Bonjour encore ! We have left Jonzac for a couple of days to visit Northern Spain and the Haute Pyrenees. Leonie _ it is lovely to hear from you. To access the photos all you need to do is open the photo album tab next to the message board. To Thomas _ it is no surprise at all to realise that you have thrilled the medical establishment once again. You thrill us everytime we meet with your brilliance _ by the way _ tell your Mum I dreamt that Blip had arrived and it was a wonderful experience.

We visited La Rochelle a couple of days ago _ it is an ancient town known for its slave trading _ we remember it for its wonderful free yellow bikes! Today we are in a secret location that we will divulge only when we return to Sydney. Our travels are blissful _ David is a spectactular traveller and I have discovered driving is my secret passion. There are some differences we notice _ meat is definitely cooked in a rare kind of way _ despite our neanderthal requests for well done. I almost forgot to say that the prices of things is astronomical _ we had a quick truckstop at maccas and had a meal that would have cost ten australian dollars _ here it was the equiv of tzenty six dollars. Another delightful piece of difference was the regional maccas meal _ the original Croque Mc Do _ what a fully thing!!! People re,ain incredibly helpful and assistive _ despite my hopeless fumbings.

Helen _ hello to you and we return on éçth June _ I have some really tacky horse things for you _ plus can you tell Nikki I have the schlockiest present for her that she will just love. We still have not brought our photo connection - so pictures will be put up shortly.

Our love to all - it is really lovely to hear the news from home. YACK SOON !

hi it's Helen And Sarah again how r u all???
We meaning the law family r really jealous!!!!!!! Well I hope gail and david r seeing lots of horses coz if ur not when u get back to Oz you'll be in deep trouble!!!! (kidding) Also wondering when u r coming bac coz i don't remember!!
Have Fun
Luv from Helen And Co.

Darlings!!It's a Melbourne kind of day!Perfect!Life sounds like to Bliss!!!!
Breathe deeply, smile often and dawdle.
we are so envious of you.Love to you always!

Hello! Glad to hear you are having a wonderful time so far and are revelling in the history and beauty of the everyday in France! Everything is fine here. Have moved into a shared office with other freelancers in publishing and related industries and so far it's going well! Steve is busy with a few projects of his own so I am the main breadwinner at the moment! Hope you continue to have a lovely time exploring! V v jealous! Hope you have a good time in the UK too! Lots of love from Melbourne!

Syeve finally had his birthday do here at work.he took Friday, the actual day off work - teh electrician was there. He went home early yesterday, so finally Tuesday we finally had hios birthday ce;ebrations. We both declined your generour suggestion of me giving him a big kiss, but he mihgt collect when you get back.

glad you are having a wonderful time over there.

Hi!! You sound like you are having such a great time, that is excellent! I couldnt wait to tell you about my day today. Mum took me to the Child Health Clinic for my 18 month check up. I passed with flying colours! It was easy! First the nurse weighed and measured me, apparently I am still in the top range for my age. Then I had to stack blocks on top of each other, and pick up sprinkles (that was easy cause they tasted really great!), and the nurse watched me as I ran around to make sure that I wouldnt fall over (I really only do that when I am tired!). She also shined a really groovy little light into my eyes (which she then let me play with cool!), and she said that my eyes were perfect, and a gorgeous colour! Of course! But the best part was what she said about my talking. Apparently other kids at my age have only got around 6 words that they can use. Can you believe that? Six?!! I can say heaps and heaps more than that. Mum was pretty surprised too, and I think she was secretly really proud of me as well. There is just so many cool things to talk about, and I love chatting with mum so much during the day how can you do all of that with only 6 words?? A pretty good result all round dont you think? I was so excited to tell you cause I just know that you will both be just as proud as mum and dad are. Mum and dad are both really well, and they send their love too. Love Thomas

Hi David and Gail,

It sounds like you are enjoying france, I'm so pleased that you are having a lovely holiday. I noticed everyone is mentioning the photos and I can't find them - doh! - not that technical I suppose. don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any frenchie help.

enjoy the rest of your holiday

Léonie

Great pics,hope to see more soon.Got to go ,Ican hear a can being opened.BE HAPPY!

Bonjour mes ami - we have arrived in Jonzac - which will be our home base for the next while. Thanks so uch for the messages - especially Cath (I was wondering how you were),Don et Vicki - congrats on the new au pair!

I have doscovered crying as an integral part of each day - I cry from the beauty of things several times a day. Todays tearjerking happened at the markets - the most beautiful foods - fish layed out in the most artistic way - cheese that is so varied - flowers that do not exist in Australia. The market sellers are kind beyond belief - even going to the post office is an enjoyable experience, ttoday we visit a fishing village called Royan - it is where the prqctice of growing mussels on sticks originated. It started when a lone shipwrecked irishman discivered that the mussels that grew on his destroyed boat were bigger than the ones he discovered on the beach - thus the hqrvesting and cultivation began.

Once again the french keyboard is giving me the s***s - so I will write qgqin soon!!!

Hello David & Gail,just got my keyboard & mouse working again,f***ing computers.Hope everything is ok,love the pics,send us more,mum dad and nan all ok!Talk to you both soon lots of love G&N.

Gail and David
Thanks for the photos! What a blast seeing all those dhows. My Websters Dictionary explains to me that they are distinguished by their projecting bows and high poops ....... indeed! Great photo of you amid all the hotel looxury Gail, and I feel like we've had the opportunity to wander round the streets with you as well.
More pedestrian news from here is that the bathroom ceiling was installed yesterday. Also I'm heading for Wodonga to look after Mum for a few weeks. She turns 90 in June and Maureen and Anna will come down for the celebrations too.
Can't wait for your next instalment from France.
All our love
Don