HAPPIEST BOY ON XMAS DAY

My son is the happiest boy in this picture. His Grandma bought him a Wii. He had no idea. hasnt stopped smiling or playing on it since. Thanks Mum!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Gregg, Danny and I would like to wish all our family and friends a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year in 2009. Lots of love too.

STOKE BEACH

This is the most special place in the world to me for many reasons.

I spent many weekends as a child and in my teens having lots of fun at this place.

Stoke Beach is an uncommercialised caravan park where local people holiday in static caravans.

I remember when I was about 10 years old going down to the beach with friends and spending the day swimming and basically having loads of fun. My Mum used to make up a packed lunch for me which would have my favourite sandwiches (egg mayonnaise) or crab paste.

The beach played a very big part of my child and teenage years. I even did a study of the beach for my Geography O Level, the only coursework I actually completed and enjoyed.

I felt I have been priveleged to have lived in such a beautiful place for many years of my early life.

Many people holiday in Devon which speaks volumes about the place, however when you are a local there are very few places that you can visit in the summer without bumping into the foreigners as we used to call the tourists (I apologise in advance to anyone who has visited Devon in the past for that comment).

Stoke Beach was the get away place. Very secluded and unspoilt. My Mum, Dad and I used to visit every weekend between April and October. Also I would stay there in the summer holidays. I had many friends and best of all lots of freedom.

When I was older , 16 years, I used to stay with friends from school. We'd visit the local pub, The Ship in the village near by called Newton Ferrers. Its setting is so picturesque overlooking the river Yealm. Im hoping to spend some time there next summer with my husband and son Danny.

WELCOME MR AND MRS BROCKLEBANK

Finally got round to putting on some photos of the family wedding. A good time was had by all, especially The Lopez Family. Visiting England was lovely, however it was great to come home to France after a fantastic weekend. Its the family I miss not the chaos thats for sure. We have decided to make sure we visit family in England at least once a year. Enjoy the photos.

ENGLAND HERE WE COME!!

We are off to England today. My niece is getting married. So very excited. Will report and blog some photos when I get back.

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY

I will never forget the first time I met Jessica my step daughter. My Boyfriend (now husband) was picking her up for the weekend. I sat in the car nervously knowing how important this little girl was to him and that if I didnt have her approval things could be difficult for Boyfriend and I to sustain a relationship. She was 4 years old, nearly 5, the smallest, cutest little girl Id ever seen.

She got into the car, gave me a smile and looked curiously at me for the rest of the journey. I always remember her holding a Panda cuddly toy. Her favourite even today.

Here we are 12 years later and she is now a very important part of my life. Most people when they take on someone elses child have issues either with the child or with the other parent. I am very fortunate that I have a fantastic relationship with both, and am looking forward to the future with them as a part of it for many years to come .

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY JESSICA.

GREGG'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

BIRTHDAY LUNCH

Went to a lovely place in Chatillon sur Siene with friends and Greggs Dad. A good time was had by all. Here are a few photos of the event!

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY

To My Darling husband. I love you very much. Cant wait for your 80th!!!!!

FOOTBALL CRAZY!!

This is Danny. 7 going on 17 years some days. He loves his football. This was taken just before he went to football training. He goes every Wednesday afternoon. When we bought him the football he loved it so much he took it to bed with him. Bless!!

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!!

I wasn't going to mention my teaching experience as it was so short lived, however I feel I should explain.
For those of you who know me well I am always up for a challenge and felt teaching french children english was certainly an interesting thing to do.
As my training day info explains training day was very limited in terms of info for me. I didnt know how many children I would be teaching, had never been to the school or seen the classroom before, yet had to teach english to them on the Monday.
I decided to telephone the lady that had contacted me originally about the position and ask her for more details as it was hard to prepare a lesson without having the basic information.
Thats when I found out I was teaching 25 children consisting of two classes who were at different levels of English. Yeh okay bring it on!!
Basically gave it my best shot having had no proper time to prepare for the 45 minute lesson. I felt the children interacted well and I came away feeling very content and looking forward to the next lesson on Thursday.
On the Wednesday evening my mentor (thats a joke) Christine phoned and said the teacher who sat in on the lesson said I was very enthusiastic, my english was very good. (Cheeky cow)!!!
However needed to take more time preparing for the lesson, that I put my back to the class too often and that I spent too much time talking to the same children etc etc.
I was actually amazed that after just one lesson they felt they could be so critical especially under the circumstances i.e very little training and support given on their part.
After sleeping on it I decided not to continue to teach and suggested to Christine that whoever they employ in the future they should perhaps give them more training and support before their first lesson and give them the chance to teach 2/3 lessons before they constructively criticise the persons teaching methods. I then said perhaps a teacher would be a better person to employ!!! Don't be silly. The French Education System would have to pay for that. Possibly the English language isn't so important to them eh!??
Heres to the next project. Beautician!!!. Watch this space.

DANNYS FOOTBALL FUN!!

Thought you'd all like to see Danny in action. Yesterday we went to a place called Blaisy Bas. (Not far away from Dijon). The village was beautiful. Danny played three matches. He won two and lost one. Theres a great atomsphere and the Mums and Dads are very friendly. Ive started talking to one of the ladies quite a bit. She helps me with my french too.

Danny trains every Wednesday and doesn't like to miss it. Im very proud of his effort and enthusiasm and love watching him play. Who knows could be a professional yet!!!!! Who will he play for France or England????? Danny has just said he wouldn't play for England!!! Sorry!!

TRAINING DAY

Left the house at 6.45am. Arrived in plenty of time. Wasnt the last there which was great. Was really nervous. There were nine of us. Two German ladies, five french ladies and an American guy. The training was given in French, however one of the ladies translated for me which made things a little easier. Still mind boggling though!!! We stopped for lunch and went to a restaurant in the village (Marssannay La Cote). Its a pretty place. It was an opportunity to bond and get to know the group. Ive never met such a lovely group of people. They all spoke english but some were shy to speak it. I tried to speak french when possible. They said the only way to learn is to interact with french people and study. Repeat everything your learning at least 7 times and it should finally sink in. They use this logic when teaching the children. They write nothing down for the first two years of learning.
One of the ladies is married to an English man originally from Manchester. She has given me her phone number if I feel the need for support. The American guy is great too. He is married to a french lady and is a house husband with a BA in French. He is qualified to teach English. Great fun too.
I really enjoyed the day. The hardwork is yet to come.
The experience has made me feel alive again. It was great to have a headache because of info overload. its been a long time since I've felt that. Also I love the buzz of Dijon. Love driving in the traffic, people seem to move quicker, like they have somewhere to go. I do miss that.
Its spurred me on to learn the language even more. Thats the only thing thats holding me back progressing here.
Been rambling on a bit this morning. I'll let you know how the lesson on Monday goes. Enjoy your weekend.

EMPLOYED AT LAST!!!!

Yes you read correct. I have a part time job in a village school teaching 8 and 9 year olds English. It will consist of two forty five minute sessions a week. The money is not a great deal, however I do get paid in the school holidays too! Its a start. Who knows it might lead to even more teaching and maybe private tuition. Who Knows.
Ive got to go to a place for my teacher training tomorrow called Marsannay la Cote. For you wine experts its just South Of Dijon and the village produces fabulous wine. If i get time I want to visit a vineyard and buy a couple of bottles?? !!
Im excited, nervous and apprehensive but hey ive done alot worse and come out the other end smelling okay!!!!
I will keep you posted. Wish me Luck.

MY 1ST HERB GARDEN

Parsley
Chives

Basil

Mint

I thought id share my herb garden with you all. Im not very green fingered, however Im trying to keep myself motivated especially with the winter months looming!! If anyone has any tips about growing herbs Id be more than happy to read your advice.

MY NEW MAMMOTHS!!!!!

Hello Everyone. Just thought id introduce you all to my new Crocs. My Black mammoths. Imported all the way from USA. They are the real thing. I have many fake pairs of Crocs but they are not as comfortable as the real thing.

I bought my son a black pair too, without the fur.

For those who see me regularly I always have crocs on.

I was going to try and change my shoes and buy something different for the winter, however when I saw these beauties I couldnt resist.

I highly recommend them. They are warm and so comfortable. 40 dollars a pair and I will wear them out.

Go on treat yourself.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LOUISE LOPEZ

Yes. Its me. Thought Id share with you all a day in my life as mother, wife and person sometimes if Im lucky.
I got up yesterday, showered, tidied the lounge. Ive never been one to clear the wine glasses coffee cups from the night before, always in the morning. Got Danny sorted for school then drove him there. Only takes 2 minutes.
Popped in to see hubby at work. He works at The Chateaux in our village.
Went to Chatillon which is the main town. Visited the bank, the pharmacy and then the supermarket.
Came home unloaded the shopping and prepared lunch.
Ive decided to cook our main meal and eat it at lunch time. The french do this. I actually think ts a good idea.
My Son and Hubby came home to a feast of Spagetti Bolognase (A family favourite) and fresh melon for dessert. It was well received.
As us girls know we are the masters of multi tasking. While doing the above I also managed to fill and empty the washing machine twice, the weather was lovely, couldn't miss a drying opportunity.
Dropped Danny back to school for 2pm. On my return I then split some logs.
My neighbour has a machine which splits the logs by using a great amount of pressure. Did three wheel barrow runs. Was actually sweating like a geezer!!. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is sweat dropping from your nose and from your forehead into your eyes. Nice !!!!! Not!!!!
Had an hour online catching up with emails, facebook etc. Might have spilled over the hour slightly!!!
Picked Danny up from school at 5pm. Came home, then assisted Danny with his homework. He protests everytime. I find that quite stressful. Weve approached the homework situation in lots of different ways and find that doing it as soon as he gets home is the best way.
Not having to prepare a meal also took alot of pressure off. We all had ham sandwiches and melon and ate it when we wanted. This allowed Danny to go out and play for an hour, Gregg walk his dogs and for me to water the garden, sort out washing and cut the lawn.
Danny was shattered and was in bed asleep by 8.30pm which then gave me the rest of the evening to watch the Soaps and The Children, a drama running at the moment!!
Monday nights is soap night. My husbands least favourite evening. He does leave me in peace and respect my viewing. He has just recently acquired Setanta Sports so he does do okay. Im outnumbered in this house as my son is football mad. My husband is sports mad!!! Im just going mad!!!! Ha ha!!
I would be interested in finding out what other people do in there average day if you can spare the time to explain.
Hope you enjoyed your day as much as i enjoyed mine x x

BAD TASTE PARTY

Hi Everyone. Sorry I havent blogged for a while. No excuses just havent fancied it to be honest.

My son Danny has been off school for the summer holidays for 8 weeks and finally went back today. Hurray Hurray. Nice to have routine back again.

However we did have a nice break from that morning get up. For those who know me well, ive never been the best first thing in the morning.

The picture as you can vividly see was taken at a Bad Taste Party we went to at my Step daughter Jessicas home. Her parents were celebrating living in France for three years. We had a jolly good time. Just basically had a few too many and danced the night away in silly clothes. Magnificant!!!

TOUR DE FRANCE

Hi everyone. Just thought Id let you know that my husband went to watch the Tour de France on Saturday. He went with two french friends from our village. Basically they sat on the road side with tables and chairs. Cool boxes filled with water and snacks. Got there about 7am and waited for the velos to pass. He said the atomsphere was amazing. He got chatting with 3 Australian guys who had come over to support the Australian cyclists. Its a very big thing for those of you who dont know about it. Greggs never followed it before, however he thinks its something he will try and go to again. We have said we will go as a family next time.

AMBER AND BENSON

Just thought id let you all see the Lopez Familys dogs. Its been a while since Ive taken any photos of them. I am a crazy Boxer lover. I adore them. They are very spoilt and sleep on the furniture. For those of you who dont know the breed they basically stay in puppy mode until they are around 3 years old. A Boxer owner cannot be house proud or believe dogs should know there place. They are very sensitive and most importantly great fun to have around.!! I wouldnt change them for any other.

BASTILLE CELEBRATIONS

Another very busy weekend has been had by the Lopez family. Our village put on such great events.
Bastille Day is the main National holiday for France. Officially the date is the 14 July however celebrations generally go on all weekend.
Our village held a Bar B Que for 120 people. It was great. Tomato and tuna salad starter, lots of meat and sausage, cheese, citron tarte followed by coffee. Absolutely delicious. Oh forgot the most important pleasure. It was all washed down with a combination of rose wine, chateau neuf de pape for all you wine buffs out there. (my fav) Its not the local wine. A french couple we were sat with brought a bottle with them and shared it with us.
At midnight the children walked around the village with lanterns. Must have been twenty five children. They walk behind a car which drives very slowly and plays music.
We finally got home about 1.30am. A good time was had by all.

POOL DAY

I had a great day with my son yesterday. While my husband was working I spent best part of the day playing in the pool. I decided to be my sons friend instead of his Mum. No nagging or telling off aloud. I quite enjoyed my new roll. Id forgotten what being silly and stupid was. Id recommend it to anyone. I had an inflatable airbed and was pretending it was a boat. Danny was trying to capsize me. In between swims played Happy Families and snacked on biscuits and drank Strawberry squash.
Did pot a fuschia which was well overdue. A present from my French friend. x

Just thought id re inform you. The children havent had tattoos it is the parents of my sons friend that have had tattoos. OOps!!!!!!!

SCHOOL TRIP. BELAN FOREST

Yes i survived an 8km walk to Belan Foret and back. It was a great day. There were 33 children. Ages ranging between 6 years and 11 years.
We started off at 9.30am. the sun was already blazing, the hottest day weve had so far this year. The major of Belan village drove his van to a meeting point where we had a cool drink and a piece of cake. By this time it was 11.30am.
we walked for another hour then stopped for lunch. It was frecnh styly for the adults. for those of you who dont know that means white wine, lots of food, cheese, red wine, home made cherry tart and coffee. Tres bien. After a 2 hour brreak we then continued to walk through the forest. This time we were on the look out for mushrooms (The edible kind).
I must be honest by this time i was ready to go home. It was very hot and had become very samey. My son Danny said he was bored!!!! Theres no pleasing some people is there Ha Ha.
The teachers made me feel very welcome.
In the evening our local majors daughter came to visit. She is 18 years and wants to improve her english. She is working in Paris for the month of July so in August she is going to visit and help me with the french language and I will assist her with English. Another positive step for me to help improve my french.
Our french friends also popped in to say hello. The weather was great. Our children played in the pool until 9.30pm. it was still 25 degrees.
They have recently had tattoos done. For the first time in my life Ive seen one i like and would maybe in the future consider having one done!!!

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Had a great weekend. Every year our village organises a football tournament. Different villages football teams play throughout the day. The first match was at 11am. Finally finished at 6pm.
My 7 year old son is football mad and supports Chelsea. They named the teams after english football clubs. you guessed it, he played for Chelsea. He loved it. Its so nice to see him interacting so well with lots of children. Everyone is generally 3 years plus older than him. Doesnt seem to faze him. I was the same when i was his age.
This time of year there always seems to be things happening in our village. Its great to get together with the locals. Its also an opportunity to speak french and improve my vocabulary.
Tomorrow I am helping on a school trip. We are going on a walk to the forest and having a picnic. Really looking forward to it.

Had a fab night out with the family yesterday. Our village hold a bonfire picnic every year. You basically take some food to share, cremant (the local champagne) and wine. We took mozeralla and cherry tomatos on sticks, chilli pesto pasta, chicken wings and pate. There was lots of choice. A lot of people were already there when we arrived. it took us 10 minutes to kiss everyone (4 per person) before we finally sat down to eat.
I was sat next to a french lady of 80 years young. She didnt look a day over 70. Had fantastic skin. Had a really nice chat with her. She used to live in paris when she was young.
What Ive become to realise is that we dont spend enough time with the french people. I can actually speak more french than i realise and understand alot too.. It was great putting it into practice and not feel judged.
Yesterday my husband and friend worked on our sun terrace. Its really starting to take shape.
Sadly my he had a bad back today and isnt able to undertake his hobby. Always a price to pay.
Im off to spend the afternoon with an English friend who lives near by. No doubt will drink too many cremants. Lifes too short thats my new motto!!!!!

Had a fab time in Dijon. Its a great place. Would even consider living there later in life. Just has a lovely buzz about it with the french feel.
Went to an amazing restaurant. Its my second visit and would highly recommend it to any person who apreciates good food, large portions and superb service. The best I've eaten in France. You wouldnt go there every week, however for a special occasion its well worth the visit.
The pool is up and running and I have to say is fabulous. Its 20 degrees and really pleasant to swim in. For those of you who can bare to picture me in it. the pool is 6m x 4m and i can actually swim 3 big breast strokes from one end to the other. If i go round in a circle it takes me 7 strokes. As long as the sun shines Im planning to make it part of my new fitness regime??!!!!!!!!
I will tell you more about that another time. On that note I bid you good day!!!

Have had a lovely few days. My bestest buddy is staying at the mo. We are off to Dijon for a couple of nights. Have already ate and drank too much. Will check in on my return.

Hi Everyone
Just a quick update. The weather has improved. Have finally got the pump working on the pool. Its fabulous!!! Danny loves it. Ive been in twice. Felt cold initially but once the shoulders were under it was fine.
My husbands father is visiting from England at the moment. We have just come back from a lovely lunch. You have a starter which you choose from a cold buffet, then a main course, cheese then dessert, followed by coffee. Oh forgot to mention unlimited wine!!!! For those who know me well thats a real bonus!!! All for the very good price of 14 Euros per head. BARGAIN.
My son's friends Dad is the head chef there. He came out to say hello and gave us a free liquer which was very kind. Hes a bit of a looker too (billy bonus).
We saw a good friend of ours who we call David Beckham. (looks nothing like him) hes such a lovely person. Have arranged to meet up with them for a soiree.

Well, it looks like the rain is here to stay. It really does make everything appear so gloomy.
I had planned to do so many things today. I have to really motivate myself. The things i really want to do are all outside and because of the weather its impossible.
It was our my son's friends birthday yesterday and we went to visit him.
They are a french family that live in our village. They are very hospitable and offered many glasses of rose wine. How could I refuse. Im feeling the affects today. It was great at the time.

Hello!! Cant believe how miserable the weather is at the mo. Am planning to make the most of the indoor time and de clutter my spare room. I have family visiting from England on Monday. Definitely needs some attention. I have a french lesson in 5 minutes. I dont speak alot of the language and find it very difficult to retain information. I must keep at it and eventually Im hoping it will all click into place.

Good morning!! Yes for you people that know me it is 06.38 am and I am awake. Amber my boxer dog decided to bark at 5.10am this morning and I havent managed to get back to sleep.
I have been surfing the net for instruction on how to set up a sand filter/pump for our new pool.
Im actually feeling very tired now, however my 7 year old son will be awake in an hour so no point in going back to bed.

Welcome to my blog. I am using this as a diary. The rain is still here. We have just put up our swimming pool. Its a beauty. Just need some sunshine then we can use it.
Have just got a new laptop and need to transfer some photos so i can put them on the blog.

First attempt