Left Haderslev early morning of 25th, Anders kindly drove us down to Flensburg where we caught the first of a number of trains through Germany. Finally arrived evening of 25th April to Epinal. Rain, wind and 2° , delightful. Had already checked out weather and had made the not so very difficult decision to take a hotel for the first night. A wise decision as it turned out as it began snowing begore midnight, things could only get better.
Next morning down to Linquenda, Knud was a man on a mission , first priority was to get the heating going, next water and so the list has gone on for the past 8 days. Have bern thwarted by the weather somewhat, a rare day without rain, temps are a bit warmer now, last Sunday it shot to double digits! Positively hot! how will we cope with summer?
My first priority has been to apply for my new Carte de Sejour ( allows me to be in Europe longrr than 3 months) So off to the Prefecture first morning , got my number and waited in crowded waiting area. Number called and off to see Madame of Porte 10. Madame of Porte 10 has a lot on her plate, no time for a smile, gives me a list of requirements and sends me on my way. I might add this is the very same Madame I spoke to last September who could not possibly give me a list of requirements needed . Worked my way through the list, involved photocopies, lots of. Fortunately I had guessed correctly on a couple of things I would need from Australia and had those with me. 3 photos were also required, so into one of those photo machines, oh dear . As not only were the intructions written in French there were verbal instructions also in French, help. Finally to the point when the machine and invisable instructor seemed to be satisfied that I was sitting correctly etc now the photo was to be taken, oh I need to blink, can't blink, just stare straight ahead, keep staring, don't blink, result a hideous photo, look like a desperate criminal , they will never let me stay.
Next back to Madame of Porte 10, we go through the list, she smiles, even has a chuckle, is it my French that inspires such merrmient or that photo? Finally she says see you in one month when you can pick up your new Carte de Sejour. Oh happy days, almost giddy with happiness .
Getting things ship shape and working order for the coming season. One of the important things of course is getting the pot plants planted.
No sooner planted the pertunia and marigold than we had a sudden hail storm, had to protect the poor litte things with umbrellas
local council also very keen with their pot plants
Next morning down to Linquenda, Knud was a man on a mission , first priority was to get the heating going, next water and so the list has gone on for the past 8 days. Have bern thwarted by the weather somewhat, a rare day without rain, temps are a bit warmer now, last Sunday it shot to double digits! Positively hot! how will we cope with summer?
My first priority has been to apply for my new Carte de Sejour ( allows me to be in Europe longrr than 3 months) So off to the Prefecture first morning , got my number and waited in crowded waiting area. Number called and off to see Madame of Porte 10. Madame of Porte 10 has a lot on her plate, no time for a smile, gives me a list of requirements and sends me on my way. I might add this is the very same Madame I spoke to last September who could not possibly give me a list of requirements needed . Worked my way through the list, involved photocopies, lots of. Fortunately I had guessed correctly on a couple of things I would need from Australia and had those with me. 3 photos were also required, so into one of those photo machines, oh dear . As not only were the intructions written in French there were verbal instructions also in French, help. Finally to the point when the machine and invisable instructor seemed to be satisfied that I was sitting correctly etc now the photo was to be taken, oh I need to blink, can't blink, just stare straight ahead, keep staring, don't blink, result a hideous photo, look like a desperate criminal , they will never let me stay.
Next back to Madame of Porte 10, we go through the list, she smiles, even has a chuckle, is it my French that inspires such merrmient or that photo? Finally she says see you in one month when you can pick up your new Carte de Sejour. Oh happy days, almost giddy with happiness .
Getting things ship shape and working order for the coming season. One of the important things of course is getting the pot plants planted.
No sooner planted the pertunia and marigold than we had a sudden hail storm, had to protect the poor litte things with umbrellas local council also very keen with their pot plants
Big pot plant. Love the story about Madame in Porte 10 - must have been the photo. It must be bad. She must have a sense of humour after all?
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