Right, let's try something about gardening. Maybe it will prove less controversial.
Preparing for the new year's growing season is always a pleasure. So far I've dug over just two of the four beds in readiness for some early planting/sowing. Just being out there in the sunshine, digging away, is a real pleasure.
I've decided to totally ignore the fact that we'll probably be kicked out of France before October. We'll enjoy what crops are edible prior to leaving, then allow certain neighbours to enjoy the Autumn/Winter crops that we leave behind.
As you can probably see, we still have plenty of Cavolo Nero plants, which are now sending out beautifully tender shoots, plus some Perpetual Spinach and Swiss Chard. In the background our Globe Artichokes are looking very healthy this year.
All the usual crops will go in. Potatoes, Courgettes, Beans, Peppers, Butternuts, Aubergines, Cavolo nero, Chard, Spinach, Onions, and of course Tomatoes (which will be in pots, positioned elsewhere!).
It'll be a strange year, knowing that I'll have to leave crops unharvested. But that's how things are with post-Brexit UK/France relations.
You have such a good life there in a beautiful place, I am still saddened that you haven't gone for permanent residence.
ReplyDeleteStill, your choice.
I can't get the papers I need from the UK. No option.
DeleteVery sad indeed..there must be a way
DeleteSorry to have missed the controversial post. Much as I like vegetables they are poor subjects for promoting lively debates.
ReplyDeleteThere was no controversial post; just comments that were trying to stir-up trouble.
DeleteOh, sorry - in missing it I misconstrued what occurred.
DeleteThat white chair looks racist to me.
ReplyDeleteThat's why it's been confined to Haddock's.
DeleteYou have lived in France for such a long time. It is clearly your home. I don't understand. Oh, the tomatoes again.
ReplyDeleteIt's all to do with Health insurance. The UK won't give me the papers I need to have what's called a 'Carte Vitale', which I need to become resident. I could have private health insurance, but that would cost about €1,000 a month, and I can't afford it. Cheaper to spend time in England where all medical stuff is FREE.
DeleteI don't understand either, surely it would be in OUR interest here to give you your medical papers so that you can get your Carte Vitale rather than have you and Mrs Cro depending on the NHS while you're here for your 3 months? Not saying you're both going to be ill or anything, but you never know.
DeleteLady M is fine, she has her Carte. And that's exactly what I told the UK dep't involved, but they failed to see the logic.
DeleteI always feel I have missed out on something when there is reference to a post that was pulled! With some of the crazy stuff that is going around my mind goes into overdrive...for example did you know that the unusual Texas weather was man made! Who would have known.
ReplyDeleteDigging looks good
I have one visitor who enjoys being argumentative. I don't mind this as long as it's on subject.
DeleteI doubt that Macron has a map on his office wall - showing the locations of all British ex-pats with little coloured pins..."Zis one eez Emmanuel Magnon. I av read is blog. Ee as shown me petit respect. Send ze gendarmes!"
ReplyDeleteI'm probably top of his list. The Teacher's Pet sees me as dangerous.
DeleteCro - you have lived in France so long that surely you should be seen as a permanent resident. It will be a travesty if you are kicked out for some time each year.
ReplyDeleteWe're resigned to returning to Brighton for a few months each year. I just hope we'll be allowed to stay here for more than 3 months each year; we should be able to get a visa for 6 months, but it's not certain.
DeletePaul is experimenting with 'no-dig' system on his potager this year.
ReplyDeleteI may have to try that in 2022; but not by desire!
DeleteHave you thought about just staying put and seeing how long it takes anyone to notice?
ReplyDeleteIf there are tax implications, I wouldn’t play chicken
DeleteWe did consider that, but I think we'll go back and enjoy the delights of Brighton for a few months each year. Of course, our delights will depend very much on Covid.
DeleteQue sera, sera. C'est la vie. Au moins, vous n'êtes pas sans abri. I've no idea what came over me.
ReplyDeleteAnd your accent was impeccable. Yes, we're fortunate in having kept homes in the UK. Many ex-pats have nothing 'back home', so are almost obliged to stay here, as well as adhere to the French tax system.
DeleteHaddocks looks wonderful. I am so sorry that you will have to leave your beautiful home and land for some months every year. However, returning to your other home in the UK may also have its blessings. Doesn’t one of your sons and his family still live there?
ReplyDeleteYes, my oldest lives just outside London. We'll enjoy England... I haven't been there for decades.
DeleteI don’t like it when you talk about leaving France ..... it’s sad. But, you will have a lovely time here in the U.K. it’s like a new adventure. We are having a little bit of landscaping done in the garden ..... have to spend money on something and to have something to think about. It will hopefully look nice in the Spring. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI just hope all the wonderful little Brighton shops, cafés, and venues, will all still be there. I'm already looking forward to Pork pies, fish-n-chips, and Chinese takeaways.
DeleteThat’s good. My sister and I ( and husbands ) love Riddle and Finns in the Lanes. Wonderful seafood platters. I’m sure you know it. XXXX
DeleteI love artichokes, but realized looking at your pictures, that I have never seen an artichoke plant. I hope that when (if?) you have to leave your garden, you can find someone who can use the produce. An unharvested garden is a sad thought.
ReplyDeleteIt's only a small clump of Artichoke plants (maybe 4 actual plants), but they produce a lot of large heads, then smaller ones later. Good value plants.
DeleteOK here's what you do. You contact a t v journalist a current affair....they would love the story of a poor old man with only his vegetable garden to live for (cover up the swimming pool with old tarpaulins) and you will need to cry a lot ...the UK dept will have to give you the certificate because of all the complaints and phone ins by the public You have to look really old and have a quavering voice
ReplyDeleteCan I use your name as a guarantor of my good behaviour? I shall start to practice my blubbing.
DeleteGet a walking stick. Walk very slowly. Look confused. Wipe at your eyes frequently with a hankerchief. How do you say, "eh?" in French?
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ReplyDeleteLife is full of adventure, just go with it and enjoy what comes. Hope the neighbors enjoy the fruits of your labor.
ReplyDeleteI thought you might be planting hot potatoes in this post! Gardens are wonderful but they have a tendency to anchor you, so you'll just have to turn your back without a care when you take your annual English sojourns. Getting things back in order upon your return will become your new routine, I suppose. I expect it won't be hard to get neighbours to forage in your absence. Free food is irresistible!
ReplyDeleteAnd all that fruit too. Someone will be happy.
DeleteLook on the bright side the French may not be able to kick you out due to COVID-19. I have never seen such stupidity, ignorance and ill will as you see if you raise any of the burning issues of the day. I too am found in the garden.
ReplyDelete