Graham & Brenda

Having justs sent off all our British cards we are in a dilemma as to when is the correct time to send cards to French friends. Do they expect them before Christmas or between then and New Year?

We have just had a 10 x 5 pool installed by Magiline for approx €24,000 - I say approx because I paid extra for the surround. (The hole was already dug by the way). The pool has corner Roman steps and a salt water system instead of chlorine (cost a bit extra initially but lovely to use and no testing!). The firm we used are near Cognac and I think they are a franchise. They were very quick and efficient.  Graham

That's an interesting way of producing accents - do you have a list of the others please? In the meantime, until you fix your num lock, this may help - its what I use at the moment. Graham à, è, ì, ò, ù À, È, Ì, Ò, Ù CTRL+`(ACCENT-GRAVE), the letter á, é, í, ó, ú, ý Á, É, Í, Ó, Ú, Ý CTRL+'(APOSTROPHE), the letter â, ê, î, ô, û Â, Ê, Î, Ô, Û CTRL+SHIFT+^ (CARET), the letter ã, ñ, õ Ã, Ñ, Õ CTRL+SHIFT+~(TILDE), the letter ä, ë, ï, ö, ü, ÿ Ä, Ë, Ï, Ö, Ü, Ÿ CTRL+SHIFT+COLON), the letter å, Å CTRL+SHIFT+@, a or A æ, Æ CTRL+SHIFT+&, a or A œ, Œ CTRL+SHIFT+&, o or O ç, Ç CTRL+, (COMMA), c or C ð, Ð CTRL+' (APOSTROPHE), d or D ø, Ø CTRL+/, o or O ¿ ALT+CTRL+SHIFT+? ¡ ALT+CTRL+SHIFT+! ß CTRL+SHIFT+&, S

Having only been here full time since June, we are still learning and enjoying the way that produce tends to be more available by season than in the UK. With the family coming for Christmas our thoughts turn to Christmas lunch. I'm afraid I don't know what meat the French cook at Christmas (or New Year - I know that their celebrations differ somewhat).  In any event, the main question is, are turkeys as small as 10kg available in butchers or supermarkets around that period as I didn't seen any when I looked the other day?  Thanks, Graham

Although we obtained letters from our doctors giving medical history and medication, our new doctor has tended to ask his own questions to establish our current position and requirements. The list of medication was useful and I also took with me empty pill packets and the info leaflets from inside them. As I have diabetes, that makes me potentially at risk of a number of ailments so he sent me off for all the relevent tests. Some were more detailed than I'd had in the UK. Graham

It's time to make the sausage rolls again. Is there a French equivalent to sausage meat and, if so, what is it called and who sells it please? Graham

Thanks for your trouble David. My neighbour sometimes goes to the branch at Poitiers, so I'll ask him unless I'm over near La Rochelle on one of our trips out. No, I don't think 1m is too short by the way. Thanks again, Graham

Thanks David. I don't have a Leroys that close but the main problem is the smaller size of the French pioches. Perhaps I should have said, the largest part of the "eye" of the head is 7.5cm (3") across. Graham

I have a pick axe I brought from the UK and it needs a new handle. However, all the French ones I have found are too small (or round ended). I have tried the usual suspects - Mr B., Casto, Gamm Vert etc. Any suggestions as to whether or where I might find a suitable handle please? Graham

Does anybody know where to buy jars of stem ginger please? (No problems finding fresh ginger). We live in Charente (16) Thanks

We are in Charente (16) and I have the number of a helpful France Telecom English speaker should your house happen to be in this area. The bi monthly charge sounds right - just watch out for all the add-ons they offer you and see if you really need them as they can add up. Graham

Can anybody tell me how to extract a small amount of oil from my walnuts on a simple DIY basis without purchasing a professional press please?  Thanks, Graham

Mainly because we are francophiles, have holidayed here for more years than we care to remember and like the lifestyle. So with both having been able to take early retirement we decided to go region hunting last year. We found a house that was ideal in a small village in Charente and moved in in June. We do love the extra space and slower lifestyle and we don't miss the UK, except for our 2 sons. Still getting used to shops being closed on Sundays and Monday mornings but everything is as expected as we had done our homework first (much through this site) and could both speak French. So - the answer is..... because we could and knew we'd regret it later if we didn't. Graham

Now that we've started having the fire again we're producing loads of wood ash. It seems a shame to dump it if it has a use. I know it is good to add to  some soil types -  ours here (16) is well drained, so not sure if it would help or not. Also is it any good for adding to my compost bin - or for anything else in fact? Thanks, Graham

I, too, have diabetes controlled by insulin. When I arranged my car insurance the broker wasn't interested but I made sure I declared it in writing just in case. I asked my doctor the other day if, when I change to a French license, it will have to be renewed every 3 years and he said not if it was only for a car. However, I am learning that just because one person says something in France it doesn't mean it is the same everywhere - so don't take my word for it!! Incidentally, I have received few responses to any diabetes related questions on the forum, so please speak up if there are any more insulin users out there!   Graham (16)

There are both interesting and some downright stupid posts. However, I think it is up to the user to sort the wheat from the chaff. This site has been invaluable to me and I have recommended it to others. I try to post if I know the answer to a question - even if it looks obvious, as this is how such a valuable database builds up. If there are rubbish posts never mind - "move on" as seems to be the phrase of the moment. Graham 

I live in Charente (16) and took my Kangoo van to the local "Securitest". It sailed through with the sticky tape still on and lights adjusted to the low setting. I had read on this site that someone else had done so, so decided to give it a try.   Graham

Can't see anything on their website http://www.larochelle.aeroport.fr/services.htm  but haven't had time to dig deeply. There's a 'phone number there if you need it.   Graham

I am about to lay ceramic floor tiles in my bathroom and have covered the floorboards with hardboard. Having just read the instructions on the adhesive packet [Cercol F16, for use on cement substates] it says not to use on wood - amongst other things. Can I salvage the situation by first sealing the hardboard or do I need a completely different adhesive? Alternatively is it OK to use anyway? [All I did was tell the chap in the shop what tiles they were, not the surface I was to lay them on and I chose a dry product rather than ready mixed having seen the prices!]. Thanks for any advice, Graham

We have stayed in B+B at Harfleur near Le Havre. Not only was the hotel ideal, clean, large enough, OK breakfast, easy online booking and easy late entry after the car park gate was closed but Harfleur itself was a discovery. Usually one just drives by on the big road but we had an extremely pleasant stroll round and found a lovely restaurant for dinner. (If you don't want to go far there's a popular looking Resto Marche [sp?] next to B+B). Graham

We use a fosse freindly loo cleaner but does this also apply to washing powder? I had a quick look at Auchan yesterday but couldn't see any info on the packs I looked at. Any advice welcome. Thanks,   Graham

Thanks everyone - I get the message!! I've done the insulation ready for winter, so I guess I'll just have to up the budget a bit. (I've also been down to EDF with my list of appliances to make sure we are on the correct tariff - a good tip that I picked up on this site).   Graham

Sorry, I should have said it was an actual reading. I know some people track these things quite carefully and I am  trying to compare with UK prices to get my budget updated now that we are here (16) permanently.   Graham

I'm sure there must be something in the archives but I'm not having any success with the advanced search so.... My EDF/GDF bill arrived today and the gas looks a bit high for the amount we've used it. We've not been in the house long enough to get a trend so I wondered if anyone has a feel for the relative prices of gas and electricity compared with current (no pun intended!) UK prices. Thanks,   Graham

Agence Tredinnick in Cognac are English speaking and very helpful. Having seen a recommendation on this site I used them for house and car insurance. I am insured through a company called Generali. Graham