Hello? Is there anybody out there? I know it's been ages, so I decided it was time for a quick catch up. The last couple of months have presented us with a few ups and downs, and I haven't been writing much, but I wanted to share some of what's been going on around here, what a few friends have been up to, some interesting links, and what I've been listening to, eating and reading. January started off with a quiet NYE at home with a friend visiting from the US, followed by a sunny, delicious, carb-filled, 48 hour trip to Rome (which thankfully renewed my faith in that crazy city!). December and January were full of doctor's appointments to prepare my husband for hip replacement surgery. I'm going to say it again...the healthcare in France is incredible! He's now working with a physical therapist and will be ditching his crutches soon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make my annual trek to New Orleans for Mardi Gras in February, which totally bummed me ou...