25th October

I’ve been here a week now and it’s flown by!

I was going to go to another château today but got engrossed in writing and stuff and so decided to stay put.

Update on the gas- it’s not working! I bought myself one of those lovely coffee makers that goes on the hob before I came to France. I got it all ready to use for the first time today, put it on the hob and- nothing. So I’ll have to contact the lovely Michel again- but not today. Can’t be bothered and I can manage without coffee and gas for a little bit longer.

I had a nice FaceTime chat with Jane today. Caitlin takes her driving test (is it ok to say again!) today. Good luck!

I had an email back from the dance school in Blois today. They said yes come along on the 5th November. Nervous about going there on my own but looking forward to it.

I managed to watch a full episode from the current series of Taskmaster on YouTube today. Brilliant! I also watched clips from Say Yes to the Dress, including my favourite one from Atlanta « We don’t want no foxes in our hen house, honey!» Fab!

I’ve subscribed now to the Duolingo app. I can’t seem to find a teacher so I thought I might as well subscribe so I can do harder lessons and also do regular tests to see how (or if) I’m improving. They do all sorts of different languages. I would definitely recommend them.

I coloured my own hair today for the first time ever!!! When I was a student nurse my friend Frances used to highlight everyone’s hair with one of the those kits that came with a cap to pull your hair through. But I’ve never done it myself before. Was it a success? Well ish I suppose. But I think next time I need to get a darker colour. Maybe purple or bright pink or blue? Just kidding. I would love to do that but not brave enough!

I went back to the post office today too with my appropriately parcelled parcels. No further problems but it cost me 18 euros to send them!

I bought some chocolate from the gift shop at Chambord the other day. A bit expensive I guess but delicious. It contains « épices aphrodisiaques » whatever they are. But here’s hoping……. 🙂

Before I came away people very kindly gave me lots of bits and pieces to do with France that they’d seen in newspapers and magazines. One of these is an article from the Daily Telegraph which is the author’s guide to the French départements, these being the French equivalent of our counties. There are 96 in total (numbered alphabetically) and for each one he lists the must do things. Number 41 is where I am currently and he says to visit the châteaux of Chambord, Blois, Chaumont and Cheverny and then head to Trôo where people still live in caves.

So I’m off to Chaumont tomorrow! Can’t wait 🙂

Bonne nuit 🙂

P.S. Caitlin passed her driving test! Well done!