Gardener

Although the impots adjust the direct debit payments every year, it is based on that years figure, which is never enough come the next bills. So I started adjusting on line the amount we pay, never quite get back as much as I expect but more importantly we don't have to try and find a few hundred extra euros before christmas.

Noce Blanche is in a similar ilk, a very young Vanessa Paradis looking even younger, but a very sad film.

Sadly, I dont think Labour have the right leader in Ed Miliband. I don't dislike him at all, just don't think he is leader material and I am reminded of the Pitt the even younger from Blackadder when he tries to take on Cameron.

I hope it does last. At least the Lib Dems in a coalition can rein in the nasty party a little bit.

26 member nations are for it, and the one marching out of step. The voting system was fine when the EU was smaller but there is no way that one p.i.t.a country should be able to continually block things. I wish that the UK government would get out and have a referendum on staying in or getting out and allow the EU to stand or fall without them.

My town in the UK was twinned with a place in France but it whatever exchanges etc went on, they were kept very quiet. The nearest twinned town to me in France, is very active on that front and does try and include the wider public. The actions of the council in the story seem to be typical of the nasty party.

Il y a deux vaches qui discutent dans un pré: La première dit 'Ça me fait très peur ces vaches qui deviennent tarées à cause de la vache folle' La deuxième vache lui répond 'm'en fout, je suis un lapin'.

I was unaware that Bert Jansch had died in October. A great and influential guitarist and folk singer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkX7Q2J7k48 and with the fantastic Pentangle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9gCN9-Jnfg

A twenty year old staring death in the face, I won't condemn her for making a sensible decision. If she stays vegetarian , good for her.If she doesn't,good for her.

My seeds from lidl were cheap but a bit hit and miss as were some I bought online from the UK. I was given some Mr Fothergill's carrot seeds and I was pleased with the results. Do you get what you pay for with seeds?

I will have a look at the small print, but that looks quite good. TY

Where you are permitted and are capable of doing translations yourself it obviously makes financial sense to do it. But for certain things an official translation is needed as Norman says.

The Guardian does free downloadable books from time to time, but I don't know what format they are in.

Is there is a package that does Internet + Phone ( through internet not FT) and gives free or cheap calls to French mobiles too? Not Orange though please.

Best not upset my bank then:) When there are still a lot of expats immigrants whatever that have income originating in the UK, I am surprised that it is so tricky to move from one bank to another, especially when it was so simple to open a French account before I lived here.

Out of interest, once you leave the UK are you stuck with the bank you have or are there banks that do allow ex UK residenst to open an account?

Darty or boulanger. Though you should be able to get one this time of year from larger supermarkets.

just picked up a few packs of christmas cards at lidl 6 in each pack, 1,99€ and they look quite good quality.

There is a lot in it that doesn't quite add up imo. First the article says her daughter was taken into care and then it was their daughter. He is an army veteran but doesn't have a pension, but the army website states that after two years service you start to accrue pension rights. Tragic when anyone takes their own life, but I do think there are plenty of organisations in the UK that could have helped them, so I am wondering why if the story is accurate, that didn't happen.

I don't know what they were , but they were about 3 mm long. The area has now been sprayed vigorously with fly spray , cleaned and vacuumed and dog food moved,

Perhaps just being Devil's advocate here. But does any one ever ask the players if they want to wear one? If the decision is made for them at a higher level , then that is not what wearing a poppy is all about. The papers and public are getting in a tizz because other people can't wear a poppy for a football match. If the players wear one because they want to off the pitch, then isn't that what wearing a poppy should be all about? There was an interesting article in the Independent . http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-do-those-who-flaunt-the-poppy-on-their-lapels-know-that-they-mock-the-war-dead-6257416.html?origin=internalSearch I don't think he is entirely right but not entirely wrong either.

How long have poppies been sewn into football shirts, isn't it a fairly recent thing? Edit, answer yes it is , it started in 2007-8, so it is not really a tradition.

If you are struggling for ideas http://www.allaboutyou.com/food/recipefinder/butternut-squash-spinach-lasagne-recipe-8807

[quote user="idun"]  Your post made me laugh.  Really it did. You are applying for nationality and couldn't even look up how to get something very basic in France. Things so truly absurd amuse me no end. Keep it up.   Incidentally carte de sejours are easily available.   And food is a great topic of conversation in France, did you know that? from the sound of it you didn't.  From the very simple to haute cuisine. Nothing is looked down on, as you apparently are doing. I'm sure that'll go down well with your new countrymen/women when you say they are sad for discussing their pot au feu.   I've been on the phone to France half the morning, we will be linked to France for the rest of our days.   [/quote] Who said it was I that was applying? My question was could it be paid by cheque as the document that I did actually bother to look up didn't specifically say it couldn't. I thought this was still a forum for discussing life in France? The carte de sejour as I am sure you are aware, hasn't been needed by British people in France for a number of years. So whilst they may be easily availble, why get one if you don't need one ? As for cooking, I enjoy all types of food and discussing different cuisines and other matters with our friends, but when they do discuss food, they don't continually blow their own trumpet! That's what's sad and the fact that you feel the need to be so patronising.

How do I know this and you becoming French? this world is a very odd place indeed. Never had to have a carte de sejour, but its your way of letting us all know again that you were in France long before we were. I post on here when I need advice and help on things that I am admittedly unsure of and I am grateful for the help from helpful contributors. You on the other hand, are back in the UK and must have too much time on your hands when you you post that a lamb stew is the most fantastic meal you've made in a long time! SAD