Graham & Brenda

Funny you should mention lack of Christmas spirit. We drove into Cognac this morning and we both noticed that less houses seemed to have decorations this year. I don't just mean flashy lights but also the little fake presents etc. hanging on the railings. Auchan was quiet too but that's why we shop in the morning, it's always busier after lunch. Finally, not "spirit" but  Biere de Noel. Our local Netto says it's due in next week! Super U have none but Auchan did thank goodness as the visiting family members really enjoyed it last year.  

Here's a link to some Christmas recipes from the Diabetes UK website http://www.diabetes.org.uk/christmas/enjoy.htm  

Because I took early retirement before my wife did, our E106 was in her name - being the most recent payer of NI. In France all the Carte Vitale papers were in her name too, with me a named "user". We both have cards but with the same number. Thanks to this forum, I knew we had to get a letter from the Pensions office refusing to renew the E106 at expiry. What I hadn't appreciated was that CPAM would want a separate one for me too. I now have it but thought I'd post this in case anyone else is similarly affected.  

It can also depend on whether it was based on a reading or am estimate. I agree with Baz's advice about EDF too - well worth the effort.

Thanks for the new word. The dictionary calls that a vague or dull pain - so that's a useful expression. Graham 

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, my dietician said that the same diet is suitable for all - including those with diabetes. Low fat, low sugar, plenty of veg. and plenty of complex carbs - bread, pasta, rice, potatoes etc. Common sense is a good additive. Most people with diabetes know how to exercise good control. Whether they choose to or not is up to them. The good news for desserts is that after a meal with plenty of complex carb the sugar is absorbed less quickly and a moderate helping of Christmas pud or whatever isn't the end of the world. I can also take some extra insulin but I don't know if people on tablets only have similar possibilities. Although some people are extremely thoughtful and make me something special, it isn't always appropriate anyway  - or, more likely, I like the look of their dessert better! Compliments of the season and bon appétit Graham

My dictionary gives faire mal or etre douloureux for ache and douleur for pain. This doesn't seem to be much of a distinction for what are two quite different conditions. Is there another way of explaining a dull ache rather than une douleur pas extreme, for example. Thanks in advance for any guidance, Graham

Please see my reply on the Travelling to/from France section

In yesterday's Sud Ouest newspaper I think they said it would start in September. Have a look at this link. http://www.sudouest.com/071205/vil_cha_angouleme.asp?Article=061205a43502.xml Graham

It depends what the polystyrene was put there for. Sometimes it can be used make an uneven surface smooth enough for papering over. In your case perhaps to try to cover the damp before papering.  I agree with Jan, sort the damp first. If the poly is sound you can leave it but personally I would scrape it off rather than plaster over it - a bit more work and mess but probably worth it in the long run. You will also find out more about the condition of the wall underneath. Graham

On longer walls you can double up the montants back to back for more rigidity. (Can't claim this idea as my own, my neighbour discovered it on an existing wall in his house). Graham

I've received such an e-mail too - re an internet booking made here in France for a Calais-Dover return - so it's not just booze cruisers they are targetting. Perhaps they have copied Speed Ferries - I seem to remember reading a post saying they are doing it. Graham

Found this using search facility... http://forums.livingfrance.com/shwmessage.aspx?forumid=285&messageid=240456   Graham

Deimos, that link to spywarewarrior is very interesting and should be of great use to anyone wanting to improve their protection levels. There's quite a lot to wade through but it's worth it. Graham

To clear any obvious files (not registry) open Widows Explorer click on Windows_98(C and then press F3. This will give you "Find:All Files". In the "Named:" box type Symantic and click Find Now. Any files it finds can be deleted.   Graham

My CA account is called Maestro, costs €8.65 p month and gives me a debit/cash card and includes internet access - so depending on how many times you want to access the account on line each month, it could save you money. Graham

"especially now everyone is getting out while they can!"   Are they? Why? What do "they" know that I don't??!! Graham

Thank you BJSLIV - this looks to be what I have been waiting for. As a very light user, I absolutely refused to buy a French PAYG before as I could not cope with the idea of unused credit, for which I had paid, being cancelled. I've looked at the link and can't see any catches or hidden charges, so here goes! Thanks again, Graham

Thanks for the info - we are now tuned in to ITV. There was something on the forum recently about CH4 going FTA too (I just have a dish +cheapo box - no Sky). Does anyone know if/when this is likely to happen. Thanks, Graham

Had a follow up 'phone call from someone today. I'm sure she said did you get our letter so I said yes and assumed it was the bank that was touting for English customers. She seemed very surprised when I said I was quite happy with my bank so we started over again and it turned out that her firm deliver frozen food - so I thanked her and said no thanks. So, I got there in the end and I think that's what matters. However, re accents the same can apply to pronunciation. I mis-pronounced Auto Rail and my neighbour who knows me well couldn't undestand until I put it another way and said we put the car on the train. I agree with Miki, there is so much to learn - but it is satisfying when you do succeed. Graham

Yes we do - well enough to discuss almost anything, even if we make mistakes - its the best way to learn. I wouldn't dream of addressing a French person in English - after all we chose to live here. I find it helps to have a big dictionary to look up anything new or important in a novel situation. But today I asked if they had peau pour saucisse in Super U. The butcher said yes but it turns out the correct word was boyau (pl. boyaux) - so we learnt something! The hardest thing is catching what they say on recorded messages on the telephone - which button to press for what. Also when a French person initiates a conversation it is sometimes hard to latch on to the gist of it at first. All I can say is we're better than when we moved here last June, so hopefully we'll continue to improve. Graham

Try your local market if you have one - there's a foam man at ours each month in Rouillac.   Graham

You don't have a choice on where to be taxed - it depends on where you are resident. I live here so pay French tax on my UK occupational pension - which the UK taxman arranged to have paid gross after I filled in the appropriate form. The Inland Revenue website has some info and various booklets are available. If you search on this website in the Finance section you will also find that there is quite a lot of advice from people who know much more about the subject than me. This Health section also has loads about how you register, what the costs are and top up insurance, (called a mutuel) if you want it. There isn't a quick answer to your question as everyone has different circumstances but it is worth doing some digging on the website as most of the issues have come up before.   Graham

I am insulin dependent. When we arrived I showed the doctor what medication I was on. He sent off blood tests and had me checked out by the local heart specialist. All OK. I continue to have regular blood tests HBA1C, chlolesterol etc. Doc registed me with CPAM as ALD so I get all my diabetes related stuff refunded in full. He writes the prescription, I pay him €20 for the consultation and CPAM refund the €20 less the €1 the government now claws back each time. Went for an eye test-results to doctor - as you say. Got that refunded too. Its not really much different once you get past the form filling for joining CPAM and nominating which doctor you will use. If I can answer anything more specific let me know. Graham

Hi, I have tried lots of my English recipes for bread but without a great deal of success (edible but not delicious) Do any of you clever people have foolproof recipes for bread using French ingredients? Plain white, wholemeal or anything you like? Hand made not machine. Thanks in anticipation. Brenda