Unfortunately, I just saw that TW is taking a break from blog writing. Too bad -- it has been a pleasure to read. Her sense of humor is priceless, and I hope if she does get that chalet she will return to share her renovation experiences.
For a different perspective on the Swiss ex-pat experience -- also by an American but from the Northeast, living in Central Switzerland rather than the Romand -- you can catch (ahem) mine at
http://bargegirl.blogspot.com/
Unfortunately, my sense of human can't compare with TW's, but the pictures are nice...