Living the Dream, Part 3, September to November 2017

Sunday 27th August
Got up early, 5am and left home at 6.05am. We were worried that the roads would be busy as it was Bank Holiday Sunday, however, think everyone was still in bed as the roads were the quietest we have seen then since travelling to France! We made really good time and reached the tunnel at 11.30am and managed to get on the 12.06 train. The roads in France were also quiet going South, busier going North as the Brits were making their way back after their summer holidays. Made really good time and arrived in Alencon, our night stop, at 5.15 French time. Checked into the hotel, had an evening meal at 7pm sat outside in the sunshine, 28 degrees, and enjoyed watching the sunset. Had a short stroll before bed.

Monday 28th August
Got up early, 7am and after breakfast we were on the road by 8.20am. The roads were quiet again and arrived at Angouleme at 12.20pm. Kevin needed a Le Roy Merlin fix so went to buy some strimmer wire! We arrived at the barn at 1.20pm. The grass had grown more than we expected! Everything else looked fine. Unpacked the car, just about found enough space in the caravan to store everything! Went to Le Clerc's for food and then put up the awning in 31 degrees! We still haven't got the knack and wonder how anyone would want to put up a full awning every weekend! Watched a beautiful sunset then, exhausted, had an early night. However, it was just too hot (31 degrees) to sleep so had a disturbed night even with all the windows open.
J

Tuesday 29th August
Got up at 7.30am and after breakfast I cut the grass whilst Kevin started taking the hay loft down. Whilst having coffee we had a chat with Madam next door and saw Yannick for a few minutes when he was going for a run. Myriam and her daughter stopped as they were going shopping for a quick chat, Myriam has sprained her ankle whilst on a recent family holiday, she is struggling to drive at the moment. During the afternoon Kevin filled the trailer with the floor boards and I brushed the straw and cobwebs away, we were both filthy by the time we had finished! We then took the trailer load to, yes you have guessed, the dechetterie!  After showers we went to Brico Marche for a new strimmer, which the didn't have, and wood for the trust ties.
Another lovely sunset after another very warm day 32 degrees. Hope we manage to sleep better tonight!

Wednesday 30th August
Got up at 7.30am after a good night's sleep, it was much cooler in the night. A cloudy morning with rain forecast. Kevin continued digging out the lounge foundations and preparing the splice plates for the ties. I moved all the spare slates out of the barn and stacked them down the side of the outbuilding, cleaned the inside and outside of the awning, cleaned the outbuilding of spiders and washed one side of the caravan. It poured it down at 3.15pm, wetting the curtains and cushions in the van as we had all the windows wide open and couldn't get in quick enough to shut them! After early showers we went to Le Roy Merlin's in Perigueux for insulation, a new strimmer, a straight edge, and various nuts and bolts! Since it looked like more rain we decided to cook on the BBQ inside the barn and then ate inside the caravan. A much cooler day 23 degrees.

Thursday 31st August
Neil's first day back with us. Kevin and Neil made really good progress digging out the foundations, removing the hay loft floor boards and in the afternoon they made a trip to the dechetterie with all the rubbish.
I strimmed the garden, washed and ironed and tidied up after the workers! A warm day 26 degrees, perfect for working in! We had a BBQ for dinner and enjoyed the warm evening sat outside.

Friday 1st September
Neil and Kevin managed to almost finish digging the next section of foundations. Kevin and I prepared one area ready for concrete before we went to stay with Avril and Phillip in Constant village, a beautiful renovated village now used as a holiday village. We spent a lovely evening catching up with each other whilst eating cheese, pate and French bread washed down with plenty of French wine!

Saturday 2nd September
After a leisurely breakfast we all left for St Emillion, after having lunch sat outside in the square we went into one of the wine tasting shops and after several tastings Kevin bought two bottles of St Emillion wine, a bottle of Pommerol and a bottle of Sancerre, we have our Christmas wine already! We spent the night in the Ramparts Hotel and went for a fabulous meal sat in the cave of the Le Tertre restaurant, what an experience we were surrounded by hundreds of bottles of fine wines, very tempting but neither Avril's or my handbag was big enough! A perfect day with super company.

Sunday 3rd September
After breakfast in the Hotel we walked the Ramparts and had coffee in the ground of an old church. We left St Emillion at around 12.20pm  and got back to the barn at 1.30pm. After a quick coffee sat in the garden, Kevin started work in the barn finishing one area ready for concreting on Tuesday whilst I sorted out the  washing and swept and tidied the barn ready for work tomorrow.
Had a cooked breakfast for dinner using the bacon brought from home!

Monday 4th September
Neil and Kevin worked hard and completed the second section of foundations ready for a concrete pour tomorrow. I went food shopping, made some courgette and butternut squash soup from the courgettes and butternut squash that Neil gave us and then helped the builders after lunch prepare for the concrete pour tomorrow. A cloudy but warm day 24 degrees, with a little light rain in the afternoon.

Tuesday 5th September

Got up at 7am as Neil was coming to start the concrete mix at 8.30am. Had breakfast then I went to buy the bread for lunch and was back ready to help mix concrete by 8.40am. We all worked really hard and by 10.15am we had completed the first section. Kevin went to buy more sand whilst Neil and I had a coffee, on his return we continued mixing concrete and had finished the second section by 12.20pm. Nev and Barbara arrived just as we had finished, they came to collect the shopping I had brought from the UK for them.  After lunch I swept the barn floor to remove any excess concrete whilst Kevin and Neil filled the trailer. Neil finished early as he is going on holiday tomorrow. Kevin and I went to the dechetterie on our return I cut the grass, vacuumed the car and washed the BBQ whilst Kevin started taking out the next section of the mangers. Had early showers and a rest before meeting Nev and Barbara at the Italian restaurant in Riberac at 8pm.

Wednesday 6th September
After a bit of a lie in 8am! We both worked hard all day. Kevin continued taking the hay loft floor down and removing the middle section of the manger whilst I strimmed the garden, washed the outside of the caravan, cleaned the windows and awning and brushed the barn to get rid of the straw and cobwebs! We went to see Robert and Caro for an aperro at 6pm and to see the progress on their new building. On our return I did the ironing so a very productive day!

  

Thursday 7th September
A rest day! Spent a fabulous day with Avril, Phil and Amy. They arrived at the barn in time for coffee, after a look round the barn we all went to Brantome. Had a lovely lunch by the river then went for a boat ride on the river. Had a stroll round the town and then returned to the barn for cheese and wine followed by lemon tart. A cooler day, 20 degrees, with no sun but a beautiful sunset.

Friday 8th September

Kevin worked hard digging out the middle section of the mangers and also continued  making the splice plates ready for the truss tie, after lunch he went to the dechetterie with a load of stones and then to Brico Marche for more cement. I changed the beds, cleaned the caravan, including the inside windows, washed the car, did some gardening, did the ironing and went food shopping. Myriam called at teatime to invite us for a drink tomorrow lunchtime.

Saturday 9th September
After a disturbed night from pouring rain, Kevin spent the morning digging out the middle foundations and continuing the long task of drilling holes in the splice plates. I prepared the evening meal and tidied the caravan. At 12 o clock we went to Myriam's for nibbles and drinks. We left for Bergerac airport at 1.30pm to collect Andrew and Kath. Just as they arrived in arrivals the heavens opened! Manuel, Jannick and Manuel"s mum were waiting to greet Andrew and Kath and to show them round their gite, which is where they are staying for the week, perfect as it's only 30 metres away from the barn. Kevin just about managed to cook the lemon chicken on the BBQ before the heavens opened again. We finished dinner just in time to watch the first Strictly Come Dancing night, a first in France for us all!


Sunday 10th September
In the morning Kevin and Andrew continued working on the splice plates and digging out the centre manger area. Kath and I went food shopping. After lunch we went to Bourdeilles, had a walk round the vide grenier, what a load of rubbish! We have thrown better things away! We then had a walk along the river bank before returning home. Andrew, Kath and I had a swim, we almost got Kevin in but he chickened out saying the water was too cold, 25 degrees! After dinner we played partner whist, Kath and Kevin managed to win!

Monday 11th September
Kevin and Andrew continued working on the splice plates, digging out the centre manger and setting out the joints for the truss tie. Kath and I went shopping, then after lunch Kath prepared dinner whilst I cut the grass. We both then tried drilling the splice plate holes, a long task! Had a lovely dinner prepared by Kath at the gite. Stuffed butternut squash, pork steaks, vanilla flan and fresh fruit salad with champagne and wine! Played cards again and yet again Kath and Kevin managed to win. A much cooled day with plenty of rain, nothing like the weather Andrew and Kath had last year.

Tuesday 12th September
Kath arrived with lots of enthusiasm and by coffee time she had cut several trees down! After coffee we all worked together to cut a total of seven trees down, cutting them into logs and Kevin and Andrew got rid of two loads of greenery to the dechetterie. By 5pm we were all shattered but happy with a really good days work, almost room for my swimming pool now! We treated ourselves to pre dinner beers and gin and tonics! We had a BBQ for dinner, marinated chicken, finished with honey and cinnamon figs from Manuels garden, delicious! We played cards and yet again Kevin and Kath won!

Wednesday 13th September
A rest day! It was dull and raining when we got up and stayed like that for most of the day! It didn't stop us from going to Salat for the day though. It was market day and when we got there it was very busy and difficult to find parking,  We had a wander round the market stalls, lots of French food and vegetables and then found a restaurant for lunch. After a lovely lunch we had another walk round the town and managed to see the buildings as the market had now gone. Had a long journey back as the junction to the motorway was closed and we had to go through the centre of Perigueux during rush hour! Once back at the barn we had cheese and wine for supper and then played cards. At last Andrew and I won!


Thursday 14th September
It poured it down during the night and was still pouring it down at 10am. Kevin and Andrew worked on the truss tie whilst Kath and I went shopping. The weather eventually improved and Kath managed to spent some time during the afternoon round the pool. The boys went to the dechetterie whilst I prepared the evening meal and brushed the barn out. I then went for a swim before dinner. Andrew also  managed a swim before dinner. We played cards after dinner and yet again Kevin and Kath won!

Friday 15th September
It was raining when we got up but cleared by about 9.30am so we all set too and cut two more big trees down, the boys took three trailer loads of branches to the dechetterie. They also spent some time sorting the tie out in the barn. Well what a week of hard work for Andrew and Kath, we are so grateful for everything they have done to help this week. Think they are going home for a good rest! Hopefully they will return again next year! After a short rest and showers we went into Riberac to the Italian restaurant for dinner. On our return we played a final game of whist, yet again Kevin and Kath won, Andrew and I have had no luck this week!

Saturday 16th September
Andrew and Kath's last day. It was really cold when we woke up, only 13 degrees in the caravan. Before 9am the farmer arrived with trailer and by 9.30am had removed the haystack, we have our view back! We set off for Bergerac at 10am, had a wander around the old town and down to the river before having lunch sat outside in the sunshine. We had just finished our gallettes when the heavens opened, so Andrew and Kath have had a week of rain everyday! After saying our  goodbyes at the airport we called at Brico Marche in Bergerac for 10mm threaded rod but unfortunately they were out of stock, we bought a fan heater to warm the awning up so we can still sit in it at night now its getting cooler. Once back in Riberac we went to order a tumble drier as if this rain continues then we have nowhere to dry clothes! Maureen, Mike, Dave and Karen came for cheese and wine at 7pm. We spent a lovely evening chatting until almost 1am!

Sunday 17th September

It was pouring down when we got up and continued all day! Kevin worked in the barn in the morning whilst I cleaned the caravan. We had a cooked breakfast for lunch using the last of the bacon brought from home. At 3.45pm we set of to Limoges airport to pick mum and dad up. The flight was on time and they were through the gate by 6.15pm and we were back at the barn by 8.10pm, just managing to see both the gite and barn in daylight. It's really great that they have managed to get here to see where we are and what we are doing.

Monday 18th September

Had a lazy morning! Kevin worked on the tie in the barn whilst mum, dad and I went into Riberac food shopping. After lunch, eating the pate Manuel's mum had made,which was delicious with fresh French bread, we had a ride to Aubetterre. The sun was shining, 19 degrees so a much better afternoon. Mum and dad had ice creams whilst Kevin had a beer and I a cup of tea sat in the square enjoying the surroundings. We rode past Chez Bouchard on our way back to show mum and dad the first barn we looked at. We had a BBQ for dinner sat enjoying the evening sunshine in the awning. We played whist and Kevin and I won this time.

Tuesday 19th September

A misty and cool start to the day but by the time we got back to the barn it was sunny and warm 22 degrees. We had a trip to Perigueux, first to Le Roy Merlin's where Kevin managed to buy the threaded rod he needed to continue with the tie. We then went into the Old Town, and had a wander around the quaint streets. Mum bought a dress from one of the small shops. We had a look in the Cathedral and then had lunch in one of the restaurants in the square. On our way back we called in Grand Fraise and bought pork steaks for tomorrow nights dinner. After a snack tea we played cards in the awning whilst watching a lovely sunset. A draw tonight! 

Wednesday 20th September

A work day and a lovely sunny day  Kevin finished fixing the tie and then removed the remaining walls of the mangers, a big sigh of relief when the final bit was removed and the barn ceiling didn't collapse! Dad serviced the petrol strimmer and found out why it no longer worked. At 11am Michael, Maureen, Dave and Karen came for coffee to meet mum and dad. Dave took the strimmer away and found the part that needed replacing and brought it back working. We had lunch sat outside then Mum and I worked in the garden, mum cutting some bushes down and I cut the grass, we then planted 105 daffodils in the front garden, hopefully they will flower in the spring. The tumble drier arrived during the afternoon, I bet I don't need it now the weather has improved! Before dinner mum and I had a swim. After dinner we played cards in the awning watching yet another lovely sunset. Kevin and I won! 

Thursday 21st September

A beautiful day, 23 degrees and sunny. We went to Brantome and met Jeanette and Trevor for coffee and then had lunch overlooking the river. After lunch mum and dad had a ride on the river boat whilst the rest of us had a wander around Brantome. Mum, dad, Kevin and I had a final drink sat by the river in the sunshine.  On our return we called at Merlauds in Vertiallac, dad couldn't believe how much stock and the variety of goods that they sell. After cheese and wine we played cards, Kevin and I won again, much to dad's disgust! 

Friday 22nd September

A misty start to the day which cleared and was sunny and warm, 22 degrees. Mum, dad and I went to Riberac market. Kevin dropped us off and then he went to buy reinforcement ready for the final section of concreting. We had a wander around the market, mum bought a plastic tablecloth for the caravan, we bought some pate for lunch and two steak and ale pies, made by a master German baker!, for dinner. We had a coffee at Cafe Colonnes. After lunch Kevin continued digging out the centre of the mangers, I washed the car whilst mum and dad enjoyed some quiet time sat round the pool. We had a very British dinner, pie, mushy peas, gravy and potatoes followed by apricot tart and ice cream! We played cards and mum and dad won this time! 

Saturday 23rd September

A beautiful day, 24 degrees and sunny, but a work day! Kevin continued preparing the final section for concreting, levelling and putting a layer of sand down before the DPM and insulation. Mum, dad and I went into Vertiallac for bread, pate,wine and vegetables. After coffee Kevin, dad and I cut down the tree on the outside of the fence to prevent it touching the electric and telephone wires to the hamlet! Mum did a huge pile of ironing! After lunch Kevin and dad went to the decheterrie then dad sorted the pipework to the caravan, stopping the leaks whilst Kevin continued in the barn and mum and I finished the ironing and prepared dinner. Mum and I then had a swim and Kevin and dad made gin and tonics and joined us sat round the pool, a perfect end to a good days work. After dinner mum and I watched Strictly Come Dancing whilst dad and Kevin drank whisky in the awning! 

                                    

                                    

Sunday 24th September

Mum and dad's last day. After vacating the gite at 9.30am mum, dad and I went into Riberac for petrol and food. Kevin continued working in the barn, cutting the reinforcement. After lunch of homemade butternut squash soup it was time to say goodbye to the barn and gite and to take mum and dad to Limoges airport. We made good time and arrived with three hour to take off. We said our tearful goodbyes and we were back at the barn by 5.30pm, we called to say goodbye to Michael, Maureen, Karen and Dave and then made our way back to a very quiet barn and caravan. What a fabulous month with family and friends enjoying the French countryside and each others company with a little work on the barn!, its going to be a very quiet five weeks!

Monday 25th September

A busy day getting ready for the concrete pour on Wednesday. Kevin cut the reinforcement and then fetched four trailer loads of sand and gravel which we shovelled onto the concrete floor outside the barn. We finished the preparation of the final area to be concreted, putting the insulation and reinforcement in place. I cleaned the caravan, awning and laundry room and then tidied and reorganised all the equipment in the barn, finishing off with sweeping the entire barn, was absolutely filthy after! Kevin tried the wire brush on the oak beam which will be exposed, it seems to have worked so he just needs to clean all the beam that will be exposed now! 

Tuesday 26h September
Neil's first day back after his holiday in England and what a hard day's work! Kevin and Neil removed all the oak ceiling beams and put them into the back garden for future use either as part of the abri or as fire wood! I was the builders mate, brushing all the straw and rubbish up after them, what a filthy job! The barn looks huge now, no doubt by next week when the internal walls go up it will look smaller. A misty start to the day with a little rain in the morning but the sun came out after lunch and it was a super afternoon.

Wednesday 27th September
A lovely day, the sun shone all day, 25 degrees. A hard day's work, we started mixing concrete at 9am, worked none stop until the final area was covered and finished just after 1pm. Kevin levelled and floated off the surface, Neil kept the concrete mixer fed and I filled the buckets with the sand, gravel and water. We mixed 1.4 cubic metres of concrete, we were all shattered and glad to sit down for lunch. The barn now has concrete floors throughout! After lunch Kevin and Neil went to fetch the steel beam for above the log burner whilst I prepared dinner, chicken with mushroom sauce. After early showers Kevin and I went to Le Roy Merlin's in Perigueux for floor joists, insulation and plumbing items. An exhausting but satisfying day!

Thursday 28th September
Another beautiful day with a fabulous sunset. Kevin and Neil worked hard digging out a section of the original concrete floor ready for the below ground drainage for our ensuite. What a difficult job, it took them all day to get through the concrete. They also set out the lines of the walls ready for the block work next week. I cut the grass and then strimmed most of the garden so we were both shattered by the end of the day.

Friday 29th September
Another beautiful day, sunny 26 degrees with a lovely breeze. Kevin worked in the barn on the plumbing, electrics and sanding the oak beam, whilst I strimmed the back and side garden, vacuumed the caravan, awning and car and the swept the barn and tidied up after the builder! After early showers we went to Bricko Marche for a new drill and plumbing bits and the to Le Clerc's for food. On our return we had our first alcoholic drink of the week sat enjoying the evening sunshine. Myriam called for a quick chat, we invited her for an aperro on Sunday evening. Another beautiful sunset.

Saturday 30th September
Woke up to pouring rain, it cleared by 10am and was able to get washing dried. Kevin worked on the drainage system and coated the oak beam with preservative to prevent future bugs eating it, whilst I prepared dinner for Nev and Barbara, melon with palma ham, chilli, rice, garlic bread and apple tart for dessert. We have both started with a cold today so hope we don't pass it onto Nev and Barbara. Had a lovely night eating in the awning with the fan heater on! 

Sunday 1st October
A dull start to the day with a little rain. we had a bit of a lie in (8am) as both of us are full of cold! I nipped to Inter Marche as we have invited Myriam, Danielle, Gerard, Manuel and Yannick for an aperro tonight, we needed pastis and pineau, the French traditional aperro drinks! we listened to the Archers omnibus whilst I added pictures to the blog and Kevin reviewed the setting out of the block work. After lunch of leftover chilli Kevin continued the plumbing in the barn whilst I prepared for the aperro. At 6pm everyone arrived, we had a lovely hour talking in French! Well almost! Our neighbours are absolutely lovely we couldn't have wished for more! Yannick and Manuel left just after 7pm as they had a five hour drive back to Paris. Gerrard left shortly after as feeling tired whilst Danielle and Myriam stayed a little longer and after having a look at the progress in the barn they left at about 7.45pm. A fabulous evening.

Monday 2nd October
A dull morning which improved by mid morning so managed to get two loads of washing dried. Kevin and Neil continued preparing for the internal walls and finished digging out the trench for the plumbing. I went food shopping and ironed then helped by sealing the membrane and brushing the rubbish out of the barn ready for brick laying tomorrow. We had duck with plum sauce for dinner, should have been for yesterday so we had a glass of wine as it's really Sunday dinner and for medicinal purposes as both still full of cold!

Tuesday 3rd October
An exciting day! Neil and Mark started building the internal walls and by the end of the day had completed five courses to three walls, we can now begin to see the internal layout. Kevin continued with the plumbing and fetched more sand whilst I kept the site tidy and then cut the grass. The men managed to move the saved manger outside to the concrete area in front of the barn, I then filled it with the snowdrops mum had brought me, hopefully we will have some spring flowers next year. It started off raining but by lunchtime was sunny and at 6pm it was still 32 degrees in the caravan. Another beautiful sunset.

Wednesday 4th October
Another fabulous day, 23 degrees, sunny all day. Mark and Neil continued  building the internal walls, Kevin tied in the beam so hopefully when the middle section is removed the walls will stay standing! I made butternut squash soup for their lunch using a squash that Neil had grown. I then swept up all the mess the men had made! We nipped to Brico Marche before dinner to buy joists but had to order them to hopefully be delivered next week.

Thursday 5th October
Another superb day 25 degrees and clear blue skies. Kevin and Neil worked on the plumbing. Then all three of us cut the final big tree down, it took from 10am until 5pm to cut down, three trips to the dechetterie and still lots more to take tomorrow. Kevin and Neil also took the gates which we inherited with the barn to the dechetterie, on the second trip a Frenchman saw the gates and asked if he could have them, he followed Kevin back to the barn for the final piece! At least they have gone to someone who will hopefully use them rather than being scrapped. We continued cutting the trees into manageable pieces until 6.00pm so we were shattered but a really good job started.

Friday 6th October
Another lovely day, sunny 23 degrees. On our own today and we worked hard in the morning and took three trailer loads of tree cuttings to the decheterrie. Another tree gone just three left! After lunch I went into Vertiellac for my hair cutting, then went to Riberac and bought a pair of sensible leather shoes to cope with the heavy dew in the mornings! Kevin cut the blocks ready for Monday whilst I was gone. On my return Kevin took a final load to the decheterrie whilst I did the ironing. Had our usual Friday night meal, cheese and wine!

Saturday 7th October
Another beautiful day, cold first thing but then 24 degrees and sunny with another fabulous sunset. We went to the decheterrie with a load of rubble first thing and whilst there did our good deed for the day, a French lady couldn't get her car started so Kevin used her jump leads on our car and managed to get it going again!  A frustrating day for Kevin, he worked hard on getting the levels for the floors then put some insulation behind the existing brickwork and dislodged his levels! The plumbing leaked when tested so not a happy Chappie today! I changed the beds, did 5 loads of washing and ironing, washed and vacuumed the car and strimmed the front garden! We sat and enjoyed a pre dinner drink in the garden before having chilli and garlic bread then watched Strictly.

Sunday 8th October
Decided to have a quieter day. We spent the morning doing detailed measurements of the back garden and barn so Kevin could update his drawings and so we can plan the garden layout over the winter. We listened to the Archers omnibus whilst I added the pictures to the blog and Kevin updated his drawings. After lunch we had a ride to Le Grand Etang de la Jemaye about 20 mins drive away. We had a lovely walk around the lake, very similar to Clumber Park but much quieter, just a few fishing and a couple of families walking! The coffee shop was shut, its Sunday! Had a lovely ride back through the Dordogne countryside. Has duck with plum sauce for Sunday dinner washed down with a glass of wine (or two!) It was good to have a day off and to explore the local area more.

Monday 9th October
Well what a great day, we have internal walls up to first floor! Mark, Neil and Kevin first cut the oak timber tie out and thankfully the new tie did its job and the barn walls are still standing! Kevin gave a sigh of relief, dont think he could have gone home if it had failed! They then worked all day completing the walls and ensuring the lintels were in the correct positions. It's all starting to taking shape now. It was sad to see Neil and Mark go as it's the last day they are with us until next year, just the builder and his mate for the next three weeks!

Tuesday 10th October
We cut another tree down today and made three trips to the dechetterie with the cuttings, I can add tree feller to my CV now as I managed to pull two big branches down whilst Kevin cut them! Kevin fetched some more plumbing materials and some wood for the lounge stud walls so plenty still to do!

Wednesday 11th October
Another beautiful day, apparently it's an Indian Summer! I had had tooth ache yesterday and managed to get an emergency appointment at the dentist in Riberac at 11am, he examined me, took an xray, it's an abscess so gave me a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers, all at a cost of 23 euros, much cheaper than home.  The antibiotics and painkillers were only 7 euros less than one prescription cost at home. Once back at the barn Kevin worked on the plumbing and started setting out the wood for the lining wall to the lounge. I cut the grass, washed the garden furniture, awning and cleaned the laundry room then helped Kevin by brushing all the cobwebs away on the lounge walls. At 6pm Robert and Caro can for an aperro, we sat in the garden enjoying the sunset, Robert was jealous as he said we had a better view than them!

Thursday 12th October
A busy day, Kevin finished replacing the plumbing parts and is now ready to test with water tomorrow, fingers crossed for no leaks! We put up a membrane on the back lounge wall to prevent water vapour entering the lounge and then Kevin continued with the stud wall preparations. We had twenty joists delivered from Brico Marche. I strimmed the garden, brushed the barn, filled eight buckets of rubble into the trailer for the decheterrie tomorrow and then put about twenty buckets of rubble down the well but its a drop in the ocean compared with the size of the rubble pile! Another beautiful day 28 degrees in the caravan at 5.30pm  and another beautiful sunset.

Friday 13th October
Another busy day, started with a trip to the decheterrie to take a load of rubble. On our return Kevin continued with the stud wall, I was the builders mate holding wood whilst it was cut and making sure the levels were correct! We also tested the new drain pipes and they didn't leak, what a relief we can now concrete them in tomorrow. After lunch I continues strimming the garden, it's looking pretty tidy now. Kevin went to fetch more wood and took another load of rubble to the decheterrie whilst I continued filling the well with rubble, it's my mission to fill the well before we come home! Another glorious day, really warm and yet another superb sunset.

Saturday 14th October
A busy morning, we mixed three batches of concrete to fill the drainage hole, Kevin also concreted two brick on the utility room wall so he can bolt the joists in place all before 11am.  After early showers when Kevin shaved his three week old beard off we went across to Robert and Caro's for lunch, spent a lovely couple of hours with them, Kevin had a good look at their windows and shutters getting ideas for our windows. After lunch we went to Angouleme to Brico Depot to look at windows, electrics and kitchens, Kevin really knows how to treat a girl! We also called at Castorama to compare their prices with Brico Depot! We arrived home just before Strictly started and had the final batch of chilli with of course garlic bread for dinner. Another fantastic day, 27 degrees when we were driving back from shopping.

Sunday 15th October
We didn't wake up until 8.20am! its so dark in the caravan now in the mornings you don't know what time it is! After a quick breakfast Kevin went out and started mixing concrete to fill the drainage hole, I joined him once I had changed the beds. We finished concrete mixing by 10.15am so I filled the trailer with rubble again whilst Kevin continued with the stud walls. We had a break whilst we listened to the Archers omnibus ( I put the pictures on the blog during this time). Kevin continued working on the stud walls during the afternoon whilst I put more rubble down the well and then did the ironing. Another hot day, 29 degrees in the awning with all the windows down whilst I was ironing! In the picture look like I had a lazy day! if only!

Monday 16th October
After an early trip to the decheterrie with rubble we called at Brico Marche for more cement. On our return we mixed four batches of concrete and filled the remaining drainage holes. Kevin then worked on the stud wall whilst I took six wheelbarrows full on stones to Danielle's, she came and helped me so together we managed to complete replacing the stones on their bank behind their swimming pool. I then filled the trailer with rubble and another wheelbarrow full for Michael, Kevin wheeled it up the road for them. Slowly but surely we are moving the stones!  Another hard day's work! It was gorgeous today, still 32 degrees in the caravan as I write this blog at 7pm.

Tuesday 17th October
A bit of a frustrating day. After our early morning trip to the decheterie with another load of rubble I tried to put the washer on but it's refused to let the water in! After several tries we went down to Le Clerc's and told them and they are sending someone tomorrow to have a look at it, just hope he can sort it out! Kevin put the floor joists up over the utility room and downstairs toilet, a heavy job, lifting the joists into place, I helped with the cutting and also supported them whilst Kevin lifted into place. I also cut the grass and filled the trailer with yet more rubble. After sweeping the barn we called it a day at 6pm. Another glorious day, might be the last as it's forecast rain tomorrow!

Wednesday 18th October
Yet another busy day! First, our daily early morning visit to the decheterie with rubble. Kevin then fixed the joists to the wall plate in the utility room and then covered the joists with a plastic sheet ready for leaving over winter. I started cleaning the caravan ready for leaving, cleaning the inside windows and wiping out the cupboards in the bathroom, also made a shopping list ready for coming back! After coffee I filled the trailer with rubble and put several wheelbarrow full down the well. Kevin took two wheelbarrow full up the road the Mike's. After lunch Kevin fixed the wall in the lounge to the truss tie, fixed the steel beam to the truss tie and marked out the position of the joists ready for putting up tomorrow. I cleaned the kitchen area of the barn, sorting out items to take home and reorganizing the storage area ready for leaving.  The washer repair men came and as you would expect the washer started to work, but after they left the next load on the wool programme wouldn't work again so it's back to the shop again tomorrow!  A lovely day, a bit of rain early on but it soon cleared.

Thursday 19th October
We started the day with guess what, a trip to the decheterie! Kevin then started putting the joists up over the lounge. A heavy job, I helped him cut the joists and with lifting them into place. I also cleaned the light fittings and roof lights in the caravan and filled the trailer with rubble. After lunch Kevin put two joists across the middle of the barn for the sides of the bridge, it's beginning to take shape now! I washed the car in between being the builders mate! We have a total of seven joists up today, more tomorrow! At 7pm we had been invited to Nev's for a very welcome meal of spag bol (Barbara is currently in England for a relatives 60th birthday celebrations) I was the driver so the boys had plenty of wine to drink whilst chatting about renovations!

Friday 20th October
After our usual visit to the decheterie we called at Le Clercs as the washing machine wouldn't start again. They are coming out tomorrow morning to have another look at it! On our return Kevin put up six more joists in the lounge area, that's all the joists we have at the moment but it's enough to brace the walls over winter. I did the ironing and after coffee filled the trailer with rubble. After lunch Kevin started setting out the partition wall in the utility room. I continued putting rubble down the well. At 3pm Nev arrived to collect four of the oak beams, we had coffee with him and he gave Kevin lots of advice on the next steps with the barn. Had our usual Friday night tea, cheese and wine!

Saturday 21st October
Kevin took the rubble to the decheterie whilst I waited for the washer men, whilst he was gone I cleaned the van and washed the cooker ready for leaving. When Kevin got back I went food shopping. The washer men arrived whilst I was gone, they have taken our machine away until February and left us a machine until Thursday so at least I can do most of our washing before going home. Kevin worked on the partition wall between the utility room and downstairs toilet until he ran out of wood. I made pork with apples and cider with the apples Myriam had given us on Thursday night and then cleaned the kitchen cupboards. After lunch Kevin put extra locks on the barn doors for security over winter and I washed the skirting of the awning and then brushed the sawdust away in the barn. It rained most of the day so no rubble collecting today, also the decheterie is shut in Monday!

Sunday 22nd October

Woke up to rain and it rained on and off all morning. Kevin fetched croissants and pain au chocolate for a breakfast treat from our local boulangerie in Bertric Buree. After breakfast Kevin worked on the stone surrounds window designs ready to go to the stone quarry on Tuesday. I stared to pack clothes and put bedding and towels into the vacuum bags ready to store in the caravan over winter, hope they work! After lunch we measured each room in the barn accurately so Kevin can adjust his plans over winter and we can plan the kitchen and electric points. We have been invited for dinner at Manuel and Yannicks tonight so really looking forward to it. We had a lovely evening, Myriam joined the party and we all spoke in the opposite language for the evening,  needless to say there was less French than English spoken! Yannick cooked a very nice meal of pate de frois gras made by Manuals mum, followed by endive stuffed with salmon with a marscapone sauce, cheese and then a pear and chocolate tart made by Yannick for dessert. We were still eating at 12.30am! A superb evening. 

Monday 23rd October

A really busy day. Kevin started by cutting a section of the main door so it would open so we can get the trailer in the barn for the winter. I packed more clothes in the vacuum bags. After coffee we decided to cut the final two trees down, we filled the trailer with rubble and then put the tree branches on top. After a late lunch Kevin cut the oak beams into shorter lengths ready to make lintels for the new windows next year. I continued filling buckets with rubble and depositing it down the well. Before dinner we went to have a quick look at Manuel and Yannick's new car, a Citroen DS3, a smaller car ready for their move to Bordeaux in January. We said our goodbyes and wished them well for the winter. 

                                    

                                    

Tuesday 24th October

A busy morning, two trips to the dechetterie with rubble and tree branches then Kevin took three wheelbarrow loads of rubble to Michael and Maureen's. I continued filling buckets of rubble and putting them down the well, still nowhere near full! Kevin started rubbing the paint off the hayloft oak beams ready to be made into window lintels next year. After lunch we went to the quarry and ordered the stone quoins for the windows again ready for next year. We then went to Riberac, had a wonder around the town and a quick drink in Cafe Colonnes and then went to Le Clercs for wine to take home. On our return to the caravan we found a water pipe had burst and we had a pool of water between the barn and caravan! Kevin quickly mended the pipe and fingers crossed it doesn't happen again! 

                                    

                                    

Wednesday 25th October

What a superb day, sunshine all day and a fabulous sunset,33 degrees in the caravan at 6pm! After our early morning trip to the decheterie Kevin was not feeling 100 percent so decided it was a day of light duties for him. ( Think he had too much sun yesterday) He resurveyed the barn and drew up the plans accurately ready for working on them over the winter. I sorted more packing and cleaned under the beds in the caravan, did the ironing and then filled the trailer with rubble and put several buckets full down the well. After lunch I strimmed the back garden really well ready for leaving over winter. Manuel had had to stay here until his car documents arrived so he came down at about 4pm for a quick beer, we sat in the garden enjoying the weather and watching the walls being erected at Robert and Caro's. I sat in the garden after my shower enjoying the peace and quiet with a well deserved gin and tonic before cooking dinner.

Thursday 26th October

Another superb day, 25 degrees with blue skies but think it might be the last nice day as it's forecast rain tomorrow. So we made the most of it! Kevin took the trailer to the decheterie whilst I waited in for the washer men. I did more packing and then filled the trailer again whilst Kevin continued cleaning the joists. Nev and Barbara called mid morning so had a coffee with them whilst we sat chatting in the garden enjoying the beautiful day. After lunch we took the awning down, giving parts a wash, which dried quickly in the sunshine. Kevin then took the next load of rubble to the decheterie whilst I cut the grass. We both then finished the days work by strimming round the caravan and front garden. A good days work but shattered! We went out for a meal with Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley to the L'Epi Grill in Riberac, had a fantastic evening, a five course meal for 18 euros each! With superb company. 

Friday 27th October

Running out of days! We filled the trailer with rubble and went to the dechetterie and then did another load before coffee. After coffee we both worked on clearing the rubble and can now see some progress, just need to stay here another month to get it all cleared! After lunch I washed the outside of the caravan, it was filthy as we had strimmed the grass and it had stuck to the sides of the van. Kevin sorted his tools out and photographed them so he can remember what he has left in France when be is looking for them at home! Kevin did some more rubble clearing whilst I cleaned the laundry room. Once again we were both shattered when we finished work at about 5.30pm. 

                                    

                                    

Saturday 28th October

Yet another busy day! Kevin went to the decheterie with a load of rubble whilst I polished the caravan cupboards. On his return we both filled the trailer again with rubble, whilst Kevin went to the decheterie I strimmed outside the garden. On his return Kevin washed the trailer and I washed the car. After lunch, of the final batch of the butternut squash soup,sat outside in the sunshine, I vacummed the car whilst Kevin put more rubble down the well. We then packed the car, only just enough room for all the wine! I then put weed killer around the caravan, Kevin videos all our work this time and put yet more wheelbarrows full of rubble down the well. We had pre dinner drinks sat outside enjoying the last of the sunshine.

Sunday 29th October

Our last day for at least three months! Think the weather matched our mood, dull and misty with drizzle most of the day so time for home! We spent most of the day packing the car and sorting the barn and caravan for leaving. Hopefully everything will survive the winter! We hope to leave by lunchtime tomorrow after sorting the water and finishing clearing the caravan, the car is full, just enough room for the two of us! We are spending tomorrow night in Rouen and then home on Tuesday, not had time to put the pictures on the blog today and the camera is now packed so will post once home, so that's the blog for this year, what a fabulous start to retirement! Au revoir tout le monde! A la prochaine!