In 1984 we rented an apartment in Cannes with our girls. In the evening we enjoyed fancy ice creams at many of the outdoor cafes near the harbor. While taking a photo of Lisa and Stacy one night, a young man jumped in between them and said…”I’m Jean-Francois and I am a show!” Little did we know that this brief encounter would develop and evolve over the years in ways no one would have imagined!

Our daughter Lisa and Stacy met up with Jean-Francois and his group of friends on holiday in 1986 in Cannes.

We have seen the family many times in the past 40 years in Paris, Bouzy or Cannes, as well as Colorado and California. We met JF’s mother the first year when Jean-Francois invited our girls to go dancing at a club in nearby Jean-les-Pins. He could tell we were not keen at all about this plan, so he said, “You must meet my family first!” His mother spoke very little English so Alex, his younger sister, translated as necessary. We took a parental gamble and said “OK.” Lisa said the dance floor was so crowded you could hardly move until 5 AM!

One year while staying at our Swedish friend’s apartment in Agay we joined the Sainz family at La Pizza Cresci in Cannes, a big favorite of ours for many years.

In January 1995 Marla insisted we return to Heimtextil in Frankfurt, France, and my sister’s family in Guernsey, essentially to “say goodbye” to family, friends and suppliers we had for many years. The year before was filled with multiple surgeries, radiation, chemo, and an experimental stem-cell transfer with brutal high-dose chemo. Her prognosis at the time was still very iffy! Note the welcoming American and French flags in front of the Sainz family home in Bouzy.

On the way to Bouzy our rental car stopped in front of a farmhouse. Marla’s dumb husband fueled our diesel rental with regular gasoline! We knocked at the farmhouse to ask to use their phone. (pre-cellphone) The visiting granddaughter who spoke English called Jean- Francois. He and his father, Pierre, came from Bouzy to pick us up. Pierre knocked on the door wearing a leather jacket and cowboy hat with numerous American flags on it! Later he totally saved us by negotiating with Hertz Car Rental in Reims!!! Pierre was once in a rock band with a number one hit song in France. You can tell he has a real sense of humor! He is with Francoise in their living room above.

The family settled our frazzled nerves with Champagne served in their gorgeous Daum Nancy glassware. Pierre pours a delicious Rose from their family Champagne House, Andre Clouet, which began in the late 18th century.

Marla’s hair was just starting to grow back from so many chemo treatments. She is wearing the crown from the Galette des Rois as her piece contained the fete (favor).

An amazing dinner in Reims at the 3-star Michelin Les Crayeres was a total surprise on our first night. I was stressed and exhausted earlier from all the car issues during the day. I told our hosts I was going to bed early. Pierre said,…”Deeek, no, we have an 8:30 PM reservation for everyone tonight! You MUST come!” Marla and I rallied and enjoyed a most wonderful dinner!

JF knew we wanted to find some antique furniture to import for our Wesco Fabrics’ showroom in Denver. In 1999 we went with Jean Francois and Francoise to some brocante dealers in nearby towns. The first one was on a farm and the owner was already three sheets to the wind at 10 AM. With JF interpreting we climbed a steep ladder and found oodles of 1920’s era furniture with Art Deco motifs. The owner said it was not selling so Marla and I bought everything he had! We sold it all!

I’m looking down from another the top level of a farmhouse barn nearby. I found some beautiful mid-nineteenth century chairs here.

Later we went to an antique gallery he knew about in Reims. We negotiated the purchase of four 18th century walnut armoires in fabulous condition. They were expensive, but so beautiful!

By now, if you have the impression that Jean-Francois is quite the negotiator and salesperson, you are right! He had spent one summer with us and then my mother, Amalie. In about 1997, one evening he called to tell us it would be great for Alex to spend a year with us in Denver and work at our company! Yes, a year and she came. We loved every minute! She trained in the warehouse offices then worked in our Denver Design Center showroom. Our customers loved this very sweet, young French woman! The above photo is hiking a trail in Chautauqua, Boulder.

Christmas with my mom, Lisa & Ray, Stacy, and Alex.

On a business trip we all stayed at my mom’s house in Pleasant Hill. Marla wanted Alex to have some fun so we left her with Mom for a few days. Marla wanted someone to show Alex San Francisco at night. Lisa suggested Chris, her husband Ray’s college roommate. Well, you can tell they clicked rather nicely! Marla would make a perfect matchmaker!

It went well so Chris then made a trip to Denver to visit all of us. Lisa is pregnant with her first baby, Paxton.

Wedding bells rang the next year in Bouzy, France! Marla and I (along with great assistance from Jean-Francois who helped with every aspect including catering) hosted a party for out-of-town guests at Chateau Juvigny where we were staying near Bouzy. JF is holding our one year old grandson, Paxton, with Lisa in the garden.

Chateau Juvigny was built in 1705. One morning at breakfast I asked the owner about the large painting on the wall with a large, 10″ tear. She told us about the WWII occupation by Nazi officers during which a soldier sliced the painting with a sword. The cut she said was a reminder of the war and never to be repaired!

The chateau’s gardens were perfect for the party. We were too busy with the food and drink to take pictures with any of the guests and still regret that!!

Marla was the matron of honor. Ray was best man.

You can almost hear the bells ringing!

I love this image!

Alex and Chris had two receptions. After the ceremony, everyone from the town was invited for a glass of champagne. The next was dinner and dancing for invited guests from all over the world later that evening. Champagne was flowing as Alex’s family owns Andre Clouet which was established in 1741.

The reception lasted all night! Marla and I left at about 3 AM as we had a 30-minute drive on tiny dark roads back to the chateau. Grandson Paxton loved all the music and frivolity and lasted the entire time!

Pierre sat in on the drums at the reception.

Alex and Chris moved to the San Franisco Bay Area. This photo is in San Franciso with my Mom, and long time friends, Lea Isetti and her Mom..

Alex and Chris had a big party to celebrate the baptism of their first child. Many relatives flew in from France. My Mom was always included. JF is helping her open a bottle of Andre Clouet.

A few years later Marla and I hosted a sales incentive trip to Paris and a chateau in the Vendee region. JF drove from Bouzy to give a Champagne reception at our Paris hotel. Boulder designer, Ed Parent, is on the left.

Wedding bells rang in 2014 for Jean-Francois and his bride, Marie-Laure. Marla is having a glass with Alex at the family vineyard in Bouzy the night before.

Marla is with Alex’s parents, Francoise and Pierre.

The 11th century Basilique Saint-Remi was stunning for the ceremony.

The bride and groom left the church in grand style!

Marla in front of the church.

The beautiful reception was in the historical Palais du Tau across from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims.

Let the party begin!

Jean-Francois has taken the reins of the family business. He is showing his darling daughter Desiree the vineyard.

And guess who the mayor of Bouzy is now? If you guessed Jean-Francois Sainz, I’ll pour you a glass of Champagne!

In August 2021 we joined The Sainz family for a fabulous lunch in Reims. It was wonderful to see everyone!

We see Alex and Chris frequently in California and Denver. We joined Alex and Chris at their home in Lafayette for dinner last August. Alex now has HER OWN Champagne with limited release and sourced from family grapes, Champagne Alexandra Sainz! I must say it is fantastic!

2021 Dinner with Alex and family in Lafayette a week before Marla’s serious heart issues.

Marla couldn’t join us in San Franciso as, sadly, she was in the hospital in Santa Rosa with heart failure! We had rented a house in Bodega Bay with Stacy’s family. Marla had trouble breathing so I drove her at 5 in the morning to the hospital in Santa Rosa. It was a really scary time for all of us! I couldn’t even visit her there due to COVID restrictions! Marla told us to continue our trip with the family to San Francisco. Our daughter Stacy and her family were on this trip as well. Alex knew of the situation and still joined us for dinner in in San francisco.

Alex is in her family’s ancient “cave” in Bouzy with a bottle of her Champagne Alexandra Sainz.

A wonderful photo of Jean-Francois and his father, Pierre.

Our good friend Pierre sadly passed away this week.

Pierre pouring wine at Alex and Chris’ home in California in 2022 for one of many fabulous lunches and dinners in Bouzy, Reims, Paris, Colorado, and California. This was my last wonderful visit with him.

I’ll always remember Pierre for his kindness, friendship, and humor. We spent many an evening over the years drinking Champagne together and talking like crazy with each other in our respective languages. Somehow it just worked out. I’ll truly miss him.

Thank you for joining me on this wonderful circuitous route…all evolving from a serendipitous brief encounter in Cannes, sprinkled with friendship, and recent sadness.

Photos: Dick Gentry, Andre Clouet, Champagne Alexandra Sainz. Not to be used without permission.