Poppy

Pretty sure I won't lose it in 9 months.  Unfortunately well past that age. Managed not to eat any chocolate yesterday after getting weighed, ate potatoes instead.  Today is a new start The other Jan

Have put on 1 kilo ,was following Janeys diet and getting away with it but sob sob not this week Have to take it as a wake up call and think how good I felt when I lost weight a couple of months ago. Wish I sounded more convincing. Don't quite understand what is going on though as I dont normally eat chocolate but have been stuffing it down for last couple of weeks Jan I have sent an email re dress sizes and La Redoute, hope it helps. The Other Jan

Last time we went to our local Salle de Fete for News Years Eve  it was - Foie Gras Fresh Salmon Chicken - Like Teamedup said at about 4 in the morning. And Lots & Lots & Lots of Champagne. Jan Lost in the Lot

Maria if I was you I would contact Inland Revenue International in Newcastle UK and obtain written confirmation that E106 cover not available after DEC 2005. Then return to CPAM armed with this and info from tax office that you are a micro enterprise, also supply evidence of last 12 months income. Have tax office told you to declare only a percentage of the Gite income? I certainly hope it doesnt come to it but if you do sell up and live off the income in France,then the interest earned will be subject to CSG & CRDS about 11%. You should be able to join the french health system paying 8 to 10% but you will probably still need confirmation re E106 expiry. As previously posted it depends on the local CPAM so I would certainly visit again and thrash it out with them. There may just have been a misunderstanding. Jan

Thanks for that Miki, obligatory is a much better word than my enrol. In my posting under legal I explained that several years ago we had a Gite and didnt have to register as a business. The income was declared on french tax return less an agreed percentage for running costs. I suggested Marie check this out with local tax office and return to CPAM with info from tax office. Like you said it depends on local CPAM but hopefully Marie will end up paying correct amount into system and receiving correct amount out. Jan

Maria look at my post under Legal. My understanding is that if you are French resident you have to enrol in the French health system. Jan

Hope I can help a little. Several years ago we had a gite and the income less an allowance for running costs was entered on the tax return, together with interest earned on savings. We did not have to register as a business. Assuming that you are French resident and this is your only income if I was you I would check the current rules with your local tax office. If the rules are the same, ie you declare gite income less an agreed allowance I would go back to CPAM with this info. After all residents of France have to enrol in the French health system. Jan

Here in the Lot near Cahors we seem to have a micro climate. During last July and August we clocked temps of nearly 50 on our terrace most afternoons,35 last week. We havent seen any rain since April, storms during the summer produced thunder and lightning but no rain, one evening the sky was purple. Weather forecast has said rain almost every week for the last month but we have only had a few spots. Very windy for last couple of days and come to think of it it has been an unusually windy year. Still watering the plants, hasten to say with dishwater. Jan Lost in the hot Lot

Alexis, your chocolate /wine/pots demon must be affecting everyone. Jan Lost in the Lot

How is everyone getting on. Christmas will soon be here and we need to be thinking little black things. Are you with us again Jan, how did you get on at the Gyno? The other Jan

Same here, nothing off but nothing on. I hasten to say I wouldnt dare look at me with nothing on! Potatoes are another problem this week to go with the wine and the chocolate. It seems so much harder than a couple of months ago, particularly now that the melons and peaches have disappeared. Jan Lost in the Lot

When I clicked to next and last page I thought I'd gone to a different topic. Jan  

Had to read £800 per week several times, took me 4 times to type it in correctly. We exist on less than that per month. Surely the UK economy is in fairyland, and not substainable, something our french neighbours, one of which is a french bank manager have been saying for about the last six years!!!! Jan Lost in the Lot

Thanks Alexis. Is it just that Christmas still seems a long way off? My demon just keeps saying food food food , wine wine wine. Men dont come into the equation! However come monday. WE WILL GET THERE AND VERY SKINNY. Jan Lost in the Lot Hopefully not forever

 Hope you are feeling much better Janey. I wondered why you hadn't posted for a few weeks. Monday is the start of another dream, just keep thinking of that little small thing. You really helped me with that tip. I managed to get into a short black skirt I hadn't worn for ages and got some compliments. Have been comfort eating for a couple of weeks due to emotional problems so havent tried the little number this week but will really give it a go from Monday. Jan Lost in the Lot

For about 2 months as part of a diet I have been eating lots of fresh salmon, tinned tuna and lettuce plus lots of melon. No coffee just green tea and water, must confess havent given up the wine. I feel healthier than I have done for years and have colour in my cheeks. Jan Lost in the Lot

Yes well done both. I thought nobody had posted because like me they were toooo frightened to get weighed. Plucked up the courage eventually and have lost half a kilo which is amazing considering I have been very bad. Evening apertif or two, continues to be a problem and chocolate. Don't usually have a problem with chocolate, is it the colder weather? Good luck this afternoon Jan, let us know how you get on. The other Jan

Its just my thoughts Bob. It seems so easy and quick to build a block house using French methods. In a country where there are termites and lots of woodworm my first thoughts are the less wood the better, particularly in Depts where a termite free certificate is necessary in order to sell the house. Jan

Don"t want to be a spoil sport but please please please think about termites and capricornes. Jan

OOOh dear was doing so well until invited out for lunch yesterday. Didnt have to eat what I did and can't believe I had a Big Mac and chips for lunch today. Nobody to blame but myself. Will start again tomorrow but have to confess having real trouble with evening aperitif, got to blame the autumn evenings. Thanks Alexis & Naps- making some 'good ' soup sounds like an excellent idea. Jan Lost in the Lot

Hello Jan I do envy you the new kitten. Like you we feed the wild cats. Im sure once wild cat realises it is  outside and new kittie inside all will be well. Kittens are usually very cheeky and bossy so it should be very entertaining and lovely. All the best for Tuesday. The other Jan

Hello Jan Congragulations on the new kitten . I would love one but we move around too much. Local vet is the best stop for chip vacs and fleas. Do you know of a good one or can you can ask around? Enjoy - they are a joy. The other Jan

Have you asked the termites and capricornes what they think? Jan

OOps isnt UK tax in some situations less than French tax. Jan Lost in the Lot

Jan your right tuna, egg and lettuce is nice, dressing on lettuce unfortunately just olive oil and lemon. Diet is a variation on a 3 day face lift diet by Dr Nicholas Perricone. I tried it a couple of months ago and lost weight for the first time in five years. I continued for more than three days but this time intend to get his book which gives a 28 day diet. You can view the 3 day diet at www.nvperriconemd.co.uk Added bonus is a glow to the skin. The Other Jan