I am so jealous it sounds as if you had a wonderful time. I'd love to go canoeing and to see buzzards, my idea of heaven. Have to go now, but be back on soon

Sorry I didn't mean to make you jealous. I just find some of the responses so negative. What it comes down to is that you still have to do some things exactly as you did in England - do the washing up, go shopping, clean the loo. That sort of thing doesn't go away, nor does your personality. If you rub people up the wrong way in England chances are you'll do the same in France. If you tend to have bouts of depression in England you'll still have to work with that here.
I do try to be realistic when I answer these threads but I am very grateful for all the lovely things and people in my life here in France and I want to share that as well. I have my problems like anyone else but basically I'm having a ball and I want other people to know that if they can stay open to the possiblity they can too.

Hi OnlyoneBrenda, sorry my post came across not the way I intended it too. What I meant was that it is lovely to know that you went canoeing and saw the wildlife ..... one of my hobbies is watching wildlife .... I think your answer sounds very sensible. We are going to do lots ofresearch before we make the move .... and rent first rather than leap in with both feet. It would be better to get the feel of France and how it all works firstly .... I am worried about being ripped off and overcharged for a property so rent first sounds like a good option. Sounds like you are having a great time and I am very pleased for you. all the best