Regarding Replying to messages....

Hello there happy bloggers. I'm pleased to see that more messages are being posted and one day there might be even more!!

I think the best way of replying to a message is to go for it asap; by putting a comment. If somebody has put a message then they should come back regularly to check up on the comments. However, if it's been a while and you're not sure that people will check then I'd say the best thing to do is to post a new message....or just like you've done; one to say I've just replied.

If you have any technical questions you'll have to ask Dave as I'm rubbish with all that stuff. I just know the minimum to get by.

Anyway, if you can all try and spread the news and I'll do the same we'll be able to chat about lots of stuff. It's strange but I think as it's new people seem reluctant to get involved. Too busy rushing around like headless chickens too I think.

Have a nice weekend

Juliet

Odile & Jean-Paul

I have left a message for odile on 'Friday March 09', and a message for Jean-Paul on 'December 02'.

The UK Budget

Twice a year in the UK there is what is called a budget. This is simply a statement by our Chancellor of the Exchequer (the minister in charge of the finances of the UK) where he outlines the fiscal measures necessary for the country’s finances to remain stable and any changes in public spending policy.

This week we have had the spring budget.

There were all the usual changes to tax rates for individuals and companies, tax on fuel, cars, house sales, cigarettes and inheritance.

But most of this passed with only a slight measure of discontent. For me the most outrageous item was that with immediate effect, there is now an extra 1 pence tax on a pint of beer and 5 pence extra tax on every bottle of wine!

Does this happen in France and would anyone dare to increase the tax on wine?

Dave

Sorry it's Odile and not Odette

Soooo Sorry Odile I got your name wrong. I think it's because I have another student with a similar name.

Whoops.

Hope to see you on the blog again soon.

Juliet

Well Done Guys For the Picture!

It's a steep learning curve isn't it all this internet and blog stuff isn't it.

So tell me what have you got planned for the French that are coming over at the end of next month. I'm just being very curious....and I thought that other people that come and have a look on the blog might like to know what sort of things you get up to during your "visits".

Hope all the planning is going well

Juliet

Rugby Champions!

Congratulations to our French friends on the winning by their team of the Six Nations Rugby Championship!!

Do you think it helps that their coach resembles Monsieur Nosferatu?!!!!!!

The big race home

In the UK most people work at least 37 hours per week, sometimes more. The most common office hours are 8.30 or 9 in the morning until 5 or 5.30 in the evening.

If you were to look out on to the roads in the early evening at about 5pm you currently see a huge number of cars on the road. A few weeks ago it would have been less. In a few weeks time it will also be less.

Why should the roads be so busy during mid March? Well at the moment (in Solihull) the sun sets at about 5.30pm and it is dark by 6pm.

Generally English people don’t like to commute in the dark and prefer to travel home in the light if they are able to do so. We are now just at the point where most people can get home in the light but only if they leave work on time and go home immediately. Only if they engage in the big race home – to be home before the sun has set!

We have another new member!!!

It's spring time and I think all this sunshine is making us want to get out and about and think about making new friends too. So, welcome to Odette who has put something about gardening in reply to Richards message.

Go and have a look and find out about words to do with gardening.

Would you like her to write her message in French?? If you are learning French and you'd like to learn a bit more vocab you can always start a message in French and ask for help.

Right I'm off for a lesson now.

A plus (see you later)

Juliet

Richard

Hi - I'm Richard and I was the Secretary of Solihull Twinning Association for the past three years until recently. I recognise some of the French contributors here whom I have met during our visits to Cholet and their visits to us. We will be hosts once again in April and are looking forward to that 'avec impatience'!

I am not very 'techno-literate' and was introduced to this idea by David a couple of days ago. Until last week I wouldn't have known what a 'blog' was even if one had bitten me on the leg, so please excuse me if I take this new experience a bit slowly!

That's all for now.

Looking forward to some interesting and 'fun' discussions.

Richard

Dominique

Hello

My name is Dominique. I've been learning English for several years. I want to improve my English so I want to communicate with others persons.