Poppy

Have lived in the Lot area for sixteen years. For the first 10 years prices remained the same, the french just bought houses to live in not for investment. Then because of economic factors in England and Holland  in my opinion the English and Dutch were offering well over the odds for houses in France. French neighbours were anxious to find an english buyer. As in the UK house prices in France appear to have reached a peak and I know several people who have had houses on the market for over twelve months and are now reducing the price. The french seem to be having houses built, new houses are popping up everywhere possibly with the help of interest free mortgages. Jan Lost in the Lot

Thanks for the veggie recipe Jan, will definitely give it a try. Also caught cold this week so made some veg soup, it was delicious but red wine is winning in the make you feel better stakes. Fat picture on fridge is working in respect of being good but nobody told the scales. Think I have also reached a plateau but its a wee bit high. Have fun in England, you as well Alexis. Remember on trips to UK you have to make obligatory visits to pub, chip shops and chinese, its the rule. Jan Lost in the Lot

It means you've got too much money. Cement mixer, pile of sand and a few odd bricks lying around are obligatory.

Hello everyone, can I join again?[:D] Afraid I have had restricted iternet access since the beginning of December, very painful. I didnt manage to get into the little black dress for Christmas but have come across a strange problem. Wont go into details but have stuffed myself everyday from 6th Dec to 30 Jan and only put on 2 kilos. Have put fat picture on fridge since then and living on 3 biscuits and an apple a day and have not loss an ounce in 10 days. Would be happy with the situation if I wasnt about 2 stone overweight. [8-)] Have been driven to test the ricard and water. Any help gratefully accepted Jan Lost in the Lot again

Its a minefield. We have today received the bill from Inland Revenue for 2004 NI Contributions. Is the best thing to return it to them asking if we pay do we definitely get a UK pension if not resident. Rumours about residency and pension payments have been rumbling around for a few months, perhaps we all need to ask the direct question. If no positive response European Parliament next on list.  

Not sure if this will help with a Jumpy, but on our Xantia we disconnected the alarm system and the code was accepted.

Many years ago we had a new house built in France. We were able to change the stock plans at no additional charge. except for enlargement. The only additional charge was the decoration inside and out and this was quite quite hefty so we did it ourselves. No problem as not much sanding down,or touching up necessary on a new house. Last year we looked at having another house built by a national building firm. Luckily quite by chance we found that the price did not include fosse septic, shutters, gutters, bathroom etc, etc. Additionally there was mdo charge of 25 %. There are some nice houses and good deals to be had but make sure you understand what is included in the price. Jan

When we came to France fifteen years ago I started having stomach problems for the first time in my life. Have always used bottled water even for soup, boiling veg and making tea. On occassions when I have forgotten stomach problems have returned. Jan Lost in the Lot

Quickest solution would be to put up a lining paper and paint. Problem is why was the original wallpaper damp? Jan

Sometimes they hold a New Years Eve Party in the local Salle de Fete. These are obviously very french and usually very enjoyable, finishing at about 5 in the morning. We have found that the French celebrate New Year more so than Christmas. Ask at the Mairie or Tourist Office. Bonne Annee Jan

Our french neighbours left the cheeseboard, perhaps too much like being at home. They did like the sweet mince pies and christmas cake and dare I say it the crackers. Jan

Is tax payable on the 70% inheritance? Jan

Our local Champion in our local one horse town sells English provisions. It has three shelves wide X 2 metres high of products. Is this unusual? Jan Lost in the Lot

If you haven't already bought the TMS boards suggest you have a look at DOW Floormate insulation. If you want any further info don't hesitate to email me. Jan

Is it usual in France to tip the postman at Christmas. If so how much? Our postman is very miserable and I just worried if a little festive spirit, money not whiskey, might help. Jan Lost in the Lot

Thank you so much Fantine. Your logo makes me laugh everytime. Jan Lost in the Lot

Have had my slow cooker for thirty years. Couldnt do without it. Yesterday I put trimmed pork chops in with a large tin of toms,some herbs, onions, dash of worcester sauce and thickened with some bisto at last minute. Served with mash pots and peas tonight, it was delicious, hubby agreed so it must have been good. Another favourite is a litre of orange juice with a joint of pork. Thicken orange juice with chicken bisto for gravy. Usually cook everything for 12 to 14 hrs on low. Jan

Is there a percentage of CSG/CRDS which counts towards a French pension. Also are there any benefits at all accrued from paying these taxes. Any info gratefully received. Jan

How is everyone doing No change again this week, which is actually good as still havent been able to start dieting again. Don't know whether its the weather or Christmas seems a long time away. I do know on Christmas day I will wish I had dieted ho ho ho . Hope all is going well Alexis. Jan Lost in the Lot

Where do you live Agenais, or does the name give it away? Think I will move to where you are. Our Doctors visits last about 3 mins if that. This is the second doctor we have tried. The first got that many phone calls during consultation that he completely lost track of our ailment. Agree with you about pharmacies. Jan Lost in the Lot

We brought a J reg Nissan Micra to France The certificate of conformity cost 69 Euros. The control technique 35 Euros. The carte gris was about 80 Euros. Biggest expense was the headlights 180 Euros on German ebay, and we fitted them ourselves. Did look at French scrap yards and french ebay but no lights available, but you might hit lucky. Didnt ask at Nissan dealer but expect they are expensive. Insurance fully comp is 360 Euros. Like you it is a case of she has never let us down and running costs are cheap. Hope this helps. Jan Lost in the Lot

Sorry everyone , I have deleted my post. There are horses for courses and a MdO might fit in well with your plans. Welcome to the forum. Jan Losi in the Lot

Well done Gay. Hope I catch a cold next week. Put on half a kilo this week Must try harder Hope things are getting better Alexis, thinking of you. Jan Lost in the Lot

Is it possible to use a damp screed mix on floor insulation or does it not stick. Jan

Well done Jan, looking at your menu you should lose lots. Wish I could stick to your daily intake. Just stayed the same this week, which I guess is amazing considering what I have eaten. Not happy though desparately want to lose. Having trouble with the evening aperitif  Alexis is Gilles OK? The Other Jan