Congrats Windsor House

Congratulations GB on putting on a fine show. Sorry accidentally deleted my earlier post but here is the nice picture of Daniel on my new camera for those who may had missed it.

Upload pics please

Canon G12 Rocks

Sorry, I actually didn't explain very well. I have purchased a new camera and Speedlight flash gun because I simply didn't think we were getting around to taking pictures anymore. Here's Daniel with his painting and our new enlarged dining room.

To Cathy and Family

Thank you for your email. I have just been talking to Julian, Louis and Ruth on Skype. Louis is a bit under weight and not as tall (long) as he should be so they are fattening him up, feeding him every two hours. They both love him so.
Ruth's book should be out soon. It is a much thicker book than that we have seen on the screen.
I went into Brackley yesterday as I wanted to see a doc about a red mark on my left forearm. He said not to worry and if it is still there in a week he will examine it further. I also delivered one of Julian's PFP books to a farmer in Aynho, who thought I was from Amazon, but was grateful for quick service!!.
Tell John I have got up early to watch the fun in London. My neighbours have got the flags out and in Brackley there was bunting across many of the roads, ready for outside parties. I hope the weather keeps fine for all those people sleeping out in the roadways in London. Lots and lots of Yanks. You should have a look, it won't happen again for a few years. Oh, dear it is raining. Love from Grand dad.

What a whorl wind

You must have only had time for the briefest turn around, shower change and a bit to eat before heading off again, you're a better man than I Gunga din!
I when out into the garden after you left and continued my task of tuesday morning digging out dandylions and stinging nettles and replacing the herbs that didn't make it through the winter. In the end I was out untill 8.30 that evening. I got so exited to be doing things in the garden and the good weather that I could'nt sleep that night.
Kate and I had planned to go shopping the next day, I wanted to go to Ikea as I haven't been for a long time and Kate would like a wardrobe for her room, but we got the giggles and found it very hard to concentrate and came away with very little that we had gone for but happy nevertheless. John had spent the day tidying up after my gardening and Thomas did a driving lesson, the gym and the big clean at the school. Edmund continued his collage work in my workroom!

Went out to Maidenhead

Just sat down, when the phone rang. It was my Catenian friend Larry, who reminded me that I had agreed to accompany him to a Catenian dinner in Maidenhead. He said I'll pick you up at 5.50.
Good job I was at home!.
Went to St Joseph's Church Hall in Maidenhead (an hour's run) and joined 50 odd Catenians for their AGM and afterwards joined in with dinner. Got home after a few bevvies, at 11.50pm and was soon in bed. A delightful end to the day.

Just got in.

1410. Just got home after a lovely trip on a beautiful sunny day. In the end I decided to take the motorway, although I had intended to leave M5 at J7 but missed the A422 to Banbury, so I came all the way on the Ms,$,42,40 J11 and home. Thank you all for putting up with me. Specially to Kate for a farewell kiss. Yippee !!
It is so warm here. I hope it stays for the weekend. Sorry I missed Ed. I'll have to send him a birthday card for the 2nd May.

Elivis has left the building!!!

Dad/Grandad set of home at about 9.30 this morning, as always there were a few moist eyes waving him off, but some too sleepy to get up and wave at all!!
The weather has clouded over here in Wales and Dad's little house was calling him home. So I hope he has a good journey home and doesn't feel any after effects from the barbeque, shivering on a windy cold Welsh hillside amongst lovely friendly people.

Well done on the car boot sale front. Work wise what are your options? Dad told me a job came up but you were not successful. Private tuition is all the rage here, especially for primary school kids. Perhaps there's a market there but nevet thought to ask. Certainly ould help to suppliment during the holidays.

Yep, love the big grin too where Julian is holding him up,

Nic

Bank holiday fun...

Mixed feelings at the car boot sale....Sold some things I will miss for 'break my heart' prices and sold some stuff I would normally have chucked in the bin for silly money, so I guess on balance we have had a good day. Don't quite understand how we managed to sell all my things and still bring boxes of Jan's stuff home but there you go!!

All in all we made £170 that we didn't have before, all of which should make up a tiny bit for the fact that I will only earn just over a week's pay this month. Doh! That's agency work for you. On the plus side I can now see the back of the shed.

Doesn't little Louis look a smiler! Great to see he is settling so well. Can't wait to meet him.

Dad (Grandad) was 'ere.

Dear All,

Had a great day today and managed to get a seat at the computer. EAster is always a good time to kindle fond memories and to make them too. There are some photos I haven't posted so I'm loading up some of Dad's visit in December 2010. Enjoy.

Louis Joseph Comes Home

Louis21

Louis21
Originally uploaded by meanwhilehereinfrance

News from J's facebook that Lj has touched down in France.. what an amazing mission it has been but all worth it.

Happy Bunnies!

Good news all round well done one and all.. Dad for getting down to Wales solo, Daniel displaying excellent footy skills, and our new nephew setting foot in France. Love the Mali music Gem. Happy Easter eve everyone love from Uncle Steve and Cinders.
Cinders will be pupping around May 3rd or thereabouts and then she joins the family too

Happy Easter

Happy Easter again to all. Glad to see that you got away Dad. Peter, good luck with your car boot sale. Love to all, and again here's the pictures I keep trying to post

Happy Easter everyone.

Pete, Dad is here for Easter

Sorry, Pete

Cathy invited me down for the weekend, so I drove down this morning. I have made NO definite arrangement to visit the Cement works site so I have done nothing about it. Go to your Car Boot and have fun
Love from Dad, Cathy etc

Flats and bees...

Hi Dad,

Are you heading west or are you expecting to view flats in Chinnor tomorrow? If you do the former, Jan and I will go car-booting. If the latter, give me a ring and let me know when you have organised an appointment and we can go together from Forty Green.

Didn't act on getting a new hive yet as there are a few uncertainties still outstanding. Anyway, there are not quite enough bees to make me panic. They won't swarm for two to three weeks yet I think. At least, I hope they won't...

Photos from Singapore

Very good Good Friday to you all. Start the day by remembering why we all have a lie-in, get a chance to engage our children, family and friends and rejoice in God who gave us his only Son, Jesus Christ, so that we may be saved from our sin, Amen.

Here are the photos I wanted to upload from last weekend but was mobile so couldn't. And the moon just got bigger all week, by Tuesday it has a huge bright ball, with all it's features clear to the naked eye, so close I could have touched it.

For Louis, Julian and Ruth.

With all the news coming from Mali this week, I thought I would post one of my favourite tracks from 'Mali Music'. The sound is a harmonisation of Africa + Europe. Enjoy.



love G xx

Had a lovely day Out.

Left here at 9.45 and went to Stokenchurch via Bicester, Thame and Chinnor to Chris's caff in Studley Green
Apparently they are not permitted to feed the Kites until about 2pm so I had a breakfast and a cup of Ugh Coffee and went on to Ibstone where there are hordes of 'em. Sat on a bench by the cricket field and watched dozens of R/K's circling, diving and enjoying the day. I was transfixed.
Later on, I went back ti Chris's caff for fish & chips - no fish, only scampi, but a welcome cool Fanta helped down the greasy spoon lunch. At 1.30pm a horde of kites pounced on the heap of food left out for them, so I was satisfied and my day had not been wasted. Left at 2pm and by the same route back I was home in just over an hour, having spent nearly 20 mins at the petrol station. Much easier than the M40 although the road twists a bit.

Next door Alec was waiting for me as I had asked him to tidy up the garden - this he did for £7 an hour (14 hours, including lopping the two conifers in the front, for £100) He will continue to keep me tidy, as the other fellow has not turned up. We will settle up monthly.
Did you want me to join you for Easter, Cathy?? I could set off early in the morning?.

Hi Cath

Nothing planned. Today I am going bird watching to Stokenchurch and Ibstone There is a large collection of Red Kites. Chris's cafe at the top of the hill into Wycombe feed these lovely birds. Probably have a F&C lunch.Too good to stay in.

Dad

WWhat you doin' for Easter?

Easter Bunny

Singapore at the beach

We're at the beech, sun is going down and settling in to a nice evening, breezy here, not like Orchard Road. I'll take a picture or too and post it on my facebook page.

Orchard Road activities

We are discovering Orchard Road; boy it's hot 32C no wind. Some footy action and the footy addicts amongst us have tried kicking a football through a hoop, I got Daniel on film and I must admit he has more of a Johnny Wilkinson about him, see

From Singapore

Dear all, let's see if I have got the hang of blogging on the iPhone. Been following with much hope for a happy ending, the process of adoption in Mali. Good luck to you all and I pray that the process won't be too stressful or costly and the trip back to France will be smooth and without incident. I suppose the advantage of being a father in waiting is that as the baby grows within mum and mum begins to change and adapt, you have the time to adjust and prepare yourself. With adoption it must hit you like an emotional frying pan in the face. Lots of rest and patience are needed to cope with the next twelve months and keep your collective sanity as babies are funny things with lots of soft squishy buttons to press and no instruction manual. Sometimes you think your a natural mum or dad and everything goes swimmingly, other times you don't know what you're doing wrong. Love conquers all.
Nic

Mali - day three

Mali

While Louis is sleeping I thought I’d take a moment to let you know that we are here, we are well and our son is a complete poppet. TINY (lost even in six month Petit Bateau -thank you Gail!) but a handsome darling in whose eyes we could both go swimming.



The story so far on Day two:



The stars were not supposed to be aligned ….



Jill (thank you mum) had suggested we try and wait till 10.45 am for the auspicious meeting, Not 10.44 but 10.45. Fair enough. I had mentioned this astrological tip to the driver in the early hours of the morning on the way from the airport but forgotten I had done so in the excitement and indeed confusion of the next morning’s plans. When our driver stopped at 08.45 down a red dirt road by a petrol station and said ‘We will just spend some time here’ (some time, I presumed, meaning two hours while the director of the orphanage and our lawyer were waiting) I remembered. We decided to trust in the flow urged him to go on.



In fact the flow couldn’t have been more trustworthy or flowed better. We even forgot to have our own 10.45 union ceremony we were having so much fun.



The first smile came in the taxi after the mysterious hand-over at the orphanage in which we were told nothing about the little mite that was placed in our arms. Louis had already latched on to the pink triangular furry toy with a red nose whose tail executes a magical rendition of Pop Goes the Weasel (thank you Katta!) and it was to this soundtrack that Louis beamed at us for the first time. The afternoon was spent in a sort of delirium of not knowing which way up nappies go, kisses, games sleep and cuddles. Louis had his first nap laying on his daddy’s chest in our ‘luxury’ suite with its flaking walls and stained bath that disappeared in the radiance of our happiness. Julian is born to be a dad and is as natural a bottle feeder as he is a gourmet cook. For my part, I am singing to Louis a lot. I take him out on to the glass terrace overlooking the wide River Niger and sing Scottish ballads, nursery Rhymes and many of the songs from the thirties and forties I sang with my family as a child. I have to admit to having become a bit choked up on some of the lines of Moon River. Wider than a mile, I’m crossing you in style, there’s such a lot of world to see….Enveloping my baby in sound seems to be something I have waited all my life to do. It sends him to sleep within about six verses and gives me a warm fuzzy mommy glow.



There are still challenges to overcome: There seems to be nowhere in Bamako which accepts mastercard and we cannot get any money out to pay our lawyer or the gite or anything. We cannot get a British visa in less than ten days. We still are not sure when we will be able to come home with the French visa (though I am hopeful we can stick to the plan of the 23rd or even 21st). Louis is very underweight having suffered a gastroentiritus for which he had to be hospitaliased, and is still on baby milk though we are trying to introduce cereals. Our lawyer is asking twice what we agreed for all sorts of bribes and we simply have to accept, as without them we would probably (like the other 80 of the 100 French families selected eighteen months ago in the commission) still be without hope. It is VERY hot….the nightmares arestarting to come, perhaps now our little boy feels more safe...But the most important thing is our son is with us. We are all healthy and looking forward to seeing you all and that such lot of world together.

Happy so happy

www.flickr.com

I've just seen Louis Joseph on the Skype

Sitting in my lounge after a journey on the bus to Banbury, I bought a couple of tins of curry at M&S and had an ice cream AND a lovely hair-cut. I met a young lady with a small child in a pram and asked her how old he was as i have forgotten what a 6-month old child looks like. She said he was 6 months, can't walk yet but scrambles about on all fours. Anyway, Jules and Ruth held young LJ up to show me and although he looks a little undernourished, they were confident he would soon fill out. Both Julian and Ruth were so so HAPPY, I spoke to LJ but he obviously did not realise what was happening. J&R WERE SO SO Happy with him after all the months waiting. Must go now as I want to send them some funds as Mali do not accept English Bank debit or credit cards.
Love from a happy granddad. XXX

Chinnor Visit

Shame we missed you Dad but we had to clear out from Sussex unexpectedly as the floors were being sealed and it became obvious we were better off out of it.
News of Gloria had not reached friends in Chinnor so Fay swiftly set up an impromptu meeting with Tony and Coleen Pullen and Mike and Sally Gomme who were all very shocked.
We called in on Tony Benham and Penny at their bungalow in Doveleat on the way and heard from them how they felt about coming back to the village. Penny doesn't like to drive anymore and Tony is 83 making even the Plough and Harrow 'as was' seem a bit too isolated.
We let the dogs out at 'Crowell only' but didn't have time for a trip to the development on the old quarry site. Tony and Penny had had a look up there but decided against to be nearer to the shops and whatnot.
Tony and Coleen are well Col is even on Facebook and they play in brother Dave's Watlington Wind Band. Sally plays too and joined us at the renovated Lambert Arms for a beverage or two.
We reminisced about trips to Schaffhausen and camping in the New Forest, and Mike picking us all up in his 1100 aged 17!
It all seems like yesterday looking back and to be sat amongst silver fox Tony and Mike who is a real chip off the Fred's old block well you can imagine.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Looking For A new Home

Thursday morning - out at 10.30, back at 1315
Pete told me about some Apartments/Single homes in Chinnor. I rang Connells in Thame and arranged to see a rep (Gemma), at 11.30 this morning to see a ground floor apartment at the Od School on the Corner. You all know where that is.
Well, before we looked in, Gemma suggested we should look at the new development on the old Cement works site. WOW What a development! - one bed, two bed, three bed 4 etc.Very nice but the one beds will not be ready to view until Sat at 10 am. Gemma showed me the 3 bed house to see what facilities there are. Typical Taylor/Wimpey . well laid out estate lovely living space/kitchen, one bed, bathroom with bath and shower, all beautifully laid out. £178,500
The other apartment (School House) was still part occupied but it had possibilities;£129,950 Car space, shared freehold, we looked as best we could as there was still stuff about. First opinion was very dowdy; looks as if a good clean would not come amiss. Best things were availability to shops, Village Hall and Village centre, where one could meet people and have a simple meal. The Cement Works site would be a very long walk. If anybody is free on Sat morning, we could look round.

Still breathing?

BOOK - I LOVE ZIS ALSO

What a lovely book, I thought I remember seeing more, but I perhaps it is wishful thinking. Hugh

Book.. we love zis

Favourite bit-

WHAT JOYFUL NEWS FROM FRANCE

I have only half read Cherries and cannot wait to see photos of my new grandson.
May God go with you in your final meeting with Louis Joseph. Love to all three of you from your loving Da, Da-in-Law and granddad

Postcard from Bedoin via Northants

Dear All,

After a somewhat overly long gestation period on both counts, we are thrilled to announce the fruition of two projects that are dear to our hearts and inextricably linked.

THE FIRST is the publication of Ruth’s book, ‘Cherries from Chauvet’s Orchard’. A memoir that tells the story of the birth of Postcard from Provence, our life in France, the life of the paintings after they leave us (with contributions from many of you), and our own journey towards making a family.

…AND THE SECOND is that our wait for a child is over. We leave on Wednesday for Mali, in West Africa, to pick up our son, Louis Joseph. He was born on October the 12th 2010 and is being looked after in a private orphanage in Bamako. We do not know much except his age (6 months) but we are told he smiles a lot and that his primary emotion on meeting new people is one of joy—bodes well! We will stay in Mali for ten days or so and then we will bring him home to our tumbledown house in Provence, just in time for some puréed cherries.

‘Cherries from Chauvet’s Orchard’ will be available on the 1st June from Adeleide to Anchorage, Tijuana to Timbuctoo, as a mass-market paperback and Kindle ebook (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters and all major retailers for $16.95/ €11.95/£10.95 paperback and sub ten dollars for the Kindle version). You can see a preview of the book here:

Ruth Phillips
Author
Cherries from Chauvet's Orchard
Read Now
Meanwhile, however, in the Hameau des Couguieux, we are producing a special edition, which will help raise funds for the orphanage in Bamako.

Lovely to see you both

Thankyou for a lunch, it was such a nice trip out for us and we were back at 5.45 p.m. just in time for John to drive Kate to Edward's house for a barbi. Edmund was home having got in by bus at 4.00 and is full of chatter as he has now been in his house for a week with no housemates, although he does have the college computer club for company. Not long after that Thomas arrived home from friday night's celebration of his friend Daniel's 18th birthday, he thinks it was a good night if he remembers correctly, so all is well in in our little world, although I have just learned that it is time for me to go and collect Kate from Cellan.

Well, wasn't that Nice

Thank you both,Cath and John for arranging to meet us in Sennybridge.
That Hotel was lovely and perhaps we can meet there again, one day, instead of sailing past it.
I don't know what time we left Trecastle, but by a devious route, we landed up here on the stroke of 8pm.
Landy behaved very well and my ears have just stopped singing!! Love from Dad. G'night.

Now I am on F/b,

Now I am on F/b, but I cannot think of anything clever to say, except
Who is the young lady who keeps Skyping me? Kate Brown? I shoud be so lucky!!

Now I cannot get on to Facebook!

Each time I used my password in the past I get on to F/bk, but this morning - Zilch
So many people use f/b that I am not surprised. Think I'll forget f/bk. Dad

GOOD MORNING WORLD

For some unaccountable reason, I have suddenly got my Broadband back
I am not grumbling, but I think it was something to do with my attempt to send one of Julian's paintings which come up on Google Mail, on to a friend of mine. It would not work, but I don't know why.
I think it may be that my eyes are blue!! Hope so. Dad
P.S i hope the same thing works with my new mobile Phone !!!

Brecon

Dad and I am on Safari on Saturday as I have to collect some Lanny bits from Llywel, Trecasle, Sennybridge, Brecon, Powys.

Anyone fancy trolling over for lunch in Brecon or somewhere nice?

It's about an hour from Nythva. We could bash on to you but I'm booked for Sunday so must be back unfortunately pretty pronto.

Dad's offline

not sure what's going on.. I can't seem to talk him through switching off and on the router.

Hearing Aid Compatible Phone

Can we all text Dad our names on his new Big Button Mobile 0(044)7873400996

We've decided that texts or S(hort) M(essage) S(ervice) maybe the future esp when internet is down (like now for instance).




Mobile phone features:
Big button mobile phone.
Volume booster and talking numbers.
Large display and visual ringer indicator.
SIM free, so unlocked to all networks.
Candybar handset.
Charging cradle
Up to 170 hours standby time.
Up to 240 mins talk time.
Messaging: SMS.
Dual band.
Vibration alert.
Hearing Aid Compatible.

Thanks, Pete for a lovely evening

I've just got in a 11.50 pm and am having a nice cool bottle of beer. It was nice to meet Chris Hood and Alan Piggott after all these years, and of course all 'old' lady friends. I thoroughly enjoyed the show after all these years
I've just been skyped by Kate Brown. She is a very attractive young lady,but I confess, I don't know who she is. I couldn't speak to her although I could see her talking.
Now I must go to bed. If anyone knows Kate Brown, please let me know. I admit when she first came on the screen, I thought it was cousin Teresa Newland (O'Something), but I wish I could have spoken to her. She calls me on facebook. Must be dreaming. Night Night all From a tired Dad.

What is my house worth

Just for a giraffe, I have enquired into the value of no 31.

Chinnor is not That Far!

After all I have spent on this house and all the friends I have made - I don't think I could move away.

Never too old..

Mandy Benham from Oakley Road, the motorcycling Land Rover'd property solicitor practising in Thame tells us that her Dad Tony (and Penny-Tristam's Mum with the MS) moving back to Chinnor from Emmington was the best thing.. new lease of life etc.

How does KS seem now a year on down the road Dad?