I couldn't believe it when Lesley asked me that. France? Why would I want to go and live in France? How boring would that be? "Well, I've been looking at houses" she said. "Why don't we just go and visit for a week?
And now we've lived here for a year!
I can't tell you how great it feels to say that. Our first anniversary. Bugger me, we've done it! ..
Yes, a year ago today Lesley and I were making our way down from Calais in a little two-car convoy, both vehicles stuffed to the hilt with books, pans and cocker spaniels. A year on, and we feel completely at home. What we couldn't know as we drove down was that, not only did we buy a house that's perfect for us, but we chose one in a most amazing area. The countryside's fantastic and the people here are brilliant. We've made so many new friends - both French and English .. oh, and American (Hi, Arthur!) - and everybody has been so helpful as we've knuckled down to setting up home here ..
And so much else has happened, too ..
It's great to know what a full four seasons can throw at you over here, having experienced a winter that hit a low of minus seventeen and a scorching summer that seems to have gone on forever. We've had storms that have made the gîte roof leak, followed by a really busy season full of guests. We've converted our garden from a big patch of nothing into a plot with flower beds, hens and sweet corn; we've celebrated a Christmas without commercialism and brought in New Year at a party with pea-shooters (great fun); we've had dinner with the mayor and so many fun nights at our village bar that we've lost count; we've seen chateaux, been canoeing, watched the fields of sunflowers come and go and become contributors to our local monthly magazine. We've both got into the tax and health systems and are picking up more of the lingo every day. Lesley, in fact, is practically fluent and even sings in French at one of the three choirs she's joined. Or is it four? Can't keep count. I know she works at the library and never seems to stop baking and cooking now she has the time. I've put my hand to DIY, and realised I'm quite a dab hand at laying flooring. I've opened a photography studio, written my second book and even shot a wedding here. I cycle practically every day, and our walks around this beautiful countryside are bliss. And did I mention the friends? Our lovely, lovely friends ..
Anyway, can't sit around. I've got window-shutters to paint and a shed roof to repair. I also need to get ready for a slide-show I'm giving on Friday night. Then we're playing croquet with friends this afternoon and we need to get down to catch an annual week-long photography exhibition before it closes on Sunday. We've been invited to a 'do' on Saturday, and on Sunday we're throwing our own little bash to mark this 'momentous occasion ..
Boring it ain't and yes, Lesley, I do fancy living in France. So, let's do another year, and then another, and then another. Living the dream. Lesley's dream? ..
OUR dream!..
