We've got the big ones too. When Maurice was a child he was raised on a farm by his grandmother. Every time it rained the children were sent out to gather snails for a meal, so I'm guessing this guy is edible. The white ones, I've been told, aren't. Not that I would be eating them anyway.

It was great to watch that ceremony even on TV. I've visited that cemetery. I don't think there is any place more beautiful and more moving.

I haven't tried twitter yet. I never use my cell phone that much anyway. Maybe one of these days...

I read a book a while ago called "Loving What Is" which basically says, if something bothers you and not the other person, you fix it or you do it. I've tried this with my husband and can go along for a while doing the things that bother me but, of course, I blow up now and then. It's hard to not be bothered. It sounds great on paper though.

I noticed right away that you weren't speaking in 3rd person. I think it's great but I like it either way--whatever you feel the most comfortable with. I just enjoy reading about your life in Marrakech no matter who tells the story.

I need to increase my vocabulary as well. Right now most of my newest words have to do with driving.

Happy Birthday! I predict that this will be you best year yet.

Joan Rivers is another celebrity I saw once, this time in NYC. She is so tiny. I used to love her on Johnny Carson, etc. I'm so out of American culture now that I don't think I've ever even seen her daughter and her on TV. Ah, the age thing. I'm just trying to make every year-and day-full and interesting so I don't have any regrets when I can't zoom around anymore.

I like the glamorous and luxurious myself. It's fun to see how a place is decorated if money is no object.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you. It may indeed be too late but you never know until you try. I'll light a candle for you two next time I'm in a church.

I'm another who loved West Wing. I need to keep a lookout for the series on DVD. I've had many "sightings" in my life for some reason. My latest was Paul MacCartney in Paris. It certainly brightened my day.

My two oldest grandsons living in Switzerland now speak perfect Italian with no accent and, it seems to me, very little effort, the little sponges-in less than a year. Sigh.

For a minute there I thought he bought you a dog. What a nice surprise. He sounds like a great dog.

I think anyone who is an artist at heart-that would be you-is entranced by changing light. I certainly am. I don't notice it as much in a city but I sure do in the countryside.

Isn't it fun to see the differences? Just looking at what the French eat for breakfast is intriguing to me.

I certainly hope you get some flowers on mother's day, you deserve some. I had to laugh--I was looking at an old post that I wrote about 3 years ago and saw your comment: You certainly make me feel much more optimistic about my dating prospects when I move to France in November. I have never been married but after my last serious relationship ended in 1998 I guess I took what ended up being a very long break from dating, too, focusing on my work instead. I did once have a vacation fling with a Frenchman when I was about 22 but he ended up not being such a nice guy, so it\’s really good to read so many bloggers who are married to wonderful French men. Just goes to show you can\’t generalize about people–thanks for that reminder, and if a French guy asks me out, who knows?! Who knows indeed.

What a fabulous view. A nice way to relax.

I almost set my hair on fire once with an American curling iron and an adaptor in Europe. I don't have any trouble now, years later, with an American curling iron since it is dual voltage. Glad they figured that one out.

I'm late with my congratulations. I'm sure you will settle in very quickly, especially when you are having help from on high.

My favorite potato salad recipe: Using potatoes and a few boiled eggs cut up into eatable pieces, add finely chopped onion, finely chopped dill pickles, some chopped red bell pepper-grilled, seeds and skin removed. To all of this gently stir in a vinargarette made of olive oil, vinegar and mustard, a small amount of mayonaisse and even a little bit of mustard if you like the taste. Salt and pepper to taste. My mother use to only use mayonaisse and mustard and a little pickle juice which was ok but I really like the taste of the vinegarette. PS-no problem accessing here. Maybe it's because I have a typepad account.

My parents have never been to France, not even for my wedding. They are at the age where travel is difficult so I don't think they ever will. I would love to take my Dad to the WWII sites in Normandy but I never will. Sort of sad but what can you do?

I love Cornwall and I'm sure it is your sort of place-perfect for photos, walks and dreaming.

I just saw this woman on the French news. She is now world famous. It just makes you happy.

I cried like a baby. What a surprise. Never judge a book by its cover, huh?