Month: December 2010

Melinda and I were married on December 31, 1990 so that means it will be 20 years on the 31st. IF WE MAKE IT. To better ensure the marriage holds up for another 29 days we are doing several things. Of course, there is this sabbatical thing going on. But that’s a big thing and easy to forget when the trash needs taking out or the dishes are piling up or whatever else may keep us from making it to the end of the month in a still-married state. So we are also doing some smaller things on a daily basis that make trash piles, dirty dishes and whatever else less significant, if you know what I mean. One involves taking a walk every day (together). On the walk we actually talk to each other. And get this, Melinda is really funny! Who knew?!

On top of walks, we are also going out to eat (together). Given we are in France, we are eating in French restaurants, too. That works out so slick! And if eating in French restaurants can’t keep the spark alive, I don’t know what can. Today we went to a wonderful restaurant in Nantes called “Chez Maman” and had a delicious lunch. What fun we had (together), just the two of us.

After lunch we wandered around town. Melinda talked me in to going into a department store because she’s looking for a bag and a wallet. She really liked one bag for 795€ but decided to pass on that. Apparently it had ingenius straps or something. I figure for that kind of money it should be able to take out the trash, wash dishes, and otherwise do whatever else might need to get done. While she was looking at less expensive options I spotted this mannequin couple celebrating something. Given our upcoming event, I decided to think it was their 20th anniversary, too. I suggested to Melinda that a photo of the happy mannequin couple would make a good one to use here on the blog on the 31st but she just walked away from me. So to keep marital bliss, and the chances good on reaching 20 years married, I’m using it today. See how smart I am??

If you look at this post from September you may argue that Ella’s already had her turn. But when you look at today’s picture, you could also argue that it is a bit of a cop-out and thus Ella deserves another turn.

Anyway, like I said back in September, the four letters e-l-l-a in that order are quite easy to find. But rarely are they alone. They are a part of a lot of words, but in France I have not found something that singles out Ella as a name. One of my favorites with her name embedded is a store called Cuisinella, which I first learned of while attending a hockey game. The name was on the boards that surround the ice, an ad. See, those ads work! Melinda and I recently saw the actual store but haven’t been in it yet.

Of course there are all the food items, many of which have been mentioned here. But I’ve chosen to isolate a dessert disguised as a breakfast cereal. And, really, what could be better than a combination of chocolate and Ella. I think that may be Ella’s idea of heaven (but do you think a food product with the word “choke” in its name would sell well in the U.S.?).

Chokella Chokella bo Bokella! Banana fanna fo Fokella! Fe fi mo Mokella! CHOKELLA!