Some say 13 is unlucky. Well, 13 has certainly been a rollercoaster year for us. In February we'd been thinking of moving to the US but then met the worst blizzards ever in New England. In June our dog Tina was poisoned by something or someone(!), but was then treated by the kindest and best French vet ever. He even took blood from his own dog to give Tina a transfusion. But then we ourselves were ill. However, the whole year was put in perspective when I read about lonely, bereaved 91 years-old Roger-Marc from the Gironde. He put a wooden sign up in his front garden and along came 86 years-old Yolande from nearby Arveyres, who has now moved in with him, complete with her chickens and dog Bianca. 'It's not a passionate love affair,' says Roger-Marc. Quite right, Monsieur, it's companionship that we all need the most. But, Him indoors still says the end is nigh. Pessimistic? No, says he, not 'nigh' but NYE - Tuesday night is New Year's Eve!
Don't forget your own resolutions. Let's see what year 14 brings. A very happy and healthy New Year to you all.
Showing posts with label New year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New year. Show all posts
1st January 2012
New year. 1..1..1..2. Sounds like a three-legged soldier struggling. A bit like me really. But it's a new beginning. I wonder how things will pan out. Will the UK finally leave the EU, causing chaos for us? We'd be real foreigners, needing residence permits, and to pay full cost health insurance. Will the euro collapse? Now that would be dangerous. The British Embassy would need to step in to get us out of the country, as analysts say that in that scenario, ATMs would be closed (no access to French or English money), as well as all French airports.
But, enough of all this. Here's some good news. The popular Livret A and LDD bank accounts plan to raise savings rates from the current 2.25% to 2.75% in February; the current euro woes mean we get a good exchange rate on our UK pensions, currently 1.19 euros:1 pound; a new 'no contact' bank card is imminent. We'll just need to wave these in the air, rather than insert them in a fiddly machine; and pharmacies will be reducing 'generique' medicine costs. Always ask for these rather than branded ones, as they're much cheaper.
Many years ago a young office colleague, half my age, taught me a lesson in life. No more could've, would've, should've: just get on with it. So, that's my NY resolution for 1112
A happy and healthy New Year to you all.
But, enough of all this. Here's some good news. The popular Livret A and LDD bank accounts plan to raise savings rates from the current 2.25% to 2.75% in February; the current euro woes mean we get a good exchange rate on our UK pensions, currently 1.19 euros:1 pound; a new 'no contact' bank card is imminent. We'll just need to wave these in the air, rather than insert them in a fiddly machine; and pharmacies will be reducing 'generique' medicine costs. Always ask for these rather than branded ones, as they're much cheaper.
Many years ago a young office colleague, half my age, taught me a lesson in life. No more could've, would've, should've: just get on with it. So, that's my NY resolution for 1112
A happy and healthy New Year to you all.
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