We now have just over a week left of our stay in France, and we have so much to do. With daytime temperatures of 40 C, working outdoors after about 9 am, and before 8 pm, is almost impossible.
Our guests leave at the weekend, and we've been obliged to shorten our own stay by one day due to our hotel being fully booked for the day on which we wished to travel. This has also meant that we've had to change our channel crossing time. Things are ganging-up on us.
Preparing the house for over-wintering is always stressful. As we shall be away for the next 9 months, nothing must be overlooked. The pool must be closed down correctly, all the excess garden growth cut back, and all the grass cut. Indoors everything needs to be dust-covered, services closed-off, and everything secured. The whole house will also need to be cleaned. The house is never in a better state than on the day we leave! It doesn't sound like much, but it all takes time.
One of my major tasks is to remove a very old, and extensive Vine. Its fruit hangs down in front of our covered terrace, and at this time of year attracts Hornets. Sadly, as beautiful and big as it is, it has to go. It will be replaced by a Wisteria which is already in waiting.
The fridges and freezer need to be emptied and cleaned, and all contents either eaten or disposed of. Nothing must remain that will 'go off' during our absence. All rubbish (and there's plenty of it) must be taken to the bins, and all the recycling taken to special receptacles.
And most importantly, Billy must have his pre-travel pill, and have it confirmed in his passport.
I really hate leaving here. It feels like having a part of me torn off without anaesthetic. It's the home I love the most, and after 50 years of residence in our village (and about 40 in this house) I'm being turfed out because silly people voted to leave the EU (although a part of me doesn't blame them).
What I must do now is make a list of tasks. Nothing must be omitted. Keys will have to be left in a secure spot, windows firmly closed, and outdoor water taps, etc, covered against frost. Everything must be LOCKED.
It's a really horrible feeling, and in many ways I can hardly wait until we hit the road for Blighty. Have it all done and over with!
I shall be very sorry to leave our peaceful little home, but equally excited to return to Busy-Brighton. The contrast is always intoxicating.
It sounds as though you do not have a house sitter this year although you did mention leaving Roly for the gardener. It also sounds like a LOT of work for a week.
ReplyDeleteNo house sitter this year! At least the weather will cool a bit next week, so we'll be able to work all day; we'll get it done.
DeleteYou have a full week, so go room by room and check things off the list as they are done and then check off the outside tasks as they get done.
ReplyDeleteYes, it needs to be methodical. I have made a check list.
DeleteI can't understand why, as very long term residents, you didn't get yourselves Cartes de Sejour.... it was very simple and quick.... all we had to supply was proof of residence signed by the Maire, and bank records. Quick, simple and very much in the "you are welcome to stay and live here!" approach.... after all, we'll be spending our money over here and not in the yUK!!
ReplyDeleteThere are complicated tax regulations. We may get the extra 3 month visa sometime, but never a full Carte de Sejour again.
DeleteIt sounds very much like you have a wife, and a mistress to maintain, in two different places. Flitting from one to the other and covering your tracks. Trying to keep up a relationship with both must be very stressful.
ReplyDeleteIt is complicated, but do-able. It's only when actually moving from one place to the other that we get so stressed.
DeleteThat would exhaust me and I am a few years younger than you.
ReplyDeleteAnd with our youngest selling his house we also have agents and notaries being troublesome. I shall be glad to get back to the peace and quiet of Brighton.
DeleteThat does sound a lot to do! Rather than sitting on your backside blogging you should be out there getting on with things!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me; we are! It's a bit cooler today, so we can get on with things.
DeleteIs there no way around having to leave France every winter? I don't understand.
ReplyDeleteSince Brexit we can only stay for 3 months unless we apply for an extension visa, or residence permit. We're OK as it is. I moan about it, but we're really quite happy.
DeleteIt's a pity you can't have six months in each, so it's a bit more balanced.
DeleteWhat have you got to hide. I know folk that have residence. It's no a problem unless you are bent as a two bob note.
DeleteIf you are bent then no matter where you and your family dissipates to they'll be caught and hassled if not prosecuted.
We had residence for 50 years with no fingerprints, paperwork, etc. It's the bureaucracy I object to the most.
DeleteMy parents split their time between two homes for about 30 years, it is a challenge getting the place ready for winter.
ReplyDeleteWhat would they do if you just stayed? Lock you up?
ReplyDeleteThey might do that anyway, as we'll be a few days over our three months!!!
DeleteI voted remain!
ReplyDeleteSo did we!
DeleteThat is a very long list of jobs. It all seems like so much work for just 3 months. For a 6 month stay, the work seems less ominous.
ReplyDeleteI've already made an inroad into the jobs. We've got just over a week to complete everything. We'll make it!
DeleteA lot of work to wind up in France. I hope you can just walk back into the house in Brighton without too much trouble
ReplyDeleteWe have a cleaner, and our gardens are communal with a communal gardener. Everything will be impeccable; I'm sure.
DeleteI hope that readers will absorb all this this time so that we don't have to go through it all again. It is becoming like an old record. Please note the reply to Monsieur le Pre which is the definitive answer.
ReplyDeleteYou used to be fun Rachel, but I'm afraid that now the 'old record' is you.
DeleteI see the best comment was deleted. You were never fun and nor was I. You just get more more repetitive but then I suppose some people haven't heard it all before.
DeleteOh, and Adrian's has gone too!
DeleteGive it a rest Rachel
DeleteI've just imported a big square baler from France. No problem at all. We had to pay the 10% but it was bought right.
ReplyDeleteIt's better we are out. One just works the tax into the deal. Folk on here would wet themselves at the haulage cost. The machine is middling good and if the EU was perfect farmers wouldn't be selling hundred grand kit for half it's value to us in the UK.
I was 50/50 about leaving. Had the government continued with the single market, and freedom of movement, I would be very happy.
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