The start of our adventure,living the dream! - March to April 2017

1st March
After a sleepless night we decided to get up at 4.10am! Had quick showers and breakfast, connected the caravan and we were on the road at 5.40am. Made good time, arriving at the tunnel at 11.30am so managed to get on an earlier train. No traffic in France but raining on the journey to Rouen. Kevin was worried about three things, the tunnel, the viaducts and travelling through Rouen with a caravan! All passed without incident.  Continued our journey until we arrived at Alencon, tried to park for the night but the services were full of lorries and no room at the inn for us!  So continued to the next services, managed to find parking but the services were being revamped so a lovely sewage smell outside the caravan! The services were spotless, clean toilets! Had a sandwich and tarte au citron and then went to try and get some sleep. It was like sleeping in Piccadilly Circus with heavy lorries arriving throughout the night. The lorry parked behind us shielded us from being hit by in coming traffic! We eventually went to sleep at about 10pm then woke at 3.15am. We decided to get up, had a coffee in the services then started day two at 5.35am.

2nd March
Made good progress in the dark. Then as the sun rose picked up fog. Stopped for diesel and saw the caravan stabiliser had a red light showing, we read the manual and it said we could continue so we did! Somehow we managed to miss the exit for the N10 which put an extra hour on the journey! Stopped for diesel and to check the stabiliser and the light thankfully had turned green so Kevin much happier! Very little traffic on the N10 and sun now shining. Arrived at the barn at 11.30am. Cut the grass, moved some of the earth that the water board had left and then tried to get the caravan through the gate, this was trickier than expected, it took several goes to move the caravan into place with our French neighbours watching! Finally the caravan was in its temporary place, we asked Danielle and Gérard, our neighbours opposite, for water which they kindly agreed too and then emptied the trailer ready to go shopping tomorrow. We both then had our first shower since leaving home, then after dinner of chilli and garlic bread went to bed early. A satisfying but long first day.

3rd March
After a good first nights sleep woke up at 6.40am. Went to builders merchants in Angouleme for a concrete mixer, plumbing and electrical items. Had mains electric on by the end of the day so happy to have hairdryer again! Spent a lovely evening at Nev and Barbara's.

4th March
Got up at 7am after a rainy night. The first thing Kevin had to do was empty the loo! We realised we didn't have the correct connection for the water so went to Brico Marche in Riberac who fortunately had the correct one. Mains water was connected by the end of the day although some leaking pipes! Cut two trees down ready for permanent caravan site. Finished work at 6pm, it rained on and off during the day but it didn't stop us working!

5th March
Woke up to rain. Kevin put in the temporary electrics in the barn whilst I cleaned the caravan and used the new vacuum cleaner! Had an English cooked brunch and then continued with electrics. The rain eventually stopped so we continued tree cutting and clearing the permanent site for the caravan. Stopped work at 5.45pm, gin and tonic, lasagne and wine for dinner! Shattered but happy with progress made.

6th March
Woke up at 6.50am after another rainy night. Kevin's first job was to fill the loo liquid in the pouring rain! Decided to go to Brico Marche and ordered 120 paving slabs for inside the awning, then went to Angouleme to buy the scaffold and a chain saw. The wind was so bad they refused to let us look at the scaffold so unable to buy it so a wasted journey! Had a hairy drive back to the caravan with tree branches flying all over the road and one clipped the car but fortunately no damage. The caravan was rocking from side to side when we got back with the gale, a bit scary to say the least! The temporary electrics box had fallen to the ground but fortunately we still had electricity. Kevin put the chain saw together but just too windy to work outside so put up an internal light in the barn. Hoping for a better weather day tomorrow.

7th March
Yet another rainy day so decided to tackle the outbuilding ready for the washer and toilet. What a filthy job! We managed to clear it out by 1pm. Had a problem with the electrics, Kevin got an electric shock from the temporary box in the barn, he tried contacting EDF without success. Continued working on the outbuilding in the afternoon. Nev and Barbara popped in bringing a long drill bit for the earthing rod. They stayed for a glass or two of wine! Nev looked at the temporary electrics box and decided it was safe to use so no need to contact EDF. Watched Strictly Come Dancing DVD after dinner.

8th March
At last no rain when we got up! Expecting 120 paving slabs today. Had a cooked breakfast with the last of the bacon. Kevin put the temporary electrics box back on the pillon then dug a metre deep hole in limestone to put the earthing rod in place. I cut the grass and sorted trees. We cut another two tree down finally making enough space for the caravan.  Paving slabs not delivered, the driver is ill. Hopefully they will arrive tomorrow.  Went to Brico Marche for plumbing items for the washer and toilet and then did a food shop at Le Clerc's. Tired but good progress made today.

9th March
Beautiful day, Continued with plumbing and grass cutting. Finished work at 4pm then went to see if we could find a rotary drier at Merlauds. Went for pre dinner drinks at La Calise bar in Verteillac and managed to catch up with emails. Watched a beautiful sunset from caravan.

10th March
Another beautiful day. It got to 28 degrees in the caravan. Continued with plumbing and gardening. Paving slabs delivered at 10.30am. Three days late and we had to help lift them off his van! Yannick and Manuel, our neighbours who rent out their house when not using it themselves, arrived at 11.30am to introduce themselves, we went to look at their house and invited them to come for drinks tomorrow afternoon. Went to order the washing machine and buy food late afternoon.

11th March
Got up early, I cleaned the caravan and prepared it for the move to the permanent site. Prepared a beef bourguignon in the slow cooker. Kevin continued  with the plumbing and electrics for the washer and toilet and then fetched 600 kilo grams of sand ready to put the paving slabs on. I went to Verteillac to buy the rotary drier and treated us to tarte au pommes for dinner! We then moved the caravan to its permanent position. What a job that was, it kept sinking into the ground, the mover stopped working and we were worried we wouldn't be able to move it into position. Eventually, with a bit of brute force we managed to get it into the right spot and reasonably level. Yannick, Manuel and Manuel's mum Marie Paul arrived for drinks at 4.30pm, we were both still filthy but had a lovely hour with them! Finished the day with a lovely beef bourguignon. Shattered but a satisfying day.

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12th March
Had croissants and pain au chocolate for breakfast and then started erecting the awning. It took over four hours to complete, how does anyone go away for the weekend and put an awning up! We then filled the floor area with 65 paving slabs. Moving the slabs and 400 kilograms of sand should be good for the figure! Kevin finished putting the toilet together. We now have a dining room and utility area! Finished the day with the remaining beef bourguignon and a glass or two of wine!

13th March
Kevin spent the morning laying a concrete base for the washing machine whilst I cleared the lounge area of the barn and reorganised the tools, another filthy job but it looked much better after. We then went to Angouleme to buy the scaffold, another wasted journey as they didn't have the one Kevin wanted in stock at Le Roy Merlin. We then went to Le Roy Merlin in Perigueux who fortunately had the right one in stock, we managed to use our 15 per cent off voucher so got a good deal.

14th March
Another beautiful sunny day. Kevin finished the plumbing for the washing machine just before it arrived, he has to go to Brico Marche twice for extra plumbing bits! The washer worked straight away with no leaks so a superb job. I cleaned the outside of the caravan, made a stew in the slow cooker, cut the grass again and sorted the washing, 7 loads! Then helped Kevin with the new door for the laundry room in the afternoon. We went a short walk before dinner, another beautiful sunset so hoping for a good day tomorrow.

15th March
A lovely sunny day 24 degrees plus and 30 degrees in the caravan! Perfect for drying all the washing! I sorted clean bedding and cleaned the inside of the caravan whilst Kevin continued with the laundry room door. Kevin put the new scaffold together whilst I did the ironing and finished all the washing. Went into Riberac for food shopping and had a ride to Alleman before dinner. Another beautiful sunset.

16th March
Another superb day 24 degrees. Kevin continued working on the satellite connection and the laundry room door, it was too hot by lunchtime for him to work from the scaffold.  I cut the grass, put weed killer on the brambles and then washed the car and did yet more ironing! Robert and Caro came to visit, they live across the valley and had come to see who was working on the barn! They stayed for a coffee and we opened Chris and Vicky's biscuits, a real treat! Robert and Caro invited us for drinks next Tuesday night. Kevin helped Manuel's dad with an outside tap fitting that he was struggling to loosen. Went to Merlauds for some shopping and then had a pre dinner drinks at La Calise so we could check our emails!

17th March
Yet another sunny day. Kevin continued fixing the brackets for the satellite dishes and completed the laundry room door. I did some site clearance and then painted the small gate white. We went to Riberac to buy a longer ladder, an electric strimmer and bread for tea!

  

18th March
Went to Castorama and Conforama on our way to Jeanette and Trevor's. Had a lovely lunch of smoked duck salad and then the boys watched the rugby matches whilst Jeanette and I had a good catch up. We went to a converted mill for a lovely evening meal.

19th March
After breakfast had a ride to  Nateuil - en - Vallee and Verteuil- sur - Charente two quaint villages. Had coffee in the Mill shop at Verteuil where James Martin had filmed his recent TV programme, bought the famous brioche. Had pre dinner drinks in a lovely restaurant in Nateuil and then returned to Jeanette and Trevor's for a fantastic lunch of smoked salmon mousse, pork in cider followed by summer pudding, will need to work hard next week! Returned to the caravan early evening after a fantastic weekend break.

20th March
A cooler day and a frustrating day for Kevin.  After working hard on the WiFi he couldn't get a connection with the satellite, he contacted the helpline but they were not much help! Hoping for better luck tomorrow. Kevin then started putting the TV dish on the side of the barn, ugly but a necessity! I laid the stepping slabs to the awning, gave the small gate another coat of paint and then strimmed the area outside the outhouse and did some gardening.  Had Jeanette's pie and peas for dinner, lovely!

21st March
Woke up to rain and it rained all day! So Kevin decided to work inside the barn sorting the electrics and TV set up. I decided to go food shopping and then helped Kevin in the afternoon. Still not managed to find the satellite so decided to phone an expert! He is coming on Thursday afternoon. Spent a lovely couple of hours having drinks at Roberta and Caro's.

22nd March
Another  beautiful morning, Kevin continued with the electrics whilst I prepared the evening meal for Nev and Barbara, beef bourguignon,  jacket potatoes and green beans followed by fresh fruit salad then cheese. The satellite man (recommended by Robert and Caro) came in the afternoon and sorted the connections for both the WiFi and TV,  80 euros well spent! We are back in the real world! Kevin cleared some of the tree cuttings and I managed to cut the grass before it rained. Had a lovely evening with Nev and Barbara.

23rd March
Worked on the TV and Internet connections sorting both in the caravan, had TV for the first time in three weeks, only the hear the terrible news of the attacks in London.

24th March
Went to Bertric - Burree to see the Marie to collect bin bags and to find out about using the local rubbish tip - dechetterie. Finished sorting the electrics in the barn.

25th March
Took a trailer of rubbish to the dechetterie then worked in the garden on clearing more of the site. Had a ride in the afternoon to Chez Bouchard to look at the first property we viewed. They have started on the barn renovation but have done nothing to the main house so far. Also went to find the waste disposal site at Seneuil ready to go and buy a compost bin next Friday. On our way back we found Aubeterre golf course ready to go to Barbara's exhibition on 7th April.

26th March
Continued with site clearance. I made coq au vin in the slow cooker for dinner. A beautiful sunny day we sat out until 8pm with a gin and tonic watching the sunset.

27th March
Went to order the building materials from Chausson's  and spent just over one thousand euros! They will be delivered on Wednesday afternoon, the build begins! Called at Brico Marche for a steel float then continued with the site clearance filling the trailer ready to go to the dechetterie in the morning. Finished the coq au vin for dinner. Watched another lovely sunset then it started pouring it down at 9pm and rained most of the night.

28th March
The rain cleared and it was yet another beautiful day. Decided to make soup with the remaining liquid from the coq au vin and to use up the carrots and mushrooms so bought a liquidiser when we went to Chausson's to order the damp proof course. Booked Kevin's hair cut for the same time as mine on Friday. Continued site clearance and took another load of rubbish to the dechetterie. Invited Myriam for a gin and tonic when she arrived back from work. Sat talking to her whilst watching the sun set.

29th March
Another lovely sunny day 24 degrees. We both worked on site clearance, almost finished the big pile of trees. The trailer is full again for next trip to the dechetterie in the morning. Kevin set out the foundations for the kitchen and dinning room of the barn. The building bricks and sand were delivered at 2.30pm from Chausson's. Finished working at about 4.30pm, had quick showers and then went for a pre dinner drinks at La Calise. Another prefect evening with beautiful sunset.

30th March
Can't believe we have been here a month already! Another beautiful day, 33 degrees in the caravan! Yet another trip to the dechetterie! Kevin sorted the small barn door resetting the hinge into the wall so hopefully it will now open better. He cut out some of the manger stall and cut the reinforcement into manageable pieces. I changed the beds, did 6 loads of washing and ironing - how do two people make so much washing! cleaned the caravan and then continued with the site clearance, Kevin did a lot of strimming so the site is looking much better.

31st March
Had a day off today. We went to buy a compost bin for 20 euros from Seneuil, took it back to the barn and then went to the Friday market in Riberac,  the town was bustling with everyone buying their fresh meats and vegetables. Asked at a knife stall for a cheese knife and he gave me one for free! Couldn't believe our luck! Had a coffee and hot chocolate at Cafe des Colonnes and then had lunch at Le Chabrot, menu of the day at 13 euros for a three course lunch really good value.  We then went to Lidl and Le Clerc's before going for our hair cutting. We both look at bit shorn but it will soon grow back!

1st April
We woke up to pouring rain. Fortunately it stopped long enough for us to fill the trailer and go to the dechetterie. We are now best friends with the dechetterie site manager after he originally told us we could only visit once a day and its was more than his jobs worth to let us use it more, today  he showed us the goldfish he is looking after for his grandchildren! After a quick coffee Kevin eventually managed to cut through the massive gates that had been left in the barn, he needs to move them before he can start the retaining wall, he also put the props in place on the adjoining wall. I prepared  the meal for tomorrow when Jeanette and Trevor come for lunch whilst it was raining and then we filled the trailer again with trees and garden rubbish and build the compost bin. The sun came out at the end of the day so hoping for a good day tomorrow.

2nd April
A superb day, met Jeanette and Trevor at Le Calise in Verteillac for coffee and then had a look round the brocante, (car boot!).Went back to the caravan for lunch, melon and palma ham, the famous beef bourguignon with new potatoes and green beans, meringue with ice cream and fresh fruit followed by cheese washed down with plenty of wine! Nev and Barbara popped in as we were serving dessert so they stayed for a drink, dessert and cheese, a superb afternoon spent with good friends. After washing up Kevin went to sleep whilst I watched the boat race!

                                     

3rd April

Another beautiful day. Kevin continued digging out the foundations in the barn,  a difficult job as it's solid limestone! I set to clearing the final pile of garden rubbish and almost finished it, filing the trailer and 15 bags ready for the next trip to the dechetterie! It was another filthy job with smelly old grass cuttings underneath cut trees! I get all the best jobs! Kevin did some more strimming and cut the grass again in the afternoon, it just keeps growing, rain and sun prefect for grass growing!  Kevin had to move his mobile from the awning as it gave a warning it was too hot to work! It was 110 degrees in the awning at 6pm! Finished working at 5.15pm and then had the leftover beef bourguignon for dinner.  

4th April

Started the day with yet another visit to the dechetterie! It was really busy with locals all stopping to have a chat with the site manager, even the local policeman had time to empty his police van of his own rubbish! 

After a coffee Kevin continued with the foundations, putting in the form work and then in the afternoon laid the first concrete in the foundations, real progress made today! 

I finished clearing the old grass cuttings filling 40 bags ready for the next trip to the dechetterie on Thursday. I then cleared all the mangers in the barn of rubbish and then put some more weed killer on the brambles. A cooler day but still warm, 78 degrees in the awning, better for working in. 

 5th April

Kevin laid the first building blocks today, it took him some time to get the levels right, then he infilled with stone behind to help hold the bowed adjoining wall. I continued clearing the garden, working on the fence area. We both then started to move the stones and earth at the front of the barn which had been left by the water board. The trailer is full ready for the next visit to the dechetterie tomorrow morning! After quick showers we went to Le Clerc's for food shopping.  Andy and Kath face timed us tonight, it was lovely to have a chat and to see their faces! 

6th April

Went early to the dechetterie, the manager was not happy that we are going every time he is open! We explained this was the last time for the  moment!

Kevin then continued digging out the next phase of the foundations whilst I changed the beds and cleaned the caravan. After lunch we finished clearing the pile of earth that the water board had left. I then cut the grass whilst Kevin back filled the foundations. Finished the day by ironing looking at the beautiful view!  Another perfect day, sunshine all day.

7th April

Kevin continued with the next set of foundations and made the form work ready to pour the next concrete tomorrow. I washed the car, cleared the pile of sand and stones, cut some more grass and did some ironing! The heat got to both of us so we finished work at 3.30pm and got ready to go to the fashion show at the golf club. We had to go and buy a new kettle on the way as I had got water in the element yesterday and blew the electrics! Not very popular! Enjoyed a lovely evening at the golf club, a perfect setting for an art exhibition and fashion show, the weather was superb so the art work was displayed outside in the courtyard which had perfect natural lighting. 

8th April

Kevin completed the next section of concrete foundation so the wall can now be completed in front of the unstable section of the connecting wall. I was a real builders mate, fetching the sand and cement, holding the wheelbarrow for the concrete and then got the best job of cleaning all the tools including the concrete mixer! Decided we couldn't do much more today as the concrete needs to set, so we had early showers and lunch and spent the afternoon in Aubeterre. Barbara had her pictures on display in the Marie's so stopped and had a chat with her, had a walk round the village, a drink in the bar (because it was so hot!) and I bought a top and cardigan from Hillary's shop (as modelled at the fashion show last night!). It was a perfect afternoon, very warm, when we got back to the caravan it was 37 degrees in the caravan and we had left the windows and roof vents open! 40 degrees in the awning! and we had bought ingredients to make a chilli for dinner! 

9th April

Kevin continued building the retaining wall whilst I made a pork and cider casserole in the slow cooker. We had a coffee and listened to the Archers omnibus and then continued with the wall in the afternoon, made good progress and it was better working inside the barn as it was yet another very hot day, 34 degrees in the caravan at 6pm. Sat and had pre dinner drinks in a shady spot in the garden and then enjoyed the pork in cider for dinner and watched the Masters golf until 2am! What a finish, congratulations to Sergio Garcia and commiserations to Justin Rose.

10th April

Didn't wake up until 8am so a late start to the day. Kevin continued with the retaining wall and back filling it, making steady progress. I strimmed and cut the grass in the front garden and was the ' builders mate'. When taking the rubbish to the bin I met Manuel, who was painting his gates, he invited me to go and have a swim this afternoon which was really kind of him, so after working all day we had quick showers and I went for a swim. The pool was lovely and warm 24 degrees and overlooks a perfect view so really enjoyed my first swim for  six weeks.  Had the pork casserole for dinner and an early night as exhausted after staying up late last night! 

11th April

Kevin continued with the retaining wall and cut the reinforcement to make ties to join the existing wall to the new wall, whilst I strimmed the back garden and cut the back grass. After showers we went to Brico Marche and then went to Nev's to help him take the cover off his swimming pool. Finished the pork in cider casserole for dinner. A fantastic sunset tonight, probably the best so far.

12th April

I went to Verteillac for bread and to the post office whilst Kevin continued with the retaining wall. When I got back I made some carrot, potato and garlic soup with left over vegetables ready for dinner then washed the caravan and cleaned the outside windows. After lunch Kevin continued with the wall infilling with stones whilst I strimmed the outside of the property. Another very warm day, sat in the shade and had a pre dinner drinks trying to cool down!

13th April

Another beautiful day. Kevin continued the never ending job of infilling the retaining wall, he made good progress mixing four batches of concrete and adding two rows of bricks. I changed the beds, cleaned the caravan, did loads of ironing and then continued clearing the outside edge of the garden. The trees in the garden are already showing buds. After showers we went to Brico Marche for more cement. when we returned it was 110 degrees in the awning at 6pm!

14th April

Kevin continued building the retaining wall and infilling with stone, I was the builders mate collecting and sizing the stone and washing the mixer. Ken and Pen arrived to give us a quote for digging out the barn floor, they had a coffee with us whilst telling us of their adventures in France. After lunch I went food shopping whilst Kevin continued his infilling. We then went to Manuel's for a swim before dinner.

15th April
A cooler day which was better for working. Once again Kevin continued the retaining wall  and digging the floor of the barn to release the stones for infilling, hard work but getting there slowly. I helped sort stones and moved stones from behind the outhouse into the barn. I put the Iris seeds, that mum gave me for Christmas, in four different areas of  garden, not sure if it's the right time of year to do this but time will tell! In the afternoon I cleaned the lounge area of the barn and began sorting items to take home. I then put weed killer on the brambles again, ever hopeful they will not grow back! Yannick, Manuel and Manuel's mum came to look at our progress in the afternoon, Manuel suggested President Trump might like the wall to put on the Mexican border! Whilst they were here Michael arrived. He is our English neighbour who lives next door to Manuel. He and his family are here for a short visit so it will be good to catch up with them sometime this next week. After showers had a rest before going to La Calise for their Easter evening.

16th April
Easter Sunday and decided to have a day off! Went to Sarlat and had a walk round the old town then had lunch in one of the restaurants. We then went to La Roque-Gageac, a beautiful spot on the side of the Dordogne with lovely buildings in sandstone with some built into the hillside. Bought some pate and confit de canard. A lovely drive back on a beautiful evening.

17th April

Another lovely day. Once again worked on the retaining wall. Mixed four lots of concrete and infilled with hundreds of stones! Kevin finished by using blocks to make a buttress to support the bowing wall, we are getting there! Just hope it doesn't fall down whilst we are back at home!  

18th April

Yet another lovely day with a bit of a breeze so good for working in. We continued with the wall building and infilling. Kevin dug lots of stones out of the barn floor which was hard work. Only one more coarse to go so we should finish tomorrow. Maureen, Michael, Karen and David came for drinks at 6pm. We sat chatting in the awning until after 10pm, a lovely evening. 

19th April

At last the retaining wall is finished to ceiling height! It's been a mammouth task but hopefully it will stop the party wall falling down! Michael, Maureen Karen and David came to look at the project and had a coffee. David introduced Kevin to Damien, one of our French neighbours, who has a mini digger. The good news is that Damien is available in June to help dig out the remaining barn floor. We both went to have a quick look at Michael's property, they were busy knocking an outside wall down! Always something to do in France! After lunch I washed the car whilst Kevin continued clearing the barn floor.

After showers we went to see the local swimming pool installers, they are going to work out a price for a 9 x 5 metre pool and send it next week, not doubt it will be far too expensive but fingers crossed! When we arrived home Myriam invited us over for an aperitif. Spend a lovely hour with her before coming back to the caravan for dinner. 

20th April

Another lovely day with a bit of a breeze. Kevin dug out some more of the barn floor whilst I cleaned and tidied the caravan. We then strimmed and cut the grass ready for going home on Sunday. After lunch went to see Nev and Barbara's barn conversion at Le Brandeau. What a superb renovation Nev and Barbara have done, it's almost completed now and looks absolutely fantastic. Hope we can managed to do something just a little bit similar!

21st April

Started the day by preparing duck in grapes in the slow cooker for dinner. We then took the awning down and tried to get it into its storage bag, how does anyone ever get this right? Kevin then finished strimming the garden whilst I packed and cleaned the caravan ready for going home on Sunday. Another very warm day. Danielle came across and asked if Kevin could cut her a piece of wood for a jigsaw which he did. We are just about ready for going home on Sunday. 

22nd April

Last day before going home tomorrow. Decided to go to Perigueux to see two more swimming pool installers, hopefully we will have some price comparisons soon. Called at Auchan  a big supermarket and shopping complex and then Le Roy Merlin before coming back to pack the car ready for home. A very warm evening, seemed even warmer without the awning up.  Finished the duck with grapes for dinner. 

Up early in the morning for the long journey home.