JeanS

Has anyone used one of the online shopping companies - if so which one? I've looked at a few but their drop off points are miles away. I'm in 36 near Ste.Severe.

Must try this recipe - but will put cherries on top - got to use them up somehow and it will be a change from cherry crumble!!!

And in 36 - we put buckets out in the garden and have filled 4 plus watering cans. As previous post - going to buy a water butt.

What a shame - would offer to help but we go back to the UK mid-Sept. and that would mean finding another carer for the remaining few months.

I know a few pit bulls & their owners - all very good dogs because they are trained and are part of the family. On the other hand, the bad name comes from the 'desginer/macho' ethic where the dogs are trained to be agresive. Sometimes not even looked after properly and abused. I used to see one on a chain lead with a big spiky collar- the hoody wearing owner trying to be the 'Godfather'. When we were 'surfing' the dog rescue sites a few years ago, there were always loads of pit bulls & staffies looking for a home - it was so sad.

I remember my friend penfriend making pastry like this, but she melted the butter in asaucepan. Must give it a try.

Be interested in this - my neighbour can't have sugar or fat. I found a recipe using dried fruit and apple ( can't find it at the moment). The result was rather dense and a bit flat but tasted ok. I googled 'sugarless cakes' Most were from the US but the British Diabetic Society has a few.

I could say 'SNAP'. We're the same - keep promising to buy a Kindle. Why don't you have a stall at the next brocante in Poligny Notre Dame ( mid July) We did it last year & sold loads of books, among other things and made quite a bit of money for our 'eating out fund'.

I could say 'SNAP'. We're the same - keep promising to buy a Kindle. Why don't you have a stall at the next brocante in Poligny Notre Dame ( mid July) We did it last year & sold loads of books, among other things and made quite a bit of money for our 'easting out fund'.

Just bottled my first attempt. Now going to try it with some fizzy water, will try with something stronger if it's ok. As I have so much - how do I make it into sorbet

Masking tape for windows etc. Get it from you local Poundshop. We used loads and it's quite expensive here.

I am reading all your comments, thank you and feel like quitting before I start. Initally the idea to start B&B was to give me something to do during the summer. We get visits from friends and family but now that the novelty has worn off,they are very few,and I'm sometimes at a loss of what to do, apart from gardening.We only stay for 3-4 months. Because of where we are - quite remote, my charge will be 30euros per night per room. I would add that the bathroom would be solely for quests as our bedroom/bathroom is on the groundfloor. I think I'll make the final decision next week when I see the marie.

Thanks for all your responses.I had thought about making the rooms more like a selfcatering apartment - it could be done quite easily and cheaply but the OH doesn't want to. I'm off to the Mairie on Monday to start the process. I'm having some leaflets printed to leave in the local tourist offices, then it will be ' wait & see'.

I am thinking about setting up a B&B for the summer only. I've read all the threads and I'm now a bit concerned as to whether it would be a viable proposition for me. We have three rooms with one toilet/shower room. They are in the attic and separate from our bedroom and bathroom. Would it be acceptable to let them out to different people, in that they would have to share the facilities?

Just picked up on this thread, we bought our house in 2004 - then spent all available holidays for 6 years up until we retired, bringing it up to to a respectable standard. It was our intention to move to France but the state of the EU made us decide not to. So we spend around 3-4 months in a year in France. We don't rent out but are always happy to receive visitors from the UK - mainly family and friends. As others, we have spent lots of EU's in various DIY places. on local artisans, supermarkets etc. As well as paying for utilities,which are more than we pay in the UK. And now we are expected to pay another tax -We have recently been thinking about selling up and buying a narrow boat in the UK - so this maybe the deciding factor.

Do you have the web addresses for these?

Just finished the latest one - Started early took my dog. It's the first I've read by her. I kept having to go back to remind myself who was who & why etc. Thought the ending could have been better. Book now in box ready for next brocante.

I was stopped doing 134km/hr. in a 70km/hr. near Loches on the Tours road. At the time I was on my way to Caen with my mum who was having an asthma attack so I was a bit distracted. The gemdarmes ignored this and took my licence, telling me I was banned for a month and filled in copius amounts of forms. I have a masion secondaire so they used this for an address. After about an hour they let me drive on. On return to the UK I called the DVLA - they told me that the French have no juristriction to endorse my licence. About a month later my licence came back- nothing was said about a fine. This happened in April - in August I received a notice at my French address telling my that I had been fined 296Euros. How long did they ban you for??

RH - maybe you went to the same school as me - we made aprons plus caps. Good luck with the knitting- I'm thinking the same.

Used the ones in Auchan in Chatearoux several times - they have instructions in English. Much better than the one's in Morrisons which kept calling for the supervisor.

From an advert in the U3A magazine. You could try Travel Insurance 4U. They state they can offer travel insurance for any person up to 99 years of age anywhere in the world. Tel: 01753 400128. www.travelinsurance4u.net.

I was in a panic because I hadn't received my bill - so I sent the tax office an email and paid on-line on 15 December. For some reason, no matter how many calls, emails etc. they just can't get it that the bill is to be sent to our UK address as with the Taxe Fonciere. Paying on line only takes a few minutes.

Well my galette was very good - lots of frangipane filling with a hint of cognac. The pastry wasn't too bad either (Jusrol ready made). As other posts - I always made my own Christmas cake and puddings. The family say it wouldn't be Christmas without them. Thanks to all for the suggested recipes.

Thanks for all your help. I found a receipe and have made it. Looks ok but some of the filling leaked out. Unfortunately I don't have a feve so I'm going to use a large bead and a hat from a cracker for the crown. Hope it'll taste as good as it looks.

Anyone got a recipe for Galette. I want to make one for tomorrow to take to my U3A French meeting.