elaineb

Many thanks Clair, that is a big relief!

Thanks Clair, do you mean that we should cancel the full private healthcare, and not risk the possibility of the E121 not allowing us back in next year?  This not really a good option as delays in getting back in would result in my husband not getting the regular presciptions he needs. Would still like a view on what would happen if we carry on as envisaged with the private care for this year.

Firstly, many thanks to all on this forum who have helped to clarify this confusing situation. Our 106s expired in January, so we expected to be unable to join CMU until E121 is issued in February 2009. As my husband requires regular presciptions/ blood tests, we have arranged private cover (with Exclusive Healthcare) and are now not sure if it is worth trying to  apply for CMU entry; our local CPAM office is at Saintes and judging from other posts, we are unlikely to be accepted! My concern is, if we are out of CMU for a year, are we going to have problems when we go back to CPAM when the E121 is issued next year?  We received the letter from CPAM asking us to return our Carte Vitals which we have not yet done but have not tried to use them since they expired in January. Any advice on this would be much appreciated [8-)] Thanks

Have just received a quote from our pool maintenance company in Saintes for installation of a pompes a chaleur - at  7000 euros, it made our eyes water!!  [:-))] Am now seriously considering solar powered option, especially after reading Poolguy's favourable comments on this forum. Would appreciate any advice on costs of installation (pool size 100m3) and experience of companies in Charente Maritime who have done this type of work.  Thanks

Hi Emma, have not visited this forum for a while so sorry this is some time after your intial query but I can recommend Barbara and Mick Young who will dog sit in your own home. They were recommended to me by another forum member and we have used them several times now. Have been here (Port D'Envaux) for just a couple of nights several times and also for a week and they have been great.  I know they travel to other homes further afield than you so distance to Pons should be no problem. Contact details are: Phone number 0546582732 or email [email protected] Elaine

Thanks for the helpful replies. Someome else has also mentioned Barbara and Mick Young to me but it is good to get a personal recommendation and this sounds just the sort of set up we were looking for.  

About to make our maison secondaire at Port D'Envaux (17) our permanent home in June. Not far from you,Tim 17 and Dandaz - how is the barn coming on? Gather that there are a lot more ex pats in this neck of the woods since we first bought 5 years ago and we have had some mutters from (friendly) locals about the increase in house prices!

About to make our maison secondaire at Port D'Envaux (17) our permanent home in June. Not far from you,Tim 17 and Dandaz - how is the barn coming on? Gather that there are a lot more ex pats in this neck of the woods since we first bought 5 years ago and we have had some mutters from (friendly) locals about the increase in house prices!  

Can any one recommend good kennels or ideally someone who looks after a small number of dogs in their own home around the area of Saintes? We are finally moving over permanently to our house near there this June and will be bringing our very lively 10 month old springer spaniel.  She has had one stay in kennels in UK but recently we have used a fantastic place where only 4 dogs are looked after at a time and she is much happier there with lots of daily exercise.  Don't know where to start looking for this type of service in Pages Jaunes! Would be prepared to travel a bit to find the right sort of care. Thanks.