Over the second onto finishing straight

In France again yet more houses to look at. One was supposed to be the old weekend retreat of a certain Toulouse Lautrec, evidently he was a well known painter. hmmm heard the name must go and visit the gallery dedicated to his paintings in nearby Albi sometime just to prove i am not a complete Philistine when it comes to "art". Anyway, house no good too close to neighbours and wallpaper everywhere. The walls, backs of doors and even the ceiling were all covered in the same pink floral wallpaper, weird; Perhaps it was art and i just didn't realise it?

Onto second farmhouse with a barn large enoughto hold a village gala in. Right money to. Location good only drawback they wouldn't sell the field right in front of the house. Not much good if guests sunbathing in the nude and the local farmer trundles past on his tractor, head swiveling 360° and ending up in the hedge! So another rejection. Perhaps France isn't meant to happen.

Good news, somebody has at last come to view our house. hussar!!! Not big enough, damn, but at least we are on the right track now. Mind you if someone bought it we would have nowhere to go. Funny old world is it not? Steady stream of people coming now, usual mix of lookers and we we were just passing types. Couple of serious enquiries even got an offer. HOW MUCH? Damn it we want to SELL it not become a charity and give it away!

The wedding plans take shape, where we going to get married? Who do we invite? What we wearing? Why? What? How much? Reception? Honeymoon? Rings? Ok, in reverse order;

rings err why? ahh yes its custom. Ok, we will have some made to our own design that way like us they will be unique, matching of course. Honeymoon... na shan't bother. Reception yep sounds good. How much? No idea. Wearing what? Clothes would be good. Invite? Anybody who wants to come, parents, close friends. Where? Oh that's easy... Guess where.... France of course. In a village near where we hope we will eventually one day be living.

You really cannot appreciate just how much paperwork is involved in arranging a wedding in France between two foreigners and English to boot. English consulate involved, local mayor, secretary, district official, doctor. Pardon me... Doctor? yep, you have to have a blood test done to prove that you don't have HIV just in case you are going to have children. In my case that would be a miracle or an immaculate conception having had THE op years ago. Oh it brings tears to my eyes even now! Lynda has NEVER wanted children. Still had to have the blood thing done though. Apparently the authorities must have been on a happy pill 'cos they granted the permission. June 14th the day. All we got to do now is make sure parents/friends can get there. Tough if they can't 'cos we still getting married. We decided to ride down from England on the bikes. Didn't i say...Motorcycle mad got a Harley each so they just had to be at the wedding.

Somebody else been to look at the house, another offer, better than last time but not quite enough. Lets see if we can get them to increase it.

So its bags packed, saddle up and to the ferry that will take us too France. Rings all safe. Celtic dragon design in rose gold absolutely beautiful. Both very pleased with the design and workmanship. Just as well as they have to last lifetime. Off into the sunrise (we had to leave at 1 am!) damned cold too.

To France and the diversion of a truly magical day... And a surprise