Cinnamon Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 Bonjour! It has been VERY hot here - I know you are having some warm weather in the UK too, but it is 36 today here, with a forecast of 38 and no wind for tomorrow. Try living in a caravan in that Actually the sleeping isn't too bad as the windows are the same height as the bed, but cooking in here has been horrible, so The Huz has rigged me up a little portable gas ring outside, under the shade of the trees. We also now have a large above ground pool, which has been a Godsend. Yes, we are still in the caravan, but the under floor heating is down, & the levelling screed has been poured. Tiles are on their way for the floor, then we can go to Ikea (the only option unless you want to pay a LOT) for the kitchen. As soon as that is in & we have a shower, we can move in, albeit downstairs for the moment. Planning permission for the upstairs windows is in, so fingers crossed! STILL not on the French healthcare system! It now seems that they have 'lost' my file. The files for both of us in fact, each with years worths of bank statements, P60's & Tax returns in, in triplicate, duplicated for each of us (so I have to submit his Bank statements too & vise versa) It is enough to drive you mad. I will have to spend an entire day photocopying again, which isn't easy in such a small living space. I feel rather suspicious that both of our files have been lost....there are tales of Brits being 'held back' from joining the French heath system by bureaucratic staff taking things into their own hands. The wildflife here is absolutely fantastic. We have large red Deer in our Orchard on a daily basis, who are really not bothered by our presence at all. A few weeks ago we were woken by the most almighty honking & crashing noises at 2.30am. It was a pair of Stags fighting right outside the Caravan , so close that one backed into it at one point - both amazing to see, & a little bit scary too! I have never seen so many beautiful huge butterflies as here. No snakes yet, but plenty of lizards. Yesterday we woke to a pair of beautiful horses just outside the window, who had escaped from down the road. They were friendly, large & tame....never a dull moment, I can tell you. We were back in the UK a month ago, & it was strange. The traffic was horrible, but seeing our girls was great. We returned with a van full of groceries, window glass & machinery that The Huz picked up. I felt very odd shopping in Waitrose, as it was a kind of sensory overload with all the stuff I loved & wanted to try (I got away with spending just £200, which is nothing short of a miracle) I miss the chickens. We have just sectioned off the Potager (Veggie plot) & I have a nice spot earmarked for them under an old apple tree, for the future. Growing veg is going to be a must, as Veg is SO expensive here, & really not very good quality at all. Bendy carrots, slimy lettuce, yet the French just accept it. Market veg is better, but pricier. Lidl is the best for veg, but it is pot luck even there. C'est la vie, mes amies. xxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 Merci beaucoup pour votre carte! Sorry, that's as far as I can get, ungramatical tho it is! Seriously Cinnamon, really great to hear from you albeit with something of a mixed update. I wonder if your 'lost' files maybe at the bottom of a large pile somewhere As you say, the fact that BOTH have been lost does make you wonder - good luck with all the copying and hope you get results soon. As a matter of interest, what happens in the interim if you are ill/need to see a GP etc? The wildlife sounds fantastic esp the fighting stags. What an experience! The whole fresh veg thing amazes me; we are 'fed' (sorry!) all these images and impressions of fab French food and wonderful markets so must be a bit of a let down. Never mind, that pottager will be amazing! Hopefully you will soon be inhabiting your ground floor and welcoming chickens....keep us updated and Bon Chance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 Ooh, thanks for the update, I was wondering how you were getting on. Good to know you will soon be able to move into your home, bet you can't wait! Annoying about the bureaucracy, so I hope that is sorted soon for you. I'm surprised to hear about the veggies in France, but as you have the land to become almost self sufficient maybe you could sell some of your own produce at the gate? Hope the French lessons are going well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 Great news Sarah, and glad that you are still enjoying yourselves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 13, 2017 Author Share Posted July 13, 2017 Just to say that I have started a little Facebook Bloglet thing, if anyone is interested. Just search for La Ferme Sauvage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted July 13, 2017 Share Posted July 13, 2017 What a beautiful house you have and will have even more when its finished - lovely to see it bet you will be glad to move in as it will be cooler inside that the caravan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 It all sounds good fun despite the complications of bureaucracy. I think I found your blog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 We are heading to France on Tues for 7 weeks in a touring caravan. We do have an air conditioner unit though it's a bit noisy. I hope the temperatures cooled down. I am looking forward to a diet of French bread,cheese,cherry jam and red wine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Cinnamon.....I don't do Facebook so please don't stop posting here! Hoping that it's cooling down for you. Hopefully you'll be out of the caravan and into the main house soon!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted July 15, 2017 Share Posted July 15, 2017 After a mis type femme instead of ferme I think I found it. ( Got lots on wild women) it looks lovely. I love the ginger kitty looking out of window. Is he yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 15, 2017 Author Share Posted July 15, 2017 (edited) Yes Alis, that is Nemo, my ginger half Maine Coone puss cat. He is VERY much a French cat now, & enjoys the huge area he has to safely roam in. He also enjoys chasing the lizards! Here he is, playing peek a boo in his favourite nook. As an aside, I have just used Photobucket to upload this photo, & it has become an Ad filled nightmare to use! Edited July 15, 2017 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted July 15, 2017 Share Posted July 15, 2017 Sadly I only see a notice of Photobucket: update your account to enable third party hosting. Nemo is gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 15, 2017 Author Share Posted July 15, 2017 Well! It now seems that Photobucket will not let me share any photos without upgrading......and that costs $399! How very peculiar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted July 16, 2017 Share Posted July 16, 2017 Have found your facebook bloglet and am following Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
