Patf

Thanks Norman. I've read a little about it on Wiki now.I must have heard about the 3rd Republic when doing history A level at school covering those years. But as far as I remember the curriculum concentrated more on german reunification, and british social history. This was in the early 50s, when the memories of WW2 were still very fresh in everyone's minds. And we were very disappointed in France.Though I can understand now how France had become so weak, after years of wars with Germany.

When did France start to occupy all these African countries? And Why?Empire building I suppose.They're getting the kick back now with all the immigrants.

I didn't realise you were under UK pensionable age and so aren't entitled to an SI yet.If you do have to have medical treatment keep the brown forms and claim back later. As Sue says, you should be able to join PUMA, but it might take some time, and might cost a small amount. I think you  will need your tax forms for that application.

As Chancer says, they should accept the atestation of domicile.We had a similar problem when husband's CV was blocked because they said he didn't live in France. Some confusion over his UK tax return.Our french neighbour was the deputy Maire and she got this attestation for us and it worked.

Antonia - sorry my post was so brief, I hadn't read yours thoroughly.You must be overwhelmed by all the paperwork following the death of your husband. I had a friend when we were in France whose husband had recently died, and she had similar problems. As well as feeling the grief of bereavement.Take your time. I'm sure the french authorities will help you as much as possible when they understand your problems.

The Mairie has a special form, to be signed by the Maire, confirming your residence from such and  such a date.

Like you Idun I knew someone in France who spent holidays in a house with shared ownership - I met her from one of these forums.She wanted to sell her share but it was difficult to get the others to agree on the terms.As far as I remember it all depends on the legal terms on which the purchase was made. as Norman said. So contact the notaire.Reminds me as well of the common situation in France where someone dies and leaves a house to several descendants. All except one want to sell. It can drag on for years.

Well that's what comes from choosing to live in one of the parts of France most exposed to the 'weather'!I was talking to my friend in the Gers yesterday and she said the farmers are worried there because of the weeks of warm dry weather.Here's a video which tells you what you should be doing now in the potager;https://www.rustica.fr/tv/plantations-potager-avril,8136.htmlBut again, it depends where you live. Sadly our gardening days are almost over, though I might plant a few beetroots soon. My favourite.

Idun - I wonder if that's similar to what happened when my husband first started to make bread.After the first rise he bashed the poor dough so hard for so long that he knocked all the life out of it.  It never rose again and was very solid when baked. Now we have a machine for kneading and he handles the dough more gently.Mind, I have seen a method of slap and fold for dough which is quite violent [;-)] When I make a sponge cake I don't use any fat, only eggs sugar and flour. And a little almond essence. I bought a new flan baking tin from Lakeland recently and for the first time managed to make a perfect sponge flan case, for fruit, cream etc. I used 3 eggs 3oz sugar, beaten until thick. Then 3 oz plain flour folded in.So much trial and error in baking.

Yes Bercow seems to be the only one there keeping people grounded, facing reality.The others just don't listen, too preoccupied with preserving their own egos (and salaries etc.)And the stupid stubborn woman doesn't seem to realise is that all she needs to do is add to her deal  'Stay in the EU customs union ' and it will probably get through.But the hardliners wouldn't be happy - they're even more  stubborn .

I get the impression that many male americans admire men like Trump. Loud, rich, sailing close to the wind legally. Plus his attitude to women.

No I've never heard that, or seen that connection with dance.I'll have go off now, will follow up later.I do love baroque music, don't know why.

Fascinating Norman. I've heard of Lully but never really listened to his music. Born 1632, he was one or 2 generations before my favourite J S Bach. Google has a good cartoon of Bach playing the organ, to commemorate his birthday yesterday.I might have posted this one before, gives me the shivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bGe0j52KcAWatch the singer's expressions, especially the leading ?counter tenor and the lady next to him.

My attitude too Hoddy.

Fingers crossed for you!You'll probably need a fosse septique report.Tax Hab and Fonc bills also useful. But the notaire should tell you.

Loiseau - you're right about not closing your account too soon. I meant going to see them and telling them well in advance about your plans. Money for the sale to come and then transferred etc.We had a very helpful lady agent at CA.

If you have a french bank account this should be a priority. The notaire should provide a document called certificate ( or attestation) of sale which may be requested by utilities etc. when you cancel the contract. I can't remember now how I cancelled, but probably registered letter is best. Our immo sent us these certificates by email.We only just sorted payment of the TdH, or may TF a few weeks ago , plod. The man in charge of local taxes where we lived was very helpful, I contacted him by email.To the OP- don't you have house insurance, or other insurances?

The SW french rugby fans aren't happy:https://www.ladepeche.fr/2019/03/11/vi-nations-un-xv-de-france-qui-na-pas-convaincu-les-lecteurs-de-la-depeche,8061540.phpRU is very popular in SW France, more than any other region. Not sure why.Some time ago I was talking to a man in our local DIY place about rugby and he said our players are either brilliant, or rubbish. Or the equivalent in french.

Wooly - more wind to come:https://www.xcweather.co.uk/FR/observations?Loc=FR

Gardengirl - our eldest daughter lives in Berkshire, she usually rings on Sunday but no word today. I'll have to ring her.That kind of storm was quite common in the Gers, but usually in summer. On Tyneside it has been blustery, but that's normal here.ps rang L. - she said she'd been out on her bike this morning! [:'(]

I've just looked up where you live, Wooly.  Not far from the Channel. And well placed for UK and Belgium?

Should this be our role model?https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12131326&fbclid=IwAR32uzegpduKGOksqZXHltmkUKdLYwiPFDD_39ZloGtxBhp6bkQyDOw_abo

Tres drole!

I'm sure most people know the meanings, but here goesfoi - faith, trustfoie - liver as in pate de foie grasfois - time as in une fois, once, one time Foix a town in the Ariege

Another one I've just thought offoi foisfoieFoix