And so her story goes...

When last we saw our heroine, she was enjoying a lovely summer's afternoon in Les éditeurs cafe, sipping Rose’ wine and making plans to purchase window boxes for a fall, floral extravaganza of riotous colors, textures and scents, now that the looming scaffolding that darkened her windows and ate up precious growing space was deconstructed from the front of rue des écoles. Poised over pasta salad and pondering the miniature garden design, she patiently awaited the return of her beloved as he courted his mistress...the Blackberry. The CEO called and even though it was our vacation, Bill had to take the call.

Upon his return, he broached a question... “Do you want to talk about it here or back at the apartment?”

Well dear readers, one year later almost to the day, we are faced with another major life change and another move. The following corporate announcement provides the details that were lacking as of the last blog post.


We are pleased to announce the promotion of Bill Barbo to the position of Corporate Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing. In this role, Bill will report directly to the Chairman, President & CEO, and will be responsible for overseeing the global sales and marketing function in support of all of company businesses. Over the past year, Bill played an integral role within the new sales organization in the European-based position as Corporate Vice President, Global Strategic Accounts and European Specialist Sales, strengthening existing client relationships and helping to forge new relationships with large European customers. In his new role, Bill will be based in Wilmington and will be relocating from France in the coming weeks.

We are coming home! Thanksgiving in Groton...black bear sightings...fresh air...wild birds...my deck and peace and quiet!

Now, I have whined a lot about Paris...perhaps unfairly. The kvetching says more about me at this point in my life than it does about the city. Paris is unique. It offers beauty, history, culture and challenges...all of which we encountered, enjoyed or endured. Do I regret my time here? Not at all...would I do things differently, absolutely! But, we chalk this up as a lesson learned; a new piece added to our patchwork quilt of a life.

I will miss Paris...the City of Lights. I’ll miss the history, architecture, art and yes, the quirky characters I encountered each and every day. I already miss the visits of friends and family that never occurred because our time here was cut shorter than planned. But, I am so happy to be going home, to my house, my stuff, and my friends. But, to be honest, I have trepidations.


When last in Groton, I was poised at a crossroads of life...an empty nest, fast approaching another decade of my life and the big question of now that my daughters are grown (although I keep reminding them I am their mom), what will be the purpose that drives my life, faces me once again.

In Paris, I found a voice of sorts...I am a storyteller. Thank you to all who have read this blog, shared your comments, offered love, advice and support. I have been happy to share this short chapter in my life. I hope to keep sharing stories...I am an historian, through my formal education and as a result of a calling from bygone days. I plan on telling “her-story” for a while. I think I will continue to explore the relationships of food, wine and traditions...they are a part of her-story too.

There are a couple of business models banging around my head too...but I may need to go back to school to find the right way to implement those visions.

I am going home. I think I may need six months though to shed this new skin...to find my pace...my place after being gone for a while. So forgive me if I say Oui instead of yes...or Bonjour instead of Hi ya. It will take me some time to find some pieces to pick up...to find the clear page for the next chapter of my life... It is unfair and unreal to expect that I can and will pick up where I left off. I am not the same person who left Groton last year. I have grown, changed and have a whole host of experiences not recorded on these pages that have shaped me. Perhaps I will write them down in time...along with some new stories too.

By the way, I have a beret...I didn’t get a chance to toss it at the Jardin yet...there is still some time left for that...but I think my beret will look great in Groton.

So, why the heck did my husband drag me to Paris and why is he dragging me back to Groton? ...because my home is where he is.

I love you all... see you soon.