Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Friday, 4 December 2015
Metiers d'art de Bruniquel
On this weekend Saturday and Sunday, lots of good ideas for Christmas presents.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Have you a spare seed propagater?
Hi Val
A quick note to ask if it's at all possible to place a request on TAG for anyone with a seed propagator (standard or electric) in their garden shed that is surplus to requirements. Advance planning!
dtornai@gmail.com
Di Tornai
PS You and Malc are doing a splendid job, as always.
+33 (0)6 48 37 75 46 (mobile)
+33 (0)5 63 33 08 98 (landline)
Coments to taglines82@gmail.com
A quick note to ask if it's at all possible to place a request on TAG for anyone with a seed propagator (standard or electric) in their garden shed that is surplus to requirements. Advance planning!
dtornai@gmail.com
Di Tornai
PS You and Malc are doing a splendid job, as always.
+33 (0)6 48 37 75 46 (mobile)
+33 (0)5 63 33 08 98 (landline)
Coments to taglines82@gmail.com
Sunshine all the way
Hi Val
Have you noted that in the UK November was the gloomiest month on record with only about 37 hours of sunshine? I wonder how many we have had; no wonder those of us with SAD are so much better here.
Have you noted that in the UK November was the gloomiest month on record with only about 37 hours of sunshine? I wonder how many we have had; no wonder those of us with SAD are so much better here.
Ginny
Malc says we have had 37 hours of sunshine this week, or so it seems
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
St. Antonin Noble Val in the winter
Hi Val
I am a frequent visitor to this lovely tranquil place and thought you may like this photo (iPhone5s - point & shoot)! Taken 3 Dec - a peaceful winter scene.
Clive Dixon
Vals says lovely picture and look at that blue sky on the 3rd of December.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
I am a frequent visitor to this lovely tranquil place and thought you may like this photo (iPhone5s - point & shoot)! Taken 3 Dec - a peaceful winter scene.
Clive Dixon
Vals says lovely picture and look at that blue sky on the 3rd of December.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Give us our money back!
The appeal court has ordered Bernard Tapie, businessman and former minister to repay 405 million euros which he was awarded in 2008 in a private settlement with the state. In 1992 he became a government minister and sold his company Adidas (sportswear) to the state owned bank Credit Lyonnais for some 315 million euros. The bank re-sold the company 2 years later for 700 million. Tapie cried fraud and after many years of litigation was awarded the 405 millions. Earlier this year the courts decided that the private settlement was illegal and passed the case to the appeal court whose judgement was made yesterday.
Tapie, who has also had major involvement in Marseille football club and owned the local La Provence newspaper, claims that he personally never touched more than about 20 millions the rest being invested in the newspaper and various bank deposits (apart from 20 million given to his wife)
says he will be ruined (RUIN-E he stressed) and at 72 it just unfair. He vows to fight those who hate him - judges, journalists, the political establishment.... until justice is done.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Tapie, who has also had major involvement in Marseille football club and owned the local La Provence newspaper, claims that he personally never touched more than about 20 millions the rest being invested in the newspaper and various bank deposits (apart from 20 million given to his wife)says he will be ruined (RUIN-E he stressed) and at 72 it just unfair. He vows to fight those who hate him - judges, journalists, the political establishment.... until justice is done.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
The association Alabrena
| The Association Alabrena, in St. Antonin. Check out their winter programme
Toutes les informations : 05 81 52 99 57http://www.associationalabrena.com/
| ||
| ||
Regional elections this coming Sunday
13 regional elections coming up this weekend. So important for us all here what happens, the outcome could affect us expats, not just the French. Whatever our politics we need Francois Hollande and the Socialist Party and Nicholas Sarkozy and the Republican Party to do well. We do not want the FN and Marine Le Pen to sweep the board although in certain regions that is scarily possible. Do not think that the FN are just haters of migrants, they are not over keen on us, we are after all foreigners and if she has her way and we leave Europe, we will not be able to cling on to our European status.
All we can do is stand back watch and for those who have religion pray.
Malc says many in France now want to leave Europe.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
All we can do is stand back watch and for those who have religion pray.
Malc says many in France now want to leave Europe.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Another super week in TAGland
The sky is red and blue, giving the promise of another beautiful day. I walk the lanes sometimes with Malc and the dogs and sometimes just with the dogs. It is the most beautiful time of the year, still with autumn leaves flying, green meadows with the sky just a wonderful blue. In the distance the snow capped Pyrenees, and as I walk I say " we are lucky, this is beautiful"
Malc says but you say every season is the best. Well when you get weather as we have had this week who would want to be elsewhere and winter just has not started yet. Whatever the season "nous avons de la chance ici"
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Malc says but you say every season is the best. Well when you get weather as we have had this week who would want to be elsewhere and winter just has not started yet. Whatever the season "nous avons de la chance ici"
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Nous sommes le vendredi quatre decembre
Yesterday I wrote "nous sommes jeudi trente decembre" Betty wrote "December goes so quickly!"
!!!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
!!!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Thursday, 3 December 2015
A camp fire in a tent
Hi Val,
When we were last in Calais mid November there were masses of women & children living in the jungle, far, far more than when we first went in September. Three weeks ago we met families with as many as 10 people who were just arriving on foot, they had only the clothes they stood up in... alas I hear from friends still there that Calais is 5 star compared to Dunkirk. I find it hard to believe the inaction that is going on, deliberate inaction, what else can it be after all this time.... enclosed a photo I was sent of someone trying to keep warm in a tent..... madness, utter madness.
Resi is having an exhibition
GALERIE
”RESI-DENCE AMBERT”
Saint Grat
A le plaisir de vous convier à l’exposition :
De la nouvelle collection “Silverart” de Resi
Dimanche 6 decembre
Dimanche 13 decembre
de 15h00- 19h00
Un verre de l’amitié sera offert à l’occasion de la mise en ligne du magasin sur le web.
Resi van Eeten
Galerie Residence Ambert
St Grat 12200 Vailhourles
Tel: 05 6529 8752
Magasin en Ligne :
www.resisilverart.tictail.com
Can we wash up in cosmopolitan Verfeil?
Lunch at Charley's where Malc and I make our plans every Thursday to save the world, or plan our new ensuite! Today a lovely lunch over as we prepared to leave Malc realised he had forgotten his wallet. He looked hopefully at me, but I am like the Queen and do not carry money, so...
Charlie smiled and said he trusted us, pay whenever but we will have to nip back soon else we will forget, so easy to do when you have a hectic life.
So many young people about in the streets as we left Verfeil, I remarked " I like Verfeil with all these smiling hippy people about... so French"
Malc said but have you listened to their accents there are Poles, Australians, Dutch and French but they are from around the world.
Even better, welcome to cosmopolitan Verfeil
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Charlie smiled and said he trusted us, pay whenever but we will have to nip back soon else we will forget, so easy to do when you have a hectic life.
So many young people about in the streets as we left Verfeil, I remarked " I like Verfeil with all these smiling hippy people about... so French"
Malc said but have you listened to their accents there are Poles, Australians, Dutch and French but they are from around the world.
Even better, welcome to cosmopolitan Verfeil
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Reverse Advent calendar
Hi Val
It's probably not a new idea, but I like this.
What you do is - each day in December put something you don't want and/or could be useful to others in a box, and after 24 days take it to people who have need.
I leave you to adapt the end of the sentence to best suit individual wishes.
xC
Val says what a great idea. I will start doing it. Malc wonders what we have left to give after all we have sent off but there is always more. Oh sorry and adapting the sentence I can take to the refugees or anyone in need.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Val says what a great idea. I will start doing it. Malc wonders what we have left to give after all we have sent off but there is always more. Oh sorry and adapting the sentence I can take to the refugees or anyone in need.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
A lovely invitation
Marion Wilson and I will be holding a “Marche´ de Noel “ at her home at La Mothe on the weekend of 12th & 13th December.
We are hoping for a beautiful winter weekend so that everyone visiting can enjoy a stroll through her magical garden as well seeing our art & craft gifts and warming up with some refreshments.
As usual we will have a tombola to raise funds for “Enfants de Bamako “
We look forward to sharing a little of the Christmas spirit with you!
Catherine Smedley
p.s. If you haven’t visited before then directions to La Mothe can be found on the website below.
Appalling
Hi Val
We've been told again and again that we would not host families aroud here because they're supposed to be taken into mother and child centers - in Calais at least. But from what I read in Morven's post it is not the case !!! Apalling conditions! Outraging ! Besides, are we considered that stupid to gobble these lies and so be led into doing nothing ??
Nadette de Espinas
Val says you can positively feel French lady Nadette's outrage after reading the report from Dr. Morven. We had been fed a line from the authorities at Montauban thet women and children were being accommodated in "welcoming centers " in and around Calais. To hear that there are families and children living in those degrading conditions is more than heartbreaking. Our resolve to help families is strengthened.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We've been told again and again that we would not host families aroud here because they're supposed to be taken into mother and child centers - in Calais at least. But from what I read in Morven's post it is not the case !!! Apalling conditions! Outraging ! Besides, are we considered that stupid to gobble these lies and so be led into doing nothing ??
Nadette de Espinas
Val says you can positively feel French lady Nadette's outrage after reading the report from Dr. Morven. We had been fed a line from the authorities at Montauban thet women and children were being accommodated in "welcoming centers " in and around Calais. To hear that there are families and children living in those degrading conditions is more than heartbreaking. Our resolve to help families is strengthened.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Minature sheep to be fostered
Good morning Val.
I am trying to find foster homes for my 2 flocks of minature sheep from now until end of January, mid Feb aprox, could be longer I dont know yet.
Could you be kind and word the following:
They will be travelling to England however it depends on their paperwork. I am obviously very keen to get to England and cant leave until they are homed.
I am a registered breeder of this very old raroe french breed. They are the smallest sheep in the world and the girls stand up to 46cm tall and the boys up to 50cm.
They eat everything, and great for clearing ground including woodland, however they dont like the rain so access to shelter-barn is essential. They come with their own hay and sheep fencing if need be.
They are very friendly, good with cats and dogs as long as they dont chase them just need love and attention.
Flock of 8 boys and 20 girls. It sounds alot but actually it isnt, they will fit into a shelter of 4m x 3m easily. webb.davina@gmail.com
I am trying to find foster homes for my 2 flocks of minature sheep from now until end of January, mid Feb aprox, could be longer I dont know yet.
Could you be kind and word the following:
They will be travelling to England however it depends on their paperwork. I am obviously very keen to get to England and cant leave until they are homed.
I am a registered breeder of this very old raroe french breed. They are the smallest sheep in the world and the girls stand up to 46cm tall and the boys up to 50cm.
They eat everything, and great for clearing ground including woodland, however they dont like the rain so access to shelter-barn is essential. They come with their own hay and sheep fencing if need be.
They are very friendly, good with cats and dogs as long as they dont chase them just need love and attention.
Flock of 8 boys and 20 girls. It sounds alot but actually it isnt, they will fit into a shelter of 4m x 3m easily. webb.davina@gmail.com
What more can parents do?
Ines is a young Muslim girl aged 16, from a fairly ordinary French family, devout but not radical. About a year ago Ines started taking an interest in the situation in Syria, mainly via the internet, spending hours alone in her room. This alone is not unusual for a teenager, but other worrying signs were appearing. She talked with friends about going to Syria to marry a French man who was there and tried to leave home. She told her mother that she had "black ideas" and wanted to die. The parents were concerned that her ideas about jihadis would lead to something serious and reported this to the police. Ines was the subject of an "S notice" -someone who could be a threat to national security.
Her parents removed her computer from her room and refused to allow her to keep a mobile phone. Her mother accompanied her to school and met her in the evening.
A few days ago, after borrowing a mobile phone from a friend, Ines "escaped" by climbing through a window The mother had found a detailed itinerary of how the girl intended to get to Syria via Holland and called the police. They advised her to contact the prefecture.
Fortunately Ines was found 24 hours later and re-united with her family. One wonders how these susceptible teenagers can be protected from exploitation; Ines sounds like a girl with more problems than teenage romanticism - perhaps psychological help might be more useful than an S notice.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Her parents removed her computer from her room and refused to allow her to keep a mobile phone. Her mother accompanied her to school and met her in the evening.
A few days ago, after borrowing a mobile phone from a friend, Ines "escaped" by climbing through a window The mother had found a detailed itinerary of how the girl intended to get to Syria via Holland and called the police. They advised her to contact the prefecture.
Fortunately Ines was found 24 hours later and re-united with her family. One wonders how these susceptible teenagers can be protected from exploitation; Ines sounds like a girl with more problems than teenage romanticism - perhaps psychological help might be more useful than an S notice.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Anything to get them away from Calais
Only two per cent of hundreds of Calais migrants arrested and sent to detention centres in recent weeks have been deported, according to a top French prison watchdog, which denounced “grave breaches of their fundamental rights”.
In a damning indictment of France’s handling of the migrant crisis in the northern port town, the country’s prison watchdog, CGLPL, accused the government of arresting migrants not to deport them but simply to cut their numbers in Calais – a procedure that it said had no legal basis.
Since October, it said, “the placement in administrative detention is used not with the aim of returning (migrants) to their countries of origin but with the sole aim of easing congestion in Calais".
At one point Calais housed up to 6,000 migrants in squalid camps.
Val says A report by Henry Samuel in the Telegraph. My favourite Telegraph reporter Henry Samuel who reports on France. The gendarmes have been picking up refugees and taking them around France and dumping them in deportation centres around the country. They hold them for 5 days and then let them out. The refugees then find their way back to Calais. This is one of the reasons refugees want to stay grouped in Calais they are frightened of being separated from family members and of course their hearts are set on getting to the UK. Seems such a pointless thing to do and a waste of money and resources.
We still have not got our refugees here in St. Antonin. The first hold up was because of Paris, then a delay in getting a paid animatrice, who knows what the problem is now ? Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Sad shooting in Lot et Garonne
Local news has been dominated by the killing of a couple in front of their home in the village of Foulayronnes, near Agen. The couple were preparing to take their children to school when a man shot them down. One of the children, who were witness to the events, called the police, who quickly found the man's abandoned white van.
Details of the suspect, including a photo and details of another vehicle he may use, though not his name - presumably that s not allowed. It would appear that the man is a disgruntled ex-employee of the building firm where the victim was a senior manager. Colleagues also complained that they had been threatened.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Breaking news: the suspect was arrested this morning according to police.
Details of the suspect, including a photo and details of another vehicle he may use, though not his name - presumably that s not allowed. It would appear that the man is a disgruntled ex-employee of the building firm where the victim was a senior manager. Colleagues also complained that they had been threatened.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Breaking news: the suspect was arrested this morning according to police.
Radical mosques closed
France's interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve announced on Wednesday that three mosques in France have been closed under emergency measures implemented in the days following the Paris terror attacks.On Wednesday French police raided a mosque in the Paris suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne, the third Islamic place of worship to be raided and closed since November 13th.Cazeneuve added that "three pseudo-cultural associations" linked to the mosque at Lagny-sur-Marne were also being dissolved.The mosque in Lagny was formerly led by the imam Mohamed Hammoumi, known for his radical sermons and who is accused of recruiting volunteers for jihad in Syria, according to Le Parisien newspaper. Hammoumi and a number of his followers reportedly fled to Egypt in December 2014. Cazeuneuve said police found evidence of an unregistered Koranic school and various documents about jihad in the mosque.
"Such measures to close mosques because of radicalisation have never before been taken by any government, including during the last state of emergency in 2005" after rioting broke out across France's troubled suburbs, Cazeneuve said.
The other two mosques where the doors have been closed were in the suburb of Gennevilliers, to the north west of Paris, and one in the city of Lyon.
Val says and quite right to. The fight against radicalisation is an important one. Young minds can easily be swayed and true Muslims will welcome these closures. comments to taglines82@gmail.com
The abuse of alcohol is dangerous even for cats
This made me smile.
The idea comes from Japan to have " cat bars" Charlotte Baillat passionate for cats is opening a cat bar close to the Place Capitole in February, a salon dedicated to cats. You can go and have a cup of tea and enjoy the company of ten cats or so. Then you have the chance to adopt one.
The photo of the drunken cat is quite misleading, it is not going to be a drinking hole for drunken cats, more a cat rehoming enterprise. From the Depeche.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
The idea comes from Japan to have " cat bars" Charlotte Baillat passionate for cats is opening a cat bar close to the Place Capitole in February, a salon dedicated to cats. You can go and have a cup of tea and enjoy the company of ten cats or so. Then you have the chance to adopt one.
The photo of the drunken cat is quite misleading, it is not going to be a drinking hole for drunken cats, more a cat rehoming enterprise. From the Depeche.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Nous sommes jeudi trois decembre
A light frost this morning but with no fog, the sky is already blue.The donkeys were nowhere in sight and an initial panic before they appeared from the lower field hut.
We have decided to run another line along the top edge of the fence, just to be sure, belt and braces perhaps. The rest of the fence still has a second line behind with 3 lines and then backs on to hedges, so no problem there. The top line will be easy for Malc to do as it is on the flat, he mounts the isolators and I run the electric tape through.
Team work that only goes wrong in the rain!!!
Max has eaten his breakfast this morning and although not quite himself seems to be improving.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We have decided to run another line along the top edge of the fence, just to be sure, belt and braces perhaps. The rest of the fence still has a second line behind with 3 lines and then backs on to hedges, so no problem there. The top line will be easy for Malc to do as it is on the flat, he mounts the isolators and I run the electric tape through.
Team work that only goes wrong in the rain!!!
Max has eaten his breakfast this morning and although not quite himself seems to be improving.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Air strikes it will be
397 for and against 223
in favour of joining France with air strikes on Isis in Syria.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
in favour of joining France with air strikes on Isis in Syria.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
La Voix du Nord speaks out
In a piece for The Local, the editorial director of one of France's leading regional newspapers has defended his paper's unprecedented anti-National Front campaign which has infuriated Marine Le Pen, before Sunday's regional elections.
French regional newspapers, which outsell their national counterparts, rarely take a strong editorial line in the run-up to elections.
But that was until La Voix du Nord, which serves the Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie region in the far north of France made its stance clear this week in the run up to next Sunday's first round of voting in the regional elections.
Why we had to act
“We are a newspaper of information, not one of opinion. We examine the left and right and we don’t support any political party.
“But we do have convictions and certain values which have been in place since our creation during the French Resistance. We are attached to the values of the Republic, to liberty and to pluralism.
“Our values are just not compatible with the ideology of the National Front and their constant distortions, exaggerations and obsessions.
“We haven't told readers who to vote for but tried to explain exactly who the National Front are. We are reminding them of the difference in values and at the same time doing our work as journalists to inform our readers of the programme of the National Front, as we do for all parties.
“It is our job to go beyond the appearances. The National Front play a game of duplicity and ambiguity, trying to show the voters that the party has been de-demonised, but behind that visage they are still radical.
“In their programme we found a phrase that mentioned the need “to wipe out bacterial immigration”. The party has since claimed it was an error, but it was there.
Val says It is up to us all to speak out, well done this editor, a very brave move.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Ah, gawd, it is not high enough
Hi Val,
I have never kept donkeys, so I am no expert, but on balance I would say your fence was rather too low for such big animals. For me I would either set the whole thing up 12 inches or so, (not many animals crawl out underneath that, though of course the dogs will) or I would put another line up 12 inches higher than your current top rail. Normally whilst grass is abundant they won't try fences, but after that , once they give it a go things go pear shaped. With a higher fence they can't possibly graze over it etc.
I have never kept donkeys, so I am no expert, but on balance I would say your fence was rather too low for such big animals. For me I would either set the whole thing up 12 inches or so, (not many animals crawl out underneath that, though of course the dogs will) or I would put another line up 12 inches higher than your current top rail. Normally whilst grass is abundant they won't try fences, but after that , once they give it a go things go pear shaped. With a higher fence they can't possibly graze over it etc.
Just a thought, hope you don't mind me commenting. xx K
Val says K is a very knowledgeable horse person so she is someone I would listen to. Donkeys do not jump generally unlike horses, but maybe another line would not go amiss to be on the safe side. Malc who felt he had just finished yesterday has just looked at me in horror at the suggestion!!
I dare not repeat comments especially as at the start he suggested another line.
What do donkey friends think please ?
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Refugees suffered then and now
Refugee Blues by W H Auden
Say this city has ten million souls,
Some are living in mansions, some are living in holes:
Yet there's no place for us, my dear, yet there's no place for us.
Once we had a country and we thought it fair,
Look in the atlas and you'll find it there:
We cannot go there now, my dear, we cannot go there now.
In the village churchyard there grows an old yew,
Every spring it blossoms anew:
Old passports can't do that, my dear, old passports can't do that.
The consul banged the table and said,
"If you've got no passport you're officially dead":
But we are still alive, my dear, but we are still alive.
Went to a committee; they offered me a chair;
Asked me politely to return next year:
But where shall we go to-day, my dear, but where shall we go to-day?
Came to a public meeting; the speaker got up and said;
"If we let them in, they will steal our daily bread":
He was talking of you and me, my dear, he was talking of you and me.
Thought I heard the thunder rumbling in the sky;
It was Hitler over Europe, saying, "They must die":
O we were in his mind, my dear, O we were in his mind.
Saw a poodle in a jacket fastened with a pin,
Saw a door opened and a cat let in:
But they weren't German Jews, my dear, but they weren't German Jews.
Went down the harbour and stood upon the quay,
Saw the fish swimming as if they were free:
Only ten feet away, my dear, only ten feet away.
Walked through a wood, saw the birds in the trees;
They had no politicians and sang at their ease:
They weren't the human race, my dear, they weren't the human race.
Dreamed I saw a building with a thousand floors,
A thousand windows and a thousand doors:
Not one of them was ours, my dear, not one of them was ours.
Stood on a great plain in the falling snow;
Ten thousand soldiers marched to and fro:
Looking for you and me, my dear, looking for you and me.
Sent by Jill who had read it in the Guardian
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Say this city has ten million souls,
Some are living in mansions, some are living in holes:
Yet there's no place for us, my dear, yet there's no place for us.
Once we had a country and we thought it fair,
Look in the atlas and you'll find it there:
We cannot go there now, my dear, we cannot go there now.
In the village churchyard there grows an old yew,
Every spring it blossoms anew:
Old passports can't do that, my dear, old passports can't do that.
The consul banged the table and said,
"If you've got no passport you're officially dead":
But we are still alive, my dear, but we are still alive.
Went to a committee; they offered me a chair;
Asked me politely to return next year:
But where shall we go to-day, my dear, but where shall we go to-day?
Came to a public meeting; the speaker got up and said;
"If we let them in, they will steal our daily bread":
He was talking of you and me, my dear, he was talking of you and me.
Thought I heard the thunder rumbling in the sky;
It was Hitler over Europe, saying, "They must die":
O we were in his mind, my dear, O we were in his mind.
Saw a poodle in a jacket fastened with a pin,
Saw a door opened and a cat let in:
But they weren't German Jews, my dear, but they weren't German Jews.
Went down the harbour and stood upon the quay,
Saw the fish swimming as if they were free:
Only ten feet away, my dear, only ten feet away.
Walked through a wood, saw the birds in the trees;
They had no politicians and sang at their ease:
They weren't the human race, my dear, they weren't the human race.
Dreamed I saw a building with a thousand floors,
A thousand windows and a thousand doors:
Not one of them was ours, my dear, not one of them was ours.
Stood on a great plain in the falling snow;
Ten thousand soldiers marched to and fro:
Looking for you and me, my dear, looking for you and me.
Sent by Jill who had read it in the Guardian
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Looking down from Verfeil sur seye
H i Val
Sid took this pic this morning from up above Verfeil, magnificent view, I'm glad we were on an island in the fog. Climate - did I tell you we saw pussy willow out on the cliffs above Calais mid November....
Laura
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Sid took this pic this morning from up above Verfeil, magnificent view, I'm glad we were on an island in the fog. Climate - did I tell you we saw pussy willow out on the cliffs above Calais mid November....
Laura
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Morven and her cousin, two doctors helping at Calais
Morven is pleased we are using her report and she of course retains copyright For security of the man pictured behind, his face has been erased. Read Morven's story down the page in TAG.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
I think it impossible not to get a superb picture of Najac
Gareth is probably saying " I bet you could do it with your ipad, get a poor quality one!"
This beautiful Najac scene from "Jaime le France Tout en Aveyron"
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
This beautiful Najac scene from "Jaime le France Tout en Aveyron"
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
It has been like this all week
This photo taken at 11am with my ipad, hence the quality or lack of it,Gareth. The skies have been blue all week with mist in the valley till around lunch time.
You can see the posts and electric tape we have fitted. On both strands of tape there are no breaks meaning the current is much stronger all the way round. Sadly both Bonny and Eldo have discovered its force with mighty yelps and backward glances, wondering what on earth it was.
Let us hope it works like this for the donkeys.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
You can see the posts and electric tape we have fitted. On both strands of tape there are no breaks meaning the current is much stronger all the way round. Sadly both Bonny and Eldo have discovered its force with mighty yelps and backward glances, wondering what on earth it was.
Let us hope it works like this for the donkeys.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Parisot jam sessions still going strong
Hi Val,
just to let you know that the monthly Parisot Jam Session at La Maison is this Friday 4th from 8pm. Welcome to all who wish to listen or play. It's moved inside the bar for the winter but it's still going strong!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008523451179&fref=ts
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
just to let you know that the monthly Parisot Jam Session at La Maison is this Friday 4th from 8pm. Welcome to all who wish to listen or play. It's moved inside the bar for the winter but it's still going strong!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008523451179&fref=ts
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
TONIGHTS COMMONS VOTE
Dear Val,
It seems clear that whatever the outcome of the debate in the House of Commons tonight, the addition of a British component to the existing air strike capability against DAESH will be marginal. US forces with 70+ aircraft in the region have only been able to make sorties at relatively low rates because of the absence of DAESH targets capable of being destroyed by precision air attack. In the 90’s Balkan war USAF precision strikes against a more conventionally organised enemy brought Serbia in line very quickly.
The claim is made that it may however be that British involvement will strengthen a coalition against DAESH. It is indeed encouraging that the UK government has responded to a French request for support in a show of European solidarity which we are unused to seeing from this administration.
There are two unstable situations on our doorstep where the current UK government has failed to develop sound long term strategies while it has been in office – instability in the Middle East and paranoia in Russia - and unfortunately these are now associated to produce a perfect storm of a foreign affairs challenge. Tornados are not just operating out of Cyprus but also in the Baltic States.
Both these issues are on Europe’s doorstep and require a European foreign policy to reach a satisfactory result for the continent / union. However EU members are still reacting as sovereign states rather than developing a common strategy. This in spite of current UK-French joint enthusiasm for action (remember we had Sykes-Picot in 1918 whose legacy still defines much of the lack of stability in the area).
Cameron says he has classified intelligence (JIC) that there are 70,000 “moderates” who will line up on the ground when something (?) happens. This seems to be the sole basis for claiming that tonight’s vote will give the green light to a well thought out strategic plan. It risks being the equivalent of Tony Blair’s WMD moment.
It is good that Jeremy Corbyn’s instinctive opposition to air strikes has resulted in a lively debate in the country. However we should be aware that tonight’s Common’s vote will be largely irrelevant in determining the outcome of the current two foreign affairs crisis we are facing. Cameron’s government must adopt a longer term view which concentrates on strengthening Europe and together developing strategies so that we can live peacefully and constructively with our neighbours.
huwrop
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
It seems clear that whatever the outcome of the debate in the House of Commons tonight, the addition of a British component to the existing air strike capability against DAESH will be marginal. US forces with 70+ aircraft in the region have only been able to make sorties at relatively low rates because of the absence of DAESH targets capable of being destroyed by precision air attack. In the 90’s Balkan war USAF precision strikes against a more conventionally organised enemy brought Serbia in line very quickly.
The claim is made that it may however be that British involvement will strengthen a coalition against DAESH. It is indeed encouraging that the UK government has responded to a French request for support in a show of European solidarity which we are unused to seeing from this administration.
There are two unstable situations on our doorstep where the current UK government has failed to develop sound long term strategies while it has been in office – instability in the Middle East and paranoia in Russia - and unfortunately these are now associated to produce a perfect storm of a foreign affairs challenge. Tornados are not just operating out of Cyprus but also in the Baltic States.
Both these issues are on Europe’s doorstep and require a European foreign policy to reach a satisfactory result for the continent / union. However EU members are still reacting as sovereign states rather than developing a common strategy. This in spite of current UK-French joint enthusiasm for action (remember we had Sykes-Picot in 1918 whose legacy still defines much of the lack of stability in the area).
Cameron says he has classified intelligence (JIC) that there are 70,000 “moderates” who will line up on the ground when something (?) happens. This seems to be the sole basis for claiming that tonight’s vote will give the green light to a well thought out strategic plan. It risks being the equivalent of Tony Blair’s WMD moment.
It is good that Jeremy Corbyn’s instinctive opposition to air strikes has resulted in a lively debate in the country. However we should be aware that tonight’s Common’s vote will be largely irrelevant in determining the outcome of the current two foreign affairs crisis we are facing. Cameron’s government must adopt a longer term view which concentrates on strengthening Europe and together developing strategies so that we can live peacefully and constructively with our neighbours.
huwrop
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Harry is homeless
Adopted a week ago by Emily but now Emily discovers she is allergic to pet hair and he is making her quite ill.
Emily is devastated as she says he is just an adorable pup, the sweetest thing imaginable.
So now we have a boy and a girl from the same litter still needing homes.
Harry can be yours by contacting Emily conynhame@gmail.com
Emily is devastated as she says he is just an adorable pup, the sweetest thing imaginable.
So now we have a boy and a girl from the same litter still needing homes.
Harry can be yours by contacting Emily conynhame@gmail.com
Morven continues ...
Thank you for reading the report below.
If you would like to help then volunteers or donations are always very welcome and if you want to find out more then have a look at the following Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/882751941799554?ref=bookmarks,.
If you are a doctor, nurse, midwife, dentist, paramedic or other healthcare professional and would like to volunteer then please join the Facebook group: Refugee Support First Aid & Care Team who are the main organisers of volunteer medical aid at the camps.
If you would like to donate or raise money then please see below a list of small volunteer groups and larger charities that are supporting the refugees. The first one in the list is the volunteer medical care group that I was linked with but any money donated to any of them will make a difference.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/refugee-support-first-aid-care-team#/ Donations go towards supporting a voluntary team of UK based doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other health professionals and support staff who provide essential first aid and care to the refugees living both in the 'Jungle' and smaller camps in Calais. Money raised will be used to replenish medical supplies, maintain the medical facilities and cover vital costs to help sustain this service.
www.caravansforcalais.org.uk Caravans for Calais Project has been set up to send over mobile support units including caravans and trailer tents to refugee camps. These can be used for medical centres, treatment points, nurse stations antenatal units, accommodation for refugees and whatever else arises that a need is identified for. Calais medics operate out of three of their caravans in the Jungle.
The Ashram Kitchen - provides a steady supply of hot, nutritious meals to hundreds of people living in the jungle. On average each meal costs just 50p to produce. With 600 meals a day provided by dedicated volunteers the demand for funds, support and materials is constant and they are only able to keep up thanks to donations. If you are able to volunteer or donate please contact clare@care4calais.org
Us humans: http://ushumans.co.uk/ If you are looking for a way to help those caught up in this crisis, you can buy a Christmas gift cards, made by independent designers living in London. Each card will help purchase a high-quality winter essential for a person in need. Your purchased Christmas gift card and envelope will be sent to you to personalise and give to someone you love this Christmas.
http://www.socksforrefugees.com/ All money donated is spent on thick, warm, brand new socks. They have sent almost 6,000 to Calais and about the same amount to Greece. For preventative reasons they are very important at Calais as without clean socks to help keep feet warm and dry the refugees would really struggle.
http://gogetfunding.com/health-point-project-for-refugees-2/ Dedicated doctors from the UK who were working in Calais and Dunkirk and are now set up outside the Moria registration camp in Lesvos, Greece. The go-funding page was set up about recently. This is their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1086720568006408/1092990987379366/?comment_id=1093006954044436¬if_t=like
Larger charities working with refugees include:
Calaid - http://www.calaid.co.uk/
Refugee Action - http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/
Medecins Sans Frontieres - http://www.msf.org.uk/?pgclid=CL_u5ZiksckCFda4Gwod2fcCbw
Doctors of the World - https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/
The Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Europe-Refugee-Crisis-Appeal/Europe-Refugee-Crisis-Appeal-search?gclid=CJSC9srivMkCFcLnGwodYuMHug
And there are many, many more!
A GP’s Journey to the Calais Jungle by Dr Morven Telling
A few weeks ago my cousin - Dr Bryony Corbyn, a psychiatric doctor - visited the refugee camp at Calais and found out that there is not enough medical provision for the refugees there and none at all at the Dunkirk camp. This means that there are over 7000 men, women and children who have little or no access to medical care. Most of them are exhausted, malnourished and many have a wide range of medical problems. Some are severely ill or injured. All are deeply traumatised by the life they have fled from, the horror of their journey and the desperate conditions they now survive in.
Over the next few days I could not stop thinking about these people and their lack of basic medical aid so I decided to join her and her family on their next trip to the Calais camp.
We travelled to Calais on the Eurotunnel and drove past several enormous barbed wire fences to a huge warehouse where many of the donations for the refugees are sorted. There my cousin and I, along with another doctor and four final year medical students assembled a make-shift set of medical kits from shelves filled with a random selection of supplies.
We packed everything into large rucksacks and drove to the camp at Dunkirk. Sleeting rain and driving winds. We put on thermals, waterproofs, wellies, high visibility vests and walked into the camp.
A sea of mud, ankle deep, hundreds of tents being buffeted by the strong winds - many destroyed and lying in the foul smelling mire. Grim faced men, crying toddlers, everything wet and sodden. Tents hunkered down between trees, desperate people seeking shelter from the howling wind and freezing rain.
We looked around - so many tents, where to begin? A volunteer from Lancaster asked us to go to the tents with babies and young children first. So I crawled inside filthy, damp tents to examine a tiny coughing baby, a sobbing 3 year-old little girl who had been crying in pain for 2 days, a 15 month old with profuse diarrhoea, a young mother with severe toothache, a man with abdominal pain lying huddled under grubby blankets. As we went around the camp, sliding in the mud, trying to protect our medical kits from the rain, we were stopped wherever we went by people asking us to examine their throats, teeth, eyes or chests. So we stood there, in the mud and the rain and we did our best to assess and treat. Called out to passers by to help with translating. Handed out paracetamol, ibuprofen, rehydration sachets, strepsils, dressings applied to wounds and whatever else could be done. Smiles and thanks from everyone despite their appalling conditions.
Overnight a devastating fire broke out in the Calais camp – started by a candle. Severe burns, a badly injured man had to be carried by other refugees to an ambulance outside the camp. Many tents destroyed, 250 people including several families with small children and babies rendered completely homeless in the pouring rain.
On Monday we worked in the Calais camp –“ The Jungle.” Tents as far as the eye could see, overflowing portable toilets, burst water pipes creating muddy lakes, cooking smells mixed with the stench of waste and sewage.
We went to the camp medical centre - three small caravans stocked with limited medical supplies. Surrounding these caravans was ankle deep water, mud and waste that the fast-growing queue of refugees had to stand in while they waited to be seen.
Over the next hours our skills and experience were stretched to their limits. Trying to assess and treat so many ill people with such limited facilities. No antibiotics, no effective medication to treat the serious infections and illnesses that we saw, no translator other than fellow refugees who spoke broken English, no access to running water. It was the hardest, most challenging experience of my life. Leaving the camp to catch our train home was almost harder still, we just could not get to the end of the ever growing queue of sick people desperate to see a doctor.
Children's heart surgery pioneers
The CHU (centre hospitalier universitaire) in Toulouse is leading the world in treating infant cardiac malformations without the need for open heart surgery. Using 3D echography and catheterisation surgeons are able view the heart in actual size and introduce the necessary instruments via a vein or artery. Two children treated last month were able to go home after 36 hours as the risk of complications and infection are reduced and anaesthetic for the shorter procedure is also much lighter. The CHU treats about 150-200 children a year and can treat over 40 anomalies in this way.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
 |
| Picture MaxPPP |
Cheesy Charles
Sorry, the headline does a disservice to Prince Charles, who expressed his concerns over the future of many French cheeses. Receiving an award in Paris for his championing of organic agriculture the heir to the throne also voiced his opposition to increasing use of genetically modified products. In a world where all the microbes have been eliminated he said, what will become of brie de Meaux, bleu d'Auvergne or smelly pont l'eveque?
Malc is with Wallace in wishing that the moon would be made of Wensleydale, organic of course, and the Prince and his like minded subjects can have their smelly French cheeses!
Val says do you know that amazes me, in the shopping trolley/ a caddy Malc always puts Rocquefort in!!
I know he prefers English cheeses though. Whereas I love French cheese, brebis( pronounced brubis) yum,yum.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Malc is with Wallace in wishing that the moon would be made of Wensleydale, organic of course, and the Prince and his like minded subjects can have their smelly French cheeses!
Val says do you know that amazes me, in the shopping trolley/ a caddy Malc always puts Rocquefort in!!
I know he prefers English cheeses though. Whereas I love French cheese, brebis( pronounced brubis) yum,yum.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
François Hollande bounces back
Suddenly François Hollande is having a bounce back. The " chef de l'etat" has moved up 22 points to 50% in the opinion polls. Atrocities happening in Paris and his swift reaction, sending planes to bomb in Syria, all seem to have met here with approval. Keeping people safe or showing that he is serious about doing so has touched a popular chord.
Now if there are not readers saying " how does bombing Syria keep us safe" I would be surprised
I am with one of the Archbishops of the C of E who said on the BBC this week that he was against bombing because of civilian casualties but was not against foot soldiers, men on the ground. That is also my stance. I will have a chat now to Malc to seek his opinion.
Malc thinks the National Front are still going to win all the regional elections.
If that is true, I start despairing now.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Charley's at La Seye et Vous
Bonsoir les amis,
Cette fois-ci c'est un concert des voisins que nous vous proposons.
Vendredi 4 décembre à partir de 19h30 les voisins," le Taraf de cowboy " descendent leurs piano et violon chez nous, pour un tour de musique roumaine et un mix de chansons, en première partie.
Ils vous invitent ensuite à une scène ouverte et un boeuf.
Alors prenez vos instruments, voix, chansons,paroles, partitions et accords pour qu'ils puissent vous accompagner.
Et tant qu'on y est... Voisins, voisines, copains, copines, cousins, cousines venez nombreux jouer, chanter et danser !
Au menu : Tajine de canette ou Tajine végétarien et des desserts.
Les 2 prochains concerts : Vendredi 11 décembre avec TSATSALI trio etsamedi 19 décembre juste avant nos vacances...
Renseignement : 05 63 65 22 18.
A trés bientôt.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Cette fois-ci c'est un concert des voisins que nous vous proposons.
Vendredi 4 décembre à partir de 19h30 les voisins," le Taraf de cowboy " descendent leurs piano et violon chez nous, pour un tour de musique roumaine et un mix de chansons, en première partie.
Ils vous invitent ensuite à une scène ouverte et un boeuf.
Alors prenez vos instruments, voix, chansons,paroles, partitions et accords pour qu'ils puissent vous accompagner.
Et tant qu'on y est... Voisins, voisines, copains, copines, cousins, cousines venez nombreux jouer, chanter et danser !
Au menu : Tajine de canette ou Tajine végétarien et des desserts.
Les 2 prochains concerts : Vendredi 11 décembre avec TSATSALI trio etsamedi 19 décembre juste avant nos vacances...
Renseignement : 05 63 65 22 18.
A trés bientôt.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Nous sommes le mercredi deux decembre
What is the matter with Max? He slept with us all night again, so unlike him. When I went to feed the donkeys at 8 am he was sitting just outside the cat flap not moving. He was still in the same position when I got back, so I carried him up for his breakfast. He did not want to eat?
We will watch him for awhile but a trip to the vet might be needed. We have just paid our last vet's bill for a donkey visit and now we start again. A plus is Eldo's paw is much better.
Sorry but that is one of those "not interesting " posts again.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We will watch him for awhile but a trip to the vet might be needed. We have just paid our last vet's bill for a donkey visit and now we start again. A plus is Eldo's paw is much better.
Sorry but that is one of those "not interesting " posts again.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
The ripping off, the shirts incident.
Going to the airport tomorrow, allow extra time.
The " affaire de la chemise" where 5 employers of Air France ripped shirts off the bosses in anger comes up at the courts of justice and there will be supporters blocking in front of the airport
The " affaire de la chemise" where 5 employers of Air France ripped shirts off the bosses in anger comes up at the courts of justice and there will be supporters blocking in front of the airport
Manifestation au rond-point d’entrée de l’aéroport, le 2/12 dès 5h30. Impact possible sur les accès routiers. Anticipez votre venue.
Who said donkeys are cheap to keep?
What a fabulous afternoon and I am relieved to say the donkey fencing is finally in place. It was a lovely afternoon to finish it off, down in the fields surrounded by autumn colours ... and donkeys.
So there we go 1,650 euros later the donkeys should be safe in their fortress like field.
No more searching round the lanes for errant donkeys searching pastures new.
Malc says you know what will happen tomorrow morning now you have written that!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
So there we go 1,650 euros later the donkeys should be safe in their fortress like field.
No more searching round the lanes for errant donkeys searching pastures new.
Malc says you know what will happen tomorrow morning now you have written that!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We love it, when you like it.
Hi Val
Kate and I enjoy reading TAG on Line, you must be congratulated on what is an excellent site. We have worked in IT for many years and I have been involved in virtual communities for almost as long. What you have achieved is only possible through hard work, great enthusiasm and an excellent understanding of the needs of your community.
Regards
Gary
Val says go on you know you enjoy it, tick enjoyed. It is nearly Christmas and you can make an elderly couple even happier.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
The Telethon gives to medical research
Dear Val and Malc,
Hope you are fine. Here in St Nazaire everything ok, as you saw on FB Laurent is very happy (and also his parents). Finally found a school where the children and there well being are the most important. A mix of Waldorf, Montessori and Freinet (I always say Freixenet, the champagne).Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Please you have a chance to save the planet
The world awaits the answer: will there be a sustainable agreement on climate change.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Dogs on sofas again
Dear Val,
Hmm, well, each to his own and of course I respect differing opinions. Jan Fennel’s books on dog training are my bibles –and she does indeed go by wolf pack ‘system’. I suppose it is a case of whatever works for you.
Must dash, now where is my credit card ? Bet the bxxxdy dogs have nicked it again !!
Sue xx Poorpaws
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Paws up for sofas
Hi Val,
I have to agree with Gary on the sofa debate. Most well trained dogs
will have absolutely no problem identifying what the house rules are.
Barty our elderly lurcher with physical problems has his own sofa, but
he knows that is the only one he is allowed on. Young Jet has a comfy
memory foam dog bed and isn't allowed on the furniture (although I have
a sneaking suspicion that he is taking advantage at night.
We have no problems with aggression or any other bad behaviour because
both dogs know their place in our household and what they can and can't
do. I believe most problems occur when people treat dogs like human
beings and they are allowed to do whatever they like. Dogs, like
children, if they are allowed to behave as they wish with no regard to
the other beings in the world will turn into hooligans and develop
bullying and selfish tendencies. We all need to obey the rules of
society - dogs and human beings.
Anne in Castanet
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Bird flu / grippe aviaire at Christmas
Grippe aviaire, two new cases have been detected in the Dordogne. A friend who is near a duck farm says she feels really sorry for her neighbours who were coming up to their most profitable time of the year and then it was discovered some of the birds had flu. All have now to be killed and burnt, strict regulations in the village no visitors, shoes and boots washed on leaving. This particular friend is very near the farm and has cats. She has decided to keep the cats in as it is now known that cats can pick up the flu.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Nous sommes le mardi premier decembre
No saying "white rabbits "this morning, more "that bl***dy cat." Max has pestered me all night,when I would not stroke him he came and snuggled in to my neck purring loudly. Every time I moved he came back, till I finally fell asleep drowning in cat.
We struggle accommodating two cats who visit the bed, how people manage with dogs on beds as well is beyond me, regardless of rights and wrongs.
Even difficult sleeping with Malc, he only has one leg but it is always in my half of the bed!!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We struggle accommodating two cats who visit the bed, how people manage with dogs on beds as well is beyond me, regardless of rights and wrongs.
Even difficult sleeping with Malc, he only has one leg but it is always in my half of the bed!!
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
The last pup who loves cats
It is a bit sad losing all my brothers and sisters, all going off to good homes, nobody has chosen me.
I am now 12 weeks old and in need of finding a new home.
I am very sweet, love everybody and am told I am as good as gold.
I love cats.
I am a little girl, doggy people tell me I am a female.
I live near Cordes sur Ciel at the moment
Contact my present mum at webb.davina@gmail.com
I am now 12 weeks old and in need of finding a new home.
I am very sweet, love everybody and am told I am as good as gold.
I love cats.
I am a little girl, doggy people tell me I am a female.
I live near Cordes sur Ciel at the moment
Contact my present mum at webb.davina@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)