I woke up this morning and, if it weren’t for the fact that there’s only one side to get out of my bed, I would definitely have said I’d gotten out of the wrong one! Last night when I got back I couldn’t park on the square so I went looking for a freebie space round the back for the first time since I got here. There was one and I parked up. I think, despite having had such a lovely time at Chantal’s, the parking fine was still on my mind, plus the amount that parking here is costing me. I’d also signed up to make another hat with Chantal and was feeling a bit uneasy with myself that I was spending so much money on doing that. The idea of this trip was to be careful with the pot of money I had given myself to use- and here I was spending it on hat making! But I love it.

As I turned the corner to get to the street where my car was parked I saw a guy who looked a bit like a traffic warden. I could feel myself getting uptight. I felt as if, should anyone even looked at me the wrong way, I might burst into tears and pack up and head back to England! How ridiculous! But that’s how I felt. Anyway, it turns out he wasn’t a traffic warden. I don’t actually know what/who he was. But nobody said anything to me and off I set. Hat making, day 2.

Poor Chantal had just got back from the dentist when I arrived. She’s got an abscess in one of her teeth and is on antibiotics 😦

She was out of sorts, I was out of sorts and so it wasn’t the jolly day we’d had the day before- and, after spending forever doing some tiny, tiny stitching in my hat, I discovered I’d done it wrong! Bugger!

We booked the first session for my next hat, had coffee and said au revoir.

All the way back I was on edge wondering if/where I would be able to park my car. I was able to park in the square. Hurrah- I think! I’m certainly swelling the Whoosh! Coffers at the moment!

On a lovely, positive note- the lights in the square have been switched on and look very pretty:)

I caught up with Junior Bake Off tonight. They had to make a structure out of biscuits. Fin used gingerbread and Prue Leith said it was better than they make in Grasmere. A big statement indeed! I wonder what Sarah Nelson would think? Fin was thrilled to bits of course 🙂

I had a peep out the window at the Christmas lights before I went to bed- they are really lovely.

Bonne nuit 🙂

I’m going to make a hat this afternoon! Can’t wait!

I spent the morning pottering and writing and then set off in good time to drive to Joués à Tours. Less than a 15 minute journey but it was the first time I’d driven in over a week, and the first time here, so I felt a little nervous as I set off. I was also worrying already about parking when I got back here again- but more about the dreaded parking later!

I got to where the satnav said I needed to be with 10 minutes to spare but I couldn’t see anywhere that looked like somewhere you might make a hat! I know! It sounds like another Lindy Hop/Harry Potter moment doesn’t it?! I’d parked outside a nursery school and, as I was wandering about feeling lost, the lollipop lady appeared. I asked if she could help me. She couldn’t but she asked another lady who was passing and, between us, we realised that where I needed to be was the house we were standing almost right in front of!!! I thanked them for their help and asked if I could leave my car where it was but they said no, I needed to move it, as that area was reserved for parents of the children at the school. They pointed out though a car park across the road that I could use.

I went to get back in the car and noticed something on my windscreen- right at the bottom in the corner. It was a parking ticket! 25 euros! I didn’t have my glasses on so couldn’t read all the details but I was just amazed that in the 5 or 10 minutes that I’d been parked where I shouldn’t have been someone had given me a ticket- and I was standing only metres away!!!

So this means, of course, that I arrived at my course late and extremely flustered! I needn’t have worried about my tardiness though because both Chantal and her husband Philippe are extremely chilled and laid back- and very lovely:)

I told them about the parking ticket. Philippe looked at it for me and told me it wasn’t from today but from several days earlier! The 16th- and whilst the car was parked in the square where I’m staying. So it must have been stuck to the windscreen since then. I guess now is as good a time as any to explain about the parking here. So here goes………

Before I booked this place I enquired about the parking and the reply I got was positive- so here I am. However, it’s not as positive as I had thought. There is no parking exclusive to the property and all the parking on the square I am staying on is paid from 9am to 12 midday, then 2pm to 6.30pm every day except Sunday. Parking starts at 1euro90 for an hour and goes up to 25euros for 3 hours!!! I know!!! You can pay at the machine or by using an app called Whoosh! (name includes the exclamation mark) and apparently what most people do is pay for 2 hours (3euros80) and just keep renewing it via the app. There is some free parking behind the building I am staying in but it really belongs to the surrounding apartments and all of the spaces have a barrier that, if it’s raised, means you can get into the space.

So I’ve been parking on the square outside the apartment, paying 2 hours, setting the alarm on my phone to remind me when 2 hours is up, paying again and so on! The day in question- 16th November- I checked the app and, as I already knew, I had paid as usual, none missed, no gaps. When I looked more closely at the ticket there was an extra digit in my car’s registration number so I emailed the company straight away, before I started making my hat, and so far (I’m writing this on the 28th) I haven’t had a response. However, I have had a couple of random refunds of a few euros here and there from them- but also some payments to them taken out of my account when I haven’t been using the parking- and in a different location! It’s costing a fortune to park anyway- I’m actually trying not to add it up! Not very satisfactory to say the least.

Anyway, back to today’s main event. I had the best time 🙂 Pascal is a very talented lady. She is a graphic designer but also makes these stunning hats. Her workshop is a warren of Aladdin’s caves- full of fabric and ribbon and sewing machines etc etc. Wonderful! She makes the whole process of creating a hat look so easy. But it isn’t! It’s very labour intensive and clearly a labour of love too.

We found we had lots in common- fashion, music, all sorts. We kept stopping to try and make each other understood and to look at things on the internet or in the workshop. We sat and stitched and created whilst listening to some lovely Parisian 1940’s style music and I thought to myself “wow- who’d have thought I’d be doing this?”

We lost so much time chatting that I didn’t get finished so I’m coming back again tomorrow to finish of my lovely hat. No photos until it’s done!

I had a quick drink of coffee with Chantal and Philippe and then, having said “au revoir” with kisses on both cheeks I set off home.

I spoke to Will on the phone this evening and to Amy. I had a chat with Charlotte K on FaceTime and then read some of this lovely book that Chantal has lent me. So all in all, parking ticket aside, it’s been a really lovely day 🙂

Bonne nuit 🙂

Up early this morning because I’m going to Orléans! I haven’t been up this early in ages! Had to set my alarm!

It was nice to be out and about early. My favourite kind of weather too. Lovely and sunny- but really cold 🙂

I felt like I belonged as I joined all the people on the streets, going to wherever they needed to go- school, university, work. I kept grinning to myself like an idiot!

There was a market just setting up on the other side of the road from where I’m staying. I didn’t have time to stop and look but it did look as if it was going to be full of all the nonsense that I love- old furniture and bric-a-brac. Can’t wait to have a look next week! There was also a big fruit and vegetable market already underway further up the road. I wanted to stop and take pictures but was worried I might miss my train so I kept walking!

Christmas markets are being set up all over the city and lots of carousels too! They are advertising the new Frozen film in the station. It’s out on the 22nd November in England I think. And I’ve just checked and it’s out here…..TODAY! 🙂

This is going to sound ridiculous I know, but the train is lovely. It’s got little lamps on the walls- reminiscent of the old Pullman trains. The staff all look so smart too- and so friendly. I got a wink from the guard who checked my ticket! 🙂

I’m so glad the weather is nice. It’s lovely to sit here and to watch the French countryside going by 🙂

We arrived in Orléans at 10.45, I got off the train and thought “now what?” I’d done some reading about the city but still, I had no idea where anything was, so I did first things first and went to the loo! Lots of public conveniences here still have someone “on the door” as it were- and many you still have to pay for. I really don’t mind that as it hopefully, and usually, means that the loos are cleaner etc. I know they’ve just stopped charging in a lot of train stations in the UK, Leeds and Edinburgh included. What a tedious and thankless job though, sitting outside a public convenience all day. Hats off to the people that do it. We must always remember to say hello, goodbye and thank you to them 🙂

Hot chocolate next and a sit down to plan the day. I’ve probably only told a handful of you, but I started writing a children’s story book a couple of years ago and the idea is that it will, in quite a lighthearted way, deal with loss and healing. It’s based around a tin containing old bobbins of sewing thread that my Grandma Taylor gave me many years ago. Every time I went to it, it seemed to miraculously contain the colour that I needed and that I couldn’t find in my own, newer stock. It felt as if she was watching over me and that was comforting as I miss her very much. I started writing and then it went on the back burner and my intention was to hopefully write some more whilst in France. However, I’ve been so preoccupied since I got here with enjoying myself and writing my blog that I still hadn’t put pen to paper. Until today. I don’t know why but, while I was sat in that café, I got out my note book and just started writing. I wrote about 4 pages, just like that! I could actually have written more but I was only in Orléans for the day- and the café owner I think thought I had taken root! So off I set.

I went first of all to the Cathedral. Wowee! What an amazing building. Beautiful inside and out. It was almost as if some of the stonework was made of delicate lace. Of course the main focus of my visit to Orléans was Joan of Arc and, in the Cathedral is a stunning monument to her life and to the sacrifice she made for her country.

Born in Domremy in 1412, Joan was the daughter of a farmer. The hundred year war between England and France was raging at this time and Joan and her family lived on the border between the lands reigned over by the English and by the French Dauphin. Joan began to hear the voices of saints and, aged 16 years, these voices encouraged her to help the Dauphin capture Reims (currently under English control) and thereby the French throne.

When, in 1428, she initially tried to tell people about the voices, and the mission they had given her, she was ridiculed and sent away. But she was determined. So, in 1429, and dressed as a man this time, she tried again. Theologians concluded that she was indeed speaking the truth and in April 1429 she led an army into battle against the English in Orléans. After several days of fighting, during which Joan was injured, the French were victorious. Many more victories followed but then, in May 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundians who sold her to the English and, in 1431, in Rouen, she was tried for heresy. She was found guilty and was sentenced to be burned at the stake.

Initially Joan recanted, dressed again in women’s clothes and her sentence was reduced to imprisonment. A few days later, however, she was found in her cell, again dressed as a man and said that the saints were unhappy that she had given into the church. She was found to be a relapsed heretic and was sentenced to death.

She was burned at the stake on 30th May 1431, in Rouen, aged just 19 years. She was then posthumously retried in 1456 and was declared innocent and a martyr. By 1558, France was fully under French control again. And in 1920, Joan of Arc was canonised as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Her feast day is May 30th. A short and amazing life.

After visiting the Cathedral I headed for the Musée des Beaux Arts. This is a fantastic museum and one I would highly recommend visiting. I walked into the first room and said out loud “wow!” Because it is wow! When I’d finished looking around I told the very nice man who brought me back my bags (yes I’d done a little shopping again!) that I thought the museum was amazing and probably one of the very best I’ve ever visited. And for only 6 euros, which also pays for entry to 2 other museums in the city. Brilliant 🙂

I took trillions of photos but won’t bore you with them all!

There were some paintings on show that were still waiting to be reunited with their rightful owners after being taken by the Nazis in the war. I was chatting to the lady who was “on guard” in that particular room. I recommended that she watches the film “The Woman in Gold” as it’s on the same topic.

Another picture that really struck me was this one because the artist has made the man’s clothing look as if it is real velvet rather than paint. I’ve never really seen that before. So clever.

I left the museum and went across the road to the Groslot Mansion. Formerly the city hall of Orléans it now hosts weddings and formal occasions. What a beautiful place, and full of artefacts relating to Joan of Arc. The wallpaper in the big meeting room was fabulous. It reminded me of that in Sirius Black’s house in Harry Potter.

Next I went to look for Joan of Arc’s house, where she stayed in the April and May of 1429. I’d read some rather unkind reviews online but wanted to make up my own mind. The original house was destroyed during a German bombing raid in 1940 and the house was then rebuilt in the 1960’s. It simply shows a film about her life but there is also a research centre on the first floor that can be visited. I decided not to do this as my time was limited and also I assumed that most of it would be in French.

The reviews called the house, amongst other things, a “tourist trap” but I have to disagree. The film was really good and told the story well and it was inclusive of the 6 euro ticket that I had bought earlier for the museum. So as far as I’m concerned it was great. Some people’s expectations……….

I was weary by this point but had quite some time to wait until my train at 6:45. I could have gone for something to eat but, as previously discussed, that wasn’t really an option. So, instead, I went to a bar and had a “vin chaud” mulled wine. Mmmm 🙂 It was lovely. And, whilst sipping that, I wrote a bit more of my story.

I had a chat with a lady and her daughter who were also having mulled wine and then another nice chat with a guy in a shop called La Chaise Longue who had lived in England for a time. His English was excellent. I’d love to get my French to that level.

Lots of very handsome men around again today! 🙂 One for me? Please 🙂

Back in Tours at 8pm. Home, tea and bed. A lovely day.

Bonne nuit 🙂

It was quite foggy first thing but it’s cleared up now and it’s a lovely sunny day.

I was planning on going to Chenonceau today but I got an email this morning from Trainline reminding me that I’m going to Orléans tomorrow (yes I knew that) and that, even though I have already got my tickets on the Trainline app, I must make copies of them on A4 paper to be able to travel (no I did not know that!) So, I shelved my idea of going to the château and, after breakfast, I set off for the library that I’d walked past yesterday- blissfully unaware!

I’m feeling pretty chuffed with myself because already I’m finding my way, reasonably easily, around Tours. I walked down to the river first of all and onto the bridge. The tramway runs right across it and then down the main street of the city. You can go right down to the river bank and walk along it. I’ll do that sometime but today photocopying is the thing.

It turns out the library don’t do photocopying but they explained to me where I could get it done and, thinking (hoping) I had understood the directions correctly, I was just about to leave the library when someone called of me. It was Manu and he was on his way to meet some clients at the train station. He greeted me with a kiss on each cheek and I thought “oh I feel so French!” But I was swiftly brought back down to earth with a bump when he suggested that I speak English as he wasn’t feeling well (full of cold) and was in a rush! Heyhoe!

I was feeling a bit stressed about finding somewhere to print off my tickets so to see a familiar face was lovely. I told Manu that I would still like some French lessons whilst I am here so he gave me his number and I said I would contact him that evening to arrange something. Then I set off to look for the copy shop and found easily actually. But once inside I had to explain what I needed and also work out how to send the PDF’s to the shop’s email. Oh dear! I know to a lot of people that sounds easy. But I found it very stressful and I was sweating buckets when I finally left the shop- with my A4 size ticket printouts though. I got my Paris tickets printed out too! I can’t go through that again! 🙂

When I had set off from home I had thought I might go to a museum in Tours today but actually I just fancied having a bit of a shop. So that’s what I did. Everywhere is becoming very Christmassy and wandering around the shops was lovely. I bought a few presents and went into Zara to replenish my perfume supply but came out with 2 tops too! In my defence, Zara is cheaper here than at home.

The lights and decorations are going up all over the city and lots of little Christmas markets are being set up in various places too.

Walking home this evening I had to keep pinching myself that I was really here and doing this. I love it here. I’ve been looking at rentals in the estate agents today. It would be cheaper I think than Airbnbing- although I’d have bills to pay and would probably need to buy furniture. If I could get just a little job- a few hours doing something- that’s all I would need just to keep topping up the money. I wouldn’t have much, but I could manage- and I’d be very happy 🙂

I got home and messaged Chantal to tell her I had bought fabric for Thursday. I actually bought some more too today. It’s velvet again but with tropical leaves and birds on it. So now I have to decide which to use!!! I also messaged Manu and we’ve arranged to meet up on Sunday.

I know I keep banging on about Queer Eye- now one of my favourite shows ever- so forgive me for going there again. But I watched an interview with Antoni Porowski on YouTube last night and I wanted to share it with you. For those of you who don’t watch Queer Eye, Antoni is the “foody” element of the Fab5. He is successful, gorgeous, has just written his own cookbook and has worked in many restaurants, both as a chef and as front of house. But still he struggles to go into a restaurant on his own to eat. It makes him anxious and uncomfortable and so he doesn’t do it. It’s hard to believe isn’t it? But I get that, because it’s something I can’t do either, which sounds ridiculous when I’ve done what I’ve done. I’ve come to France on my own, I’m driving on the wrong (but right!) side of the road, I’m speaking French etc, etc. But going into a restaurant alone and sitting there alone- I can’t do it. The last time I did it was when I went to Paris on my own in January 2018. The place was lovely, the food was delicious, the staff were fab, but I felt uncomfortable and so havent even tried to do it here. It’s hard enough going into somewhere to get a coffee or a bite to eat during the day but, at night, and a restaurant, well that’s a whole different matter. It’s annoying and frustrating because I love food and love eating out. But there it is- and it makes it easier to deal with because I know that other people feel the same. It goes to show too doesn’t it that all the money and celebrity in the world can’t take away our basic human frailties and anxieties.

Indeed, the lady interviewing Antoni, again a very successful personality, but I can’t remember her name, said she struggled with this too. So, she and Antoni made a “pinky promise” that they would both eat out alone and try and overcome their fear. It made me emotional- and I wish them both every success. Good luck 🙂

So Orléans in the morning!

Bonne nuit 🙂

I opened the curtains this morning and they are putting up Christmas decorations in the square outside. Can’t wait until switch on!

Ok so it’s confession time. Two things.

The first is that on the 31st of October I was still in bed, around 9am (I know, but there was no sofa so what’s a girl to do!) and the doorbell rang and then someone knocked at the door- and then knocked again. I couldn’t think who it could be, but quickly pulled on some clothes and opened the door. It had rained really heavily in the night and it crossed my mind that it was perhaps someone who needed access to fix a leak somewhere. But no- it was the police. A man and a woman in plain clothes, so detectives I guess. The man showed me his ID and they came in. Apparently, the man who lived in the apartment below me was in hospital and they were treating his injuries as suspicious. They wanted to know if I had heard anything in the night. They asked how long I had been in Vendôme (this is all in French by the way) and wanted to see my ID. Then they were gone- and I was left feeling a bit stunned.

I really hadn’t expected that- and I hadn’t heard anything either. I take my hearing aids out at night, and my hearing is really terrible. I had heard the rain that night as it had been torrential and I was right up in the roof space with 2 velux windows. Then I started to wonder if perhaps I had heard something else. If perhaps something else had disturbed me and not the rain- and that perhaps I could have helped the poor man. I think the police said he was elderly. I hoped he had family or friends that would visit him in hospital. That’s the thing about being on your own- that there’s no one to discuss things with. To bat something about until you feel better and more clear about things.

And that is the reason why I didn’t go to the salsa class that night because I felt unsettled and a bit on edge. I didn’t feel happy to leave the apartment and go out in the dark on my own. I also didn’t want to tell anyone about it because I knew that some people would be worried for me and might perhaps suggest that I move to different accommodation. I didn’t want to worry anyone and I didn’t want to move on, but I did want to document what had happened after I had moved on from Vendôme as it was a part of the experience I am having here. Also, I don’t want anyone to think that I was in a bad area or anything. Vendôme is a lovely place and everyone I met was very friendly. Sadly bad things happen in good places. I just hope the man made a full recovery and is doing well now.

On a lighter note, my second confession is……..

That I didn’t change the bedding on my “bed” (because it was really just 2 mattresses, one on top of the other, on the floor) the whole time I was in Vendôme! 4 weeks! Ooh! I know, that’s awful! BUT, bearing in mind the description I gave of the place when I got there, I really didn’t want to see what state the pillows and duvet and mattress were in!!! Maybe they were ok. But, I decided not to go there and, as I have stopped (touch wood) having hideous night sweats now, and there was only me, I took the decision to be a scruff- but a happy one! 🙂

On the subject of being only me, I have discovered the French word for a single person is célibataire. Lovely!!! Says it all doesn’t it?! 😦

So this célibataire (!) took herself off to the Musée des Beaux Arts in Tours today. Situated in Tours, in what what was the the Palace of the Archbishops, it is full of beautiful paintings and artefacts from the revolution period onwards. The building is beautiful but the floors are soooo creaky- ridiculously so actually, even for my ears!

As you know, I normally take tons of photos, even in museums. But here I didn’t. The lady who was, for want of a better term, “on guard” in the first room or so of the exhibition was extremely unwelcoming. I smiled and said “bonjour” and if looks could have killed! She was a bit scarey and it all felt very formal and hushed- well apart from the floors that is! Most of the other people were delightful, but she kind of set the tone and so I just kept sneaking my phone out and snapping a picture here and there when no-one was looking!

The museum is hosting a temporary exhibition about Balzac and his work at the moment, which runs from now until next February. Born in Tours, Balzac was a novelist and playwright, his most famous novel being La Comédie Humaine. His work influenced many writers, including Charles Dickens. He died in Paris, in 1850, aged 51 years, and is buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery, which I visited almost 2 years ago now to find the grave of “the little sparrow”, Édith Piaf.

The museum is right next door to the Cathedral of St Gatien and so I visited there next. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it is enormous- and very beautiful. It never fails to amaze me that buildings like this were created all those centuries ago with so little equipment. Towering structures covered in elaborate decoration both inside and out. I feel I might have said this previously, so apologies if that is so!

I left the Cathedral and had a little wander around the town. I do love it here.

Then home for tea and I had a nice chat with Charlotte B 🙂

The weather forecast is good for tomorrow so time to get back on the château trail. Chenonceau I think 🙂

Bonne nuit 🙂

As usual, I had a Strictly Sunday breakfast! I thought Karim and Amy, Alex and Neil and Saffron and Ajay were fabulous. I loved the theme and the costumes of Michelle and Giovanni’s dance but the dance itself? Not sure.

Ooh and I had this delicious brioche for breakfast too with lots of butter and lots of jam! Very naughty but VERY nice! I should also say that they did a gluten free option and that a lot of places offer gluten free baguettes too. Bravo! 🙂

I had a lovely chat with Trish today and we, of course, discussed the above- the dancing that is, not my breakfast! And then I did it all over again with Mum later on 🙂

I spent the rest of the day trying to catch up with my blog. I’m way behind as you’ve probably noticed!

Bonne nuit 🙂

I spoke to Mum and Dad this morning. They are both in good spirits and don’t want me to go home until we know what is happening and when, but they’ll keep me posted.

I spoke to Will and to Rob too and told them about Grandad Roy.

I then spoke to a very dear friend of mine who is having a very difficult time at the moment. Their news isn’t mine to share but suffice to say I felt very sad after we said goodbye. Adding this to my Dad being unwell and so far away, the temptation to just hole myself up in this lovely cocoon of a place was strong. But I had promised my friend that I would go out and explore and then send some nice pictures later on- and that’s just what I did.

And am I glad that I gave myself that kick up the derrière to do it because Tours is FABULOUS! What a beautiful place! I love it already.

I headed first of all to the fabric shop Chantal had told me about “Mode Tissus” It was heaven! So much choice! I settled though, with the help of the owner, on some velvet that looks, in some lights mustardy, but in others, limey green 🙂 I could just have bought a very small piece, just enough for my hat. But I bought a metre because the remainder will definitely get used. Gorgeous!

I went then to find the station as I’m going to Orléans by train next Wednesday. And I bought a “longue brioche” from the brioche shop on the corner opposite the station. Can’t wait to taste it.

The city seems to be divided into two halves. The station side, which has all the big high street named shops like Zara etc, and then the part nearer to where I’m staying which has lots of smaller, independent shops that are full of amazing things!!!

Whilst in the high streety part, I went into an arcade and had a wander around. Outside a little tailors shop was a rack of big furry coats- for sale for 30 euros. I was standing looking at them, telling myself I really didn’t need a big, furry coat when the owner of the shop came out to speak to me. He said would I like to go in and try on the coat- which I did. We started chatting and the upshot was that I bought the coat (obviously!) and he offered me a job if I decide to stay in Tours?!!! Of course he was joking and, even if he wasn’t, I’m not a seamstress- but what a lovely guy 🙂

I kept on wandering which is, I think, a great way to discover a place and came across the Basilica of St Martin. I went in and had a look around and lit a candle for my friend and her family.

A bit more wandering and I found myself in the Place Plumereau, a big square in the old part of Tours, which is full of really old and beautiful timbered buildings and has lots of bars and restaurants. It wasn’t brillant weather but there was still a buzz about the place. Really nice 🙂

A few things to share with you about today.

I spotted these pictures in a shop window this morning. Interesting! Wouldn’t you just love to put one on your wall and wait to see the look on people’s faces as they realise it’s not really batman they’re looking at!!! 🙂

I past this lovely old shop and there was just one thing left sat in the window. A book with a picture of Charles Aznavour on the front cover. I guess the book contained music scores. I sang two of his songs on the stage when I was in my teens. My Dad was in Round Table and they put on a concert for the senior citizens of Spen Valley each year. I sang at two of the concerts. Solos. Some Gracie Fields, including “The Biggest Aspidistra in the World”. I think I sang “The Trolley Song” from Meet Me in St Louis. And, my favourites, “She” and “Dance in the Old Fashioned Way”, by Monsieur Aznavour. My favourite version of “She” by the way, is by Elvis Costello.

Look who was looking at me from the end of the street here! Tommy Shelby!!! Be still my beating heart! Unfortunately it wasn’t the real thing. It was his picture, in a hat shop, Chapellerie Brun, which claims to be the official sponsor of Peaky Blinders- but since 1902?!

And, lastly, look at this beautiful bridal shop. How gorgeous is that? So chic and understated and elegant. And look at the styles too! Pockets and shorts and everything! Superb 🙂

I set off back to the apartment and when I got there it was all lovely and warm and welcoming. I sent my friend some “happy pictures” as promised and sent her lots of love too.

I had a lovely surprise this evening. Julia, Barbara and Catherine FaceTimed me from Cath’s caravan in North Yorkshire! 🙂

And the coat? Well, here it is in all it’s glory.

With the hood up I look like an extra from that cheesy video East 17 did for their 1994 Christmas hit “Stay Another Day”. What a dreadful song! But it made me smile (the coat not the song) and for only 30 euros too- and I will wear it-sometime. So heyhoe!

Bonne nuit 🙂

Not much to tell about today. I am so tired! So I just pottered- getting myself settled into this lovely place.

Nice FaceTime chat with Jane B today. Jane worked on Cardiology in Leeds a few years back and so was able to give me some reassurance about things, which was nice. I never did hearts- I was always gynaecology and women’s health- midwifery etc.

Chantal who is doing the millinery course I’m going on next week has contacted me. She wants me to have a look at her website and give her some idea of what style of hat I want to make. She asked if I could bring some fabric with me from home for the main body of the hat. I said I had tons of fabric but that it is all in storage back in England so she has recommended a fabric shop in Tours that I’m going to go and find tomorrow. Very exciting!

Will and Tom are back from their trip to Belin today and a good time was had by all! I had to FaceTime them tonight though because I couldn’t work the fancy corkscrew here and knew they would be able to help! I didn’t tell them about Dad. I’ll do it tomorrow- and Rob and Amy too- let them have today still as their hols.

Bonne nuit 🙂

So I’m off to Tours today! I got packed up and was ready to leave dead on 12 midday. I put the last of my things into the car as the church next door was chiming the hour. I was a sweaty mess! There are 38 steps up to my apartment here and I did at least 6 trips today!!! Phew!

I had understood that Michel was going to come yesterday to read the meter with me and then I would pay him for the electricity I have used here. He didn’t come, and I wasn’t sure what to do, so I put 30 euros in an envelope (it said in the blurb for the property that long stays payed an average of 25 euros) and put it, with a note, in Luca’s post box, along with the keys and the parking permit. I guess if there is a problem then he will get in touch- but fingers crossed he won’t! 🙂

I’ve been to Tours once before to meet Manu- a 50 minute drive and I was here. I found my accommodation easily but was, of course, concerned as to where I should park. I decided though to sort out keys etc and then sort the car afterwards. That’s what I’m learning- reign it in and tackle one thing at a time!

Raphaëlle, who owns the apartment, is away at the moment so she had given me her Dad’s number so I could contact him when I got here. I got my phone out to send him a message and saw that my Mum had been in touch. What I read was a total shock. My lovely Dad has recently been diagnosed with angina and was scheduled to have an angiogram, and then a stent the same day if necessary, on the 21st November. Mum’s message said that he had been seen today, as the hospital had had a cancellation, that he had had the angiogram but, rather than a stent, he needed a heart bypass! Wow! Not what I had expected at all! There was no point ringing them yet as they were still at the hospital waiting for dad to be discharged, so I thought I’d better just get on with things and I contacted Hervé. Such a nice man and so helpful and, on first site, the apartment is lovely too. But my head was full of what was going on at home and I just couldn’t speak French! Well I did manage a tiny bit, and I did apologise, but I couldn’t think straight!

This apartment is in a very old property too, on the second floor, and with an even more spirally staircase than before! So several trips later I had all my stuff installed- and was a sweaty mess again!!!

I called Mum and Dad several times over the afternoon and finally spoke to Dad on about the 4th attempt. He sounded in good spirits but was obviously shocked. Mum was out with May (the dog). He said though that the lovely doctor with “the fabulous teeth”, at the same time as using words like “severe” to describe his condition, had described Dad as “young and robust”. Dad’s going to be 79 next month, so I think he was pretty chuffed with that! 🙂

I felt a bit better for having spoken to Dad but still worried and concerned. Should I go home? Or would that, at this point, just make Mum and Dad feel even more worried about the situation?

I had a FaceTime chat with Charlotte K and mulled over everything. Always good to talk to Charlotte 🙂

Daft as it sounds, I really think the fact that my new accommodation is so lovely helped. It’s lovely and warm and spacious but cosy too. Everything clean, but fabulously quirky. And there is a kettle and a sofa!

There’s no toaster here so I just had a cheese and mustard sandwich for tea- and a glass of red wine and some chocolate. Lovely 🙂

My bed is oh so comfortable and the bedding smells fresh and mmmm!

Bonne nuit 🙂

My last full day in Vendôme and I still need to do my washing!!! So, once again, off I went to the launderette and yes, you guessed it, it was, once again, fermée!!!

I decided I would just make do and then find somewhere to do my washing in Tours. But I didn’t really want to take a bag of dirty washing with me, plus there were clothes in the bag that I really wanted to be able to wear! I knew there was another launderette in Vendôme so decided to try and find it. I found it- and it was closer than the one I’d been going to! I mean much closer! I mean just around the corner!!! Heyhoe 🙂

I didn’t get off to a good start- the cash point, where you select a washing machine and pay, ate my money and the machine did nothing, so I had to move everything into another machine and pay again! I’d chosen the cleanest looking machine initially so then had to move my stuff into one that was less so 😦 They were all a bit grimy- you know around the glass, and particularly at the bottom! I mean, my machine at home wasn’t always sparkling but your own grime is different isn’t it?! Anyway, beggars can’t be choosers so, finally, after several failed attempts over several days, this was a very welcome sight……..

I got home, made a cuppa and a hot water bottle (very chilly) and caught up on Junior Bake Off. It’s wonderful. Harry Hill, who I’ve never really been a fan of in the past, is brilliant with the kids, as are Prue Leith and Liam (don’t know his surname- just think he’s fab!) It’s the most heartwarming show on television. I guarantee it will make you cry! I’ve lost count of the amount of times I said “oh sweetheart” when something has gone wrong or someone has been upset. Poor Sam was heartbroken when he had to leave the tent. Nancy (my lovely niece) and I have been messaging each other about it and we are in agreement that Tilly is in the running to win. I think Eliza could win too- but I haven’t got Nancy’s opinion on that yet! Anyway, if you haven’t already, you must tune in. Such talented and delightful children 🙂

I don’t know if you recall me talking about bread in my post on the 2nd November. A guest on the Off Menu podcast said that the people she had stayed with in France didn’t always eat baguettes but had some processed bread in reserve. The name of that bread she said was Jacques and I searched for it online but couldn’t find out anything about it. Well, imagine my delight when, in the supermarket this evening, I found some of that very brand of bread (I’d been spelling it wrong!) sitting on the shelf! And it’s not half bad! 🙂

I had a toasted sandwich for my tea! Emmental cheese and Dijon mustard. DE-LIC-IOUS!!! 🙂

So it’s my last night in Vendôme. Four weeks have whizzed by just like that. I’ll be sad to leave here- it really is a lovely place. But I’m excited (and a bit nervous!) to move on to Tours tomorrow.

Bonne nuit 🙂