GRT17

Weather:   U.K. weather forecast said severe winds and rain last night may cause some coastal flooding. I haven't caught up with the news today but have not heard of cancellations. Sounds as though you have made the right decision. Gill

Good luck Coco, hope all will go according to plan. When we first started having work done by French, well established  artisans approx. 5 yrs ago, some asked for some money up front when presenting the devis, though they waived that aside and AFIK we have never paid anything in advance. Now we know them all very well they seem to trust that we will pay up (which we do of course) even though we often disappear back to the U.K. while they are working.  Bon courage and fingers crossed. Gill

So it isn't just me then. or me! I wish they had the equivalent of the 1471 service, but they don't Gill

[quote]I know you have to sign an attestation to say that you have owned the house for more than two years, and whatever "age" the house has to be, then I presume mine has surpassed it (1734) as all previous...[/quote] Coco Sorry I can't help with the correct rate for the barn conversion. I know you have had your house for a while now but for the benefit of others reading this I am fairly certain that it is only the house that has to be over two years old to qualify for the 5,5% TVA (if that is applicable to the job required) so if someone had only just purchased an old house they would still qualify.   Gill

VMC ? = "Ventilation Mecanique Controle" I think (sorry I can't manage the accents on here) We are having two of these fitted and this is one of my most recently acquired pieces of house terminology.   Gill

All is now revealed!!!!!!!!!!!!!   When I went into Google and spelt the word properly there was loads of information! Angela and Missyesbut you are both right. The Bleuet (flower) was chosen because of the colour of the uniform of the young soldiers, who were known as "Bleuets", Note: I tried to put in a link here but my computing skills are not up to it Gill P.S. I shall now go away and write BLEUET 100 times for homework  

Thanks for that Missyesbut. I was at an Anglo- French party on Saturday night and a charming French man gave me more or less the same explanation, saying that poppies and cornflowers are both flowers of the field. The British chose the poppies as their symbol and the French chose the cornflower as a symbol for France. I hadn't thought of the tricolore connection. I was in France for Armistice day this year our local Maire read out the official words and then kept adding odd sentences with his own comments. Gill

However, I do believe that schools are obliged to provide toilet paper and soap, things for basic hygiene. This situation of dirty toilets, lack of paper and soap etc. sounds horrendous and not what we would would expect in this century. Do they have an equivalent "environmental / public health / sanitary inspection department" within the French system? if so I would be inclined to mention the matter to them if the school is prepared to do nothing about it. After all if this occurred in a restaurant, if reported it would be in danger of being closed down.   Gill

[quote]I think the original Saint Catherine story was that she was a religious girl who was married against her wishes and refused to sleep with her husband or give up her religion. As a result, she was tie...[/quote] Chrissie, thanks for giving us the rest of the story. Re. the Danish custom, I think the Swedes have a similar one but not with pepper pots. Gill

Why do the French wear a Bluet de France (Cornflower) sticker for Armistice day ? We have our Poppies in the U.K. which I think are a great symbol. I have looked on the internet but cannot find much information. Gill

Merci Domy     Gill

Molly, I think this Catherine was a martyr and she was burnt hence the connection with the Catherine Wheel. Maybe someone else can tell us the whole story. Gill

Gert I have sent you a P.M.   Gill

Why not just say that this has been posted on the wrong forum and be done with it. G

Jc I have Swedish friends who will not swim in the Baltic (at their local seaside) as they are worried about what is coming over from Russia, post Chernobyl. A difficult topic this one and there don't seem to be any easy answers. Gill

I think I would try to contact Flybe and ask them. Bonne chance Gill

Re, Noel and the presents, It might be a good idea to talk to your friends beforehand and ask what they plan for the evening, also get an idea of what would be a suitable to give as presents. I am sure it will be a wonderful experience and how generous of them to invite you. Gill

Sfg. Well done for posting. Yes, mistakes do happen but this heading has really been annoying me. Gill

Wise words Zeb and I am with you all the way. I think it has been noted that traditional wooden frames actually last longer than uPVC. One of my pet hates, lovely old charentaise houses and barns fitted with uPVC patio doors (and windows) Jetlag, back to your request, there's a shop in Gemozac that has a display of windows and doors in both wood and uPVC, which I guess they make and fit to order. It's in the same street as the English Epicerie. Gill

Goodness me! whatever next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gordon Ramsay was teaching a couple of novice cooks to cook steak and chips in his " the f word" program last night and there was certainly no mention of boiling. He advised seasoning the meat with salt and pepper before cooking, putting the meat into a hot frying pan (some oil too I think) and then adding some butter!!!!!!!!!!!!! It did look good and he had some good hints for testing how well done the steak would be. Gill

I think first time round I would be inclined to invite them just for an aperitif, Pineau or a glass of wine and a few nibbles would be acceptable. Later on you when you know them better you could invite them for a meal. :Enjoy! I am sure you will, Gill P.S It has previously been mentioned on here that different areas of France are accustomed to different drinks such as a Pastis for aperos.

Same here Gay, according to the weather forecast last night a hard frost was predicted for the whole of the U.K. with the exception of West Wales and Cornwall. I love this weather with sunshine and blue skies and could happily have a whole winter with days just like today. Gill

If you are still searching you could make enquiries at the Conservatoire in Saintes, they may be able to help. Gill

I am surprised you consider July to be early ! We would always expect our gites to be full throughout July and probably June too. You certainly shouldn't need to consider having a different policy for this period. Eslier I think the original poster meant that November is early to be receiving bookings for next July. I have to agree that British holiday makers would normally expect to pay a deposit (usually non refundable) when booking a holiday. If they booked with any of the well known holiday companies this would be the norm.   Gill

T.U. when is a pudding not a pudding We ate in a little French resto last week and a friend of ours chose pain perdu for pudding which looked (and apparently tasted) very much like bread and butter pudding! Gill