The end of the year that is, along with some drawn out administrative challenges which finally seem to be coming to an end!
Chris has his “titre de sejour “ ( entitlement to live in France) my Irish (EU) passport allows me that privilege. Plus we have handed in our Aussie driving licences ready for exchange to French ones, (in between times we have to carry an attestation to show the gendarmerie should we have to show licences.)
Also photos have been sent to L’Assurance Maladie to finalise our Health Cards and acceptance into the French medical system.
There are many challenges when moving to a new country especially when dealing in another language, but many thanks to both Guylaine and Lorna who have helped us along the way.
So with Christmas fast approaching and a New Year ahead this 2021 blog will end with some photos and memories of the past 12 months.
JOYEUX NOËL 🎄from France 🇫🇷
The fabulous colours and produce in the garden throughout the year
That whole new and enjoyable experience of bottling and preserving home grown produce.
Becoming a little more involved in the local community, whether it be lunch gatherings hosted by the commune, commemorative services or a local meet of La Chasse.
Fun and fabulous food at the annual Repas des Aînés. Free for us oldies (over 60). A great opportunity to meet some new faces and to “struggle through “ a sumptuous 7 course lunch with aperitifs, wine and digestifs!!
Held at the local Salle des Fêtes where we also attended the November 11th Remembrance Day. A sobering experience when the long list of locals who died for their country was read out.
The same venue (well the field opposite) also hosted the mounted meet for some local hunts. La Chasse is very much part of French life whether you like it or not. Mainly carried out on foot by shooters and their dogs hunting feral boar and deer, which if allowed to multiply out of control cause a lot of damage to farmers crops.
However a handful of times each season the tradition of the mounted hunt is honoured. We literally fell across this gathering when we spotted some horse trucks parked down the road, determined what was about to happen and were warmly welcomed by the participants. We stumbled along with questions in our very slowly improving French and were then introduced to an English hunting lady who filled us in on hunting “etiquette”. Loved the hunt “uniform “ and the traditional French horn that reverberated around the valley as the small field moved away.
Chris chatting with a very welcoming Master.
French horn
Not sure about leaping off my horse to dispatch a boar with a dagger??!
This big chestnut caught my eye, a French trotter.
We also managed this year to travel a bit through France and to welcome friends and family who visited.
For those who follow the tv series “Chateau DIY” you will know all about Donna and Paul at Chateau de Sauge. It was great to call in on them and enjoy a meal in the Vintage Tearoom and also hear all the behind the scenes goss about the series! A delightful couple working hard at both their business and renovations. We hope to look in there again next year and also meet a few other Chateau DIY -ers.
View of Chateau de Sauge from our overnight parking spot.
Part of the gardens.
Look forward to meeting up with Donna and Paul again.
So I wonder what next year holds?? We have plans and will see if we can make it happen – visits to UK, Ireland and Jersey top of the list and did I see that the World Eventing (and Driving) Championships will be in Italy in September, uummm????
Take care, next post will be in 2022 (whaaattt??)
Take my hat off to you guys as I know some of the problems and issues you’ve had to face over the last year, not sure I could have managed so well. Its a completely new culture and way of doing things that you have to learn, not just the language.
Always easier when there are 2 doing it Dave😉Hope to see you soon x
Well done Sue and Chris, What a year!!! And you have arrived at the end of it in fine form. Love and very best of health and joy. Robby and Bill xxx
Loads of love from us both, I reckon your year has been much more trying!😊
Wow! I have just read ‘your year’. The photos are fantastic. Looking at the food and wine is making me drool!! Ah . . . the memories of France. Your garden looks sensational – so full of colour. Well done and congratulations for making the first year of the next chapter of your lives so memorable. Have a fantastic Christmas. Toni from Stratford (I hope you get my ‘Christmas letter’.)
Hi Toni, always love your Christmas letter which arrived safely 😊Look forward to welcoming you here in France one day? Take care and enjoy your Chrissy xx
Really enjoyed reading your blog …. So good to see how much you are embracing your new life in France.
We look forward to seeing you in Jersey in 2022
Good to hear from you, we certainly hope to be in Jersey sometime next year!
Hi Sue and Chris. Happy Christmas and I really do wish you good times and lots of trips in 2022. Seems you’ve had a pretty good year despite the dreaded Covid.
Pretty quite here on Geelong. Looking forward to out two other daughters coming Christmas Day. Nothing certain though. Love Maureen and Rob
Do hope your daughters were able to spend Christmas with you Maureen. All the best to you and Rob for the year ahead. xx
Hello Sue and Chris. What a wonderful story this last edition is! We have so much enjoyed reading all your blogs – so keep it up. I still have the photo of us on the fridge when you visited us just before you left, which reminds me always of our great friendship. Now it is Xmas, I also think of the very happy Xmases I enjoyed with your hospitality – memories never forgotten! We both wish you the happiest of Xmases and good New Year and maybe we will be able to travel sometime in the near future to see you. Enjoy!
Hi Liz and Jim, hope you had a good one 🎄🎶🍷 It’s really hard to believe that photo on your fridge is now nearly 2 years old! Keeping everything crossed that we may all be able to travel during 2022. Take care,loads of love from us both xx
Hi Sue & Chris. I love the way the French are so traditional with their clothes on the hunt, getting rid of the ferals, etc. We give our all to the Americans far too much and have no old traditions left here…even the language is changing.
Love your photos and you both seem so happy there….well done for your decision and the changes in your life.
All good here at Newlands Arm..the lake is still there but wears a mask….or should I say masque!? Un joyeaux noelle to you both et le jolie nouvelle ans.
Bonjour Marilyn et John, one day we may be able to respond in French alone, but don’t hold your breath 😂 Hope you had a great Christmas and will be celebrating New Year in your usual style?! we have very fond memories of our final Aussie NYE with you.
Take care, love from us both.