Sunday, 28 November 2010
Thursday, 25 November 2010
French words learned today
A noun.
A padlock is un cadenas. Say it as cadanar.
A verb.
Cadenasser is used when putting a padlock on a gate, door or bicycle.
Sweetpea padlocked her bicycle.
Sweetpea cadenassé son vélo.
The garden gate was padlocked.
La portail du jardin était cadenassée.
A preposition.
autour de meaning around or round
We would like to put vermiculite around the flexible flue liner.
Nous voudrions mettre de la vermiculite autour de le tubage flexible.
We have to line the chimneys in preparation for woodburner warmth.
I have a new lawnmower in one of the gardens.
A padlock is un cadenas. Say it as cadanar.
A verb.
Cadenasser is used when putting a padlock on a gate, door or bicycle.
Sweetpea padlocked her bicycle.
Sweetpea cadenassé son vélo.
The garden gate was padlocked.
La portail du jardin était cadenassée.
A preposition.
autour de meaning around or round
We would like to put vermiculite around the flexible flue liner.
Nous voudrions mettre de la vermiculite autour de le tubage flexible.
We have to line the chimneys in preparation for woodburner warmth.
I have a new lawnmower in one of the gardens.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Life?
I just opened my computer and feel compelled to express my deep sadness.
I have just received sad news. An acquaintance who has been supportive and enthusiastic about "my renovation project" and who has given me friendship and support during this last summer has lung cancer. Life's a bitch! Every time I consider that C word I cringe cowardly and contemplate that my problems in life are nothing, absolutely zilch, tho' they topple the equilibrium of my daily life, they don't ruin it to spell gloom and doom. I am very sad. She doesn't live in France permanently but has in the last seven or so years made a beautiful home here. She is now in UK about to undergo treatment. The precious gifts of life, love, survival and a degree of happiness are such a struggle!
I am very sad.
I have just received sad news. An acquaintance who has been supportive and enthusiastic about "my renovation project" and who has given me friendship and support during this last summer has lung cancer. Life's a bitch! Every time I consider that C word I cringe cowardly and contemplate that my problems in life are nothing, absolutely zilch, tho' they topple the equilibrium of my daily life, they don't ruin it to spell gloom and doom. I am very sad. She doesn't live in France permanently but has in the last seven or so years made a beautiful home here. She is now in UK about to undergo treatment. The precious gifts of life, love, survival and a degree of happiness are such a struggle!
I am very sad.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Orange Saga is complete ... I HOPE
Yesterday after an hour on the phone plus with the technical help from Captain Sensible and a man called John from the English Speaking Orange Helpline who must both be praised profusely, the internet LIVEBOX has been re-set, the internet phone has been re-set, the two phones are wired up correctly, and it is all working with the original fti/ connexion number rather than the second one that they sent me. Mysteries solved! The conflict of having two contracts has been resolved!
I am still nervous about whether it will last. However, I am assured that the Orange and France Telecom engineers did something on 10-11-10 and now it is all tickety-boo! I've even had my first invoice! Now, after 86 days, I can "phone for free" on the internet line or pay more on the landline. What Choices, eh!
I am still nervous about whether it will last. However, I am assured that the Orange and France Telecom engineers did something on 10-11-10 and now it is all tickety-boo! I've even had my first invoice! Now, after 86 days, I can "phone for free" on the internet line or pay more on the landline. What Choices, eh!
Friday, 12 November 2010
12-11-10
The wind and rain were forecast to be so strong that Camille the poney was stabled. We could hear her kicking the fence and neighing in protest at her confinement. She had for several weeks disappeared to where we know not and has recently been returned to her flock of 8 sheep which circulate the fields in front of and behind our fermette.
We must count those sheep because on Wednesday we received the carcass of a lamb...for the freezer, ewe know. Oh, those years of vegeterianism hang rather limply these days when eating food-in-france! It was only in February, we were sort-of gifted a lamb, to eat, you understand, and we haven't eaten all of it yet! One cannot eat lamb every day! However, a few weeks ago we were asked whether we would like a lamb. Of course we affirmed that we would! Panic prevailed....we realised we had 'to make way in the freezer' so at this point in time we are rather full of my favourite meat and have got to the point where we do not really want to eat more!
When we were approached, I bravely asked how old the lamb would be. I certainly did not explain why, but in Year one we definitely had 'lamb' in contrast to Year two when we were inclined to believe it was 'mutton'. We have learned that the transition between lamb and mutton is not only dependant on culinary cooking times but also on the weight of the animal as well as the age. We're not sure but we are hoping that we DO have lamb and not mutton as in our first year. It makes a difference to what cooking methods we use so as not to have to chew the meat!
Perhaps we have inherited a sheep that was barren... best not to ask... I will coo and aah in raptures at the first and even last of the lambs that are born to give so much pleasure as they gambol in the fields of France and generate food for almost free!
The proverb that "Beggars cannot be choosers" features much in our lives. Let's say it was a very satisfactory price compared to the price of Poitou-Charentes lamb in the supermarkets or boucheries.
The wind has abated... the temperature has risen before the fall of the frosts yet to come and Camille has re-appeared in the field. We witnessed her rolling on the ground... either she was happy or has a tick or two!
We must count those sheep because on Wednesday we received the carcass of a lamb...for the freezer, ewe know. Oh, those years of vegeterianism hang rather limply these days when eating food-in-france! It was only in February, we were sort-of gifted a lamb, to eat, you understand, and we haven't eaten all of it yet! One cannot eat lamb every day! However, a few weeks ago we were asked whether we would like a lamb. Of course we affirmed that we would! Panic prevailed....we realised we had 'to make way in the freezer' so at this point in time we are rather full of my favourite meat and have got to the point where we do not really want to eat more!
When we were approached, I bravely asked how old the lamb would be. I certainly did not explain why, but in Year one we definitely had 'lamb' in contrast to Year two when we were inclined to believe it was 'mutton'. We have learned that the transition between lamb and mutton is not only dependant on culinary cooking times but also on the weight of the animal as well as the age. We're not sure but we are hoping that we DO have lamb and not mutton as in our first year. It makes a difference to what cooking methods we use so as not to have to chew the meat!
Perhaps we have inherited a sheep that was barren... best not to ask... I will coo and aah in raptures at the first and even last of the lambs that are born to give so much pleasure as they gambol in the fields of France and generate food for almost free!
The proverb that "Beggars cannot be choosers" features much in our lives. Let's say it was a very satisfactory price compared to the price of Poitou-Charentes lamb in the supermarkets or boucheries.
The wind has abated... the temperature has risen before the fall of the frosts yet to come and Camille has re-appeared in the field. We witnessed her rolling on the ground... either she was happy or has a tick or two!
Sunday, 31 October 2010
More of Orange and FT
At my new house in Angles... It seems that I have had to register with France Telecom for the messagerie service 3103 and that will take 5 days to activate! How is one supposed to have known this? Then for the Orange internet telephone to work it seems that I have had to re set the Livebox and register with the new terribly long and meaningless email address and various passwords that they sent me on October 3rd! I did nothing with this information because as the Internet was working why should I change it if it isn't broke and risk being out of contact with the internet services. So there I was waiting and waiting for it to be activated when it couldn't. Even the nice helpful Orange man said it was weird to have two fti/ numbers etc!
Therefore, by the end of next week I hope to have not only the use of the internet but also TWO telephones as well as making my monthly payments. I am sure they will not reimburse me for the payments I have made whilst not having had communication with the outside world. Ah... Orange!
Meanwhile I have to try and translate the French telephone instructions which are not available in English as of course like all technology the model number is specifically for France!
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Burning decisions
I have made some PROGRESS…. Note the majiscules.
After what seems to have been several months of ongoing, from-time-to-time-research, I have, at last, decided to buy two woodburners from a new company, who being only one month in business with their shop still not consumer ready, and having visited two other woodburner businesses in one day, we were pleased to have stumbled upon.
In addition, I have surfed the net to research woodburner companies in France, woodburner companies in our region of France and woodburner companies in UK and those with websites of particular brands / marques of woodburner stoves as opposed to multifuel stoves, gathering useful information so as to at least have a little knowledge!
Now, there is a difference in woodburners and I don’t just mean wood pellets or oak logs!
I am not a technically-minded-creature so I cannot possibly re-iterate all that I have learned but I will say that whatever I HAVE learned is just the tip of the iceberg and I would like to learn more, but, just as I cannot afford the chateau when I can only afford a garden shed, I cannot afford the type of woodburner my heart desires, therefore and of course with some things in life one just has to compromise.
What is it about buying AND INSTALLING a woodburner in France that is so difficult?
Well, for me, nothing is simple in my life! So, that is an aforesaid! Now to the practicalities, procedures and facts!
1. One has to invite the company to one’s house to study the chimney / fireplace to measure dimensions and to verify that it will accept the woodburner and to establish how the company will install it. That appointment has to be made several weeks ahead of when one wants to install the woodburner, because
a) it will take several weeks before they can to do ‘l’etude’,
b) it will take at least two weeks after that for the estimate of the works to arrive!
c) it may take several weeks for the woodburner to be ordered and installed!
So be prepared to say Goodbye to at least one to two or months and pray that life continues!
a) it will take several weeks before they can to do ‘l’etude’,
b) it will take at least two weeks after that for the estimate of the works to arrive!
c) it may take several weeks for the woodburner to be ordered and installed!
So be prepared to say Goodbye to at least one to two or months and pray that life continues!
2. IF as a law-abiding English person living in France on a full-time basis and therefore registered to pay French taxes one wishes to apply for the 40% or 25% tax rebate, one needs to buy the woodburner from the installer! This precludes buying a woodburner online! As a result of this knowledge we did sums to compare the costs of buying a cheaper and/or more expensive woodburner online and not gaining the tax rebate with buying a cheaper and/or more expensive woodburner from a buyer/installer and applying for the tax rebate. The difference can be and has been surprising! Please note also that France may well reduce this tax option at the end of December of this year, hence the fact that all woodburner companies are fully-booked!
3. Other complications set in! One cannot find out the price of a woodburner from a French company because they want to come to the house to do the ‘l’etude’ so you have to enter the game! I have not been able to find out the sale price of a particular brand of woodburner from one establishment without this farce.
4. When we came across the new company, I was amazed. The proprietor was prepared to give an estimate according to Captain Sensible’s plan, diagram and measurements AND within a few minutes of enquiry we had a devis / estimate as opposed to a 4 week wait! More importantly, whereas from one company we had been quoted 650 euros to install each of the two woodburners we were now being quoted 150 euros to install the two woodburners. Subsequently, from a different entreprise, I have been quoted 200 euros to install one woodburner if they come and install the two! We realise the profits have been added to the cost of the woodburner but I have also gained a 15% reduction on the cost of each woodburner.
5. Another shop will not tell me how much a Jotul or Dovre woodburner will cost me because they have to come and do the study which will be in 2 weeks time! NO, I cannot wait further at this time of year.
5. Another shop will not tell me how much a Jotul or Dovre woodburner will cost me because they have to come and do the study which will be in 2 weeks time! NO, I cannot wait further at this time of year.
6. An Englishman and his company working in France for over 10 years sounds to be a reputable company and eventually after some mystery and hesitation he agreed to work from the plan with measurements. However, I discovered that their website does not suggest that they can get me a certain brand of woodburner that is not advertised on their site! A telephone call does suggest this! Of course I have chosen the upper end of the market with the Jotul range and because I wanted two woodburners with side doors and in enamelled Ivory colour, one with 12kw or more and one with about 9kw he can order these. If I had known this back in June I might have been more tempted!
7. Also.... there is a requirement that the installer is responsible for the chimney, and in the case of any impending unwanted "fire in the chimney", the insurance company makes a claim against the installer and obviously, the installer has to guarantee his installation to the house insurance company. Hence, most probably these are the reasons for the installer to inspect the chimney, maintain the mystery and assume all expertise. If without someone who has previously installed woodburners then I think one is under their spell. I am lucky. My partner has a technical and practical mind and has installed woodburners before.
8. By now I have sussed out that certain companies purchase e.g. the Dovre model and market it under a Franchise brand name.
9. Now, that is where I have ended my research because of the restrictions, mais bien sur, on the pocket and wallet! The company which we stumbled upon now has my confidence and order within two days of correspondence. I have paid 30% for the installation of two Dovre-models of woodburners to be installed at the end of November, when I will pay the balance of 70%. The designated wood burners have flat waffle-patterned beds and are not for multifuel. The proprietors did not encircle me with magic and mystery of woodburners for they quickly realized we had gained our knowledge from our research and were prepared to gain a sale realising that our measurements were adequate for a devis / estimate. Voila! They have succeeded where others have prevaricated!
10. I hope this story ends successfully and that the woodburner mystery saga will be solved after some more hard work on our part, so that logs and luxurious comfort compared to the current cold ambiance will be welcomed at my new house.
11. Meanwhile the Nestor Martin at Village de Vaux beats out the heat in almost November and keeps us as warm as toast on a Sunday morning.
9. Now, that is where I have ended my research because of the restrictions, mais bien sur, on the pocket and wallet! The company which we stumbled upon now has my confidence and order within two days of correspondence. I have paid 30% for the installation of two Dovre-models of woodburners to be installed at the end of November, when I will pay the balance of 70%. The designated wood burners have flat waffle-patterned beds and are not for multifuel. The proprietors did not encircle me with magic and mystery of woodburners for they quickly realized we had gained our knowledge from our research and were prepared to gain a sale realising that our measurements were adequate for a devis / estimate. Voila! They have succeeded where others have prevaricated!
10. I hope this story ends successfully and that the woodburner mystery saga will be solved after some more hard work on our part, so that logs and luxurious comfort compared to the current cold ambiance will be welcomed at my new house.
11. Meanwhile the Nestor Martin at Village de Vaux beats out the heat in almost November and keeps us as warm as toast on a Sunday morning.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Meeting challenges, insufficient time and believing in oneself
There's such a lot to do and such a lot to think about! And I am tired already! But I keep on going!
Then this week a village resident decides to take me up on my offer to help her child with learning English. I don't need extra work this week .... nevertheless, I am always so very, very pleased to help young people or older people, whoever they are and whatever their age, to learn English. It is a huge pleasure for the teacher in me to see and hear them making progress, but I'm not sure I was ready for over 3 hours voluntary work this week at Bac level! Still, I have done my homework and I have treated it as a challenge and as a learning experience for me. I just hope that I have conveyed and imparted sufficient knowledge and enthusiasm for the 16 year old young horsewoman to gain not only good marks but also the confidence and competence to make progress herself.
Learning is about accepting challenges, and doing one's best to gain whatever it is we need to learn, however old we are!!! I don't think that as a parent I conveyed that message very well!
I can't quite think at some moments of the day, especially first thing in the morning or after the evening meal, yet at other times the list is theoretically quite lucid, until I start to think pragmatically, or start to shop at DIY institutions!
There is the need for optimism
Double glazing is arriving from UK at half the price of the French estimate as of next Tuesday! Then there is major work to do on about 20 windows and doors! I am the support unit!
Finalising the choice of two woodburners and getting an installer before the end of the year, in addition to all the prep building work we need to do, is the next challenge! Oh, it sounds so simple! Believe me, IT IS NOT SIMPLE!!!
Meanwhile, the electrician says he will arrive tomorrow... 8am ... to make the electricity safe and earthed and to install ( oh joy) running hot water!!!!!! from a 'chauffeau thermodynamique' !
Will he arrive....because last week's date of his arrival came to nought?
Today was absorbed with DIY shopping for a window and plasterboard and other materials whilst researching the price of a number of things, on what amounted to a lengthy journey, despite the impending fuel shortage. The bonus was that we passed the fruit farm and bought abut 5 kg of fruit... different apples and pears, some good for cooking and others perfect for eating. I recommend a large apple called Golden Rosé for eating!
Yesterday, we had to go to the city on other business and witnessed the queues for petrol/diesel which affected the flow of traffic exiting from a roundabout! We paid 1.43 euros per litre once we got out into the countryside, having decided that we had better keep the tank topped up. Have you heard about the blockades in France and the manifestations of those who are protesting against the raising of the pensionable age to 62? It sounds bad in Paris where vehicles have been set alight! England wants to raise the pensionable age to 66. Will that result in strikes, rallies and marches against such governmental plans?
In the house, I continue from time to time to scrape glue and paper off the cement floors and wrestle with the pain in my wrists! The reward is that I can scoop the paper crumbs into the waste bag!
The tongue and groove boarding is being removed. Now the rooms feel as if they can breathe.
I must paint! I must make shopping lists! I must do the paperwork! In addition I must decide for items for lighting, for the bathroom (floor, ceiling, walls, bath, shower, toilet, sink, towel rails, cupboards)
What lesson am I supposed to learn from owning a stone house with its once 18th/ 19th century beautiful 'to the modern eye' stone walls which suck up the damp from the soil, but which have been covered in plastered insulation board since 25 years ago, and today, we struggle to covert a 21st century look? I like the look of French stone walls on the interior so why do I have this house where not a stone can be seen as it is fully plasterboarded and hence potentially very warm inside? A message cries out to me to build or buy a modern home, a simple, unashamedly faceless practical residence of a Fairfax-type home with its joy of an almost 'maintenance free' lifestyle that it was! But even that dream has its challenges. Modern sings to me... as does l'ancienne. Pick me or Pick me.... the houses say! Life is just not easy! My partner wanted me to do build a new house... but i wasn't ready. I felt I did not have sufficient knowledge, expertise or confidence. It is strange because now I know what I would do and how I would do it. The difference also is that we have some French friends who can help us and if I'd had the courage to approach them a year ago I am sure they would have helped us unravel the building regs for such a project!
For me, the wrinkles become more evident as the brain and wisdom grows. However, it is my oerceptions that we keep more fit in mind, body and soul by undertaking this project, now that the horrors of what I have undertaken appear to be a little more manageable and under control!
It has been a scary experience.... and I am not out of the woods yet....
MESSAGE: KNOW what thy doeth when a French renovation project calleth, and even when one thinketh one knoweth all, be humbleth when knoweth nought!!!!!!!!!
As my French friends tell me ... when one buys an old house it can be aesthetically beautiful but one does not know the surprises that one purchases. When one has a new build there are no surprises! I now believe!
Then this week a village resident decides to take me up on my offer to help her child with learning English. I don't need extra work this week .... nevertheless, I am always so very, very pleased to help young people or older people, whoever they are and whatever their age, to learn English. It is a huge pleasure for the teacher in me to see and hear them making progress, but I'm not sure I was ready for over 3 hours voluntary work this week at Bac level! Still, I have done my homework and I have treated it as a challenge and as a learning experience for me. I just hope that I have conveyed and imparted sufficient knowledge and enthusiasm for the 16 year old young horsewoman to gain not only good marks but also the confidence and competence to make progress herself.
Learning is about accepting challenges, and doing one's best to gain whatever it is we need to learn, however old we are!!! I don't think that as a parent I conveyed that message very well!
I can't quite think at some moments of the day, especially first thing in the morning or after the evening meal, yet at other times the list is theoretically quite lucid, until I start to think pragmatically, or start to shop at DIY institutions!
There is the need for optimism
Double glazing is arriving from UK at half the price of the French estimate as of next Tuesday! Then there is major work to do on about 20 windows and doors! I am the support unit!
Finalising the choice of two woodburners and getting an installer before the end of the year, in addition to all the prep building work we need to do, is the next challenge! Oh, it sounds so simple! Believe me, IT IS NOT SIMPLE!!!
Meanwhile, the electrician says he will arrive tomorrow... 8am ... to make the electricity safe and earthed and to install ( oh joy) running hot water!!!!!! from a 'chauffeau thermodynamique' !
Will he arrive....because last week's date of his arrival came to nought?
Today was absorbed with DIY shopping for a window and plasterboard and other materials whilst researching the price of a number of things, on what amounted to a lengthy journey, despite the impending fuel shortage. The bonus was that we passed the fruit farm and bought abut 5 kg of fruit... different apples and pears, some good for cooking and others perfect for eating. I recommend a large apple called Golden Rosé for eating!
Yesterday, we had to go to the city on other business and witnessed the queues for petrol/diesel which affected the flow of traffic exiting from a roundabout! We paid 1.43 euros per litre once we got out into the countryside, having decided that we had better keep the tank topped up. Have you heard about the blockades in France and the manifestations of those who are protesting against the raising of the pensionable age to 62? It sounds bad in Paris where vehicles have been set alight! England wants to raise the pensionable age to 66. Will that result in strikes, rallies and marches against such governmental plans?
In the house, I continue from time to time to scrape glue and paper off the cement floors and wrestle with the pain in my wrists! The reward is that I can scoop the paper crumbs into the waste bag!
The tongue and groove boarding is being removed. Now the rooms feel as if they can breathe.
I must paint! I must make shopping lists! I must do the paperwork! In addition I must decide for items for lighting, for the bathroom (floor, ceiling, walls, bath, shower, toilet, sink, towel rails, cupboards)
What lesson am I supposed to learn from owning a stone house with its once 18th/ 19th century beautiful 'to the modern eye' stone walls which suck up the damp from the soil, but which have been covered in plastered insulation board since 25 years ago, and today, we struggle to covert a 21st century look? I like the look of French stone walls on the interior so why do I have this house where not a stone can be seen as it is fully plasterboarded and hence potentially very warm inside? A message cries out to me to build or buy a modern home, a simple, unashamedly faceless practical residence of a Fairfax-type home with its joy of an almost 'maintenance free' lifestyle that it was! But even that dream has its challenges. Modern sings to me... as does l'ancienne. Pick me or Pick me.... the houses say! Life is just not easy! My partner wanted me to do build a new house... but i wasn't ready. I felt I did not have sufficient knowledge, expertise or confidence. It is strange because now I know what I would do and how I would do it. The difference also is that we have some French friends who can help us and if I'd had the courage to approach them a year ago I am sure they would have helped us unravel the building regs for such a project!
For me, the wrinkles become more evident as the brain and wisdom grows. However, it is my oerceptions that we keep more fit in mind, body and soul by undertaking this project, now that the horrors of what I have undertaken appear to be a little more manageable and under control!
It has been a scary experience.... and I am not out of the woods yet....
MESSAGE: KNOW what thy doeth when a French renovation project calleth, and even when one thinketh one knoweth all, be humbleth when knoweth nought!!!!!!!!!
As my French friends tell me ... when one buys an old house it can be aesthetically beautiful but one does not know the surprises that one purchases. When one has a new build there are no surprises! I now believe!
Saturday, 9 October 2010
The Realities of Life in France whilst undertaking a House Renovation Project
I am writing this in reply to comments from Susan at Days on the Claise.
In the 5 to 7 years that we have lived here, moreover and in particular within the last 6 months of being an owner of a "Maison Principale" I have thought that the Reality in France is different from the Reality in England. Of course, I expected La Vie to be different and wanted it to be the adventure it has been, because unbeknowingly, apart from holiday experiences, that is why we chose to live here. We wanted life to be different and it has been that, most certainly it has!
In actual fact, the Reality of living life anywhere in the world is that life is not much different from how one lives LIVING in any country, city, town or village except that the environment and people are different. Therefore of course experiences, actions and reactions with people, places and things to do are not the same. One brings ones person, packages and baggages. Suitcases are put down and unzipped. Out fly the good and the not so good, the objects of memories, as we all try to make sense of living life on earth. Despite the past and present, and because of the past and present I am so glad to be alive for whatever the future may provide. Forget these wandering thoughts of SweetpeainFrance and her attempted philosophy... let's get back to basics!
Yes, I discovered on Day One of owning my very own little bit of french land and property that we had unwisely decided to think we could renovate almost overnight.
What madness overtook us with the rose-tinted spectacles that obviously were worn when I had learned not to wear them?
What ridiculous notion sprang into our heads when we have much experience between us of previous period renovations in England?
Nothing, yes, not anything, not even experience, prepares one for the timescale of travelling for DIY shopping, the actual time spent in the lovely DIY shops, plus the logistics of getting the materials from a to b. Never mind how much time has been taken at home deciding on what to buy and making the lists, as well as not to mention the time spent in returning items, nothing, yes, not anything prepares one for French Property Development. Nothing primes one for the sudden, (Was it so sudden? or Have I been living under a stone?) increase in the cost of employing an artisan!
Nothing, yes, not anything, prepares one for the unforeseen and unexpected changes in all sorts of manner of moments which will remain unexplained.
There we have it...
My eyes feasted upon a dream, the mind thought of the future, the hands waved in the air, the voice spoke, the wallet was assessed, we decided it was manageable!
MEA CULPA!
My new resolution since the beginning of January 2010 has been to attempt to be more positive. Increasing Negativity has been a feature of my life for several years and in order to combat the increased anxiety levels which were making me ill, I decided that enough was enough and that I wouldn't worry anymore about making decisions that were difficult to make and that I would just try to let whatever I needed for my own growth and my own personal development to come to me. If I made a mistake in how I looked or thought or spoke or behaved then I would have to pay the price and deal with myself more rationally!
The house came to me unexpectedly when I had given up the search!
Whether it WAS or IS what I have been searching for will one day be revealed!
It sort of is and sort of isn't! It's a house! It can be made into a home.
I'll put on red shoes, click them thrice and magically it will all be done! hahahahaha!
Yes, there are some days when I think "Oh, I don't need to look in the next field like Billy Goat Gruff!"
Seriously for me though, I really do EXPECT that problems and challenges will be resolved as each day passes. In fact, I am glad that certain decisions were not made earlier. I have had time to reflect and review what it is I really want. I am not worrying! As long as the roof will be good (I know that will be dealt with next year whatever the cost) and the house will be dry.... and it will have at least basic washing and heating facilities then that is all that matters. As long as I have my very best of friends and family to help me live my life and to share something of their lives, then I am happy and hopefully contentment will arrive and I will be able to move onto all the other things I would like to achieve in my lifetime. Think of a life without restoration of houses and homes!
RETURNING DAMAGED OR UNWANTED GOODS
Five years ago the shops were reluctant to exchange or re-imburse purchased goods. At least now commerce in France recognises that the client has some rights... and of course it makes sense, for the happier the client the more the client will feel 'bonhomie' and return as a good customer should.
It's a pity and yet probably a mercy that we can't return the damaged personal goods of our personal lives!!!!
It's also a pity that the successes and magical moments cannot be repeated.
I try not to waste my hours ... but sometimes I can't do anymore, I can't do better ... the brain and the body seem to just go on strike! I don't push myself like I used to!
The saying is that we should:
In the 5 to 7 years that we have lived here, moreover and in particular within the last 6 months of being an owner of a "Maison Principale" I have thought that the Reality in France is different from the Reality in England. Of course, I expected La Vie to be different and wanted it to be the adventure it has been, because unbeknowingly, apart from holiday experiences, that is why we chose to live here. We wanted life to be different and it has been that, most certainly it has!
In actual fact, the Reality of living life anywhere in the world is that life is not much different from how one lives LIVING in any country, city, town or village except that the environment and people are different. Therefore of course experiences, actions and reactions with people, places and things to do are not the same. One brings ones person, packages and baggages. Suitcases are put down and unzipped. Out fly the good and the not so good, the objects of memories, as we all try to make sense of living life on earth. Despite the past and present, and because of the past and present I am so glad to be alive for whatever the future may provide. Forget these wandering thoughts of SweetpeainFrance and her attempted philosophy... let's get back to basics!
Yes, I discovered on Day One of owning my very own little bit of french land and property that we had unwisely decided to think we could renovate almost overnight.
What madness overtook us with the rose-tinted spectacles that obviously were worn when I had learned not to wear them?
What ridiculous notion sprang into our heads when we have much experience between us of previous period renovations in England?
Nothing, yes, not anything, not even experience, prepares one for the timescale of travelling for DIY shopping, the actual time spent in the lovely DIY shops, plus the logistics of getting the materials from a to b. Never mind how much time has been taken at home deciding on what to buy and making the lists, as well as not to mention the time spent in returning items, nothing, yes, not anything prepares one for French Property Development. Nothing primes one for the sudden, (Was it so sudden? or Have I been living under a stone?) increase in the cost of employing an artisan!
Nothing, yes, not anything, prepares one for the unforeseen and unexpected changes in all sorts of manner of moments which will remain unexplained.
There we have it...
My eyes feasted upon a dream, the mind thought of the future, the hands waved in the air, the voice spoke, the wallet was assessed, we decided it was manageable!
MEA CULPA!
My new resolution since the beginning of January 2010 has been to attempt to be more positive. Increasing Negativity has been a feature of my life for several years and in order to combat the increased anxiety levels which were making me ill, I decided that enough was enough and that I wouldn't worry anymore about making decisions that were difficult to make and that I would just try to let whatever I needed for my own growth and my own personal development to come to me. If I made a mistake in how I looked or thought or spoke or behaved then I would have to pay the price and deal with myself more rationally!
The house came to me unexpectedly when I had given up the search!
Whether it WAS or IS what I have been searching for will one day be revealed!
It sort of is and sort of isn't! It's a house! It can be made into a home.
I'll put on red shoes, click them thrice and magically it will all be done! hahahahaha!
Yes, there are some days when I think "Oh, I don't need to look in the next field like Billy Goat Gruff!"
Seriously for me though, I really do EXPECT that problems and challenges will be resolved as each day passes. In fact, I am glad that certain decisions were not made earlier. I have had time to reflect and review what it is I really want. I am not worrying! As long as the roof will be good (I know that will be dealt with next year whatever the cost) and the house will be dry.... and it will have at least basic washing and heating facilities then that is all that matters. As long as I have my very best of friends and family to help me live my life and to share something of their lives, then I am happy and hopefully contentment will arrive and I will be able to move onto all the other things I would like to achieve in my lifetime. Think of a life without restoration of houses and homes!
RETURNING DAMAGED OR UNWANTED GOODS
Five years ago the shops were reluctant to exchange or re-imburse purchased goods. At least now commerce in France recognises that the client has some rights... and of course it makes sense, for the happier the client the more the client will feel 'bonhomie' and return as a good customer should.
It's a pity and yet probably a mercy that we can't return the damaged personal goods of our personal lives!!!!
It's also a pity that the successes and magical moments cannot be repeated.
I try not to waste my hours ... but sometimes I can't do anymore, I can't do better ... the brain and the body seem to just go on strike! I don't push myself like I used to!
The saying is that we should:
Live life each day as if it were the last!
I am trying so hard to do this... It is my aim!
Friday, 8 October 2010
Laurie Clement - pianiste
Coffee and macaroons were enjoyed before listening to Laurie with her new recording of Asturias by Issac Albeniz. I am in awe of her professional ability, humility and her positive, motivating, welcoming personality.
She plays the piano with passion and so I am looking forward to receiving a copy of the CD as soon as it is available. Listen to John Williams playing the original written for the guitar. Exquisite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEfFbuT3I6A
Read about Laurie here.
She plays the piano with passion and so I am looking forward to receiving a copy of the CD as soon as it is available. Listen to John Williams playing the original written for the guitar. Exquisite.
Read about Laurie here.
