When I first read your post today I wanted to laugh espresso through my nose , cry, hug you, giggle, remember, cry. Isn't that the most wonderful time in life and when it can carry over and remain, ready when beckoned. I can only imagine that thought on the beach. _______________________ Hi Elaine, Promise me the next time you are in France you will come give me that hug! x Corey

Corey, this trip when I returned to America I felt odd hearing so many people speaking English. I'd worked on my French for the last year and some days didn't have to any English to be understood, just a strange face, motion and a few words. I had been trying so hard to make my mind think of the French word as an object that when I heard the English word I confused myself. Can't imagine what you must have felt like back then when hardly anyone spoke English though.

Why did you wait until I returned to America to do this? I would have been soooooo much help to you. Want to wait til the spring?

Corey, fabulous photos. I met a couple from Prague this month while visiting in Apt. It was a very tedious conversation with lots of hand gestures and crazy faces. Puffed out cheeks, silly smiles and crazy eye movements but we had a delicious time trying to talk. Absolutely delicious!

I remember that fountain! Your town is great.

Corey, I think you will be here in America while I am in France. Hope you have a great time in Houston and at Willows!

After two weeks in Willows, he must look and sound like a California guy by now. He does have the most perfect English/American I have ever heard!

FH and I have much in common. I always take paper goods to homes when there are going to be lots of guests. It's so not chic to run out of "necessary" paper. Bravo, Yann!

I am not sunburned or roasting in the heat but I do feel as if you've taken us with you each turn and twist of the way. You are so good at sharing stories and photos. Thank you.

Thank you for taking us with you!

Corey, I know what you mean. It has happened to me a few times in my life but the mixture of joy and tears is unexplainable. I am grateful for your teacher who gave this gift to you.

The buildings all do look like cakes and we'd like a slice please. Looks like you're having too much fun.

Austria is so ... One of my friends is from Austria and here temporarily, well, until he retires and goes back home. Each year he makes the most fabulous Austrian Christmas cookies! To be there as you are would be fabulous and fattening. You two are something else!

Being practical, I would take: 2 pair jeans 2 pair Smartwool socks 2 pair undies 2 t shirts 2 long sleeve shirts (I turn into one big freckle) sunscreen and eyeware boots (NOT FRENCH STILETTO BOOTS) lipstick 1 wind breaking, warmer than all get out jacket an old Mercedes first aid kit, they even had morphine just in case

Still laughing!

I'm laughing my a$$ off here. Actually, I can see you and Yann riding off in the rain nekkid as they say in the south. LOL. Oh, I needed to laugh today. Thank you.

Dearest Corey, you have because you give, you are loved because you love. Washing dishes is a form of meditation and soul searching.

Corey, thank you for always sharing so much! I am homesick for a place I've only visited and never lived but absolutely love. Perhaps one day.

Ooooooh, Corey, what a fabulous evening affair (in several senses of the word)! Love the pillows on the lawn. You and Yann looked divine. Can't wait for the next installment.

What time is dinner?

Corey, my grandmother said the same to me that Annie said to you. When she left, I didn't cry for her but for my loss. I cried because I still had much to learn from her. At 90 she had seen so much and knew things that I could only dream of knowing. I pray that Annie will be with you for many, many years to come.

Everyone has beautiful advice for you but as a grandmother, I have perhaps a slightly different view. Loving is part of everything we do. Never for one moment believe that there is only "one love" for you in this life. At each stage of our lives, there is a different love for us. The day also will come when you know that loving yourself is the most important thing you can do for you. I have been with Marshall for over 35 years and have never entered into a physical affair with another man but there have been hours or days, weeks or months during those years when I would fall in love with someone else. Give yourself permission to move on and love, often!

Corey, LaMadone is like no other place on earth as you know. My 10 days there were the first true holiday I have had in many years and one of the only places I actually felt like myself again. J-Bernard and Nathalie are the loveliest of people and fit nicely into almost any niche in your heart. They made us feel at home, happy, welcome and very special. On the day that I had to leave, my heart broke as tears came pouring from my eyes. It was if it had become a new home to me. A day, a week, a lifetime...that's what LaMadone is to me. Must a really bring macaroons? I'm much better at lavender shortbread.

Corey, I am happy that this time life was very generous to you.

Happy Birthday, dear Annie!!!!!!