France & Other Stories

Cheers lovelies! ....and in with the new, in so many ways for 2026 and thank you to 2025 for the lessons I didn't want or really need! The vintage half decade that was 2020/2025 was not great and in parts, nearly broke me. The second half has got to be better hasn't it? YES! So, I'm opening all the windows and doors, inviting the trash to leave! Bye now! No more side swipes, nasty surprises, left field landings or life hijackings! I'm done, only good things may enter from her

all the time and especially at Christmas! Remember that! Doesn't matter about the gifting, just enjoy time with those you love. It's right now, at this EXACT time of the year... the 'festive' period', when we become rather reflective and also, as the New Year approaches, with another year's end so darned near, we feel the passage of time more keenly. I do at least! Let's face it we only get so much time on this amazing planet, make it count! Make it all count, but try not to

eh! ........must come to an end and whilst we've had a ball, it's nearly time to go home and face the Christmas music! Also, as nuts as it sounds, this country girl is ready for some peace, english countryside tranquility and to get things organised for the silly season. Time to deck the halls! I'm not a city girl, you know that about me by now but two weeks in the Toronto smoke has been great! The only thing is, it's an assault on the senses sometimes. I found getting around

is not long enough..... Good morning on day 7 of 13 back in Toronto, having left in haste in January 2020, to beat the looming Brexit deadline....FFS! I know I promised a blog mid December, but I do have time to write to you this morning, so let's go! Here's the thing, If time travel was indeed possible, I would rewind to the early days December 2019, NOT book the removals and decide to stay 'warts and all'. I'm very clear about this change of heart. The 'come for one year on

our old home Day 5 in the city that sleeps quietly and yes, I woke way too early again! I remain hopeful that night 5 is the one! I'm sure it's not the time difference by now, no it's adjusting to the dulcet rumblings of the concrete jungle and building HVAC system, which appears to have language all of its own. Strangulated pipes and faulty rotors springs to mind, needs some oil and a good bloody kick! It does rather sound like a helicopter struggling to take off. Noise sens

Today a lady on my Facebook page asked me, if I have any regrets moving back from France earlier this year? I don't and I don't have to think twice about that. Sans Regrets. Of course it's taken a few months to settle in and for my nerves to calm, but I almost forget I was ever there on a daily basis now. Yes, I do miss 'things', especially my lovely kitchen, dressing room, that huge bath and of course cheap quaffable wine......but truly, thats it. I guess if I had to drive a

Hello you! Feels like that sometimes doesn't it? Real life is craaaaaaazy at times. This is us going into month five of the farm house rental! How quick has that gone? Just keep swimming. Look, we didn't really want to do any work on a house right now, especially not a rental and not after the full French renovation from hell, so it's been a tumultuous 4 months so far. Nothing like we thought it would be! In fact, if truth be told we are a bit sick of it all and despite thos

Testing, testing, one, two....and three! Must have had 30 blood tests in the last few weeks and changed BP meds 5 times! Oi! I've never been one to visit the doctor, no thanks, unless I have a list of woes a mile long and have been sat on them for months, even years. I'm very much a 'I'm not dead yet soooo'........Honestly though, I'm not a fan of doctors surgeries generally and feel that advocating for my own health is often too stressful in itself! I don't wish to battle bu

It's around this time of year, every year, when I get a little homesick for three of my favourite places in the world namely, Canada,...

Uphill all the way? Healing isn't linear is it? If it was a meal, it would be super sticky, gooey noodles, drowning in a stock of...

a life shock! After a health scare, it's part of the reality check to understand the fragility of life isn't it? I'm positively sure I'm...

and August comes to an end............ I'm embracing the changes, slowly but surely. I believe, from 'too much moving' experience, that...

oh oh..... .....but not yet and never in France. I think we both had a little wobble there for a minute and I suspect it's to do with...

Taxing times.... The summer clock has just sailed gently past mid august and of course France is shut for business, which is no surprise,...

First of all let me tell you all, I can't believe it's already August! I really can't and I feel like all we did is move again, you know?...

Eeeeeeeee! I believe dear hearts, that I am in the midst of that post move, post birthday funk! Everything feels a bit blue but also a...

But perfect for me, welcome to Follie's Farm, a new and exciting beginning! Chapter 45 of the Holland ever moving train story, C'ept I'm...

Nothing can stop me......! This is so true! Today, we are officially one week away from signing for the Farm and we are also one month...

a good yarn? I have all the time in the world, spill. Today there are no house viewings, amen, as 4 viewing's across 3 counties yesterday...

blow the bubble gum! Find your crazy and wear it proudly...... Real life is anyway, very messy that is and it's why I continue to be open...