No, not last winter really, more the accident I had 3 years ago when I broke both my ankles and was unable to get about for 6months. I think we realised then that sooner or later we would have to consider somewhere less isolated for our later years and so started casting around. First and foremost wherever we went we, (or perhaps I should change that to "I") had to have a garden not easy when looking in nearby towns. Eventually we struck lucky though and have found what we think is a gem of a place complete with manageable garden.
Yes it is very cold here all of a sudden but no snow yet although Monte Nerone, the highest peak near to us is completely covered.