dave and aileen

[quote]Why are some people still insisting on advertising Speedferries? Yes their cheap, I've never used them but I'm told their basic. What about Norfolkline! Norfolkline are now offering £19 single fare...[/quote] Hello, What do you mean `basic`, what do you need when on a boat for 55 mins, a seat, a coffee, a sandwich or snack, a loo, a shop, and a really nice crew. Norfolk Line sails into Dunkerque, quite a bit further up the coast if you are coming south or even through Paris. The Norfolk Line ship we used was really tatty, and all the Eastern European and German lorry drivers were hugging the telly,  Anyway, you apy your money and take your choice. Aileen

Hello, Although we live in the Correze, my youngest daughter has just secured a job in Lyon, it would be lovely if she could chat to anybody in or around Lyon, please. Aileen

Hello, Me, I`m having the reaction, but when we first moved here, and gave the dog ordinary pasta as he would have had in UK, he was allergic to it too, in fact first, before me. Well the pasta has been served to us when eating at friends, and when the horrible reaction occured, I didnt immediately think it was the pasta, but 2 more ocurrences later, it would seem to be that it is. I`m not a great pasta lover, but didnt want to blame the pasta if it was something else. Anyway,it was just an enquiry, because food intolerances are interesting, and it may be that others have had similar events. Food can have some pretty nasty stuff in it, which can cause some pretty nasty reactions. Aileen

Hello, This may seem a bit strange, but has anyone had a nasty reaction to the coloured pasta here in France, its 3 times now so too much of a coincidence. Also, when we lived in UK, our dog was on a chicken and pasta diet because of allergies, diagnosed very expensively by an animal dermatologist, and that was the easiest and cheapest way of controlling it. Here, he has a reaction to the pasta too. Sounds like we`re a pretty reactionary family I know, but I would interested to hear. Aileen

[quote]I also heard a theory that the EU is very short of `labouring` type workers, and domestics Nonsense! What about us hordes of Brits (don't miss out the "d") who come along and happily take up clean...[/quote] Hello, As to `brits` doing all those ``cr``ppy jobs, my daughter runs a Medical Admissions Unit in a large hospital in UK, nearly all of the domestics, care workers, and most of the nurses, are immigrants, some with only a scant knowledge of english, trying to explain Infection Control is like banging your head against the wall for her. Aileen

Hello, Inceni is right about the strategic position for Bush, and Turkeys geographical situation. I also heard a theory that the EU is very short of `labouring` type workers, and domestics ,and as Germany found out, the traditionally poorly paid Turks are good for the lower paid jobs. There are no French people that we have met who would welcome them, or some of the others for that matter. Aileen

PS.Apparently `they` have run out of money too. Aileen

Hello, We live not far from Brive, and some french friends who live in Brive went to a meeting there, it was also on the local french news. the site has actually been flattened, but now just left. I dont know if there is a website for local Brive news, I guess there must be. Aileen

Hello, I think you will find that the site at Cressensac has been abandoned, and the relocation of the new airport has been abandoned also. There is apparently sufficient airport capacity already in the region with Limoges, Begerac and Toulouse etc. Aileen

Hello, What do people mean by `basic` for Speedferries, if you got on a bus for a 50 min journey, would you expect plush seats, `a la carte` restaurent and entertainment. Of course not, you`d be lucky to have anyone else but the driver. Norfolkline is great if you are the top end of France, but the journey difference from Dunkerque to Boulogne is quite prohibitive if you live further south or SW. Another reason we use them is that the guy running the company is up against the big boys, like Branson when he started out, and we found the staff really nice and helpful. Aileen

Hello, The recipe for fig ice cream would be great, I`m sure others would love it too. Aileen

[quote]I hate Ironing, I never seem to get the lovely pressed look everyone else achieves, My dad is coming to stay in a couple of weeks , he Irons his sheets,so I will have to remember to get a set out late...[/quote] Hello, Some of us cant consider a string, see Food section, `one month....Gay anyone, thus, I need them to fit in the drawer so I iron them flat..... I know, the mind boggles. Aileen

[quote]A lady on this forum recommended Redoute cotton jersey fitted sheets and they are great, comfy (like T shirt fabric) and no ironing required ! Perfect ![/quote] Hello, Where do you buy them from in France ? Aileen

Hello, I have an Elna press type iron, we had a B and B in UK and its terrific, so yes I iron everything except socks, even pants as they fit in the drawer better. I`d iron everyones sheets for 4 euros a time. I really do think its a must for sheets to be ironed, I would hate to go to a hotel or Chambres D`ote and the sheets not be ironed. Aileen

Hello, I dont think I`ll be measuring this week, which is very sad after last weeks success. We had a weekend of Tarte Tatin, cakes and the crackling from the pork- lots of it. So its a new day tomorrow. Aileen

[quote]Could it be quiet because all of those who have moved here in the last two years think they live in the South West.[/quote] Hello, Weárein the Correze,and I could never understand why it was referred to as the ` South West`, it clearly isnt, But we liked it for the scenery, and the 4 seasons, and people smiled at us when we were house hunting, in some parts they dont, and were helpful, kind and jolly, and they still are. Aileen

[quote]Too busy with maintenance, e.g. putting in central heating,to spend time on the internet, even then it's looking up the Meteo. Quite often drop by to read but not a lot to say that is interesting to m...[/quote] Hi Brian, You are usually trying to help other people out, how`s the central heating coming along. Aileen

Hello, Where can I buy black thermals ? Do you all live in a warmer part of France than us ? Last Christmas after dinner we went visiting in fur boots and parkas. This year none of the family are coming over, so we will have a special dinner for 2 and hibernate with some bottles of something or other and the choccy`s. Aileen

Hello, Perhaps everybody has now actually moved here, we used the Forum a lot before we moved here, but after, we didnt have a computer until recently, hence the renewed activity. Aileen

[quote]Well done Vicky and Aileen Monday it is then. Will spend the weekend reading Atklins just to get back in the mood. It does work as we all know Will make the most of it by having spaghetti bolognai...[/quote] How about thermals, 2 jumpers  and wellies !! Aileen

[quote]Thanks but what channel?[/quote] Hello, Sorry, BBC 2 Aileen

Hello, No postings from Central France for several days ! Has erveryone gone back to UK for the winter, or are there still some hardy souls here. Aileen

Hello, Well I measured this morning, a centimetre gone from the waist and hips, but one on the bust, better change the exercise routine. We did a 12 km Randonee at the weekend with the village, but the 2 hour lunch afterwards kind of cancelled it out. Aileen

[quote]Haven't see it yet, has it finished?? If, not what channel is it on and what time? Thanks Vicky[/quote] Its on Wednesday at 8.30 pm UK time, Last night he went through Toulouse, it looks beautiful. Aileen

Hello, You can buy a DIY kit in the Bricolage, We are lucky having a sweep in the village - 19, but even so several Brits we know have bought the kit and DIY ed. I think it was about 20 euros, our guy charges 60 - 70 euros, but you need it for the house insurance. Aileen