Let's talk about duck poop, as you do here at PumpjackPiddlewick

People are obsessed with duck poop. Well, okay, maybe more in my world than yours. But believe me in the pet duck world it is constantly, and I mean constantly, discussed, asked about, mentioned, questioned… You get the idea. But, and here’s the thing, more by others than duck owners.Continue Reading

What is hay fever season like in France. What causes it, when is it and what is done. All good questions we answer here at PumpjackPiddlewick

Hay fever season is upon me. Achoo! That means lots of eye watering, drippy nose and of course sneezing. What’s not to like? Sneezing in Any Language It’s a curious thing that we make a certain sound when we sneeze. In English – Achoo. If I was sneezing in French,Continue Reading

There are police in France and there are Gendarmerie. So what is the difference we ask here at PumpjackPiddlewick

I am a great fan of detective fiction. Give me a Sue Grafton, J.D. Robb and especially the classic Agatha Christie ‘who done it’ any day. Consequently, I read frequently of police asking questions, garnering answers. It’s something you read about, but it just doesn’t happen in real life. UntilContinue Reading

Bugs bug me. But which is the worst here in France. We delve into bugs at PumpjackPiddlewick

I keep telling myself that bugs are necessary to this world. And in my head I know this, but in my heart… Chigger season is coming to a close (thank goodness) and with all my heart I look forward to cooler days, and less, and eventually, almost, no bugs. MaybeContinue Reading

Waking up early with PumpjackPiddlewick is a fun experience involving cats, coffee and maybe a little mayhem

You may know that I start my days waking up early. Awake around 5am, I tiptoe quietly into the kitchen for a mug. Usually one if not all my cats deign to leave their warm beds to join me in the expectation of being fed. Then, with laptop in hand,Continue Reading