Loiseau

I would definitely get a French architect on board for this.

Actually it’s probably more remunerative for Archant if we make a point of clicking on the adverts. I am feeling a bit grumpy about them at the mo', as both sides of my iPad screen are cut off by them, so I am typing this blnd; please excuse any typos...

Your neighbours probably don't want to live with them, at a time when they want to be enjoying the outdoors. I am not sure if there are any rules obliging you to do something about them, but it might compromise your relations with them if you do not. I googled “frelons hygiene lot et garonne” and a lot of possibilities came up. Maybe contact one or two of the companies and ask what the cost would be for treatment.

It’s a good reminder to turn water supply off before you go away for any length of time.

I think they will allow you that one leak at a reduced charge for consumption, as long as the leak is not INSIDE your house. I had a leak that was outside, under ground, and they did reduce the bill for that.

THANK YOU, Rose. We loved listening to that.

I am very sorry to hear that, Rose. Thank you so much for letting us know. I wish I had heard Twinkle sing...

It was truly eerie to see so few vehicles waiting. On checkin in I was offered an earlier crossing at extra cost (my frequent traveller ticket deal was based on travelling after 16h), which I declined as I didn't mind waiting an hour or so in the car park. However, in the car park an employee came along telling everyone that they could just go, whatever letter was dangling from their rear-view mirror. (Glad I hadn’t paid extra! ?) The Folkestone terminal building was open just for use of WCs, through one entrance only, and by following a marked route inside. All shops and bureau de change closed off. You could order food/drink in there, but pay by card and have it delivered to your vehicle outside. (Not sure how that worked, as I didn’t try it.) Loos on board the shuttle are closed.

Tardy félicitations, Norman. That is France's gain.

Phew! I renewed mine just last week! Lucky or what?

Oh, idun, you must watch "Call my agent" on Netflix! Set in a Paris theatrical agency, it's a French series (original name "Dix pour cent”). It has subtitles, for those that need them. Great characters - and a USP that involves each episode featuring a different REAL top French actor, playing themselves, to add to the volatile mix.

Great news indeed, Lori! It sounds as if you are off to a cracking start.

Moi non plus, chère mint! Though I seemed to get 5/10 just with blind guesswork! I think the woolly one should tell us where he stands with his argot.

Maybe even a very good and trusted friend would keep them for you, Chessie?

Mint, I think most of us UK-dwelling retirees will already be of idun's view, that we should continue to be cautious in emerging from our cocoons. As she says, the young just have to get on with earning a living, but we on pensions are extremely fortunate that we can afford to wait it out.

Yes, I’m doing that as well, GG, and have also made a donation as I think it is such a worthwhile study. They have getting on for 4 million participants so far. About once a week they have started asking a few extra questions, such as how often you have been out for exercise/shopping/doctor. Have you had that?

Awwwww, mint. I think it looks interesting, and think I might drag the woolly one there one day!

My UK-based stepson, his wife and grown-up son reckoned they had all had it in March/April. Hoping this would be confirmed, and maybe enable them to return to work, they sent off for tests. Wife positive; two chaps negative. But I think that might be the first sort of tests, that were supposed not to be totally reliable.

Idun wrote: "..., and ofcourse it says 'couvrir' which makes more sense, to even me." Ah yes, that makes much more sense ! ?

Yes, another week gone; they do seem to pass quickly, I must say. I had a friend to tea ( in garden) twice - different friends; braved south London traffic to drive to deliver something to my daughter - and had to cope with a parking meter. Yikes! Forgot to sanitise after bipping all those keys with a finger, until I got home. It shows what an isolated life I have been leading. A couple of Zoom gathering; and an online local charity quiz last night, which was quite fun even though my “team” was placed 72nd (out of 90-odd).

It's "rouvRir", with an extra r in the middle, idun! Sorry to be picky. Also I don't see any connection to "pouvoir".

Happy birthday, Benny! Sorry I can't be there to see you blow out your candles. xxx

Great link, Norman; thanks!

Looks like Covid is masculine in German and Spanish, and feminine in Italian.

Seems ludicrous. I wonder (though not very seriously) what other countries have decreed in their languages that also have genders for their nouns.