Most villages within the Loire Valley in France have have a Sunday market at least once a week during certain times of the year. These markets are often a mix of wines, beer, fresh fruits and vegetables, 
flowers, home-made goods and clothing. It’s a real treat to wander from stall to stall sampling products and visiting with the vendors about their wares.
Linda Kovic-Skow, author of French Illusions
A Visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral
May 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment
I first toured the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1980. 
Having been raised in a Catholic household, I was anxious to see this famous sight and as you will see in this excerpt from my memoir, French Illusions: From Tours to Paris, my tour of the structure on a rainy spring day, didn’t disappoint.
The Writer In Me
January 1, 2018 by 2 Comments
Isn’t it wonderful when you discover something worthwhile from the past? 
During my recent move to Saint Petersburg, Florida, I came across an essay I wrote for an English 101 class in college. I had just returned home from France in the spring of 1980, and as you’ll see, the essay describes my interest in a writing career.
Are French Fries and French Toast French?
September 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment
It is unclear where French fries originated. Both the French and Belgians have claimed ownership of the invention, which is no surprise given their close proximity to each other and the common language. 
Belgian journalist Jo Gérard references the popular side dish in his family manuscript from 1781, stating that in the Meuse Valley (present-day Belgium), potatoes were often deep-fried. They had a custom “of fishing in the Meuse for small fish and frying, especially among the poor, but when the river was frozen and fishing became hazardous, they cut potatoes in the form of small fish and put them in a fryer…”
My French Language Challenges
July 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment
I have always loved the sound of a person speaking French. The words spill out of their mouth with an almost sing-song quality. And don’t get me started with the way the French roll their r’s when they pronounce words like erreur, (error) or rappeler (to call back). Without a doubt, I chose to learn French in 1979 for these reasons.
