McDonalds - hoorah!!

We notice that we are forever looking out for a McDonalds when on our travels.   I might write to them and say thanks – most sincerely.    I won’t comment on their products or ethics but we are so grateful to use their free Wi-Fi when in a strange place, with odd maps, weird traffic signs, feeling lost – that welcome giant yellow 'M' raises our spirits.   

In we go, buy a coffee or better still a McFlurrie, and connect with the world.   Instant free information – can’t beat it.     I might make a little map and plot all the McDonalds I have been very glad to visit….

Bluebells sont tres belles

On the 25th April we joined friends for a lovely romp through a Bluebell Wood at Etang de Bois Pouvreau, near to Menigoute, Deux-Sevres which stirred up lots of happy memories from my walks in the Yorkshire Dales.    I found this poem by Felix Dennis (Tales from the Woods 2010) which says it all.    According to Felix’s website, he can count Mick Jagger as a fan too.

The Bluebell Wood (Felix Dennis) We walked within an ancient wood Beside the Heart-of-England way Where oak and beech and hazel stood, Their leaves the pale shades of May. By bole and bough, still black with rain, The sunlight filtered where it would Across a glowing, radiant stain— We stood within a bluebell wood! And stood and stood, both lost for words, As all around the woodland rang And echoed with the cries of birds Who sang and sang and sang and sang… My mind has marked that afternoon To hoard against life’s stone and sling; Should I go late, or I go soon, The bluebells glow— the birds still sing.

Franglais – April review

The Franglais group started in January and after 14 continuous weeks averaging 20 people a week with a good mix of French and English speakers, I thought it was time to have a review of progress (14/4/14).     We had another good turnout and a great discussion, the upshot being that everyone was in favour of continuing in the same vein as we have been doing – games, conversation, and keeping it weekly.    

This is very gratifying but, I did have to emphasis that I need help to arrange activities.   There was lots of energy and enthusiasm in the room.   One Frenchman said the thing he liked best was that the group was ‘pas de sanctions’.   How typically French and I could not agree more!   Vive la France! 
    

A local journalist heard about us…. see item ‘Apprendre l'anglais en s'amusant’: http://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/Deux-Sevres/Communes/Fenioux/n/Contenus/Articles/2014/03/22/Apprendre-l-anglais-en-s-amusant-1840646  

Visit to Tours and the Loire Valey

Visit to Tours

In April we went to visit Isis and her mother Sabine who live in Tours.      We had hosted Isis for a delightful week last year to help her develop her English language and hit it off with Sabine when she came to collect Isis at the end of the week.   It was great to see them again in their superb town house.    We loved Tours too.

Isis, Sabine and Jeff had a Saturday night  jamming session

Jeff, Sabine, Isis and I at Chateau du Clos Luce

On the Sunday they took us to Amboise where we saw the Château Royal D'amboise.      Originally a Gallic outpost it was first built and then replaced by a feudal fortress.    This castle is among one of the first Royal residences, which introduced the Italian taste in the Vallee de Loire with an exceptional collection of furniture Gothic and Renaissance.     We also looked at the the Château du Clos Lucé the final home of Leonardo Da Vinci. 
    

Sabine produced an ‘english’ picnic which we consumed sitting by the river Loire.   

We also saw in Amboise and in the area lots of examples of Troglodyte homes.   They are historic, domesticated cave dwellings that are quite common in the Loire Valley.    As we walked up rue Victor Hugo toward the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, we passed by half-timbered homes and troglodyte dwellings tucked into ancient cliffs – unusual dwellings with flower boxes, brightly-colored shutters and little stone alcoves that held their satellite dishes.      

It seems Mick Jagger owns one of the many beautiful chateaus in the region (no he is not a Trogite) – we did not spot him, but if we had, we would just smile and say ‘thanks for the music'.   I have seen him on show twice in Buffalo, America (circa 1978) and Wembley in London (1982) so would be nice to score a hat trick on that one.

It was a lovely drive home that evening through the beautiful historic town of Chinon. The Loire Valley is of course very famous and we could see there was lots of good reason to go back and spend some more time there soon. It was only two hours drive from home. We love Isis and Sabine and it is so nice to have such lovely amis français.

Boules en Bois

Jeff started in March to play Boule en Bois which is like Pétanque but with hard wood boules.    The ancient French used to use these made of ash, elm, beech or box.      It is a lovely relaxing game and taken au sérieux by our French neighbours.   I just need to get him a flat cap to match the bandy legs and rotund stature and he will fit right in! 

Newsletter editor

Our local Deux-Sevres walking group ‘Get Together’ www.getogether-france.org needed a new Newsletter Editor so my hand shot up – ideal for me!   

I started in the role in March and like being on a committee again!     I have much to learn and a few ideas for refresh – but slowly, the French way.   
The group organise walks, history talks, puddings clubs, book clubs, BBQs and so on.

The May edition will have to be produced in Provence and dispatched from a local McDonalds (where would be without McDs free WiFi…. and those ice cream sundaes are not bad either). 

Les poulets en vacances

We realised we were due to be away a lot in March, April and May so decided it would be better to move the chickens somewhere else to be looked after.   Our friends Angela and Terry are renovating their gorgeous old French house which has in the garden some ancient but good condition hen houses – they have always fancied having chicks so…  we packed Mrs Mac and Ginger into a nice straw filled box, all their food sacks, drinks trays and paraphernalia into the car and took them over.   
Out they popped into their new home and started laying their eggs immediately!    They are having a great time and did not seem to mind the upheaval at all.   Angela and Terry are enjoying eggy breakfast everyday – everybody is happy.    

Ginger and Mrs Mac (the original escape artist!)

They are due to come back to us at the end of May by which time we will have renovated the chicken coop and pen – I have even got some nice French flag bunting to welcome them home!   I do miss their lovely cooing and funny antics though.

Drawing

I am still going to my drawing class and recently we graduated to trying portraits.   So far I have been happy with walls and trees, so the thought of trying to capture a human seemed a huge challenge and so it is!!    This is my first ever portrait which I did for Susie’s birthday (23^rd April).....    

The original picture 

Artists interpretation....

I can see more changes I'd like to make but after many, many erasings it was starting to get very grubby, so I had to stop.     Only problem now is, I will have to do the other 6 kids, not only them but their mums and dads to boot!    

I might practice on DJ Jeff next!   

Montserrat and Andorra

After disembarking at Barcelona at breakfast time we were faced with the long drive north and decided to visit the Monestir de Montserrat and Roca de St. Jaume just outside the city, (it would have been rude not to)      The monastery is 1,236 metres (4,055 ft) above the valley floor, and is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands, and stands central to the most populated part of Catalonia.     We went up on the railway and then funicular railway (jaw droppingly scary) to the highest point, Sant Jeroni,  and then by a footpath.    From here we could see almost all of Catalonia, and on a clear day the island of Mallorca is visible.

From Sant Jeroni

Having spent half the day at Montserrat we still had the drive home so decided to go via the principality of Andorra (tax haven) and stop one night there to break the journey.    For me this was the highlight of the whole trip.   Andorra is in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France.     It is the sixth smallest nation in Europe, with an estimated population of 85,000.   We did not make it to the capital city Andorra la Vella, which is the highest capital city in Europe, 3,356 ft above sea level (compare this with Ben Nevis summit which is 4,409 ft).    We found out that the people of Andorra have the third highest human life expectancy in the world – 84 years and we could see why.   It was just stunning – the scenery and sense of being lost in time.    Andorra is definitely on the list of places to go back to.    We stayed in Sant Julià de Loria and found (via McDonaolds WiFi) a ‘booking.com’ 4 star hotel for half price on the Sunday night.    On Monday morning we enjoyed an awesome drive north to the border, en route taking advantage of a ski lift (9 euros each to go up 2,500 feet) to watch skiers and enjoy a coffee in brilliant sunshine amid a snow capped peaks.   

Restaurant window reflecting ski scene behind me....

Play it again Sam?

The weather during the cruise was superb for the last few days of March and we found ourselves stretched out of the deck enjoying some sunshine yesterday. It’s a bit blustery today (31st March) but we are in the Atlantic! Casablanca was disappointing – modern buildings (I expected something more old world shabby chic) looking very run down and poor but we were in the port area. We were tormented by market stall traders selling the usual trash and there was not an iota of charm to make it memorable.    Even McDonalds failed us when we tried to use their WiFi (but the McFlurries were as good as ever).     Some other passengers went on day trips to Marrakesh or around Casablanca, which sounded ok – but we usually avoid ‘day tripping’ excursions as being poor value for money.     I don’t think any of us would consider coming to CB again – shame.    It looked like they could have done so much more to make it appealing to tourists.  There was some building work going on and it looked like it might be a ‘tax free’ shopping mall in the making but it will take a lot more than that to make it an attractive destination.    
 I had been hoping for something reminiscent of Humphrey Boggart and his famous line ‘play it again Sam’ in the film Casablanca.  

Of course this is well-known as one of the most widely misquoted lines from films!!      The actual line in the film is 'Play it, Sam'.      Something approaching 'Play it again, Sam' is first said in the film by Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) in an exchange with the piano player 'Sam' (Dooley Wilson):

Ilsa: Play it once, Sam.     For old times' sake.
Sam: I don't know what you mean, Miss Ilsa.
Ilsa: Play it, Sam.    Play "As Time Goes By." 
Sam: Oh, I can't remember it, Miss Ilsa.    I'm a little rusty on it.
Ilsa: I'll hum it for you. Da-dy-da-dy-da-dum, da-dy-da-dee-da-dum...
Ilsa: Sing it, Sam.
Sam: No, I don't.

The line is usually associated with Humphrey Bogart and later in the film his character Rick Blaine has a similar exchange, although his line is simply 'Play it':

Rick: You know what I want to hear.

Rick: You played it for her, you can play it for me!
Sam: Well, I don't think I can remember...
Rick: If she can stand it, I can!     Play it!

Ah, they don’t make ‘em like that anymore (sigh)

Norweigan Spirit

Day one on the Norwegian Spirit (an American owned shipping line) was spent at sea and we quickly found our sea legs and a wine tasting!!    Tried six ‘progresive’ wines under excellent tutorage using interesting spices, nibbles and cheeses to tickle our taste buds.     We shared a table with some Bulgarians and Germans and formed our own ‘wine club’ then and there (as you do) resulting in our attendance that week at 3 other tastings – ‘New World’, ‘Old World’ and finally French wines – superb.     

Jeff was delighted to discover the karaoke bar one evening and exercised his vocal cords to great applause (our wine club members now morphed into a DJ Jeff fan club).   The range of other activities and entertainment was just endless – dance classes, origami, health seminars, fitness classes, quizzes, art exhibition, theatres, movies, casinos, card games, library, Jacuzzis, swimming pools.      It was an unforgettable experience with first rate customer service.   

from dining table window seat

bad hair day!

Carcassone - Barcelona and buskers galaore

En route to Barcelona we stopped at Carcassonne to break the journey.    Carcassonne, is a medieval fortification and was fascinating; we would love to visit it again to explore.      The next day we drove down to Barcelona which was a splendid journey seeing the landscape becoming increasingly Spanish and 10 degrees warmer.   We took a detour off the main road to have a quick coffee at Port Leucate which looked interesting on the map - expecting to find a quaint old harbour overlooking the Med.    How wrong could we be?     It was like an upmarket Butlins as the area has been hugely developed (if there ever was an old quaint harbour – there is no sign of it now).   There was a very smart modern marina surrounded by upmarket shopping experiences and the usual trashy souvenir shops then acres and acres of new holiday housing.   Oh well, the coffee was good.   

On we drove down to Barcelona a city we love, having visited 12 years ago for Jeff’s 50^th.   Jeff had booked a hotel right in the centre called The Axel.    We noticed some strange things when we were checking in for example lots of pink fluffy furniture, giant cushions, posters advertising erotic shows in the lift – the posters were in the lift not the erotic shows!) and then discovered we were in the heart of Barcelona’s LG&B community!    But it didn’t matter – the hotel was excellent, the staff lovely and welcoming and it was great value.     After some yummy Italian nosh, we found a great little place called the Harlem Jazz Club http://www.harlemjazzclub.es/ within walking distance, where the evening show was a group of city buskers jamming together.    Great fun, fabulous music.

Just Cruisin'

Just catching up on 3 months Blog this afternoon 31^st March while aboard the Norwegian Spirit cruise liner sailing from Casablanca down the west coast of Africa to Tenerife, our destination tomorrow.    I have three months of Blog snippets to write as time has just slipped away with me since Christmas.   

But first this adventure, which it certainly is.    Jeff (my resident travel agent) spotted a lastmin.com type offer for this nine night cruise from Barcelona to Casablanca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Malaga and back to Barcelona.    I was not that keen, as the idea being on a boat with 2000 other travelers plus about 1000 crew just did not appeal.     However we are now into day four and I can see what must appeal to millions of others – luxury!     From arrival at the quay side where our luggage was whisked away and magically appeared in our cabin, to 24/7 food available from a range of bars and restaurants, to non-stop entertainment (something to suit everyone), and excellent room service, it is all fabulously decadent.   The staff are amazing and seem to be on hand to cater for every whim.     The food is all inclusive, so on the down side the temptation to eat too much too often is strong, and the price of drinks (not included!!) is very high.    

The Sewing Bee

With echoes of the Women’s Rural Institute, Jeff and I have now formed a sewing bee!!     This came about because I posted on a local facebook page (hilariously named LIFT – Ladies in France Together – sounds naff but it is a very good and useful resource), that I wanted to know where I could take our caravan cushions for repairs as a couple of seams were bursting.     Back came an immediate response from (as it happens) a lady who knew me.    Turns out she is a demon with a needle and had not only re-covered her boat cushions but also her three piece suite in her house – which I subsequently saw first-hand and it was amazing!     So the upshot was that Jane said she would show me how to do it myself.    

I swithered and dithered at this as I had horrendous flashbacks from school days when I tearfully struggled in despair with grubby little fingers, knotted threads, and multiple stab wounds.     I have barely managed to ever even sew a button on since.     I expressed deep doubts and reservations.     But Jane was sure I could be trained.    It was all arranged and Jane duly arrived armed with strong threads, needles and a look of determination.   I felt sick!      

Over cups of Yorkshire Tea we settled down and I had a go, very slowly managing to stitch a few reasonable inches under Jane’s bemused gaze.     I explained about nightmarish childhood sewing classes (compulsory!) and that my sister was the same.    “You are not from a sewing family then?” sniffed Jane.     

Jeff seeing my knotted brows and doleful expression said “’give it ‘ere, I’ll do it in ‘alf the time”.   Music to my ears!    Turns out he can sew! (kept that quiet).     So Jane completed one cushion and we now only have two and a half to do.      

I am not sure whether to thank Jane or slap her!  

Montalivet (or bust!)

Earlier in March we went to visit some friends who have a holiday home at Montalivet-les-Bains on the Gironde Coast.   

It was March and blustery cool weather as we got the wee ferry across from Royan – and boy was I glad.    

Turns out their holiday home was in the middle of a large…. Naturist camp!!     

I said "I am not taking my scarf and gloves of never mind anything else"!!    

We are invited back in the summer – no fear!

Murder Mystery at the Bastille!

In March we were invited to the home of the Green Family (ex-police people) who were hosting a murder mystery dinner set in the Bastille during the revolution.    

The outfits were outrageously brilliant and we had a hilarious night focused around a splendid dinner.   Jeff was in the role of The Count of Monte Cristo and I was Charlotte Corday a famous murderer (but she had good reason!).  

  

We started proceedings at 7.30 pm and by 2.45 a.m. we had not got a clue ‘who dunnit’ – something to do with the wine flowing throughout the night!    Wonderful hosts, great guests and splendid food.  Perfect!   I am now having thoughts of a Rocky Horror Show Murder Mystery party night at the Café des Belles Fleurs at Halloween – hmmmmm.

Road Hog Nurse and Road hog Policeman

A French nurse/road hog nearly run me over and I fell on the pavement trying to escape.   She jumped out her 4 x 4 and treated me at the scene looking a bit sheepish – (the nurse not me!).    I ended up at A&E having 3 stitches (never had a stitch before).   This was one the same arm I hurt last October horse riding – ouch!!   I was very impressed with A&E – straight in to triage and then to treatment.  Only minor waits – all very efficient.   

The Doctor said he wanted the District Nurse to come to my house every two days for two weeks to change the dressing.   The nurse duly knocked on our door two days later – it was the road hog nurse!!   Serves her right.

The incident reminded me of a childhood accident when virtually the same thing happened! I was about 7 or 8 years old and crossing a main road (the A1 actually as it was then before being by-passed as it is now).   I was going to my cousin Sheena's house - they lived directly across from us.   I had on a Burberry and if anyone remembers them, they were dark blue with a big belt and a huge square hood.    I had been taught to look right, look left, look right again - but, could not see for the hood so ran across the road, right in front of an off-duty 'road hog' policeman called as it turns out Mr Winter.   He got a terrible shock and so did I!!    He must have been chugging along at about 30 MPH and it was all my fault.    I remember my dad carrying me back to the house and my leg was bleeding and I was wailing.     My dad gave me a book called 'The Phoenix and the Carpet'  by E Nesbit, to read as I recuperated on the couch.     It was a wonderful childrens book and I still have it to this day.
I have just found out from google that it was the second part of a trilogy called the Story of the Amulet (1906).    I never knew that so will look out for the full set and settle down for a good read!

New jobs for the Pearsons

At the end of last year Dave was headhunted and very tempted to leave his current employer (a national fitness gym company) but they found out and lured him back in to the fold – very well done Dave!   
Then in February Natasha spotted her dream job in a local newspaper and put all her worth into successfully being selected for the job.   It is ideal for her in PR – clever puss!     

They are going to Los Angeles in May and deserve a wonderful break with the kids.

Barney Puss

In mid-January ‘un chat errant’ turned up on our door step.      We did our best to ignore him and hope he would find his way home.   We asked around but no-one knew where he had come from.   We went away to the UK for a week thinking he would be gone when we got back, but no there he was sat on the door step crying.     I gave in and bought some dry cat food for him and made up a little cosy bed and shelter in the old barn.    He then became known as ‘Barney’ (of course).    

Barney Puss Feb 2014

We took him to the vet to see if he had a microchip or tattoo – but nothing.   She advised treating him for fleas/worms and also having him neutered if ever he was to be allowed in the house otherwise he would stink!    On that basis we had him treated but not snipped yet in case his real owners can be found.    He is very handsome and extremely cuddly and friendly.   He purrs like an engine and follows me everywhere outside.      Our adoration is mutual, so it looks like he will stay.    

A French woman turned up in April saying she had heard we had a stray cat and was it hers?   Sadly, Barney was not her cat and she did not want him.   She said she would ask around in the village…. I am half hoping no-one comes to take him away – he is lovely and a grand wee mole catcher!!

Burns Night

A local group of ex-armed forces English speaking people raise money routinely for SSAFA and wanted to run a Burns Supper.   I heard about them, they heard about me and before you could say ‘Robert Burns’ I was in there leading the project to run a Burns Supper on the 25^th January for 60 guests at our local restaurant which has a handy dance floor.   

The haggis was sourced from the UK and secreted across the channel by December visitors.    The local choir (English ones) volunteered to learn a few ditties…. resulting in a wonderful evening.    

Our friends Margaret and William Black originally from Mauchline (Burns strongly associated with this town in Ayrshire) joined us and William proudly heralded the Haggis as it was brought in for the address.    It was a huge success with music provided by DJ McJeff!    

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.410604539074591.1073741828.140218616113186&type=1&stream_ref=10

William proudly escorting the Haggis

Some other friends were roped in - well they had to be - with a name like... Robert Burns!!    Yes it is true and he has a sense of humour and the look of a ploughman about him.     His address to the Haggis was superb!    Thank you Robert Burns - past and present!!

Robert Burns Live in Fenioux!!

La Chorale

In January we were invited to the Logis (village hall) for drinks and nibbles with the Mairie and other villagers.   It was a lovely atmosphere and as always at these occasions we were made to feel very welcome.   

I got involved in a conversation with a lady who sings in the choir (La Chorale) ….and before I knew it, she had established I was an ‘alto’ voice and since they are short of altos I was roped in to come to the next practice.  

I hummed a few wee ditties to practice and duly pitched up the following Wednesday night to be peered at by 22 sets of suspicious French eyes (they have not a ‘newbie’ for many years never mind a Scottish one).   

I politely listened as they went through their repertoire.    It was wonderful, just wonderful to hear in the beautiful old barn setting – but not for me!!   Way, way out of my league (e.g. not 'Ca’ The Yowes 'stuff).    It was awesome to hear and I would love to join in but I gave my apologies at the end and fled.   

Lucky escape for La Chorale some might say.

Our GP

Our GP is a lovely Frenchman, Dr Joel Delabrosse whose English language is fair enough for us all to understand each other or so we think.    

He has this very funny habit of responding to everything you say with ‘really?’ as though you have just told him something incredulous like you are a Martian.   It sounds like reeeally?      I said, 

"I have a sore arm" – ‘"reeeally?".    

"I hurt it when I was riding a horse". "reeeally?"   

"I would like a certificate of fitness to join the Walking group" "reeeally?".  

"It’s a nice day today".  "reeeally".   

Another funny thing is that he always comes out to the waiting room to personally guide you into his room.   The thing is, he does this at a trot and you feel as though you are running for a bus.   He then trots you back out and you find yourself out on the street a bit breathless.

He must wonder why I smile a lot!    

I despair....

When we became resident here we knew that in order to access French medical services we each needed to apply for a Carte Vitale.   This is a photo-card with all your bio and medical history which can be produced anywhere to access medical care.    

This should have been straight forward but has been an administrative nightmare.     We applied in November 2012.   I finally received my Carte Vitale in January 2014 and Jeff still has only a temporary social care number!!    Ahhhhh.    There is a mountain of paperwork which I now need to wade through to try and find out where we are.   For some strange reason all my correspondence has come from Paris and Jeff’s comes from Angouleme.     Why? No-one knows.    

As euro citizens we are entitled to 70% healthcare cover and so we pay a top up to obtain 100% cover which includes all our prescriptions.    So far, having not needed healthcare in the UK for years, I have now had my right arm x-rayed 4 times, MRI scan to same and now getting physio.   We were summoned immediately we registered for the usual ‘over 50s’ routine checks and Jeff has physio for his neck pain (I never said he was a pain in the neck!!).   The standards of care are excellent.   If only we could obtain the elusive Carte Vitale for Jeff – ah but it’s only been 18 months!   

Madame, vous devez être patient?? 

A bit listless??

I still have a ‘to do’ list and find it hard to give it up – but then why would I?   

I notice though that my old working life ‘to do’ list which was often pages and pages long comprising multiple meetings, reports, and projects resulting in many a sleepless night has changed.....

My list now includes lovely things like ‘feed the plants’, ‘ring Carol to arrange a walk’, ‘check recipe/shopping list for market’ ‘writing’ ‘finish drawing homework’ ‘nag Jeff about something or other….’ and so on.   

Bliss.

January 2014 - Franglais Group

The first Franglais meeting took place on the 16^th January – a good turnout of 18 people exactly 50:50 French and English.   We did some ice breaker name games and then talking games.   Great atmosphere – good start!

More books

Tracey sent me a wonderful book for Christmas called ‘The Chicken Chronicles’ by Alice Walker – better known for writing the Colour Purple in the 1970s.      It was a great read and devoured in a day!    All about chickens and people – living, habits and pecking orders!.

Olive Farm Trilogy

I read them in a trice – lovely, lovely writing by Carol Drinkwater (the actress who is best known for her role as the first wife of James Herriot in ‘All Creatures Great and Small’).   Carol and her husband bought an old dilapidated Olive Farm in Provence in the 1980s.  The books tell the hilarious, sometimes tragic and very moving story of their renovations and successful triumph against many obstacles.    I liked it so much and raved about it, that we are going to take the caravan down to stay near the estate at a Gite Carol has recently renovated.  I am looking forward to meeting her and at least a glimpse of the Olive Farm.   I also want to visit many of the places she describes in her books.    Carol writes a lovely Blog: http://www.caroldrinkwater.com/category/blog

I am reading 'The Two of Us' (2004) by Sheila Hancock.     I don't normally go in for biographies much but since I have always admired them both.....    She lovingly tells the story of their lives, their breakthroughs into acting - and how they finally met, their marriage and of course the sad loss of John Thaw to cancer in 2002. 

Hogmanay 2013

Jeff was ‘on duty’ doing his disco at the Vue du Chateau Bistro in Bressuire.   It was a brilliant night enjoying Hogmanay French style which involved a lots of dancing and more dancing to Boney-M – say no more.

Christmas 2013

We found out last week when we went to the Carol Service in Parthenay Church that two lots of new-to-us friends, Rob and Maggie, and Angela and Terry were in the throes of renovating their kitchens and planning to eat out or from the microwave on Christmas Day, so in true spirit of Christmas we invited them all to join us for our Christmas meal.     This turned out to be a great idea as we were all a little new to each other – so plenty to talk about, and lots of exciting plans for the next year.     They were excellent company.    We talked to all our families over Christmas via Skype – Mary and John in Georgia, Rob and Bill in Haddington and then Bill and Ella and family in Skelmorlie.   It was great to see the grandkids in Bradford and Newark enjoying all their presents - don’t know how our forebear Brit settlers must have managed without all this technology.

We had already planned that week to have a ‘betwixt and between’ party to celebrate the season with friends.   Jeff made pies a la Paul Hollywood style and lots of other goodies.    It was a great day starting with a muddy walk in the morning through the local forest ....

Walking back to the party.... mud galore!

... and then the party was underway by lunch time – ending at midnight with DJ Jeff ‘in harness’.      At one point there was over 40 people and one dog (enjoying all the fuss) so a bit cramped as weather wise we had to stay indoors.    A great day with lots of good cheer.

Holly Mousdale

Some friends (the Mousdales) were going to the UK and for various reasons did not want to take Holly their newly acquired rescue Labrador puppy with them.    She was such a delightful funny little bundle of energy that we just had to offer to look after her for a week over Christmas.    She was very good and I enjoyed daily walks (gallops actually).   Holly decided to sleep under the Christmas Tree en’tail’ing daily tree rearranging, but apart from that she was good as gold.      It did help us to confirm our decision not to have a dog.   Much as though we liked having her, it is a huge commitment and not suited to our flexible every changing life style.    

Holly Mousdale

So thanks for that Holly, and please come again for your holly-days.

December 2013 – tasting franglais

This month December 2013, Jeff and I organised a ‘taster’ Franglais meeting at our local bar The Café Des Belles Fleurs’ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caf%C3%A9-des-Belles-Fleurs/140218616113186 to find out if there was any interest in starting a group there to meet weekly and engage in conversation.    The idea is that French and English speakers learn from each other and have the dual roles of ‘professeur’ and ‘étudient’. We were finding it to hard and slow to learn French without much opportunity to practice.   The reason there is not much chance to practice is that we live in a high volume English speaking community (‘little England’ indeed if not even ‘wee Scotland’) and tend to get involved in many activities with English speakers.   This is a common problem for many friends – hence the meeting.    It was well attended by 20+ English and French and the upshot was that there did seem to be a demand.    Joy at CBF was happy to let us have a room in exchange for thirsty customers!   It was agreed ‘we’ (that would be me) would arrange sessions to start in January.