Monday, 3 October 2011

Taking a Break

This post is just to let you know that I will be "off air" until sometime in November.  We have a number of major changes happening in our life and I need some time out to get things in order.  I am driving back to the UK this week and Nigel and I will be packing up the house over there and taking the opportunity to visit friends and family while we have the chance. Nigel has at last handed in his notice at work and the van arrives for our furniture at the end of October. November and December will be the time for resettling in France on a permanent basis.  These events have been a long time in arriving and we hope that all runs smoothly, especially for the Euro!! We didn't pick a good time to adopt it full time! I cannot believe we bought here in France in 2006, and for so much of that time Nigel and I have been separated.  Hopefully happy days are ahead and Nigel will get the chance to unwind and relax a bit. 

I'll finish with a few random photos taken over the last couple of months.  'See' you all very soon.  If I get the the chance, I will pop in and leave you the odd comment.
Red Admiral

Vegetables still doing well at the end of September.

Around the garden, pampas.

Windswept skies that look just like a waterfall to me.

Morning sunrise.

Evening sunset.

Blue Tit peeking through the lounge window

I think this is a bush cricket, but my identification of insects is never very good!!

OK so now I am hopping off for a short spell.
A Bientôt
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99 comments:

  1. Christmas-etc...3 October 2011 at 10:16

    Looking forward to your return... I'll miss you!
    PS That header is amazing!!
    (But before you go...try to have a look at the St. Nicholas church I posted yesterday - I have a feeling you will really like it. It's in the Holy Land!)
    Blessings for success in all your endeavors!

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  2. Amelia3 October 2011 at 10:29

    Diane, you have a nice day and take care. Loves your sharing of the beautiful photos.

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  3. Jane and Lance Hattatt3 October 2011 at 10:31

    Hello Diane:
    We are absolutely thrilled for you and wish you many, many really happy and successful years 'en France'. We shall look forward to hearing all when you resume.

    Meanwhile, do not worry about the Euro. We have learnt to live with the Forint, the fluctuations of which, on a daily basis, if not hourly, leave a yo-yo looking static!

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  4. Diane3 October 2011 at 10:37

    Ann I have already been there yesterday and left a comment or so I thought!! I agree it is a beautiful church. For me the next few weeks will fly as so much to do. Be back soon. Diane

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  5. Diane3 October 2011 at 10:38

    Amelia's De-ssert thanks for the comment, see you sometime in November. Take care Diane

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  6. Diane3 October 2011 at 10:41

    Jane and Lance, thanks for the kind thoughts. We never make our moves at good times. When we moved from S.A. the exchange was the worst that it has ever been!!! We are both very happy that at last something is happening in our lives and I hope that all will go well with the move. Take care, a bientôt. Diane

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  7. Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover3 October 2011 at 10:55

    Diane, Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. You take good care and see you soon.

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  8. Leon Sims3 October 2011 at 11:00

    We'll miss you but how exciting for you both (and brave). Maybe we will say hello next year.
    Say hello to Nigel and I have to say I envy his future retirement.
    Good health is good wealth I've decided, especially after my recent post.

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  9. Leon Sims3 October 2011 at 11:01

    PS - stay in touch via email.
    Leon

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  10. Jean3 October 2011 at 11:51

    Have a safe trip Diane, I hope the packing up process goes well and that you also get some time to relax while you're in the UK.

    I bet you just can't wait to get all your things, and Nigel, permanently in France!

    I am looking forward to your return.

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  11. LindyLouMac3 October 2011 at 12:12

    Diane I am so happy for you and Nigel and look forward to reading many more adventures once you are both back in France. Happy Days and thanks for leaving us with a beautiful selection of photos.

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  12. Anonymous3 October 2011 at 12:19

    Busy, but exciting times ahead.

    Come back safe and well rested,

    SP

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  13. Cate3 October 2011 at 12:38

    Good Luck with the next part of your lives... What an exciting time... now all that wonderful time together..

    Love to you both

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  14. Diane3 October 2011 at 12:46

    Thanks Sonia for the visit. Take care ans 'see' you in November sometime. Diane

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  15. Diane3 October 2011 at 12:50

    Leon and Sue we are really looking forward to the move, so much to do and sort out though. I will try to drop in and check out a few favourite blogs from time to time so I will not disappear I hope. Will email otherwise. Yes, live life while you can is a good motto, you never know what is around the corner. Diane

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  16. Diane3 October 2011 at 12:55

    Jean it is all a bit frantic at the moment and as for relaxing in the UK I cannot see that happening. Early start for me on Thursday as I have to be at the ferry by 13h30! Just hope there are no delays. Thanks for the kind thoughts.
    Take care, a bientôt, Diane

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  17. Diane3 October 2011 at 12:58

    Linda it has been such a long time in coming that I still do not really believe it. It will only hit me when we are both eventually here and I will not be thinking that Nigel is returning in a few days!!! I am really looking to next year when I feel we should be really settled. Be in touch. Diane

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  18. Diane3 October 2011 at 13:00

    Thanks SP we are both really looking forward to the move. We had planned it long ago but the financial problems of the world hit our pocket to hard!! 'See' you soon. Diane

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  19. Diane3 October 2011 at 13:01

    Thanks Cate, the time will fly and i will soon be back 'on air' I hope. Meanwhile take care and keep well. Diane

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  20. Ellie3 October 2011 at 13:02

    Oh Diane that is great news - hope it all goes well for you. Lucky you moving to France permanently - how exciting.
    I have really enjoyed conversing with you and look forward to the time you come back. Take care and look after yourselves.

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  21. Liesl3 October 2011 at 13:22

    So glad you are settling in France now and Nigel will be with you all the time! Bliss! Enjoy the packing in England. Take care.

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  22. Diane3 October 2011 at 13:27

    Thanks Ellie for you kind comments. It will not be long before I am back. Will try to take care meantime. You keep well aslo. Diane

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  23. Diane3 October 2011 at 13:28

    Thanks Liesl, it is going to be a bit frantic for the next few weeks but hopefully the end result will all be worth it. Keep well. Diane

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  24. Schnitzel and the Trout3 October 2011 at 14:06

    Diane, good thoughts and prayers are with you and Nigel as you make this big change. I am hoping we will learn and see more about Nigel as you make your home permanent in France. Good luck.

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  25. lena3 October 2011 at 14:15

    hi diane, looks like this is a long awaited trip.. there will be less travel stress for you in the future and wishing you a smooth process all the way!! it's really nice to hear that you and nigel can now have mnore time with each other.

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  26. Niall & Antoinette3 October 2011 at 15:35

    Best wishes with the packing up and sorting out in England. Can well imagine you are really looking forward to both being in the same place :-). Take care and will look forward to when you are back.

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  27. lejardindelucie3 October 2011 at 15:35

    Que tout se passe bien pour vous et votre mari.Après une période un peu stressante vous allez enfin pouvoir vivre tranquillement dans la maison que vous avez choisie et aménagée avec soin.Vous pourrez alors profiter tous les deux du jardin et de la belle nature !
    A bientôt donc !

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  28. MARCO PASHA3 October 2011 at 17:17

    Dear Diane, have a safe trip. I'll miss you. Team work will make the task at hand much easier. Just be happy and healthy. As you know, every cloud has a silver lining. Remember, upon your return all the delicious vegetables and fruits you preserved will be there to enjoy with your hubby.

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  29. Cuisine de Provence3 October 2011 at 17:29

    Diana,
    congratulations on your big decision! There is never the perfect moment for big changes like this, but I am sure all will work out just fine!

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  30. Diane3 October 2011 at 17:54

    Susan thanks so much for your kind thoughts and wishes. I just hope all goes as planned. Take care and keep well. Diane

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  31. Diane3 October 2011 at 17:56

    Lena it has been a difficult few years, I am hoping that life will now settle down and we can enjoy being together for a while. Be back soon. Diane

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  32. Diane3 October 2011 at 17:58

    Niall and Antoinette, thanks so much for the good wishes, life is going to be quite different from now on. It will be quite strange being together once more :) Diane

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  33. Diane3 October 2011 at 18:05

    Lucie, merci beaucoup pour votre aimable commentaire. Nous serons très heureuses d'être de nouveau ensemble.
    A bientôt Diane

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  34. Diane3 October 2011 at 18:07

    Marco Pasho, thanks so much for the lovely comment. You are right, every cloud has a silver lining and I hope that things for both of us will soon be perfect. I will not be gone for long 'see' you soon. take care and keep well. Diane

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  35. Diane3 October 2011 at 18:08

    Cuisine de Provence I am sure everything will turn out for the best, I will be glad when the next few weeks are over and we can think about enjoying life once more. Diane

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  36. GaynorB3 October 2011 at 18:16

    My very best wishes are with you both as you move into this next phase of your lives.

    I can't predict the £ to Euro rate, but your quality of life will be so much higher.

    I hope the packing up and removals side goes well. Time will pass quickly, and just think,you will have so much to tell us about on your return.

    Keep your camera handy.... and I look forward to normal service being resumed!

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  37. GaynorB3 October 2011 at 18:20

    test

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  38. Becca's Dirt3 October 2011 at 19:14

    Girl I know you are happy now. Finally ya'll can be together all the time. Hoping it all comes together in a timely manner. We'll be here when you get back. Ya'll be safe.

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  39. Unknown3 October 2011 at 19:16

    Awww Good luck you two, you will so not regret the move. Life is too short to be apart as I am sure you already know.
    I only read today somewhere that people are still looking to up-stick despite the current economic climate, for the simple reason that life is to short not to live out some of your dreams.

    Steve X

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  40. Joyful3 October 2011 at 20:34

    Beautiful photos Diane. I wish you and Nigel well with the move. I'm sure you are both relieved and a little nervous at the same time but I'm sure it will all go okay. Take care and see you when you get back.

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  41. Nadji3 October 2011 at 20:42

    Ca nous réconcilie avec la nature.
    A très bientôt

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  42. Diane3 October 2011 at 20:46

    Gaynor I sure hope that everything goes OK. I am certain that quality of life will improve. We are so looking forward to some time together , it has been a long time!!
    Will try to remember my camera!!
    Be back soon. Diane

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  43. Diane3 October 2011 at 20:49

    Thanks Becca it will be like a whole new life. I never thought it would actually happen but it seems like it is heading in the right direction. Will pop into your blog if I have time. Take care and keep well. Diane

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  44. Diane3 October 2011 at 20:51

    Thanks Steve for your kind comments. You are right, life is just too short, I hope that we have left enough time to enjoy some of it together. We will make it come what may and I am sure quality of life can only improve. Diane x

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  45. Diane3 October 2011 at 20:55

    Joyful I think I am more nervous than Nigel, but it will be so good to be together again. Life begins once more for both of us and we have lots to overcome but we are so looking forward to it. 'See' you soon Diane

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  46. Diane3 October 2011 at 20:57

    Merci Nadji, A très bientôt, diane

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  47. Gloria Baker3 October 2011 at 22:04

    Beautiful pictures Diane, hoping you return soon We will miss you,take care dear, gloria

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  48. Marjie3 October 2011 at 23:09

    Dear Diane,

    Wishing you well for your final departure from the UK. I know you'll be happy to have Nigel around full time at last; 5 years is a long time to be separated. We'll all be eagerly awaiting your return!

    Marjie

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  49. Happy Frog and I3 October 2011 at 23:16

    Take care Diane and thank you so much for your recent comment. Really beautiful photos on your blog post, loved the butterfly in particular. I look forward to your return. x

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  50. Olga3 October 2011 at 23:17

    It's sad to hear that you're going away. I always look forward to your comments. I wish you good luck. Life first, blogging later :)

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  51. teJan3 October 2011 at 23:35

    yeah we need a break sometime.. have a good one and when you come back hope you can visit the first birthday of my little one at

    www.me-mymestizas.com

    godbless!

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  52. Deana Sidney4 October 2011 at 00:02

    You must be looking forward to an integrated life once again... now you can really spend your time in one place and not feel pulled in 2 directions. we will miss you but look forward to hearing all the news!!

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  53. Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness4 October 2011 at 04:30

    I hope all goes well for you. Best wishes.

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  54. Anonymous4 October 2011 at 04:43

    I am pleased you finaly chose France..looks to me like a fanattsic palce to live and be happy.Good luck with all the work ahead;)

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  55. Dianne4 October 2011 at 06:11

    I think you will need a break Diane what with all that packing and unpacking and resettling!
    Take care and I look forward to hearing more later in the year! xx

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  56. Diane4 October 2011 at 06:39

    Gloria I am sure I will not be gone for long, just need time to get my life in order. 'See' you soon Diane

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  57. Diane4 October 2011 at 06:42

    Marjie thanks so much for the lovely comment, I will try to pop in on the odd blog when I have time so you may see an odd comment from me. My own blog though will have to wait until we have a bit more time and life is back to normal, what ever that may be!! This is like starting life all over again :) Diane

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  58. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:00

    Hi Froggy thanks so much for the visit, I will be keeping an eye on a few favourite blogs though absent from my own. You will have to plan a holiday now in this direction :) See you soon, the time just seems to fly! Take care Diane

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  59. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:02

    Olga I will not be gone for long and I will probably pop in and take a look at your blog when I have the time. Take care and keep well, be back very soon. Diane

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  60. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:04

    te-jan this break is more than necessary, impossible to pack up and move to a new country while trying to keep the blog going. Will be back quite soon though I hope. Diane

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  61. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:06

    lostpastremembered it is going to feel very strange being together again after all these years of chatting nightly on Skype :) We are both looking forward to what basically will be a whole new life. Be back soon. Take care Diane

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  62. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:07

    Words Of Deliciousness thanks for those kind words, we are looking forward to being settled together once more, Diane

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  63. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:09

    Dzoli thanks for the visit and comment. France was always planned for retirement but it has just taken much longer than planned!! 'See' you soon. Diane

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  64. Diane4 October 2011 at 07:11

    Dianne you are right the break is really going to be necessary, so much to do and people to see and so little time!! I will be back before you have realised that I have gone :) Diane

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  65. magda4 October 2011 at 10:34

    My dear friend Diane
    Your photos of your beautiful garden, are wonderful!!!
    I wich you a bon voyage, good ease of transformation and the good to be back in your lovely home in France.
    with love

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  66. Diane4 October 2011 at 11:14

    Magda thank you so much for your kind words. I am sure that all will go well with the move, positive thinking :) I will be back very soon. meanwhile look after yourself. Diane x

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  67. Michel4 October 2011 at 15:29

    Diane, thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures. Best wishes to you as you pack up and make your move permanent. I am sure life will be better together than apart no matter what the Euro is doing. I look forward to catching up again in November.

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  68. Quay Po Cooks4 October 2011 at 16:47

    Diane, will miss you and we will be here when you are back. Love all your beautiful photos as always. HUGS

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  69. Diane4 October 2011 at 17:58

    Hi Gaynor B just found your test comment sitting in my spam box!!! Diane

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  70. Diane4 October 2011 at 18:00

    Quay Po Cooks thanks for the comment. I am sure I will be back before you have even realised that I have gone LOL. 'See' you soon Diane

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  71. Diane4 October 2011 at 18:03

    chcmichel you are so right we have now been apart for far too long. 2000, one was in the UK while the other was in S.Africa and then the last 6 years we have really only seen each other over winter. Looking forward to some time together and enjoying life :) Have a great trip to France. Diane

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  72. This is Belgium4 October 2011 at 18:03

    wishing all the best !
    http://whatisbelgium.blogspot.com

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  73. Diane4 October 2011 at 18:05

    anni thanks so much for your good wishes. I will be back soon. Diane

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  74. Hilary Melton-Butcher4 October 2011 at 18:55

    Hi Diane .. wishing you all the best and to both of you on your return - a busy time ahead .. but great news .. loved the photos too .. cheers for now .. Hilary

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  75. Pam4 October 2011 at 19:15

    I bet you are so excited to live full time with your husband. Enjoy getting settled - look forward to seeing you return.

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  76. Sebab5 October 2011 at 00:10

    Hello my dear friend!

    I hope that you will have some fun time with your family and friends and great time.

    Thanks so much for visiting me and I am really sorry that I missed so much of your blog. I have been busy with my regular job and it gives me no time and when I reach back home I just crash.

    As always you have some amazing pictures to makes our eyes to brighten.

    Be safe and have fun!

    Cruise Pictures

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  77. My Little Space5 October 2011 at 09:30

    Noted! Hope you will have a great time back then. Take care.
    Blessings, Kristy

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  78. Unknown5 October 2011 at 20:19

    Wonderful set of lovely shots! See you when you get back to blogging. Cheers, Diane.

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  79. Chubskulit Rose5 October 2011 at 21:07

    I will miss you for sure Dianne. Have fun in your new place and take care always. I love your sky shots!

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  80. Anonymous6 October 2011 at 16:44

    Amazing photographs. Have a productive break.

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  81. Boye By Red6 October 2011 at 19:12

    Good luck with resettling and everything else.

    Red

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  82. Noushka6 October 2011 at 19:17

    Well, here I am, back from my wanderings, looking for rare dragonflies to find out your dropping out on us! :)
    I am truly happy for the both of you!
    Take your time and don't over do it, or your back will remind you with pain!!
    Love, Diane!

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  83. SueC7 October 2011 at 19:14

    good luck with everything - how nice to think that at last you will be able to share a whole year together.

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  84. karen8 October 2011 at 07:59

    Hi Diane
    this is wonderful and exciting news! Looking forward to hearing from you when you next can..

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  85. Diane8 October 2011 at 17:02

    Hi everyone, thanks for all the kind comments. I am now back in the UK and on the run!! So much to do. Will be back with you all as soon as I come back down to earth once more. Take care Diane

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  86. Jacky8 October 2011 at 23:33

    I am so pleased that Nigel has decided to retire and you will both be full time in France soon :)

    We will be following in your footsteps - David retires early at Christmas and then the plan is to move over in the Spring. I'm in the throes of trawling through years of 'stuff' ready for the move - bonne chance with your 'stuff' x

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  87. Diane9 October 2011 at 09:14

    Jacky I hope that you will send me a email when you eventually make the move so we get the chance to meet up. Looking forward to meeting you. Diane

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  88. Dolly9 October 2011 at 10:03

    Just popping in to find you have popped out! I hope your trip to the UK is going well, and the upcoming move goes as smooth as you are hoping. I think it is terribly exciting and I send you tons of support for your new life (together again at long last) in France.

    I am so very happy for you and Nigel, and get so excited about your new chapter just thinking about setting up a new life together in la belle France.

    And, I look forward to reading your travel/moving adventures on your blog :)

    God Bless X Dolly

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  89. Diane9 October 2011 at 18:56

    Thanks Dolly for your good wishes, we are also very excited about the move as well :)) Diane xx

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  90. Pam10 October 2011 at 23:36

    Wow, Diane! I don't know how I missed this one and I'm sorry to arrive here late! What a wonderful time of your lives and I'm sure you both will love Nigel's retirement and your home in France. I will miss seeing you here but will be awaiting your return for all of your interesting posts. Take care. xx

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  91. Anonymous11 October 2011 at 17:06

    Best of luck with everyting - so hope all goes smoothly.
    Mary x

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  92. Vagabonde13 October 2011 at 16:12

    What an exciting time for you and your husband – and stressful too I am sure. Take is easy and we’ll be here waiting for you in November.

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  93. Pame Recetas14 October 2011 at 22:28

    My dear Diane: I wish you and your husband all the very best in the new life you're looking forward, just enjoy whatever life is offering you, not any better here at the USD area I must say, these are difficult days where ever you are standing. Big hugs and hurry back:)

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  94. Judy15 October 2011 at 05:35

    Looking forward to your return. Have a relaxing time and safe travel.

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  95. Rosebud Collection15 October 2011 at 20:34

    Little late getting here..but I wish you both the best..Enjoyed all the pictures, as usual..
    Take care and safe trip..xoCarolyn

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  96. Mary Bergfeld17 October 2011 at 15:44

    I hope the move goes smoothly. It sounds like you are both ready to enjoy retirement. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  97. Chubskulit Rose25 October 2011 at 17:14

    Hi Diane, thank you for including in your busy schedule, a visit to my blog. Thank you also for the prayers, we need most these days.

    Hope you are doing well, take extra care!

    Rose

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  98. Diane31 October 2011 at 20:26

    Fernando Santos - Saudações, obrigado pelo comentário.

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  99. Hélène (Cannes)3 November 2011 at 08:36

    Welcome to France, then ! ;o)
    Hope you will be back on your blog soon ...
    Hélène

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