Deborah & James Micheal

Travel information

We are currently

Activities we are interested in:

We are in SW France, in the town of Quillan. We love attending the cultural activities in our area, trying new restaurants, gardening, and discovering new towns and historical sights.

Description

Micheal and I are native Texans, who have lived in or near Austin, Texas for over 40 years. Our children are all grown and independent (hooray), which means it's our turn to see the world and meet some interesting people along the way. We took early retirement in 2014 to travel, mostly in Europe. Since then we frequently have workedaway, and house and pet sat in Western Europe. Between 12/15 and 7/17 we were the caretakers of a large manoir north of Toulouse. During those 19 months, 26 workawayers helped renovate part of the house with our help and supervision. We turned one wing into an apartment, decorated it, did copious deferred maintenance, reclaimed the gardens, and got the house ready to sell. During the latter 10 months of that time, I opened and ran a bed and breakfast, for which I received Super Host designation on Airbnb. The house and property were sold, and we returned to our home in Texas to spend time with family and friends. Our Texas home has been graced with the help of many other workawayers, as well. We remain friends with many workawayers all over the world. Currently I have a condo on the Texas coast, which is a short-term rental, and I am a "super host" on Airbnb.

We now live in Quillan (Aude Department) and have decided to become workawayers again. I was a successful Realtor (estate agent) for over 30 years, while raising 4 sons. My hobbies include cooking (at which I excel), decorating and gardening. Old houses have a great appeal for me. I am also an outgoing people person. Micheal has been an art teacher in public school, a maintenance engineer, and a petroleum landman (read: attention to detail). He is an avid traveler, loves music, and a voracious reader. We have been partners in an organic lettuce and greens growing business in Central Texas, where our lettuces and herbs were grown vertically. We both love meeting people and experiencing different cultures. We have our own car, long-term visas, and most importantly, are self-starters with positive attitudes. Our experience and capabilities are broad. It's comfortable to work in a group or on our own. In addition to workawayt, please check the reviews we were given as hosts as partial reference.

As homeowners ourselves, we understand how important it is to respect the property and privacy of others. Environmental responsibility and sustainability are important to us, too. We treat your belongings and property with respect. Furthermore, we are competent house sitters, should you need to be absent from your home while we are there. References from our numerous house sits can be provided, as can other personal character references.

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
Debi: I'd like to improve my French. I can help with English practice. Micheal: I'd like to learn French. I can help with English practice.

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Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Being an elderly companion

Eco Projects

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Languages

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

General Maintenance

Helping around the house

Art Projects

Teaching

Babysitting and creative play

More details about your skills

We have been home owners most of our adult lives, in Texas and in France. Micheal can do some plumbing, electricity, minor construction, genereal maintenance. He is great with pets and children. He formerly taught art to elementary aged children. Debi is a good cook, shopper, gardener, decorator, organizer and home manager. She is excellent help with guests. Both of us can paint, decorate, and do just about anything needed around a home, including pool maintenance and lawn mowing. We are very versatile. Let us know your needs and we can adapt!

Age

72 & 74

What else ...

Micheal and I love to hear live music, go dancing, and socializing with friends. We entertain often in our home. We play cards, Monopoly, Scrabble, and a few other board games. I'd love to learn Mahjong.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements