Frank

Hi Steph1 We puirchased something similar from Leclerc but with two handsets, from what I can recall, they also had some units with three handsets. Our reponder records time and date etc of calls and messages can be picked up from either phone. I think you can pick them up from most shops like leclerc etc. Hope this helps[:D] kimberley 17

Thanks everyone, much appreciated! Kimberley[:D]

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone out there knows what is important about the 1st and 8th of may. The shops etc are closed on both days and I have seen cards for the 1st May, is it a special fete and if so what are the traditions and expectations?? I only ask as I don't want to offend our French friends by ignoring what may be a special day in their calendar. many thanks in advance[:D] Kimberley

Hi John we are near Gemozac in dept 17 Kimberley

HI,  Our pooch does exactly the same, twitching and wimpering in her sleep, we put it down to chasing lizards because she is more 'active' after a hard day hunting but not catching! I also agree with Monty01 regarding displays when mobile, our pooch on occasion has 'fits' (hayfever according to one vet!) which she has during the night and also during the day, no big issue, but the difference in breathing etc is noticable, I think if your pooch is content during the day, then nightime is dreaming about tomorrow! happy dreamin[:)] kimberley

Thanks everyone, now i know what to look for, although I don't fancy quiche made with yogurt! (thats the recipe!) Will stick to creme fraich Thanks again kimberley

Hi everyone, can anyone advise on the best place to sell a transit van. English reg. Don't really want to drive back to UK to sell if I can avoid. Not sure about ebay?? never used it to sell before, so a bit wary. Any advise will be helpful (if this post is allowed!) Many thanks Kimberley

Hi eceryone, stupid question time again!!! I have been trying (without success) to buy standard fromage frais for making quiche etc. But I have walked up and down super u but cannot identify it!! I have found the flavoured ones that kids eat, but nothing that would imply suitable for cooking. Am I looking in the right place, does it have a different name???? I have tried the old fashioned milk and eggs, but not the same, must be something to do with the cheese maybe?? Any advice would be most helpful Many thanks kimberley

Thanks for the prompt replies[:D] I'm with you on this one Eslier, I thought it may be more bother than worth! Will stick to holiday lets short and long! Thanks again Kimberley

Hi All, sorry if this has already been covered, but I can't find any info. We have been approached by a French neighbour with regards to a tenanted letin one of our gites for about six to eight months whilst her friends have a house built. Where do we stand with regards to the legislation around tenants, is it complicated?? I have heard tenants have rights for around three years, is this correct?? Would we be better advised to say to the people, we do not have 'tenants', but you can have a long term holiday let via the gite?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am sure you will all agree, the money generated would be very nice, thankyou very much[:D] Thanks in advance for any helpful advice kimberley

Hi mayennaise We too have the same problem.  We use MSN and all our friends and family have the same.  We are also on Wanadoo, but we have a broadband connection.  When we looked into this problem, MSN indicated it may be due to firewalls etc, but alas, we still haven't sorted the issue.  but it is no hardship,a little annoying sometimes, the family etc know this problem exists and by the time we are 'locked out' we are back on again!! If you do ever get it resolved, please let us know!! good luck[:D] Kimberley Chadeniers 17

hi david, we also have tried to get ID cards now we are resident in france, but with no luck.  We were told to contact the british consulate, which we did in bordeaux.  We have been advised to phoptocopy our passport for ID to carry around with us on a day to day basis along with some proof of residence, ie lec bill.  if we get asked for any reason to produce documents on the 'spot' the consulate has said this is perfectly OK. The consulate also advised if we were asked to produce the originals by the gendarmes etc, then we have 24 hours in which to do so. They said there is no longer a facility to have an ID in France as it is no longer required.  I will be interested to see how you get on with this and if you are successful in obtaining ID as it would make life easier in the longterm! kimberley

Hi everyone Thinking about filling our pool for the first time and I have had a thought about buying water in via a tanker.  I saw program the other day on euronews, which was saying water in rural areas is nearly twice as much as in the cities, due to remoteness of properties etc. Is it possible to have water delivered in this way for a pool and does it work out to be anymore cost effective?? ( we will need about 75 cubic meters) Has anyone out there filled their pool in this way, or has the good old tap in the kitchen been the best source.  We do have a well, but the water is a long way down!!! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance   kimberley

hi nicola We have been told (be it right or wrong) that if more than one family (us included) use the pool, then it is classed as a public pool.  The cost for being within the regulations is proving quite costly, which is why we are looking for clarification.  I have had two quotes returned so far and both contradict, so I am hoping someone out there knows of the best website etc to get said clarification. here's hoping[*-)] kimberley  

Hi everyone, can someone please clarify or point  me in the right direction for the rules for direct injection of chlorine for a pool to be used by gite clients.  If it is compulsory to use such a system, does anyone know where to get one from??? we have been quoted around 2-4k euro, but other than that, no one has come back with a set price. Is this because you don't NEED them and they are few and far between, or can you only get them from certain suppliers???   Also do we need to install a shower and foot pool for what would be a max of 20 peeps and if so, what spec??[8-)].Any advice would be greatly appreciated many thanks for all the advice greatly received on this forum so far in our pool quest!!! Kimberley

Thanks Andrew. I suspect it may be a little more costly than I had hoped but the advantages of bein able to re-use the water on the garden is of benefit as is the "really clean water", yhanks again for an informative reply. Probably have many more questions by the time I'm up and running   Phil.    

I am a pool novice, Iam considering a 10 x 5  x1.5 metre pool , flat bottomed and have been told that if Iam not connected to the mains drains I cannot have a sand filter which requires regualr backwashing and should therefore opt for a cartridge type filter which does not require backwashing. The pool will be used by gite guests and I believe must therfore comply with DASS norms also. My maximum guest levels when fully open will be 18 persons plus my wife and I . my questions are chlorine or salt sanitization ( preference for the easiest to control and maintain) sand or cartridge type filtration how much water does backwash consume how often and can it be run to drain or soak away ( I have a 60 x 30 metre garden area) I don't have mains drainage but have drain off from the roofs which exit the property into the main road outside probably road drains . can I utilise these ??? How much should I be looking to pay for a tractor digger to excavate the hole for me Thanks in advance for your help        

Hi Chris Thanks for info. Have taken some pics but can't figure out how to post them here! The fungus seems to be on a couple of dead branches and the rest of the tree seems to be growing well. I cut off what i thought was a dead branch, but it looked quite healthy on the inside, so I don't know what the problem may be. Thanks again Kimberly

Hi Pouyade Sorry to hijack your link, but did you find a company for pouring concrete in tehg emozac area, if so, can you pm me with details (and prices if you have any) as we will need a bucket load of concrete shortly! Many thanks in advance[:)] Kimberley Chadeniers 17

Hi everyone, just been out surveying the domain (if you can call it that![:D]) and I have noticed one of my trees has some fungus in the shape of flat mushroom looking thingies[:O] It is a very old tree(with relatively new growth, if it can be called that) by the look of it and around the bottom the bark and what look like roots is crumbling.  Anyone any ideas how to  first get rid of the fungus without killing the tree and secondly, how can I fix the crumbling base, if at all[8-)]  it is some kind of fruit tree, i think it is a plum type f ruit, can't remember which as I only saw the fruit when it had fallen to the floor! i can't see any other kind of grub or creepy crawlies around it (apart from the old gendarmes, but I have something for them[:D]) Any replies would be most greatfully received, thanks in advance Kimberley chadeniers 17

Thanks guys, will have a go this weekend[:D] Kimberley Chadeniers 17

thanks Opalienne kimberley

Hi, just out of curiosity, do you get the appropriate forms for the carte de sejour form the tresor public or is it somewhere alse.  Although not compulsory, we would like to apply for one, it would seem to make things a whole lot easier. Thanks in advance kimberley chadeneirs 17  

Hi Peter, thanks for your reply, I have had a look at the site and your not wrong, it looks like it is an hibiscus, problem now is, I couldn't find how to prune it. What did you doi with yours?? Mine are about 1-1.5 mtr tall, quite spindly, no leaves or buds, just loads of pods at the top of all the very long branches.  I am tempted to cut about half way down, but don't know if this will kill the plant or encourage some growth, any suggestions?? Thanks in advance Kimberley

Thanks everyone for your kind replies, inc the hairdressing tips!! I have finally, through brute force and the aid of my beloved (I know that is sad, but..) wallpaper steamer, succeeded where I didn't think I would[:D] and I managed to keep all my hair[;)] So thanks again to everyone Kimberley chadeniers 17