Cow bells and donkeys......

are what we wake up to in the morning! The house is on the outskirts of a beautiful village and we're surrounded by rolling farmland. The difference in noise compared with Putney is amazing and I'm not missing those aeroplanes one bit.

Thanks to those who have sent me some messages through the blog, it was really nice to read them, keep them coming and update me with your news too!

I am missing friends and family terribly today - I guess I will have ups and downs but tomorrow Rolf starts work and it seems really strange not knowing what to do or where to go because I know nothing and noone!!

Anyway, on we go. The house is still in chaos because we have too much stuff. I feel terrible that we have so much stuff - most of it is just rubbish that we can live without so I'm having a massive clear out and being ruthless!

We moved in on Monday and had a busy day sorting and trying to get the girls' rooms half decent. Lily is so excited to have so much space and just loves running around in the garden chasing the butterflies and jumping in and out of the paddling pool.

Yesterday morning we had to visit a school up in the mountains and so we drove beyond Lausanne which was a stunning drive as you climb up and up and are surrounded by views of vineyards, the lake, snow capped mountains and beautiful forests. We arrived at the old Swiss style chalet building that is the school and spent an hour there. The company that runs it will be opening another school in Rolle, where Rolf is working and so we think it might be a good option for Lily..... anyway, what a place for little ones to be - goats, donkeys, weekly skiing lessons and all in the most stunning environment.

Then we went to that good old shop, Ikea, to buy lightfittings because when you rent in Switzerland, the houses don't come with any! And then off to Migros which is one of the two supermarkets in Swissy - the other being Co-op. Food seems to be very expensive here but very good quality and the stores are huge (maybe I could just hang out in one tomorrow!!).

And today was market day in Morges which is the closest and largest town for us - 15,000 habitants. The mainly food market is in the old part of town and it was fantastic - beautiful asparagus, mushrooms and porcini from France and the most delicious tomatoes - Michael, I can see you and Rolf having one of your cook ups soon and going to Morges to buy your goodies!

We stopped for a coffee and bumped into a lady we had already met at the Vufflens fete - Elke Blume! Anyway, she's about my age with a son and has invited us over for a drink which is nice - she reminds me of someone but I can't think who.

We still don't have our phone working but hopefully soon and then we'll set up Skype which will be great.

Much love to you all x