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JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
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JULY
01-07 Weeds
I've never really been much of a gardener (well the 2sq meters of concrete we had in the UK hardly constitutes a garden) so now with 2 gardens to care for I’m finding it.....a challenge. Thanks to my lovely parents and their housewarming gift of a strimmer (amongst lots of other things) the lawns are looking at the very least respectable. But I decided that there were far too many weeds and I really should pull them up properly. it took bloody hours to do the, smaller, back garden but I was thoroughly pleased with myself for the effort I had taken and patted myself quite firmly on the back. For the next few days I decided to concentrate on the front garden. Digging and replanting the two small beds, cutting back the hedges, pruning and weeding in between the roses and sorting out a couple of hanging baskets for the empty brackets either side of the front door. Again with pats on the back all round I decided to check on how wonderful the back garden must still be looking. 3 days, that’s all, 3 days and the bloody things were sprouting up all over the place, many more than before in sure, bigger and stronger mutant, if you wish, dandelions, dock leaves, nettles and the bindweed seemed to assume that my pulling up all those other pesky weeds was merely to make space for more of it. The green mist descended and I started pulling up leaves by the handful. It was a full half hour before I was rational to realise that this was a futile exercise. So from now on when they get too out of control, reach for the strimmer. Apart from the nettles, I really hate those nettles.......
04-07 How will you manage?
As I have said before, none of us speak French. The last time I actively studied was at school, which is now about 20 years ago. When we decided we were going to move to France we loaded ourselves up with lots of language book and CD combinations, and decided that as we had So much time we could pace ourselves and learn a little each week and before you know it we would be chatting away with the locals without so much as a 'je ne comprend pas'. We started well and I actually found that I remembered a lot more from my school-days than I thought. But after a couple of month’s real life began to get in the way and gradually it seemed more important to get other things done. After all there was plenty of time, but the months sped by and before you knew it we were about to move. Oops. Suddenly the books came back out and we tried to cram, but it was on the whole a pretty naff effort. I decided that what I now needed to do was try and learn some useful phrases to tide me over. The most important and most frequently used being. 'Pardon ma Francais, c'est ne bon pas.' So how do we manage? My 'I'm not from round here' chat is not too bad, and I'm a dab hand at ordering coffee and cake but when I'm going somewhere specific (estate agent, bank, school, etc.), I write a list of questions and comments that I'm expecting to come up and take it with me. At this point I would like to offer up a prayer of thanks for the on-line translation services that are available, babelfish-I salute you. I can also thoroughly recommend the visual dictionary published by Dorling Kindersley for those inevitable point and smile moments! When I arrive with my list I attempt to ask the questions myself and if my pronunciation or 'allo allo-esque' accent draws a blank I can then apologise and show them my cheat sheets. This approach seems to be going down well with the locals as at least they can see I'm trying, and not just blundering on in the belief that as long as I speak English slowly and loudly that eventually they will understand. Today I managed a 20 minute conversation in the parc with a lovely lady, about family, work, plans for school and holidays, without a cheat sheet in sight! It's not much but it’s a step in the right direction. Of course Moo is learning quicker than both of us her vocabulary already outstrips Hubs', and it is my hope that when she starts school in September it won’t be long till she's teaching us!
07-07 The breakdown
Gordon broke down on Saturday. We had been to a local market and decided to have a nice drive out to show hubs some of the area before he went home; we parked in a nice little village and had a little wander around, got back in the car and, well nothing. Nothing but a completely dead battery that is. We tried the traditional push start but to no avail so I checked the phrase book and went into the bar and asked if anyone had any jump leads. No one did, but a group of 5 young men having a drink there got up and came with me to the car. Again they tried a push start, put no luck so one of them got in his car and went home to get his cables. Not 5 minutes later we were on the way home again. What nice chaps. The bigger problem was that we had to get hubs to the airport the next morning. After finding no available public transport options I decided to see if the local landlady had really meant it when she said 'if you ever need anything - just call’. I explained the situation and she said to leave it with her. 5 minutes later she called back with the answer to our prayers. One of the regulars was actually going to the airport to collect some visitors and would swing by to pick up hubs on the way. Problem number 1 solved. That just left me to resolve problem 2. The car. This afternoon, I walked down to try and catch BB picking her kids up from the local school, and as soon as she saw me she gave me a great big hug and asked me what she could do to help. When I told her I needed a battery she put us in the car and drove us to the local garage to pick one up. Not only that but she came back to try and help me fit it. We put the bonnet up and looked for a while and realised that the few tools we had managed to scrape together where wholly inadequate, but fortunately at this point one of my neighbours came out with his tool kit and changed the battery for me. Just like that. So we are fixed again and on the road. The people round here are just so kind. I can’t quite get over it.
09-07When is a bed not a bed?
We have bought a new bed. We have never had a 'new' bed before, so when we planned the move we decided that the old bed had to go. It had seen better days by the time we inherited it, so with a new house was to come a new bed. We had been camping out on a mattress for a few weeks when the leaflet was dropped through t he mailbox. SOLDES (sale) at one of the local furniture stores, how could we resist? So off we went and there was a lovely bed on sale just waiting for us. We ordered the frame for delivery the following week and waited with great anticipation. The day of delivery came, and the time of delivery came..... And went. I re-checked the delivery note (with dictionary to hand just in case I had made a mistake), but no, it clearly stated 'vers 14:00'. At 5pm decided it was most definatly not 'around 14:00' any more and decided to be big and brave and phone the shop. With a couple of small hitches and a few repetitions I managed to gather that almost amazingly the driver was 'just leaving' as I called. So half an hour later he arrived with a very small box. I checked the small box and it did allege to contain our bed so I unpacked it and stared assembly. When it was done I stood back to admire our lovely new bed frame. And indeed it was lovely and new and a frame. A frame with no base on which to rest a mattress, just a hole to put it in. As it turns out it most French beds require a 'sommelier' which is a sprung base that you place inside a frame. This was new and exciting information for us, but a little late. On return to the shop the following day I noticed that none of these sommeliers happened to be in the sale and the cost of one would no longer make our bed the bargain that we had hoped. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and visited the DIY store located rather conveniently next door. With a car boot full of wood I headed home to salvage our bed. A few hours later I was rather proud of the fact that I had actually fixed the problem (I know essentially it was only a few planks screwed on in strategic places, but let me have my moment), and that night I slept on our lovely new bed. Next week Hubs gets to join me!
12-07The breakdown Part 2
The time had come for me to fulfil a longstanding obligation. My sister was going on holiday and I had agreed to look after her children while they were away. So we packed up Gordon and off we set for the ferry. The journey went smoothly and we made good time and we arrived at Boulogne in plenty of time so I decide to fill up with fuel before we hit UK shores. I stopped and did not start again. With the assistance of another very kind Frenchman (there are thankfully a lot of them about) and another set of jump leads I got the car to the port where I had decided to try and get another jump start onto the boat and fall to the mercy of the staff to get me off again. After a delay of 3 hours waiting for the blessed boat we got on without a hitch and sailed. The staff were wonderful and assured me that it wouldn't be a problem getting me off and I was duly jump started and away I went. For 6 miles all was well. Then I lost power. On the A20, which some of you may know as one of the busiest most dangerous roads in the UK. It was around 9pm. I called the cavalry (my sister) who set out to rescue me. But in the mean time a passing driver had called the local police to inform them of a stranded car and they arrived not too long later to help (quite why I didn't ring them in the first place I don't know, but hindsight is a marvellous thing). I have to say the police were quite wonderful. We were taken into the police car - much to moo's delight, and were going to take us somewhere warm to wait and cosy to wait, They contacted my sister and told her what was going on and when they discovered that she was not too far away they gave her directions to where they were taking me and moo. Then they saw a passing AA man, flagged him down and persuaded him to move Gordon to a safer spot off the A20 and he assured me that if I rang up and joined the AA in the morning he would sort out getting my car to me at my sisters (thank you Carl - you truly are an angel). By the time this had all happened my sister was almost there and moo was fast asleep so the officers decided just to stay with us and deliver me to her. I can’t really say how much I appreciate what they did for us that night, but I am truly thankful to them. As I sank into my sister’s car I thought the drama for that night was over, but it was not be. About an hour later I got a frantic call from Hubs to say that his mum had been contacted by Kent police to ask if she knew the whereabouts of a the lady who owned the car as it had been found abandoned in a lay by and the owner was nowhere to be seen. After a couple of calls to the police central office I managed to figure out what had gone on. 'My officers' had not yet logged the details of the evenings escapades and another patrol had passed Gordon abandoned in a lay by, assumed he had been stolen, looked up the registration details and called the last telephone number I had whilst living in the UK (which happened to be my mother in laws house ). So after another few calls reassuring both hubs and mother in law that neither the car had been stolen or myself and moo gone missing, I was at last able to relax. And await the delivery of Gordon the next day before I had to panic again and try and find out what was wrong.
24-07School run madness
What a week. It started with the delivery of Gordon and lots of tutting and sighing (in that special way that only mechanics can). He was dumped onto the drive and I was left with lots of dire predictions as to his demise- well whatever it was it was going to have to wait till hubs got paid at the end of the week anyway, so I tried not to think about it too much. My sister took me out for a drive in her enormous car (which was quickly christened 'Lucy') and was a little disconcerted with my little dashboard card bearing the words 'UK and LEFT', but as I said to her it was better that I had a small reminder than revert to 'FRANCE and RIGHT’. They set off the next day with lots of bags and big smiles and I enjoyed the peace and quiet and the chance to catch up with SKY sports news. Then came the first dreaded school run. I thought I should set off about 15 early so I'd get a decent big parking space for Lucy and not have to walk too far to get the kids. When I arrived the lane was already packed with parents and the largest collection of 'Chelsea tractors' I think I have ever seen. I ended up about a ½ a mile from the school gates. The next day I decided to leave 20 minutes early with the same result. The day after that I decided to have another cup of coffee before I left. I figured that unless I made camp for the day in the car after dropping them off the 'prime spots' would all be taken at least an hour in advance, and life is just too short as it is. As it was nearing the end of term there wasn't too much in the way of homework to battle with but my sisters instruction for a strict 7.30pm bedtime went out of the window rather quickly (sorry sis, but I struggle to get Moo to bed at that time, never mind 4 of them!). We did get to participate in lots of fun end of term activities though, sports day being my favourite. As I watched the teachers and parents struggle to make order out of chaos my own school sports day memories came flooding back (oh the horror of being 'the fat kid' in the sack race), so I quickly banished them and watched my lot through tragedy (the dropping of the beanbag) and triumph (silver in the 100m). But my how the egg and spoon race has changed, I mean plastic eggs with bean bag yolks - where's the challenge in that? The real challenge lay at home, the sheer logistics of mealtimes was frying my brain, it seemed whatever meal was prepared at least one of them didn't like something and secondary menus were required at almost every meal. I decided I needed a bit of a rest and each of the children got to create and prepare (with a little help) a 3 course meal. I have to say that they did exceptionally well with their choices and preparation, but were none to chuffed when I pointed out that washing up was part of the deal too. God was smiling on me as the end of term was met with a spell of glorious sunshine and a paddling pool was placed in the garden along with some water pistols and as long as I kept a big stack of towels at the ready all was well. And harmony reigned in the house and I patted myself on the back for managing so well. This child minding thing is doddle.
26-07Bedrooms
All of a sudden sis was due back the next day so I decided it was time to tidy bedrooms - that's when the real trouble started, of course as a child myself and my siblings always kept our rooms immaculate and on the odd occasion they were untidy we cleaned them without a word of protest as soon as mum said the word. (OK so that's not strictly accurate, but I'm sure we were never this bad- OK maybe once or twice). About an hour after I sent them upstairs I went to check on progress. M and H were playing a board game in M's room and L was lying on her bed (with most of the contents of her wardrobe) reading a book. I wagged my finger and told them to get on with it and went back to the hoovering. After about another ½ hour there was a sudden scream and all hell broke loose. M came running downstairs in tears clutching his head. H was upstairs shouting and slamming doors and L was trying to figure out what had just happened so she could fill me in. When ice had been applied and children deposited in their respective rooms to calm down I decided to call a lunch break. (I never found out exactly what happened, but I did notice M taking a wide path whenever he saw a certain large, hard headed Dora doll, especially when it was being held by H...). Harmony was restored over lunch and just as the kids settled down to watch telly for the afternoon I reminded them that none of them had actually tidied their rooms yet and sent them back upstairs. All seemed to be going well until the girls began a dispute over ownership of just about all of the items still left on the floor. I took the only route I knew on this one by taking a bin bag and threatening that anything left on the floor would end up in said bag if it was still on the floor in half an hour (thanks for that one mum). Half an hour later all of the rooms, including floors, were tidy. I was in the middle of congratulating them when I noticed that L's bed looked a bit lumpy. I pulled back the duvet to reveal every single thing she had 'tidied' in the last 4 hours lying on top of the mattress. Nice try. The other kids went downstairs to watch a movie as I left L to her tidying once more. A mere 7 hours, and several new grey hairs, after the initial request the bedrooms were finally tidy. I need a drink.
29-07-08How much?
my sis and her hubs arrived home, tired and happy and full of stories and presents, and I relinquished my care of the children with a happy sigh (and just in case you've got any idea's I'm SO not doing it again next year), and my thoughts turned once more to Gordon. The general opinion on his condition was that the alternator had given up, and indeed the AA man on call confirmed the diagnosis and recommended a local garage. After a jump start from Lucy and a 10 minute charge I followed my sis to the garage. If you happened to be behind me that day I sincerely apologise for my lack of indication, but I didn't dare risk anything electrical. We dropped him off and left him to the mercy of the garage. After much sighing and sucking of teeth about availability of parts I opted for pleading to try and get him fixed before our ferry deadline, and was assured that they would try their best to fit him in. I was hovering around the phone all day waiting to hear news. When the garage rang they said that yes indeed it was the alternator and yes indeed they could get the part, but as it was a special model and not the normal type (isn't it always...) it would, of course, cost a little bit more. Not really knowing anything about cars and the associated cost of repair (well I have only been driving since May), I was astonished to hear that it was going to cost close to £300 - that's more than we paid for the car.... after my sister had picked me up from the floor and agreed to help out with the cost (thank-you, thank-you, thank-you). The repair was authorised but they still didn't know if it would be done that day. So a bit more waiting. 5.30 came and went and we decided to have some tea as it was obviously not going to be ready till the morning. As soon as we sat down to eat the garage rang to tell us he was ready. We picked him up and parted with a big chunk of cash, but it was such a joy to have him back and healthy again. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed him. So we got him back, and loaded him up ready for the off next day, but not till he'd had a proper welcome back from Moo, I guess she had missed him too. Early next morning we set off to Dover to get the ferry and collect my very best friend (and Moo's godmother) who we were taking home with us for a holiday. It was so good to be going home and driving Gordon again. The main road to Dover along the south coast is a pig of a road as well as being super busy and it took nearly 3 hours to negotiate the traffic. Not for the first time I longed for the wonderful Auto routes and almost traffic free roads of my home. Aside from a little travel sickness on the ferry, the rest of the day’s journey was smooth and again Moo obligingly slept for a large part of the trip. Soon we were whizzing along towards home and I actually felt giddy at the prospect of getting there. At last we arrived in Mayenne, and a dusk drive through the forest was a perfect way to end the day. It’s SO good to be home again.
01-07 Weeds
I've never really been much of a gardener (well the 2sq meters of concrete we had in the UK hardly constitutes a garden) so now with 2 gardens to care for I’m finding it.....a challenge. Thanks to my lovely parents and their housewarming gift of a strimmer (amongst lots of other things) the lawns are looking at the very least respectable. But I decided that there were far too many weeds and I really should pull them up properly. it took bloody hours to do the, smaller, back garden but I was thoroughly pleased with myself for the effort I had taken and patted myself quite firmly on the back. For the next few days I decided to concentrate on the front garden. Digging and replanting the two small beds, cutting back the hedges, pruning and weeding in between the roses and sorting out a couple of hanging baskets for the empty brackets either side of the front door. Again with pats on the back all round I decided to check on how wonderful the back garden must still be looking. 3 days, that’s all, 3 days and the bloody things were sprouting up all over the place, many more than before in sure, bigger and stronger mutant, if you wish, dandelions, dock leaves, nettles and the bindweed seemed to assume that my pulling up all those other pesky weeds was merely to make space for more of it. The green mist descended and I started pulling up leaves by the handful. It was a full half hour before I was rational to realise that this was a futile exercise. So from now on when they get too out of control, reach for the strimmer. Apart from the nettles, I really hate those nettles.......
04-07 How will you manage?
As I have said before, none of us speak French. The last time I actively studied was at school, which is now about 20 years ago. When we decided we were going to move to France we loaded ourselves up with lots of language book and CD combinations, and decided that as we had So much time we could pace ourselves and learn a little each week and before you know it we would be chatting away with the locals without so much as a 'je ne comprend pas'. We started well and I actually found that I remembered a lot more from my school-days than I thought. But after a couple of month’s real life began to get in the way and gradually it seemed more important to get other things done. After all there was plenty of time, but the months sped by and before you knew it we were about to move. Oops. Suddenly the books came back out and we tried to cram, but it was on the whole a pretty naff effort. I decided that what I now needed to do was try and learn some useful phrases to tide me over. The most important and most frequently used being. 'Pardon ma Francais, c'est ne bon pas.' So how do we manage? My 'I'm not from round here' chat is not too bad, and I'm a dab hand at ordering coffee and cake but when I'm going somewhere specific (estate agent, bank, school, etc.), I write a list of questions and comments that I'm expecting to come up and take it with me. At this point I would like to offer up a prayer of thanks for the on-line translation services that are available, babelfish-I salute you. I can also thoroughly recommend the visual dictionary published by Dorling Kindersley for those inevitable point and smile moments! When I arrive with my list I attempt to ask the questions myself and if my pronunciation or 'allo allo-esque' accent draws a blank I can then apologise and show them my cheat sheets. This approach seems to be going down well with the locals as at least they can see I'm trying, and not just blundering on in the belief that as long as I speak English slowly and loudly that eventually they will understand. Today I managed a 20 minute conversation in the parc with a lovely lady, about family, work, plans for school and holidays, without a cheat sheet in sight! It's not much but it’s a step in the right direction. Of course Moo is learning quicker than both of us her vocabulary already outstrips Hubs', and it is my hope that when she starts school in September it won’t be long till she's teaching us!
07-07 The breakdown
Gordon broke down on Saturday. We had been to a local market and decided to have a nice drive out to show hubs some of the area before he went home; we parked in a nice little village and had a little wander around, got back in the car and, well nothing. Nothing but a completely dead battery that is. We tried the traditional push start but to no avail so I checked the phrase book and went into the bar and asked if anyone had any jump leads. No one did, but a group of 5 young men having a drink there got up and came with me to the car. Again they tried a push start, put no luck so one of them got in his car and went home to get his cables. Not 5 minutes later we were on the way home again. What nice chaps. The bigger problem was that we had to get hubs to the airport the next morning. After finding no available public transport options I decided to see if the local landlady had really meant it when she said 'if you ever need anything - just call’. I explained the situation and she said to leave it with her. 5 minutes later she called back with the answer to our prayers. One of the regulars was actually going to the airport to collect some visitors and would swing by to pick up hubs on the way. Problem number 1 solved. That just left me to resolve problem 2. The car. This afternoon, I walked down to try and catch BB picking her kids up from the local school, and as soon as she saw me she gave me a great big hug and asked me what she could do to help. When I told her I needed a battery she put us in the car and drove us to the local garage to pick one up. Not only that but she came back to try and help me fit it. We put the bonnet up and looked for a while and realised that the few tools we had managed to scrape together where wholly inadequate, but fortunately at this point one of my neighbours came out with his tool kit and changed the battery for me. Just like that. So we are fixed again and on the road. The people round here are just so kind. I can’t quite get over it.
09-07When is a bed not a bed?
We have bought a new bed. We have never had a 'new' bed before, so when we planned the move we decided that the old bed had to go. It had seen better days by the time we inherited it, so with a new house was to come a new bed. We had been camping out on a mattress for a few weeks when the leaflet was dropped through t he mailbox. SOLDES (sale) at one of the local furniture stores, how could we resist? So off we went and there was a lovely bed on sale just waiting for us. We ordered the frame for delivery the following week and waited with great anticipation. The day of delivery came, and the time of delivery came..... And went. I re-checked the delivery note (with dictionary to hand just in case I had made a mistake), but no, it clearly stated 'vers 14:00'. At 5pm decided it was most definatly not 'around 14:00' any more and decided to be big and brave and phone the shop. With a couple of small hitches and a few repetitions I managed to gather that almost amazingly the driver was 'just leaving' as I called. So half an hour later he arrived with a very small box. I checked the small box and it did allege to contain our bed so I unpacked it and stared assembly. When it was done I stood back to admire our lovely new bed frame. And indeed it was lovely and new and a frame. A frame with no base on which to rest a mattress, just a hole to put it in. As it turns out it most French beds require a 'sommelier' which is a sprung base that you place inside a frame. This was new and exciting information for us, but a little late. On return to the shop the following day I noticed that none of these sommeliers happened to be in the sale and the cost of one would no longer make our bed the bargain that we had hoped. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and visited the DIY store located rather conveniently next door. With a car boot full of wood I headed home to salvage our bed. A few hours later I was rather proud of the fact that I had actually fixed the problem (I know essentially it was only a few planks screwed on in strategic places, but let me have my moment), and that night I slept on our lovely new bed. Next week Hubs gets to join me!
12-07The breakdown Part 2
The time had come for me to fulfil a longstanding obligation. My sister was going on holiday and I had agreed to look after her children while they were away. So we packed up Gordon and off we set for the ferry. The journey went smoothly and we made good time and we arrived at Boulogne in plenty of time so I decide to fill up with fuel before we hit UK shores. I stopped and did not start again. With the assistance of another very kind Frenchman (there are thankfully a lot of them about) and another set of jump leads I got the car to the port where I had decided to try and get another jump start onto the boat and fall to the mercy of the staff to get me off again. After a delay of 3 hours waiting for the blessed boat we got on without a hitch and sailed. The staff were wonderful and assured me that it wouldn't be a problem getting me off and I was duly jump started and away I went. For 6 miles all was well. Then I lost power. On the A20, which some of you may know as one of the busiest most dangerous roads in the UK. It was around 9pm. I called the cavalry (my sister) who set out to rescue me. But in the mean time a passing driver had called the local police to inform them of a stranded car and they arrived not too long later to help (quite why I didn't ring them in the first place I don't know, but hindsight is a marvellous thing). I have to say the police were quite wonderful. We were taken into the police car - much to moo's delight, and were going to take us somewhere warm to wait and cosy to wait, They contacted my sister and told her what was going on and when they discovered that she was not too far away they gave her directions to where they were taking me and moo. Then they saw a passing AA man, flagged him down and persuaded him to move Gordon to a safer spot off the A20 and he assured me that if I rang up and joined the AA in the morning he would sort out getting my car to me at my sisters (thank you Carl - you truly are an angel). By the time this had all happened my sister was almost there and moo was fast asleep so the officers decided just to stay with us and deliver me to her. I can’t really say how much I appreciate what they did for us that night, but I am truly thankful to them. As I sank into my sister’s car I thought the drama for that night was over, but it was not be. About an hour later I got a frantic call from Hubs to say that his mum had been contacted by Kent police to ask if she knew the whereabouts of a the lady who owned the car as it had been found abandoned in a lay by and the owner was nowhere to be seen. After a couple of calls to the police central office I managed to figure out what had gone on. 'My officers' had not yet logged the details of the evenings escapades and another patrol had passed Gordon abandoned in a lay by, assumed he had been stolen, looked up the registration details and called the last telephone number I had whilst living in the UK (which happened to be my mother in laws house ). So after another few calls reassuring both hubs and mother in law that neither the car had been stolen or myself and moo gone missing, I was at last able to relax. And await the delivery of Gordon the next day before I had to panic again and try and find out what was wrong.
24-07School run madness
What a week. It started with the delivery of Gordon and lots of tutting and sighing (in that special way that only mechanics can). He was dumped onto the drive and I was left with lots of dire predictions as to his demise- well whatever it was it was going to have to wait till hubs got paid at the end of the week anyway, so I tried not to think about it too much. My sister took me out for a drive in her enormous car (which was quickly christened 'Lucy') and was a little disconcerted with my little dashboard card bearing the words 'UK and LEFT', but as I said to her it was better that I had a small reminder than revert to 'FRANCE and RIGHT’. They set off the next day with lots of bags and big smiles and I enjoyed the peace and quiet and the chance to catch up with SKY sports news. Then came the first dreaded school run. I thought I should set off about 15 early so I'd get a decent big parking space for Lucy and not have to walk too far to get the kids. When I arrived the lane was already packed with parents and the largest collection of 'Chelsea tractors' I think I have ever seen. I ended up about a ½ a mile from the school gates. The next day I decided to leave 20 minutes early with the same result. The day after that I decided to have another cup of coffee before I left. I figured that unless I made camp for the day in the car after dropping them off the 'prime spots' would all be taken at least an hour in advance, and life is just too short as it is. As it was nearing the end of term there wasn't too much in the way of homework to battle with but my sisters instruction for a strict 7.30pm bedtime went out of the window rather quickly (sorry sis, but I struggle to get Moo to bed at that time, never mind 4 of them!). We did get to participate in lots of fun end of term activities though, sports day being my favourite. As I watched the teachers and parents struggle to make order out of chaos my own school sports day memories came flooding back (oh the horror of being 'the fat kid' in the sack race), so I quickly banished them and watched my lot through tragedy (the dropping of the beanbag) and triumph (silver in the 100m). But my how the egg and spoon race has changed, I mean plastic eggs with bean bag yolks - where's the challenge in that? The real challenge lay at home, the sheer logistics of mealtimes was frying my brain, it seemed whatever meal was prepared at least one of them didn't like something and secondary menus were required at almost every meal. I decided I needed a bit of a rest and each of the children got to create and prepare (with a little help) a 3 course meal. I have to say that they did exceptionally well with their choices and preparation, but were none to chuffed when I pointed out that washing up was part of the deal too. God was smiling on me as the end of term was met with a spell of glorious sunshine and a paddling pool was placed in the garden along with some water pistols and as long as I kept a big stack of towels at the ready all was well. And harmony reigned in the house and I patted myself on the back for managing so well. This child minding thing is doddle.
26-07Bedrooms
All of a sudden sis was due back the next day so I decided it was time to tidy bedrooms - that's when the real trouble started, of course as a child myself and my siblings always kept our rooms immaculate and on the odd occasion they were untidy we cleaned them without a word of protest as soon as mum said the word. (OK so that's not strictly accurate, but I'm sure we were never this bad- OK maybe once or twice). About an hour after I sent them upstairs I went to check on progress. M and H were playing a board game in M's room and L was lying on her bed (with most of the contents of her wardrobe) reading a book. I wagged my finger and told them to get on with it and went back to the hoovering. After about another ½ hour there was a sudden scream and all hell broke loose. M came running downstairs in tears clutching his head. H was upstairs shouting and slamming doors and L was trying to figure out what had just happened so she could fill me in. When ice had been applied and children deposited in their respective rooms to calm down I decided to call a lunch break. (I never found out exactly what happened, but I did notice M taking a wide path whenever he saw a certain large, hard headed Dora doll, especially when it was being held by H...). Harmony was restored over lunch and just as the kids settled down to watch telly for the afternoon I reminded them that none of them had actually tidied their rooms yet and sent them back upstairs. All seemed to be going well until the girls began a dispute over ownership of just about all of the items still left on the floor. I took the only route I knew on this one by taking a bin bag and threatening that anything left on the floor would end up in said bag if it was still on the floor in half an hour (thanks for that one mum). Half an hour later all of the rooms, including floors, were tidy. I was in the middle of congratulating them when I noticed that L's bed looked a bit lumpy. I pulled back the duvet to reveal every single thing she had 'tidied' in the last 4 hours lying on top of the mattress. Nice try. The other kids went downstairs to watch a movie as I left L to her tidying once more. A mere 7 hours, and several new grey hairs, after the initial request the bedrooms were finally tidy. I need a drink.
29-07-08How much?
my sis and her hubs arrived home, tired and happy and full of stories and presents, and I relinquished my care of the children with a happy sigh (and just in case you've got any idea's I'm SO not doing it again next year), and my thoughts turned once more to Gordon. The general opinion on his condition was that the alternator had given up, and indeed the AA man on call confirmed the diagnosis and recommended a local garage. After a jump start from Lucy and a 10 minute charge I followed my sis to the garage. If you happened to be behind me that day I sincerely apologise for my lack of indication, but I didn't dare risk anything electrical. We dropped him off and left him to the mercy of the garage. After much sighing and sucking of teeth about availability of parts I opted for pleading to try and get him fixed before our ferry deadline, and was assured that they would try their best to fit him in. I was hovering around the phone all day waiting to hear news. When the garage rang they said that yes indeed it was the alternator and yes indeed they could get the part, but as it was a special model and not the normal type (isn't it always...) it would, of course, cost a little bit more. Not really knowing anything about cars and the associated cost of repair (well I have only been driving since May), I was astonished to hear that it was going to cost close to £300 - that's more than we paid for the car.... after my sister had picked me up from the floor and agreed to help out with the cost (thank-you, thank-you, thank-you). The repair was authorised but they still didn't know if it would be done that day. So a bit more waiting. 5.30 came and went and we decided to have some tea as it was obviously not going to be ready till the morning. As soon as we sat down to eat the garage rang to tell us he was ready. We picked him up and parted with a big chunk of cash, but it was such a joy to have him back and healthy again. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed him. So we got him back, and loaded him up ready for the off next day, but not till he'd had a proper welcome back from Moo, I guess she had missed him too. Early next morning we set off to Dover to get the ferry and collect my very best friend (and Moo's godmother) who we were taking home with us for a holiday. It was so good to be going home and driving Gordon again. The main road to Dover along the south coast is a pig of a road as well as being super busy and it took nearly 3 hours to negotiate the traffic. Not for the first time I longed for the wonderful Auto routes and almost traffic free roads of my home. Aside from a little travel sickness on the ferry, the rest of the day’s journey was smooth and again Moo obligingly slept for a large part of the trip. Soon we were whizzing along towards home and I actually felt giddy at the prospect of getting there. At last we arrived in Mayenne, and a dusk drive through the forest was a perfect way to end the day. It’s SO good to be home again.
Misadventures in Mayenne
AUGUST
01-08-08 It's my Birthday, sshhhh!
Happy birthday to me! How on earth can I be 35. The day started in the best way possible, a lie-in. Mrs M had woken up with moo and taken her downstairs and joy of joy let me stay in bed. I was roused a little later with a tray of fresh coffee and toast lots of cards and some lovely presents. I eventually made it downstairs (sporting my fetching new slippers, hand picked by moo) and the spoiling continued. I was treated to a pedicure, a lovely lunch and had time to sit on the back step and read a bit of my book, I had such a lazy day - bliss. We went out for tea at the local pub and had a lovely meal in the village square rounded off quite nicely by coffees to the sound of choir practice. I almost had a fight with Mrs M about paying, but I'm bigger than her so I won, although she did threaten to tell the whole bar it was my birthday so I beat a hasty retreat. Its not that I hate birthdays or anything I just don't like a fuss being made and what better excuse for a fuss and at least anther round than a birthday. But I managed to escape. Moo was swiftly put to bed on our return home and me and Mrs M sat up till the wee small hours putting the world to rights. Such a great day. The only thing missing was hubs, but he'll be home in a few days.
04-08-08 “ no way sweetie, they won’t come in the house”
OK so a little while ago Hubs and I were having one of our romantic looking at the stars from our bedroom window moments when all of a sudden we had an up close and personal fly past by one of the bats who live in our attic. To say it was a bit of a shock would be underplaying the incident. As our heart rates returned to a vague normal and I nursed my sore knee (which I'd banged on the heater as big brave Hubs leapt from the window whilst pushing me to the front in the manner of a human shield), we assured our selves that whilst this was a close encounter that would be as close as it ever got. Oh how wrong we were. I was sitting on the downstairs windowsill, again looking up at the heavens when I felt a whoosh of air on my face. With the totally redundant cry of 'oh shit its a bat' I leapt off the window ledge and ran for the door, quickly pursued by Mrs M, who noted that “for a big lass you cant half shift”. So there we stood in the hall listening to the sound of a bat flying round the living room, whilst almost peeing ourselves with laughter. We bravely decided to have a look. So there we were, two grown women standing in the garden peering through the other window ( you didn't think I was going back in there did you?) desperately hoping that our new house mate would find his own way out. After a few minutes it didn't seem like he would so Mrs M decided to take action. She said that she had heard somewhere that if you threw a blanket over a bird it would stop flapping and be able to be picked up and moved so presumably the same theory would work for a bat *. I found her a blanket and armed my self with a broom - I don't know why really I had no intention of whacking it, but I think I wanted to appear useful and a broom was the only thing to hand (apart from the strimmer and even I knew that was excessive).We returned to the house and knew that we had to get in quickly in case it was still in there and managed to get out of the room into the rest of the house. We charged in to find that Eric, (he had a name by this point), had left the building. With a huge surge of relief I closed the window and collapsed into a fit of giggles. As pointed out to Mrs M, we are SO suited to a life in the country..... *I have no idea if this is an accepted theory for the purpose of bat removal, or if it was a half remembered snippet of information about something else entirely, so please don't try this at home!!!!
07-08 Mr A
Talk of our neighbour ,Mr A's has been spreading. Each time we see our other neighbour Mr. G, he is keen to inform us of the latest (not that I actually understand most of what he's saying, but he doesn't seem to mind). Mr A suffers from severe bouts of depression and has trouble coping day to day, and his behaviour has been quite unpredictable. Sadly it has become quite a topic of conversation amongst the locals. And it all came to a head yesterday. I was out picking apples, for chutney, when 2 gendarme cars pulled up accompanied by ambulance and the officers went into next door closely followed by the mayor (who is also the landlord). The appearance of the gendarme in the village is a major event, we are more used to tractors and ramblers, and all of the village curtains were twitching as Mr A was led shakily into the awaiting ambulance. The Mayor (also our landlord) then popped into our house to assure us that everything was OK, and Mr A had gone to hospital and that nothing very serious had happened. I wasn't entirely sure why he had done this, although it was nice to meet him, until a little later when I realised that as the next door neighbours we would be the first port of call for the 'concerned' locals. Mr G led the enquiries and we told him what the mayor had told us and all though he quite obviously wasn't satisfied with the mayors explanation his amble up the road did seem to be fuelled with purpose. But I suppose that is just something that comes with living in a very small community. Having lived in the anonymity of a city for so long, you forget what it's like to have every aspect of your life open for discussion. And particularly 'incomers' like us, it does make you very aware of everything you do and how it will be viewed by others. Something which I haven't really done for a long time, and maybe that's a good thing. The flip side is I know that if I ever needed help with anything I could ask my neighbours, because I know who they are and they know us. When we lived in London we were in a flat for 2 years, and we met the neighbours the day we moved out. I really don't know what happened next door, it's none of my business, I just hope Mr A gets the help and rest he needs. Our prayers are with you.
12-08 BB
I met my Beautiful Blond friend soon after I moved to the village, and I liked her instantly. She was open and warm and very very funny. Over the course of the next few weeks I bumped into her a few times and we got to know one another a little, then she came to my rescue during Gordon's first breakdown. I bought her a little bunch of flowers to say thank you and delivered them to her in her new house (when I found it!). And so began our coffee times. When you pop round for a coffee here or drop by to say hello you have to allow at least an hour or so, its just that kind of place. But with BB that soon became 2 hours...or so. She and I get on so well, and in such a short space of time. I have really found a very good friend. She is a real inspiration to me as she has overcome a lot in her life, before and after she arrived in France,and yet she is just one of those people who always has a smile on her face and whatever may be going on in her life, when you pop round she is always welcoming and always puts the kettle on (even when you get her out of her nice relaxing bath - oops). She has been so helpful with my many ' what do I do now moments' of which there have been (and will be) many. I know it helps hubs to know that when he is away I've got a good mate around, who will always be there to help me out or just drip feed me coffee and cake. I just want to say a big thank-you to her for helping us feel so at home here. And she really is beautiful you know inside as well as out.
16-08Off to see the wizard
Moo's had a rotten cough recently and she was still feeling a bit poorly so we decided to have a 'movie in a duvet' morning (you really cant beat a snuggle under the duvet on the couch and a good film when your a bit feeling a bit rough). So we persuaded her out of the 200th viewing of toy story 2, and into a first time with the wizard of oz. I was dispatched to the bakery and Moo and hubs set about getting the film on. By the time i got back, Dorothy was just being swept away by the twister, and i was told in no uncertain terms to keep the noise down. I'm so glad i got back when i did, as i was able to witness the look of sheer delight when Dorothy opens the door to the wonderful technicolour world. It's been a long time since i've seem her so captivated by anything, and whilst she barely said a word throughout the film ,except to seek reassurance that it was ok to be a bit freaked out by the wicked witch and her flying monkeys (i'm 35 and they still bring back the chidhood nightmares..), and to ask why the great oz was being such a meanie. But as the credits appeared she couldnt stop talking and asking questions and re-enacting bits of the film with many toys retrieved from her bedroom to fill the in roles (there were only 3 of us). There ensued an empassioned discussion about who was our favorite, and who wanted to play at being the witch was hotly contested. For the whole day we were badgered to watch it again and again, but managed to resist the plea's. its now day 5 and we've seen it 3 times, and all the special features at least twice, we have a 'wizard of oz colouring/song book (thank you world wide web) she has learned the words to over the rainbow and sings it on a loop, is DESPERATE to own a pair of ruby slippers,and tomorrow we are going to watch it in French. Oh my. its a real joy to watch her get so excited by the magic of a film which is nearing its 70th birthday, really proves its status as a timeless classic (remind me of that when i've seen it a hundred times and will actually hurt people who dare to even hum follow the yellow brick road in my presence) And just for the record, Moo thinks Dorothy is best (closely followed by Glinda), Hubs is all for the cowardly lion, but as we all really know deep down the best one is definatly the scarecrow.
22-08 Missing my man
Hubs works away a lot. Now that he's gone full time free-lance he can be working for any length of time in any part of the world, but we don't really ever know very far in advance where and when the contract will be. We have to be very flexible in our arrangements. (the thought of planning a holiday gives me nightmares). During the time of the big move he was on a full time contract in London, but managed to get a few days off to help with the unpacking, oh yes and to see the house for the first time! At the moment he's on a contract in the UK which is 2 weeks on 1 week off, so he manages to get home quite regularly, although this is a relatively new schedule for us, and the breaks up to now have been a lot longer, and we do so miss him when he's not here. But Moo and I have gotten quite used to operating as a little unit,and I'm sure I unintentionally exclude Hubs at times, just because we are so used to our own dynamic. It's hard to be starting over in a new country when most of the time we've been on our own and the number of times that I've wished he were here to lean on a little are too many to count. When I tell him of our little adventures I can almost hear his heart breaking with longing to be with us. But for now that's the way it has to be, and its a damn sight better than it used to be. He would arrive home after midnight and crawl into bed. I'd be up and out to get Moo to nursery and me to work early next morning and if we were lucky we'd get to grab a coffee on my lunch break while he was on his way back to work, and our only full day off together would often be interrupted by a call into work. So hard as it is, the time we now get to spend together as a family is proper time, quality time. We are so lucky to be able to have the life we do, but we worked very long and hard to get here. He'll be home in another week,but I do so miss him.
25-08 L'ecole - take 2
So on the advice of someone who shall remain nameless, I had submitted Moo's school forms to the local Mairé's office and waited for them to get in touch, well the weeks flew by and still no contact, so I decided to go and see if all was OK with her admission. Well all was not OK, not only do they have no record of the forms but it's not actually them that deal with schooling - aarrrgghh! So off I trooped to BB's house to utter my familiar cry of 'help'. Of course she knew just what to do and gave me the number of one of the teachers at the school (who's wife also happens to speak perfect English - phew) and I arranged a meeting to see if she could still attend. I had been reading with horror on the internet that all applications MUST be received by mid June (which I thought I had) in order for your child to attend the following September. I said a quick prayer then off we went with the (thankfully) photocopied forms. I arrived at the school and was received most warmly by the staff who were in making preparations. I hastily explained my error with the forms and asked if there were still places available and if it was not too late to register. There was a great deal of puzzlement and I thought my mangled French had let me down again. So I showed them my cheat sheet of questions, and still they looked a little bewildered. The director (headmaster) then explained to me that of course Moo could attend, and I should not worry about anything, as there is not really a problem with places or registration. I handed over the forms which he promptly handed back telling me that the forms were 'not so important' and should be handed in in a week or two or 3 or whenever we had decided exactly how much we required of the school. And as long as they had a copy of her birth certificate and her assurance scholaire, she could begin at any time we liked. You see the maternelle system is voluntary, children are not legally obliged to begin formal education till 6, and although recommended, it is by no means obligatory, but when your child becomes clean (out of nappies), they are eligible to attend. You get to choose how long your child attends each day , whether they have a lunch at the canteen or at home, and you even get the option of after school care thrown in at the garderie and a school bus. I had been unable to find the fee structure anywhere and again my requests for information were regarded with amused bewilderment, you see the only thing you have to pay for is lunch, if they stay for it. Even the garderie is 'gratuit'. (although that is by no means the case francewide, it is still free here). I explained to them a little of the childcare and nursery costs in the UK and they were horrified at the expense. I also explained about class sizes and competition for places and they began to understand why I had been so panicky when I arrived and why I had such a long list of questions! Moo's teacher introduced her self, and she explained that she was looking forward to teaching Moo French but only if Moo taught her English in return. I explained this to Moo who thought that this was a wonderful plan, and gave her new teacher a big hug (charm factor 10). So Moo will be starting school this coming Tuesday, (just mornings for the moment) And she cant wait.
And do you know what, neither can I !
28-08 Boobs
Top tip, when conscienciously applying your chlids sun cream on a baking hot day by the shores of the lake, dont forget to put your own on. especially on those tender spots that don't see the light of day till the swimming costume gets an airing.Ouch. so its ok to go topless on the beach here, well no-one seemed to be batting an eyelid at the number of boobs on show anyway. Not mine you understand, i really dont think France is ready for that particular horror. But as we strolled along the beach it bacame apparent that topless is 'pas de problem'. There seems, in general, to be a lot fewer issues with body image here, with a vast array of shapes and sizes cavorting around without a care. As a member of the 'rubenesque' brigade i have always dreaded summer and beaches in particular, being very conscious of my white wobbly bits and always striving to keep as many of them undercover as possible, but even after this short a time here i feel a lot more relaxed about my now (ever so slightly) brown wobbly bits, even to the extent of buying atankini to replace my almost victorian previous swimsuit. Dont get me wrong i'm not about to get the girls out on display, there are some wobbly bits that will always be white, but it is nice not to be noticed or pointed out as so often has happened in the UK when the dreaded swimsuit season started.i do however think that some of the young ladies in question were rather dissapointed at the lack of interest as there seemed to be an awful lot of rather un-necessary strutting about on their part...
31-08 Welcome home - we're going out!
Hubs is home today - WOOHOO! I love this day, and already have a little pattern. I always wake up early and get ready (it's one of the few days I actually think about what I wear and try to match) try to contain Moo, who has been up since dawn asking me when we are leaving, and feed her some breakfast. Then I make some sandwiches for in the car and pack an activity bag for Moo (colouring book, pens and a few of whichever of her toys are in favour on that particular day). Then if we are lucky and she's running on time, we get some bread, and maybe a little cake, from the bread van. Then its off to get my beloved. It takes between an hour and a half and two hours to get to the airport, roughly about 2 plays of the 'wombles CD' (its no wonder I'm going slowly mad). The excitement of having Hubs back home makes the journey back fly by, even if I take the wrong exit at what has become know as 'that roundabout', which I have been know to do on the odd occasion ( I KNOW its the 3rd exit, but there is a sometimes overwhelming compulsion to take the 2nd). We got home with no dramas and after a big long family hug and a coffee, I set about making the tea whist hubs and moo roll around on the floor. Around 4.30 there was a knock at the door and one of the neighbours appeared. I was just about to fetch my car keys as he normally pops over to tell me I've left Gordon's lights on or all the windows open again. But this time he was asking us over for a coffee. I told him we'd be over in a few minutes, and went to tell Hubs. We were both excited and a very nervous. It is the first time we had been invited in. We are on good terms and he's helped me out a number of times (he was the white knight who changed Gordon's battery for me what seems like a lifetime ago), but to be asked to the house was something else, and both of us wanted to make a good impression. Whist the 'dropping in' culture is alive and well here, you don't ever just 'drop in' till after you have been invited. We went over bearing a gift of apple chutney, (whist trying to think of an accurate translation for it) and were welcomed into their home. We were introduced to his partner and the children and had many kisses of varying number form each of them ( I still haven't figured out how many you are supposed to give to whom and why, but I've developed a good hover position). After about 5 minutes Moo disappeared upstairs with the kids and that was the last we saw of her for several hours. Mr M but speaks very good English Mme A doesn't speak any, but I managed to have a few good exchanges with her without the need for Mr M to translate (I must be getting better and I was complemented on my accent so I am proper chuffed). The coffees were drunk and the next ones poured, then I knew we must be doing OK because out came a gateaux. Before we knew it it was getting dark and we had covered a vast array of conversation through politics , cinema, sexuality, local schools, world travel, the cost of living, crime and we even discovered that the French foreign legion have the same reputation as the welsh when it comes to sheep.....then we discovered that the other love of Mr M's life (apart from Mme A that is), is cars, racing cars. We were taken upstairs to look through pictures of the various events he had attended and lots of cars. He then mentioned that there was an event at Le Mans on Saturday and if we would like to come he would get us tickets and we could all go together. We jumped at the chance, not just to see the racing at Le Mans, but at the invitation itself. By this point in proceedings we noticed that Moo, although still happily playing was almost asleep so we said our thank you's and goodbyes and after a wonderful evening, went home . I am so happy as I write this. We've got friends, proper French friends !!!!!
01-08-08 It's my Birthday, sshhhh!
Happy birthday to me! How on earth can I be 35. The day started in the best way possible, a lie-in. Mrs M had woken up with moo and taken her downstairs and joy of joy let me stay in bed. I was roused a little later with a tray of fresh coffee and toast lots of cards and some lovely presents. I eventually made it downstairs (sporting my fetching new slippers, hand picked by moo) and the spoiling continued. I was treated to a pedicure, a lovely lunch and had time to sit on the back step and read a bit of my book, I had such a lazy day - bliss. We went out for tea at the local pub and had a lovely meal in the village square rounded off quite nicely by coffees to the sound of choir practice. I almost had a fight with Mrs M about paying, but I'm bigger than her so I won, although she did threaten to tell the whole bar it was my birthday so I beat a hasty retreat. Its not that I hate birthdays or anything I just don't like a fuss being made and what better excuse for a fuss and at least anther round than a birthday. But I managed to escape. Moo was swiftly put to bed on our return home and me and Mrs M sat up till the wee small hours putting the world to rights. Such a great day. The only thing missing was hubs, but he'll be home in a few days.
04-08-08 “ no way sweetie, they won’t come in the house”
OK so a little while ago Hubs and I were having one of our romantic looking at the stars from our bedroom window moments when all of a sudden we had an up close and personal fly past by one of the bats who live in our attic. To say it was a bit of a shock would be underplaying the incident. As our heart rates returned to a vague normal and I nursed my sore knee (which I'd banged on the heater as big brave Hubs leapt from the window whilst pushing me to the front in the manner of a human shield), we assured our selves that whilst this was a close encounter that would be as close as it ever got. Oh how wrong we were. I was sitting on the downstairs windowsill, again looking up at the heavens when I felt a whoosh of air on my face. With the totally redundant cry of 'oh shit its a bat' I leapt off the window ledge and ran for the door, quickly pursued by Mrs M, who noted that “for a big lass you cant half shift”. So there we stood in the hall listening to the sound of a bat flying round the living room, whilst almost peeing ourselves with laughter. We bravely decided to have a look. So there we were, two grown women standing in the garden peering through the other window ( you didn't think I was going back in there did you?) desperately hoping that our new house mate would find his own way out. After a few minutes it didn't seem like he would so Mrs M decided to take action. She said that she had heard somewhere that if you threw a blanket over a bird it would stop flapping and be able to be picked up and moved so presumably the same theory would work for a bat *. I found her a blanket and armed my self with a broom - I don't know why really I had no intention of whacking it, but I think I wanted to appear useful and a broom was the only thing to hand (apart from the strimmer and even I knew that was excessive).We returned to the house and knew that we had to get in quickly in case it was still in there and managed to get out of the room into the rest of the house. We charged in to find that Eric, (he had a name by this point), had left the building. With a huge surge of relief I closed the window and collapsed into a fit of giggles. As pointed out to Mrs M, we are SO suited to a life in the country..... *I have no idea if this is an accepted theory for the purpose of bat removal, or if it was a half remembered snippet of information about something else entirely, so please don't try this at home!!!!
07-08 Mr A
Talk of our neighbour ,Mr A's has been spreading. Each time we see our other neighbour Mr. G, he is keen to inform us of the latest (not that I actually understand most of what he's saying, but he doesn't seem to mind). Mr A suffers from severe bouts of depression and has trouble coping day to day, and his behaviour has been quite unpredictable. Sadly it has become quite a topic of conversation amongst the locals. And it all came to a head yesterday. I was out picking apples, for chutney, when 2 gendarme cars pulled up accompanied by ambulance and the officers went into next door closely followed by the mayor (who is also the landlord). The appearance of the gendarme in the village is a major event, we are more used to tractors and ramblers, and all of the village curtains were twitching as Mr A was led shakily into the awaiting ambulance. The Mayor (also our landlord) then popped into our house to assure us that everything was OK, and Mr A had gone to hospital and that nothing very serious had happened. I wasn't entirely sure why he had done this, although it was nice to meet him, until a little later when I realised that as the next door neighbours we would be the first port of call for the 'concerned' locals. Mr G led the enquiries and we told him what the mayor had told us and all though he quite obviously wasn't satisfied with the mayors explanation his amble up the road did seem to be fuelled with purpose. But I suppose that is just something that comes with living in a very small community. Having lived in the anonymity of a city for so long, you forget what it's like to have every aspect of your life open for discussion. And particularly 'incomers' like us, it does make you very aware of everything you do and how it will be viewed by others. Something which I haven't really done for a long time, and maybe that's a good thing. The flip side is I know that if I ever needed help with anything I could ask my neighbours, because I know who they are and they know us. When we lived in London we were in a flat for 2 years, and we met the neighbours the day we moved out. I really don't know what happened next door, it's none of my business, I just hope Mr A gets the help and rest he needs. Our prayers are with you.
12-08 BB
I met my Beautiful Blond friend soon after I moved to the village, and I liked her instantly. She was open and warm and very very funny. Over the course of the next few weeks I bumped into her a few times and we got to know one another a little, then she came to my rescue during Gordon's first breakdown. I bought her a little bunch of flowers to say thank you and delivered them to her in her new house (when I found it!). And so began our coffee times. When you pop round for a coffee here or drop by to say hello you have to allow at least an hour or so, its just that kind of place. But with BB that soon became 2 hours...or so. She and I get on so well, and in such a short space of time. I have really found a very good friend. She is a real inspiration to me as she has overcome a lot in her life, before and after she arrived in France,and yet she is just one of those people who always has a smile on her face and whatever may be going on in her life, when you pop round she is always welcoming and always puts the kettle on (even when you get her out of her nice relaxing bath - oops). She has been so helpful with my many ' what do I do now moments' of which there have been (and will be) many. I know it helps hubs to know that when he is away I've got a good mate around, who will always be there to help me out or just drip feed me coffee and cake. I just want to say a big thank-you to her for helping us feel so at home here. And she really is beautiful you know inside as well as out.
16-08Off to see the wizard
Moo's had a rotten cough recently and she was still feeling a bit poorly so we decided to have a 'movie in a duvet' morning (you really cant beat a snuggle under the duvet on the couch and a good film when your a bit feeling a bit rough). So we persuaded her out of the 200th viewing of toy story 2, and into a first time with the wizard of oz. I was dispatched to the bakery and Moo and hubs set about getting the film on. By the time i got back, Dorothy was just being swept away by the twister, and i was told in no uncertain terms to keep the noise down. I'm so glad i got back when i did, as i was able to witness the look of sheer delight when Dorothy opens the door to the wonderful technicolour world. It's been a long time since i've seem her so captivated by anything, and whilst she barely said a word throughout the film ,except to seek reassurance that it was ok to be a bit freaked out by the wicked witch and her flying monkeys (i'm 35 and they still bring back the chidhood nightmares..), and to ask why the great oz was being such a meanie. But as the credits appeared she couldnt stop talking and asking questions and re-enacting bits of the film with many toys retrieved from her bedroom to fill the in roles (there were only 3 of us). There ensued an empassioned discussion about who was our favorite, and who wanted to play at being the witch was hotly contested. For the whole day we were badgered to watch it again and again, but managed to resist the plea's. its now day 5 and we've seen it 3 times, and all the special features at least twice, we have a 'wizard of oz colouring/song book (thank you world wide web) she has learned the words to over the rainbow and sings it on a loop, is DESPERATE to own a pair of ruby slippers,and tomorrow we are going to watch it in French. Oh my. its a real joy to watch her get so excited by the magic of a film which is nearing its 70th birthday, really proves its status as a timeless classic (remind me of that when i've seen it a hundred times and will actually hurt people who dare to even hum follow the yellow brick road in my presence) And just for the record, Moo thinks Dorothy is best (closely followed by Glinda), Hubs is all for the cowardly lion, but as we all really know deep down the best one is definatly the scarecrow.
22-08 Missing my man
Hubs works away a lot. Now that he's gone full time free-lance he can be working for any length of time in any part of the world, but we don't really ever know very far in advance where and when the contract will be. We have to be very flexible in our arrangements. (the thought of planning a holiday gives me nightmares). During the time of the big move he was on a full time contract in London, but managed to get a few days off to help with the unpacking, oh yes and to see the house for the first time! At the moment he's on a contract in the UK which is 2 weeks on 1 week off, so he manages to get home quite regularly, although this is a relatively new schedule for us, and the breaks up to now have been a lot longer, and we do so miss him when he's not here. But Moo and I have gotten quite used to operating as a little unit,and I'm sure I unintentionally exclude Hubs at times, just because we are so used to our own dynamic. It's hard to be starting over in a new country when most of the time we've been on our own and the number of times that I've wished he were here to lean on a little are too many to count. When I tell him of our little adventures I can almost hear his heart breaking with longing to be with us. But for now that's the way it has to be, and its a damn sight better than it used to be. He would arrive home after midnight and crawl into bed. I'd be up and out to get Moo to nursery and me to work early next morning and if we were lucky we'd get to grab a coffee on my lunch break while he was on his way back to work, and our only full day off together would often be interrupted by a call into work. So hard as it is, the time we now get to spend together as a family is proper time, quality time. We are so lucky to be able to have the life we do, but we worked very long and hard to get here. He'll be home in another week,but I do so miss him.
25-08 L'ecole - take 2
So on the advice of someone who shall remain nameless, I had submitted Moo's school forms to the local Mairé's office and waited for them to get in touch, well the weeks flew by and still no contact, so I decided to go and see if all was OK with her admission. Well all was not OK, not only do they have no record of the forms but it's not actually them that deal with schooling - aarrrgghh! So off I trooped to BB's house to utter my familiar cry of 'help'. Of course she knew just what to do and gave me the number of one of the teachers at the school (who's wife also happens to speak perfect English - phew) and I arranged a meeting to see if she could still attend. I had been reading with horror on the internet that all applications MUST be received by mid June (which I thought I had) in order for your child to attend the following September. I said a quick prayer then off we went with the (thankfully) photocopied forms. I arrived at the school and was received most warmly by the staff who were in making preparations. I hastily explained my error with the forms and asked if there were still places available and if it was not too late to register. There was a great deal of puzzlement and I thought my mangled French had let me down again. So I showed them my cheat sheet of questions, and still they looked a little bewildered. The director (headmaster) then explained to me that of course Moo could attend, and I should not worry about anything, as there is not really a problem with places or registration. I handed over the forms which he promptly handed back telling me that the forms were 'not so important' and should be handed in in a week or two or 3 or whenever we had decided exactly how much we required of the school. And as long as they had a copy of her birth certificate and her assurance scholaire, she could begin at any time we liked. You see the maternelle system is voluntary, children are not legally obliged to begin formal education till 6, and although recommended, it is by no means obligatory, but when your child becomes clean (out of nappies), they are eligible to attend. You get to choose how long your child attends each day , whether they have a lunch at the canteen or at home, and you even get the option of after school care thrown in at the garderie and a school bus. I had been unable to find the fee structure anywhere and again my requests for information were regarded with amused bewilderment, you see the only thing you have to pay for is lunch, if they stay for it. Even the garderie is 'gratuit'. (although that is by no means the case francewide, it is still free here). I explained to them a little of the childcare and nursery costs in the UK and they were horrified at the expense. I also explained about class sizes and competition for places and they began to understand why I had been so panicky when I arrived and why I had such a long list of questions! Moo's teacher introduced her self, and she explained that she was looking forward to teaching Moo French but only if Moo taught her English in return. I explained this to Moo who thought that this was a wonderful plan, and gave her new teacher a big hug (charm factor 10). So Moo will be starting school this coming Tuesday, (just mornings for the moment) And she cant wait.
And do you know what, neither can I !
28-08 Boobs
Top tip, when conscienciously applying your chlids sun cream on a baking hot day by the shores of the lake, dont forget to put your own on. especially on those tender spots that don't see the light of day till the swimming costume gets an airing.Ouch. so its ok to go topless on the beach here, well no-one seemed to be batting an eyelid at the number of boobs on show anyway. Not mine you understand, i really dont think France is ready for that particular horror. But as we strolled along the beach it bacame apparent that topless is 'pas de problem'. There seems, in general, to be a lot fewer issues with body image here, with a vast array of shapes and sizes cavorting around without a care. As a member of the 'rubenesque' brigade i have always dreaded summer and beaches in particular, being very conscious of my white wobbly bits and always striving to keep as many of them undercover as possible, but even after this short a time here i feel a lot more relaxed about my now (ever so slightly) brown wobbly bits, even to the extent of buying atankini to replace my almost victorian previous swimsuit. Dont get me wrong i'm not about to get the girls out on display, there are some wobbly bits that will always be white, but it is nice not to be noticed or pointed out as so often has happened in the UK when the dreaded swimsuit season started.i do however think that some of the young ladies in question were rather dissapointed at the lack of interest as there seemed to be an awful lot of rather un-necessary strutting about on their part...
31-08 Welcome home - we're going out!
Hubs is home today - WOOHOO! I love this day, and already have a little pattern. I always wake up early and get ready (it's one of the few days I actually think about what I wear and try to match) try to contain Moo, who has been up since dawn asking me when we are leaving, and feed her some breakfast. Then I make some sandwiches for in the car and pack an activity bag for Moo (colouring book, pens and a few of whichever of her toys are in favour on that particular day). Then if we are lucky and she's running on time, we get some bread, and maybe a little cake, from the bread van. Then its off to get my beloved. It takes between an hour and a half and two hours to get to the airport, roughly about 2 plays of the 'wombles CD' (its no wonder I'm going slowly mad). The excitement of having Hubs back home makes the journey back fly by, even if I take the wrong exit at what has become know as 'that roundabout', which I have been know to do on the odd occasion ( I KNOW its the 3rd exit, but there is a sometimes overwhelming compulsion to take the 2nd). We got home with no dramas and after a big long family hug and a coffee, I set about making the tea whist hubs and moo roll around on the floor. Around 4.30 there was a knock at the door and one of the neighbours appeared. I was just about to fetch my car keys as he normally pops over to tell me I've left Gordon's lights on or all the windows open again. But this time he was asking us over for a coffee. I told him we'd be over in a few minutes, and went to tell Hubs. We were both excited and a very nervous. It is the first time we had been invited in. We are on good terms and he's helped me out a number of times (he was the white knight who changed Gordon's battery for me what seems like a lifetime ago), but to be asked to the house was something else, and both of us wanted to make a good impression. Whist the 'dropping in' culture is alive and well here, you don't ever just 'drop in' till after you have been invited. We went over bearing a gift of apple chutney, (whist trying to think of an accurate translation for it) and were welcomed into their home. We were introduced to his partner and the children and had many kisses of varying number form each of them ( I still haven't figured out how many you are supposed to give to whom and why, but I've developed a good hover position). After about 5 minutes Moo disappeared upstairs with the kids and that was the last we saw of her for several hours. Mr M but speaks very good English Mme A doesn't speak any, but I managed to have a few good exchanges with her without the need for Mr M to translate (I must be getting better and I was complemented on my accent so I am proper chuffed). The coffees were drunk and the next ones poured, then I knew we must be doing OK because out came a gateaux. Before we knew it it was getting dark and we had covered a vast array of conversation through politics , cinema, sexuality, local schools, world travel, the cost of living, crime and we even discovered that the French foreign legion have the same reputation as the welsh when it comes to sheep.....then we discovered that the other love of Mr M's life (apart from Mme A that is), is cars, racing cars. We were taken upstairs to look through pictures of the various events he had attended and lots of cars. He then mentioned that there was an event at Le Mans on Saturday and if we would like to come he would get us tickets and we could all go together. We jumped at the chance, not just to see the racing at Le Mans, but at the invitation itself. By this point in proceedings we noticed that Moo, although still happily playing was almost asleep so we said our thank you's and goodbyes and after a wonderful evening, went home . I am so happy as I write this. We've got friends, proper French friends !!!!!
SEPTEMBER
01-08 Transfer window
Today was the last day of the transfer window - football you know. We are a mad keen footie house here, but none more so than Hubs. All day he was hovering over his laptop, refreshing and refreshing, awaiting news of any last minute deals that would enhance the rest of the season. When it got to 11pm (10pm UK time) he was coming to the conclusion that it wasn't going to be big news for us, but enjoying the sport of watching the pain and pleasure of other fans as they awaited news of the big money deals hanging in the balance. As a football widow I was not alone, judging by the amount of times that fans site servers crashed and the fact that just one football comments page had over 20,000 in one evening, there were many of us around the world. By the close of the window at midnight (GMT) many fans from many clubs were feeling the same, summed up by this quote ' I feel like its Christmas morning and all Santa left was an orange when I wanted a space hopper'. Unless of course you support Manchester city, when it’s like all your Christmas' rolled into one. And now with the rumour mill going into overdrive about the departure of our manager, it feels like Santa stood on the orange as he was leaving.
02-08 Moo's first day
After a very rough night’s sleep for all concerned (moo was having a nightmare about a big green dragon with a popping head - I don't know either) I awoke this morning in a state of nervous anticipation. It took a fair amount of coaxing to get moo up and dressed, then down to breakfast. By the time teeth had been brushed we had already gone through 'I don't want to go to school, I'm really excited to go to school and then back again. I was probably more nervous than she was. Hubs was reassuring her that school was fun and it would be a lovely day, whilst I was trying not to appear too anxious. We got into Gordon for the short drive there and let her listen to her favourite wombles track on the CD player as a treat (captain of the skies in case you were wondering). We got there, found the other children and headed to the school. I think the reality of all the children speaking French started to dawn on Moo and she started to get a little clingy, and in all honesty I just wanted to bundle her back in the car and run away, but as we got into the class room I found her coat peg and showed her her name and this seemed to cheer her. We said bonjour to her teacher, who gave her a hug and a kiss and I said a quick goodbye and turned to leave (before I caused a scene), and she immediately went and sat at a table with 2 little girls and began to play. She didn't even give me a second look, which was probably just as well as I was beginning to blub! This took me a little by surprise to be honest, as I didn't think I'd be all that emotional. This is after all what we've been thinking about and aiming for since we arrived here. But no, it was me that needed a big cuddle and a hankie from hubs. I'm so glad he was here for this it would have been too awful to be doing this alone. We got home and I've been sitting here for the last 2 hours watching the clock and counting some of the slowest minutes of my life. We have been trying really hard to occupy our thoughts and conversation with everything but how she will be getting on. And although we have covered a diverse range of topics, all I can really think about is Moo. I really hope she's enjoying it and not finding it too hard, I am full of a mothers worry. Still only another 45 minutes till I can reasonably leave the house to go and collect her. Only another 44 now......
Happy to report that Moo had a good first day at school, PHEW! a few tears when she fell over and hurt her hand and was asking for mummy, but other than that all was well and she declared that she has a new best friend who was called the rainbow girl (I don’t actually think that is her name but you just never know (there is an ocean in the next class so there could well be a rainbow too). We also met some other parents who have recently moved to the area so we have, I think found some instant allies!!
04-09 Football woe and a 'nice little walk'
So after much speculation rumour and consternation our football manager has indeed parted company with our club. It is a black day in our household. Our visitor at the moment cannot quite believe how much of a shadow has fallen over Hubs. I did actually think he was going to weep. Big Red is not a footie fan herself, so she just doesn't get it. But it's more than just a game. (Really it is). He is however using his pain constructively, and is channelling his grief into painting our bedroom, which is coming on a treat! Big red and I decided to leave him with his pain and take advantage of a rain break and take Moo for a walk around the 'foret plage'. It was lovely and it really is very beautiful. After about an hour though Moo was starting to grizzle a little so we had a bit of a rest then carried on, thinking we only had a short way to go. As we rounded what I thought was the last corner, we then discovered that the lake had another bit to it that you can't see from the beach side. So our pleasant little stroll turned into a 3 hr hike. It was still very lovely, but I have to say it was a bit further than I had intended. I was knackered by the time we got back to the car as for a fair amount of the last hour I had a Moo on my shoulders too. I can recommend the walk but I'd also recommend something a bit sturdier than flip flops. I'm off to soak my feet.
04-09 My Aunt
Today I found out that my aunt has had a stroke. It’s quite a bad one and we are all very worried. My cousin is with her at the hospital and is keeping us all posted as to her condition. I would appreciate if you would say a little prayer and keep her in your thoughts.
06-09 Le Mans
Despite dire predictions and recent day’s weather the day dawned with not a cloud in sight - hooray! The rendezvous was set for 11am at a large supermarket in Le Mans where we were to meet up with Mr M, Mme A & Beautiful Blond (and associated children). Mr A had told us that the plan was that the 'boys' would go on to the circuit and the 'girls' would do a bit of shopping and catch up. When we got there however we soon realised that this was only Mr M's plan and Mme A & BB had no intention of being left behind at the shops. We shopped for lunch (while Mr M agitated and looked at his watch muttering under his breath about missing races) and then made our way to the vehicles to assemble the convoy. You see the only person who actually knew where we were going was Mr M. I decided that BB should be next in line (mainly so if we lost him I could blame her) and I would bring up the rear. So off we set at a furious pace through the suburbs of Le Mans. Mr M was desperate to get to the circuit but thankfully so were lots of other people, so whilst we almost lost him at a few roundabouts, we managed to keep the convoy intact. When we drove past the signs for the circuit however I started to wonder if we were in fact heading to the races after all, through BB's car I could see that Mr M and Mme A were having a ...discussion, shall we say, and after a couple of more twists and (non indicated turns). We pulled up outside a block of flats. Mme A got out and headed to the flats and Mr M got out and headed for our car. He pulled open Hubs door and insisted that he got out of the car he said he was “sick with his wife and her talking and you are to come to my car and we go and see the racing now”. Hubs was a little unnerved to say the least and stayed put. It turns out that Mme A wanted to stop by at her mother’s as she lives very close to the track and Mr M was not entirely convinced this was the best idea.....after only a minute or so we were on our way again heading back to the track. We arrived without further incident and parked. Then came the discussion about where we would have lunch. Mme A wanted to have it by the cars, but this time Mr A won and we headed to trackside for our picnic. The races were well under way as we lunched and watched the cars thundering past our position. Not really being a motor sports fan I wasn't entirely convinced I would enjoy the racing part of the day, but I found myself jumping up and down with the rest of the crowd cheering the drivers on. As soon as lunch was over we headed to 'the village' in the centre of the circuit where there were numerous attractions for the children and lots of very sexy cars to drool over for the adults. And lots of pairs of free ear plugs being handed out for the races later in the day. Mr M was keeping close eye on the clock and was having increasing difficulty herding us all in the right direction, but we eventually made it to the stands and got a prime spot in the stands. The children all had ear plugs hastily inserted, (although it took quite a bit of time to convince Moo that we weren't trying to put bugs in her ears, we got there in the end), ready for the start of the next race. The formula 3.5 (baby formula 1 cars). As the cars lined up on the grid the noise was immense, I don't think I have ever heard anything that loud. Then a few seconds later I heard something much louder. The race began and I thought my stomach was about to drop out. The concrete beneath our feet was shaking with the sound. I had a quick look at Moo, who was up on Hubs shoulders, to check she was OK and she was grinning from ear plug to ear plug! The cars zoomed off and we were left in stunned silence Mr M turned to us and grinned. Now I understand why he was so keen to get us to this spot for this time, and I'm so glad he did. In less than a minute the cars were round again. BB Hubs and I quickly got the hang of 1 minute conversations. We were having a great time but the sun was shining and big red was having a problem with the heat (and she wasn't really into it either to be honest, which was a shame) so we moved back to the kids play area while hubs got his fill of a bit more vroom . We pottered around for a bit and watched a couple more races before we called it a day and tried to find our way home. It was a wonderful day out with family and friends and I can’t thank Mr M enough for the tickets. It was such a thrill for me just to have a day like that. I can’t tell you how long it is since hubs and I have had a proper day out with friends, and I can thoroughly recommend Le Mans race track as a great fun day out - well unless you don't like racing and have exceedingly pale skin.....
09-09how to break a mothers heart
I am officially part of our village school run. There are 3 kids here who go to Moo's school so Mr M has devised a rota and this is the start of my week. We collected and set off to school, dropped off the 2 for the other classes, and as I took Moo in she started sobbing, proper big fat tears and cries of “don't leave me, I want to come with you, I don't want to stay here mummy” were ringing in my ears when I finally managed to achieve separation. I was on the verge of tears all morning as I took big red to the station to catch her train home, I don't actually think I said a proper goodbye as I was actually feeling sick with worry. I tried not to hurry the shopping but my anxiety got the better of me and as her collection time approached I was a bit of a nervy mess. I arrived at the school 10 minutes early (I had forced myself to drive the long way) and saw that all the children were outside in the sandpit, but no sign of Moo. Little K spotted us and waved and shouted for Moo, who emerged from a throng of children with a big smile on her face came to the gate and shouted “I've had a brilliant morning mummy” and disappeared with her new amie's. Kids don't you just love them.
11-09it’s all going swimmingly
Today was my first day as a helper at l'ecole. I handed my forms in to the teacher on Tuesday and had a phone call on Wednesday just to confirm that I was sure what I had signed up for. Yes indeed I had just volunteered to be a helper at all of the swimming school sessions. We arrived early at school and I was given a list of do's and don’ts for the sessions (helpfully translated for me with the aid of a bi-lingual mum!). I was given 3 children to help get changed and watch over in the pool. When we got to the pool, (a very nice new indoor heated one and not the outdoor one as we had feared). I just about managed to catch the shoes and socks flying at me and get them stored before 3 sets of clothes appeared to be all over the floor at my feet. The kids were so excited as we went up to the pool, and moo was one of the first into the water. For the younger ones it was a splashing about session while the older ones got on with the serious business of swimming lessons. After our half an hour it was time to get the kids out showered and into clothes, except all my kids clothes were muddled up and it took a while to decide just exactly who was supposed to be wearing the Spiderman pants, as they had all staked a claim (including moo). So next week I shall take a bit more time at the start and make sure each child has a proper pile, not one big jumbled mess. And next week I get to go in the water too, if I pass my swimming test that is. I have no idea yet what this test will involve, so I'll let you know if I pass, fingers crossed.Moo was delighted that I got to come swimming with her, but a little less delighted when I told her she still had ½ an hour of school left when she got back. This was a great opportunity to for me to chat to some of the other mums, well listen to them to be honest, I was delighted to find that I understood much of what was being said, (a very long and involved discussion about what the fillings and price of the crepes will be at the school fete on Sunday) but I'm not yet brave or quick enough to join in other than the odd comment about chocolate sauce and the price of flour. It was nice to be involved though. My new best friend (bi-lingual mum), was translating snippets for me, and when the informal meeting broke up we had a nice long chat in French and English about who we are and what we do and I've decided that hubs needs a more normal less confusing job, it's hard enough to explain what he does in English never mind in French!! So all in all, a successful first swimming trip for all concerned.
12-09Waiting...
I'm not very good at waiting. Never have been, and I guess I never will be. But this week has been particularly tough. I mentioned before that my Aunt has had a stroke and is seriously ill. Every day I have been waiting for news of her condition. I've been checking my e-mail every hour even though I know I will only get news at night. My parents flew back from America on Wednesday to be with her and her son at the hospital. My mum thinks that the hospital has been waiting too. Waiting for them to arrive. My Aunt has not been conscious since Friday and yesterday she suffered another stoke and x-rays reveal that she has also contracted pneumonia. The hospital is as certain as they can be that nothing more can be done for her. So now we are waiting for her to die. It looks so awful in print. I have never experienced this before. Death of a loved one yes, but never like this. Blessedly it has always been quick. We all knew she was in a very bad way, but when my parents flew back I think we all knew just how bad. Waiting to hear that dreadful news. Waiting for her to die. My heart aches, I want her to be at peace, but I don't want her to be gone. I want to see her again, I want Moo to know her as I did, but I don't want her to be in pain. It will be a long night for so many. Tonight my prayers are with those who wait with you.
14-09JJ's here
And so the revolving door of the 'chez nous' guest house is in action once again. I have had just about enough time to wash the sheets, clean the floors and add a little extra air to the air bed, and our next visitor is here. JJ arrived this afternoon after an overnight ferry and a long ambling drive through the French countryside-some people will do anything to avoid the toll roads.... It's so good to see her, it's only been a few months but I'm so happy she is here. Moo has been bouncing around since about 6.30 this morning, even though we knew she wasn't due till mid afternoon. JJ has been a very good friend to us and we have used and abused her hospitality many, many times so it's nice to be able to offer her some in return. (She has put us up and put up with us a great many times and I have spent far too many evenings chewing her ear off about a great many things). JJ and I first met about 6 years ago when thrown together on a show in the west-end, and although we weren't that close to begin with we have become great chums over the years. She is one of life's do-ers and nothing that you ask is ever too much trouble, and is one of the very few who have earned 'key rights', and I'm really looking forward to spending a quality couple of weeks with her.
16-09surrounded by snot
Everyone's got a cold. Hubs is suffering back in the UK and sounds totally bunged up and miserable every time I speak to him. Moo is so full of bogies she can hardly breathe and is having great difficulty sleeping through the night without coughing her lungs up and even our latest visitor has a terrible hacking cough. There seems to be no way I'm going to escape this one and even as I type I can feel the tell-tale signs of a migraine-y headache approaching with accompanying 'tickly' throat so I'm packing myself off to bed with a big mug of hot blackcurrant and a couple of ibuprofen. Fingers crossed.
19-09swimming test
This morning I had my swimming test. All parents who accompany the children to the pool have to make sure they can actually swim before they are allowed in the pool with the kids, and today it was my turn. I was eager to get it over with but found out I wouldn't get tested till the end of the session, so I hung around poolside supervising. It's a fantastic complex with a very small pool for the very little ones and those who are not too happy in the water yet, a medium pool for the, well, medium kids and a large pool with a big splashing about area and separate lanes for those who actually want to just swim. There is an outdoor pool with slides and a large landscaped play area, but we don't get to play with those at the school sessions. Moo was having a great time splashing about in the little pool, but when her teacher suggested a turn in the medium pool she jumped at the chance. So on with the arm bands and in she went. I was busy watching the little kids when another assistant beckoned me over to watch. And there was my little Moo trying to swim on her own. She has always loved being in the water but always freaked out a bit when we held her in the 'swimming position'. But there she was bold as brass, lying flat kicking her legs (still with her hands down on the bottom guiding her for the moment) and grinning from ear to ear. I was so proud. And then it was my turn. I was taken over to the 'big pool' and my first task was to retrieve 'an object' from the bottom then I had to swim with it 50m. I am pleased to say that I passed my test and received a round of applause from the entire school who had all been watching - no pressure then. Back at home JJ had taken herself off in Clint (her car) for the day to explore the area, so Moo and I pottered about quite happily in the afternoon sunshine. We were playing with the neighbours cats when Mr A came into the garden. He has been in hospital since early August and although he looks a little pale, he looks a lot better than when we last saw him. We had a little chat about how much the kitten has grown, and what we'd been up to, and I gave him a big hug and told him it was good to see him home again. Then we went back to sanding down Moo's stick collection (so we can make then into light-sabres in case you were wondering).
19-09My wonderful Aunt
Early this morning came the news we had all been expecting, but dreading. My wonderful Aunt has passed away. She is so very special to us all. From the earliest memories I have of her the word that springs immediately to mind is elegant. She was such a classy lady, every inch the major's wife, but always ready with a big grin and an even bigger cuddle. She would always be impeccably dressed before leaving the house and wouldn't dream of facing the world any other way. I have coveted her wardrobe and her sense of style from a very early age, if I ever achieve that look -even just once- I will be happy. Some of my happiest memories are of the time that we made my wedding dress. My aunt my mother and me standing round a table full of satin and tartan cursing the pattern that called for such 'stupidly complicated bloody roses'. The endless afternoons we struggled to complete the telegraph crossword, and the joyous moment when I told her about the cunning link between the first 2 across clues of the 'quick' crossword which she had never noticed before. Sitting with her watching newsnight, waiting for her to start shouting at the 'bloody politicians', a favourite evening sport. Hearing her laughter when playing with Moo. Too many memories for such a small page, I wish that Moo had more years with you, I wish that I did. I will miss you so much.
22-09 We're jammin, we're jammin, we're jammin yeah.
The weather has been glorious for the past couple of days and on our travels we have seen lots of people out with their big baskets picking mushrooms and apples and berries. Now as I don't like mushrooms (or have the first ideas which are good to eat and which can poison you), and we have a heavily laden apple tree in the garden we opted to go and pick some blackberries. We headed off out of the village towards the recycling area, (might as well combine two activities), to forage in the hedgerows. We spotted a few quite likely picking spots on the way and made note to stop there on the way back. After we had emptied our bags we spotted a likely looking lane and wandered down to commence our search. JJ went off at a pace while I tried to stop Moo getting stung to bits by nettles while she was 'helping'. I gathered a few and then spotted the ripest most succulent blackberries I've ever seen hanging above me, way too high to reach. Undaunted I cast about for a large stick to see if I could hook the branch and bring it towards me, but there was nothing to hand. As JJ returned with a good number in her pot already, I showed her my find and we hit upon a plan. In Scotland it’s called a 'high shooder' (I didn't say it was a good plan). So rather precariously I managed to get JJ onto my shoulders and we wobbled our way over to our hoard she stretched and wobbled and managed to get one or two of the lower ones but I have to say she was a bit of a wuss and wanted to get down almost immediately, it was only a scratch for heaven’s sake. We decided to give up on that spot and head back to the ones we had seen earlier, and with out to much further ado, but quite a fair number of scratches and thorns in our fingers, we were the proud possessors of 1.2kg of freshly picked berries and violently purple fingers. With a quick whizz out to super U, for some special jam making sugar, and a quick pick of apples from the garden, we commenced our jam session. I haven't ever made jam before and I always thought it involved alchemist like techniques to produce it, but after just 10 minutes of cooking, (well I say cooking, all you do is throw the fruit in a big pan, chuck in a bag of 'jam sugar' and boil it for 7 minutes-that's it), we were ready to jar up the first batch of home-made 'confiture mure’', and even if I say so myself it's quite delicious. So while it's cooling and setting JJ and I are already planning the next batch for her to take home, I can see several variations coming on.... However I have just discovered that we have no bread for morning toast, bum.
27-09 high in the sky
So JJ is on her way home, her 2 weeks are up and she's on her back to get the ferry tonight. It's been lovely to see her and I'm really glad she was here when my auntie passed away, it was good to have someone with me till hubs got home. So finally we are just family again, and as lovely as it to have people come and see us it's also very good to have some family time at last. We decided to do some adventuring and set off in Gordon with a map and a vague location in mind. We had been told that there was an adventure/nature park in the region and wanted to check it out. The drive through the countryside was breathtaking, almost overnight it has become autumn, and the lanes and hedgerows are becoming vivid with the colours of flame. Burnt oranges, reds and ambers mingled with the still mostly green foliage, I can’t remember the last time I was witness to such a stunning display in nature. We wound our way through the villages of St Jean, St Georges, St Paul, but sadly and to my all time regret there was no St Ringo to complete the set. We didn't really know what we were looking for so at the first sign of a full looking car park we stopped and went for a wander to see what we could see. We found a small wooden children's play area and let Moo have a little frolic around whilst we tried to see where all the people who had parked their cars had gone (there were a lot of cars, there must be something in this forest..). As we stood and looked around we heard a whizzing noise above us getting faster and nearer. We looked up just in time to see a body hurtling through the air towards us at breakneck speed and then, thankfully, just over our heads and slam straight into a tree. After a second or two of mental adjustment we noticed that the aforementioned body was in fact harnessed to a zip line and the aforementioned tree was clad in green crash mats. We had arrived at 'arbre & adventure'. As we took in our surroundings properly we saw that there was a vast network of zip lines, rope bridges, swings and ladders traversing the upper regions of the trees and a large number of bodies climbing, swinging and zipping between them. As we found our way around to the entrance we passed a cycle hire and horse riding centre, walked through glorious vegetable and fruit gardens passed a lovely looking café and picnic spot getting more and more excited at the prospect of returning soon , sans Moo, and spending a day whizzing about in the sky. We picked up a leaflet and were quite impressed at the price of a day's equipment hire and were happily planning our return trip until we noticed that the season finished on September 28th, tomorrow. NNNOOOO! How gutted are we, we found a fantastic day out and we can’t go till May next year. Oh but I can assure you we will be going, I am not missing a chance like that, and come may you will have a full report of the flying Scotswoman!!
A bientot.
01-08 Transfer window
Today was the last day of the transfer window - football you know. We are a mad keen footie house here, but none more so than Hubs. All day he was hovering over his laptop, refreshing and refreshing, awaiting news of any last minute deals that would enhance the rest of the season. When it got to 11pm (10pm UK time) he was coming to the conclusion that it wasn't going to be big news for us, but enjoying the sport of watching the pain and pleasure of other fans as they awaited news of the big money deals hanging in the balance. As a football widow I was not alone, judging by the amount of times that fans site servers crashed and the fact that just one football comments page had over 20,000 in one evening, there were many of us around the world. By the close of the window at midnight (GMT) many fans from many clubs were feeling the same, summed up by this quote ' I feel like its Christmas morning and all Santa left was an orange when I wanted a space hopper'. Unless of course you support Manchester city, when it’s like all your Christmas' rolled into one. And now with the rumour mill going into overdrive about the departure of our manager, it feels like Santa stood on the orange as he was leaving.
02-08 Moo's first day
After a very rough night’s sleep for all concerned (moo was having a nightmare about a big green dragon with a popping head - I don't know either) I awoke this morning in a state of nervous anticipation. It took a fair amount of coaxing to get moo up and dressed, then down to breakfast. By the time teeth had been brushed we had already gone through 'I don't want to go to school, I'm really excited to go to school and then back again. I was probably more nervous than she was. Hubs was reassuring her that school was fun and it would be a lovely day, whilst I was trying not to appear too anxious. We got into Gordon for the short drive there and let her listen to her favourite wombles track on the CD player as a treat (captain of the skies in case you were wondering). We got there, found the other children and headed to the school. I think the reality of all the children speaking French started to dawn on Moo and she started to get a little clingy, and in all honesty I just wanted to bundle her back in the car and run away, but as we got into the class room I found her coat peg and showed her her name and this seemed to cheer her. We said bonjour to her teacher, who gave her a hug and a kiss and I said a quick goodbye and turned to leave (before I caused a scene), and she immediately went and sat at a table with 2 little girls and began to play. She didn't even give me a second look, which was probably just as well as I was beginning to blub! This took me a little by surprise to be honest, as I didn't think I'd be all that emotional. This is after all what we've been thinking about and aiming for since we arrived here. But no, it was me that needed a big cuddle and a hankie from hubs. I'm so glad he was here for this it would have been too awful to be doing this alone. We got home and I've been sitting here for the last 2 hours watching the clock and counting some of the slowest minutes of my life. We have been trying really hard to occupy our thoughts and conversation with everything but how she will be getting on. And although we have covered a diverse range of topics, all I can really think about is Moo. I really hope she's enjoying it and not finding it too hard, I am full of a mothers worry. Still only another 45 minutes till I can reasonably leave the house to go and collect her. Only another 44 now......
Happy to report that Moo had a good first day at school, PHEW! a few tears when she fell over and hurt her hand and was asking for mummy, but other than that all was well and she declared that she has a new best friend who was called the rainbow girl (I don’t actually think that is her name but you just never know (there is an ocean in the next class so there could well be a rainbow too). We also met some other parents who have recently moved to the area so we have, I think found some instant allies!!
04-09 Football woe and a 'nice little walk'
So after much speculation rumour and consternation our football manager has indeed parted company with our club. It is a black day in our household. Our visitor at the moment cannot quite believe how much of a shadow has fallen over Hubs. I did actually think he was going to weep. Big Red is not a footie fan herself, so she just doesn't get it. But it's more than just a game. (Really it is). He is however using his pain constructively, and is channelling his grief into painting our bedroom, which is coming on a treat! Big red and I decided to leave him with his pain and take advantage of a rain break and take Moo for a walk around the 'foret plage'. It was lovely and it really is very beautiful. After about an hour though Moo was starting to grizzle a little so we had a bit of a rest then carried on, thinking we only had a short way to go. As we rounded what I thought was the last corner, we then discovered that the lake had another bit to it that you can't see from the beach side. So our pleasant little stroll turned into a 3 hr hike. It was still very lovely, but I have to say it was a bit further than I had intended. I was knackered by the time we got back to the car as for a fair amount of the last hour I had a Moo on my shoulders too. I can recommend the walk but I'd also recommend something a bit sturdier than flip flops. I'm off to soak my feet.
04-09 My Aunt
Today I found out that my aunt has had a stroke. It’s quite a bad one and we are all very worried. My cousin is with her at the hospital and is keeping us all posted as to her condition. I would appreciate if you would say a little prayer and keep her in your thoughts.
06-09 Le Mans
Despite dire predictions and recent day’s weather the day dawned with not a cloud in sight - hooray! The rendezvous was set for 11am at a large supermarket in Le Mans where we were to meet up with Mr M, Mme A & Beautiful Blond (and associated children). Mr A had told us that the plan was that the 'boys' would go on to the circuit and the 'girls' would do a bit of shopping and catch up. When we got there however we soon realised that this was only Mr M's plan and Mme A & BB had no intention of being left behind at the shops. We shopped for lunch (while Mr M agitated and looked at his watch muttering under his breath about missing races) and then made our way to the vehicles to assemble the convoy. You see the only person who actually knew where we were going was Mr M. I decided that BB should be next in line (mainly so if we lost him I could blame her) and I would bring up the rear. So off we set at a furious pace through the suburbs of Le Mans. Mr M was desperate to get to the circuit but thankfully so were lots of other people, so whilst we almost lost him at a few roundabouts, we managed to keep the convoy intact. When we drove past the signs for the circuit however I started to wonder if we were in fact heading to the races after all, through BB's car I could see that Mr M and Mme A were having a ...discussion, shall we say, and after a couple of more twists and (non indicated turns). We pulled up outside a block of flats. Mme A got out and headed to the flats and Mr M got out and headed for our car. He pulled open Hubs door and insisted that he got out of the car he said he was “sick with his wife and her talking and you are to come to my car and we go and see the racing now”. Hubs was a little unnerved to say the least and stayed put. It turns out that Mme A wanted to stop by at her mother’s as she lives very close to the track and Mr M was not entirely convinced this was the best idea.....after only a minute or so we were on our way again heading back to the track. We arrived without further incident and parked. Then came the discussion about where we would have lunch. Mme A wanted to have it by the cars, but this time Mr A won and we headed to trackside for our picnic. The races were well under way as we lunched and watched the cars thundering past our position. Not really being a motor sports fan I wasn't entirely convinced I would enjoy the racing part of the day, but I found myself jumping up and down with the rest of the crowd cheering the drivers on. As soon as lunch was over we headed to 'the village' in the centre of the circuit where there were numerous attractions for the children and lots of very sexy cars to drool over for the adults. And lots of pairs of free ear plugs being handed out for the races later in the day. Mr M was keeping close eye on the clock and was having increasing difficulty herding us all in the right direction, but we eventually made it to the stands and got a prime spot in the stands. The children all had ear plugs hastily inserted, (although it took quite a bit of time to convince Moo that we weren't trying to put bugs in her ears, we got there in the end), ready for the start of the next race. The formula 3.5 (baby formula 1 cars). As the cars lined up on the grid the noise was immense, I don't think I have ever heard anything that loud. Then a few seconds later I heard something much louder. The race began and I thought my stomach was about to drop out. The concrete beneath our feet was shaking with the sound. I had a quick look at Moo, who was up on Hubs shoulders, to check she was OK and she was grinning from ear plug to ear plug! The cars zoomed off and we were left in stunned silence Mr M turned to us and grinned. Now I understand why he was so keen to get us to this spot for this time, and I'm so glad he did. In less than a minute the cars were round again. BB Hubs and I quickly got the hang of 1 minute conversations. We were having a great time but the sun was shining and big red was having a problem with the heat (and she wasn't really into it either to be honest, which was a shame) so we moved back to the kids play area while hubs got his fill of a bit more vroom . We pottered around for a bit and watched a couple more races before we called it a day and tried to find our way home. It was a wonderful day out with family and friends and I can’t thank Mr M enough for the tickets. It was such a thrill for me just to have a day like that. I can’t tell you how long it is since hubs and I have had a proper day out with friends, and I can thoroughly recommend Le Mans race track as a great fun day out - well unless you don't like racing and have exceedingly pale skin.....
09-09how to break a mothers heart
I am officially part of our village school run. There are 3 kids here who go to Moo's school so Mr M has devised a rota and this is the start of my week. We collected and set off to school, dropped off the 2 for the other classes, and as I took Moo in she started sobbing, proper big fat tears and cries of “don't leave me, I want to come with you, I don't want to stay here mummy” were ringing in my ears when I finally managed to achieve separation. I was on the verge of tears all morning as I took big red to the station to catch her train home, I don't actually think I said a proper goodbye as I was actually feeling sick with worry. I tried not to hurry the shopping but my anxiety got the better of me and as her collection time approached I was a bit of a nervy mess. I arrived at the school 10 minutes early (I had forced myself to drive the long way) and saw that all the children were outside in the sandpit, but no sign of Moo. Little K spotted us and waved and shouted for Moo, who emerged from a throng of children with a big smile on her face came to the gate and shouted “I've had a brilliant morning mummy” and disappeared with her new amie's. Kids don't you just love them.
11-09it’s all going swimmingly
Today was my first day as a helper at l'ecole. I handed my forms in to the teacher on Tuesday and had a phone call on Wednesday just to confirm that I was sure what I had signed up for. Yes indeed I had just volunteered to be a helper at all of the swimming school sessions. We arrived early at school and I was given a list of do's and don’ts for the sessions (helpfully translated for me with the aid of a bi-lingual mum!). I was given 3 children to help get changed and watch over in the pool. When we got to the pool, (a very nice new indoor heated one and not the outdoor one as we had feared). I just about managed to catch the shoes and socks flying at me and get them stored before 3 sets of clothes appeared to be all over the floor at my feet. The kids were so excited as we went up to the pool, and moo was one of the first into the water. For the younger ones it was a splashing about session while the older ones got on with the serious business of swimming lessons. After our half an hour it was time to get the kids out showered and into clothes, except all my kids clothes were muddled up and it took a while to decide just exactly who was supposed to be wearing the Spiderman pants, as they had all staked a claim (including moo). So next week I shall take a bit more time at the start and make sure each child has a proper pile, not one big jumbled mess. And next week I get to go in the water too, if I pass my swimming test that is. I have no idea yet what this test will involve, so I'll let you know if I pass, fingers crossed.Moo was delighted that I got to come swimming with her, but a little less delighted when I told her she still had ½ an hour of school left when she got back. This was a great opportunity to for me to chat to some of the other mums, well listen to them to be honest, I was delighted to find that I understood much of what was being said, (a very long and involved discussion about what the fillings and price of the crepes will be at the school fete on Sunday) but I'm not yet brave or quick enough to join in other than the odd comment about chocolate sauce and the price of flour. It was nice to be involved though. My new best friend (bi-lingual mum), was translating snippets for me, and when the informal meeting broke up we had a nice long chat in French and English about who we are and what we do and I've decided that hubs needs a more normal less confusing job, it's hard enough to explain what he does in English never mind in French!! So all in all, a successful first swimming trip for all concerned.
12-09Waiting...
I'm not very good at waiting. Never have been, and I guess I never will be. But this week has been particularly tough. I mentioned before that my Aunt has had a stroke and is seriously ill. Every day I have been waiting for news of her condition. I've been checking my e-mail every hour even though I know I will only get news at night. My parents flew back from America on Wednesday to be with her and her son at the hospital. My mum thinks that the hospital has been waiting too. Waiting for them to arrive. My Aunt has not been conscious since Friday and yesterday she suffered another stoke and x-rays reveal that she has also contracted pneumonia. The hospital is as certain as they can be that nothing more can be done for her. So now we are waiting for her to die. It looks so awful in print. I have never experienced this before. Death of a loved one yes, but never like this. Blessedly it has always been quick. We all knew she was in a very bad way, but when my parents flew back I think we all knew just how bad. Waiting to hear that dreadful news. Waiting for her to die. My heart aches, I want her to be at peace, but I don't want her to be gone. I want to see her again, I want Moo to know her as I did, but I don't want her to be in pain. It will be a long night for so many. Tonight my prayers are with those who wait with you.
14-09JJ's here
And so the revolving door of the 'chez nous' guest house is in action once again. I have had just about enough time to wash the sheets, clean the floors and add a little extra air to the air bed, and our next visitor is here. JJ arrived this afternoon after an overnight ferry and a long ambling drive through the French countryside-some people will do anything to avoid the toll roads.... It's so good to see her, it's only been a few months but I'm so happy she is here. Moo has been bouncing around since about 6.30 this morning, even though we knew she wasn't due till mid afternoon. JJ has been a very good friend to us and we have used and abused her hospitality many, many times so it's nice to be able to offer her some in return. (She has put us up and put up with us a great many times and I have spent far too many evenings chewing her ear off about a great many things). JJ and I first met about 6 years ago when thrown together on a show in the west-end, and although we weren't that close to begin with we have become great chums over the years. She is one of life's do-ers and nothing that you ask is ever too much trouble, and is one of the very few who have earned 'key rights', and I'm really looking forward to spending a quality couple of weeks with her.
16-09surrounded by snot
Everyone's got a cold. Hubs is suffering back in the UK and sounds totally bunged up and miserable every time I speak to him. Moo is so full of bogies she can hardly breathe and is having great difficulty sleeping through the night without coughing her lungs up and even our latest visitor has a terrible hacking cough. There seems to be no way I'm going to escape this one and even as I type I can feel the tell-tale signs of a migraine-y headache approaching with accompanying 'tickly' throat so I'm packing myself off to bed with a big mug of hot blackcurrant and a couple of ibuprofen. Fingers crossed.
19-09swimming test
This morning I had my swimming test. All parents who accompany the children to the pool have to make sure they can actually swim before they are allowed in the pool with the kids, and today it was my turn. I was eager to get it over with but found out I wouldn't get tested till the end of the session, so I hung around poolside supervising. It's a fantastic complex with a very small pool for the very little ones and those who are not too happy in the water yet, a medium pool for the, well, medium kids and a large pool with a big splashing about area and separate lanes for those who actually want to just swim. There is an outdoor pool with slides and a large landscaped play area, but we don't get to play with those at the school sessions. Moo was having a great time splashing about in the little pool, but when her teacher suggested a turn in the medium pool she jumped at the chance. So on with the arm bands and in she went. I was busy watching the little kids when another assistant beckoned me over to watch. And there was my little Moo trying to swim on her own. She has always loved being in the water but always freaked out a bit when we held her in the 'swimming position'. But there she was bold as brass, lying flat kicking her legs (still with her hands down on the bottom guiding her for the moment) and grinning from ear to ear. I was so proud. And then it was my turn. I was taken over to the 'big pool' and my first task was to retrieve 'an object' from the bottom then I had to swim with it 50m. I am pleased to say that I passed my test and received a round of applause from the entire school who had all been watching - no pressure then. Back at home JJ had taken herself off in Clint (her car) for the day to explore the area, so Moo and I pottered about quite happily in the afternoon sunshine. We were playing with the neighbours cats when Mr A came into the garden. He has been in hospital since early August and although he looks a little pale, he looks a lot better than when we last saw him. We had a little chat about how much the kitten has grown, and what we'd been up to, and I gave him a big hug and told him it was good to see him home again. Then we went back to sanding down Moo's stick collection (so we can make then into light-sabres in case you were wondering).
19-09My wonderful Aunt
Early this morning came the news we had all been expecting, but dreading. My wonderful Aunt has passed away. She is so very special to us all. From the earliest memories I have of her the word that springs immediately to mind is elegant. She was such a classy lady, every inch the major's wife, but always ready with a big grin and an even bigger cuddle. She would always be impeccably dressed before leaving the house and wouldn't dream of facing the world any other way. I have coveted her wardrobe and her sense of style from a very early age, if I ever achieve that look -even just once- I will be happy. Some of my happiest memories are of the time that we made my wedding dress. My aunt my mother and me standing round a table full of satin and tartan cursing the pattern that called for such 'stupidly complicated bloody roses'. The endless afternoons we struggled to complete the telegraph crossword, and the joyous moment when I told her about the cunning link between the first 2 across clues of the 'quick' crossword which she had never noticed before. Sitting with her watching newsnight, waiting for her to start shouting at the 'bloody politicians', a favourite evening sport. Hearing her laughter when playing with Moo. Too many memories for such a small page, I wish that Moo had more years with you, I wish that I did. I will miss you so much.
22-09 We're jammin, we're jammin, we're jammin yeah.
The weather has been glorious for the past couple of days and on our travels we have seen lots of people out with their big baskets picking mushrooms and apples and berries. Now as I don't like mushrooms (or have the first ideas which are good to eat and which can poison you), and we have a heavily laden apple tree in the garden we opted to go and pick some blackberries. We headed off out of the village towards the recycling area, (might as well combine two activities), to forage in the hedgerows. We spotted a few quite likely picking spots on the way and made note to stop there on the way back. After we had emptied our bags we spotted a likely looking lane and wandered down to commence our search. JJ went off at a pace while I tried to stop Moo getting stung to bits by nettles while she was 'helping'. I gathered a few and then spotted the ripest most succulent blackberries I've ever seen hanging above me, way too high to reach. Undaunted I cast about for a large stick to see if I could hook the branch and bring it towards me, but there was nothing to hand. As JJ returned with a good number in her pot already, I showed her my find and we hit upon a plan. In Scotland it’s called a 'high shooder' (I didn't say it was a good plan). So rather precariously I managed to get JJ onto my shoulders and we wobbled our way over to our hoard she stretched and wobbled and managed to get one or two of the lower ones but I have to say she was a bit of a wuss and wanted to get down almost immediately, it was only a scratch for heaven’s sake. We decided to give up on that spot and head back to the ones we had seen earlier, and with out to much further ado, but quite a fair number of scratches and thorns in our fingers, we were the proud possessors of 1.2kg of freshly picked berries and violently purple fingers. With a quick whizz out to super U, for some special jam making sugar, and a quick pick of apples from the garden, we commenced our jam session. I haven't ever made jam before and I always thought it involved alchemist like techniques to produce it, but after just 10 minutes of cooking, (well I say cooking, all you do is throw the fruit in a big pan, chuck in a bag of 'jam sugar' and boil it for 7 minutes-that's it), we were ready to jar up the first batch of home-made 'confiture mure’', and even if I say so myself it's quite delicious. So while it's cooling and setting JJ and I are already planning the next batch for her to take home, I can see several variations coming on.... However I have just discovered that we have no bread for morning toast, bum.
27-09 high in the sky
So JJ is on her way home, her 2 weeks are up and she's on her back to get the ferry tonight. It's been lovely to see her and I'm really glad she was here when my auntie passed away, it was good to have someone with me till hubs got home. So finally we are just family again, and as lovely as it to have people come and see us it's also very good to have some family time at last. We decided to do some adventuring and set off in Gordon with a map and a vague location in mind. We had been told that there was an adventure/nature park in the region and wanted to check it out. The drive through the countryside was breathtaking, almost overnight it has become autumn, and the lanes and hedgerows are becoming vivid with the colours of flame. Burnt oranges, reds and ambers mingled with the still mostly green foliage, I can’t remember the last time I was witness to such a stunning display in nature. We wound our way through the villages of St Jean, St Georges, St Paul, but sadly and to my all time regret there was no St Ringo to complete the set. We didn't really know what we were looking for so at the first sign of a full looking car park we stopped and went for a wander to see what we could see. We found a small wooden children's play area and let Moo have a little frolic around whilst we tried to see where all the people who had parked their cars had gone (there were a lot of cars, there must be something in this forest..). As we stood and looked around we heard a whizzing noise above us getting faster and nearer. We looked up just in time to see a body hurtling through the air towards us at breakneck speed and then, thankfully, just over our heads and slam straight into a tree. After a second or two of mental adjustment we noticed that the aforementioned body was in fact harnessed to a zip line and the aforementioned tree was clad in green crash mats. We had arrived at 'arbre & adventure'. As we took in our surroundings properly we saw that there was a vast network of zip lines, rope bridges, swings and ladders traversing the upper regions of the trees and a large number of bodies climbing, swinging and zipping between them. As we found our way around to the entrance we passed a cycle hire and horse riding centre, walked through glorious vegetable and fruit gardens passed a lovely looking café and picnic spot getting more and more excited at the prospect of returning soon , sans Moo, and spending a day whizzing about in the sky. We picked up a leaflet and were quite impressed at the price of a day's equipment hire and were happily planning our return trip until we noticed that the season finished on September 28th, tomorrow. NNNOOOO! How gutted are we, we found a fantastic day out and we can’t go till May next year. Oh but I can assure you we will be going, I am not missing a chance like that, and come may you will have a full report of the flying Scotswoman!!
A bientot.
October/November/December
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at hillywillyworld@gmail.com