Question-answer time.

In answer to the many questions left on my post about the Permis.....

Friko, no they dont let you keep the English licence, but I took a copy of it in case I need it in the future.

Pondside, it doesnt cost anything to change the licence.

Country wings, I think I shall try to get it laminated as soon as possible.

QMM, we do have to carry it with us at all times when driving, and can be stopped by the Gendarmes and asked to produce it at any moment .

Karen, I can imagine their faces if I produced a sweet little Kath kidston covered licence!!

Angela, can't wait!!

At last!

At last it has arrived!

It isnt obligatory to change from an English to a French Driving licence, but for various reasons I decided to do so.

Way back in June I took my licence and a million other bits of paper (birth certificate, photos, old licence, marriage certificate.....)in to the Sous Prefecture, who deal with licences.

I waited.

And waited.

And after four months went back and asked where it was. I got the typical French shrug, the raised eyebrows, and the....well there are only three of us in the office, and quite frankly changing foreigners' licences isnt a priority.......

In other words, Tough.

I gritted my teeth, had a few polite and smiley well chosen words, and today, almost at five months, the permit has arrived. It does seem that I am allowed to drive everything including a bus, which will be interesting.

But no motor bikes.

...and a win!

A win as well! I'm so fortunate to be one of the winners of Heidi's giveaway.

Heidi is one of my favourite stitchers. She lives in Holland, and always has something interesting or beautiful to show us.

At the moment she is having a fabric clear out, and is making these delightful coasters. I never expect to win things, so am thrilled to receive these.

A swap parcel!

On the right of my post you will see a 'Join in the Swap' button. This was organised by 'Heart in the Country', and we were asked to send a handmade card, gift and decoration to our partners.

My parcel arrived today from Karen, my partner. She has a lovely blog called Karen's playtime.

what a delightful parcel it was. Sadly I completely forgot to get the camera until after I had opened the beautifully wrapped packages, but did remember to photograph the contents.

A pretty handmade card is there, and a delightful little hanging bird for the tree. The stocking is so attractive, and a sweet little notebook came too....as well as some fabric for my patchwork.

Thank you Karen!

Fete Day

Today is my Fete Day!
In France every day is named after a Saint, and if one bears that name one is treated almost as if it is a birthday.
It's the day for St Elisabeth to be feted!
The Catholic calendar of Saints gives every day a Saint's name, and it has been a longheld tradition in Catholic countries that the particular Saint is celebrated on their day. The name days commemorate Saints and martyrs of the Catholic Church, and this was thought to be less of a pagan tradition than celebrating a birthday.
I suppose that in England St George's Day , the patron saint , would be remembered in April, but it is not as common to celebrate a Saint in UK.
There are other countries such a Sweden,Germany, Greece, which fete a St's day. In France, it is normal now just to say 'Happy Fete day', rather thn giving a gift.

The English shop.

The English shops in France are up and running with a vengeance. Not that I'm not grateful, as unlike some English who decry all things British, I'm quite glad to be able to get the odd tin of Custard powder.

Doesn't it seem strange that certain foods that we rely on are virtually unknown here? France and Britain are not that far apart in distance, but quite a long way as far as food is concerned. I think 90% of my shopping is French, but if there is a chance to have a special tea brought back from UK, or maybe some Cheddar cheese, then I'm very happy.

When we first lived here there were no such things as English shops (or builders, tradesmen, accountants, beauticians.....) Now they are all here. The English shops stock all the foods that one might not find here, though in fact many of the Supermarkets do have a small shelf area for 'foreign foods'. Their idea of what we might like tends to be different to ours.

Yesterday I popped in to an English shop about 30 mins away, and treated us to Oatmeal biscuits and , for my husband, Liquorice allsorts. I could have bought Christmas puddings, mince pies, Christmas crackers, and any number of things ....but at a price of course, as the cost of import is factored in.

I think I feel a litle sad that we British seem to be imposing our tastes in France.......but I suppose that French people living in London will try to find an elegant little delicatessen that stock all their favourites?

Handmade gifts

Kathys Cottage is today hosting a showcase of Homemade gift ideas. Quick and easy, not expensive, and interesting to see what others have produced.

I'm using my huge store of lavender from my garden here in France, to make pretty lavender bags. Each one is made from natural linen, pale cream and taupe stripes. Each one has a different motif, some cross stitched, some decorated with fabric hearts. these are just a few.

Some of these will be Christmas presents, some will be for sale to friends or at a 'Marche de Noel' that our church is holding. (click for a bigger picture)

The scent of lavender is overpowering!