Hi Val
After reading the reviews - and with Ginny's help - I at last made it to the Auberge des Sens. I think for me it was a 3 rather than a 5 (for the food, not the access!). Although nicely presented, the starter was very small. My fish main course was lovely, but it was the dessert that really disappointed. I ordered tarte tatin and got 2 hard biscuits, a slice of apple, a bit of meringue and some ice cream. Not what I was expecting! The service was good, though, but I'll stick to looking at the river from Carre Gourmet.
Doreen
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Saturday, 31 May 2014
Who wins the nutty as a fruitcake prize?
UKIP win everything these days!
Lifted from Private Eye by Gill Catterall
Val says for our French readers " nutty" means " bonkas" ! which means mad as a hatter! or " fou"
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Lifted from Private Eye by Gill Catterall
Val says for our French readers " nutty" means " bonkas" ! which means mad as a hatter! or " fou"
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Time for " yummy" ice cream
For tag
Time for icecream. With fruit galore this year, one must make some icecream with the surplus fruit! Here is a simple recipe that doesn’t require an icecream making machine. It’s so simple that’s it’s not even funny…. 1kg fruit, 500gr crème fraiche, 500g sugar. Put all ingredients in a blender, blend for a couple of minutes, pour in freezer compatible plastic boxes and that’s it!!! My sister Bibi uses this recipe every year with her strawberries, raspberries, blackscurrants and gooseberries and they are such delight in summer….If you want to make sorbet then you need a machine to brake the crystals, as you don’t use cream. I am off to make some icecream with my 2 kgs of strawberries I’ve just picked. I hope you make loads this year!!!!
Martine
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Can any one recommend a small roofer?
The storm last night reminded us that we need to have our chimneys repointed or the flashing replaced. Couvreurs and builders have said "oh yes, no problem", but simply failed to appear to do it. The job is too small. Any ideas?
Charles says
Hi Val
What's the maximum height allowed for the small roofer?
Charles
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Charles says
Hi Val
What's the maximum height allowed for the small roofer?
Charles
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Two more proud runners in the 3 rocs
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Ascension Day is the traditional day for cross country runs - either 48k, 24k or a walk of 16k. Here's Vanessa Ainsworth's sonToby and girlfriend Jenny enjoying a beer at the end. Toby came 8th out of
160 doing the long run and Jenny did the 24k by mistake! Proud Mummy - must have been all that training by John in his youth!
Val says and they can stand on their heads! till Malc gets back to twizzle them
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Malc says: duly twizzled - why are all the pics of the Trail of people drinking beers - was any actual running done?
The language of birds
In many ways simpler than the French language, yesterday we saw two golden orioles flying straight past us, an unusual sighting of these shy birds, their whistle once heard is easily distinguished.
On the lane in the dark coming homing late I saw a baby owl newly fledged sitting in the road bedazzled by the cars headlights. Sitting writing this morning I heard the voice of our kestrel, now very disinctive to us. The darling popped in to his old nest just to check out he and his partner had made the right decision to nest in the pigeonnier in fields lower down.
A redstart is nesting in a bird box in the courtyard and he flies around us cheep,cheeping.
Our blue tits nesting in the house wall have fledged and flown
No problem with integrating with the birds up here at Mas del Sol!
Roger our friend says he was not long behind me and also had pleasure seeing the baby owl just fledged. Let us hope the next person along saw and avoided him as well.
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On the lane in the dark coming homing late I saw a baby owl newly fledged sitting in the road bedazzled by the cars headlights. Sitting writing this morning I heard the voice of our kestrel, now very disinctive to us. The darling popped in to his old nest just to check out he and his partner had made the right decision to nest in the pigeonnier in fields lower down.
A redstart is nesting in a bird box in the courtyard and he flies around us cheep,cheeping.
Our blue tits nesting in the house wall have fledged and flown
No problem with integrating with the birds up here at Mas del Sol!
Roger our friend says he was not long behind me and also had pleasure seeing the baby owl just fledged. Let us hope the next person along saw and avoided him as well.
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I think we have been given a wake up call, everything in the garden is not coming up roses.
Marine le Pen and the FN party doing so well in the European elections gives one a jolt. Here in Varen the party was only two votes off winning outright. In Verfeil sur Seye the FN came top. I must check what happened in St. Antonin.
Now however you look at it we do not have any Romanians at all in these two villages but we do have plenty of UK residents and Dutch. So who is the vote partially against here? I am not saying there are not nationwide factors but we have to face facts we need to make more efforts to fit in.
Once again it is the language that is the barrier, you come, you should learn French. It is difficult, you will stumble, you won't always get it right but we have to try harder. I know my French is not the best but it is improving daily and I am persevering.
Yesterday I spoke French all day as I only met French people. I spent the morning canvassing for judges and for support for the Salon du jardin. Sadly numerous French people when I discussed the salon and our mixed nationality group working together, the villagers said " but the problem is you newcomers do not speak our language so how can you integrate." Once again the getting together in big English speaking groups was mentioned, so it is not going to be a simple task.
What concerns me most is it is not just the older Varenois who have this perception but the young French people who because of our young French neighbours we have got to know, generally think we are standoffish and refuse to learn the language.
Easy to dismiss and say " so what" and get on with our anglophone lives but I think we do so at our peril.
We learn French,build on making French friends or eventually life will becoming uncomfortable and we will leave.
These are my views and I welcome yours.
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Now however you look at it we do not have any Romanians at all in these two villages but we do have plenty of UK residents and Dutch. So who is the vote partially against here? I am not saying there are not nationwide factors but we have to face facts we need to make more efforts to fit in.
Once again it is the language that is the barrier, you come, you should learn French. It is difficult, you will stumble, you won't always get it right but we have to try harder. I know my French is not the best but it is improving daily and I am persevering.
Yesterday I spoke French all day as I only met French people. I spent the morning canvassing for judges and for support for the Salon du jardin. Sadly numerous French people when I discussed the salon and our mixed nationality group working together, the villagers said " but the problem is you newcomers do not speak our language so how can you integrate." Once again the getting together in big English speaking groups was mentioned, so it is not going to be a simple task.
What concerns me most is it is not just the older Varenois who have this perception but the young French people who because of our young French neighbours we have got to know, generally think we are standoffish and refuse to learn the language.
Easy to dismiss and say " so what" and get on with our anglophone lives but I think we do so at our peril.
We learn French,build on making French friends or eventually life will becoming uncomfortable and we will leave.
These are my views and I welcome yours.
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He is known as " the master of black"
Pierre Soulages, arguably France’s most famous living artist, is known as a master of the colour black. A museum dedicated to his life’s work opened on Friday in Rodez, a town in the south of France where he was born.
If there’s one thing that Pierre Soulages resents, it’s the idea that his career is behind him.
Although the artist is 94, retirement could not be further from his mind. He is still active, creating works either in his studio in Paris or in Sète, a French town on the Mediterranean coast where he splits his time. Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
President Hollande opened the Rodez Musuem which holds works of Soulages
Yesterday the Soulages Musuem at Rodez was opened by the President. Pierre Soulages has donated many of his works worth millions of euros to be held in this new musuem. The exhibition and opening was featured on French TV and the abstract dark many black pictures did not really appeal to me. I think we need to visit and view and maybe then the large canvases will have more appeal. If anyone goes before us please tell us about the new building and the art works by Pierre Soulages.
The present exhibition is temporary as other paintings are on loan from other musuems
The present exhibition is temporary as other paintings are on loan from other musuems
En 2010, l'exposition Soulages au Centre Pompidou à Paris avait accueilli un demi-million de visiteurs. Le musée de Rodez table sur 150 000 visiteurs par an.
L'artiste – dont une peinture de 1959 s'est vendue l'an dernier à plus de 5 millions d'euros aux enchères à Londres – a fait don de 500 œuvres et documents au musée : 100 œuvres sur papier, 130 estampes, 35 peintures sur toile, trois bronzes, une trentaine de plaques de cuivre et les cartons préparatoires aux vitraux que le peintre conçut spécialement pour un chef-d'œuvre de l'art roman, l'abbatiale de Conques. Une sélection de 21 très grands tableaux baptisés «Outrenoir» fait l'objet à Rodez d'une exposition temporaire exceptionnelle, grâce aux prêts de grands musées européens.
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Friday, 30 May 2014
Having an event in your garden?
After the Picnic in the Park Wed 23rd of July if anyone is organising an event raising money for a charity, our 9x4 metre grandly named marquée will be available for free. If you are having a family party or musical event in the garden the cost to borrow will be 30 euros. Please ask if you want further details. mail@bromlea.com
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2 sofas, 2 chairs for sale
" FOR SALE
4 piece suite - two really comfortable armchairs plus two roomy (2-3
seater) sofas. Good solid furniture but a bit tired. All covers
removable and washable, one zip on a cushion seat needs replacing
Price all in 100€ o.n.o., plus €10 to TAG charity of buyer's choice.
Can deliver free within 30 mins of St. Antonin/Caylus or further
afield at a small charge. Contact 05 63 31 70 84 or 06 74 646 647
anytime. "
4 piece suite - two really comfortable armchairs plus two roomy (2-3
seater) sofas. Good solid furniture but a bit tired. All covers
removable and washable, one zip on a cushion seat needs replacing
Price all in 100€ o.n.o., plus €10 to TAG charity of buyer's choice.
Can deliver free within 30 mins of St. Antonin/Caylus or further
afield at a small charge. Contact 05 63 31 70 84 or 06 74 646 647
anytime. "
Is it a bit Essex that name?
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlène have announced they are expecting a baby at the end of the year.
Sorry to any readers called Charlène, but is it really a name for a Princess?
Val says I have just said to Malc, will that jest get me into trouble? Only with Charlene's was the reply.
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" happy diab" what a good idea.
bonjour Val et Malcolm,
vos lecteurs seront peut-être intéressés par le lancement dans le Tarn d'une "cuisine" pour diabétiques : de grands et moins grands restaurants affichent un logo "happy diab' " dans un rond jaune. La liste s'obtient en allant sur le sitehttp://www.tourisme-tarn.com/ et en cliquant à droite dans le logo jaune.
J'ai bien envie de leur demander s'ils connaissent les restaurants "gluten free"...
amitiés
Nadette
Val says Nadette at Espinas is a mine of information. She tells us that there are now restaurants which
specialise in meals for diabetics and the restaurants have a logo called " happy diab"
She also wonders if anyone knows of gluten free restaurants?
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Folk'n' Jazz is two years old
New faces, both on stage and in the audience, ensured another successful evening at folk'n'jazz which,after two years, goes from strength to strength. Regulars Brian, Gavin, John, Linda and Trevor performed a wide ranging repetoire individually and collectively and we had some good rousing choruses ( I like those as I get a chance to sing in my own special key). We were also entertained by Ian ( returned from his travels), Rana ( making a welcome second visit) and newcomers to the scene Roger and Eileen. Thanks to all the performers and to John for organising and compereing the evening. Everyone had a great time and left looking forward to the start of the ever popular Folk'n'jazz "summer tour " where we go on the road to a different outdoor venue each month. This year we have a garden, a barn and a chateau lined up for the last Thursdays of June, July and August. We start on June 26th with a return to the "birthplace" of folk'n'jazz Mas de Sol near Varen More details will follow during the month.
Sue Carter
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Sue Carter
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 |
| Roger and Eileen, fresh from Norway |
Securing gravitas for our Salon
Have I worked well this morning ," je me demande?"
The answer is brilliantly well and I have achieved a veritable coup.
Our judges are finalised for the gardening section of " Le Salon du jardin d'été" and we have some prestigious gardening names amongst them
President of the jury will be famed gardener Jean Donies ( my nickname for him is "Jean du Jardin" as in film star fame) Jean and partner have created an extraordinary garden on the edge of Varen/ Arnac/ Cambou. Last year the gardens which are open to the public were in all the gardening magazines, eg. Mon jardin, ma maison. etc. If you have an opportunity to go and look and take visitors it is a lovely day out.
I am proud to announce he is delighted to be involved and as well as heading the judges will present the awards to the winners of the vegetable, fruits and flower section.
I am not finished there as other notables on the jury will be John and Debbie from Les jardin Des Espiemonts, TAG's two popular gardening contributors.
Then Sylvie Gravier from Les Jardins des Bastides at Milhars.
Jean Gros known in the commune as one of the best gardeners.
Possibly Emile Cere, a gentleman of 90 who still loves his garden, this name to be confirmed.
Other judges for other categories are still to be confirmed.
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The answer is brilliantly well and I have achieved a veritable coup.
Our judges are finalised for the gardening section of " Le Salon du jardin d'été" and we have some prestigious gardening names amongst them
President of the jury will be famed gardener Jean Donies ( my nickname for him is "Jean du Jardin" as in film star fame) Jean and partner have created an extraordinary garden on the edge of Varen/ Arnac/ Cambou. Last year the gardens which are open to the public were in all the gardening magazines, eg. Mon jardin, ma maison. etc. If you have an opportunity to go and look and take visitors it is a lovely day out.
I am proud to announce he is delighted to be involved and as well as heading the judges will present the awards to the winners of the vegetable, fruits and flower section.
I am not finished there as other notables on the jury will be John and Debbie from Les jardin Des Espiemonts, TAG's two popular gardening contributors.
Then Sylvie Gravier from Les Jardins des Bastides at Milhars.
Jean Gros known in the commune as one of the best gardeners.
Possibly Emile Cere, a gentleman of 90 who still loves his garden, this name to be confirmed.
Other judges for other categories are still to be confirmed.
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Single mattress needed
Hi Val
will be having foot surgery in mid June and have arranged to hire ahospital bed to use for a short time after the surgery. Apparently it does
not come with a mattress so I wonder if anyone has a clean standard single
mattress (90 x 190 I think) that I could buy or loan?
Thank you. Hope all is well at Mas del Sol.
Love
Linda pebblestherapies@hotmail.com
How many of us would be so generous?
Imagine winning 72 million euros on the lottery and then giving 50 million to be divided amongst 10 major charities. That is just what a winner in Haute Garonne did with the January jackpot. Most of us dream of houses, yachts, holidays etc. and but do we say that our favourite charities would also benefit? It seems that other big winners do just that. According to Francaise des Jeux, who organise the French lotto, winners often earmark part of their wealth to help local good causes. It's good to know that some people remain unselfish in the world of today (and don't say with 22 million left he can afford it - it's all relative).
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Sportilac at Parisot, June 15th
Journee sportive pour les enfants et leurs familles........Miss Parisot
(pour les hommes), Course de radeaux, zumba kids, zumba, urban dance, yoga,
basket, judo, bio dance, plus plus plus. Entree 5 euro par voiture
15th June 12to17h contact sportilacparisot@gmail.com
Randonnee at Ginals
Sunday 1st June, 9.30am at "Est Igne" for a circuit of 20 kms (or shorter for the less courageous). Bring a pic-nic. No dogs, please.
To explore this rather lovely, mainly wooded part of our corner join the group organised by the Ginals Comite de Fetes.
Inscriptions au 06 18 13 45 23, 06 26 74 10 58 ou 05 63 65 70 03, http ://www.saint-igne.sitew.fr/, comite-des-fetes-ginals82@hotmail.fr
Tarifs : adultes (à partir de 15 ans), 2 €; enfant de 5 à 14 ans, 1 €.
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To explore this rather lovely, mainly wooded part of our corner join the group organised by the Ginals Comite de Fetes.
Inscriptions au 06 18 13 45 23, 06 26 74 10 58 ou 05 63 65 70 03, http ://www.saint-igne.sitew.fr/, comite-des-fetes-ginals82@hotmail.fr
Tarifs : adultes (à partir de 15 ans), 2 €; enfant de 5 à 14 ans, 1 €.
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Praises for Carpetman at Montauban
Good Morning Val,
Recently I have been looking for a covering for my dusty studio floor and decided to go for a grey lino. Finding it was a task and a half, unless I was prepared to pay over the odds for what would after all not be my 'salon'. I vaguely remembered an ad on Taglines and phoned Carpetman. This resulted in a visit to their showroom in Montauban - good selection, great advice, courtuous service. Today, precisely one week later, I am itching to get back into mon atelier, free of dust and my floor a picture in itself. I just wanted to give a big thumbs up to Steve who very professionally delivered and laid the lino and Jean Christophe who was helpful and knowledgeable in the showroom. Great firm to do business with. http://www.carpetman-france.com/en/
Oh and by the way around September I plan to have an Open Studio weekend where you can both see the floor and some paintings as well.
Kind regards,
Elly
Val says the feedback about Carpetman is always good.
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Lovely evening at the folk club
A small but dedicated group of people who enjoy their folk music were joined last night by Roger and Eileen, the new to France English couple who have lived for the last 20 years in Norway. Rana was back from working in England over the winter and these new performers joined the usual stalwart performers for a lovely foot tapping night. I really enjoy these evenings, the music, the camaraderie and next month the club will be celebrating its 2 years of musical evenings.
The first ever evening of the clubs inception was at Mas del Sol and for the next meeting, last Thursday in June it will once again be at Mas del Sol. Let us make it a celebration of two years of great free entertainment. Every evening is free and all the performers do it for the pleasure, these nights remind me of family get togethers when we were young, when my Dad got out his accordion and played whatever anyone wanted to sing to.
So what is happening at Mas del Sol this summer.
We are hosting the always free Folk'n' Jazz on the last Thursday in June starting at 8 pm. Arriving just after 7.30pm, have a fold up chair in the back of the car but only carry it in if we ask. We have 50 spare chairs in place.
Then on Wed July 23rd we have our " Picnic in the Park" extravaganza arriving at 7pm, a night of Dixieland Jazz with Martin's Jazz Band. The tickets for this evening are 15 euros and every penny will go to the Association Via Sahel Enfants d' Afrique. We have to pay the band but we are in negociations with the group about this as they want to do what they can to help to feed and educate starving street children. We will let you know how this develops. We have 52 booked in and we are hoping to sell 100 tickets. If you cannot come for any reason we would be more than delighted to be given donations big or small. I am not afraid to beg to save the life of a child. This is our" big "yearly fundraiser so please support us with this fun event.
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The first ever evening of the clubs inception was at Mas del Sol and for the next meeting, last Thursday in June it will once again be at Mas del Sol. Let us make it a celebration of two years of great free entertainment. Every evening is free and all the performers do it for the pleasure, these nights remind me of family get togethers when we were young, when my Dad got out his accordion and played whatever anyone wanted to sing to.
So what is happening at Mas del Sol this summer.
We are hosting the always free Folk'n' Jazz on the last Thursday in June starting at 8 pm. Arriving just after 7.30pm, have a fold up chair in the back of the car but only carry it in if we ask. We have 50 spare chairs in place.
Then on Wed July 23rd we have our " Picnic in the Park" extravaganza arriving at 7pm, a night of Dixieland Jazz with Martin's Jazz Band. The tickets for this evening are 15 euros and every penny will go to the Association Via Sahel Enfants d' Afrique. We have to pay the band but we are in negociations with the group about this as they want to do what they can to help to feed and educate starving street children. We will let you know how this develops. We have 52 booked in and we are hoping to sell 100 tickets. If you cannot come for any reason we would be more than delighted to be given donations big or small. I am not afraid to beg to save the life of a child. This is our" big "yearly fundraiser so please support us with this fun event.
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What do the French know..
that we don't? Reading in the French press this morning we note that in the 10th minute of the Toulon-Castres Top 14 playoff tomorrow (Saturday 31st May) the British national anthem "God Save the Queen" will be played to honour No. 10 "Sir Jonny Wilkinson" (sic), who playing his last game for Toulon.
As far as Taglines knows Jonny, who has an OBE, has not yet been knighted.
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As far as Taglines knows Jonny, who has an OBE, has not yet been knighted.
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Thursday, 29 May 2014
Book your space now for the vide grenier at Espinas
Si le coeur vous en dit, voici l'annonce du vide-grenier+vide-dressing d'Espinas du 15 juin. Les inscriptions ont commencé fort, ne tardez pas... Notez que l'emplacement est gratuit (dans la limite de 5m maximum).
c/o Coralie,organisatrice,
Nadette
Val says book your space which is free for the vide grenier and clothes exchange, Sunday June 15th, a lively village is Espinas Tel 0679316457
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Val says book your space which is free for the vide grenier and clothes exchange, Sunday June 15th, a lively village is Espinas Tel 0679316457
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Well done Karen Sweeting and Fiona, completing the 3 rocs
My friend Fiona, who came down from Paris, and me at the end of a very tough run this morning
Could you love me?
Ces trois chiots shar-pei sont nés à la campagne le 14 avril 2014
il y a 2 mâles et une femelle d'une porté de 3
ils seront disponible le 14 juin 2014
pucé et primo vaccin seront effectué par nos soins et il vous sera délivré un certificat de bonne santé
la maman G'nala de la fontaine verte n°250269801534706
le papa Gold Panonia Hugo Boss - Multi champion international -
Puce : 688050000669904
il y a 2 mâles et une femelle d'une porté de 3
ils seront disponible le 14 juin 2014
pucé et primo vaccin seront effectué par nos soins et il vous sera délivré un certificat de bonne santé
la maman G'nala de la fontaine verte n°250269801534706
le papa Gold Panonia Hugo Boss - Multi champion international -
Puce : 688050000669904
These three shar-pei puppies are born in the country April 14, 2014
there are 2 males and a female of a focused 3
they will be available June 14, 2014
chipped and primary vaccine will be made by us and you will be issued a certificate of good health
Mom G'nala green fountain No. 250269801534706
Dad Pannonia Gold Hugo Boss - Multi International Champion -
Chip: 688050000669904
Anyone going to Toulouse Sunday morning?
Is there anyone going to Toulouse with space in the car for two passengers, an early flight leaving Toulouse at 10.30am. The couple needing a lift live in Verfeil but could get anywhere in the St. Antonin, Caylus, Varen area.
Contact The Burrows chris-mike.burrows@wanadoo.fr
Contact The Burrows chris-mike.burrows@wanadoo.fr
Found on our land
Hi ValI just wanted to share with you this amazing orchid I found growing in some long grass. I looked it up and I'm pretty sure it's a lizard orchid.
There are definitely some advantages to not being neat and tidy and allowing nature to do her own thing! Although it wasn't intentional on our part we just hadn't got around to cutting all the grass yet. Regards
Val says finding orchids is wonderful, we get excited each time. It looks like a lizard orchid, not uncommon but still a delight, well done?
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Somewhere lost in France an Arsenal flag flies
Around the country lanes we spotted a house with an Arsenal flag drapped around the gates. Arsenal have just won the FA cup in England. They do have a French manager and some French players, so might be understood by the French, but we happen to know it is an English couple.
I smiled when I quickly wrote the heading in error as " flag flies" nasty things those, get everwhere!
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I smiled when I quickly wrote the heading in error as " flag flies" nasty things those, get everwhere!
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Verfeil sur Seye tonight, Folk'n'Jazz
Folk 'n'Jazz this evening at Verfeil sur Seye, 8pm in the Sale des Fetes.
Take your cheque books to pay for your tickets for " Picnic in the Park" with Martin's Jazz Band on Wed 23rd of July.
Also I will have the programmes to give to people interested in the Salon du jardin d'été which is in Varen Salle des fetes on Sat. July 19th
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Take your cheque books to pay for your tickets for " Picnic in the Park" with Martin's Jazz Band on Wed 23rd of July.
Also I will have the programmes to give to people interested in the Salon du jardin d'été which is in Varen Salle des fetes on Sat. July 19th
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green lizards
Peter Hughes writes:
I took these photos of a pair of Green Lizards (Lacerta viridis) in our garden three years ago. The Green Lizard, which with the tail measures up to 40 cm, is the largest lizard of central Europe. It makes its appearance in April & the breeding season lasts until June
I took these photos of a pair of Green Lizards (Lacerta viridis) in our garden three years ago. The Green Lizard, which with the tail measures up to 40 cm, is the largest lizard of central Europe. It makes its appearance in April & the breeding season lasts until June
 |
| In the breeding season the male has a bright blue throat & a more robust head. The throat loses some of its colour when their period of sexual activity ceases. |
For the full story and more amazing pictures go to Wild Photos
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A knife fight in the centre of Villefranche de Rouergue
In the centre of Villefranche there is a small enclave of social housing, one of the residents became drunk and abusive and was attacked by another resident and in the melée a knife appeared and one of them received cuts to his face. The drunken resident was arrested by the gendarmes. Quite often trouble is reported in Villefranche so although one should not stop visiting such a lovely town, one should be aware and be vigilant.
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The seventh tennis tournament starts soon at St. Antonin
There is a really buoyant tennis club at St. Antonin Noble Val, if interested in playing,watching and joining in the sport and having fun contact below.
Inscriptions au 05 63 30 68 92 (club-house) ou par e-mail : tennis.stanto@laposte.net
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Fêtons l'eau at St. Antonin this weekend
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. «Fêtons l'eau!», deuxième édition
Go to the Tourist office for all the information or telephone 0563306347
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Little girl found with the help of media and social media
Many people check their facebook and linkedin sites every day and the word was passed through the internet by the worried Mother of this little girl that she had gone missing. It was also announced on BBC Oxford News
A happy result late yesterday when the little girl was found safe.
The little girl missing was the niece of our daughter and son in law.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2641811/Divorced-father-Ewan-Powell-run-three-year-old-daughter-Oxfordshire-home.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
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A happy result late yesterday when the little girl was found safe.
The little girl missing was the niece of our daughter and son in law.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2641811/Divorced-father-Ewan-Powell-run-three-year-old-daughter-Oxfordshire-home.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
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Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Spiced Cuisine cometh
Val says I am reliably informed that the ladies have some new " thai dishes" on offer. Contact them for more details and why not add to your order.
Good luck with that claim
Hi Val
Another step towards those juicy CSPE refunds - http://www.connexionfrance.com/Conseil-etat-CSPE-refunds-electricity-15836-view-article.html
Our heating is entirely electric (pompe-à-chaleur), so the claim we've put in is for over 750€.
x Anon
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More free kittens
Hi Val
So happy to hear that Jane has found a good home for her kittens. I too have two kittens that will be ready to go to new homes in about 8 weeks: 1 pure white, one pure black and one mostly black with a little white. They are the offspring of a stray kitten we found in our garden in a couple of months ago, who we've only recently been able to get close to - she's still a bit wild. As the kittens have been born in the house, they will be nice and tame by the time someone comes to collect them. We'll keep one - we don't mind which - but with the Mum and our other cat (who's had the snip!), 3 is our limit.
Yours hopefully....
Director/Wedding Planner
At Parisot Library
JACQUELINE YALLOP
critically acclaimed author of OBEDIENCE and KISSING ALICE
will be giving a reading from her latest novel
MARLFORD
in the Parisot Library on Saturday 7th June at 10.30.
We are extremely lucky to have such an acclaimed author in our midst, and many of you will remember her very interesting talk two years’ ago when ‘Obedience’ was published. I have just finished her new novel Marlford which I loved, and without giving away too much of this beautiful and deep story, here is a description of the book:
‘Ellie Barton has spent her young life living in the dilapidated manor house with her elderly father. Her duty is to her aristocratic lineage, something of which she is often reminded by those few people around her. But Marlford, the local village founded by her grandfather, is in decay - subsidence from the old salt mines is destroying the buildings, the books in the memorial library are mouldering, and old loyalties and assumptions are shifting. When two idealistic young men decide to squat in the closed wing of the house, they show her a world much wider than Marlford, and Ellie begins to feel trapped beneath the unbearable weight of history and expectation’.
Jacqueline will give a talk and reading followed by questions and we will finish with aperitifs. Do put the date in your diaries.
Please forward this message to others who may be interested.
(Due to teaching commitments Jacqueline Yallop is unable to participate in this year’s Literary Festival due to be held in October).
Gina Connolly
Parisot Library
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City Lights Orchestra
À l'occasion de la Nuit Pastel d'Albi, le Centre d'art le Lait vous invite à participer à City Lights Orchestra, une symphonie lumineuse aux fenêtres de la ville, créée par Antoine Schmitt.
Cette performance urbaine est activée par les habitant.e.s et passant.e.s de la ville. Chacun peut interpréter la partition de cette symphonie, composée pour accepter un nombre illimité de participant.e.s. Il suffit de connecter ordinateur, smartphone ou tablette à l'adresse citylightsorchestra.net pour transformer la ville entière en orchestre !
Une fois connecté, vous pouvez quitter les lieux et descendre dans la rue à la rencontre de vos voisin.e.s, échanger en bas des immeubles, vous abandonner à une contemplation romantique... Simple geste poétique, intervention insolite, clin d'œil dans la ville : City Lights Orchestra offre autant de notes qu'il y a d'interprètes de sa symphonie !
Nous vous donnons rendez-vous ce samedi 7 juin dès la tombée de la nuit pour interpréter et contempler la symphonie. Des Moulins Albigeois au Parc Rochegude, tout au long du parcours de la Nuit Pastel.
Concert
pas très loin de chez nous, des concerts intéressants et de qualité sur ww.urmas-polyphonie.org:le 29 ' Saint Christophe, à l'église Saint Dalmaze; le 30 à Lagarde-Viaur; le 31 à Bor et Bar ( 17h, René et moi y allons); le 1er à Jouqueviel.
on peut aussi contacter : valeriemarquet@wanadoo.fr ou téléphoner au 05.63.76.44.02
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Ignore these emails
A couple of readers have received emails from a Swiss agency offering to advertise their property to Swiss clients eg
.http://tag-on-line.blogspot/Dog%20rehoming est un site immobilier dont les biens à louer et à vendre vont intérésser nos visiteurs.
House and flat est un site d'annonces immobilières gratuites en Suisse.Différentes catégories sont prévues comme les locations pour les vacances ou l'immobilieren vente hors Suisse.
Vous pouvez vous inscrire et poster vos annonces gratuitement en cliquant sur le site ...
They have worried that Taglines' address list has been sold or compromised. We can assure you that Taglines distribution list is held in a secure server and not on our computers. And all distributions are "blind copies" so no addresses appear.
But the clue is in the web address above in the last part "Dog%20rehoming" - that was an announcement of a dog to be re-homed and the lady's email was in that post. Others being contacted like this have had adverts or announcements containing an email address. I think it is simply a "web bot" which trawls the internet for email addresses and should you receive a such an email just ignore it.
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.http://tag-on-line.blogspot/Dog%20rehoming est un site immobilier dont les biens à louer et à vendre vont intérésser nos visiteurs.
House and flat est un site d'annonces immobilières gratuites en Suisse.Différentes catégories sont prévues comme les locations pour les vacances ou l'immobilieren vente hors Suisse.
Vous pouvez vous inscrire et poster vos annonces gratuitement en cliquant sur le site ...
They have worried that Taglines' address list has been sold or compromised. We can assure you that Taglines distribution list is held in a secure server and not on our computers. And all distributions are "blind copies" so no addresses appear.
But the clue is in the web address above in the last part "Dog%20rehoming" - that was an announcement of a dog to be re-homed and the lady's email was in that post. Others being contacted like this have had adverts or announcements containing an email address. I think it is simply a "web bot" which trawls the internet for email addresses and should you receive a such an email just ignore it.
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Bonjour,
Comme chaque année , nous participons à la manifestation nationale organisée par le ministère de la culture: "Les Rendez-vous aux jardins".
Cette année le thème national est "L'enfant au jardin"
J'ouvre à cette occasion mon jardin privé samedi 31 Mai et Dimanche 1er Juin : visite guidée, jeux et surprises pour les enfants, démonstration de forge par Milan Gravier le samedi....
Merci de venir nombreux en famille et avec les enfants participer à cette fête des jardins et du jardinage.
Cordialement
Sylvie Gravier
Mind how you drive in Aveyron
Worried about the number of fatal injuries on the roads of the Aveyron (34 killed in 2013, the worst year since 2000) the local police called in the "motoflics", policemen on motorcycles, from the Bordeaux brigade. In one week they issued 331 tickets for various offences, from speeding to not wearing seat belts. Using the telephone at the wheel is common, and 4 positive alcohol tests were taken. The offences were not confined to cars, with HGV and motor bikes also found to be breaking the law. With 11 deaths in the first 4 months of 2014, the department is well on the way to keeping up its grisly record. Interestingly no fatal injuries were recorded during the week the motards were visible on the roads. Police warn that Aveyronnais need to change their behaviour or the roads will remain a dangerous place to be.
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Malc says destroying the radar at Maleville shows the contempt some motorists there have for road safety.
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Malc says destroying the radar at Maleville shows the contempt some motorists there have for road safety.
Trail des 3 Rocs, and how the day will go, good luck everyone
à partir de 6 heures : remise des dossards place du Pradel ; à 7 h 30 : départ des 48 km ; à 8 h15 : départ des 24 km ; à 8 h 30 : départ des marcheurs ; à 8 h 45 : départ de la course des enfants ; à 11 heures : remise des récompenses et à partir de 12 heures : repas à la salle des Thermes. C'est par le pot de l'amitié et une somptueuse paëlla que s'est terminée cette soirée des bénévoles.
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It's sew good at Monesties
Sunday June 1st a date "incontournable" in the diaries of you avid participants in patchwork, sewing, knitting and all things creative with textiles. The Monestiés Patch group is holding its annual Puces de la couturière. Every thing you could need and expos to look at. And Monesties is a pretty little place to spend a few hours.
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PS and in the evening in the church is a performance of Mozart's Requiem, with 140 chorists and musicians. 10 euros.
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PS and in the evening in the church is a performance of Mozart's Requiem, with 140 chorists and musicians. 10 euros.
Police appeal - man missing with three year-old daughter
They are unlikely to be In France, but the more people who can share the link the more likely someone will spot them and help return Tanith to her Mum. Can your UK readers help?
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/worcester/11238834.Police_appeal___man_missing_with_three_year_old_daughter/?ref=var_0
Please can you put this link on your facebook sites, more will be explained at a later date.
Val says I am told that the little girl has now been found safe and well.
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http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/worcester/11238834.Police_appeal___man_missing_with_three_year_old_daughter/?ref=var_0
Please can you put this link on your facebook sites, more will be explained at a later date.
Val says I am told that the little girl has now been found safe and well.
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Welcome to the world,little Evie
Here is one lucky little girl born yesterday, little Evie, named after her grandmother ( my sister)who sadly died too early from cancer. Evie is a very lucky little girl having four half brothers, David age 9 in the picture, also Mum Sue and tired looking Dad Myles. The four boys have visited Varen every year for the past 12 and I have to warn residents they are coming so they can evacuate !!!
Good luck and our thoughts are with you all and keep on with the "sanatogen"Grandad Tudor
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Good luck and our thoughts are with you all and keep on with the "sanatogen"Grandad Tudor
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Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Sad times
Hi Val
I was heartened today at a patchwork workshop in the area to hear general horror at the outcome of the european elections amongst my french friends. One person kept repeating but what has happened to liberté, égalité, fraternité. Maybe, just maybe, both here and in England people may stop to think about where all this leads and sense may yet prevail -in the long term. At the moment it all seems even more depressing as this year marks the anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war - as Pete Seeger 's song says " when will they ever learn?"
Sue C
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I was heartened today at a patchwork workshop in the area to hear general horror at the outcome of the european elections amongst my french friends. One person kept repeating but what has happened to liberté, égalité, fraternité. Maybe, just maybe, both here and in England people may stop to think about where all this leads and sense may yet prevail -in the long term. At the moment it all seems even more depressing as this year marks the anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war - as Pete Seeger 's song says " when will they ever learn?"
Sue C
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Tous a table, tous ensemble.
At Verfeil sur Seye we are all invited to go and eat together in the Halle Sunday June 8th at midday. Take everything you need like a picnic, glasses, plates and things to share and join in the " bonne humeur"
What a lovely idea and good for your French conversation as well.
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What a lovely idea and good for your French conversation as well.
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Portes Ouvertes at the studio of Claude Nicaud
Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday the doors of the artistes studio will be open from 10h tp 19h sans interruption. The atelier can be found at Brousses les Antibels in the Gorges de l' Aveyron.
Tel 0563306678 site internet www.claude-nicaud.com
Tel 0563306678 site internet www.claude-nicaud.com
Guitar teacher needed
Hi Val,
I hope you don't mind passing this on, but it could be of interest to your readers.
We are part of a private music school in Gaillac (www.ecolemaestro.net) that offers lessons in singing, piano, violin, drums and guitar (to name a few). Sadly, our guitar teacher has just announced that he will not be able to carry on next year so we are looking for a new one to start in September. There will be some of his students who wish to carry on, and there will be enquiries from new students at the begining of term. I would love to hear from anyone who may be able to step into his shoes. We need someone who can speak French (practically all our students are French) and who can teach beginners (children and adults) and perhaps give more advanced lessons in technique and style (demand varies from rock and jazz to classical), we also need to provide some musical theory lessons for all our students so knowledge of this is quite important.
Based on our current student count we would need someone prepared to work on at least 2 days per week.
If you would like more information on how the school operates and what sort of fees we charge etc. you can call me on:
05 82 100 163 - 05 63 60 37 45 or 06 29 35 79 66
Or you can send me an email at j@ssimo.net
Thank you in advance !
Joanne Nebbia
(Sommard)
Val says Can you pass this on to Godefroy, guitar maker at Parisot, Becky, he may know someone who would be interested.
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Salon du Jardin d' été
Malc spent all day yesterday redoing the programme for the Salon du Jardin trying to get it to fit onto 4 sheets. This morning it was completed and Malc rolled about laughing when I said I was going off to the Mairie to ask to have 100 sheets copied 4 times.
I bravely went and tiptoed in to the new Mairie, trying to forget that in the previous 12 years I usually came out with a flea in my ear. Michou the adjoint was on duty and was all smiles when I asked for the copies. I am calling back tomorrow to pick them up and then we will be able to give them to interested parties. I am hoping we will need to print many more but we shall see.
Malc has made a super job of the programmes, very tastefully produced, once again he has my thanks, we are a great pair in a team.
Marcia is working away letting all the various committees in Varen know about the event , Julia is helping with the French, Nicole is finding French judges from the villagers and me, what am I doing, erm! organising!
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I bravely went and tiptoed in to the new Mairie, trying to forget that in the previous 12 years I usually came out with a flea in my ear. Michou the adjoint was on duty and was all smiles when I asked for the copies. I am calling back tomorrow to pick them up and then we will be able to give them to interested parties. I am hoping we will need to print many more but we shall see.
Malc has made a super job of the programmes, very tastefully produced, once again he has my thanks, we are a great pair in a team.
Marcia is working away letting all the various committees in Varen know about the event , Julia is helping with the French, Nicole is finding French judges from the villagers and me, what am I doing, erm! organising!
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Sad that intelligent people take that line
Someone who wishes to remain anonymous has pointed out that she knows of some intelligent and educated people who have voted UKIP.
Well, that saddens me even more somehow.
I have a platform and speaking out about racist attitudes seems to me to be more vital than ever at the moment and if you agree and someone tries to tell you that UKIP and the FN are alright, read their manifestos and listen to their terrible rhetoric. Then remember the Second World War and the treatment of Jews and then please speak out and tell deluded people to think again, even if they are supposed to be educated and intelligent.
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Well, that saddens me even more somehow.
I have a platform and speaking out about racist attitudes seems to me to be more vital than ever at the moment and if you agree and someone tries to tell you that UKIP and the FN are alright, read their manifestos and listen to their terrible rhetoric. Then remember the Second World War and the treatment of Jews and then please speak out and tell deluded people to think again, even if they are supposed to be educated and intelligent.
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How the figures break down
In Varen we are a commune of about 660 people eligible to vote.
On the day 317 people voted, 18 ballot papers were spoilt.
68 people voted Socialist, the next group were the FN at 66, very close to winning.
The green party got 43 votes, and 37 voted UMP.
In Tarn and Garonne 47% of people voted and the FN got 30% overall.
The vote turn out was very low in the UK at 37%
None of it good news.
On English TV I heard a reporter talking about where the Farage vote came from and as you would expect it tended to be uneducated, low paid, out of work, people who feel their views do not count, whereas the voters for Europe are the educated, in work, holiday in Europe sort of people. The same will apply in France I am sure.
How we resolve this I do not know but it is imperative we do.
Charles who is against sterilsation of cats says
Hi Val,
If we sterilise all the uneducated, low paid and out of work people and cats, in a few years time we would have a cat free stable EU.
Would that resolve your problem?
Charles
Val says It is a problem not just for me but for anyone who has a racial heritage different to us, to Jews who do not want to be stigmatised, it is a problem for all people caring of humanity, and cats are a different proposition not being human!
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On the day 317 people voted, 18 ballot papers were spoilt.
68 people voted Socialist, the next group were the FN at 66, very close to winning.
The green party got 43 votes, and 37 voted UMP.
In Tarn and Garonne 47% of people voted and the FN got 30% overall.
The vote turn out was very low in the UK at 37%
None of it good news.
On English TV I heard a reporter talking about where the Farage vote came from and as you would expect it tended to be uneducated, low paid, out of work, people who feel their views do not count, whereas the voters for Europe are the educated, in work, holiday in Europe sort of people. The same will apply in France I am sure.
How we resolve this I do not know but it is imperative we do.
Charles who is against sterilsation of cats says
Hi Val,
If we sterilise all the uneducated, low paid and out of work people and cats, in a few years time we would have a cat free stable EU.
Would that resolve your problem?
Charles
Val says It is a problem not just for me but for anyone who has a racial heritage different to us, to Jews who do not want to be stigmatised, it is a problem for all people caring of humanity, and cats are a different proposition not being human!
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Cannabis in the centre of Castelsarrasin
A serre, one of those plastic greenhouses in the middle of Castelsarrasin was full of cannabis plants which from the picture in the Depeche, for all the world looks like my windows full of tomato plants.( My plants are now safely in the garden and as they have yellow flowers, I think I am safe,)
A young couple both aged below 29 were growing them in the garden of their pavilion. I think I am right in saying a pavilion is one of those modern constructions, often a bungalow. The couple were both taken into custody.
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A young couple both aged below 29 were growing them in the garden of their pavilion. I think I am right in saying a pavilion is one of those modern constructions, often a bungalow. The couple were both taken into custody.
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The Caylus sheep have vanished
Taken away by the Mayor finally. One sheep was stolen and the others had been wrenched partially from their solid bases. As a matter of safety, it would need a rope attached to a 4x4 to pull them out, obviously a dangerous manoevre. Great pieces of art, let us hope a safer place for exhibiting them can be found.
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A mist in the valley morning
All my readers know I love my early morning out in the fields with the various pets. This morning althought the sun is not shining it was not cold. The mist was swirling down below in the valley making the inhabitents of Varen caught in its chilly web.
It is beautiful and fresh up here after the rain yesterday, birds singing, baby birds everywhere you look. Our kestrel is nesting 3 fields down in an old disused pigeonnier, I could just see him circling, oddly we do not see him up here hunting in our fields. We think the pair might have given us the thumbs down as we have had the gite in constant use, people on the terrace and the fire lit which as the chimney runs up next to the nest might have made it uncomfortably warm.
The donkeys are in fine form and all enjoyed my chat and stroke, they push each other for attention and I have to be careful to share the cuddles equally. In the 8 months we have looked after Filou and Coco they have changed enormously and now come like my girls for a cuddle without the encouragement of food. Enough about donkeys, have a lovely day everyone.
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It is beautiful and fresh up here after the rain yesterday, birds singing, baby birds everywhere you look. Our kestrel is nesting 3 fields down in an old disused pigeonnier, I could just see him circling, oddly we do not see him up here hunting in our fields. We think the pair might have given us the thumbs down as we have had the gite in constant use, people on the terrace and the fire lit which as the chimney runs up next to the nest might have made it uncomfortably warm.
The donkeys are in fine form and all enjoyed my chat and stroke, they push each other for attention and I have to be careful to share the cuddles equally. In the 8 months we have looked after Filou and Coco they have changed enormously and now come like my girls for a cuddle without the encouragement of food. Enough about donkeys, have a lovely day everyone.
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Monday, 26 May 2014
Pepper and the two new kittens
Hi Val,
Here's a picture of Pepper and the kittens - so sweet seeing them all cuddling up!
Xx
Debbie
Hi Val again
We've been having a lovely time getting to know our new kittens (that didn't cost £800!) They are settling into their new home very nicely and the dog and the kids all love them. How useful TAG is for every aspect of our lives in France. Since moving here, you've facilitated us with furnishing our home (we bought a fridge), establishing our business (loads of our gardening and nursery customers come from TAG), learning about local facilities and events, and now adding new family members. Keep up the good work!
Love Debbie
Xx
P.s. I'm sending you a photo of the kittens making themselves comfortable on Pepper's bed.
P.p.s. Will give you a cheque for one of the charities when I see you at the gardening group meeting next month.
Val says how happy all that makes me feel
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Here's a picture of Pepper and the kittens - so sweet seeing them all cuddling up!
Xx
Debbie
Hi Val again
We've been having a lovely time getting to know our new kittens (that didn't cost £800!) They are settling into their new home very nicely and the dog and the kids all love them. How useful TAG is for every aspect of our lives in France. Since moving here, you've facilitated us with furnishing our home (we bought a fridge), establishing our business (loads of our gardening and nursery customers come from TAG), learning about local facilities and events, and now adding new family members. Keep up the good work!
Love Debbie
Xx
P.s. I'm sending you a photo of the kittens making themselves comfortable on Pepper's bed.
P.p.s. Will give you a cheque for one of the charities when I see you at the gardening group meeting next month.
Val says how happy all that makes me feel
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Rendezvous aux jardins
Dear Val,
I just want to alert garden lovers to the fact that the National open gardens weekend is happening next weekend on 30, 31 May and 1st June. My garden and gallery, La Barriere, Lacapelle-Livron ( 4kms. north of Caylus ) will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 6 pm. There are lots of public and private gardens taking part throughout the Midi-Pyrenees so it’s an opportunity to feast your eyes on the rainbow spectrum of gardening in the area. The website www. rendezvousauxjardins.culture.frwill give the details of all the gardens in the area which will be open with opening times and directions.
We are , of course, hoping for a gloriously sunny weekend , but whatever the weather I’m sure it will be a great occasion.
best wishes,
Catherine
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Today, a very grave moment in the history of France and for Europe
The French political establishment, the Gaullist UMP and Socialists, were in disarray last night after the far-Right Front National convincingly won the EU election to become France's largest political party in the EU assembly.
"It will mean that France would disappear from Europe's political scene. It would be a tragedy for our country," warned Alain Lamassoure, representing the opposition centre-Right UMP for the Paris area.
Socialist sources close to President Hollande spoke of "a new crisis of authority" and market turbulence for his beleaguered administration that struggling to pull France out of recession.
"Tonight is the start of the crisis. The shock in Europe and the world will be very violent if the far-Right comes first in France," said a senior aide.
President Hollande has called a crisis cabinet meeting on Monday morning to discuss his government's response to the biggest political upheaval in a generation.
Manuel Valls, the Socialist prime minister, described the result as a "very grave moment for France and Europe".
"This result is more than a new warning: it's a shock, an earthquake," he said.
Reported in the Telegraph
Reported in the Telegraph
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Pet euthanasia
Dear Val
This may be a bit late but its a wet day!
Its not just unwanted pets who are euthanised in America and indeed all over the world. My daughter who lives in Oregon has just taken the decision to put her much loved 12 year old rescue cat to sleep. Freckles has lost over 20% of her body weight since Christmas and has been to the vet many times. Rather than go for expensive tests or questionable and invasive surgery, they have taken the difficult decision that Freckles should go next weekend. The decision was a family one and their nine year old son was included in the decision making process. He is now busy making up poems and songs to remember her by and giving her many extra cat treats.
Ginny
Val says good that the family made the decision together, sometimes it is the kindest way, best for the pet but hard for the owners.
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Val says good that the family made the decision together, sometimes it is the kindest way, best for the pet but hard for the owners.
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The weeks flash past
Thursday this week will be the Folk ' n' Jazz at Verfeil. Is there anyone coming from St. Antonin way who could pick up Doreen, Gavin and zimmer frame Eric ( made that up to catch your attention) Please contact me if there is a chance you can do this. mail@bromlea.com
The monthly book swap will be at St. Antonin at the Gazpacho 10.30am on Monday 2nd of June and Chris Robinson will be delivering our British Corner Shop orders as well as looking after the DVD's for the swap. Keep up the good work Chris.
Another reminder to book your tickets for " the Picnic in the Park" and an evening of Dixieland Jazz with Martin's Jazz Band from Toulouse. Here at Mas del Sol, with the famed " coucher du soleil" / sunsets on Wednesday July 23rd. arriving at 7pm. Tickets are 15 euros each and all profits will go to Via Sahel Enfants D' Afrique.
Pam and Clive Poling are having a house contents sale on Sunday, 1 June at 10am onwards (with tea and coffee) and are selling everything from settees to cooling fans and chest of drawers to squash racquets. If anyone would like a full list of items and directions to their house please email Pam on pam.poling@gmail.com.
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Just the news I needed, those two free kittens have found a good home.
Val says I asked Jane to let me know if we managed to get the kittens rehomed, this is the reply this morning.
Hi there,
Yes, Debbie and John have just picked them up this morning.
It was lovely to meet them both and hope to stay in touch.
Thanks Val
Taglines works really well.
Love Jane
And they could not have gone to a better home.
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Hi there,
Yes, Debbie and John have just picked them up this morning.
It was lovely to meet them both and hope to stay in touch.
Thanks Val
Taglines works really well.
Love Jane
And they could not have gone to a better home.
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I like TAG to have happy stories.
I do not like to be depressed so I am thinking happy thoughts, we visited friends yesterday who are looking after small grandchildren whilst parents are in England. They had been woken at 6 am and would be on the go till 8pm. The two little tots were delightful, the little boy showed us how to jump in the paddling pool. Inevitably falling down and having his third clothes change of the morning. The little girl sang us a song from one of her favourite TV programmes, so charming. What a great country place we are in for children, who have space to run round and small animals to inspect and learn about. Our future for the world lies in little tots like these.
The grandparents looked exhausted but happy, we all know that feeling.
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The grandparents looked exhausted but happy, we all know that feeling.
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Donkey - le mot juste?
One list in the south east constituency for the Euro elections obtained just 192 votes, thus qualifying it for the "bonnet d'âne" - dunce's cap. I don't think our donkeys would think it quite fair.
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Is France becoming an inward turning nation?
France risks being perceived as an unfriendly country that is turning inward. “It will no longer be seen as a country at the heart of the European project, or one capable of launching new ideas.”
The researcher says it’s not just France’s influence that is at stake, but its credibility. “It will certainly be more difficult to get other countries on board for different projects if France is seen as a fragile, inward-facing nation,” From France 24
Val says Just as we are making forward strides with our Mayor in Varen, the country is making backwards steps in welcoming newcomers. In the SW of France there are now 3 FN members in the European Parliament. Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Damp, and dampened
A damp morning with spirits dampened with the inevitable European election news. Reading French newspapers every morning Malc and I were both fatalistic about the chances of a strong "Yes" vote and a vote for democracy, and sadly we were proved right.
Do not think that this wave of anti Europe feeling will not affect us living in Europe full or part time. The effects will be felt over the months. All we can do is keep speaking our mind and fighting racist and anti semitic views. A strong Europe is important for us all.
Shame.
José Bove was relected so a bit of good news for me.
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Do not think that this wave of anti Europe feeling will not affect us living in Europe full or part time. The effects will be felt over the months. All we can do is keep speaking our mind and fighting racist and anti semitic views. A strong Europe is important for us all.
Shame.
José Bove was relected so a bit of good news for me.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
EU elections
Martin Schulz, the former Socialist president of the European Parliament - said of the FN victory: "It's a bad day for the European Union, when a party with a racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic programme gets 25% of the vote."
Can't help but agree with him. Farage and Le Pen's parties representing us in Europe! Bad day for socialism and equality.
Sam Jonkers
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Can't help but agree with him. Farage and Le Pen's parties representing us in Europe! Bad day for socialism and equality.
Sam Jonkers
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Sunday, 25 May 2014
Murder of the Mayor
The mayor of a small town in northwest France was castrated and murdered overnight Thursday, presumably by a man jealous over an affair he believed the mayor to be having with his wife.
Dominique Leboucher, 55-year-old mayor of the tiny village of Bretteville-le-Rabetin Calvados, Normandy, was attacked by an unidentified man who then committed suicide, his body found not far from the crime scene, a police source said.
The crime sparked horror among the town’s 250 residents.
Yannick Guesnon, one of the mayor's deputies, described the attack as an "an act of madness".
"I do not believe this thing about infidelity at all," he added.
Albert Gibot, a pensioner who has served on the town’s council for 22 years, said the alleged murderer had been angered by the fact that his wife had been attending political meetings in the evenings, after being elected to the town council in recent elections. News 24 Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Trouble with the neighbours
For 3 years I've done everything possible to make friends with our neighbours. Last Xmas I took home-made patisserie to each of them but alas nothing in return. Of course it all revolves around our naughty dog Bruno. I know, I know but he's a lovable chasseur who wants just 2 things in life: to be with us and to run.That was the reason we bought this house with its large, fenced garden, but Bruno knows no barriers; it's all one big adventure for him. Knowing this we give him plenty of walks, but he got out again while I was bringing in the washing, nosed open the cellar door, raced down the bottom of the garden and leapt the fence in one go. In a flash the neighbour (not the one with the chickens) was there with a giant baton and went to beat poor Bruno repeatedly. For God's sake: this isn't a wild fox; it's a neighbour's pet dog who loves everybody. I can honestly say that if a known neighbour's dog was in our garden, I would take him round to them again. But here? No. I shouted for Bruno to run, run.....he did, climbed the fence with all 4 paws and leapt over to safety again. Phew! But now, look what the crazy neighbour has done....these signs have sprouted all around our garden, facing us. Does he think Bruno can read? Incroyable.
Taken from Gill Green's blog, Gill writes a Olga Swann in Lost in France, a blog listed in the TAG blog section.
Many readers who live in Varen knew Gill, Leon and their naughty but lovable dog Bruno before they had moved to Gaillac.
Has anyone any suggestions to improve matters with the neighbours on both sides?
Taken from Gill Green's blog, Gill writes a Olga Swann in Lost in France, a blog listed in the TAG blog section.
Many readers who live in Varen knew Gill, Leon and their naughty but lovable dog Bruno before they had moved to Gaillac.
Has anyone any suggestions to improve matters with the neighbours on both sides?
Fairly quiet at the polling station
We went just later than 10.30 am, firstly no problem with parking and no queues.
We voted and then were ask by Michou, the Mayor's adjoint to explain to an English couple who had appeared with their passports, that they were not entitled to have their vote accepted as they had not signed on at the Mairie before Dec. 31st last year. Such a shame that they had not understood that and I promised that next time I would help them understand procedures, but as we know next time is some years in the future!
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We voted and then were ask by Michou, the Mayor's adjoint to explain to an English couple who had appeared with their passports, that they were not entitled to have their vote accepted as they had not signed on at the Mairie before Dec. 31st last year. Such a shame that they had not understood that and I promised that next time I would help them understand procedures, but as we know next time is some years in the future!
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How many dogs and cats are euthanized in France each year?
I can see by googling that 4 million dogs and cats have to be put to sleep in the US every year... 4 million!
I cannot find just searching quickly the numbers in France but it will be a significant number. I was delighted to see the highest score ever of readers basically saying " breed no more cats" the country has enough moggies for everyone who wants one, or even like us, four!
Responsible ownership is the key and like all the animal welfare associations in the country I would make a plea to sterilise or castrate your pet. If you get a dog or cat from a rescue association part of the deal is they are sterilised before leaving their care.
I know the one couple who ticked sympathise on this post do not agree and in their country situation it is perhaps a different matter but in truth their argument does not win me over. An argument as friends we agree to differ on.
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I cannot find just searching quickly the numbers in France but it will be a significant number. I was delighted to see the highest score ever of readers basically saying " breed no more cats" the country has enough moggies for everyone who wants one, or even like us, four!
Responsible ownership is the key and like all the animal welfare associations in the country I would make a plea to sterilise or castrate your pet. If you get a dog or cat from a rescue association part of the deal is they are sterilised before leaving their care.
I know the one couple who ticked sympathise on this post do not agree and in their country situation it is perhaps a different matter but in truth their argument does not win me over. An argument as friends we agree to differ on.
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Who gets my vote?
Having gone through the lists that have arrived " chez nous" in the post. I have picked out to vote for José Bové and Catherine Grèze and their team, the party of Ecologie, basically the Green Party.
I have written so many posts about pesticides, deep sea trawling and the like that I realise I want more " green" policies in Europe.
What I have to do now is take a printed piece of paper with these two names on to the polling station. Put it in the provided envelope and then into the box. So no ticking or crossing out of lists on pieces of paper. I wonder if the polling station will be busy as in the local election?
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I have written so many posts about pesticides, deep sea trawling and the like that I realise I want more " green" policies in Europe.
What I have to do now is take a printed piece of paper with these two names on to the polling station. Put it in the provided envelope and then into the box. So no ticking or crossing out of lists on pieces of paper. I wonder if the polling station will be busy as in the local election?
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A repas at Salvetat des Carts
Val says I have been asked to put this on TAG but as it is difficult to read I will ask for more information. Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Busy day with the European elections, Fête des Mères celebrations and lots of things happening.
Walking, running riding around the area, at some point manage to fit in your vote in the European elections. If you live in France, making sure we have representation and to stay in Europe has got to be a priority.
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Saturday, 24 May 2014
La Seye et vous at Verfeil
Bonjour à toutes et à tous,
Menu à 24 euros :
Entrées : Foie gras poêlé ou Gravelax (saumon mariné)
Plats : Côtelettes d'agneau grillées ou truites à l'oseille avec leur accompagnement
Desserts au choix
Un apéritif sera offert aux mamans.
Bon appétit !
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