Frecossais

As has been said, there are many "canny" Scots as well as those who will vote with their heart only in September. I've heard that a lot of cynical Scots are already quietly moving their money elsewhere just in case. In my view they're right to be cynical, since there are more questions than answers on the table  And of course there are rumblings from Banks and other enterprises.

I'm pleased for you Norman. Long may you continue to "vive la difference" between town and village.

If you write back, be sure to include the French expression for "I'll bet."[:D]

Last week I saw a little patch of bluebells in a wood. It's normally May they're out. Someone has given me poppy and sunflower seeds which I'm thinking of bringing to France to scatter in the hedgerows. Good idea or not?

Candidates for Room 101: Jeremy Clarkson - a buffoon                                               The scriptwriters of Emmerdale - their storylines are see-through and cr*p                                               Kate Winslet - a good actress, but doesn't know what she wants and is a poser I like Bill Nighy too.

I've become aware that I do throw my hands about especially when I'm speaking French. Maybe I'll be more careful after today. Our French friend is on a visit and at lunchtime I was expostulating at the table and knocked over a mug of soup when I inadvertently caught the spoon standing up in it with my flailing hand. Result? Clean tablecloth needed, carpet had to be scrubbed, whilst I had to effect a complete change of clothing. Very embarrassing sneaking past dressed in bra and pants trying not to be seen.[:(]  

Betty, Theiere probably remembers a time when diesel was indeed less expensive than unleaded petrol, as I do (an age thing[;-)]  It was Gordon Brown who first increased the tax on diesel in 1997, Since then the discrepancy between the costs of both has increased. I think it was that you used the word "historically" which caused confusion.

Bob Crow was a socialist, lived in local authority accommodation - and got a lot of stick for it. The problem is that Tony Benn was a socialist in a capitalist country and had a very well-paid job, he did renounce a title in order to practice politics. I don't see anything hypocritical about holding and putting forward socialist ideals, after all he was trying to change the country's ethos.  

Yes, I had a lot of time for Tony Benn, he was a true socialist, verging at times on a communist. Importantly too, he was a really "nice" person, kind and thoughtful, humorous, passionate...... I hope he finds his wife wherever he is.

"The local council wanted to introduce a very high tax rise, but the locals, who depend on the small shops all year round put up a spirited objection. As someone already said, car parking seems to be a problem in both countries." I have always thought of the French as a fairly militant, volatile people, and I have been wondering what it will take before they raise "a spirited objection" to the punitive tax regime of the present government, who seem to have nothing much to offer, but take plenty. As a matter of interest,  (and because I don't live there all the time) are there any folk in France who benefit from M Hollande's policies?

The "u" sound - I was struck watching my grandaughter playing the flute recently, by the way she pursed her lips to produce a sound. Exactly the shape to make the"u". I can make that sound, but don't always manage it in the hurly-burly of conversation.

Or you were sleepwalking....... correction, sleepworking!

Betty, would you mind awfully deleting your account of everything you did yesterday. OH will be off to Tesco's to get me a pack of capsules, and I really don't fancy reorganising the house etc. Thank you.[:D]

Thanks for posting this, Betty. I'll keep 'em peeled.

Gardian, a bit like the experiences of some people here in the South East, when ground water flooded their drains etc. Glad your one was sorted fairly quickly.