JeanS

Still haven't received my bill for 2010. I keep telling them that the bills should be sent to my UK address - the Taxe Fonctioniere - no problems. So for this time, I've sent 5 emails over the past week - had an automated reply but still no invoice.

OH is really jealous of his son - who works in a hotel in Dubai and is now down under to watch the Ashes courtsey of winning a compition with Fosters.

I saw an article for some knives made by Albert de Thiers in Femme Actuelle. I've tried 'googling' the name which I can find but no website. Anyone ever seen them on sale and where??? The one's I'm looking for have coloured handles - a set of 4 with a magnetic wall holder. If all fails I'll have call them and see if they'll to mail order to the UK.

Same thing happened to me in September - but I was only charged £10. Next year I'm going to book 2 oneway crossings

We had lerots for years - they are so sweet. As others - we just caught them and then took them down the lane and let them out. However since the forine problem last winter, they have not returned - as least they hadn't as at the end of Sept. when we shut the house up for the winter.

We came back on Tuesday - arrived at the Port nearly an hour earlier than usual, so the dog had a nice walk/run opposite McD's. It was dark so couldn't take advantage of the walk along the canal. Don't know what the extra cost will be in tolls until we get our Alis statement.

All was ok - did notice that Brittany Ferries are really cracking down on dogs being muzzled in the ferry terminal.

Took Amber to the vet for her 'return to UK' check - they didn't check her chip. May call in on our way out later just to be sure.

We use Promeris but once the vet used Advantix on her for her ' return to the UK' treatment. She was very down and listless for 24 hrs. Since then we've insisted on Promeris. We're going to try a Scalibot collar next year.

Another thought - have you tried oil of peppermint on cotton wool balls - throw them around the loft space and at the entry points. Some-one I spoke to locally said it worked - it's also mentioned in a previous thread.

My daugher nearly always brings on of her son's friends when visiting us. Likewise she always has a letter signed by the parents - so far in 4 years, she's only been asked twice for it. She has it in English and French. She only ever uses the tunnel because she's a bad sailor.

What good news - I was telling a guy about this on Friday when we went on a bird walk - all donations for it went to the local SPA.

According to my OH these spiders are 'hunters' and feed on flies etc. So we just let them run the gauntlet of the dog, who thinks they're toys. However I draw the line when they are in the bedroom - they have to be caught and put out.

Are the fouines - if so, moth balls will do the trick. Also we took the advice of previous threads and used chicken netting to block the holes under the eaves - that was after we removed some tiles and cleared out the 'nest/toilet' We off back to the UK for the winter so we hope we don't come back to find they've returned next year.

I'm glad I changed my crossing to 21st. Didn't know about all this.

I made some last week. Recipe makes about 30( I upped the ginger) = didn't last long. Might make some more later but will ad stem ginger. Mumm.

To get back to the thread ( nothing against Whitley Bay - went there once) or the correct use of upper/lower case. I use a non-Engilish speaking French hairdresser and have no problems -a get a better cut/colour than in the UK for half the cost.

In the words of a Tax officer in Chatearoux ( translated) ' You are in France so you must speak French' I know of one in 36

I had the same problem with the Direct Debit. Added my bank details via the espace client and they've now sent me a new direct debit form to complete and return. Maybe I'll try the access libre when we return to the UK in October.

I don't have a problem turning my phone on and off - however I don't think you can turn the internet on and off. Assuming that France Telecom/Orange is being referred to. The last time I tried I was told that with the internett you have to cancel the contract and start a new one on returning to France. I know of other people who have the same problem.

There isa big thread on the forum. We used to have one with SANEF but have changed to ALIS. Sanef charged 30euros for the 'doofer', and then there are 3 different options. ALIS' doofer is free and if you use the A28 you get a discount. They invoice for their charges. This email is for the lady at ALIS - she will correspond in English. [email protected]

Has anyone used this type of paint remover and if so, is it available in France. Saw it used on Great Designs and have googled it. Looks like it may work on some door frames I have with about 6 layers of paint - varying colours from grey-pink - green and cream. The doors were so bad that we took them back to the UK and had them stripped back to the wood and them used beeswax - beautiful result.

Got to the chemist - I bought one for my mum, which worked better than what she had been prescribed by her UK doctor - however can't remember the name

Thanks for your suggestion - I did some research before we came over, and as with AVF everything closes down between late June and late Sept. Never mind - I'm sure I'll find something.

Any ideas how I can meet up with other people for a coffee, chat etc. We're near Ste.Severe - whereas last summer I was fine - relaxing after retiring but this year I've become bored. There's only so much gardening & housework one can do - I miss not having some-one to chat/shop with. We have one neighbour who is housebound. Tony - MOH, bless him - is tied up with DIY and hates me trying to help- I'm not very good at it. So does anyone have any suggestions. My French is passable - Ok for chatting etc.