364 days ago today I turned on my laptop in the house in Seattle at which we were staying, having earlier that day moved out of ours. I was alone for a few minutes, Melinda & Ella having gone to run an errand and Chloe being with a friend. On a whim, I connected to WordPress and set up this blog.
Let me repeat that. This blog was a complete whim, started without much thought. It has grown to become a significant piece of the sabbatical, attracting a multitude of faithful followers (thank you to all).
Today marks the official end of the sabbatical from a timing standpoint. But I am very excited to say that Melinda and I worked it out with the powers that be at PSCS for us to remain in France for 4 more weeks. I’ll continue to post daily updates here; in fact, I’ll post through the month of July which will include the first few days we’re back in Seattle. After that, we’ll have to see. If any of you faithful followers have ideas, let me know.
Meanwhile, thinking back on that first blog post I knew I wanted to have a photo each day and wanted to keep the text short. I’ve succeeded at the photo part, but I know sometimes I’ve gone on a bit long. To honor that first photo, I present today’s. As I did on Day 1, I used PhotoBooth on my MacBook and I’ve tried to emulate the pose.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. As the saying goes, “The days are long but the years are short.”
Andy Smallman 
Congrats on living in France 365 days!! As one of your faithful followers, I have really enjoyed the little bits of adventure you have posted everyday. Thanks for bringing the daily dose of France to my work mornings.
much love to you and the family!
I wish I had been with you for your whole sabbatical! It has been fun reading your posts. Enjoy the next four weeks of bonus. It’s all gravy!
thank you so much Andy for my every evening english lesson.
I like to read your blog every day. it’s the short and funny story before to sleep.
I’m addicted to your blog and i don’t imagin how it’s possible when you come back at Seattle.
A Fan reader !
I also greatly appreciate your sharing of the intimate details of your life in France. I feel I have gotten to know you, your family and your friends. It is like reading a book. You have never met the characters, but you know them well and they have a special place in your heart.
Not only do I enjoy the blog, I appreciate the comments.
I was disappointed to return home and find that you had changed the format. It made it more difficult for me to go back to the older posts. Each time I had to return to the original log in and go back. I like to read them in order of posting.