News From France

Yep!  That's ME, alright... all in black.. I've finally adopted the Parisien mode of dress...

Google is always so creative with their logos- here is the new one for Christmas.. It's interactive, too.. Go and check it out at HERE...

Hi Everyone, It's Monday, a little less than a week to go before Christmas and I wanted to take the time to wish all of you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. Love to all of you and lots of Holiday Cheer! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Picture courtesy of my friend, Raquel.

This year was quiet and stress free.. Thanks to Animesh for hosting...  Everything was DELISH!! I didn't even have to make the yams  b/c Patricia brought her wonderful potimaron/potato gratin.. YUM!!! I made Fred's stuffing, of course.. YUMMMM!! Turkey breasts and  dessert... Amanda made the cranberry sauce and Animesh- the cornbread! Patricia - green beans and broc.  All in all- it was DELISH and a very special one with a few friends! No bread and cheese...

Two shot of my 'native' San Diego... via Tony! Thanks Ton, for sending these to me for my San Diego--- 'fix!'

Since I'm feeling a lot better on the morale side.. spirits are lifting up higher and higher.. I decided to send you all a little sunshine on a gray and dreary day.. Add a little sunshine to your day!

In exactly one month from today... we'll be getting on a plane to visit my dad and step mom in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.. A lot of you already know this.. but my step mom is Costa Rican and they have been living there for about 3+ years now.... A nice country to retire in! So, I do blogging from there HERE (COSTA RICA HERE I COME) and I am posting some pics here that my step mom just sent me from her trip to Panama and then a few others from their place.. Can't wait to go--- to see my...

My friend, Cliff... of WIXY'S Gone Banana's lives in Ohio.  I live in France.  We have never met once in person but we are friends from blogging across the MILESSSSSSS and I consider him one of my good friends... This is because he's a REAL SWEETHEART of a man.  He has been there for me in support and encouragement when I have been down, blue and in suffering.. Not everyone knows what to say or do when we are going through rough times, and sometimes all we need is a hug or to let...

I wrote to you all in the previous post about a dear and cherished friend of mine who just recently journeyed on... Well, today is her birthday and today I celebrated her beautiful and wonderful life... She was a star here on earth- a jazz and gospel singer with a whole lotta soul.. her AMAZING voice took you into another realm... I know she is singing in the Heaven's above now.. Sista Singa.. SING IT OUT, LOUD!!! I love you, Manda.. and though your time here on earth with us is done...