gradually fading daylight.

It is also our club’s time-honored tradition of feasting on lamb and welcoming new would-be pétanque players. This picnic, by the way, would not have taken place without the generosity of a mysterious benefactor who donated some money to the club. Whoever you are, generous backer, thank you very much.

After taking note of Calvert Barron’s lament about my prolonged absence from the field, I tried my best yesterday to make amends and snap as many pictures I could. But still feeling a little wobbly on my legs, I used a small camera instead of Big Bertha and it shows. Sorry about that.

The weather was hot and muggy (93 degrees) but nobody should complain considering what’s happening in Florida. Warmest thoughts for all the Floridians and Georgians.

A bunch of people still showed up to munch on lamb and compete in the tournament. Fourteen triplettes (42 people) were put together and set to go head to head against the competition.

The lamb was prepared by world famous “rôtisseurs » Antoine Lofaro, Jean-Claude Etallaz and Serge Hanne. Thank you, gentlemen, for your efforts.

The tournament (panaché format) started after lunch. Panaché means that players switch partners every game. With a little luck you inherit experienced players, otherwise, you will have to green and bear it.

Three games were played after lunch and individual scores were kept for each player. To come on top and secure a prize, you had to win a maximum of games and then also score a maximum of points.

Keeping track of the scores were Christine Cragg and Liv Kraft. Thank you ladies.

This friendly tournament was a good occasion to renew acquaintances… and learn a few things. Even though I thought of possessing a decent French vocabulary, Maryann Curley taught a new word (anoure). Thank you MaryAnn.

Liza Moran is always a delight to talk to and I enjoyed listening to Noel Macovecchio’s wicked lawyerly tales.

I saw again with pleasure Jacques Rattaire, a far off club member, an excellent player, and an all around good guy. Anybody who rescues animals in distress rates high in my book.

I had a nice conversation with Caitlin Woodburry (who faithfully reads my blog) and Sabine Mattei.  Sabine’s dog is adorable and if she is not careful I might dognap the pooch one of these days.

I don’t know if you noticed, but Gustave Foucher (with an arrow sticking out of his butt) was trying very hard to impersonate Custer’s last stand.

My wife Tamara did an excellent pointing job and managed to snatch one of the first places in this tournament. She always tries to outshine me and she often succeeds, dammit!

The big winners

1^st place: Tamara Efron, Ed Porto, Maryann Curley
2^nd place: Jacques Rattaire, Jean-Philippe Wyek, Okawa Akira
3rd place: Henry Wessel, Wyatt, John Morrison

Altogether, an excellent day and.

Alain

PS: To look at photos of this event, click on the “My Photos” link located on the right side of this page. For best viewing, go Full Screen.

When a business is uncooperative, don’t hesitate to hit it in the nether regions.

I have found that a customer’s most potent weapon against an uncooperative business is a smart diatribe posted on social media. Assail the company’s image and shame it publicly.

If a firm does not respond to your phone calls or your email, let the public at large know about it. It works amazingly well.

A little while ago, trying to mitigate the medical expenses incurred by my cat, I signed up with a pet insurance company. I started to pay my monthly dues and shortly after my last visit to the vet, I submitted a claim.

Later on, I checked my claim’s status on the company’s website. Nothing seemed to have happened. I called to make sure that they received my request. After having been shuffled through different departments and put on hold indefinitely, I hung up. I then send an email inquiring about my claim.
No response.

La moutarde commença à me monter au nez! My nose started to get tickled by the mustard!

I found its corporate presence on Facebook and I let my anger spill.
Shazam!!

Before long I received an email from the insurance company apologizing for the delay and informing me that my claim was being processed. It follows that if a company ignores you, use social media to prod their thick hide. No insults necessary. Just the facts ma’am.

Social media can be a nuisance but in some cases, it can also be a potent weapon. If a company fails to address your concerns, use the power of the pen to chastise that outfit.
Consequently, you will enjoy some results, I guarantee it.

Alain