Faithful followers of Just Frances will know that, after many trials and tribulations, I am now a dual citizen of the United States and the…
Well, here I am! Another year has rushed by, and today I find myself turning 51. It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating my…
Wow! JustFrances.com hit the 15-year milestone today! I don’t know that I expected that when I first registered the domain, but here I am, marking…
It has finally happened: I am now a United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland citizen*. That means no more visas, no more immigration…
I am home for another Christmas holiday in The Homeland and looking forward to merriment, festive foods, and time with family and friends. And, of…
Thanksgiving came early to Castle Ryan, with a lovely feast for my neighbours last night. As an American living abroad, Thanksgiving is a little harder…
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not (generally) an entertainer. I don’t host parties or gatherings and rarely invite people into my home.…
And so, it begins. I am now a quinquagenarian; more commonly known as a human in their 50s. This is not a bad thing to…
I sound like a broken record, but I’m on my Homeland Holidays again! This marks my third Christmas in a row in the homeland which…
It has been more than 22 years since I first arrived in Scotland, and now it’s time to test my knowledge of this place I…
Yesterday was the 4th of July, which means Independence Day in America. And that means parades, barbeques, fireworks, and for some of us, Fun Runs!…
A few days ago, I shared a post about my mother and what she meant (means) to me. But she wasn’t just my mother, she…
Today, I am 48 years old. And today hurts. Not because I’m 48, but rather because I am now officially older than my late husband.…
Today is the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Tiger. This is an important “zodiac” sign* for me because I was born in…
I have enjoyed a nice, relaxing Christmas in Cle Elum with my parents. And I have to say, it’s been wonderful, although not a typical…
I built my first gingerbread house today, and I loved it! Not least because I built it with my darling Godson, whom I’ve not seen…
I’m home! After 856 days away, I have finally returned home to hug my parents. (Real hugs are way better than proxy hugs!) I began…
Today should be a big celebration to mark my husband’s 60th birthday. But, as with too many years before, he is not here to celebrate;…
Today marks 20 years since I first arrived in Scotland for “just one year” as a study abroad student. At the time, I never expected…
Life has changed so much in the last 16 months, but life has also been very static. Yes, everything has changed, and nothing has changed,…