All good here, although working excessively long hours. In the main I am very happy, I love the tea Room and the clients are extremely appreciative. The French tax system and bureaucracy are still driving me mad. My wage bill for oct/nov/Dec was a bit steep as staff were under contract from summer and there was no way out of it until the contracts ended on 18th December. Managed to cover that expense and then just received a employees tax bill nearly as high as wage bill which I'm apparently liable for. I will have to pay weekly (very weakly) to get through it, but in the meantime I am working much of the time alone because I can't afford the implications of paying staff. We live and learn, I have a different system organised for the busier months now, using self employed contractors, not ideal as no loyalty, but way cheaper. Personal life a bit of a disaster, me and Charlie are fine, he is adorable, the kittens are adorable too, but ex has caused no end of heartache, especially over Xmas. I've had an admirer, but it's come to nothing, probably for the best anyway.
Big plans for the garden, I think come summer, late spring even, we are going to be very busy, busy enough now with limited tables, so with a super outdoor space to utilize, and a year's worth of experience, I really am hoping to 'make hay', enough to get me through the following winter anyway.
I'm sorry not to get on here more frequently, my days are just full, any time on the computer is used to keep Château de Gâteaux Facebook page updated, & Twitter and Instagram. It's so important to be on the bal
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
Hello Firefly, hope you enjoy the forum. We will enjoy sharing gardening and blethers with you
DD how lovely to hear from you! How is it going?is this a quiet time? Charlie doing well?
Dacha hope the weather improves for your sake but also as daughter and two kids flying in on Saturday
Hope the snow isn’t too bad for those affected here. Clari stay cosy I light the fire whatever!
Heavens what a day! started at 7.45 when oh showed me the empty box of the unopened box of Belgium chocs naughty dog had stolen during the night. Vet asked us to go ASAP 2 hours later and a very sick (literally) dog later we got home. This was in time to shower grab a bite and get to an important memorial service 11/2 hours away. Came home to find a totally unrepentant dog. Cost a fortune at the vet next time, (inevitably will be one)I will just stick my fingers down his throat. Last time we were at the Vet was because he had crunched a light bulb, yes truly, the ones you plug in He is a delinquent.
Yellow weather warning tonight
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A A Milne
DD - glad it's going well and that you're learning on your feet without too many disasters. I'm afraid Ex OH antics are all too predictable given past performance. Be firm with him but polite.
Fire Lily - hello. I suspect you're growing season is shorter than much of the UK so do you have a greenhouse or polytunnel and some cold frames to help bring things on?
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Hoping things will settle down a bit soon, or at least as I get busier I can afford more help and will have some free time and not be exhausted all the time. The B& B has been full for the last 10 days, all business men who want early Breakfasts, the Tea Room opens at 10, so between 8 and 10 I have to do room, go to the supermarket, bank, recycling centre, make myself presentable and whip up enough cakes to last the day. All a bit hectic. But, really not complaining, it will get easier and the big set up bills will diminish. I am living in the house that Jack built, every week I find a new leak or an electrical fault ( the boiler included) so always an expense. I do feel I'm getting over the worst, or am I getting just resigned to it.
So, that's my update. I will try and pop in more frequently, much love to you all, still very fond memories of all your supportive messages. XXX Apologies to new members who have no idea of my "back story" and apologies also for long post.
Last edited: 05 February 2018 19:49:27
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
I am able to do more, I just have to pace myself. It will be interesting to see how much I can do in the garden. I did manage to remove a large Kerria the other day, but it took 40 minutes, having to rest each time I pushed the spade in and then having to lie down for 20 minutes once it was out.
I am sure I can adapt.
Nice to see you DD.
Last edited: 05 February 2018 19:56:32
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
Posts
Ob; I'm very tempted to light the fire here but like Punk I'm home alone so I think it will be blankets and an early night.
I gave a presentation today. Just a normal history type charity thing nothing special to a group of more mature ladies.
Imagine my surprise when I had more ladies awake at the end than I did at the start! (It was just post lunch).
Hello and Welcome Firelily
I used to have a smallholding many moons ago ............. now I just have a smallish garden.
Good to see you DD
How's things for you and Charlie?
Hello Clari
there's a lot to be said for someone lulling you to sleep after lunch 
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hi all, hope everything is ok with everyone. ?
All good here, although working excessively long hours. In the main I am very happy, I love the tea Room and the clients are extremely appreciative. The French tax system and bureaucracy are still driving me mad. My wage bill for oct/nov/Dec was a bit steep as staff were under contract from summer and there was no way out of it until the contracts ended on 18th December. Managed to cover that expense and then just received a employees tax bill nearly as high as wage bill which I'm apparently liable for. I will have to pay weekly (very weakly) to get through it, but in the meantime I am working much of the time alone because I can't afford the implications of paying staff. We live and learn, I have a different system organised for the busier months now, using self employed contractors, not ideal as no loyalty, but way cheaper. Personal life a bit of a disaster, me and Charlie are fine, he is adorable, the kittens are adorable too, but ex has caused no end of heartache, especially over Xmas. I've had an admirer, but it's come to nothing, probably for the best anyway.
Big plans for the garden, I think come summer, late spring even, we are going to be very busy, busy enough now with limited tables, so with a super outdoor space to utilize, and a year's worth of experience, I really am hoping to 'make hay', enough to get me through the following winter anyway.
I'm sorry not to get on here more frequently, my days are just full, any time on the computer is used to keep Château de Gâteaux Facebook page updated, & Twitter and Instagram. It's so important to be on the bal
Hello Firefly, hope you enjoy the forum. We will enjoy sharing gardening and blethers with you
DD how lovely to hear from you! How is it going?is this a quiet time? Charlie doing well?
Dacha hope the weather improves for your sake but also as daughter and two kids flying in on Saturday
Hope the snow isn’t too bad for those affected here. Clari stay cosy I light the fire whatever!
Heavens what a day! started at 7.45 when oh showed me the empty box of the unopened box of Belgium chocs naughty dog had stolen during the night. Vet asked us to go ASAP 2 hours later and a very sick (literally) dog later we got home. This was in time to shower grab a bite and get to an important memorial service 11/2 hours away. Came home to find a totally unrepentant dog. Cost a fortune at the vet next time, (inevitably will be one)I will just stick my fingers down his throat. Last time we were at the Vet was because he had crunched a light bulb, yes truly, the ones you plug in He is a delinquent.
Yellow weather warning tonight
A A Milne
DD - glad it's going well and that you're learning on your feet without too many disasters. I'm afraid Ex OH antics are all too predictable given past performance. Be firm with him but polite.
Fire Lily - hello. I suspect you're growing season is shorter than much of the UK so do you have a greenhouse or polytunnel and some cold frames to help bring things on?
Oops, on the ball with these things.
Hoping things will settle down a bit soon, or at least as I get busier I can afford more help and will have some free time and not be exhausted all the time. The B& B has been full for the last 10 days, all business men who want early Breakfasts, the Tea Room opens at 10, so between 8 and 10 I have to do room, go to the supermarket, bank, recycling centre, make myself presentable and whip up enough cakes to last the day. All a bit hectic. But, really not complaining, it will get easier and the big set up bills will diminish. I am living in the house that Jack built, every week I find a new leak or an electrical fault ( the boiler included) so always an expense. I do feel I'm getting over the worst, or am I getting just resigned to it.
So, that's my update. I will try and pop in more frequently, much love to you all, still very fond memories of all your supportive messages. XXX Apologies to new members who have no idea of my "back story" and apologies also for long post.
Last edited: 05 February 2018 19:49:27
Ah DD we crossed. Sorry the paperwork a hassle, isn’t it always. As you say you are a year in experience.
You sound as if you coped well at Christmas Will look up your Fb page ?
A A Milne
? Poor dog, although he probably deserved it, shame about the huge expense though. Waste of good Chocolat too. ?
Of course onions, Dove
I am able to do more, I just have to pace myself. It will be interesting to see how much I can do in the garden. I did manage to remove a large Kerria the other day, but it took 40 minutes, having to rest each time I pushed the spade in and then having to lie down for 20 minutes once it was out.
I am sure I can adapt.
Nice to see you DD.
Last edited: 05 February 2018 19:56:32
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
You too Punkdoc, please an update, you don't sound well at all?