I have tried to remain cheerful above the dreary hum-drumness of the ‘festive season’ here. But I cracked on New Year’s Eve, which I usually love. We had a ‘cocktail’ and some smoked salmon. Then we sat, in total silence, for an hour. There were two singers doing their best, but they were struggling. I felt if I stayed I would scream and have to be sedated. I left, a waitress thrusting the main dish into my hands, it was awful. I talked to the singers, said I was English. They were intrigued, what on earth was I doing in an Old Peoples’ home in Lyon. A question I am asking myself.

I play Scrabble with a man and a woman, he is very good, but no conversationalist. She does not possess a hanky, and sniffs the whole time. I want to play Scrabble, good for my French, but the sniffing takes over, not strong enough to ignore it. Why do inanimate objects take against you with the rest of the world. My printer said it was ‘occupied’ when I tried to print out directions for assistance on my journey to UK. It was NOT occupied. I swore at it, turned it off and on, and it realised who was boss.

Getting dressed has become an ordeal. I am apt to wear the same things for days, swim and shower every day – nothing to make one dirty here, no gardening or housework. Yoga teacher gives us exercises to help us get our socks on! As many people of my age have oedema problems we have to cope with support stockings, you need a little lie down when you succeed in getting them over your heels. I have lots of super tights (when I lived in colder premises) they won’t go over my hips.

Finances have become a major headache. Laws changed, banks in UK not allowed to send new credit cards or cheque books abroad. I have money in UK, cannot spend it. Working out bank transfers, get a load of cash out (what with? No card).

Last Saturday was the worst meal we ever had. There was no longer a choice of first course, so, grapefruit again. No problem getting my five a day. Only one choice left second course, a tiny piece of tasteless, tepid fish, cold macaroni and  green beans. I stalked out (still capable of stalking).

Providing I get to UK my social calendar is full. I phoned my hotel to check a booking, two different people on front desk, could not understand either of them and their wi-fi was not working, great confidence builder, especially as I hope they are able to provide a big family lunch on Sunday (you will hear about it, if there is the internet). All my old friends are in the midst of coping with major changes with caring problems of old age. Going to be interesting. Seems I am better off in France, if I can cope with separation from family, getting on with the French and speaking their language. A bientot. 

The Gardener

A Moodscope member