Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

droopsnout

They look very pleasant flats, s-d-w! They remind me of one I shared with two lads when I started work. (That was in the Ladywood district of Birmingham). I hope things work out for him with his original choice.

Apparently it has been very windy in the north-west of England today. And our daughter says it is very cold, too, with a possibility of snow ...

Here it is still pretty mild. 18 in the shade over the last few days, but colder today, with about 13/14, I think. Over at Hendaye (about as near as France gets to Bilbao), a retired man was killed last night as he went for a walk on the jetty. It seems a wave came in and washed him into the sea (along with his wife, who has survived), which then dashed them both against the concrete blocks which protect the jetty. The winds along the west coast of France have been very bad.

We went shopping today and en route had wonderful views of the Pyrenees, with the air as clear as I've seen it for a long time.

Hope you get the lodger sorted out!

Have a wonderful build-up to Christmas, and a lovely family time.

Best wishes for the Christmas season to all friends and posters on here.

seven-day-weekend

Apparently all the ferries to Portsmouth have ben cancelled due to storms in th Bay of Biscay. We got here just in time!

droopsnout

I reckon so!!

angelil

Hope you are recovering well DS

We're doing OK here just outside Paris. Luckily we don't have any assets so if the euro collapses it shouldn't make much difference I do have a few savings though (although still less than €2k)

Hopefully we won't have to worry about it.

Off to the inlaws in the Rhone valley for Christmas then to my aunt and uncle in the Gard for Boxing Day and just after, before coming back up for New Year Hope you all have nice things planned

droopsnout

Thank you, Angelil. Yes, my arms are getting a bit stronger every day, and I've started driving again.

Recent financial news was gloomy again. Fitch has had a pop at France, not to mention a load of other countries, and it does look as if credit ratings could be lowered quite soon. The euro does look more and more threatened. And on a personal note, I think that both Cameron and Sarkozy need a good slap for their petulant behaviour!

I love the Gard. In particular I have a thing for Uzès, a gorgeous little medieval town. Naturally, the Rhône Valley also has many beautiful places. Sounds like you're going to have a wonderful time - and be exceptionally well fed and watered, no doubt!

We are off back to the UK. A tour of the family and visits to friends. Leaving here Wednesday and back mid January.

Hope everyone is enjoying the build-up to the big day, and is full of Christmas spirit - of one sort or another!

Disclaimer: Nothing in this email should be taken to imply that the writer condones physical, mental or any other kind of violence. It would truly be a terrible thing if anyone were ever to slap a politician.

seven-day-weekend

UPDATE:

Lodger has now movd (we had to do it for him). Son's flat purchase is still going ahead. Spanish house sale should complete in January.

We have applied to an agency to be House/Pet Sitters - wish us luck!

Hope everybody had a great Christmas.

Oh yes....I think I saw Merry Widow on an episode of DIY SOS - helping on a project for a single dad. I know she has been involved in this. Good work there!

droopsnout

Compliments of the season to all.

Hope everything continues to go well, s-d-w.

donny-gal

Merry Xmas all of your and a good 2012. We have had a different, but very nice Xmas as DS was with his GF's parents this year. Off out in the 'van tomorrow for the NY. Glad things look like they are going your way at last 7DW, hope everything is OK. We are off back to Spain early in the NY for a couple of months. DG

seven-day-weekend

Hope everyone had a good Christmas and wishing you all a good 2012.

We have an interview coming up for House/Petsitting! I'll have to buy some interview clothes, I don't even have any suitable shoes!

I'll let you know when it is when we know more.

angelil

Merry new year everyone