Judie

Have you already tried Casseau Decor at Desertines? They always seem to have a good selection of voiles and curtains. Judie

This is one of our cats, he's even called Adolf. [IMG]http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j205/vienormande/adolf1.jpg[/IMG]

Opas,   Have PM'd you,   Judie

Lou, So sorry to hear things have gone pear shaped, but I must take issue with Miki's advice. DON'T send any deposit until a compromis is signed and you have had your 7 day cooling off period. If you pay before that and things go wrong, you may never see your deposit again. Chin up girl, somethings are meant to be. Will email you this weekend to chat. Judie

Pads,   Are you buying an empty property or one that is currently lived in. If empty, you might be able to prevail upon the owners' better natures to lend you the keys in advance of the completion in order to leave things in the house, ready for your ownership. However, it would probably be better to try to get the completion sorted out before the notaire goes on holiday. Why don't you ask the estate agent or notaire to let you have the POA forms early if you are unable to change your flights. The completion can then take place and you can pick up the keys on your already planned trip. Judie

[quote user="Will "]  though when any of the animals misbehave they become mine. [/quote] Not true, Mr T, as you very well know

I see that someone else has started posting as Will in one of the threads this week. I think it was something to do with gites. As this is the user name of my husband, I was just wondering why the forum allows duplicate names. Surely this could lead to some confusion. Your comments would be appreciated. Judie

I think what the estate agent is trying to say, is that as you are coming over, then you can sign a procuration or power of attourney form at the notaire's office with one of the clerks, then when the notaire is back, he/she will complete the sale using your POA delegations. You can either assign the power to the estate agent, or to one of the notaire's clerks. However, why don't you try to fix a date when every one will be present - this is what we try to do as estate agents. We know it is a rather special day for all concerned. Good luck, Judie

You can ask France Telecom to put you on the 'liste orange' which should stop sales phone calls. It works like the Telephone Preference Service in Britain. You can do it through the FT web site.  

Is there anyone out there who feels they may be able to offer a loving home to a healthy 12 year old Jack Russell. He is currently living in Lower Normandy with a lovely family, but they have a young son and the dog just wants a quiet life. He is very much like Rick Stein's Chalky with all his lovely characteristics and has plenty more life in him yet. Please PM me as soon as possible if you are able to help.

If I had allowed 3 of the 15 plus feral females I have had neutered to go to full term and give birth, it would have resulted in 13 more animals needing love, food and neutering! Hard as it was to make that decision, and ther's no one softer hearted than me, the cats are far better for it. Only 3 males left to do now............

I am so pleased for Woody; I would have volunteered to have him as we are not too far from you, but we have 22 already!! ( and 3 dogs and 2 chickens ).    

It's actually 27% since January this year.

The gain is actually calculated on the difference between the total purchase price, including agents and Notaires fees, deducted from the net sale price, excluding any fees, which are paid by the purchaser anyway. The gain is reduced by 10% per annum from the 6th year of ownership until the gain is extinguished after 15 years of ownership.  

Her email is [email protected] and her phone number is 02 99 98 34 50. Her address is Le Poulailler, Launay Boivent 35460 St Ouen La Rouerie. Hope this helps.

Teamed Up, My father is the bride's godfather but, due ill health, would not be able to travel to France for the wedding. Tourangelle, Thanks for all the advice. I shall suggest a cheque to my father.  

Thanks, we will send a card. My father ( who has also received a faire part ) is the daughter's godfather. Would a cheque be appropriate? He wants to send a present but it is always difficult to think of something suitable, especially as I shall have to choose it. A cheque would be so much more practical - is that the norm from pseudo family? So many questions - I am sorry!!!

Hi Tourangelle, You are quite right. I have just looked back to my original email from Yvon, and he mentions a faire part - my fault for not knowing what one was. Thanks for that - it would have been very embarrassing to turn up when we weren't actually invited. Do we still need to send a wedding gift?  

Thanks, Tourangelle. The wedding we attended last year was very french, although the groom was english, but because I was more involved, being a witness, there were no assumptions necessary. The other problem I have is that my friend, Yvon, is in the USA until just before the wedding, so I can't just pick up the phone and ask him off the record. Although we know his wife, she is very traditional ( and a little formal ) and speaking to her would be a no-no. THe invitations reads as follows Morgane et Stani sont heureux de vous annoncer leur union qui sera célébré à la Mairie de ........ le .... Aout à ...... There follow the 3 addresses of the families involved. Do you think this means, therefore, that we are just invited to the official ceremony ( plus vin d'honneur etc )?

We have been invited to the wedding of my long-standing french friend's daughter in August. Yvon and I go back to the 60s and as a professor of english, he has no problem with speaking my language. I, in turn, speak and write reasonable french. My question is, how and to whom should I reply? The invitation came from Yvon and his wife, the wedding is being held at the Mairie in the village of the fiancé's parents, and the young couple live elsewhere. The invitation shows all 3 addresses. The other thing I would like to know is whether we are invited to the reception afterwards - the invitation only tells me that the official ceremony is at 15h30. I do not want to appear pushy ( or ignorant )  by asking my friend if we get to go to what ever happens afterwards. The only other wedding I have been to over here, was an anglo-french affair and I was a witness, so I was far more involved. Help, please!!

Hi Marushka, Sorry you are having no joy as yet with the kittens - you know I would BUT............. Did you get my email? Judie

The notaire we use frequently at work in southern Manche only charges 350 euros. Email me if you want his details.  

Go for it Louise!!!!! Gros bisous Judie

Hi Marushka, We use Docteur Puret at St Georges de Rouelley, where we used to live - she is brilliant but far too far from you. I have heard good things of a doctor at Le Teilleul but I'm not sure of his name. My neighbour uses him, so I will try to find out for you in the next few days. Hope all is well with you and yours. Judie

I pop over to the UK about 6 times a year and frequently bring back plants that I don't see locally or which are particularly good value. They are always in view in the back of my car and I have never been questioned, despite having to brave Customs on two occasions.