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Language Table in the Good Old Days

    (Update June 2021)  The Schedule at the right has been updated and is currently in effect for in person meetings.  Zoom meetings have been significantly reduced in number.  As before, please e-mail or write in the comments if you are interested in a Zoom group.  otherwise, feel free to attend any of our groups here in Bemidji at the time scheduled on the right.  Welcome back!

     COVID 19 shut down our weekly language table meetings when it shut down our restaurants last March here in Minnesota. (see my previous post, COVID 19 Septuagenarian Blues).  Beginning in April, some of our groups began meeting on the computer, via Zoom.  Although this was an excellent means to continue our language connection given the circumstances, and I plan to continue its use when it fits the circumstance, I certainly missed communicating through waves of air rather than waves of electrons.  There are some vibrations that don't transmit well in electronic waves.

     So when I heard that my favorite meeting place, the Wild Hare Bistro, was opening for take-out and outside dining, I was cautiously optimistic.

     Our Mandarin Chinese table has only two regular participants, so at our last Zoom meeting, we decided to try the Wild Hare, weather permitting.

     Upon our arrival last Tuesday, we could see that our friends who work there had worked hard to make it a safe and friendly atmosphere.  With sneeze shields, staff  wearing masks, and tables outside properly spaced, even a customer over 70 with a previous health condition like myself can feel very comfortable.

     My friend and I, sitting 6 feet apart and at least 6 feet from the other customers, greeted each other with a 你好 老朋友, ni hao lao peng you, (greetings old friend).  We talked about life, language, memorization techniques and restaurants for about an hour or a little more, said  再见, Zai jian, (see you later) and parted.  How good it felt to be in the same air space!

     I'm not comfortable with a larger group like we had in the old days yet, but that time will come.  In the meantime, for a family group or a group of two or three, try the Wild Hare Bistro here in Bemidji (web site).  You'll be happy you did.

COVID 19 Septagenarian Blues

     First, I'd like to let you all know that as of March 20, today, ALL Language Table meetings are being cancelled until further notice.  Remember that you can STILL call your friends on the phone and visit with them in the language of your choice.

     While sitting here myself at home here in Northern Minnesota, Sheltered in place, I came up with the lyrics to this song.  my sincere apologies and extreme gratitude to Lew DeWitt and the Statler Brothers who wrote and first performed "Flowers on the Wall" in 1955 for the tune that inspired these lyrics.

COVID 19 SEPTUAGENARIAN BLUES

   C                                                        Am
I've been hearing you're concerned about my happiness
 D                                  G
As a septuagenarian I couldn't worry less
    C                                                  Am
If I were walkin' in your shoes, I wouldn't worry none
    D                                                                        G
While you know that I'm sheltered in place and havin' lots of fun

                                    (chorus)
               Am
Watchin' news crawls on TV, You know that don't bother me

Scrollin' Facebook until dawn, 'til my brain is almost gone
 F
Eatin' Oreo cookies, watchin' President    Donald Trump
                        G
Now don't tell me, that I'm in a frump

  C                                             Am
Last night I pretended I was strolling in Paree
 D                                                        G
Perdonez moi monsieur mais mon hotel Ca c'est ici?
       C                                                           Am
So please don't give a thought to me, I'm really doin' fine
  D                                                       G
You can always phone me here, I'm having quite a time

                                 (repeat  chorus)

     For the 3rd to last line, phonetically in English it can be:

"Peardonay mwa mesyure, may mo notel sah say teesee."

     Don't worry if your pronunciation isn't so good, remember that you're a tourist here in Paree.  Happy traveling and have a great virtual vacation.  See you at the Tables after this pandemic is over.