French, frustrations and funeral carts

I’m not sure what’s going on lately but I seem to be taking one step forward, two back and fall flat on my behind. I can now call in my derriere because I have taken up the challenge to brush up my French. I loved learning languages and French was my very best subject at school. I spent 6 years immersed in learning it, did a stint in a Parisian suburb working in a gift shop and had plans to become a French teacher. Then life didn’t go to plan so now almost TWENTY years later I’m back learning again.

My motivation this time is not a career but a change of location. I want to manifest a house in France somewhere in the Languedoc region. And I must speak French because I need to be able to order all those great pastries in the bakers, a beer in the bar and such like. You know, the important stuff in life!!

But I digress from my original point. This week has been frustrating… nothing has seemed to go to plan and I’ve spent more time swimming in circles (a Piscean trait I try to overcome).

Saturday we decided to go out. I wanted to go to Alton because I’ve never been there – only I also didn’t know how to get there. So we ended up in a garden centre. Then we ended up going for a walk in Botley to a country park where they have a farm. That’s not too bad but by the time we got out of the car everyone was pretty much fed up from driving and it was swelteringly hot.

At the end of the path was a 12th century church then the farm. We didn’t go in the farm but you know I can’t pass up a church and graveyard!!

Inside the church was a funeral bier dating from the early 1900s. I took photos. My kids think I’m weird.

Oh, and as we walked back down past the farm toward the car, the boys found this in a workshop/shed.

They thought it was funny and I thought it was just how I felt.

Sunday I had the good sense not to venture further than the supermarket. This seemed to make everyone much happier.

And since Monday there’s been niggles here, there and everywhere. Number 1 son keeps having MAJOR pre-teen tantrums and Tabitha has a stomach upset. I can’t seem to find what I’m looking for when we go shopping and I keep dropping things. I’ve lost a glass and a bottle of tea tree oil so far.

I also forgot there was no Supernatural on Sunday. I love that show (and Jensen Ackles/Dean Winchester). Click here to see my favourite bit from season 4 – enjoy (even though it’s not exactly part of the show!!).