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Stupid rules

 I am sure we all have our pet stupid rules and the one I came across this week is not only stupid but also expensive.  This is one that has been in existence for many years but didn't affect the Brits until Brexit.  Every time someone comes  to stay with me, even family,  I have to go to the Mairie with 13 pieces of  paper, including proof that I own my apartment, proof that I actually live there, copies of my visitors' passports, their dates of birth and addresses, dates of their visit and 30€ for each set of visitors.  I had to tell them the square metres of my apartment so that they could ascertain whether it was large enough to accommodate visitors or not.  They seemed to have forgotten to ask for my blood type.  Then on arrival at the Mairie I have to  complete a two page form, which is then submitted  to  the Maire who signs and stamps it.  I am still  waiting for it.  Then I have to post it to my sons for them to bring with them.  Reading various group comments it seems that only 2 people were asked for it at passport control but if you don't have it they can refuse entry.  Some people have refused to apply for the forms, opting instead for sending a letter of invitation to the guests, not legal of course, but what the hell, next time that is what I am going to do.

It is hot outside, which I don't mind, and my apartment is cool but clearly climate change is creating havoc round the world and it is time for the people of our world to wake up and see the writing on  the wall.

I had coffee with Italian friends yesterday.  The woman has beautiful, long, thick hair whereas I have greyish streaky, thin, fine hair, so I was taken aback when she said that my hair was lovely.  What?  No-one in the whole of my life has said I have lovely hair.  Why would they?  I have always hated it.  I rarely get it cut at a hairdresser's, have never coloured it or done anything to it, apart from hacking at it from time to time.  As I strolled into the courtyard I met my neighbour.  She reached up and touched my hair.  'Beautiful', she said, and sighed.  Has someone put an hallucinating drug in Saumur water?

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