sueyh

I think every lorry worldwide should have to have these fresnal lenses fitted by law. It was such a frightening experience when we were driven off the road by an english lorry. Suey

That almost happened to us last year on the M4 near Reading, we were on the inside lane and an english quarry lorry almost side swiped us as he pulled in after overtaking (or not quite overtaking) us.  Very very frightening.  All lorries should be fitted with the visi screens on their side windows. Suey

Thanks Benjamin.  Just wasn't sure what we should or shouldn't let the tax office know about.  Should we let them know that OH is in receipt of incapacity benefit? Its nice to get people like you and SD, who have the patience to explain in layman's terms and do not snap the heads off of lesser mortals like me.  Suey

Thanks SD - I knew I'd get the right answer from you - put in a very straight forward way.  I should have just pm'd you shouldn't I?  We have updated our Carte Vitale. Kindest regards Suey

Should we take the attestation notifying my OH of his being on 100% ALD now to the Tax Office? Or will they have been notified of this by the CPAM. Suey

Hi Tuppence, I too have a problem with my Reimbursement from CPAM. I visited the dr this month for the first time since February and my reimbursement from CPAM was 4.90€ and 6.60€ from Ascore. Is this because I am a dependant on my OH's E121. He is in receipt of 100% Maladie Long Duree. Perhaps wonderful SD can help. We completed the Medecin Traitent form when we arrived in 2006. Suey

http://www.rte.ie/business/markets/poundexchangerates.html

We always try every possible website as we are over to the UK almost every month visiting parents (one just out of hospital as we speak) and grandchild - so have to therefore shop around. So can sympathise with you. Suey

Sorry if you've had problems! We have used them and had no problems and they are definitely cheaper on some of their crossings. Also reading through the link it doesn't sound as though they were the culprits in the end. Although it did get very confusing. Suey

www.aferry.to - compares prices and then you can book it. Does loads of options of crossings. Suey

Hi, Didn't the french health at one time give a percentage towards spa treatments. I think there is a Thalassotherapy place near Le Touquet. Suey

And now its dropped to 1.24 this morning. But we actually got 1.28 on Sunday - so Ernie "Didn't you do well"!! It is nice to see someone do okay out of a bank. Where is that machine....? Bon chance everyone.

Spicy Pumpkin Soup Preparation 15 minutes - Cooking Time 30 - 35 minutes. Freezing not recommended. A hot and spicy autumnal soup with no points!! Perfect as a "stop gap" when hunger persists. Ingredients Low fat cooking spray 1 large onion chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely 1lb 10 oz pumpkin peeled, de-seeded and chopped roughly 1.2 litres (2 pts) vegetable stock salt and freshly ground pepper (if necessary) 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (we used chilli powder) snipped fresh chives to garnish 1. Heat a large saucepan and spray with the low fat cooking spray (not sure if this is available in France. Gently fry the onion and garlic for a few minutes until softened. add a little water to the pan if necessary to stop them sticking. 2. Add all the other ingredients except the chives and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes until the pumpkin is soft, then puree in a food processor or push through a sieve with the back of a wooden spoon. 3. Just before serving check the seasoning and scatter with chives. Variations: Butternut or other squash is equally delicious in this recipe.

STARTER - Weight Watchers - very tasty Spicy Pumpkin Soup Preparation 15 minutes - Cooking Time 30 - 35 minutes. Freezing not recommended. A hot and spicy autumnal soup with no points!! Perfect as a "stop gap" when hunger persists. Ingredients Low fat cooking spray 1 large onion chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely 1lb 10 oz pumpkin peeled, de-seeded and chopped roughly 1.2 litres (2 pts) vegetable stock salt and freshly ground pepper (if necessary) 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes (we used chilli powder) snipped fresh chives to garnish 1. Heat a large saucepan and spray with the low fat cooking spray (not sure if this is available in France. Gently fry the onion and garlic for a few minutes until softened. add a little water to the pan if necessary to stop them sticking. 2. Add all the other ingredients except the chives and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes until the pumpkin is soft, then puree in a food processor or push through a sieve with the back of a wooden spoon. 3. Just before serving check the seasoning and scatter with chives. Variations: Butternut or other squash is equally delicious in this recipe.

He has the look of a Rhodesian Ridgeback and boy do those eyes make you melt. Good luck - fingers crossed for Quillan today. Suey

Oh that Panorama programme was a real eye opener. As the owner of a beautiful Ridgeback I could not destroy a puppy for not having a ridge. Breeders obviously do!! WELL DONE RSPCA! Suey

Also have razor sharp leaves and horrid spear like tips to the leaves. Would not plant where children or pets might get injured by them. Suey ps yes we have tried every thing to get one out of our lawn but it keeps coming back.

Can anyone suggest the name of an English speaking Accountant in the Pas de Calais area. Thanks Suey

I take it that that was a "no" then!  Well we went down to the south and found some very nice restaurants. One in particular was in Cannes. "Le Caveau 30". Superb 24 euro menu for three course - drinks not extortionate.  Also in the week you can have two courses for 17 Euros. Suey

We bank with HSBC in Hesdin, Pas de Calais.  We withdraw money from Nationwide via ATM and pay the money in at the HSBC to cover bills/standing orders/direct debits etc.  However, recently we drove to St Pol sur Ternois branch as it was easier for us.  My husband went in with the cash to pay in and was asked to give the name of the manager of the branch at Hesdin, which he did not know.  The Manager from the Hesdin branch (who incidentally also manages the St Pol branch) then came out of an office and advised the teller that he did not know my husband.  Hubby was then asked to produce his passport.  He had the same problem when paying in money at Amiens HSBC.  Is this something to do with money laundering? Suey

Any suggestions for good reasonably priced restaurants in the Grasse, Nice, Cannes, Antibes areas. Suey

Can anyone recommend a good restaurant in the Montauroux, Fayence or Grasse area please. Many thanks Suey

We recently purchased a 2008 garmin update for our 310 nuvi.  It totally wiped out our mapping of the uk. Has anyone else had this problem.  Did not buy it from Garmin - we are now worried that it is a duff copy!!! Suey

Today in our local Intermarche Garage diesel was down to 1.26 per litre......!  YEEEEEEEEEEEES thats a bit better. Suey

................ And diesel today in St Pol-sur-Ternois 1.26 per litre.