'English marigolds'

In France these are known as soucis which means worries. The saying goes if you have one you'll have lots more soon.

The plumber arrived briefly today in a gap in the weather to drill a hole in the wall for the small waste pipe for the new shower. The wall is 1m10 thick. He may come back tomorrow or Thursday...

After yesterday's difficulties getting anyone in the new health centre to answer the phone, I called once and got straight through! So I'm now fixed up for an appointment at the end of September.