Headcook

Loirette We are in the same position as you (paid in June for the second quarter 2008), and we are expecting another demand for the September payment. It says in the letter 'Un appel vous sera transmis pour chaque échéance', which I understand to mean that they will make a demand for each instalment. I have today been doing battle with the endless photocopies they have requested (again!) to accompany the application for the year commencing October 2008. All good clean fun, I suppose..... Kind regards

Have you thought of trying a non-electric yoghurt maker? I have one made by EasiYo, and it is basically a large plastic wide-necked flask with a baffle inside, which you half-fill with boiling water. The live yoghurt mixes are powdered, and you just shake up a sachet with tap water in the plastic screw-topped jar provided, and lower it into the flask. Just put on the lid, and about 8 hours later you have your lovely yoghurt! (Good for you, too, with lots of yummy bacteria). It really is child's play to make, and my other half loves the Greek variety for breakfast every day. Not sure how easy it is to get the mixes in France though,  - have a look at the website for distributors www.easiyo.com. I know Lakeland amongst other places sell it in the UK, but it originated in New Zealand, invented by a dad with a large family in his garage. (I mean he invented the yoghurt in his garage, not that his family lived in there!!). Hope this helps, Mary     

Have you tried talking to the local estate agents? When we were down there last September on a house hunting recce, the agent we were with seemed to think that they could find us somewhere to rent whilst we search for the right property. I'm not sure whether I'm allowed to mention their name here, but if you want it, please send me a private message and I'll gladly supply it. Mary  

Another one for you: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/french4u/reno.htm Mary

M Just read your reply -  thanks. 'Where exactly' is the difficult bit. As you say, it's a big department, and although we have explored (and love) the north, up around Entraygues and the Lot valley, we're staying in the south-west this time, nearer to the Tarn. You never know what you might be missing if you don't have a good scout round, do you? We have contacted an agency near Rodez, who have some lovely character properties, but thought we might also have a wander around some of the towns and press our noses on the immobiliers' windows! As we're visiting outside the school holidays, and staying for 2 weeks, we will hopefully be able to arrange one or two viewings at fairly short notice. Will take up your suggestion regarding  'les pages jaunes'. Appreciate your help,   Mary   

My partner and I are embarking on a serious househunting trip to the Aveyron in a couple of weeks, having decided that it is definitely the place for our permanent move. Although I regularly scan lots of estate agents websites, I wondered if anybody out there has any personal recommendations on this front, please? Thanks