What have we been up to for the past 2 years?
Dear Diary
Sorry you’ve been on the back burner for a while. It’s just that this bleeding never-ending story of lockdown is getting me down.
The good side to a not doing-anything kind of lifestyle is that we’ve finished our French home just in time for Christmas. Well, almost. It looks awesome! My husband Chris has done an amazing job, along with various teams who’ve been helping us along the way and who have now become great mates.
Kids are ever improving their French. Their school has been really helpful in getting extra help with my eldest Frank.
All our paperwork is now up to date in the French system. What a rigmarole! I’ve got two massive folders with everything on each family member on paper and file (and am feeling ever so slightly in control) :)
I wish I could say that I’ll put up some info to help others get sorted on the French paperwork side of things, but that means more for me to do. So not just yet.
I’m continuing to grow Lollilavie and collaborated with a few good local businesses to help promote the Paradiski area. So keep an eye on my changing website.
Obviously, this winter has been sh1t.
I’ve had very few bookings due to the fact the ski lifts have not been opened and people can’t really travel, and massive coronavirus is still sweeping the nation. Breathe…
Hey, but I’ve been ski touring… well, snowboard touring that is. I’d love to say splitboarding, but I can’t justify spending that sort of money on the kit when I really need a good all-round snowboard for everyday riding.
Vaccines in England are underway. My Mum and Dad have had their first jabs. Kids can’t wait to go back to the UK and visit all family and friends. Emotions have been low at times for them, so I really hope we can get back soon.
I miss England, but I’m really enjoying my new life in France.
Renovation
Chez-Lolli & family home. Built in 1856 (we think). Originally a bakery and shop, which still houses its bread oven inside. This property oozes charm and character. We fell in love with its old stone, wooden beams and history straight away.
The outside walls will remain untouched. The interior acquired from begged, borrowed and up-cycled furniture from the decheteries and local Facebook Marketplace. We've found items including, antique wardrobes, doors and flooring - that some people just give away. Our budget isn’t massive, so we need to be conservative and choose our materials wisely.
I’ve found great inspiration on Pinterest. It’s a way to visualise how you’d like your home to look. I’d recommend anyone starting a renovation project to use an app like this to amalgamate your ideas into one place.
Season Covid-19
OMG! well our 2020 winter just happened - and ended Seven weeks too soon. The corona virus has arrived and now occupies our lives.
It’s the end of March and we’ve six days left until quarantine of fifteen days expires. And then? we don’t know, I'm not sure anyone does.
My children occupy their time playing in a quiet narrow street behind our apartment. This reminds me of holidays in Italy with my sister. Running around with our cousins; while grown-ups sit Al fresco chatting (a typical Italian evening).
We manage a good walk a day in the forests. The allowance of One hour outside, is filled with plenty of fresh air and Fondue (the dog) fun.
The winter started on a good track. Frank and Sadie nailed their skiing and are probably counting the medals as your reading this. We’ve had special moments watching as our children thrive in these mountains.
Facetime has become a regular treat to catch up with our family and friends. We’re looking forward to seeing them all in person. So virus please "do one” for us to get on with our lives again.
Featured
Made it so far
Its been over Four months since we stepped on French soil. We’ve integrated well; rekindled old friendships and made new ones.
The Summer was hot with canicules (heat waves) and the loudest storms our children have ever heard. We've swam in lakes, parapented over mountains and white water rafted the rapids.
Our children are gradually expanding their French vocabulary. It’s wonderful to watch. They are Amazing Little beings. I'm very proud of them. I know it must be very difficult at times for them. As it is for me too.
A recent edition to our family is a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy called Fondue, (like the cheese dish) named by Frank - the kids love him. It has enabled conversations to what was once a quiet school pick-up.
October half term is over and a UK visit was spot on. It gave us quality time with close family and friends.
The weather in the mountains has turned cold and any November rain has switched to snow.
With my summer sandals packed away and snow boots at the ready, we await our winter season.
A French Start
As an adolescent adult, I skipped the gloom of British winter weather and set off for the snowy mountains.
I met Chris, a like minded person and together we enjoyed a handful of seasons in the French Alps.
After much fun we decided to return to the UK to settle. We bought a house and had our children, Frank (7 years old) and Sadie (4 years old). And everything was okay. But sometimes you have to drop a lot to gain what you really want. I like to call it a mid-life venture (not crisis). I wanted something more from life.
It was a massive decision, Frank has actually said to me, did you think of us when you made the decision to live here. In which I replied, YES OF COURSE. These kids are my main priority of moving here. I hope he sees why as time goes on.
My aim: to create a better life for our family and to enrich our children with culture, a new language and plenty of outdoor adventures.
I'm looking forward to our future together, as we grow into our new French lifestyle.