News and views from the Tarn, Aveyron and Tarn and Garonne corner of South West France. taglines82@gmail.com
Saturday, 30 June 2018
Pesticides in beer
The quantities were very small, but did surpass the limits prescribed for water. As the report pointed out beer is not usually consumed in the same quantities as water and it would take 2000 litres per day to constitute a health risk from the pesticide residues. But it is an indication of the omnipresence of the chemicals used in agriculture.
With the shortage of carbon dioxide threatening beer supplies and what there is contaminated with chemicals, it is clear that we will need to "consume with moderation" even more than usual. Nice glass of rosé please!
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Friday, 29 June 2018
Missing dog at Parisot
If anyone finds him please phone me on 05 63 31 13 24 or Thanks Val - I have mistyped my mobile number it should be 06 04 03 29 39
Sorry - in a bit of a panic
Anne Grose
Supporting Via Sahel in Mali
Now a new war between tribes has meant the dangerous situation has made it necessary to close the hospital and laboratory to protect the staff, but the work of the school and feeding the children goes on.
A popular event started here at Mas del Sol has been the "Picnic in the Park", animated by the Dixieland musicians in Martins Jazz Band and with the enthousiastic vocal support of the late John Taylor. This year's event will be on Thursday 26th July around the swimming pool of the Domaine de Sautou in Castanet. Entry 15 euros, bring your picnic and enjoy the ambiance. Book your places now!
Happy memories
Thursday, 28 June 2018
Little Molly and all these other local dogs need homes
Des Truffes et des Moustaches.
Molly still needs a home
France-Argentina: not just football
Photo: Sebastien Langloys |
He achieved worldwide fame as a dancer and singer before his untimely death. Toulouse city council commissioned local sculptor Sebastien Langloys to make the statue, which will be unveiled by chance it would appear on the day France meet Argentina.
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Learning to help others
Water quality at Parisot
Does anyone know if the Parisot water supply is drinkable yet? The problem seems to have been going on for a very long time. We have friends with a baby who are visiting very soon and are concerned about the situation.
Thanks in anticipation that someone knows the answer.
Elizabeth
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
Having fun caring
Watch your cats in the hot weather
So one more thing to add to your list: hat; factor 50; water plants; keep dogs in shade; watch for cats...Who said hot weather is for relaxing with beer and barbecues?
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Losing a treasure?
A few days ago our maire wrote to tell us that henceforth our water bills should be paid to the tresor public in St Antonin instead of the local mairie. The St Antonin branch of the tresor has always been useful for paying taxes or querying those bills we receive from time to time and probably especially useful in the bigger transactions such as house deposits. But now the branch is scheduled to be closed. Presumably those people used to going there will now be forced to go to some other larger town such as Caussade.
Obviously the increasing use of electronic payments will have diminished the demands on smaller branches, but as the maires pointed out at their demonstration on Monday, it is the rural nature of the community of communes (QRGA) which demands a local presence.
Currently the ministry of finance is determined to close the branch, but the support of local MP and senator has been solicited.
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Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Lost a little one?
Hope you & Malcolm are well.
We had a dog left on our doorstep last night.
Would you mind putting it on TAG, to see if any body recognises it please.
He is male and Jack Russell sized.
Thank you.
Mimi x
06.99.69.05.41
Nothing but blue skies, all the way
Well we have waited long enough for it, but the sun has arrived and raised our spirits, so wonderful. I am not going to complain it is too hot.
Watch your dog on the banks of Varen
Monday, 25 June 2018
A morning visitor
An early morning visitor, what a beautiful bird.
Sunday, 24 June 2018
We are all “ In Limbo”
Dear Val and Malcolm,
Hope you are both doing well and that Malc is regaining some of his strength and you are not overdoing it.
I am still reeling from the wonderful experience of the march yesterdqy. Police estimate 500.000 people. It just was a never ending stream of amazing people and children. Babes in arms, toddlers, teens, young people, middle aged people and an enormous amount of older and really old people, who all had a wish to #StopBrexit or at least have a People’s Vote on it. A joyful and uplifting experience.
Getting home I found InLimboToo on my doorstep. This is the second book of Brexit testimonies collected and edited by Elena Remigi and her team and has just come out. This time it is filled with testimonies from UK citizens in Europe, i.e. the likes of you and Malc and most if our British friends in France. I cannot wait to read it, but then thought, I should send it, as well as some leaflets about it, to you. You might be willing to display it at Mains Tendus on Saturday. I realize you may not have time to read these moving stories at the moment, but maybe one of your UK co-workers might want to browse it and order some copies on amazon.fr. All I can promise you is that many of you won’t stay dry-eyed.
Please let me know whether you would like me to send it tomorrow with the leaflets (two sided, one side about the first book and the blue side about the second book, which is mainly written by Brits or spouses and/or children of Brits in Europe.
Looking forward to your answer.
Love,
Ellyxxxx
PS, there is also a crowd funder so that, as with the first book, we can send a copy to politicians, lawyers, decision makers and some activists to show them the human side of Brexit and hopefully make them think.
https://www.gofundme.com/v22rbn-in-limbo-too
Bad year for plums
Older, traditional varieties may fare better but meanwhile producers want the government to declare a natural catastrophe. Production overall is estimated at 15000 tonnes, compared with 45000 tonnes last year.
Sellers say they will import plums from Spain and Italy so there should be no shortage, but buying local may be dearer this year.
One of the things we lost in the lightning strike was a freezer full of frozen plums - perhaps we need to up-date our insurance claim!
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Help needed for young people
Thanks Elly
Elly Wright local lady, artist and good friend was there on the march at London, marching to keep us in Europe.
Saturday, 23 June 2018
Two little girls, nice if they could be rehomed together/ HOME BEING OFFERED TOGETHER
2 adorable female kittens (born 10th April) desperately in need of a new home - hopefully together. They've had their injections.
Please contact Roger (in Varen) on 0563 02 75 70.
That's how to start the day
Friday, 22 June 2018
Celebrating a life
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Little Molly has a canine fan
Gentle socialised Molly needs a home
Thursday, 21 June 2018
RIP John Sheridan Evans
Does France have a wolf problem?
There has been much discussion in local (ie Aveyron) media in recent years about the policy of re-introducing predators such as wolves (and bears in the Pyrenees) in sheep rearing areas. The Aubrac region has many of its "transhumance" ceremonies at this time, when sheep are taken out to the higher pastures for the summer, where they face more risks.
There are said to be about 52 packs of wolves, counting 360 individuals and shepherds claim that since 2006 about 12000 sheep have been lost. There is little definitive evidence that wolves are responsible, dogs often being as likely to be the culprits. There are no reports of humans being attacked by wolves.
An association of interested groups; farmers, scientists and elected officials has been created to defend the pastoral way of life and will be launched this weekend with the transhumance of 2400 sheep in Lozere.
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Wednesday, 20 June 2018
Bright splashes of colour everywhere
I have just counted and as I have in the past taken cuttings ( not for a couple of years) we have over 20
The world is slipping into chaos
A sleepless night last night again but this time after hearing the childrens screams and cries in cages in America, snatched from their parents.
Tuesday, 19 June 2018
Monday, 18 June 2018
A bargain extending table SOLD
Hello Val,
I do enjoy and empathise with your reflections on the pleasure you get from living where you do, even if you will move to Varen one day.
I have another item I was wondering if you could post for me, please?
It is an extendable leaf dining table made of oak or some other similar durable hardwood and needing a small amount of refurbishment but generally looks to be in a good state. The size is 100W x 170L x75 cm H. It extends 50 cm each end so 270 cm long extended. I am happy for you to set a price and the money to be used as you see fit. The only proviso is that the buyer must supply all the muscle to remove it from our house (3 doorways and 1 flight of stairs to be negotiated) as I have a bad back at present.
Thankyou and Best wishes from Bob and Pauline Bishop.
Speed limited to 80 kph
It is being argued that these dangerous roads should be prioritised rather than a wider limit on National and Departmental roads. But proponents point out that speeding is the obvious main cause of these accidents, there often being no other impediment. It is hoped these measures will reduce fatal accidents by some 200 deaths per annum.
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Amazing nature
Photo taken by Gilberte Blosse, wonderful creature.
Sunday, 17 June 2018
Last night, last light
Not a fire on the distant hill but the last light of the sun setting.
Saturday, 16 June 2018
Friday, 15 June 2018
Another little kitten
Folk'n'Jazz John Taylor Charity Concert
Kittens in Najac (English version)
Bonjour dear Val,
Is it possible to put this on tag-on-line?!
It is a tame stray cat living in the streets of Najac. The little red kitten is adopted!
Mother cat will be spayed!
Thank you so much,
wishing you both all the best,
warm greetings,
Marjolijn
The contact details are as in the poster below.
Kittens in Najac
Le petit roux est un mâle, ainsi qu’un des 2 noirs angora, la tigrée une femelle et le 2è angora surprise. (à déterminer)
World cup; Depardieu; vodka
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So much to learn about the world
Thursday, 14 June 2018
Relaxing at home
I never tire of the views at our place, rain or shine it is a beautiful place to be. We walked around the grounds yesterday, so much to see.
Wednesday, 13 June 2018
Fork handles, four candles, no... 4 chairs. SOLD
4 chairs in excellent condition 30 euros the four