Sweetpea

Hi Can anyone PLEASE explain what exactly WE get out of paying 600 euros per month (hubby) and 252 (me) to URSSAF? I know that when hub was off work for 3 months last yr, he wasnt entitled to a penny (sorry cent!) Why is he paying more this year when he earned less than the previous year? Also - we somehow ended up with Mutuelle de l'Est as our carte vitale provider, instead of CPAM. Hub's just been sent a 'bill' for 2800 euros; how does this compare with CPAM prices, and why is my cotisation only 600 euros?? Please help - it is a minefield.

[quote]Hi, can anyone give me some indication of the geometre costs for putting boundary markers in place. Is there usually a charge per marker on top of a set fee for example? thanks[/quote] Hi B and N Yes - our cost was similar to the other replies; approx 250m² cost us about 500 Euros 2 yrs ago! How is it going?? Sandie

Hello Its probably been covered somewhere, but my searches reveal nothing. How do I treat the dreaded capricornes? Is it something I can do myself? Expensive? Any advice welcome. TVM

Image Pools - every time, and Geoff is English, living next to you in Vende! Sandie Ps I am NOT part of the firm so not advertising!

Since we moved here full time 4 years ago, our neighbour and friend, whose hubby is out all hours farming, calls at least once a week. We can be putting the first mouthful in, or sitting watching the food cook on the barby. She will NOT take the hint! We love her dearly, but have even resorted to gagging the dog to stop him barking when we hear her front door closing!!! She will drink at least half a bottle of gin (to which we introduced her) and spend 2 - 3 hours chatting about anything and nothing. Poor love is obviously lonely, but we would like some quality time on our own, after dealing with people in our work all day long! (She even stayed when I was ill in bed once - kept waking me up by shouting upstairs!! Wouldnt change her though!

What a wonderful letter! It will give 'newies' the incentive and confidence to proceed. May I wish you and your a very happy future and plenty of barbies at your new home! Best wishes Sandie

Try nicolas.chubb @wanadoo.fr He deals with all types of insurance in France AND he lives here AND he's English!! Best of luck

I too was a (made redundant!!) Primary teacher in UK: no degree (too old) When we moved to Vende, I taught in 3 primary schools here - only for about 7.5 hours per week, but the point I'm making is, I was allowed to have whole classes and even had my own classroom, and this was only to teach English, as my French is only ancient 'A' level standard. So I guess they DO acknowledge the English qualification.

Hi Rosie I saw some nice stuff in Super U in Aizenay today, but will probably have gone when you get here!! I can take pix and send details if you like. Hope 2CU soon in Hibiscus!! x

Hi! I started my life here (Vende) some 4 years ago, by approaching the Centre d'Etude des Langues (Chambre de Commerce) where they were crying out for native English speakers with 5 years experience of working with adults - these were the only criteria required then. I also worked in 3 primary schools, working with the top two years: only 7 or so hours per week. Then I placed small ads. in local tabacs and boulangeries, offering private lessons. I had 3 or 4 responses, so it is certainly worth doing, as the ad. cost nothing! Good luck to you: it's worth it, even though the preparation time was a bit exhausting! No doubt 'Frank' will have fun correcting my English, but, who cares? Get a life, Frank!

Hello all I have now at last got a quite well-established wisteria, but it is very straggly. How can I get it to be like the wonderful examples I see around me - ie thick, twisted 'trunk' with a single trail of flowers flowing majestically and horizontally along the wall? I'd be grateful for tips!