Velovista sadly has to leave.

 Due to unforeseen circumstances I have to return to live in the UK.

Therefore, unfortunately, my enterprise VELOVISTA bike hire, will close on 2nd August 2013.

I would like to thank you for all your support and assistance.

As a result of the closure I have the following bikes for sale at bargain prices and all available after2nd August. The bikes are new this season thus are in excellent condition. They offer an excellent addition to your family, your gite or your chambre d'hote

Les velos:

GIANT Vtt Large x 2

GIANT Vtt Medium x 2

GIANT Vtt Small x 1

GIANT Vtt X Small x 1

300 euros each

GIANT Vtt Large 29er x 1

GIANT Vtt Medium 29er x 2

300 euros each

GIANT Roam Womens Vtt x1

200 euros

GIANT Defy Road bike Large x 1

GIANT Defy Road bike Medium x 1

350 euros each
BIKES SOLD- CAR STILL FOR SALE

If you are interested please contact me by telephone ( 0565 297756 ) or by email.,enquiries@velovista.com

I also have an as new  2011 Renault Kangoo Van for sale!

Thanks again.
Steve
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Dog Kennels at Ginals?

Hi

 My husband is living and working in France at the moment and has his Jack Russell Terrier with him.  He (the husband, not the dog!) needs to come back to England for our daughter's graduation next week.  He is looking for a boarding kennels near to Ginals (82330) for the dog to board from 13th to 22nd July inclusive.  Do you have any details of kennels that may be able to accommodate him?  Would be very grateful to hear from you either by email to this address, or contact Dave Gibbs on 0635948875.

 Best regards

Becky Gibbs
Val says
This kennels is at Caussade and has a good reputation.    http://larchedely.blogspot.fr/
Betty says

Thanks for your help.  I will call them tomorrow.  It looks very nice.  Wouldn't mind a sejour there myself!

 regards

 Becky

Dukan diet doctor banned

Pierre Dukan whose diet attracted thousands of followers has been banned from practising as a GP after  it was discovered he lied to patients about Mediator, the diet pill alleged to have caused hundreds of  deaths.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Ici Najac - a la tele

The bastide of Najac has been attracting media attention - just because it is so beautiful. This week has seen a 3 minute spot on TF1's lunchtime news and BFM news chain has a 90 second spot "en boucle", so you should be able to see it if you want.
But the cherry on the cake is that France 3's superb "Des racines et des ailes", usually aired on Wednesday evening, has been filming for an edition based on Rouergue and its bastides. This will be shown early next year, so we will keep an eye open for it.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

She fell from the walls at Puycelsi

A woman aged 73, apparently suffering from Alzheimers, is thought to have had a fatal fall of some 50 metres from the ramparts at Puycelsi on Sunday. A resident of the village, her body was recovered by pompiers with special climbing equipment.
Puycelsi is beautiful but it pays to be watchful when walking the ramparts, especially with children.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

The way some men see women, even sports women.

John Inverdale is now having to make an apology for a remark on television about the French player Marion Bortoli, when he said,  " she was never going to be a looker"  He was later sorry he might have caused offence. He MIGHT have caused offence, it is so wrong that a girl sportswomen  is discussed in such terms and an apology that he MIGHT have offended is another disgrace. He offended most women not just Marion Bartoli with this remark.

After Bartoli had beaten German player Sabine Lisicki, Inverdale asked his colleagues on the commentary team: "Do you think Bartoli's dad told her when she was little: 'You're never going to be a looker, you'll never be a Sharapova, so you have to be scrappy and fight'?" 

Bartoli said later: “It doesn't matter, honestly. I am not blonde, yes. That is a fact. Have I dreamt about having a model contract? No. I'm sorry. But  I  haved dreamed about winning Wimbledon? 
Good for you Marion and I bet your Dad is so proud.
( Malc says he is worried that as it is my day off and he is taking over today that readers will think this post was written by him. I would like to then put my name to it, and I am now getting ready for a day in Toulouse)
Val
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Hi Dear Val (and slightly less expensive Malcolm)

We'll I'm male, and I certainly think the guy was being a plonker! Truth is, these conversations probably go on all the time. If a woman says it, it's catty; if it comes from a man, it's non-PC. I can only imagine Inverdale forgot he was talking to millions of tennis followers at the time. Anyway, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, male or female, is it not?

Chris   

Moules frites at Montricoux

Sunday  14th there will  be numerous activities in the town, petanque matches, games for children and a repas of moules et frites, 16 euros  tel Veronique 0563241861
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Viviane retrouvee saine et sauve

In the Aude Viviane bear has been recovered safe and sound and in good form. She was darted with an anesthetic and taken  without trauma to the reserve she had escaped from, the little tinker.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Shopping in Toulouse tomorrow with other girlies.

So who is going to oversee TAG?  Malc has kindly offerd to give the  news and his views for the day.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Aix - en -Provence Music Festival 4th to 27th of July

Without doubt one of the premier music festivals in France.
http://www.festival-aix.com/fr
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Funny thing about neighbours here.

Mentioning Monsieur Allaud [allo,allo,] as a neighbour on reflection might have been strange if we had  just come from England but now neighbours are in about a 3 kms range. René Allaud lives about 2 kms distance but still a close neighbour, the closest neighbours, just new arrivals [delightful French youngsters] are a field away. We have Dutch neighbours perhaps one kilometre away and across the valley we have two lots of  French neighbours, [often our dog finders and animal rescuers] But we are a close knit community, mainly French and some French  incomers, these of course are always moving into ''maisons familiales'' so houses belonging to relatives often from many years gone by.
Quite different if you live in a village, then you may have real next door neighbours, but you pays your money and you takes your choice, splendid near isolation or village life.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

17th Festival at the Chateaux de Bruniquel

This is actually the third report for ''La Vie Parisienne'' the Offenbach opera-bouffe at the Chateaux.
For reservations contact 0563672984 or 0563331877.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Fetes, fetes, everywhere and plenty to drink.[ like water,water everywhere and not a drop to drink !]

Saturday 13th July is the Fete National in Montpezat du Quercy with repas and dancing.

13th/14th is the Hat Festival in Septfonds, the 13th there is Jazz and Charleston dancing in the Salle de Fetes at 21h.

 Sunday the 14th 9h-19h there is a fete in the main square.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Varen, Animation Nocturne

In the heart of the chateau, the courtyard come and listen to ''Memory Jazz Band'' with a repas, 19h30 price 20 euros. Reservation 0563654509 or 0563654774  This is the 18th of July
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Many thanks Linda Walsh and our renters

Twenty euros sent by Linda for Enfants,d'Afrique, [ Fanfaron fund was complete so I have used your second choice]

Hi Val
Glad to hear that Fanfaron fund reached its target so quickly - well done
you! And thanks for your acknowledgement.
Not sure if you know but I am a holistic therapist practising reflexology,
reiki, Indian Head Work and relaxing body treatments (not allowed to use the
'm' word here as only physio's can do massage in France). 

Sorry Val. the email disappeared and I didn't realise it had sent 'itself'

unfinished!
I was going to continue - to say that you could offer your readers a
reflexology, reiki or Indian Head Treatment with proceeds to charity of
your/their choice. I would normally charge 40 euros per hour but will leave
that up to you (maybe even save it until you have an event where you could
'auction' it?)
Regards
Linda
Linda        pebblestherapies@hotmail.com
Val says That sounds like a great offer that some of our Fifi members  as well as TAG readers might be very interested in. I will have a word with Doreen [Sec] and Linda [President] of Fifi and see what we can come up with

The renters of our gite have heard of our efforts and as they like our donkeys so much have donated 30 euros to Liberte des Anes, many thanks to you all.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Les Femmes Savantes by Moliere

Do not forget that at Espinas in the Salle des Fetes 11th of July 21h  an amateur group will be performing a Moliere play, Les Femmes Savantes. For reservations phone  0563682019 or 0683473386
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Check the "cooks" label

Glynis has given her first recipe, check it out.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Najac, another village animated

Lots on as always in the summer here, go in to the Tourist Office for details as you need the leaflets of all the concerts and brocantes, etc.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Septfonds, the competition is underway for the best hat

Ça y est ! Le concours de chapeau des Estivales de la Chapellerie, animation du 14 juillet, est lancé. Durant ces derniers jours, les commerçants et artisans ont eu le plaisir de voir frapper à leur porte, des responsables de l’association la Paillole de Sept-Fonts. Des chapeaux dans une main et un règlement de l’autre, Claude et Monique leur ont proposé de participer à un challenge: garnir des couvre-chefs hommes ou femmes, à leur convenance en gardant le plus possible le côté créatif et original. C’est ainsi que le boulanger, le charcutier, la pizzeria, les coiffeurs, les bars, le bureau de tabac, la pharmacie, la fleuriste, l’esthéticienne, les garagistes, et beaucoup d’autres participants, ont dit oui pour cette épreuve dans laquelle deux grands prix sont à gagner.
Taken from the Depeche
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Lenga viva est lancé

The Occitan Festival is underway at Laguépie, on all week with many concerts in the evening. The village is buzzing.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Embarrassed for me, but also for you Madam

Yesterday we were are at a  tennis party, but I will not report on it as TAG only reports on events that we are all invited to, as you know TAG is for everyone, (although it was a lovely day.)
Yesterday there was more than one lady who did not want to be  "one of us" I asked 3 ladies I did not know in a group if they read TAG, two did not,  nor wanted to which is fine, not for everyone but the third lady turned to the others and said " Oh God, Is she selling something?"
That was my second moment of embarrassement trying to get TAG readers. Needless to say I moved from that group pretty quickly.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

I was not going to boast but...yipee!

Another one Val!

Britains can be proud: Andy Murray won wimbledon 2013.  Although he is scottish,i, a humble dutch, think les anglais can be proud to have a winner afther so many years. Well done Andy!

Ernst

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Complaining

Yes there are allready people complaining about the warm weather. Well not me, finally the real french summer arrived! Let's enjoy it.
Ernst
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Festilac at Parisot

Saw the sign this morning at the Lac de Parisot - Festilac will be on

3rd and 4th August.  Let's hope it doesn't pour with rain this year and

that the fireworks will happen at midnight

Anne
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

A very good moaning with Monsieur Allaud

Guess what has just happened! Monsieur Allaud (pronounced Allo) , René, has just been bearing a gift of ... an expensive brown leather handbag,  full of everything that should be there, glasses, money, documents, and of course TAG business cards. René lives at the bottom of our steep winding bank but owns a parcel of land edging the road on the way down. He had gone to cut a bit of wood and tidy up the grass there when he found it. We had walked past it looking  but he said if he had not been cutting the grass it would not have been found. This man has done us many favours since we arrived in France as he used to be amongst other things a blacksmith and although he does not continue now with his work he has done some little jobs for us in the past. He has also been so friendly ever since we came and along with Malcolm and others he is on the committee for restoration  of the Church at St. Vincent. What would you do without good neighbours?
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

French lady wins Wimbledon

Marion Bartoli won  the Ladies singles at Wimbledon yesterday becoming the third French lady to ever win the title. Well played Marion.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Glynis Howgego and her celebration cakes

Our latest cookery editor is Glynis, read all about her and her celebration cakes and then enjoy ideas and recipes from her this week. I notice she has given a link to her website  http://www.cakesinfrance.com/    and you really must look at her celebrtion cakes. Click on  "Cooks "

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

A new TOF rating in

We have a new TOF rating, and it is good. Click the label TOF at the top and read all about it, mouth watering menus ( or is that just that it is getting near meal time?)  remember you are all my Toffers, if you are a TAG reader. Each and everyone of you can be a restaurant critic.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

TAG's dog rehoming service continues

bonjour,

ce petit chien mâle croisé border/papillon cherche une famille!

il s'entend avec tous les chiens, les enfants, et veut jouer avec les chats!

il n'est pas malade en voiture!!!!

si vous souhaitez l'adopter contactez moi au 06 77 35 28 30

merci

I am a boy, I like other dogs, I like children and  cats, I am happy in the car. Surely someone must think I am nice?

You know the sweet old French lady who lives down the road?

You know I am prone to a bit of exaggeration for a good story, well the neighbour although hardly sweet may be better than so far portrayed. Malc saw her this morning and reminded her of the poppies last year and she asked if WE  had taken all the poppy heads. They both agreed what a shame it was that someone had done that, as now there are no poppies along the road side. The drug cartels of Marseille are now top of the list as the ones with a basket and scissors. Anyway reader you will be relieved to hear for local Anglo- French relations we have offered some seeds from the 6 weedy poppies we have. A story  of ''all's well that ends well.''
Comments to taglines82@gmil.com

Doreen Porter 'Face to Face' with Vanessa Couchman

Doreen Porter gives us another interview she has had with yet another local author Vanessa Couchman. Click on the label 'Face to Face' to read more.

Many thanks Doreen once again.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Lost in translation

You see I thought I had said to the coiffeuse, '' exactement la meme style mais un peu court''. Somewhere along the line she translated that as ''just imagine I had stuck a pudding bowl on my head and then cut around it''. It is a funny language French , it must be my accent! I met our Dutch neighbours on the way home, who  told me I had a ''flour bowl '' style, which is how they would describe it in Dutch.
Doreen Porter who cannot get out and about at the moment asked me for a photo of my new hair style. Was not sure if I needed the pudding bowl or not?
Doreen says
Hi Val. I'm sure it will start a trend. Sales of pudding basins will rocket...
Doreen x

Especially for Doreen

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

David's last post ( for a month)

Many thanks to David Hatfield who has given us some tasty recipes with simple explanations on how to make the dish  (I need that)  Check out his post today and then look forward to hearing from Glynis Howgego tomorrow.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Veteran cars at Verfeil sur Seye tomorrow

Good morning, Val.

 There's a veteran car "meet" in Verfeil-sur-Seye tomorrow (Sunday) morning  at 11 for those interested in old cars. All are welcome, and can bring their own car if it's an interesting one, veteran or not.

 Toot toot.

 Sarah

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

The Tour de France in Albi yesterday and leaving this morning

The Tour passing through Castres today and then off to the Pyrenees.
Andy Murray giving us an excellent match last night, and more to come. Enjoy following your sport.
Malc playing his sport, petanque, in the afternoon with the Verfeil group and in the evening the Varen Summer Concours, getting in at midnight. I had the hopes that would mean he had done well but he tells me it was more drowning sorrows in the bar
Of course  our French readers will point out that  Marion Bartoli the no 1 French lady "tennisman" will play the Wimbledon final today. Bartoli  has been without a coach for some years after losing the 2007 final to Venus Williams, but teaming up with former no 1 Amelie Mauresmo has changed her forunes. She meets  Sabine Lisicki the crowd pleasing young German. Wonder who the  crowd will support , a German or a French player  - tough choice fot those euro sceptics!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Grands departs en France

The French have started their holidays and 70% of French people spend their holiday in France (one of those polls / sondages tells us that.) We do not need a poll to know all the roads to the South will be busy. Houses closed most of the year will suddenly have their shutters thrown open and villages will be alive with many villages organising summer fetes. For those who love the " buzzines" enjoy. For those who enjoy the tranquilty, it will all revert to normal at the end of August.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

" T" shirts on the horizon

Dear Val

Betty and Kris will be arriving at the campsite in Laguepie on 19th July

Kris prints the T shirts and decorates the vehicle every year.

I will let Betty know that you are interested in buying some T shirts.

They usually stay here for a month each summer.

C xx

Val says I mentioned a few posts ago "us girls" granddaughters and I  were after " We love Laguepie" T shirts and sure enough there is a response from a reader. 

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Young French girl looks for holiday work

Bonjour ...Je m'appelle Virginie Lecouve,  j'ai 16 ans, j'habite sur Varen, j'ai un moyen de locomotion et ...

je recherche un emploi pour la saison estivale.
Si je m'y prends un peu tardivement c'est que je devais travailler dans la restauration mais l'employeur ne m'a toujours pas donné de nouvelles...

Je suis jeune certes ... mais motivée !

J'étudierai toute proposition ...
Merci de me tenir informée le plus vite possible.

Contactez-moi au  05 63 26 32 04 ou 06 24 05 90 29

N'hésitez pas à diffuser l'info ...

MERCI !...

Virginie Lecouve

Glynis Howgego is on the team as our third announced Cookery Editor.

Enterprising cookery expert, cake maker and cake decorater exceptional, President of Vice in Fifi, this lady has endless talents and that is why we are so pleased Glynis has joined the team. Her first day starts Sunday when she will be telling TAG all about herself, but you must wait till then.
Glynis has teamed with another of our cookery editors Emma Hilditch with the idea below. Read about 

CURRY A LA CAMPAGNE

Just thought you'd like to know that Emma and myself are launching a secret supper club or pop up restaurant on 3 Mondays in August called Curry à la Campagne and thought you might like to share it with TAG readers.  We've only just announced it and we've had quite a few bookings already.
They are going to be curry themed evenings and people need to phone us to get more details. Our numbers are 06 13 81 15 72 and 06 06 46 50 38 
Glynis
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Simon Curtis, new man on the block but already has satisfied customers.

Simon Curtis is quite newly arrived, living in St. Antonin. He has a very creditable work history with his 'Home Maintenance Services' but has not yet built up his customer list.. The people he has worked for are more than happy to give him references. Get him whilst you can, I have the feeling this man is going to get to be very busy.
Tel 0602295797 or 0652029968  email  Parapenteur@gmail.com
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

A visit from the marechal ferrant

Patrick Rossetti has been our blacksmith for the donkeys for 5 years now, coming about 4 times a year. [big strong lad isn't he?] He has such a calm, affable manner that the donkeys are little angels for him. If there is a bit of shuffling and pushing he whistles a tune and that seems to calm them again. I was very pleased today as he said how much my French had improved. I had to tell him how much his English had improved, which he puts down to all his English customers with horses and donkeys,  his tel. number is 0563670686 if anyone needs a good blacksmith.The two children and their parents staying in the gite came and watched the procedure with interest and I gave both the youngsters a bit of  dirty ''toe nail' [sabot / hoof] each afterwards,  As they walked off I heard her saying '' we will leave them outside children!''
He is also the President of his local petanque club, coaches youngsters and one of his boys is destined to be the young champion of France [think he was second last year, but on course for winning this]
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

The opium poppy fields of Mas del Sol

More than a slight exaggeration, rather a whopper, 6 poppies hardly constitutes a field but they are pretty and a few in the borders look nice. Flowers are like pieces of music to me, they have memories and if they are good memories you want to keep them. The big red poppies remind me of my stepdad Joe who gave me the plants, these opium poppies remind me of brother in law Tudor who enjoyed painting them down the road. Queen Elizabeth roses I put in as my mother loved that variety and my dad loved peonies. I have the bush variety but I still need to source just the ordinary big headed flower peonies.
I am just the same with music, play Rod Stewart and I am mentally transported back to Redcar Jazz club in the sixties when Malc and I had just started ''seeing each other'' I had back combed hair, short skirts and Malc had a plethora of spots... but we were in love.
Malc says 'Don't forget Long John Baldry' wonder what happened to him?
(Apparently Long John and his Hoochie Coochie men featuring Rod Stewart on vocals was when we first saw Rod. Long John died in Canada in 2005)
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Enjoy the sun, at least a week of 30 degrees forecast

A week of sun, can you believe it. I just wonder if at the end of the week we will be complaining of the heat?
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

You have heard about Paris Plage but what about Toulouse Plage?

10 espaces dédiés sur le site de la Prairie des Filtre: jeux sur herbe, espace zen, trampogrimpe, fitness, jeux pour les «grands» (+d’Im15), jeux pour les petits, espace «Pitchouns», Beach, Ludo Plage, Beach, base nautique.

50 associations participent à l’événement dont 35 associations sportives.

Une centaine d’agents municipaux interviennent sur les cinq sites, dont 75 pour encadrer les espaces sportifs.

307.145 visiteurs: record de 2012.

800 000€: budget constant depuis 2006.

7 semaines: ouverture de Toulouse-Plages samedi 13 juillet, clôture le dimanche 1er septembre.

taken from the Depeche.

Val says If you like sport, it may be interesting to make a visit. I am awaiting the opening of Laguepie plage and swimming platform, we even have lifeguards over the summer period.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Big day for French youngsters

Today French teenagers are awaiting the results of their Bac, which is a bit like " A" level results coming out in England. Youngsters go to an Ecole primaire / primary school and then College an after that Lycee and then University if they want to continue their education. 

This may be a bit rude!

I have just been watching the kestrel chicks standing on top of each other in the race to be the first one to snatch the mouse or cricket out of their parents' beak. Whilst waiting,  one  little chick edged its grey fluffy little feathered bottom to the edge of the hole and did a big white pooh down the outside wall. I said it was not very clean in there but this little chap has got his toilet training off to a fine art.
If you are not nature lovers I can imagine you saying "and now she is telling us all about bird pooh!"

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Motocross Nocturne at Laguepie

A motocross spectacular with 'restauration rapide' not sure about that, but we have enjoyed the motocross a few times now. 6 euros entry on this special evening, races starting at 19h. Sat 3rd of August.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Occitan Festival at Laguepie

From 7th to the 14th of July Laguepie will be celebrating its 12 th Festival in respect and hommage to the occitane language and culture.There will be conferences, lessons in Occitan, concerts, theatre and dance .I sometimes struggle with French translation but I have the leaflet in front of me in Occitan so goodness knows what I may tell you. One thing I do know is that on DIJOUS which is Thursday at 19h Trevor Carter will be with a group playing 'trad - apero' at the Troubadour which is the bar in the centre of Laguepie.
DIVENDRES Friday will be a repas and dance ''Bal des Pompiers" de Laguepie.
DIMENGE Sunday 14th at 11 h will be a mass in occitane given by la chorale de Laguepie
I forgot that DIMERCRES, Wednesday the group Nadau will be playing in the Place Forail at 21h 30
You need to pick up the leaflet as there will be so much happening and Laguepie will be buzzing. I really want one of the black 'T' shirts for me and our two grandadughters which people wear saying 'I love Laguepie' the writing in red and the love as a heart. If anyone sees the van that has this printed on the side please let me know as the owner of that van  prints the 'T' shirt. Malc met another reader in Laguepie with her daughter from England and they were also wanting to buy the same shirt.
We do love Laguepie, in fact our girls will be arriving soon saying  ''let's go to Laga, Grandma''
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

NFT, what does that stand for Val?

NFT - Not for TAG.
To help me decide if you want a letter to be published on TAG,  (I get a lot of mail)I have come up with the idea of NFT.
Some of you already say this is for you Val and then I know it is not for readers eyes. But remember TAG is a magazine with readers contributions and so I assume you want your interesting emails printing. If you don' t and it is a private letter to me think of adding NFT at the top.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Gite bookings needed

Hi Val, 
just had bad news, our 4 week booking in August for our gite has just been cancelled!
I was wondering if anyone had friends or family that may be interested to hire it for a couple of weeks?
It has a swimming pool, sleeps 8 and is 1500€/week (approx £1300), bedding and towels included.
Stunning views near Najac and walking distance to a restaurant, cafe-bar & shop.
see our adverts in English: https://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/st-andre-de-najac/158424
and in French: http://www.leboncoin.fr/locations_de_vacances/500262887.htm?ca=16_s&ds=20130803
WEBSITE: http://www.gitelecombal.com
Thank you in advance!
Kind regards, Leila McLelland.   
  Thank you for the post Val
I forgot to put my e-mail at the bottom for a contact
it's:   lecombal@hotmail.com
can you please ad it on for me?
Thanks again!!

Beware in Albi tomorrow

Friday 5th July sees end of the Tour de France stage in Albi and means severe traffic disruption in the town centre. From  today parking along the route is  forbidden, though the car parks around the centre are open until 13.00 tomorrow - but closed after that.
The stage ends about 17.30  at the base de loisirs Cantepau (near Jardiland) and the "caravan" passes  at about 15.00.
Of course if you want to see the event live get there early to find a parking place and viewing point (I will watch on TV).

http://www.albi-tourisme.fr/
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Les Jardins de Quercy do their bit for Via Sahel, and what a nice bit it is

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Fancy being a clown?

Or an acrobat, or learn to fly through the air on a trapeze, all the skills of the Circus are being offered in a course by  "Cirques des Cirques" at Cordes. There are two "stage" ( courses) on  15th to 19th of July and another  22nd to 26th of July from 10h to13h. The cost is 75 euros, but that could be such a lot of fun to occupy teenagers. Juggling, trapeze, magic, acrobats and all the fun of the circus.
Tel 0563461992  or look at the website  www.cirquedescirques.com

Chicago Architecture 1872-1922 Birth of a Metropolis

Edited by John Zukowsky, First edition Prestel- Verlag. If you love Chicago or have an interest in Architecture of that City,  this is stunning book. A paperback copy is listed at 40 euros, a fine hardback  first edition which this is anywhere between 80 and 140 pounds. It is a very heavy book and we are not going to England for some time otherwise I would take it and sell it to a bookseller there. All for the charity Via Sahel Enfants d'Afrique  30 euros.
Contact Val  mail@bromlea.com

More books for sale

The Times Opera Notes by Robert Thicknesse 2 euros
Sacred Monsters, Sacred Masters by John Richardson [ author of the life of Picasso First edition , hardback 5 euros
John Richardson A life of Picasso, The early Years  5 euros
Francoise Gilot Life with Picasso  2 euros [ an interesting read]
Bazin germain Impressionist Paintings in the Louvre 3 euros
Hicks, Carola  The bayeaux tapestry  2 euros
Spencer John The art history study guide 2 euros
Elise Goodwin The Portraits of Madame Pompadour  [ this cost 58 dollars from amazon a few years ago] 10 euros
These books are bargains if you want to read them
All to be sold for Via Sahel Enfants d'Afrique
email Val   mail@bromlea.com
So far I have 16 euros.

Just seen two baby kestrels, and three.

It has been the oddest hatching this year of our baby kestrels. Normally things for as long as we have owned this house, 6 years and the former owner told us 10 years before that, the kestrels have nested in the walls of the second house. When we had the house pointed / jointed we made sure the builders left  the hole untouched. We think this year we have a young pair, very much in love as they spent so much time in "the coupling tree" and then feeding each other, that we wondered if we would ever get young. Two other things  are different, the flight path in to the hole in the wall and the whole nesting area has not been kept as clean as other years. Faeces can be seen piled up at the entrance and although we have seen a bit of cleaning going on, just not enough. At which point I feel guilty and most go and do the ironing and mop the doggy footprints up in the hall and a visitor just arrived sniffed and said " wet doggy smell, just like my house" so air freshener must be sprayed. If anyone wants to take photos, from now to next week is the time. I think I can see a fourth chick right at the back.

Can you tell our Mum, we need the cleaner in !

One, two, three

Malc has lightened the bottom photo for me but it looks as if they are behind a pane of glass.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Good news for one couple, bad news for the rest of us.

We are delighted to announce that Nick Lyne  is very happy with new partner living 300 kms away in another department.
The bad news is as it is a 600 km round trip and the couple have a full calendar running a gite, Nick will not be able to come and fulfill his Vice Commodore duties for the Varenly Regatta at the end of August. This is really the end of an era in the Regatta history. I think we should mark his absence for dedication to duty over 9 years  with a special cup in Nick's honour, " The Old Nick Trophy "  He has been from the start the most helpful and willing  "putter outer of balloons to canoe around"  and " catcher of canoes landing." Also  I do not think he has missed racing in any of the events and has clocked up many seconds and even one win.
The Regatta will go forward but  Nick will be missed as Malc's right hand (and right leg) man. We now need someone to step forward to be Vice Commodore, which actually means he gets all the rotten jobs. Nicks suggestions were Charles Harris or Pat Liley, are you up for it lads?
The Varenly Regatta is in the calender for Wednesday  21st of August at Varen, canoes all of the same handicap are provided , in fact your only handicap could be your partner. You bring a picnic or book in to the Moulin for fish and chips, but more details will be given nearer the time.
Val says I will be telling you more about the Regatta soon. It is a great family day out and lots of fun. Pat Liley has offered to be a Commodore of Vice and Malc will phone Charles ( who only reads TAG when  sent round ) to see if he would like to be another Vice Commodore. I am really looking forward to seeing our nephews " the Barraclough Boys" in those canoes.  The boys ages range from nearly sixteen to eight and they are all handsome, local girls beware!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Accident on the road

A family decimated in one collision with a lorry at Camjac. the parents and a small girl of 16 months, killed. The road between Baraqueville and Naucelle, the RN88 is where the accident happened and traffic was diverted around the scene yesterday. The lorry driver involved in the collision was taken to Rodez hospital but he is not seriously injured. This will make 15 deaths on the roads in this department this year. The gendarmes have no idea about the cause of the accident at the moment.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Fanfaron has had his operation

Hello Val,
I hope everything is allright for you.

Fanfaron has been castrated yesterday. It was a little bit hard for me to take him to the veto for that but i’m happy to announce to you that he seems to be in perfect health and very Happy to be back home.

The veto made an identification too. Now everything is in rules. But Fanfaron still find a good family to take care of him, as you know, even if it’s easier for me now to wait this  day.

We found a little lead (plomb?) in Fanfaron ear, that is explain that he is now afraid of shot sound!

In any case, I thank you a lot for what you did for helping us with this dog. I hope that you will come to see him one day.

I sent to you the copy of the bill for the operation, and if you give me the adress, I will sent to you the original document for the compts of your association.

With my best salutations.

Cécile
Val says Cecile has emailed the bill which was 147 euros.
For any new TAG reader, a number of TAG readers paid to have Fanfaron castrated so that Cecile could keep him along with her breeding bitches until a home is found for him. Fanfaron was found by Cecile more than 6 months ago now and she has nursed him back to health and fed and cared for him until he can be found a new home. See the Fanfaron story in " Pets to go"
Comments to taglines82@gmial.com

Reading TAG to its full potential.

It has just dawned on me that not everyone reads TAG every day. Now from the number of hits I am told TAG has each day I find that difficult to believe [I will not say how many again... yet] No, some of you only read it when I send it out to subscribers hence you may miss a page or two as a few of you  seem not to have the gumption to get to the bottom of the page and click older posts which is the next page. It is like turning a page in a book clicking the older posts. Also use the labels at the top of  the page for articles about, gardening, cooking, travel tips. I know that most of you are doing that now but it is always worth a reminder. Whatever, please enjoy all our efforts at diffusing information about the area and France and having fun at the same time.
A rainy day like today pushes reading figures up enormously, why not think of writing and sending an article or post for TAG, much better than doing housework.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

And the trouble is you do not really want to announce that you are away.

Dear Val
We were away in England last week when we made our first appearance in TAG. We arrived home to find our  voice mail full of messages from people enquiring about our gardening services and we also received visitors to our nursery this week on our one day a week of opening (Mondays).

Thank you to all our new customers,  we really enjoyed coming round to see your gardens and discuss future work with you,  and thank you to you Val,  for providing such a widely read on-line magazine!

Kind regards,

Debbie

Val says  Well done Debbie for the use of the words on-line magazine rather than blog.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Marine Le Pen may now be able to be prosecuted

The European Parliament has voted to waive immunity from prosecution for far-right French MEP Marine Le Pen, paving the way for her to be prosecuted under French law for “inciting racial hatred” for remarks she made in a 2010 speech.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Robbed at gun point losing 200,000 euros

A Saudi minister and another two in his entourage had their ministerial car stopped by fake gendarmes  who at gun point took the contents of the car boot, 200,000 euros. The minister was on his way to the airport. Some crook must have had knowledge beforehand to set up this heist.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Viviane still on the loose.

I can see how you might lose a dog for a few days but I amazed that a huge Tibetan bear cannot be found by the army? Even being snapped by a group of walkers on holiday from the Tarn.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Najat- Vallaud Belkacem puts forward her proposals for rights for women

Najat-Vallaud Belkacem présente ce matin en Conseil des ministres «son projet pour les femmes». Un arsenal de mesures pour combler le fossé qui existe entre «l’égalité en droit et dans les faits».
An quite right too, 
À la Libération, les femmes ont conquis les droits civiques ; dans les années 70 et 80, les droits économiques et sociaux. Aujourd’hui, nous devons définir les conditions d’une égalité réelle et concrète. C’est cette «troisième génération des droits des femmes», celle qui repose sur l’effort pour assurer l’effectivité des droits mais aussi sur l’éducation pour déconstruire les stéréotypes et changer les comportements.
This report in lots of the French papers including the Depeche, if you want to know all the rights. Sorry I have not included a picture Alan.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Wilkie is still missing

Can readers let me know if Wilkies picture downloaded on a previous post. On my version it is there but it is not on Charlotta's
Hi Val,

You kindly put up a notice on Sun about our missing dog. Sadly no news yet, but I've been in touch with every mairie, vets, refuge etc I could think of in a 30 mile radius of where he was lost. What I was wondering was whether I could take out a paid add on your site with his photo, as I'm not sure it loaded last time? I know you have special rules on this.

Best wishes,

 Charlotta

Val says Been there suffered with lost dogs, no way do you have to pay. If you live in that area keep your eyes open for that little rascal. Sadly Charlotta has to go back to England for a week tomorrow but can be emailed on  charlotta@cinnamonhill.com

 Our dog, Wilkie, went missing at lunch-time today from Bor et Bar, just S of Le Fouillade, and I just wondered if you'd mind putting an announcement on your site. He's medium-sized, black and tan, with a long tail and very good natured. Our landline is 05 63 24 03 60 or UK mob. 00 44 7889 177 597 should anyone come across him. We live the other side of Najac near Castanet.

Mas del Sol is like the Palladium!

I loved this comment from a very witty Fifi member, whilst talking about the event raising money for donkeys ''A summer Evening with Charles and Anna'' Mas del Sol is like the Palladium, said she of the beautiful locks. Is the Palladuim still there or is it now  a bingo hall?
Googled it
The London Palladuim still host shows

It is a venue to which all performers aspire and has hosted more annual Royal Variety Performances than any other theatre. Welcome to the official website of the London Palladium – designed by Frank Matcham – which opened on Boxing Day 1910 and became famous, partly through television, as the “Ace Variety Theatre of the World”.

Among the greats that have played here are Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Sophie Tucker, Ethel Merman, Howard Keel, Arthur Askey, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Tommy Steele, Julie Andrews, Ken Dodd, the Two Ronnies, Bruce Forsyth and Cliff Richard. In 1979 Yul Brynner arrived in a spectacular production of The King and Iwhich heralded further musicals in recent years including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver!, Saturday Night Fever, The King and I starring Elaine Paige, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tommy Steele in Scrooge and Sinatra at the Palladium and the recent hugely successful revival of the family favourite The Sound of Music.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

How is this for a kestrel picture?

Well done Malc, brilliant picture. The next pictures should be the very noisy babies which can be seen from a distance but actually end up clearly visible in that hole.

Sitting in the grange with baby redstrarts fledging in the rafters all around us 

 Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Worth a click!

Hi Val,

This was in today's ATG and may be of interest to TAG readers - although don't suppose many are dealing in bullion! there may those who send notes and jewellery.

http://www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/2013/jul/01/french-postal-ban-on-coins-jewels-and-bullion/

Liz

oooh look; ATG/TAG. 

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

A most interesting double life

Good day DEAR Val:
Maggie and I have been home since Tuesday. There was excitement in the country Wednesday morning. The neighbors had put their garbage of lobster remains etc. in the box at the road and Mr. Bear came visiting. The large box was on its side in their driveway and the contents strewn up and down the road.

We have spent some time weeding our large garden, harvested a last feed of asparagus and enjoyed it in an omelet. I spent a couple of hours strimming around the garden, the house, and several flower plantings. Wednesday Maggie took a break and walked to the lake and went for a kayak. Saturday cedar waxwings were gathered feeding on the honeyberries (haskaps). On a sad note, our 9 year old cat Foncee had lost a lot of weight and was listless. We took her to the vet Thursday and she was diagnosed with feline  lymphoma. She passed last night and Bea (cat) and Daisy (dog) are as desolate as we are.

It is unimaginably wet here. The ground goes squish everywhere you step. It looks like we will not be planting potatoes this year (too wet), nor corn (too late). It is, however, warmer here most days than in Promilhanes. I will discover in a few days if it will be possible to mow our network of trails and open areas. It's hard to walk in the high grass, but big ruts from the tractor wheels are no fun either.

July 1st is the 146th birthday of The Dominion of Canada. God save the Queen!

Just a little factoid about Cape Breton Island; land area 3981 sq.miles, 136,000 population made up of 4 counties. The center of the island is a large inland sea called the "Bras d'Or" and Lake Ainslie (where we live) is the largest natural fresh water lake in Nova Scotia. Much of the west side of the island's English rooted population is only 2 generations from when Scottish Gaelic was the household tongue. Gaelic is in a revival period and is now being taught in some schools. The west coast north of Margaree Harbour is largely Acadian French as is the Atlantic coastal area of Richmond County in the southern part. There are Micmaw (native population) communities in all 4 counties. During the coal mining and steel making era (1900-1970) there were many immigrants from Belgium, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East giving us a rich and varied culture.

I will for now end with some pictures of the newly emerged showy lady slippers on our property. We have one of the largest acreages of this rare orchid in the province.

Bill McCarthy

Val says

 Many thanks Bill and Malc looks forward to playing bridge with you and Maggie at the Caylus club even though you always win.

Rare orchids, lady's slippers

Vide greniers and brocante sites

Hi Val dear

We find this site, originally recommended by Resi, very useful for finding vide greniers, brocantes:  http://vide-greniers.org/agendaRegion.php?region=15

Also this one:  http://brocabrac.fr/Vide-greniers-82, but I believe you already gave that a mention a while back.

xx Chris

Val says Thanks Chris, very useful sites

Varen vide -grenier

Sunday 28th of July. A lovely 'empty attic'' this one, along the banks of the Aveyron. If you want to take a stall phone  0563654509 or 0563654774
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

The reports of my death were greatly exaggerated

So said the letter sent to the London Press on a report of the death of Mark Twain
Letter received today from Alice and then my reply.
Dear Val,

It is with great delight that I write to let you know that the Baker in Laguepie is well and his shop is open for business again.

So perhaps now might be a good time to write a retraction about reporting the poor mans' death, to support him returning to work and needing the support of all his previous customers ?

Regards,

Alice

My reply
Hello Alice

you really must keep up to date. 

The retraction about his death was printed straight away in one of the earlier posts, once the rumour was quashed and in fact the day before yesterday TAG printed the news of the baker's reopening

Tut! tut !  Alice

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Napoleon 1792 -1821

"Perhaps more than any other single French person Napoleon, left his mark on France and determined to no small extent what it is today. He changed the face and destiny not only of France but of much of the world. His original goal was the ''rayonnement'' [ shining light] of French culture expressed in the ideals of the Revolution and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. He reorganised the French administrative legal system [ The Napoleonic Code] and centralised the government and the economy. He supported Fine and performing arts as well as scientific and historical research."
Taken from ''Au Contraire'' by G. Asselin and Ruth Mastron.
I have just said to Malcolm, not such a bad chap really Napoleon to which Malc demurred. "He was a Dictator, he made himself Emperor. It is like saying Hitler wanted peace, Napoleon wanted piece, a piece of Austria, a piece of Egypt, a piece of Poland. etc. etc". Back to the drawing board on this one Val, more research on Napoleon needed I think.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Great ideas from David

Some great ideas here - I love cold soups and now its warmed up its just the time . Going to try the roast pork loin too.
Sue Carter
 Comments to  David on cookery at  cooksintag@gmail.com. Seems to be a problem with this address so comments to taglines82@gmail.com  till we get it fixed

Today David presents roast pork.

Check out the cooks label to see Davids recipe of the day . Today it is roast pork and yesterday was summer soups.Give David feedback if you like the recipes or have further ideas.
David is pleased with the feedback on his 'Tripping about'', so well done reader.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Make my life easy

Please if you know of anything happening that others may be interested in hearing about in your neck of the woods, send the information to me, vide greniers, art exhibitions, fetes, choirs singing. If you are arranging an event like this and want a throng, think of telling TAG. or even know of one happening. You can even say  ''Hi Val as well as Dear''
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Fete des Moissons at St. Antonin Noble Val

The 36th Fete of its kind starting on the 7th of July. You need to go in to the Tourist information to find out everything that is going on but you are promised an open air mass, horses, ancient tractors, agricultural machinery, a repas, and all ending with a traditional bal.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

L'Abbaye de Beaulieu

This Abbey at Ginals was founded in the 12th century  but in the last years was abandoned for a long period. In recent years it has been brought back to life as a centre of contemporary art. At the moment there is an expo by Cecile Cariteau. This abbey is always worth a visit just to appreciate the actual building and its setting and you have the double pleasure in summer of the exhibitions.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

France tells Obama administration to stop spying immediately

We are no longer in the cold war says a German spokesman and Hollande tells Obama " It must stop, this sort of behavior will affect US - EU trade talks." French political parties would give Edward Snowden political sanctuary. Faced with a serious transatlantic crisis of confidence, the Obama administration has attempted to downplay the allegations.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Up to their elbows in sausage meat.

Just more than a week ago I mentioned that the ladies from Spiced Cuisine sold very tasty spiced sausages that readers seemed to like. Apparently since then those ladies have have been up to  their elbows in sausage meat production.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Picasso's mother said to him as a child...

''If you become a soldier, you will be a General. If you become a monk you'll end up as the Pope''
 Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.
A snippet from  Life with Picasso by Francoise Gilot, the mother of Claude and Palome Picasso.
Val says I believe this, give a child the feeling he could achieve anything he wants to, and he will.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Jan and Gerrit are coming to the fund raiser

Charles and Anna have so kindly offered to perform playing banjo and violin to raise funds for another charity close to my heart ''Liberte des Anes''.
 Jan worked for many years at the renowned donkey sanctuary at Sidmouth in Devon and really loves her donkeys and knows how they need looking after . If you see a donkey in distress they are the people to call and our Dutch  neighbours in the past did just that. We were all impressed how Jan and partner Gerrit were on the case with advice on handling what appeared to be a dangerous male  donkey [ castrate them and they are different] and we have all been to view the rescue donkeys at Lavolvene. What a magical evening we are planning, we had 22 seats reserved the first evening. So get booking your seat in the next couple of weeks to be sure of '' a touch of magic''with a sausage baguette thrown in! Monday August 12th is the date and I am promising a scorcher [ wish I could do that]
comments to taglines82@gmail .com

And God created the French and they love their polls.

Just been reading this book published in 1995 and it has been making me smile.
There were 4,000 polls that year
According to polls that year only 2 % of women liked to make love on a Tuesday[ Tuesday had a dismal reputation]
82 % of women change their underpants every day, only 56% of males. One in a hundred reserving this for Sundays.
30% of the French found it agreeable not to wash for several days. Perhaps honouring the spirit of Napoleon's injunction to Josephine  '' Don't wash, I will be there in a week!''
27% of women admitted to peeing in the swimming pool.
60% of men who read the French Playboy magazine favoured big breasts, although it was never qualified what classed as big.
On a higher plane 1% of households had a tortoise and there were over 5,000 dog bites recorded that year, 31% were not the postman but the dogs own master, so that was alright then.
The most attractive French woman was Catherine Deneuve, who the author Louis Bernard Robitaille appears to have a crush on [ and why not Malc says.]
The country most dear to a French mans heart, other than France was Canada.
Gosh, and the book was published 18 years ago, a lot of it still seems relevant... but do not mean the silly stats.
Val says again- On french TV this morning there had been a poll [ sondage] which said The French were the most pessimistic in Europe. Well on a sunny morning that is not us chaps, .is it.

Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

A classical library here in France

Easy to dispose of in England but where do you start in France. I have great faith in the diversity and interests of TAG readers and so I have propositions for you. I have been asked to sell part of this library with proceeds going to Via Sahel Enfants d'Afrique. Firstly if anyone would like to come and view the collection just send an email to'' Dear Val '' and ask to come and view. The topics cover literature, opera, art and architecture. some examples listed below.
5 penguin paperback novels of Anton Checkov, 5 euros
Goethe Faust part one and two 2 euros
Four Queens, The Provencal sisters who ruled Europe by Nancy Goldstein , hardback 2 euros SOLD
2 Gustave Flaubert penguin pbks Three Tales and The Temptation of St. Antony  2 euros
Martin George Companion to 20th c Opera 4 euros
Society and Culture in Early Modern France  2 euros
Oscar Wilde 5 penguin classics 4 euros
The Herbert History of Gothic Art and Architecture  2 euros
Rocco to Revolution, major trends in 18thc Painting 2 euros
Peggy Guggenheim The Life of an art addict by Anton Gill 2 euros
Roe, Sue The Private lives of the Impressionists 2 euros
Halls History of Ideas and Images in Italian Art  3 euros
Thomas Anabel Illustrated history of Narrative painting   2 euros
David Hockney by Marco Livingstone  2 euros    SOLD
Great Artistes from Giotto to Turner 3 euros
Art and Power by Roy Strong 2 euros
The Herbert history of Art and Architecture in the 19th c by A. M. Vogt 2 euros
Wow! well that is enough to be going on with. If classic literature, art , opera and travel interests  you could consider making an offer on the whole ''interesting ''collection or order one or two from me to be delivered when and where we can arrange it.
I should add that is only one box of many  but 50 euros could buy you the whole interesting lot.Got to be worth it.
Val  mail@bromlea.com

Busy at the Book Swap

Lovely to see so many TAG readers and Fifi members at the book swap this morning. I was a bit distracted having no handbag and no specs but even I could see what a roaring sucess these bi monthly mornings have become. Also so nice that so many people I did not know introduced themselves and told me about their reading habits. It appears that TAG is on everyone's get up in the morning and check TAG list. Even though some of you agreed that you never know what I will come up with next. Malc tells me it is part of my charm, said with tongue in cheek as it is  my impetuous nature that he often despairs of. The person who dared to write to me with just a VAL and then gave me a ticking off,  will never be revealed to my readers, even though some of you wanted the "low down"
Interesting that so many wondered how far TAG reaches, well it could be anywhere in the world but my readership letters and communications seem to extend from Villefranche to Najac, from Caussade to St. Antonin certainly all around Caylus, Lacapelle  Livron [ had not even heard of that at one time ] Hi to lots of you there. If you are further afield let TAG know.
I am off now with my spare specs. to check boxes of books from a classic library which TAG has offered to sell on behalf of Via Sahel Enfants d'Afrique.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Popular walking tours in St. Antonin, good for entertaining visitors

Dear Val

 As you suggested at the Book Swap this morning, this is just a quick reminder that my first English tour of St Antonin will be this Thursday 4^th July at 10.45 - meeting at the new Office of Tourism situated next to the English Bookshop and opposite Sardinas Restaurant.

These tours are every Thursday at the same time in the months of July and August but if anybody wants a tour outside these times, I am always happy to arrange a private tour as long as we have at least 5 people.  My telephone number is 05 63 56 93 88.

 Our first visit to the Book Swap – what a great idea!

 Best wishes

Francis Hansom

Handbag lost this morning between Mas del Sol and Varen or even St. Antonin if it travelled well.

I did such a stupid thing this morning, yet another stupid thing. I put my handbag on the roof of the car, said goodbye to all the pets , oh! and Malcolm and then drove off to the book swap. Fortunately not much money in the bag but my credit cards and specs where in it. If a brown leather bag is found it belongs to me and has my telephone number and masses of TAG business cards in. I will phone the Mairie and Gendarmerie after lunch.
Half four and it has not turned up or been delivered to the Mairie or gendermarie, cards have been cancelled but what a pain to lose my English driving licence and carte vitale, ordonnance etc.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Very much alive and baking

Baker at Laguepie.    Just to let you know that there is a notice in the baker's window that he will re-open tomorrow, July 2nd.

Liz

Interesting to Cooks... and me

I do not want to detract from the fact that their pet Wilkie is missing, bit I checked out the website for Cinnamen Hill and what an interesting site it is ... for cooks and even me.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com

Donkey stuck in a cistern for 20 hrs.

The story below may not make quite such an impression on you as it made on me. I read it along with the picture and the article together in the Depeche. The  poor donkey looking traumatised being hauled up wet and covered in slime out of a deep pit / cistern after 20 hrs. Well done to the vet, pompiers and members of the climbing club " grimp". I will go now and give my donkeys an extra morning cuddle.
I can spot the important news!

Hier, vers 17 heures, une ânesse est tombée dans une citerne vide, au lieu-dit Aubresquies. Les pompiers de Bagnac sont intervenus sur les lieux et ont attendu leurs collègues du Grimp, déjà en intervention à Vers, pour dégager l’animal coincé. Le vétérinaire a administré un calmant à l’ânesse avant que les pompiers s’attellent à agrandir la petite ouverture masquée de planches par laquelle elle était tombée. Peu après 20 h 30, l’ânesse a été sortie au soulagement de son propriétaire qui a remercié vétérinaire et pompiers.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com