Tour de France

Whilst flicking the TV channels I came across a sports channel that was showing the Tour de France - with the commentary in English! I have never watched the race before, but on returning from work each day we started to follow it, it is also a great way to see the fantastic French chateaux and countryside (there are helicopters covering the race) including the Pyrenees & Alps. But it has to be said that I would rather have the Internet than the local TV; I prefer listening to BBC radio than watching the local english TV which is dominated by USA programmes (Dr Phill, Oprah, and 'The Moment of Truth'). The only other programme that I have watched regularly has been Top Gear, again not something that I watched in the UK, it is very amusing and entertaining - even though the programmes are at least 2 years out of date! P

Farewell friends

Yesterday we said good-bye to friends who have become close to us over the last few months: JAHAMA (an acronym for the team from USA), they bought a youthful energy & humour into our lives; Ruth returned to the UK for a holiday - much needed after providing company for Jane during her illness; and last but not least Minnie who I think has gone to a place where there are no cats or traps. She kept us company for many days and made herself at home in our kitchen and bed (small amounts of evidence were found). The trap finally deprived her of her liberty - a basic but effective devise when fried bread was eventually used as bait. P

Travellers from the west

It really lifts the spirits when you have visitors from home. 2 weeks ago we had a visit from our 'old' vicar at Pip 'n' Jay, Malcolm Widdecombe & his wife Meryl, and Judith Pratt. We were able to chat over old-times and chill out on our famous veranda. Today our God-son, Simon, was able to come and visit us. In the short time he was here he was able to get an understanding of the living conditions of the local population. We have also been able to meet up with him at other times during his trip - but not even the Mount of Olives or Temple Mount could come close to the veranda! P

High and Tight

Team work is important, and cutting hair is just one of the ways in which we can help one another!! We recently received a call from Jonathan who had just returned from the hairdressers and wanted help to rectify his haircut disaster. He didn't appreciate his new hairstyle and so came to our home for a crew-cut with my hair-clippers, a number '5' all over - my first happy customer. A few days later Andrew decided he wanted a 'high and tight' (American marine style). I clipped his hair all over to a number 3 length, but I couldn't take the responsibility of shaving the sides (he's taller then me), so that was deligated to Jared - who did a good job. I know that our church group at home is making a list of belongings and skills that can be shared with one another, so I can see that there will be queues outside our door for a 'high & tight'. I'm sure it would suit Rod! P