"A windmill or a chatterbox?" "Un moulin à vent ou un moulin à paroles?" That is the question! ;-)

Well, no, I didn't take this picture in Holland, but in Arlington, only 6 miles west of Boston.
This charming "windmill house"sits on a hill called Morningside. It was built in the 1930's.
I guess, the first question that crosses your mind is: Are its sails operating? What do you think?

There is a French old lullaby related to this theme. If you want to hear it, click here. And for the translation, visit our friend Bergson from Chateaubriant Daily photo.

Eh bien non, je n’ai pas pris cette photo en Hollande, mais à Arlington à 9km seulement à l’ouest de Boston.
Ce charmant moulin à vent se trouve sur une colline portant le nom de Morningside. Il fut construit dans les années trente.
J'imagine que la première question qui vous vient à l’esprit est la suivante : Ses ailes tournent-elles ? Qu’en pensez-vous ?

Il existe une vieille berceuse sur ce thème. Si vous voulez l’entendre, cliquez ici. Et pour la traduction, allez sur le blog de notre ami Bergson de Chateaubriant Daily Photo.

French Expression in context / Expression française en contexte

1. "On ne peut (pas) être au four et au moulin" : One cannot be in two places, at once. (lit: one cannot be at the oven and at the mill at the same time): Un peu d'histoire! A little bit of history!: This expression has its roots in medieval times. Windmills appeared in France in the 12th century. Under the feudal system, mills and ovens were the property of the lord who had a monopoly status. As a result, to be able to use these public facilities, peasants (serfs) had to pay dues (called "banalités") in the form of a product corresponding to a portion of the flour left to the miller, and to the lord as well. To make their flour, they would bring their grain to the mill (usually located on the river or stream) and wait in line. The bread was then made at home to be finally baked in the common oven (le four banal) situated in the center of the village. Thus it was impossible to be at the two places at the same time. These facilities were also a place to chat... which brings us to our second expression: 2. “un moulin à paroles" : a chatterbox . (lit: a wordmill )” Enjoy! :-)