I have different ones. In the last couple of years of Fran’s illness I had a steady stream of health visitors twice a day every week. Most of them remembered to press the gate bell to warn me they were coming. Occasionally some forgot or for some reason the thing didn’t work. When that happened the first I knew of them was a figure suddenly appearing in the corner of my eye as I sat here alongside the window to the terrasse.
It always gave me a shock and several times I had to be given the kiss of life by a buxom female to bring me back from the dead. Err. no, actually, that never happened, no idea where that thought came from. 
But it did give me a start and the absence of all those lovely people since June has been a feature of my ongoing existance. 'Till now. Late October soon to be early November. and the afternoon sun low in the southern sky shines right along my west facing terrasse. A giant shadow suddenly appears to put the fear back into my soul, who is this lumbering and threatening giant invading my space?
Just Jules, mounting the steps before coming into view, with the blazing sun behind him. 
Another November joy is that from 01/11/2024 the possibility of red Tempo days starts.
Yes, I need to take a close interest in that now. I use Home Assistant to remotely monitor the house and wonder if I can automate something.
Halloween will have passed and all the black and orange tat too…
As long as it isn’t tomorrow, I’ve got one of my best friends coming and want the spa on 
We should be all right in November.
It’s no fun for them to do Tempo Red Days unless it’s so cold you’d struggle to pay the bill if it was a Blue Day.
Christmas will take its place all too soon.
Slade’s “Merry Xmas” has just been on the telly.
It’s the 5th of November FFS 
Christmas markets are starting soon, and the holiday spirit is already in the air! I decided to treat myself to an early present and ordered some lovely products from Lansinoh to feel and look my best for the season. There’s something so joyful about these little self-care treats—each one adds a bit of excitement and makes me feel more festive. Taking time to indulge in small things like this really makes me appreciate the holiday season even more.
Hi ellieellie
roughly where are you in France and do you have any particularly good Christmas markets near you?
15cm of snow on Mont Ventoux today !
22/23/24 November
Please look out for the volunteers collecting donations in the local shops/supermarkets.
A couple of extra items in your shopping trolley will be gratefully received (after you’ve paid for 'em)
Every donation stays within the Department… and it really is a worthy cause.
Yet another reason for avoiding the UK…
I have a 9 year old currently teaching himself piano on YouTube (we are looking for a teacher!). He’s cracked Jingle Bells quickly in the last few days but Mariah’s All I want for Christmas is taking much practice 
. Thrilled at his tenacity and skill already but may be screaming by Christmas 
We watch UK TV because quite frankly I’m exhausted come evening and don’t want more French (and it’s a bit crap!). We hardly ever watch ads as we record stuff and fast forward. We were having troubles today and ended up watching one set of ads, there were 2 Christmas ads
I wondered why I was getting funny looks lofting tins of sardines over the cashier to land in the baskets. 
you chuck things around in my presence and you might well not survive…
the days are long and can be very tiring for the volunteers, but we do try and maintain a sense of humour…
but chucking tins comes under the “dangerous activity” dossier and whoever chucks the tins will get fed to the local crocodiles…
Crisp, cold, clear, windless mornings are definitely a November joy for me. Just watched the sun rise and it’s like that this morning here.
sunny but perishing cold. there’s a decent breeze so the laundry will either dry or freeze to death. 
I agree, loving this weather after so much rain and grey!