Keni

I understand the problems, believe me, but if you are a Brit in the area around my Bro. - Perpignan,  if you can not sell your house to leave to go back to the Uk, and  face the prospect of not much social help because you own your own home, as with some of the people my brother knows in the area - asset rich and cash poor, surely you would be better off in France? Why did they make the move if not to enjoy a simpler lifestyle? I don't want to have to live and be valued for all the techno stuff I have, heading for 60, all we want to do is lose some of the lifestyle of the UK - although we would not be moving to Perpignan, the outside lifestyle surely makes it better to be in France - you have the same amount of money coming in in the Uk or France, but why live in the 'British enclaves', if not to get out and about and be part of the local environment. It must be cheaper for heating, food and entertainment - I don't think I have had that many walks in the UK along a beach in November, or visited a castle still open at that time of year here in the UK, as we did in Carcassone, but with the richness of what is around it must surely be better healthwise as well? No rose tinted specs, just practical observations over many years, £11k or 11ke, surely life goes further with 11ke?

As my brother says, if you are poor, where would you rather be so - France or England? I think I would rather be skint in France!

I have a feeling there might be a line of solicitors now queuing up to support this couple - failing that there could be a case to answer for negligence for those who took the children away, or even human rights abuse for the parents.

In our neck of the woods during summer all the washing up water and what is called 'grey' water is usually used to water the plants - the village treatment plant therefore in summer often has less water going through than we are actually using. This has confused the issuer as nearly all the villagers pointed this out and demanded that they re-work the bills!

The kids up the street have cleared our drives and cars of snow and all us mums are going into our neighbour next door to have a sing-a-long on Mamma Mia with the kids later!

Thanks for that one Frenchie - where was his old english sheepdog in the video? Methinks the younger generation were not aware of what the song was about! Have a good day.

Apparently although used in the Green Room at the BBC, it was in a private conversation and she has appologised, but the BBC is firing here because she is not giving an unreserved appology - so sayeth the Producer on TV this morning. I agree with woolybanana, does this mean that everyone can listen in to our private conversations and report us when they deem we say something offensive. I remember a few years ago that presenter from One Man and His Dog, Robin something talking at a private meeting and it costing the tax-payer huge amounts because he was reported to the police for saying something offensive - the case was dropped by the PPO as it was a private consersation/meeting. So again, JR was let off for what he said, which to me as a woman and mother is hugely offensive. If anyone had said that on air about my daughter I would have gone to the BBC and clocked him - hang the response from the police. That was my daughter!! You might also like to know that in my knitting shop, knitting patterns are still available for those little dolls! Although a local shop had a police raid for having them in the window - however our local main post office has several in their window but no police raid there.

Cheers Bubbles - I thought it always sounded strange when I said it.

I know you love Lennon & Macca, Frenchie, so how about the very rare 'Piggies'?  or my fave from that album (white) Martha my Dear, about Pauls' sheepdog?

Just being (pernickity) (pernickaty) (pernicity) awkward, but is it, as I was taught, Good night from Jeremy & I, or me? I was taught at school, one always said () and I, not me! Also, the sign painted on the shop opposite mine, by a signwriter says, 'News & Stationary'!!! It should be stationery - 'cos its moving not staying put!! arghhh.. I have to look at that every day.

Or even me - with Bank of Scotland, now taken over by Lloyds having got a load in from the Government. I have now been told that they are withdrawing my business overdraft funding..... might retire quicker than I thought I was going to!

Our daughter had the same sort of experience, Quillan upon visiting Oradour sur Glane. We were impressed however that local children are made to visit Oradour to learn about what happened and mans' inhumanity. I do feel that British schoolchildren should be taught more about this  - I know we were. However even Scott of the Antartic is off the menu now I understand, so they have no chance of learning about Bonhoeffer or any of those who lost their lives saving others in that time of stress. Thank you Tony for adding another name to the record.x

Sorry, Odile -I'm all woman! xx - Sorry for delay, just had to go and feed the family.

Heavens, I have a couple of days away from my computer and I miss everything - mum always said to kiss and make up - Right - who's first for a snog?

Thanks again peeps - so much to learn/do - oh for a bullet list to work through - I know eventually something will get missed, but to try and write a complete list looks like it's gonna take time!

Chris also has added that Les continued - ' You don't sweat much either for a fat lass!' I just love that Yorkshire charm

Or maybe a job application - from their website:These are actual answers on a McD’s application submitted by a 17 year old kid someplace in Florida. They actually hired him too. I think this kid’s gonna go far… NAME: Greg Bulmash. SEX: Not yet. Still waiting for the right person.  DESIRED POSITION: Company’s President or Vice President. But seriously, whatever’s available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn’t be applying here in the first place. DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that’s not possible, make an offer and we can haggle. EDUCATION: Yes.  LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility.  SALARY: Less than I’m worth.  MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.  REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.  HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any.  PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they’re better suited to a more intimate environment.  MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?  DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?: Of what?  DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be “Do you have a car that runs?”  HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearing house Sweepstakes. DO YOU SMOKE?: On the job no, on my breaks yes.  WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde super model who thinks I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I’d like to be doing that now. DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: Yes. Absolutely.  SIGN HERE: Aries.    

Check out who actually owns the company, as you many be aware many British utility companies are now owned by French and German companies!

Round our way the Wetherspoons is used often as a local senior citizen lunch club, making sure they get a cooked meal for a cheap price.

My husband and friend Les were in a disco many years ago (Yorkshiremen) and Les couldn't understand why his face was slapped when he said: 'You dance well for a fat lass'!

Yes, try La Peyre - great catalogues as well!

So when we make the final move to France and we discover that we didn't need to bring the three sofas, four beds and more besides but could not live without them, is there perhaps a freecycle group around Nontron? - You can see I'm thinking ahead, be proud of me!

Duplicated - sorry

Having been 'cack-handed' for 54 years I can only say for myself that I appear to be intelligent, quick-witted, soul of the party artistic - Oh yeah - I am also obviously sinister  and a fib-teller- so I must be ideal for a politician - next question how many MP's are left-handed?

We asked two local lads about replacing our roof - they have done previous good work. This was whilst we were over at Christmas and it took them 24 hours to produce a devis. We had also asked our local shopkeeper if she knew of anyone who was a good roofer - her hubby is an electrician, so we thought they would know someone.Whilst we were out one day over the Christmas hols we came back from a shopping trip to find a small box of chocolates and a bottle of eau de vie, plus a business card for these builders known to our shopkeeper left on our doorstep! Never seen that before - almost touting for business.