Would like think that those who gossip about people that are no longer here will be gossiped about when they leave.

I get really annoyed that they think they have the right to tell ‘all and sundry’ (that is Brits) about people that they do not know, I keep my counsel and listen.

One day I will say, contact ‘so and so.’ “Here is his/her email address and I am sure that they will give you the details that you are lacking.”

I had a lovely lady stay with me at my B&B. She was from Luxembourg and visiting France for one of her children that had been invited to a birthday party. This lady was from my part of the UK and was married to a French banker. We had a long, lovely chat, she was absolutely delightful. It seems that in the ‘State’ of Luxembourg everyone knows the business of everyone else. Apparently the Americans are the worst for gossip. When I mentioned that a (small) town near to us was full of English she said ‘Oh My God a mini Luxembourg! How can you put up with it!) I stated that I avoided the place like the plague.. She smiled and laughed. I detected a little ‘jealousy’ there. I feel that in spite of her husband’s wonderful job she would prefer the simple life.

I am happy being on the periphery of the Ex-patriot community, the more I hear the more I want to hide away. When you get down to it we are immigrants – the sort of people that the English are complaining about…

In spite of the above I have met some really lovely ladies recently. Ladies that are on the same wavelength as me. We can chat about all and everything and it is intelligent chat, nothing inane. 

I do really need to get to grips with the local French ladies and what is going on in the village. I have been very remiss I must admit… will work on it and let all my followers know how I get on.

On the family front all is well. There are a few issues with TJ, probably because he is getting ‘bigger’ – it seems his anti-seizure medication is not up to scratch. It needs to be according to his weight I think.

I still don’t know how his mum copes with it all.

She has two other children to consider as well. Eldest child is now 15 yrs old and is coping with having to help his mother and brother.

It does worry me…. Her daughter seems to be daddy’s  (daddy not being fully involved in family life.)  ‘princess’ which really pisses me off as at the age of 10 is no use to her mother at all… am I being ‘off the wall?’ when I ask that children do not help their mother and siblings?   

Grrrr.

Have just had another anniversary, was it acknowledged totally... no - I think I will need to arrange a proper celebration of our years together. I get very sad....

Am decorating the house, painting walls in the ‘salon’ and it is looking good. I have art works to put on the walls and they need a decent backdrop. I work my socks, arms, calves off painting and end up feeling knackered. It looks good though. 

I am pleased. 

He says ‘ it’s a bit dark!’ I say ‘ wait ‘til the sun shines.’  

What a difference once the sun is out… I am pleased with the effect and when I have put pictures etc on the walls it looks so very good…  Hallway is almost finished and it also looks very good. 

Got to sort out bathroom – made a scale plan and sourced and priced the finished articles. 

I know it will work!

Will keep all and sundry posted.x