December 2022
2 Impasse de la Poterie
86600
Saint-Sauvant
France
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bonjour a tous!
I hope this finds you well. I was reminded the other day that we have been resident in France for over two years. It seems like only yesterday that Ian and I made the decision to try this experiment. It has been good, great and not so good but on balance it’s going well.
The house in Hemel is now empty. Ian drove another van over just a week before Christmas to pick up the rest of our stuff. It will then be prepared for renting out. The end is in sight! However, although we have much more living space, we don’t have much storage space here so I can’t hide the stuff in a loft or a garage, so fingers crossed next year; let the decluttering continue!
We were delighted to be able to welcome quite a few friends over from UK during the year. We had people driving, arriving by car, plane, and train. Some journeys were better than others but it was lovely to see everyone. Thank you all for making the journey. There are local markets, restaurants etc. to visit, or we sat in the garden enjoying the weather. The highlight, it has to be said, was a trip to a three Michelin star restaurant in La Rochelle. It was an amazing experience, a big thank you again to our hosts.
Work-wise, Ian continues to develop and manage his websites. There are some beautiful photos on one of the forums and active discussion groups on all topics digital photography. He even managed a couple of social events with site members in Warwick and Wakefield during return visits to the UK. He is also experimenting in the garden, expanding the vegetable patch, and it is growing well. We have enjoyed tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins and peppers so far. Nothing like the taste of home-grown.
I continue to tutor Maths online with English students and one French student. I also work at a couple of local primary schools as an English/Maths teaching assistant. It’s a seven-month contract, from October to April. As this is my second year, I have more of an idea what I am doing and it’s going well.
Seven months ago we added to our family here with the arrival of Rhubarbe (Ruby). She is a young, medium-sized, spaniel-like dog from a rescue centre. She had a pretty rubbish puppyhood with a badly broken back leg so her socialisation and training need a bit of work. However, she loves to run and has a lovely boisterous, but gentle, personality.
In the summer, we brought Lara over to France, along with our two cats she had been looking after for us. At the moment, the cats are living upstairs and the dog downstairs with a stairgate separating them. We are slowly working on introducing them. A lot of patience, praise and dog treats. Progress is being made – slowly.
We have continued to enjoy life with our new French and English friends, especially those in our hamlet. Our fête des voisins (party for the neighbours) was typical of this, with everyone from the owner of our local chateau to a dental assistant enjoying wine and food and merriment on a lovely summer’s evening. And wow, was it hot – too hot, with 40C+ temperatures for day after day. Fortunately, the two-foot-thick stone walls of the house provided a cool respite from the heat.
In September, Lara started a master’s degree. She is studying Global Sustainability Solutions over two years at Exeter University. Ian and Elizabeth (Lizzie) helped her move in September and she is getting to know the town and making new friends, as well as enjoying the course.
Lizzie is now in her fifth year reading medicine at King’s College, London. At Easter Josh walked out of their seven-year relationship so she has had to move house and revaluate her future. It has been a difficult time for her, but she is coping brilliantly. She and her two cats are making a home for themselves in South London.
She has her final exam next January then a few more placements, and she gets ready for her foundation years as a junior doctor. She is hoping to specialise in A&E. At the end of her course she gets to do an elective. She has chosen to go to The Philippines and is in the middle of making the arrangements as I type.
Unfortunately, my health hasn’t been brilliant over the last few months. It seems like my lupus has reactivated itself, attacking my red blood cells causing anaemia. Taking the dog for a walk has helped, but only on the flat (no hills). Also, something not quite right in the lower stomach area. Nobody is sure what’s wrong, so lots of tests but no diagnosis yet. Fingers crossed we will get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later.
We would love to hear your news and we look forward to welcoming more friends to France.
Very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love from
Julia, Ian, Ruby, Cindy and Bella
