MY oh MY

My, oh MY, it is about a year ago that I tried to reinstate myself as a blogger.  I became too overwhelmed with ongoing challenges to return my thoughts to regular presentation of life in word and image.

I have had another super wonderful day, since I stayed in UK for all of January and February 2019 doing a variety of things successfully and not successfully.  Loads I intended to do but DID NOT as I was trying to help someone else.  Today was Productive, finding more information to those problems which are beyond my reach to solve.  

I made a little more progress in my garden and courtyard. Hanging baskets and toughs were prepped for front of road.  No geraniums wintered over.   I love feeling the soft warm earth and getting dirt under the fingernails, then having a hot bath to soak away the evidence!

Photos coming later...


Hey... I heard the cuckoo today ....oh ecstasy... I am overjoyed.... I wish to tell the world from the beautiful space one the planet where I live.   Cuckoo it called unmistakably several times whilst I pottered in my courtyard ...  there it 'twas ... sounding across to the north west as clear as a bell ... woops...as clear as a cuckoo... early afternoon not later!  Oh happy me!

Here is one of the four songs we are learning for the BRIGADE... 
It is the oldest canon known.

Sumer is icumen in, lhude sing cuccu

Groweth sed and bloweth med and spring the wude nu. Sing cuccu.

Ahway  bleteth after lomme lhouth after calvé cu

Bulluck sterteth, bucker verteth, murie sing cuccu

Cuccu, cuccu, wel singethu cuccu, ne swik thu navé nu.

Three others are from the TSIGANES of Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia:   for example Jag Bari

In between excursions to the sunshine in the outside world I stay indoors to write up final cope of the Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian languages into my own phonetic language, so that I can pronounce and learn speedily,  as I missed two months of practice in the group! I have been in ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!! and did those feet ..... 
 I digress in song....
Absolutely sure now of the melody after three weeks and can mostly sing without hiccup reading the words but In wish to go the extra mile when I have never ever been able to learn by rote!

Will try to update as my life feels so full all of a sudden .... but maybe i need to write.....
bises xxxx

A month later

than my last posting, I write today about a phrase that is 'bugging me', as in, 'irritating me'.
On the return ferry of DFDS, Newhaven to Dieppe, I ate fish and chips.  The chips were dry but the fish and batter were excellent. I rarely eat fish and chips.  BUT, I had to eat something 'to get me through', as in, 'to help me fall asleep as soon as I had finished my meal yet keep me awake to drive after 23h that night'.   I'd eaten a delicious M&S chicken sandwich for a late lunch on the three hour route to the ferry port. Breakfast had been late with freshly squeezed orange juice, a fried egg on toast and mushrooms (cooked breakfast for me is unusual ), tea, coffee, toast and marmalade.

After my meal washed down with ONE glass of red, the cork going back into the bottle and driven home in both senses of the phrase, the naval waitress came to collect my tray.
She said, "Are you done?"

I am not at all ever perfect with my own spoken or written English and certainly am not strong on knowledge of grammar but I found this colloquialism difficult to accept!  I understand that English people, British people and other nationalities use this expression, but in this context I had to say something!

I explained that in my opinion it was better to say "Have you finished?"  or  "Have you finished your meal?"  She was very good to not take offense.

I also explained that there is a phrase used in UK that I cannot abide. When one is in a shop or elsewhere, the server/shop assistant, etc, says "Are you OK?" or something similar,  and I stand and say, "Yes I am fine thankyou", whereupon they look a bit surprised. If they don't lead on to ask how they may help me, then I continue to say, '...but if you are asking how may you help me then...'dah de dah de dah...', explaining my needs!

There's also another annoyingly weird East Anglian or English expression which for the moment escapes me!

However, I love linguistics and the use of vocabulary.  I realise that the usage of words and phrases has developed over time.  English is very much a living language and I like that.  French is becoming progressive too.  There are borrowings and conversions of spellings, grammar, definitions and the rest every day from international countries and cultures and this is what makes Language so very fascinating and 'the devil of a job' to learn and master!

Now... "I'm done!!!"  ... as in, "Now I have ended my posting of rambling thoughts, as well as ended my one month sabbatical from such efforts!" 

N.B. Maybe the word DONE, also being used by GOOGLE BLOGGER on a button to click to say, 
'post is ready to publish'  is another area from which words and their meanings are evolving!

P.S. Words and communications are often inadequate, fraught with misinterpretations!

Deadbeat bore!

Whilst listening to the radio I discovered that I am a 'deadbeat' because I rarely incur interest charges on my credit card thus don't provide revenue for banks and the levels of National Debt.
That same day I read that I am a 'bore'.

Jessica Reed in the Guardian was writing about linguistic changes. 

"Pellerin’s supporters ... quick to remind us that languages are not monuments – they’re living, breathing systems and, above all, they’re tools for communication. As a result, they constantly evolve – and all those bores whining about the good olde days sound like retirees who still insist on paying their bills by snail mail, with a handwritten cheque."

That same day I was not permitted to write a cheque for the car service and repair. Card only or Cash!  At one time I used to pay cash rather than making out a French cheque.  Now having progressed a further stage I have to ditch the cheque book.  BORING!!

I also prefer to have a hard copy facture rather than an efacture (invoice).
I don't wish to sign up to apps where I don't have the music in my hands.
I would like to lean more towards handwritten letters to avoid this world of instant email gratification (which I also have become used to) ... but postal charges are high and sometimes if one includes a gift the packet may not be of the correct dimensions!
On another radio programme I heard about the average house has 70 items linked to the WWW!!! Oh, I am well below the average! 
What happens when the computer systems crash? What happens when society crashes? CHAOS! What happens to those people who do not own computerised equipment.
Maybe I am akin to a 'Luddite'!

Words are what we are

This is tongue-in-cheek. 
A verbal selfie! 
The modern equivalent is probably "LOL"... does that mean Lots of Love or Lots of Laughter? 
It doesn't really matter! Here we are ust trying to lift spirits and laugh at preposterousness!

A dear good friend described me as formidable... But in which sense or all?

1. Arousing fear, dread, or alarm.
2. Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder.
3. Difficult to undertake, surmount, or defeat.
-  from Middle English, Old French, Latin formīdābilis, from formīdāre, from formīdō, fear.

Several weeks ago, the same friend described me as enigmatic which I've heard on many an occasion from a number of people, usually of the opposite gender, and have always considered it a compliment and laughed.  I don't understand who I am so how do other people have such an insight?
And so...

ɛnɪɡˈmatɪk/enigmatic: an adjective meaning difficult to interpret or understand!
A Greek and Latin form of being non-conformist.

Synonyms would be: mysterious, puzzling, hard to understand, mystifying, inexplicable, baffling, perplexing, bewildering, confusing, impenetrable, inscrutable, incomprehensible, unexplainable, unfathomable, indecipherable, Delphic, oracular.

Am I all of those?  Oh dear!  I have often wished I could be more straightforward as the recommended antonym suggests!!!  Whoever I am, it seems, has created difficulties in my ability to form and maintain friendships. But I gather I am certainly not alone in that respect!  I am not a social outcast. I enjoy the company of people.  However, it is true I don't suffer fools gladly!  It was a reason given to me during an interview de-briefing, why I wasn't successful! Hm!! I think it was a polite way of telling me not to bother attempting to climb above my station!  

Eccelentissimo

My Italian friends finished widening the rose and lavender border by digging and removing turf which find a new home in my garden.  I had got about half way but then weather, laziness and other jobs made it a slow process. In addition I measured and marked with string the four parts of the potager.  I shall have doubled in size what i started three years ago! It shall not become any larger! It does mean that I shall have four rotational areas. Their next task is to fork over three quarters and to dig the last quarter. However, there is an acacia trunk root and I may have to pour bleach or some other concoction over it if I or they can't grub it out! Once they have finished i shall cover all four areas with plastic before I plant in Springtime!

Sea changes

Full fathom five, thy father lies, Of his bones are coral made,
Those are pearls that were his eyes, Nothing of him that doth fade,
But doth suffer a sea-change, into something rich and strange,
Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell, Ding-dong.
Hark! now I hear them, ding-dong, bell.
William Shakespeare: The Tempest

I hadn't heard this expression for many a year. Then three times within the last week it occurred.
Odd, because I have recently started a E. J. Howard novel "The Sea Change".

Villandry restaurant - Le gosier sec

Avoir le gosier sec means to have a dry throat and hence to be thirsty and need to have a drink because it is hot.  In the nineteenth century it seems it was possibly used to describe someone whose stomach changed shape and who became bloated! I suppose it would describe the actions of someone who creates a beer gut... or the person who props up the bar! A drinker! An alcoholic!

Hence that mural at the back of the cave of the restaurant! Maybe? 

As I haven't eaten other than a salad which was basically "construction on a plate" I cannot comment about the food or cooking. The proprietress was very welcoming and the tablecloths were colourful and clean.  I was quickly served. But twenty minutes after I arrived ( it was 3pm) two people were turned away.  I thought the toilet walls needed repainting or rendering... and I really don't like to use fabric towels  that others have used! I would need to wash my hands again!

The restaurant is under new management but even so...I think something could be done with the walls inside the cave!  It seemed that the menu was a very reasonable price with choice of small or large which suited me extremely well. I wish them luck with changing what have been poor reviews in the past.

 

dans la foulée

is an adverbial clause which means immédiatement après, sur la même lancée.    
I had never heard this phrase before yesterday! 
When I have discovered my former partner's iMei 15 digit code which is a desimlockage code for his mobile, I will be able to ask the lovely Orange.fr  to unblock his phone, now that I have his phone number so that he can use his phone in Asia! The lovely Sebastien will change it  "dans la foulée", that is, immediately after I have told him.  
When the Samsung Galaxy S4 was bought at Auchan we asked for it to be unblocked. Today the same man told me that my friend had to do it himself. However, only the telephone company can do this!!! This salesperson has told me the opposite of what he told us when we bought the mobile, and also today he told me a lie saying that the 13 digit number on the facture for the sim card was the iMei code required!  I was going to go back and tell him but couldn't be bothered as perhaps he didn't need to be shamed some more!
On Monday I made one phone-call to orange.fr, (English speaking line) who gave me the technical support number (French 4 digits) who told me to go to the orange.fr boutique in my local town, who told me to go to Auchan.  The very nice receptionist at the acceuil, Auchan,  took me to 'le portable' section (French people now use the universal word 'mobile'). They told me to go to the orange.fr shop opposite in the mall complex. The receptionist explained to the lady from orange.fr what I need to do. This lady was also superb. She took me back to Auchan and  left me waiting as there was a long queue. I spoke to the man who had sold my friend the phone!  After that, back to Sebastien, as above! 
Technological communication in France!aaaaarrrggghhh! 
Know one's rights. Know about guarantees and if you want to take a mobile out of France get it unblocked and get them to prove it!  Don't rely on them to do as one asks! Keep the box. Keep all paperwork they give! Keep the receipt! Keep your head! Keep one's patience! Be  determined, calm, tell them how kind they are and smile!  The picture isn't yet finished so there will be an update to this small story!
P.S. I have a cheap UK mobile 'pay as you go' which is in hiding somewhere... and so I know nothing about smartphones.. and after this little experience I do not wish to have one!

UPDATE WEDNESDAY:
My friend in Asia has followed the procedure and after a short hiccough when part of the instruction had been ignored by orange.fr like press the green phone icon!!!!.....I am now in possession of the imei number. When I have the time and energy I must proceed to the orange.fr company.  I would prefer to go into the shop so that I can see the screen!!!!!!! Then I will feel more confident.
I have a friend who is half French and he maintains that the French tell lies all the time! Now, I haven't really come up against this before, except when we were trying to cancel a complicated issue for my friend who wanted to cease being an auto-entrepeneur when unknowingly he had been registered as micro-entreprise.  We were sent in circles!  That took a year and a half to resolve!
Or, is it that the French people really don't know the answer, so tell you something 'helpful' to make you go away!  In this current case, I couldn't see why orange.fr would not do the procedure over the phone, but now I think I can see that anyone with any nous (pronounced nouse as in common knowledge) could make changes! HELP, this techno world means there is no protection from privacy yet every protection against fraud so maybe we should be grateful! 

Flying colours

I was very happy to host accommodation for guests, one of whom I only met for about 10 minutes or so in September 2013.  They were extremely, embarrassingly generous with gifts of wine, coffee, nibbles and hand-made biscuits exquisitely presented all from Italy.  I celebrate and share the very warm glow of their comment:
"Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality, generosity and lovely company." 
They are lovely people and are coming to live in my village.  It was my pleasure to meet them. And I am invited there!
 
My Italian vocabulary is veritably non-existent. I learned a little in music college for singing but now I need to have a crash course of study!  Fortunately, J is a linguist and could translate English into Italian for A who understands French. Another incentive to improve my French speaking, to learn French phrases, to think in French, to improve conjugaison and word order!!!!  Oh, workload and study must increase!

Evidently, the potential chambre d'hôte,  has passed the inspection test with flying colours.  Wow!!!!!
I need to get other domestic issues in place before I can achieve this ideal!

I have so much to thank my former partner for.  I could never have achieved the transformation of this house and garden alone or without him.  We have worked together as a team.  I know it has been hard for me (and probably him) and we have been through the most terrible of storms once the sea started to get choppy, when enmity replaced love, but I wish to celebrate HIM and HIS ACHIEVEMENTS, HIS attempt to make his workmanship impeccable.  Nothing is perfect in old houses and some stuff one lives with and after a while one does not see the imperfections!!!!   As he says "Who would have thought that someone who lived in an ultra modern home would ever live here in this French house by herself?"
 It is true that he had to lever me out of one house to another and from one country to another and face the fears that emotionally and physically paralysed me.  A friend indeed.

I thank him publicly for all the difficult times and fun times we had together.  He helped me be who I am, what I am and where I am. I changed and yet have not changed. I have grown up! And perhaps he has too!  I did my best to help him and support him but along the way we grew apart.  It is true that trauma is necessary as a learning tool but I wish it upon no one as I have had more than enough of trauma in my life time and now I feel as if I am beginning to live! I am afraid of the future but ready for the challenge. I hope he is too!

When I was in the classroom I learned not very much about my inner self ... and who I am... but since early retirement and that major op,  I have kept learning,  even though I did get stuck in a rut along the way!

Entymology

After the renewal of the mansard roof I've had to find out the names of carpentry joists in order to describe a problem with water when there shouldn't be any on the inside.   There are legs (jambes de force ou chevrons) which support 'la panne sablière', junction of 'le brisi' and 'la terrasson'.  In English they are called 'ashlaring'.  What a wonderful sound!

Ashlaring is a collective noun given to ashlars, which are short upright timbers that are fixed from the joists to the rafters to form the walls of a garret/attic/grenier. They cut off the acute angle between the roof and the floor.
Ashlaring is also a term in masonry when squared stone, cut roughly true on all faces is positioned next to others so as to provide very thin mortar joints.  It is also a collection of such stones.

It can also be used as a verb to ashler / to ashlar meaning to face with ashlars!

The word originated in the early 18th century from 14th century Middle English ascheler and  Middle French aisselier  and Latin axilläris,  the latter creating the word axis.  

French Pronunciation

It's fun learning a language when receiving medical treatment! In the last year I've had practice!
Last week at the kinaestherapist I attempted to explain what I had learned from the internet about my arm injury / problem.  When she said that a lot of people have the same problem it seemed she wanted me to accept it as part of my age! 
Non, no, non!   I need my arm to carry logs...and here begins the lesson because she didn't understand my pronunciation of two homophones which are not pronounced exactly the same:
There is une bûche and une bouche!  The first is a log and the second a mouth!
When she realised what I was trying to say she was in hoots of laughter!
(In English I thought "Well, the French can't pronounce some of our sounds!")
She had me practising the oh as if to end with a wer sound then think of making an ee sound whilst pushing the lips forward and making the oo sound like at the bottom of the front teeth!
I had to do that whilst little electrodes created wonderful tinglles acros my shoulder blades!
Then there are other words that sound similar:
bu - pp boire (to drink)  
le but - goal
la boue  - mud
le bout - tip

Debrouiller

Je me débrouille assez bien en français - Modestly, I think I get by fairly well in French, although I MUST learn more.
A few days ago the bank manager referred to my good command of French and that house renovation which I referred to, was,  debrouiller.  I can't remember exactly what he said for I was intent on noting a new word! I could spell this new word and he affirmed it was something like ameliorer ... which it is not, not really!  But what I see he meant, was that I was coping and managing to sort out the challenges!!!   Yes, that is true, despite gloom and doom, there is celebration, as I really am coping with many layers, surviving to be a much stronger person than what I was three to seven years ago and more! Regaining my independence and attempting to banish the bad habits that I have developed over the last 8 years!
Débrouiller is such a lovely sounding word meaning to untangle and sort out! ... and if reflexive as in
Se débrouiller  it means to have a working knowledge of something, as well as to cope.
Je me débrouille. Rsearch says it could mean "smart", as in resourceful e.g. (un débrouillard).
I love words. 

Un petit circulation

It's a new expression that was said by a French neighbour yesterday as we met whilst they were a walking in the town. A very contented, calm, polite, elderly couple who have probably lived in this village all their lives.
Today I made a 19km cycle ride, just a small circulation! It was my first ride of the year as now one bicycle has been attended. I am sure though that despite correcting the derailleur gears they won't long and a new set will be required. However I now have strong tyres so perhaps they won't keep requiring a pump up!  I was out for nearly 3 hours but I did stop to have an ice cream and drink as well as consult the map at almost every junction of the chemins on my return journey.
I had a hard day. trying to keep on task with domestic duties... needing to protect my head from too much thinking again, I just had to sleep for 4 hours in the afternoon. I suspect the wonderful UK expedition is still catching up with me and I need to rest!  Late nights don't help!
Now I'm cooking okra which I found in UK but know that the larger French supermarkets have it.

Verbosity

This word, I am avoiding repetition, is evidently supposed to be a no-no for writing, and for some, for speaking.
Do I talk too much?
Evidently, yes, when too much alcohol has been consumed. I accept that and try to curb my intake for my age!
Sometimes when I have had coffee, I know I become eloquent / verbose!
Sometimes when nothing has been imbibed, I get over-enthusiastic.
I try to listen with attention.  I thought I was a good listener.
I try hard to let the other person speak because I learn so much.
Once a friend used to let me talk, then after many months, nay years, complained that I talk too much.
I can see that the ploy of some when asking others to speak about themselves can indicate a lack of self-confidence putting them into a position of power to wrong foot the person ... Cynic that I am!
Do I write too much?  Maybe!!!!!! Sometimes!!!  Yes I do!!! And sometimes I, me, moi, just love it!
That last line is deliberately verbose!!!
The cure for verbosity is: 

•  to rephrase each sentence deleting as many words as possible
•  to use one word instead of several
•  to use bullet point
• to engage the listener or reader, so as to avoid their boredom from the use of flowery language and excessive use of words!!!!

Definition of verbose adjective long-winded, wordy, garrulous, windy, diffuse, prolix, tautological, circumlocutory, periphrastic, pleonastic

When drunk, he becomes pompous and verbose.

BUT I like writing and attempt creativity with words, trying to avoid the use of AY, AYE, EYE and I.
I certainly would not wish anyone to consider my writing to be TEDIOUS so perhaps it is time for re-assessment, acknowledgement and change.   What do you, the reader, think?

To gauge the rain fall

Between the downpours of the weekend I managed some walks to re-familiarise myself with village views, as since the cold spell I have become unfit!  Today, the sun shone, but still the rain gauge collected 30mm of rain in less than 5 hours and that was after I tipped out 8mm at lunchtime. To be fair there wasn't a lot of rain at the weekend though it felt like it!  Thunderstorms too.  However,  at 7h30 with clear blue skies I heard the sound that I had heard before, thought hot air balloon, but I never see it. There this morning as I open my gates it is rising above my roof...... I rush back into the house to find the camera by which time it has travelled into the distance.

Now, for some entymology.  I have to investigate how we arrive at the spelling of gauge, because gauging does look peculiar! It is Middle English for a standard measure from the Old French gauge (noun), gauger (verb), and a variant of Old Northern French jauge (noun), jauger (verb), of unknown origin! Voila!
France meteo predicts rain every day for at least the next 10 days!!!!!!! The lawns will be sky high if the grass does not dry.

Aperos

Yesterday, I invited some French friends, who I had not met for a while, for evening aperos.  I served a Baron de Pierre Bordeaux 2008 and I could tell by the way that F swirled the glass and looked at it that it was to his satisfaction.   I've become out of the habit of purchasing cheaper wine in favour of upping the expense. It seems that better wine gets savoured, not quaffed and these days my consumption of wine has reduced.  Maybe I am not drowning my sorrows??!!
I created my strangely folded pastry bites made with sun-dried tomatoes and smoked salmon, or in this case, anchovy hors d'oeuvres...with a platter of dried fruits, nuts and olives. It was a French compliment that E liked the fact that I had not kept the cheese in the refrigerator.  I rarely keep cheese in the fridge as my cold larder room is sufficiently cold to prevent real cheese from running away with itself!
When they arrived, I heard a sentence about "en beauté" ... I asked for this to be repeated. I need to slow down their rapid speech and to comprehend what on earth they were talking about.  F explained that each time they saw me, then my hair, my clothes, ..... not completely understanding 'les nuances d'expression' and being modest to begin with, eventually I had to express an "ooh la la" and laugh, when I realised that they were being charming, as only ever the French are,  courteous, kind and complimentary.   I am not a person of beauty but sometimes I believe I can exude a kind of radiance and delight to be with company.  When not alone in my head, I feel as if I am a different person. I'm writing this information to myself so that I can learn to keep my morale on the up!!!!!!!

Normality resumes

The walls, floor and hearth, rigid chimney pipes, and woodburner have all been cleaned of nasty streaks of goudrons. The woodburner has been re-installed but cannot be tested until we have colder weather and here we are in a March heatwave!  I took advantage and re-oiled the oak flooring.  It is recommended to be done once the floor is laid (unknown before now!) and then every year, depending on traffic. It looks beautiful as well as being 'un oeuvre d'art' and so my friend is happy.  I will be happier when I know there are no more problems!!!!!!
As the content of the rooms was emptied into the courtyard filled with sunshine, I decided to polish furniture and freshen upholstery using a cleaning product called 2001!  It's magically gentle on the fabric. Everything is back in place and ready for visitors again!  I am shattered.

LANGUAGE:

goudrons = creosote/wood tar/bituminous liquid

une oeuvre d'art = work a piece of art

main d'oeuvre = manpower /labour
hors d'oeuvre = a starter
être à l'œuvre = to be at work
se mettre à l'œuvre = to do some work
mettre en œuvre = to implement a plan or a project
la mise en œuvre de quelquechose = the implementation of something
les œuvres complètes = the complete works of a writer, etc
des bonnes œuvres = good deeds

Mathematics

Vocabulary for Volume
One stère is equal to one cubic metre.
The derivation is from  Greek στερεός stereos which means 'solid'.
Evidently, in 1793 France began to use this terminology as a metric equivalent to the cord which is used in Canada and USA.  A cord is equivalent to 3.62 m³. I can't understand that,  so ... we'll keep with the stère (pronounced stair) which is used for measuring large quantities of firewood or other cut wood, whilst the cubic metre is used for uncut wood.


Although my woodburner is still in use, mainly for mornings and evenings, or if the weather becomes more humid, I thought I would record the quantity of logs that I have burned since the Autumn when I began with 10 stères.  Now I have about 2½ stères in store so I have burned 7½ stères.
One stère cost me about 43 euros.  
43 x 7 = 301 + 22. 
Therefore, winter fuel has cost me about 323 euros. But wait!
Divide by 6 months = 53.8 euros per month, which is about 13.50 euros per week or 1.80 euros per day.
For budgetary purposes, it makes an average for the year of 26.90 euros per month or 6.72 per week or about 1 euro per day!
Add the cost of woodburner glass cleaner products, firelighters, matches, as well as the log splitter (a 200 euros investment that does a job I would not be able to do otherwise!)  Kindling wood has been free.  I inherited a lot of old wood but most of it needs to be sawn so I will have to pay someone to do that.  I also add the cost of a monthly newspaper I subscribe to as it is used for the fire once read!
Of course, it was a relatively mild winter apart from the 3 weeks of THEBIGFREEZE so the calculations cannot be applied to any other year.  As reported earlier it was not warm outside and not warm in my house!  I do NOT have central heating!  Me THINKS...I need to budget in the cost of the electricity bill  as there were many occasions especially in THEBIGFREEZE when I just had to get some extra warmth from a free-standing radiator,  even though I was wearing a coat, hat and scarves for most of the day and night!!!!!!

These figures indicate that I could order 10 stères for next winter but it would be better if I were to order 15 stères,  as I hope to run two woodburners in my L-shaped house next winter, and IF I am brave enough to give WinterinFrance another go I could burn more and be warmer at not much greater a cost. I was cautious and careful this year.  However, it may well be the case that my new source of oak logs will be more expensive and oh if the pensionable income goes down  a re-think may have to be made.  The beauty is that logs not burnt in any winter can be stored until the following winter.
At least, for me it has has been an interesting mathematical exercise!  

Fire and Ice

I woke up this morning, eager for the day, 

things to do and happy to say

that I am burning almost the last log of 5 steres.

Ho hum.

The winter has been mild and 'we', the 'Royal we', made savings 

and now pay for it later.  

It is the Law of Life. 

I complain not,  until,  I view my other woodburner
which at about 11pm last night I lit to warm up the icy rooms where lie oak parquet.  

Trees stand in winter so why did I do that when I am not there and cannot afford this year to keep the two fires alight night and day.  

It is an L shaped house - ground floor only - a veritable bungalow
with two large cavernous empty attics.  

Digression! 

On the hearth is a brown liquid which stops before it spills over the edge. 

 Behind the dead fire is evidence that treacly stuff has gone below the glass.  

I have emailed the Monsieur and sent photos but no reply. It is Saturday.  Monday I am sure they are closed. Tuesday I will be calling in! Monday I will call my insurance company. 

I cannot understand. 

Only two weeks ago the fire was blazing for a good 12 hours
and le chaleur was impressionant a mes amis. 

Pourquoi ????? For what indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am concerned that I shall only feel secure if the whole job is refait!

          Meanwhile just outside the door of the same room hangs an icicle.  My very own! 

LANGUAGE:

le chaleur = the heat or warmth
impressionnant = impressive
Le travail devra être refait  = The work will have to be redone.

Winter sweeps ' la quotidienne'

How wonderful to see 'la neige'.

 The daffodils in bloom since New Year are now covered with bubble wrap!

The sky!

LANGUAGE:
la quotidienne = the routines of daily life.
I could have said "la vie" meaning life or "la vie de tous les jours = daily life
la neige   = (easy one) the snow