Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Bottle top opener, Broken Rib, Bra, and Blog all start with the letter B.

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This is a can/bottle top opener. Simple, straightforward, good design, about twenty years old and I brought it from America to France. Because, at that time I could not figure out how to use the even simpler French can opener (and I have a pet peeve about electric can openers, strange pet peeve I know, but there you go.) How many people can say they packed a can/bottle top opener in their suitcase when they moved to France?

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My immigrant can/bottle top opener was something I used often until France passed a law to have pull tab tops on all canned goods. Of course I still use mine when I want to pop open a Schweppes, or a beer or the forbidden can that still does not have a pull tab top.

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Anyway, yesterday I realized that the soreness I had under my breast was a broken rib, I started to thing about bottle top openers. I tell you I am a strange cookie. I thought about how the rim of the claw foot bathtub looked like a bottle top opener and started wondering if that is how the person who invented the bottle top opener got the idea for it?

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The other day I knelt down to clean the bathtub, then I leaned forward and my rib stayed as my body went up and over. I heard my rib pop. It hurt like hell. I thought at first I was having a heart attack. When I finally caught my breath, I finished cleaning the tub and went about my day.

Though the pain decided to stick around.

Facade 

I went to see my friend Annie, she is 89 years old, but says she is 90 because her birthday is in May and she is closer to 90 then 89. Anyway, she is full of wisdom and has fantastic remedies and secrets from the past that are helpful today. I told her about my broken rib and asked her what she thought since there wasn't too much to do for it (except endure the pain.)

She told me to wear a tight scarf around my rib cage to hold it in place. I looked at her and said wouldn't a bra do the same thing?

And she said… "Oh the bra. A wonderful invention isn't it!" And we both laughed and my rib really tried to spoil the fun of that moment, but I didn't care and laughed anyway.

Now you are probably wondering what a can/bottle top opener and a bra have to do with the point of this story? Well it is to tell you that I like to talk and that is why I write a blog.

Note:

(It is nine o'clock in the evening here in France, and I just realized I forgot to press the send button on this post after writing it this morning!

Comments

65 responses to “Bottle top opener, Broken Rib, Bra, and Blog all start with the letter B.”

  1. Alina

    I was worried about you! I kept checking in every so often . . .
    Heal well and take care and keep on talking cause I like to listen and comment and listen and . . .

    Reply
  2. Alina

    Shouldn’t that be I like to read and comment? A mind is a terrible thing to waste and apparently it has been wasted on me!

    Reply
  3. hhb

    Ouch! C. The bra might not be supportive enough for you broken rib…..take care.

    Reply
  4. Miss*R

    oh aren’t elderly friends just the best!
    look after that rib! Maybe try some Arnica or comfrey on it too.. Comfrey has the wonderful common name of knit-bone.

    Reply
  5. Franca Bollo

    I was worried, too, Coco …
    ” … we both laughed and my rib really tr[ied] to spoil the fun of that moment … ”
    Well written … really! Sorry about the correction. They don’t call me Pristine for nuthin’. Others just say pain-in-the-ass.
    __________________
    Hello Dear Cousin Pristine
    I need all the help I can get. Correct me often. I need it. I am an English teacher’s nightmare.
    Thank you !!
    C

    Reply
  6. Jeanne

    I worried when I did not see a posting early today as I always do.
    I love you
    Healing hugs…….
    B mine
    Love all you share……..
    ____________________
    Hi Jeanne,
    Thanks for caring. I worry when I don’t see your sweet notes to me too.
    xx C

    Reply
  7. Candy

    You certainly have an interesting way of thinking and writing and tying it all together. I love elderly people too. My dad is 93 and he is a hoot!

    Reply
  8. Darlene

    I will cheer you up by telling you a story of me hurting myself. I too enjoy talking! I had to be quarantined for a few days following a procedure on my thyroid that involved radioactive iodine. Alone in my house, camped out in my pjs for days! In my boredom, I opened my garage up because it was summer and the garage gets really hot. I had been watering flowers and had failed to pull the waterhose back in. It lay stretched across my driveway in the scorching southern sun. Around 3 p.m. that afternoon I discovered that my waterhose had burst and had flooded my garage. I discovered this at the time my mailman was pulling into my drive and I ran down the steps only to slide up in the water and land on my bum. There I sat…in my cat pajamas on my bum, soaking wet,looking at my mailman as water sprayed every where.
    Lucille Ball has nothing on me.
    __________________
    Hi Darlene
    Lucy would be proud of you 🙂
    lol,
    C

    Reply
  9. beachy

    Oh Corey… I am so sorry about your rib! Wear your bra in good health and heal quickly!
    I had my hands on my Swing Away (in red) just this morning! Though many cans here are starting to sport pull tabs as well.

    Reply
  10. Annie

    Here’s hoping your rib mends quickly. I knew something horrible was amiss when you hadn’t posted earlier. I read your blog first thing every morning as I await the coffee’s making.
    Here’s a gentle Kiss for healing the rib!

    Reply
  11. becky up the hill

    Why not get the rib checked. It it pokes a lung, not good. It’s probably fine, but it’s worth getting checked.
    ______________________
    Hi Becky,
    I have an appointment for an Xray tomorrow.
    C

    Reply
  12. Leslie Garcia

    Dear Corey,
    Don’t do any heavy lifting, cleaning, or even moving around too much…just take it easy and feel better soon! I know just what you mean about the pain…and eventually it will heal.
    Maybe a band that fits around your chest that people wear for back problems might help give you some relief.
    Sending healing thoughts your way.
    Until later…may god bless you.
    Leslie

    Reply
  13. Star

    You make me laugh. And even though I don’t write a blog anymore, laughter is one reason I still read them.
    Sending healing thoughts your way, Corey.
    _________________________
    Hi Star
    I am glad my story made you laugh too!
    C

    Reply
  14. Beverly

    OUCH!
    Who knew that cleaning a bathtub could be so dangerous! You should ask FH for workman’s comp!
    Take care…
    _______________
    Hi Beverly
    A maid would be handy too.
    C

    Reply
  15. qualcosa di bello

    well that is a first for me…hearing of a broken rib via a clawfoot tub’s rim! (i was kidding on facebook when i said you should stop carting that tub around…:D
    hope you feel much better very soon
    ________________
    Thanks, I too hope I feel better. I tell you it affects my every move.
    C

    Reply
  16. Leigh

    Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your rib! I hope it heals soon. The can opener is an interesting coincidence. I couldn’t find one here in our Zurich apartment today, then I realized all the cans I bought have pop tops anyway. I did end up finding a can opener in the apartment we’re staying in and it is odd, like something you’d use when you go camping. I’m sure it works fine, but I’m picky about can openers too. I don’t like the electric ones. My husband bought some kind of fancy non-electric one that involves a magnet and sears the whole lid off. I think it’s too complicated. I stick to the basic one that you brought with you to France.

    Reply
  17. pam

    I knew that something was wrong when I saw yesterday’s post at 7am this morning, so I said a prayer for you. I’m sorry to know that you are in so much pain, and will continue to pray for your healing. I know French husband will take good care of you!I’m so glad that you like to talk (about whatever), it is always interesting to me, and I’m glad that you blog everyday. It was so sweet to read your mom’s comment to you on Valentine’s day. I’m glad she is doing well.

    Reply
  18. martina

    Aleve or another anti-inflammatory may help. Rib fractures truly are a pain. How about a Lycra/Spandex type camisole or sports bra with maybe an Ace wrap underneath for the first week? Really, the only thing that helps is “tincture of time”. Also daily ingestion of tarte tartine, champagne and avoiding all chores as much as possible will help you feel better.

    Reply
  19. Sher Miller

    You fractured a rib but continued cleaning the tub? I believe the men who settled the west would have referred to you as, “good stock”. LOL! What a gal!

    Reply
  20. becky up the hill

    Glad you have an appointment Corey, makes me feel better ;o).

    Reply
  21. My Melange

    Oh My Corey.
    Hope you are feeling better soon! The OH fx his rib a few years back. Grace, oh I mean Chris, was drinking too much with his buddies, fell on the ice and fell into a bicycle rack.
    He cracked a few ribs. With his friends- guess I was lucky that they had the smarts to take him to the Hospital for an Xray.
    He took pain meds and wore an ace bandage till they healed.
    Boys will be boys, right?
    xo
    Get well soon 🙂

    Reply
  22. naomi

    I can’t believe you finished cleaning the tub after that!! It hurts me just thinking about it. I hope you heal quickly.

    Reply
  23. Lea

    Only you… can put a string of b’s together in this way and make it the envy of every designer….

    Reply
  24. Alina

    “A maid would be handy too” are you hiring? 😀

    Reply
  25. debi @ life in my studio

    lol…great post!

    Reply
  26. carol

    I have had a bottle opener just like that for over 25 years, it is simply the best. I too abhor electric can openers, not really sure why. There are so many gadgets that just take up space and that is one.
    Take care

    Reply
  27. Rosemary

    OMG Corey!
    Just got back from a long weekend!
    So sorry about your rib. Cleaning can be dangerous. Be careful, and take good care.
    I would have brought the canopener too.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  28. Vicki

    Corey so sorry to hear about your pain…hope it heals quickly. I thought I was the only person that doesn’t own an electric can opener. Annie sounds like a wonderful woman with lots of wisdom. Was she raised in France??? Take good care of yourself. Keep us posted!!!

    Reply
  29. wendy

    Took my can opener just like that to Spain with me in 1983, brought it back in 1997 and it just got stolen by my daughter a few weeks ago. I, too, share the sentiment about the electric can openers!!! I’m going to get up off the couch right now to check the drawer to see if that rotten thief returned the goods.

    Reply
  30. Lisa “Oceandreamer” S.

    Are you sure you BROKE your rib and didn’t fracture or crack it instead? All are painful.
    When my Mom fell and cracked her ribs she could barely take a breath but the doctor said they no longer bind ribs the way they used to. (the reason they don’t is to stop build up of fluids in the lungs). She had to baby it but within a few weeks the pain began to subside.
    You don’t think you may need an X-ray?
    Take care of yourself, no being super woman!!
    XOXOXO (this comes from love)
    Lisa

    Reply
  31. jamie

    How very Painful… Adorable Post though.. Feel better. Jamie

    Reply
  32. caren

    I knew something was wrong when I logged in a 7:00 a..m. CST and there was no post from you! There are so many people that start their morning out with you – and worry about you! Think you need to take it easy until your rib heals….seems like a great time to go to the brocantes!
    Take care!

    Reply
  33. Cindy

    I checked your blog this morning but no new post. I thought maybe something was wrong.
    I was out all day and now just read your post. I’m glad there is nothing wrong, other than your ribs that is. Oh, Corey you make me laugh. But not about your ribs. I’m sorry about that and I hope they heal quickly.
    I hurt one of my ribs years ago when I was a dog groomer. Lifting too many big dogs.
    Sending healing thoughts.

    Reply
  34. Alison Whittington

    Oh, Corey, I hope your rib heals quickly!
    (EEEEEEK.)

    Reply
  35. Marilyn

    Oh I am glad you are still there. I was worried this morning when there wasn’t a new blog.
    Now a broken rib can be painful. I have a physical therapist that has put my ribs back in place when they get out of place. Painful at the moment, but then it gets better quickly. I hope you are feeling better very soon.

    Reply
  36. Bramble

    Corey- Sorry to hear of your rib dilemna! Just another reaon I think there should be self cleaning bathtubs, now I am certain! Good grief! I am sorry you are in pain, I wore an ace bandage type thing after a cracked rib but I don’t think they do that anymore. Glad to hear you are being xrayed just to err on the side of safety. Wish I could wave my majic fairy godmother wand over you and poof! Pain gone, bone healed! I am sending good thoughts for rapid healing! Bramble
    If you are bruised, arnica cream sometimes help take the sting out of the injury and seems to stimulate blood flow back to the area.I am a klutz, I have used it often!

    Reply
  37. Alena

    Ouch, Corey that must hurt so much! I hope that you are not in lot of pain and feel better soon.
    FH should look after that job next time !
    Best,
    Alena

    Reply
  38. Betty M

    Oh Corey. Your blog brought such a smile to my face today. Thank you. I needed that.

    Reply
  39. Elaine L.

    I got a bruised rib, once, from dumpster diving. It took two months before the pain went away and I could sleep on my side.
    It’s definitely one of those sharp piercing pains as opposed to a muscle ache or throb. Wrapping it with an ace bandage might help.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  40. Elaine L.

    Alina, you must be an auditory learner.
    Usually those little slips in the words we use are revealing. For what it’s worth . . .
    A person who says “I know what you mean” is usually kinesthetic in their learning style.
    “I see what you mean.” = visual learner
    “I hear, ya.” = auditory learner
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  41. Mardog

    I have cracked, not broken ribs twice over the years and the three A’s seemed to help in healing.
    Acupunture
    Air (breath into it)
    ALCOHOL
    Hope the road to healing is smooth.

    Reply
  42. Kel

    Sorry you are in pain Corey. I have the same can opener but with a red handle. I have always used this type of opener and think the electric ones are yucky!

    Reply
  43. dotsie

    yes, unusual to have you late in your posting. See, we look for you! hope you (or your rib) are better soon.

    Reply
  44. Hasmin Cannon

    Sorry to hear about your ribs. Hope it heals soon. soft (hug)…

    Reply
  45. Tammy

    I too hate electric can openers of course I probably do because they are what i call a technical gadget and that is where I usually end up saying good gosh can’t they just draw a picture or put it in a language I get. I am so sorry for your rib. I do hope it will feel better soon. Praying for your healing.
    love and hugs

    Reply
  46. nancy

    oh corey!!!!! i hope you are ok?!!!! i broke my ribs once and man oh man did it ever hurt…just to breathe!!!!!

    Reply
  47. Jeanette

    Oh Corey that is too funny! I am sorry to here about your broken rib. So bra or scraf?
    Jeanette

    Reply
  48. pinar

    one day I am gone and this happens..=(
    you must avoid excessive movements.. whether it is broke or cracked.. we don’t stabilize any more because respiration is restricted and peaople develop lung problems dur to this..
    you should also do some respiration excercises slowly inhaling and exhaling..
    hope you get well soon..
    kisses and love
    ________________
    Thank you Pinar.
    C

    Reply
  49. Gracie

    I’m sad you broken the rib, but this is a funny story nevertheless…..I whsh you will get well soon, take a little rest.
    ____________
    Thanks Gracie!
    C

    Reply
  50. Julie Ann

    I was worried about your lack of a blog yesterday, now I understand. Have you tied a silk scarf as recommended by Annie ? Trust a Frenchwoman to come up with yet another way of tying a silk scarf. Tres chic ! Jx
    ____________________
    Hi Julie Ann
    I enjoyed your clever response- ‘… Trust a Frenchwoman to come up with another way of tying a silk scarf!”
    C

    Reply
  51. Caffienated Cowgirl

    So sorry about your rib…although I am laughing that you continued with your work after you hurt it… 🙂
    _____________
    Hi CC
    I am nuts is what I am!
    c

    Reply
  52. Billie

    You’re a hoot!
    I have the same can opener! I wouldn’t have a hideous electric one taking up the precious little counter space I have with such an ugly object. Yuk! And they are the epitome of laziness. And I have a secret belief that this will keep me from having the wiggly flab on the underside of my arm!
    I’ve often heard of wrapping a broken rib with ace bandages, but of course, in France, it is Hermes scarf!!! Yea!
    _____________
    Hi Billie
    If only I had a Hermes scarf!
    C

    Reply
  53. Irene

    You keep doing that, dearest lady, and take care of yourself.
    _________________
    Hi Irene
    XX
    C

    Reply
  54. Mary

    Soooo sorry it turned out to be a fracture Corey. Do take good care of yourself and get something to assist with the pain….and you’d better use the shower for a while!!
    Thinking of you and sending get well wishes.
    Mary.
    ____________________
    Hi Mary
    I am taking arnica and bryonia, and HOT baths feel good… as long as I ignore the rim!
    C

    Reply
  55. Ellen Cassilly

    OUCH I gasped when I read your tale.I like Annie’s remedy. Take the longest scarf you have or maybe half an old beat up sheet. Slather your rib with Arnica and then wrap ‘n’ roll.
    I too hate electric can openers. How odd about the pull top cans. Are they considered safer or better for the environment?
    ___________________
    Hi Ellen
    I have been popping arnica and byronia.
    Pull top cans, safer as the can openers collect germs if not washed off.
    Also the inside of cans are lined so you can store them when open if you want to.
    C

    Reply
  56. Sheala

    I am so sorry your rib broke. May you heal fast. I’d hate for anything to slow you down!
    _______________________
    Hi Shea
    Thanks sweetie!
    C

    Reply
  57. Dee

    oh.my.gosh…ouch!
    ____________________
    Hi Dee
    xx
    C

    Reply
  58. Deirdre

    Those bathtubs can be vicious. I slipped getting out of the tub a few years ago, and while I didn’t break anything, I was pretty bruised and banged up.
    Heal quickly and well. A long motorcycle ride with a sore rib doesn’t sound so fun.
    _______________
    Hi Deirdre
    Oh my that is right! The motorcycle ride! I cannot image riding one at this point.
    C

    Reply
  59. Jamie V

    Get yourself well before summer gets here! I expect you to visit me in Montana on your motorcycle trip!!! We have a new cabin on the lake! Take care. Jamie V in MT
    amzanioli@yahoo.com
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
    _______________
    Hi Jamie
    Heal rib heal we are going to the Lake in MT !! My fingers are crossed.
    C

    Reply
  60. M-Noëlle

    No need to use a can opener with a chatterbox, dear Corey …
    Take great care of yourself !
    😉
    _____________________
    Hi MN
    Or a bathtub rim. Both work.
    C

    Reply
  61. Merry

    Oh no, Corey … what a terrible pain! Glad you’re getting checked out, just for the heck of it.

    We seem to have much in common, including our can openers … none better. Though I’ve not broken a rib I did drop a big old HEAVY cast iron fireplace insert (beautiful, sporting a lady more graceful than I, no doubt French) directly on top of my sandaled foot when unloading it from the back of the van. You know that thing about whether there is a sound made when a tree falls in a forest with nobody around to hear? I can absolutely vouch for the loud sound of words I didn’t know I knew, when nobody was around to hear! I still attribute my ever encroaching weight gain to my broken foot … had to be good for something.

    Keep laughing, even if it hurts … tarte tatin … some wine … a little time … all good wishes.
    __________________
    Hi Merry
    OUCH! Though I bet you said something better!
    Did you break your foot?
    C

    Reply
  62. Shelley Noble

    Your photos are getting even better. I hope the pain goes away rapidly.
    ________________
    Hi Shelley
    For those of you who do not know Shelley Noble Designs
    please click on her link, she is a animated artist and hates to fly. (and an ultra creative person who makes the best Christmas gifts!!)
    C

    Reply
  63. Ann

    Ouch! What a thing to happen – take it easy.
    Regarding the can opener…I have one identical to yours. One day I threw it out and replaced it with a new one. DH was so upset and after an argument very similar to a can opener episode on “Everyone loves Raymond”, DH fished it out of the trash can and we still use it. The saga of the can opener lives on.
    _________________________
    Hi Ann
    What is the episode on Raymond? i will have to see if I can find it on YOU TUBE.
    PS
    My husband checks the garbage too. Drives me nuts.
    C

    Reply
  64. Lisa Boni

    Ouch!!! So sorry your rib is broken! And from such a lovely tub… Wishing you quick healing.
    Had to laugh… I have the same pet peeve about electic can openers! I use a manual one much like yours and wouldn’t have an electric one in the house for anything!
    _________________
    Hi Lisa
    Thank you. I am shaking your hand. We are standing strong against electric can openers!
    And the claw foot tub: How dare it really!!
    C

    Reply
  65. Dee/reddirtramblings

    Oh, Honey, I’m so sorry. Glad it was just a rib though and not the other.~~Dee
    ______________________
    Thanks Dee, Me too!!
    C

    Reply

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