#cudelchampagne

[theretirementstory]

Bonjour a tous, the sky is blue and the sun is shining, meteo says we are due a high of 22c so it seems all is well with me. I do hope that wherever you are, the day is as bright. A good dose of sunshine lifts the spirits and during this lock down period, of which we are on Day 20, anything to brighten our day is greatly appreciated. What can I find to write about during a lock down? Monday, I was in the kitchen, with the heating on as it wasn’t such a warm day, when I heard a dripping sound and to my horror I saw that the central heating boiler was the culprit! I took a video and was preparing to email the plumber when “The Daddy” rang, after our conversation I thought I had over-reacted and didn’t email. I decided to work at my knitting and hopefully have the jumper and cardigan, finished and ready for “show and tell” when my knitting group restarts. The jumper is all ready just to stitch up and I finished the second sleeve for the cardigan and began the last part the right front. That is where it stalled, I have not done any more since. So on Tuesday morning when I noticed the dripping again, I emailed my plumber and he messaged to say he would visit the following day. I decided to go for a walk, the sun was warm when you were sheltered but the breeze was very cold. I was out for 45 of my allotted 60 minutes and it was lovely just to appreciate the quiet and to notice the flora awakening from winter sleep. I returned home and decided to go and get my shopping, which took longer than I had anticipated, and by the time I got back I was feeling tired and as the evening wore on I was cold without the heating! The following morning I was up early in case the plumber arrived, which he did. The verdict, two new parts required and it would be Thursday or Friday when he came to fit them. After he had gone, I put on some music and did jobs around the house. I was in bed by 10pm as I was feeling colder than yesterday. I had some telephone calls to make so on Thursday morning I took the time to do those. I had just finished my lunch when I received a message from a friend in the UK. This friend was widowed just nine months ago and of course that takes some adjusting to so instead of sending a message I decided to ring her. We had a lovely chat and I think, for her, being able to talk to someone different made it more enjoyable. Feeling cold (again) at about 6pm I decided to cook dinner, as I walked into the kitchen I saw the plumbers van arrive. He fitted the two parts (after much cursing) and then he left. By this time I was feeling so hungry that cooking salmon and vegetables was not high on my list so I opened my last tin of baked beans and had those on toast. The best part of the day was sitting basking in a warm house……..ooh the simple things! Wow I think the heat from last night must have gone to my head…...I was in the mood for HOUSEWORK on Friday. I could not believe how much I achieved although I was totally bushed at the end of it. I was talking to a friend on the landline when I saw a video call coming in from my gorgeous granddaughter. I managed to get to speak to her and I had brought a couple of my soft toys downstairs so that I could show her them. She was so taken with my little Sapeur-Pompier that she was trying to get hold of him. Oh how sweet. Later I got a video showing her in a shop Mummy and Daddy had made out of a large cardboard box (well Daddy was an Architectural Technician), she was so happy playing inside it. In the evening I went onto the computer to check something and before closing it down, I decided to look at Ancestry UK (other sites are available) as I have been working on my family tree since “Adam was a lad” or so it seems! I had messaged someone who had one of my relatives in their family tree and the information that they gave me led me right back to around 1550! It was late when I was closing the computer down and heading up the wooden hill. Then it was Saturday and the sun was streaming in the windows again although the breeze still had a bite to it. I messaged my friend and said I was going to work in my garden. Now she knows my garden is at my home but she messaged back to say “for gardening, the gendarmes are watching”. I live so close to the gendarmerie, I really thought that it would be a bad idea to go out and start working out there. I listened and couldn’t hear the sound of neighbours mowing their lawns or even voices in the gardens, so I put the CD player on and listened to some music while I did a jigsaw. Oh I was so engrossed in it, it was a really pleasant way to pass the time. “The Graduate” is still busy with his university work and holed up on his own 60 miles from his home where his father is “self-isolating” or “social-distancing” as he prefers to say. My son arranged for a delivery of some little cakes for his father just to keep his spirits up, how thoughtful. When I hear and see the things that my sons (both men now) do for their families, I am so proud of them. It was disappointing that “The Daddy” and his family could not get over to see me this year, but there will be other times and I know that if it is at all possible “The Graduate” will come to see me. As I had only intended to return to the UK for (hopefully) a Graduation, which would have taken place in December, it may be that I do not return before 2021. It had never been my intention to return on a regular basis even though my family are there. My life is here in this wonderful part of France and I am so happy and pleased to have made so many new friends. Oh yes, today is the 18th wedding anniversary of my friend, witness at my wedding and one time boss. I do hope that they enjoy their day. Bon dimanche.

[theretirementstory]

The swans looking as elegant as ballet dancers in white tutus. Sunlight on the water. Welcome to my first blog of the New Year and new decade 2020. Last Sunday was quite a lazy day I took my time getting up and dressed. Monique rang me to say that she was ill and so I would not be going over for my lunch on New Year’s Day, no good going into a home where people have been ill. I also remembered to message Nadine to thank her for the most wonderful evening on Christmas Eve. Then I was busy trying to get the jigsaw finished…. After feeling so guilty about forgetting “knitting with refugees” on Friday afternoon, I was up early on Monday morning to message Melanie at the office to apologise. It appears that I need not have worried as no-one turned up. I went into town, to call at the bank, silly me it was Monday and the bank was closed all day! I returned home, to do whatever it is I find to do here and then spent a good few hours doing my jigsaw. Tuesday was a busy day, going to the bank, doing shopping, walking to the decorator’s home to post the cheque in his letter box (out of debt, out of danger, for the New Year) then I walked round to the hospital to book my mammogram. As it was New Year’s Eve, I was messaging a lot of friends, I had decided to stay up and see the New Year in, to keep myself awake I was doing my jigsaw when Marie-Therese messaged to wish me a Happy New Year and then shortly after Jony (my Syrian friend) messaged me. Over in England, , my granddaughters Daddy was babysitting while her Mummy went out for the evening and her Uncle was hitting the high spots of somewhere or other, I meanwhile decided to go to bed about 1a.m. New Year’s Day, the first day of the new decade and with no resolutions made, there was something about today which made me happy, perhaps it is a whole new start, a full 365 days to fill before the year ends, whatever it was I was in a very happy mood. I spoke to friends and was still receiving and sending messages, unfortunately, a freezing fog meant that I decided to stay at home and forego the walk I had thought about doing. Thursday I nipped to the shops for some odds and ends, came home and did mundane household jobs. My tooth that had been “repaired” on the 2nd December had been bothering me a little over the last few days and today, the side of it just broke off, now where this plastic/resin type stuff that the dentist had put over the tooth had gone is another matter, but I was left holding a piece of tooth and could not stop my tongue from continually exploring “Gaping Gill”. I got into the car and drove to the dentist……...got parked right outside…...only to find that it was closed. I will have to go down in the morning. I was up early on Friday as I wanted to be at the dentist as he opened. Just on an impulse I decided to ring and see if they were open, no such luck, closed until Monday 6th so now I have to live with this until then. In the afternoon, I went to “knitting with refugees” which was rather good, three ladies and two children arrived. For one lady it is her chance to socialise, which is something that is quite difficult in her situation, she still hasn’t got the hang of knitting but I think that is because she concentrates too much on her conversation. She is only “allowed” to be away from the apartment for an hour and her husband rings the office to say she has to go back. The Afghan lady who had such a difficult time trying to knit (she is left handed and I am right) I had taken her a crochet hook and now she is so totally absorbed in the item she is crocheting, I really think that it is doing exactly what I hoped it would do, give them an hour and a half of something else to think about in a relaxed atmosphere. I came home and after a lovely meal I continued with the jigsaw. The end is in sight……….only the blue sky and green trees left to be done! I went shopping for the meat and fish bargains this morning and after making a lovely lunch I decided to go out for a walk. I thought to go into town, however, I altered my route by walking around the neighbouring estate, I had viewed a house there and wondered if it had sold, it is now occupied by a family with a child/children. The garden, which was at the side of the house and could be accessed directly from the front of the house leading round to the back, has been “fenced” off……..for fencing read a six foot high wire fence! I know there are children living there but I do feel that something more sympathetic could have been erected. Someone had also sprayed graffiti on the wooden fence between their neighbours property, all in all it did not look particularly nice. I then had a slow walk to the river, taking in the views, with the trees devoid of leaves, made for some interesting photos. The sun was shining and it was quite warm but there was a chilling breeze in the shaded areas. I got as far as the river and decided against going into town. As the bar is still closed until Monday, I just walked back home. It was so lovely to be out in the fresh air. Anie returned from her New Year with her brother and returned my call, wishing me a Happy New Year. My diary so far this month is looking very full…..next Saturday evening I am going to a Concert with Anie, then Sunday is the Fete sans Frontiere, so I will be going there for a lovely meal and will meet up with friends. My knitting group will be starting again and although we were quite depleted at the end of the year, hopefully we will be back to “full strength” soon. Oh one thing I almost forgot to mention, a message on Facebook about my favourite Champagne House makes me think that they have moved on, although a google search shows me they are “Open until 12.30 today” the message is thanking people for their custom. I will be sad if it is closing but I suppose around here times can be hard and especially in such a small village, where there are three or four champagne houses vying for business. This morning I woke to fog but the wintry sun is trying to break through. I was going to go out for a ride but have decided against it and am preparing to do “little jobs” which need to be done but which you always put off until another day. A bientot

[theretirementstory]

Late again! This is because today was the Fete Gastronomique in town and of course I had to go and have a look at what was on offer. Anyway, more of that later. The decorator finished his work on Monday and I am thrilled to bits with the hall, so much so I could take my chair and happily sit in there just gazing at the tremendous change that has taken place. Before he left I asked for a quote for the stairs and landing, so that will be appearing in my letter box along with the quittance for the finished work. So I thought at this stage that I would be organising myself to put up decorations for the forthcoming festivities, sadly that was not to be, as the eagerly awaited telephone call regarding delivery and assembly of my new wardrobe did not come. As the store is closed today, I will have to call in tomorrow. I just seem to be getting up with larks most mornings lately and today was no exception as I went into town to post off what I hope will be the last of the cards. As the post office is near to my hairdresser, I called in to book an appointment for next week. Then it was off to the bar for a cup of coffee and a read of the newspaper. None of my friends were in so I didn’t really dally. I arrived home and opened the letter box and there was an A5 self-addressed envelope! My heart was pounding……..I opened the other letters that had arrived and then, taking a deep breath, opened that one! Oh I was skipping around like some mad thing….it was only an appointment at the Prefecture in Troyes regarding my Titre de Sejour, oh it felt like Christmas Day. I was messaging people right, left and centre letting them know the wonderful news. In the afternoon I was at physio, my therapist was ill so I had to basically do my own exercises and then get them to “wire me up” for the other therapies. I called at the store about my wardrobe and the lady was not happy that it had not been delivered. She made a call and then said it would come on Friday but she couldn’t say morning or afternoon. I would receive a telephone call. I was relaxing when I got home but had a call from my French bank with a request for an appointment the following morning, now what could that be about? I also spoke to my friend, Anie, who told me that the Fete du Noel for the refugees actually starts at 2pm tomorrow and so I made up my mind to call there from 2-3pm then go and see my friends at the knitting group, the last one before the New Year. Marlene won’t be there as she is still feeling pretty unwell. So, you have guessed, I was up early on Wednesday and going into town again for my appointment with the advisor in the bank. Well it turned out that a man has taken over from the lady, perhaps for 6 months (maybe she has had a baby) and of course he was keen to let me know about home and motor insurance which was free for 2 months. I said I would let him know nearer renewal time, oh it really took me back to my days working in the bank. I was going to walk down to the bar, then changed my mind which was just as well as when I was passing in the car I remembered that Wednesday morning the bar is closed. I arrived at the Christmas Party to find that a ventriloquist/clown was entertaining the children. I must say she was very good and I did enjoy it. Then I said my farewells and headed to the knitting group. Well of course I wanted to be there for the gateau and cider. I messaged Marie-Therese to say I would be expecting her tomorrow if she was coming to town. She rang and said she would come and see me. I wanted to have a little sleep in this morning but as luck would have it, I was awake with the larks again. I was getting ready for Marie-Therese calling and for me to go to physio again. Marie-Therese has had the result of the biopsy and it is definitely cancer, she goes to see the Oncologist on Tuesday to find out what they will do. My physiotherapist was back at work and we continued with my exercises. I asked at the end if this would be my last one and she said if I felt things were improved then it would be. So now I will not be dashing off to physio twice a week which may mean that I can settle down and do some jobs I want to do. On Friday I was up very very early, not knowing what time the wardrobe would arrive. The morning passed without any sign of said wardrobe. I cancelled my “Knitting with Refugees” for the afternoon and at 2.30pm I rang the shop, I spoke to someone who spoke no English and was left not knowing whether they were coming or not, at 4.00pm I rang again, I said would it be here before 6pm and she said yes it would. Then at 4.30pm the delivery guy rang me and said it would be delivered next week! We have agreed that it will arrive at 2pm on Tuesday afternoon, so you can imagine I will be keeping my fingers and toes crossed from now until then. So Saturday arrived again, and with my list in my hand I headed off to the post office to post off the last two cards (honestly). I didn’t bother to call at the market as I have plenty of vegetables to keep me going but I did call at the health food shop and the chemist as I was looking for some mint extract to make mint creams. I did get it at the chemist so from there I scooted off to L’eclerc to have a look for some of their bargains from the “catalogue”. I did get a big box of 14 pink lady apples for a reasonable price and as I am trying to eat an apple a day, these will be used up over Christmas. Then I remembered I needed this, that and the other and by the time I returned home I was bankrupt! I then set about stuffing dates and making mint creams, I do have more mint creams to make but I thought I would just try with a small amount at first. I decided to have a visit to the bar and see the men. Well I read Friday and Saturday’s papers, had two cups of coffee and then returned home to settle down for the remainder of the day. My granddaughter video called me after her afternoon nap. Wow Little Miss Whirlwind! She was a little shy at first then after we were singing “Twinkle, twinkle little star” and “Row, row, row your boat” she was more forthcoming and her Daddy and I both thought she said “Grandma” which was so wonderful if she did. I think she must like sheep too, as her Daddy said to her “what does a duck say?” and she said “Bah”. Then she went over to her books and brought one with animals in so we were making animal sounds for sometime. I love it, but seeing her dashing about, I am glad I am over here! Well, I really must go and get some more mint creams made and a coconut slice made as I am taking Marie-Therese her Xmas gift tomorrow as I am out on Thursday so won’t be able to do coffee at lunchtime. Bon week-end

[theretirementstory]

Frost, mist and copper coloured hues. It has been a week of highs and a couple of lows too. The first low came when I discovered that my cousin who had emigrated to South Africa in the 1970’s had passed away a year and a half ago and his sister had not let any of my family know. Anyway, it is still so sad, he was just 69 when he died. I had Monday free, so it was my day to catch up with emails and tidy up paperwork……….well I got the 2 emails done! I then rang the electrician to see if he could come this Saturday and do the work. I had hoped to get the answerphone but surprisingly he replied, Saturday is fine for him so that means that the lights will all be up and that no-one will have to bring the step ladder through the hall after the decorator has been. On Tuesday I had an early start, heading off to the garage as I wanted the tread checking on my tyres. Well first of all I couldn’t get parked at the garage so had to drive round the block, as I came round again, I spotted the owner/mechanic taking a car for a test drive. Well his wife was inside so she came out and had a look. Turns out I need two front tyres so have arranged to have those fitted in December. I then parked in town and took called to post a packet to my lovely granddaughter. I have been knitting a blanket for Dolly in her cot. Then I came back home and made some cauliflower soup and a pasta dish for lunch. Then in no time at all it was time for physio. I worked really hard on my stretching and balancing exercises and was worn out by the time I had to have my ultra-sound treatment. I had phoned Anie earlier in the day and had to leave a message. She rang me back in the evening and while she was on the phone I booked an eye test appointment and I asked her to lunch that day too. I am still trying to decide what to do about the heating while I am away. We have had quite hard frosts a couple of mornings and don’t really want to leave the house without heating but being unable to set a timer for the heating to come on it is a worry. Oh no we had arrived at the middle of the week and I still have so much to do! I had a free morning (well apart from organising lunch and dinner) then it was off to knitting group. As I came through town, I saw Marlene so I knew we were going to be in for some giggles later on. I made them laugh recounting the visit by the Sapeur-Pompiers and me flashing my tummy flesh. Monique called round so that we could discuss the visit to Alsace. Originally, they were going to pick me up en-route but now the route does not include coming my way so I am driving up to their house and leaving my car there. She suggested that I leave the heating thermostat on 15 degrees and then only if the temperature were to fall below that in the house would the heating start up. Thursday saw me messing around, washing floors, doing washing etc. Marie-Therese called for coffee and I was so pleased to see her although she didn’t seem her usual self. It seems that she has found a lump and after going for mammograms she now has to have a biopsy next Monday. As she had breast cancer years ago she wants to just wait and see what the biopsy says, however, you cannot help your mind wandering can you. So this was the second low of the week. Then it was time for physio, while I was waiting to start my exercises I spotted the new programme for the cinema. There is a movie I would like to see and two viewings are when I am in Alsace with a viewing on December 3rd at 16.00. Now I guessed that my physio would be that day so I asked for a 2pm slot so that I can get to the cinema for the viewing. I was just having a coffee when I got home, when the doorbell rang, it was the electrician wanting to know if he could come tomorrow afternoon and get the job done. Well I had had a message to say that the “knitting group” for the refugee women would not be on this Friday so I was happy to let him know that it would be fine. As I do not “pas de pub” on my letter box, I had gone through the supermarket magazines and picked a few things I would like to buy. Off I went to Carrefour who did not have the items I wanted (although they were in the magazine) so I decided to head off to L’eclerc. I managed to get all of the items I wanted including a thermometer (I have decided to see how low the temperature gets in the lounge, before I go away). Then I went home and used up the butternut squash Marlene had brought me last week. I made a butternut and lentil dahl which was very tasty. The electrician arrived and got the work done in 2 hours – he had quoted spending a longer time so I only paid half price. Now that was very good. We had a few laughs and of course he asked why I had come from England to Bar-sur-Aube. People who have lived here all their lives find it strange that someone would come here to live. Funnily he told me that he was born in Fontaine and when he moved it was to his present home which is just 1km from that village. Then it was time to start packing my bag for the trip to Alsace. I also decided to go and have a look in my local furniture store as I MUST get a wardrobe for my bedroom. Well they have a sale on and one which is HUGE caught my eye (plus it had 30% off the price), I have taken the measurements and will see if I can fit it in the allotted space. I had seen one I liked before which is not as huge as this one and it may have to be my fallback (no money off that one though). Of course whichever one I buy I will have to pay for delivery and assembly. So after my shopping trip I came home and “messed” about really. Some of the constructive things I did were preparing a batch of my own muesli, then I spent time stuffing dates with marzipan, almonds and apricots ready to take as a treat on our “vacances”. I love taking the time to stuff dates, it tells me Christmas is just around the corner. I have still not made my Xmas Cake or any mincemeat this year. I think I will be doing some “Christmasy” things when I get back. I got a message from my son “the daddy” to say that the blanket for Dolly had arrived and she would be snug in her cot tonight. I also got a photo of my granddaughter covering Dolly with said blanket (strangely she had put it over her face) oh well she will learn I am sure. Then while I was watching “Victoria” my Saturday evening viewing, my son “the Graduate” rang for a chat. We were on the phone for quite sometime and I was pleased that we had spoken. Oh yes, and Xmas presents are sorted for the daddy and family plus their gifts to me. Now it is Sunday and I am checking out the central heating boiler as I do not want it using gas 24/7 (although the house will be lovely and warm) I just want the thermostat to work as it should and the boiler only come on when the temperature drops. I have had breakfast, a bath and hair wash are needed next, then pack the remainder of my items, have lunch and pack the food and drink bag, get the car out of the garage and get myself away. I am hoping I will see my neighbour before I go, as I would like him to turn the water off to the outside tap. The tap for this is located under the sink in the kitchen and I am unsure where and how to turn it off (he turned it on for me) maybe I am being over cautious but I don’t want any mishaps while I am away. So with that all said I will wish you all “A bientot” have a great week until next week.

[theretirementstory]

Mural by a local artist Paragliders over the colline Good morning one and all. The end of the year is galloping towards us and I have been getting Xmas cards written ready to add any letters before posting. I actually managed to watch the USA F1 GP last Sunday as one of the TV channels was showing it. The commentary was in French so I had to rely on visual details so there was no chance of a nap. I really need to think of a birthday present for a lady for later in the month. It has to be posted so I guess I need something small and light. Answers on a postcard please ha ha. This week has seen me baking for the freezer although obviously I had to taste too. I am conscious of this tooth as it seems as if there is very little back left on it and I suspect it will need a crown! I hope it will survive until Thursday when I see Dr Brown. Then I had a call from my son, “The Law Graduate” to say that his car had been hit and would probably be a write off. Good news is he was ok. I imagine the guy that hit him was in for a surprise as 6’8” of big angry man approached him! It was the French Class on Wednesday morning and Monique arrived on time to pick me up. Now she had been to Albania for 4 nights and had arrived back home on Tuesday and was suffering from tummy trouble. I think it may have been better to have postponed the class but she soldiered on and it turned out to be a very good class. We sat and talked, we have some men who have received their papers to stay in France and they need to be able to understand and (in my view) be able to write in French too. Working in this way gives me the opportunity to speak French and have mine corrected if it is not totally correct. I got home and just had time for a sandwich before I was heading out to the knitting group. It was a little bit quiet as there were not many people there, including my friend Marlene who enjoys my little jokes. I got home, sat down and promptly fell asleep. I woke up about 20 minutes later feeling totally refreshed. Thursday saw me up early and heading into town. I was going to see if my friend Lorenza, the Chief of the Police Municipale, could help me with the ongoing problem with non receipt of my driving licence. I had phoned on Tuesday and been told that my dossier would be passed to the service technique department. Unfortunately, I was told that on 10 October and had still not heard anything. Well, in I went to the bureau de Police Municipale, and was greeted by a lady who obviously loves her work as she was singing. She told me that I needed to go to the Sous-Prefecture and they would be able to assist. Now I am sure you know that I have no faith whatsoever in the Sous-Prefecture in town but I did go. I think (fingers crossed) that the man rang through to ANTS who are supposed to be producing the licence and advised that I had changed my address and could they “relance” my dossier and get the driving licence issued. However, the information he has written down does make me think that he had phoned through to Nantes who deal with the actual application and as we are past this point I have no idea what will happen. I then had to go for the second session of physio this week. I feel as if we are getting somewhere even though I returned home with blue tape on my shoulder and foot again. Having said that, my shoulder really does seem to have benefitted from this. I had been to my local Brico L’eclerc looking at light fittings (a good few weeks ago) and they were going to ring me when one of the items came into stock. Having had no call I headed off on Friday morning to find out why. I noticed that the display had been changed and so the assistant proceeded to look for the item. Only to find that I was to be given the ex-display model, no box she cheerily told me! Now being in that area of town I decided to have a look in one of the other shops. I was surprised to see some jumpers advertised buy one get the second one free. Well you guessed it, I bought two. On Friday afternoon I messaged Marlene to say I had missed her company on Wednesday and she rang me back. Asking if I liked “navet” (turnip), now as I have said previously I refuse nothing…….so she said she would drop off some carrots, turnip and maybe leeks or pumpkin. She said it would make lovely soup and as I seem to spend my life making soup at the moment I would be happy to have the fresh vegetables. She did say something like “perhaps I will get through the big door and you can show me around your house”. I must let her know that I am only in on Monday and Wednesday afternoon this week! I had really intended to start some sewing but now it looks like the dreaded housework has to be done in order that the place looks inviting. Saturday saw me stripping the bed and getting washing done. At lunchtime I remembered that I wanted to go and see Downton Abbey at the cinema, it was showing at 14.00 so off I went. I met a lady I know who lived near me when I was in Place Saint Maclou so we walked down together. We chatted before the film and afterwards she bid me a good afternoon and she headed off home. I went to the bar, what a surprise I got, there were two tables of men playing cards so 4 men were sitting at MY table and I had to weave my way through to a table at the back. Of course I knew a lot of these men and about 10 minutes later my neighbour came in too. I had a couple of cups of coffee and read the paper then I left. Then after dinner I settled myself in my armchair to practice my French while waiting for the TV programme to start. Today, in the UK there are Remembrance Day services being held the length and breadth of the country. I would like to just mention two great uncles who lost their lives over 100 years ago and are buried here in France. Joseph William Robinson, Canadian Pioneers, 22nd September 1916 age 26 James Fairbairn, Royal Field Artillery, 29th September 1918 age 25 At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them A bientot

[theretirementstory]

An Autumn Day I have seen this plant with red berries but never with purple like these. Another week has passed and really there are not many more left in 2019! I hear you crying don’t mention “C*******s” I won’t don’t worry, I still have to get started thinking about that myself. I personally think that people have been blinded by B****t and now have to face an E******n and that is why this year has just disappeared. Now putting all of that aside for a half hour or so while I recount my week. The tooth problem needed sorting PDQ so I was up and out at some unearthly hour (well 10am) to go and make an appointment. Just my luck……..Monday…….closing day for some places in town and the Dentist was one of them! That means another early start tomorrow. After a quick visit to the shops for a couple of items it was home. I decided to use some of my day replying to e-mails, these can take up a good deal of your time, I have to admit. I then made a pan of soup and had a little sleep after my lunch. I had been trying to get in touch with my Godmother, who is 96 years of age, so that in itself poses a worry when I have been ringing for 4 weeks and get no response. I decided to ring her son to find out the situation. As luck would have it, she has been in hospital and a nursing home but had returned to her own home that very afternoon. I rang her and she was so pleased that I had. That has just reminded me I must give her a call again today. Tuesday morning I had to myself…...well apart from hurrying to the dentist for an appointment. Yes, I got one! 14 November…….I hope that the tooth will last until then. I have the distinct feeling that he is going to suggest a crown! Now as I said we are fast approaching the end of the year and from January 2020 the cost of a crown could be reduced by 100-200 euros, will it be better to wait until January? It will on my pocket but what about my oral health? I called at the bar for a coffee and to read the paper, thought I might as well do that while I was in town. Then on arriving home decided to ring up to find out what was happening with my driving licence, now I know that the lady was telling me to be patient and wait, so I said ok and ended the call. Then I thought was she telling me to do that while she went to check it out. Oh I don’t know! I am sorely tempted to see if my friend the police chief can shed some light on it. The group on Facebook tell me that I should be chasing it up every week or to look on the website to see what is happening. Well I have looked on the website and cannot find anything relating to my driving licence number…….. Then it was time for physio. I was fortunate not to fall asleep today but I am still experiencing some discomfort with my shoulder. However, my friend told me that tendinitis takes time to improve. I had also written a couple of letters and so Wednesday morning saw me heading into town again for stamps and to post the letters. The artistic work being done on a wall near to the car park has had a couple of new pieces added to it, which look good. I came home and decided to do some jobs from the “to do” list then feeling very satisfied with my days work, I sat down to do some more knitting. I really need to get the dollies blanket finished and sent off to my granddaughter, those dollies will be feeling the cold in the cot!! This week really seems to have a theme……..I was up early and off to town…….yet again on Thursday as there was another letter to send to England plus the signed devis for the decorator. Now I had the decorators address but just couldn’t think where his house would be. Well, after posting off the devis, and making yet another trip into town on Thursday (this time for another session of physio) I was caught at the traffic lights, so looking round (as you do) what was directly in front of me but a huge sign for the decorator and yes that would be his house. How had I missed that? The number of times I have been at those traffic lights, oh well he will get the devis in his postbox. I am also conscious of wanting to get the electrician to do my light fittings so I decided to go to my local Gedimat and see what they had for a bathroom. Well they had a round fitment which was chrome coloured, however it was round and I wanted square. I asked the “friendly man” about the bulb size but as I had been told 12w LED for the bathroom and this fitting would not take that size, I ended up buying a round, white metal fitting. It is such a nightmare…….I have read online that because LED do not produce the heat of a normal or halogen bulb it is possible to put a higher LED wattage bulb into a fitment. Now I am totally unsure whether that information is correct and am doubting that the light fittings already bought will have sufficient brightness with the bulb suggested. Well I won’t know until they are in place will I! Marie-Therese called for coffee, she had taken her French class in the morning and so would have spent more time with me, unfortunately, I had to shoo her away as I had to be at physio by 3pm. She brought me a piece of honeysuckle that she had dug out of the garden and suggested I get it into my garden as soon as possible. Well after physio I went to the bar, the old guys (probably my age) were there playing cards. I really do laugh at them as two always touch my hair as they pass to go for a cigarette. On Thursday, one was not having much luck with the cards so he came and rubbed my hair to see if it would bring him good luck. I enjoy being there, they speak to me and are happy to let me read the paper while they give an eye to the racing, send the “bookies runner” with the bets and continue to play cards. Of course, Thursday was Halloween too, I was going to stay in town to watch the children file through the town following the “floats”, however as it was wet, I went home and prepared my meal. Then horror of horrors there was a knock on my door……...I had not bought any sweeties for the children. I put the kitchen light off and went into the lounge just as they rang the doorbell. I looked on the table and saw a bowl of boiled fruit sweets, I hurried to the door and caught the little boy just as he was closing the gate. He came back and I put a handful of sweets into his plastic pumpkin. Then about a half hour later I had another ring of the doorbell, I was ready this time with a handful of sweets and the little boy was so pleased, I waited until he had put his mask on before giving him the sweets. His dad was waiting at the gate for him and they both waved as they left. Then it was Friday, the first day of the week which is free for me to do as I wish…...it was pouring down so not much chance to have a walk, or similar. However, by the afternoon the rain had stopped and so I went out and dug a hole (firstly removing ivy from the ground) and planted the honeysuckle. Of course, I also headed out to do some shopping. It was only supposed to be a small amount of stuff!! I really must get back to doing my shopping once a week the same as I did when I lived in the apartment. I find that I go to the shop for just one thing then I add something else and before you know it you have bought things that you do not need at that point in time. I was also sent a list of events taking place from now until 4 December at the place where I volunteer. Some of those are preparing things for Xmas. Well looking at the dates there are a number of dates I cannot attend due to being in Alsace or at my knitting group. I also received an e-mail from one of the English ladies from the book club, she sells cards and wrapping paper, and was inviting me to two “at home” events one on the 6 November and the other on 24 November. Again I cannot make either of those dates, she hopes to have a stall at the Xmas Fayre in town on 8 December so hopefully I will see her there. Although it has been damp and cloudy the paragliders have been out in force this week. On Thursday when I was seeing Marie-Therese out she was amazed to see five paragliders and thought it such a wonderful sight. So Saturday arrived and I was going to “break eggs with a stick” it started well as I got two loads of washing done. I then went into my sewing pattern box and found a new pattern which I would like to start sewing but I thought I needed a few more bits from the shop so off I went. In the afternoon it brightened up so I decided to walk to the bar. It was really lovely to do that, the men were in, I read the paper had a coffee and as I didn’t have the car decided to have a glass of wine. I came home just as it started to rain heavily, I prepared my meal then sat down to knit until it was time for Victoria to start. What has today in store for me…..who knows. A bientot

[theretirementstory]

Sun setting over the Colline A surprise when the police helicopter was hovering so close to my home What a busy week it has been! I am trying to get all of my “normal” commitments out of the way Monday to Thursday so that I can have three days together to do whatever I would like to do…….perhaps some baking, sewing or in the case of this week, gardening. That’s the plan and for the last two weeks I have achieved the three days to myself. On Monday morning I was busy preparing the salad to take to the volunteers lunch, I had cooked the crumble on Sunday evening so it was not too much to be prepared. Monique arrived and off we went. The gratin she had prepared was delicious and as it was warm we had that before the salad. My lovely eye-catching salad, made with laitue chene, tiny plum tomatoes, satsumas and this time a sprinkling of blue cheese was really only enjoyed by Marie-Therese and I as the other two cited stomach problems for not eating it. Mind you the gratin, which was pasta, lardons, crème fraiche and such a huge amount of conte cheese was not a problem to them. Again the crumble seemed to get the better of them, one cannot eat fruit and the other sat and removed the skin from the mirabelles and probably the nectarines too before she ate it. Mind you Marie-Therese had brought the tiniest little grapes and the same person sat and took the skins off those as well. Anyway, after having the food, the meeting started at 2 o’clock. We didn’t leave until almost 5 o’clock as one person was repeating the same objections over and over again. I had great difficulty following all of the conversation I must admit, but did add that it was difficult to teach people at such differing levels of comprehension. By the time I got home, I was just ready to eat and then flop into a chair as I was tired out. I seem to have been a (wo)man on a mission this week. Every morning I have been up and had some job on the “To Do” list that had to be done. I needed some new bags for the plastic and tin recycling and they can only be collected from the Town Hall on a Tuesday morning or Friday afternoon. So off I went to collect the new bags but not before I had paid a call at Mr. Brown the dentist to try and get an appointment for my poor tooth. Unfortunately, Mr Brown was on holiday and would not be back until Monday 28th, so I will have to wait until then to make the appointment. I hope the tooth lasts that long! Then in the afternoon I was having another session of physio. Apparently, by Thursday I will have had 15 sessions, the muscle in my leg is so much stronger that my foot is much improved. I must admit that the pain in my shoulder is not as acute as it had been but it is still there, so I need to have some more sessions. After the physio I headed to the bar for a coffee and to read the paper. It was lovely, just to go in, speak to my friends, then read the paper. When I returned home, I decided to get my music keyboard set up. I play by ear and really did enjoy myself playing some wonderful hymns (as you do), Happy Birthday, then recording Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for my granddaughter. After that I was giving it my best shot at playing My Brother Jake by Free, this needs more work on it but I was pretty pleased with myself. I had taken a skirt and dress into town to be altered, and on Wednesday morning (early) I was there to collect them. I had had a message to say that the knitting group would not be meeting this afternoon and so I went to the French class instead. As I said, my group has one person who was just learning the ABC, two school children, one of whom has made such a vast improvement since going to school that he really got to grips with the exercise and was on a roll, then there is the young girl whose Mother is also in the group, this young girl spends half her time erasing her writing as it is just not perfect and this week when she saw how quickly the other child understood the exercise she started crying and saying “I am doing it wrong”. I really must try and split her and her mother up. Her mother in the meantime is busy, listening to what the other group are doing, speaking in her own language to her husband and generally not getting involved with the exercises she is supposed to be doing. I am sure you can see my frustration. Anyway, the class finished and I was able to go back to the peace and quietness of my home. Another day and I was up with the larks, as Marie-Therese was coming for lunch. We started with a small salad (my signature piece I think) followed it with salmon, macaroni cheese and cauliflower gratin, then I had made a small apple crumble. Marie-Therese really enjoyed her meal and I was pleased as I did too and it was such a pleasure to make it. After she left to go to her French class, I had to go for physio. I knew I was feeling tired, but to my horror I fell asleep while on the TENS machine. After waking up, I decided against going to the bar and just went home, where I fell asleep for about an hour before I made something to eat. Then it was Friday, my first day this week to do as I wished. It was due to be warm and dry, so after going into town to pay bills, post letters and call into the bank I went to buy the plants I wanted for my woodland garden. It was lovely and warm and so I started putting in the plants. I think it looks lovely, although I have also been clearing out the tomato plants, and putting into the little garden iris, narcissus and crocus bulbs. I was so pleased with my achievement that I decided to reward myself with a visit to the bar for a coffee and to read the paper. When I arrived, I saw one of my author friends, who actually complemented me on my French. The bar was rather full, but my table and chair were waiting for me. On returning home, I was totally convinced that I would be unable to move on Saturday morning and so I had quite an early night. Well I did have “aching buttocks” but I decided to get ready and go into town to the market. Before I left I was feeling that I really do neglect Anie, and seem to always wait for her to ring me. Well, just as I was leaving the market hall, I heard someone shout my name and sure enough it was Anie. She said that she had been going to telephone me and was rather surprised when I said that I had intended doing the same and I asked her to come to my home on Sunday for tea and cake. She then said that we could then go off to the lake to see the “grues” (cranes). Now she is very keen on birdwatching, and all things nature and although it is not in my Top Ten, I know that it will be a walk and a way to blow the cobwebs off me, so that is what we will be doing. Although the weather forecast has said rain from 3 o’clock but it’s best not to be so easily put off. So I returned home, to finish off the gardening, do washing, prepare my meal for tomorrow lunchtime, made a batch of cheese scones, an orange cake and prepared a malt loaf to be cooked tomorrow. Oh dear, the remaining filling fell out of my poor tooth, so I will need to be up early on Monday to go and see about an appointment with the dentist. Then it was the clocks altering so I stayed up an hour later and I feel just wonderful this fine morning. Have a wonderful day, I hope that the weather is kind to you. It actually looks like rain here now. Au revoir.

[theretirementstory]

With wind, rain and sun it has been quite a week, however, it seems we are the lucky ones, with other areas in the world facing weather conditions the likes of which have not been seen in almost 60 years. My week started off well, with me awaiting the arrival of the plumber to fix the bidet. A new part was needed and then he surveyed the downstairs loo and said he would give me a “devis” for new loo and wash-basin. Why is it that when I plan to do jobs, something more important always presents itself! Well that was the case when I was all prepared for “housework”, Monique asked me for some of the notes from the French class I had attended previously. I then went through my notes and found that when I had been in England she had managed to “shuffle” all the papers for photocopying and my own notes (with answers). I then unpacked two bags full of notes and proceeded to arrange in order. No mean feat I can say and by the end I was getting myself fairly confused too. The notes are now in separate wallets and clearly marked. When Monique called to collect these on Monday, she also said that she had organised the gite in Alsace for the end of November, just in time for the start of the Christmas Markets. Great news. Tuesday saw me up bright and early and off to try and sort out more of the mayhem that this blasted “B” word is causing me (and millions like me!) I was told to just wait until after 31 October and see what transpires. Then it was home for lunch and then to another session of physio. To be honest I love the neck and shoulder massage and really hope that it is doing my shoulder some good. I awoke on Wednesday with such a lot of pain in my shoulder and upper arm, think it was the exercises and the massage yesterday, will just have to see how it feels and let her know on Friday. Monique called for me as class is going to be on a morning now. It was a really good session, we had a discussion with the men about the meeting that had been held on Monday, what happens when they get their papers, what is happening when they are refused right to stay etc etc. We were ready to leave when the Afghan lady came in with lunch for the girls in the office, we were invited to stay which was lovely, but as you can imagine my head was banging to try and keep up with the conversation. Anyway, I got home, did a quick change and then headed off to the knitting group. My total immersion into French conversation certainly took its toll that day as I was rather quiet at the group and glad to get home for a bit of peace. Having taken my winter weight duvet off the bed before the summer, I had been full of good intentions to have it washed before the winter. Well it has lain in the cupboard until Wednesday when I decided to take it to the laundry. I turned up at 2pm, saw the owner having her cigarette outside and talking to people so I waited patiently at the door. Eventually, she opened the door bellowing that she closed at 12.30, that she only takes items for sewing on a Wednesday morning and that Thursday morning is the day for laundry! After that tirade she then took my duvet and said it would be ready next week. Then Thursday appeared and I was starting to wonder where the week had gone. Plus I had still not received that little piece of pink plastic that is a driving licence, so taking the bull by the horns I rang through to the department which would be dealing with this. The first guy, seemed helpful although he told me that he could not find my dossier. I then rang again, this time getting a guy who said something like “ the process for my licence had been interrupted and I would have to start the whole process again”. Well after that shocker I was almost in tears, and decided to try again for a third time. This time the man (Christophe) asked if it would be easier to speak English, he then said that there had been a “technical problem” with the production of my card and that he would send my dossier through to the Technical Team and (fingers crossed) it would go into production. Should I believe him? Well I jolly well hope that what he said was true so will just wait and see. My next session of physio on Friday, she was working more on my shoulder and then I had it all taped up. I have not had any pain so far, so that is a bonus. Saturday arrived and I decided to head off to the market for my fruit and vegetables. It was lovely and sunny so I thought I would go to the bar for a drink too before returning home. Inside the market I met a couple of friends and spent about 20 minutes chatting about all things, when I emerged from the hall the sky was very dark and any thoughts of going to the bar were pushed aside, as I sped home to bring the washing in before the rain arrived. What a shame. When I got up this morning it was to a cloudy day and a shower of rain. Now the sun is shining, the sky is blue and we are due 26 degrees. I had intended doing a lot of jobs, not least of which was making myself a lovely Sunday lunch before I go out to a concert this afternoon. After having spent over an hour on the phone to a friend, I am wondering if I will have time to make the said lunch. Well just been and put the chicken in the oven, just got Yorkshire puddings to mix up and then prepare the vegetables. I also need to saw some of the branches off the leylandii so that I can put them into a bag for Marie-Therese to use on her fire. Speaking of Marie-Therese she called for coffee on Thursday, I am unsure whether I have invited her to lunch with me this coming Thursday but I will prepare food just in case. My sons are fine and both are working very hard. Problems with second son’s car mean that he could do with a good mechanic, he can do without that stress too, but hey that’s life! My gorgeous granddaughter has been to the Sealife Centre again this week, she can say “fish”. She loves the rays (so do I) and spends a lot of her time watching those. Well I am going now to prep lunch, get dressed, trim some leylandii before the gardener takes them all out tomorrow and prepare to head out this afternoon. I hope the sun is shining for you today, if not, remember “Put on a happy face”. Bon dimanche