The threatened strike by British Airways and winter weather had put our Christmas entertaining under threat so we were very relieved when Sue, Tim & Martin arrived for Christmas together with David & Jane who joined us Christmas day.
Despite the varied weather in the lead up it was a perfect day with the temperature in the sun touching almost 80 degrees allowing drinks on the terrace something we have become quite accustomed to.
Boxing day was less sunny resulting in a day indulging by the fire, well you have to - it is Christmas! whilst the sun shone on Sunday so we were able to walk off our excesses before lunch at a local restuarant and drinks at friends after.
On Monday 28th we headed off to England, with British airways to London, sadly our luggage stayed in Marseille although thank fully we were reunited the next night!
And so back to England, the first time in a year and it's off to the sales for some retail therapy!
Not with standing the weakness of the pound English shops offer a fantastic choice, quality household goods and clothing at excellent prices, genuine sales and excellent customer service. There is certainly little evidence of a recession in the south of England.
A question we are frequently asked is what do we miss about living in England?
Answer.............
And so after a great New Year's eve with friends in Surrey and New Years day at my sisters in Wales
we continued our pilgrimage back down the M4, round the M25 to Essex to collect Karen's Mum before heading home to Provence.
Whilst away, on the morning of New years day, one of our freak weather patterns hit home, a lightening strike hit about half a dozen houses including ours at 5am.
Thankfully being new we were very well protected, not with standing that our lightening conducters were blown out their sockets, our central heating system which is a little like the flight deck of Apollo 13, absorbed the strike wiping out all the thermostats, causing a loss of heating and hot water, the motor to our pool cover has burnt out as did our phone lines and home cinema system. Damage is estimated at over £6000. Not the best start to the new year. Thankfully our trades, the Electrician, builder and plumber have been great at trying to rectify everything.
And just in time, like the rest of Northern Europe it is snowing!
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