January 1, 2009

Welcoming in the New Year

As the curtains open to reveal a shiny, brand new year, I thought I would take a moment to reflect upon some of the highlights of 2008.

A new kitten. Poor little guy was abandoned at the age of 2 weeks. We took him in, fed him, cared for him, and now he rules our house.

A new American President. Finally, someone I can be proud of after 8 years of embarrassment.

The acceptance of my Demande de Nationalité Française application. I still can't believe it. Somebody pinch me!

A trip to Paris. Four absolutely perfect days in September complete with friends, cheese, Thai food, Korean food, Phở, chocolate and Naughty Paris. My fabulous hosts have since moved to Thailand so we have a new place to visit one of these days.

The Dollar got a bit stronger and the price of fuel dropped. We love having a some extra Euros every month. I can actually buy shoes again.

My first taste of frog's legs and tripe. The former, a welcome taste treat. The latter, not so much.

Another trip to Cognac. How much Chinese food and distilled alcohol tasting can three people fit into three days? Copious amounts, I can tell you.

A new ice cream maker. Hadn't owned one in 5 years and quickly made up for lost churning time. Sour Cherry Frozen Yogurt has got to be the best, most refreshing thing on a hot day, ever.

Smoking was banned in restaurants and cafés in France. My lungs continue to be thankful.


So, I bid adieu to 2008 (I know many would say good riddance!) and bienvenue to 2009! Pin It

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

LouLou

It will be interesting to find out what the year 2009 has in store for us :-)

Anonymous said...

For me, one of the best things about 2008 was discovering your blog. Many thanks, I have so enjoyed your daily posts and photos Loulou; the first thing I do when I get home from work every afternoon is checkout your daily photo. Your photos are fabulous! And thankyou also for your advice about restaurants in the area, we loved your recommendations when we spent 10 days on the Canal in July. I hope 2009 is a year of good health, much happiness and prosperity for you and yours. And please keep up the daily posts and photos, I so enjoy them!
Jenny

Betty Carlson said...

Congratulations on the nationality acceptance! I hadn't realized it was totally final.

georgiegirl said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. It looked like 2008 ended with good things for you to look forward to in 2009.
I clicked on you link about your friend who moved to Thailand. I am interested in how they are doing. Very interesting.

L'Imperatrice said...

Happy New Year!
I love your blog, your outlook of France and pictures are so refreshing, I tell you I am not too fan of my own country but your blog makes me see it in a different perspective, yes France is beautiful.

Jennifer said...

Beaver
Yes, it certainly will! Good things, I hope.
Happy New Year!

jenny
That is such a sweet compliment. Thank you!
I hope you come back to this area so we can meet. I'm sorry we didn't have the chance when you were here over the summer.
Bonne Nouvelle Année to you and your loved ones!

Betty
They accepted the application, but I'm not a citizen yet! The gendarmes have to come interview me and then the dossier is sent to another office and it takes about a year from then. Maybe I'll be French in 2010.
Happy New Year Betty!

georgiegirl,
Happy New Year to you too! We had a pretty good year and I hope you did as well.
Our friends in Thailand are doing well. I know they miss things about France but enjoy the quiet life on the island.

Sissi
Thank you for your nice comment! France is beautiful and I am very happy that I can live here. :)

Unknown said...

Very good things to be thankful for in 2008, LouLou. What dates were you in Paris in September? I was there the 19th-20th.

Jennifer said...

Mimi
I think I was in Paris just before you were!
Bonne Année!