We are back! We left home at 5.30am on Sunday morning, arrived in Alencon at about 4.30pm for our over night stay. Then arrived at the barn on Monday at about 1.30pm. We unpacked the car and then nipped to Le Clercs and Aldi for food. On our return Kevin strimmed round the caravan while I cut the grass. We were shattered after the long day so had an early night.
On Tuesday we put the awning up, the quickest yet but still hard work in the heat. Kevin then started work on the barn, breaking out a hole in the bathroom wall for the ventilation fan, whilst I continued strimming and cleaned the pool. We had been invited for apperro at David's at 6pm so had early showers and then went across the valley. We had a lovely evening, David had prepared some lovely nibbles, chicken satay, tortilla, humus, savoury horns filled with cheese all homemade and very nice. He had invited Robert and Caro and their friends John and Helen so met some more local people. We didn't get home until after 9.30pm!
Today Kevin has started replacing the insulation in the back guest bedroom and he also mixed some mortar to build the ventilation pipe back in. I washed the caravan and car and cleaned the awning windows. At about twelve o clock Ian and his wife called, Ian is Michael's brother and they are here for two weeks staying in the family property just up the road from us. They stayed for coffee, it was lovely to meet more of Michael's family. After lunch we both finished the strimming, Kevin did the field side whilst I did our side, so all ready for Andrew and Kath to arrive tomorrow. At 4.30pm the men arrived to empty the fosse septic, I decided I didn't need to watch that so went food shopping! They had gone by the time I arrived back an hour later, 250 euros to empty! Not a bad rate of pay for less than an hour's work! We both had a swim to cool down as it was 40 degrees in the caravan at 6pm!
Thursday 23rd August
An early start, I got up and started ironing at 6.45am as it was just too hot last night. After breakfast I cleaned the pool whilst Kevin brushed the leaves off the pool terrace area (a waste of time as by the time we had got back from picking Andrew and Kath up the wind had got up and the leaves had returned!) We set off for the airport at 12 o clock arriving at 1.10pm, their flight was on time and the sun was shinning so a much better arrival than last year! We called at Le Clercs on our way back and also had a ride through Epiluche (they have a fete at the weekend so we wanted to find out what was happening) After cold drinks at the barn, Manuel and Yannick arrived to say their house was ready for Andrew and Kath. Although the wind had got up it was still warm so we had a BBQ and ate outside, something we didn't manage last year. We finished the evening playing partner whist, Andrew and I managed to win, hope this continues all week!
A day off. We went to the Friday market in Riberac and bought some English style burgers and sausages. After a wander round we had coffee and croissant at the Café Du Collones. After lunch back at the barn we decided to initiate Andy and Kath and went for building supplies at Le Roy Merlin's in Perigueux! We bought plaster board, insulation, electrical bits, plumbing bits and tile adhesive. On our return we had gin and tonics sat in the garden then a BBQ for dinner. It turned cool so we moved into the awning to play cards, Andy and I won two games to one tonight so still in the lead over the two nights!
Saturday 25th August
It was raining by 8.30am so a working day for the boys. Kevin and Andrew put the aluminium under insulation in place over the back guest bedroom ceiling and bathroom, then they put door frames in place for the guest bedrooms, put restraints to the top of the bathroom partition and cut some timber lathes to support the plasterboards. So a very good days work. Kath and I decided to go food shopping to Le Clercs and then prepared lunch, pate, bread and fruit, we managed to sit outside between the showers. We both did some ironing and generally put the world to rights! After showers and pre dinner drinks at Manuel's we all went to A Table at Cherval for an evening meal.
Sunday 26th August
We had a lovely meal at La Table last night and not as expensive as we thought so win win! We went to La Jemaye after breakfast and had a lovely walked round the lake, very much like Clumber park. We managed to get round before it got too hot. We had coffee sat overlooking the lake before going back to the barn. After lunch the boys did a couple of hours work in the barn, continuing putting up supports for the insulation over the bathroom and ceiling supports over the bedroom. Kath and I had a lazy afternoon, swimming and sitting reading round the pool. A first! After dinner we went to Epiluche to see the illunimated flower floats go down the river at 10pm and then waited for the firework display at 11pm! Whilst we were all tired it was worth the wait, superb fireworks for a small village.
We set off at 9am for La Roque Gageac, a two hour ride away. Its a beautiful spot with houses dotted in the high cliffs and the Dordogne river running through. Once there we had a coffee and then a wander along the edge of the Dordogne watching the canoeist and looking at the shops. After a leisurely lunch we had a ride on a cabane, a traditional boat, down the Dordogne. We called at Baynac on the way back and eventually arrived back at the barn at 7.40pm. It was still 26 degrees so we sat in the garden with gin and tonics before having cheese and bread for supper. Andrew and I managed to win at cards again, five games to one so far this week!!
Tuesday 28th August
A working day! The boys continued preparing the back bedroom ceiling ready for the insulation and plasterboards. After lunch they went to Brico Marche for more plasterboard. Kath and I went food shopping to Le Clercs and Aldi! I did the usual weekly change of beds and ironing, it was just too hot though! It was forecast to be high winds and thunderstorm so we moved anything that would get damaged inside the barn, fastened down the awning and decided we would eat our evening meal at Manuel's. Since it was 41 degrees in the caravan at 6.30pm this proved to be a good idea! We had finished our meal and were playing cards when the storm arrived, strong winds, thunder and lightening, we managed to get back to the caravan before the rain started. It continued for about an hour but fortunately wasn't as bad as expected. Just for the record it was one game each at cards!
Wednesday 29th August
An early start to clear up the mess from the thunderstorm last night, the awning was covered in soil, the pool full of leaves and the out building a mess, so out with the sweeping brush and the pool vac! Then a busy days for the boys. Kevin and Andrew put up the insulation, vapour membrane and then most of the plasterboards in the back guest bedroom, almost a third of the ceilings are now covered in plasterboard. Kath and I went to Vertiallac for bread and had a quick coffee at La Calise before nipping to Brico Marche in Riberac for a heated towel rail, we just managed it before they shut for lunch at 12! After lunch of pate and French bread the boys continued working in the barn. Kath went for some quiet time at the gite whilst I brushed the upstairs area of the barn and tidied up after the boys. We are going the Le Fleur D'eau, a restaurant at the side of Dronne river in Riberac for our meal tonight. We all enjoyed our meal and on our return played cards, Andrew and I won, getting 13 tricks on the final hand!
Thursday 30th August
The boys completed the final bit of plasterboard in the back bedroom today while Kath and I went to Vertiallac and Riberac for bread and food shopping. After lunch and quick swims we went to Aubeterre for the afternoon. Had a drink at the Hotel de France in the centre square, a wander round the town and then rode past Chez Bouchard to show Andrew and Kath the first property we ever looked at in France. On our return, after gin and tonics sat in the garden, we had a BBQ and then played cards.
Friday 31st August
A day off today! We went to Brantome Friday market, had a stroll around the market, a coffee and then a stroll round the shops, unusually the shops were open, much to Kevin's dismay! We then had a really good lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the river. On our return we called at Le Clercs for Andrew to stock up on some wine. After a rest and swim we had a walk down the hill near the barn. On our return we had the usual Friday evening meal, cheese and wine and then played cards. One game all tonight!
Saturday 1st September
Can't believe it's September already! Its also Andrew and Kath's final day. We are going to miss them next week. The boys worked in the barn, putting up a timber frame for boxing out the purlin, then put in some noggins to eventually support the towel rail and the sink. After lunch they nipped to Brico Marche for some fixings to fix the timber frame to the ceiling. Kath and I nipped to Vertiallac for bread and had a quick coffee at La Calise before returning, we then had a lazy day, sat in the garden in the morning then after lunch Kath went back to Manuel's to pack and for a final swim in their pool. We went to Manuel's for pre dinner drinks and then we went to the pizza restaurant in Riberac so Andrew could have a calzone again. On our return we played two games of whist, one game all, making it nine games to four to Andrew and I over the ten days!
Sunday 2nd September
An early start, we left for Bordeaux airport at 8am arriving in good time for Andrew and Kath to check in. We said our goodbyes, leaving them queuing at check in, and made our way back to the barn. Whilst on our way back Kath text to say their plane was delayed and they eventually took off three hours late, a pain when all you want to do is get home. We called to see if Nev and Barbara were in on the way home, they were out so we went back to the barn. After lunch Nev and Barbara called to see us, what a coincidence! They had been to the brocante in Vertiallac. We sat chatting in the garden with non alcoholic drinks! Lovely to see them and catch up, we arranged to go out for a meal in Riberac with them on Thursday night. Manuel arrived just after Nev and Barbara left, he called for Myriam and they both came over for non alcoholic drinks, there's a theme going on here! Again lovely to see them and catch up. We then decided to sit in the barn and book our return tunnel crossing as it was still too hot to cook dinner. During dinner we listened to the Archers omnibus. A busy day catching up with everyone.
Monday 3rd
September
We have no internet access at the moment, it went off last
night and after several phone calls to Big Blu and sending several emails we
are getting nowhere, they don’t answer either! It’s very frustrating; we are
going to investigate alternative provision for next year. So at the moment I am
writing the blog up each day on the computer and hoping to transfer it when we
eventually get some internet access.
A busy day for both of us.
I started by changing the beds then after breakfast went food shopping
to Le Clerc’s. Kevin opened the pool and then started working in the barn. He finished putting the noggins in round the
bathroom walls, he also put in additional plasterboard supports. He then
started putting up the plasterboards on the inside bathroom walls. By lunchtime
he had completed one wall. On my return from Le Clerc’s I gave the caravan a
good clean including washing the carpets. I then did the ironing before lunch.
After lunch Kevin put plasterboard on a second bathroom wall and then finished
the day by putting plasterboard on the back bedroom internal wall. I swept and tidied up after the worker! And then
cut the grass and strimmed round the caravan. Neil and Mark decided it would be
too hot to start the pierre apparent this week so will start next week although
Neil is coming to work tomorrow. After a quick shower I had a swim before
dinner.
Tuesday 4th SeptemberAnother busy day. Kevin continued putting noggins, insulation and then plasterboard up in the back guest bedroom, completing the internal wall by the end of the day. Neil concreted the pool room floor, concreted a patch by the back door and used the left over concrete to back fill the hole for the bathroom vent. I went food shopping then strimmed round the pool. It then took me an hour to sweep all the mess up! After making lunch for the boys I cleaned the pool and then swept the barn. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for plasterboard and other supplies whilst I cleared up and then had a swim. Both tired tonight!
Wednesday 5th September
Another work day. Kevin completed insulating the loft area above the guest bathroom so a third of the barn now insulated. He then put more plasterboard up in the back guest bedroom and then moved some studs around in the bathroom wall ready to support the toilet and finally put some supports in place for the soil and vent pipes. Neil started preparing the outside side wall for pierre apparent and then when it got too hot he removed the insulation from the middle section of the ceiling ready to be replaced with the new system. I went for bread then made the famous cheesecake ready for Saturday night when Neil, Dee, Mark and Jen are coming to dinner. I then washed and vacuumed the car before sweeping the whole barn. At 6.30pm Mike, Maureen, Dave, Karen, Manuel and Myriam came for a cheese and wine evening. We got to about 8pm when the heavens opened! So everyone grabbed hold of some crockery or food and we moved swiftly into the awning! A great evening despite the rain! The rain turned into a thunderstorm at about 2am, I had to wake Kevin to go and put the sun umbrella’s down in case they blew over, he was not happy!
Thursday 6th September
We woke to pouring rain. We had already decided to go to Angouleme to look for various items, shower screens, bathroom tiles, light fittings etc. We set off at about 9.30am and returned at 4.30pm having been to Le Roy Merlin’s, Castorama and Brico Depot, the bank balance a little depleted! But we had bought a light fitting, shower screen, electric sockets and plumbing items so a good days shopping. By the time we got back to the barn it had stopped raining and brightened up for the evening. We are going to a gallette restaurant tonight with Manuel and Myriam so looking forward to it.
We woke to pouring rain. We had already decided to go to Angouleme to look for various items, shower screens, bathroom tiles, light fittings etc. We set off at about 9.30am and returned at 4.30pm having been to Le Roy Merlin’s, Castorama and Brico Depot, the bank balance a little depleted! But we had bought a light fitting, shower screen, electric sockets and plumbing items so a good days shopping. By the time we got back to the barn it had stopped raining and brightened up for the evening. We are going to a gallette restaurant tonight with Manuel and Myriam so looking forward to it.
Friday 7th September
I was at Riberac market by 8.30am buying bacon and sausages ready for cooking an English breakfast on Sunday for Manuel, Yannick and Myriam. I then went to Le Clerc’s for the rest of the food for our dinner party on Saturday night. Kevin started working on the electrics putting in wires ready for the lights in the back bedroom and the sockets. On my return I cleaned the pool as after the storm on Wednesday night it was full of leaves. After lunch I helped Kevin in the barn. During the afternoon Dave and Karen called to say goodbye as they are leaving for home early Saturday morning, then Robert and Caro called as they too are leaving for home in the morning. After early showers we went to Brico Marche for more wiring and then met Barbara and Nev at Café Des Collonnes for pre-dinner drinks, after we went to the pizza restaurant for a meal. Another lovely evening so we ate sat outside until after 10pm.
Saturday 8th SeptemberI was at Riberac market by 8.30am buying bacon and sausages ready for cooking an English breakfast on Sunday for Manuel, Yannick and Myriam. I then went to Le Clerc’s for the rest of the food for our dinner party on Saturday night. Kevin started working on the electrics putting in wires ready for the lights in the back bedroom and the sockets. On my return I cleaned the pool as after the storm on Wednesday night it was full of leaves. After lunch I helped Kevin in the barn. During the afternoon Dave and Karen called to say goodbye as they are leaving for home early Saturday morning, then Robert and Caro called as they too are leaving for home in the morning. After early showers we went to Brico Marche for more wiring and then met Barbara and Nev at Café Des Collonnes for pre-dinner drinks, after we went to the pizza restaurant for a meal. Another lovely evening so we ate sat outside until after 10pm.
After fetching bread I prepared the evening meal, cleaned the pool and swept the barn. Kevin continued with the electrics putting up the light fitting temporarily in the back bedroom so I could see what it looked like. He then completed the boxing in of the beam and then made the holes for the spot lights in the guest bathroom. I set the table outside as it was a warm afternoon ready for our BBQ. Mark, Jen, Neil and Dee arrived at about 7pm and we had a lovely evening with them. We ate outside as it was still very warm, they left at around 11pm, by the time we had cleared up it was after midnight!
Sunday 9th September
An early start, we were up at 7am to get ready for our walk with Manuel, Yannick and Myriam. Manuel invited us for a coffee at 8.45am to meet his sister who had stayed with them last night. After coffee we set off for our walk, we drove to a beautiful village quite high up with fantastic views not far away, after walking through the village we headed for the Dronne river about 6 kilometres in total, a beautiful walk, lovely scenery, hopefully we can remember the walk to take Andrew and Kath next year. On our return Kevin and I collected the food for breakfast and we cooked in Manuel’s kitchen as the caravan is just too small and too hot to cook a full English breakfast for five. After a short rest Kevin continued working in the barn, cutting and fixing more plasterboard in the back bedroom. I cleaned the caravan then worked on the blog. We still have no internet access so it’s proving difficult to keep up to date.
Monday 10th September
A busy day for all. Neil and Mark pierre apparented the new pool store and prepared the side wall for pierre apparent tomorrow. Kevin continued working on the wiring for the back bedroom and shower room. I did the weekly bed change and ironing, shopped and fed the troops and then cleared up after them! A very hot day again 36 degrees in the caravan at 7pm! We both had a swim to cool down before cooking dinner.
Tuesday 11th SeptemberA busy day for all. Neil and Mark pierre apparented the new pool store and prepared the side wall for pierre apparent tomorrow. Kevin continued working on the wiring for the back bedroom and shower room. I did the weekly bed change and ironing, shopped and fed the troops and then cleared up after them! A very hot day again 36 degrees in the caravan at 7pm! We both had a swim to cool down before cooking dinner.
Neil and Mark pierre apparented a third of the side wall, its looking very good now. Kevin worked on the electrics and then I joined him and we put insulation in the back bedroom final wall and we then completed most of the plasterboard. Another very warm day so again had a swim before having our evening meal. Kevin decided to go for another swim at 10pm to see if the water was still warm, he was nesh getting in but once in enjoyed his swim.
Wednesday 12th September
Mark and Neil worked until lunchtime, they finished the inside walls of the pool house and completed the preparation of the final third of the side wall. Kevin continued with the electrics in the guest bathroom and then completed the plaster board in the guest bedroom. I went food shopping then helped Kevin with the plasterboard. A milestone day, one bedroom completely plaster boarded, electric sockets in place and light fitting fitted, just need to fill the gaps and then decorate! One down eight rooms to go! After early showers we went for our hair cutting at Anya's new salon Vanxy'coiff in Vanxains. We wished her all the very best with her new venture. After hair cuts we called at Brico Marche and bought three more electric radiators, their entire stock! We ordered another four to pick up next Friday when the new stock comes in. Another very hot day.
Thursday 13th September
A hard day's work. Neil and Mark completed the pierre apparent on the side wall, it's looking so good now. Kevin continued working on electrics and plumbing. I strimmed the garden, the grass is beginning to grow again after the rain last week! We went to Le Clerc's before going to Nev and Barbara's for dinners, it's their wine festival so bought some wine to take home with us. We spent a lovely evening with Nev and Barbara before they go on holiday to the UK and Barbara to Gozo. I am going to feed their cats for a few days next week so had a tutorial on where everything is kept and what to give the cats, hope I manage to keep them alive!
Friday 14th September
An exhausting day for all! Neil and Mark prepared the front wall for pierre apparent, removing tones of rubble. Kevin continued working in the guest shower room sorting the electrics, plumbing and plasterboard. I cut the grass, strimmed round the pool and then swept up the mess, cleaned the pool, swept the barn, helped the boys clear up all the rubble and then washed the car. A lovely day not as warm but sunny, a much better temperature for working in.
Saturday 15th September
Kevin cut a hole in the floor of the guest bathroom for the shower outlet, nipped to Brico Marche for plumbing bits and floor varnish, on his return he varnished the floor underneath the shower tray to hopefully make it even more water resistant. I went to Le Clerc's electrical shop to buy yet another kettle as ours stopped working this morning, then called at Aldi's for food. At 12 o clock we went with Manuel, Yannick and Myriam to the Ferme Auberge, a restaurant, which is also a farm, who rear their own ducks and cows. We had a fantastic meal, frois gras was included in all the starters, Kevin, Manuel, and Myriam had beef rossini, Yannick and I had magret of duck. Dessert was a raspberry flan. After lunch we went to have a look around three local private Chateaux, it's was an open day when owners of their private homes open them to the public for free, All three were very beautiful but different and very interesting to see the private homes of local dignitaries. On our return we called a La Calise for a quick drink and then I had a swim to cool down as it was still 27 degrees at 6.30pm. A fabulous day doing something we wouldn't have known about if we didn't have such lovely neighbours.
Sunday 16th September
Another lovely sunny day. We went an eight kilometre walk with Manuel, Yannick, Maureen, Mike and their friend Terry at 9am. Myriam unfortunately had a migraine so decided to stay at home and rest. We walked down the hill by the barn, across the valley and round the local countryside. On our return we all had coffee in our garden. Kevin then spent the afternoon working in the barn, sorting spot lights, plumbing and putting the final piece of plaster board in the guest bathroom. Another room ready for decorating! I cleaned the pool, did the ironing and swept the barn. After an early dinner we went across to Maureen and Mike's for drinks and returned to the barn at 8.30pm. A lovely end to a fabulous weekend.
Monday 17th September.
Kevin got to work early in the barn and put some framing for the front bedroom door in place before Jeanette, Trevor, Eileen and Pete arrived at 11.15am. After coffee and a tour of the barn we had a BBQ for lunch sat round the pool. Jeanette had kindly brought the dessert, the famous white chocolate cheesecake with mixed red fruit, it was delicious. After lunch we sat chatting round the pool, Kevin and Pete had a swim in the pool before they all left at about 5.30pm. A lovely day. After we had cleared away I had a swim to cool down, it was 37 degrees in the caravan at 6.30pm!
Tuesday 18th September
The A team at work today! We both worked on filling the screw holes and gaps in the plasterboards in the bathroom, a practice room as we will be tiling two walls! Not an easy job to master but by the time we had finished the room we were beginning to get better. After lunch we started filling in the holes in the back bedroom finishing most of the low level screws and Kevin plastered the false beam. Just need to leave it over might to dry out before sanding down and putting on the second coat. Nev called during the afternoon to let us know he has not gone away yet so no need for me to pop over to feed the cats tomorrow.
Wednesday 19th September
Another busy day for the A team! We continued working on filling cracks and screw holes in the back bedroom and guest bathroom. Giving the bathroom a second coat of filler and completing the first fill in the back bedroom. Hopefully after rubbing down tomorrow we can put a first coat of paint on the ceiling and walls in the bathroom. At 6.30pm we went for a walk with Maureen, Mike and Terry. Another beautiful day 32 degrees at 6.30pm!
Thursday 20th September
Another hard day's work for the A team! We continues rubbing down and filling the gaps in both the guest bathroom and the backing bedroom. We are hoping with a final rub down we can call it a day and then paint the ceilings and walls. Time will tell when it has all dried tomorrow! My arms are aching from reaching to high spots! It has been another beautiful day, 31 degrees at 6pm. I had a swim before cooking dinner and the pool was 26 degrees so a lovely temperature.
Friday 21st September
Another hard day's work for the A team! Kevin started by rubbing down the bathroom and back bedroom whilst I cleaned and tidied the van. Kevin then painted the ceiling in the bathroom whilst I did some rubbing down in the back bedroom. I then took over painting the walls in the bathroom completing the first coat before coffee time. Manuel came for coffee although he wasn't feeling very well, he has a sore throat, so nurse Sue gave him some cough medicine and a couple of Lemsips so hopefully he will recover by tonight as we organised to go to the Cafe du Palais to try their fish and chips with Manuel and Myriam. After coffee I gave the walls and ceiling a second coat whilst Kevin finished rubbing down the back bedroom. After lunch Kevin completed the filling in of the back bedroom, I washed the equipment before having an early shower. We nipped to Riberac to collect the electric radiators we had ordered last week and then went to Le Clercs for some food shopping. Looking forward to fish and chips tonight, hope they are ok!
Saturday 22nd September
Pleased to report the fish and chips were very good last night, superb company too! We worked in the barn in the morning. I put another coat of paint on the bathroom walls and ceiling, Kevin rubbed down the back bedroom. Manuel and Myriam joined us for coffee, after we both put the first coat of paint on the back bedroom. At 2.15pm we went across the Myriam's and helped to do some cutting back in her garden, this is to say thank you for letting us use her internet code. After cold drinks at Myriam's we had quick showers then set of for the jazz evening in Aubetterre, a pity dad isn't here he would have really enjoyed the band. We were sat outside the monolythic church enjoying the evening sun whilst listening to a 25 piece jazz band. We called for a pizza on the way back so a lovely evening.
Sunday 23rd September
An early start as we went for a walk with Manuel, Myraim, Mike, Maureen and Terry at 9am. As we were getting ready their was a shout from Manuel, he had been to Vertiallac and bought us croissants and pain au chocolate, so kind and they were very welcome and enjoyable. We had a lovely round walk, with beautiful views across the local area. On our return we had coffee with everyone sat in our garden, Myriam's friend brought some cake across, a speciality from where she lives,very enjoyable. We spent the afternoon working, I gave the bathroom a final coat of paint whilst Kevin painted the ceiling and one wall in the back bedroom, we are having to be careful with the paint as we only brought 20 litres with us and it's not going to be enough to complete the bedroom. Paint is very expensive in France, 60 euros for ten litres of emulsion!
Monday 24th September
Another busy day. Kevin fixed the shower base in place on a concrete base and then started tiling the bathroom floor. I changed the beds and cleaned the van before painting the inside wall of the back bedroom. We are trying to complete the wall with the wooden trusts before we run out of paint, so I can hopefully clean them and re varnish before we go home, it's going to be tight on paint though! Before lunch I cleaned the pool. After lunch Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for some more tile spacers then on his return I nipped to Vertiallac to post Pamela's birthday card before doing the ironing. A cooler start to the day but a lovely sunny day in the end.
Tuesday 25th September
A cold start to the day but a beautiful sunny end. We went to Le Roy Merlin's to buy the wall tiles for the guest bathroom and some more insulation. Fortunately the tiles were in stock so managed to bring them back in the trailer. After an early lunch I gave the back bedroom wall its final coat whilst Kevin started to cut the floor tiles. We used the remaining paint to give the ceiling another coat. We checked the price of paint in Le Roy Merlin's and it was nearly seven times more expensive than home so no surprise that we decided to wait until we come back next year to complete painting the bedroom! Manuel came down for a cup of tea at around 3pm then I cut the grass and Kevin completed cutting the floor tiles. He used the tile cutter Andrew and Kath bought him for Christmas, it worked really well. After dinner we went across to Myriam's to teach Manuel and her how to play partner whist.
Wednesday 26th September
We had a lovely night last night, a draw, one game each so we need to have an equaliser! Myraim and Manuel soon got the hang of the game. Another busy day, Kevin completed tiling the bathroom floor, I cleaned the paint off the wooden roof trust and then gave them a coat of equal parts of linseed oil and terps, it really brings the colour out. The farmer arrived at 2.30pm and started to cut the sunflowers, after about half and hour the tractor broke so they left it parked outside our garden for the night! Manuel called at 11am for coffee and then Maureen, Mike and Terry arrived at about 4.45pm to say goodbye, we had drinks in the garden before saying our goodbyes for this year. It's going to be really quiet here next week.
Thursday 27th September
The farmer arrived at about 9am and completed cutting the sunflowers by the end of the day. We have our view across the valley back! Kevin grouted the floor tiles in the bathroom then started rubbing the rafters and purlins down in the centre section of the barn ready to put the insulation in place. It's a filthy job and I made him leave his dirty clothes in the awning before he had a shower! I went food shopping then strimmed the grass behind the caravan before planting some tete a tete daffodils round the well, hopefully they will survive the winter and bloom in the spring. Manuel invited us for coffee at 4pm, his mum called after her hospital appointment, it was lovely to see her. When we got back I had a swim, 24 degrees in the pool today and in the caravan 36 degrees at 7pm so another beautiful day.
Friday 29th September
We are without internet access again! Its becoming a real pain! we are relying on Myriam for access and I am currently sat in her garden typing this message! Kevin put some of the silver insulating layer in the middle section of the ceiling and then started rubbing down the ceiling woodwork in our bedroom, it's such a dirty job but necessary. I went to Riberac Friday market with Manuel. I bought bacon, sausages and boeuf hache (minced beef) whilst Manuel bought fruit and vegetables. We looked for a tablecloth for mum but unfortunately the stall wasn't there this week so I will pop back another Friday before we leave. We had a cheeky coffee at Cafe des Colleges whilst waiting for the tourist information centre to open, Kevin had asked me to get a map of local walks. On our return we had another coffee with Kevin then I cleaned the back bedroom windows and cleaned the barn after the worker!
Saturday 29th September
We had invited Manuel, Yannick and Myriam for a chilli tonight so I prepared the meal in the morning. I nipped to Brico Marche to buy some tile spacers and staples for the staple gun and managed to collect the final electric radiator that we had ordered. On my return I helped Kevin prepare the bathroom wall for the wall tiles. Kevin continued cleaning the ceiling in our bedroom, put up a piece of wood to support the rafter and then put two rows of wall tiles in place so it's beginning to look really good. We then spent a lovely evening with Manuel, Yannick and Myriam, we managed to eat the meal outside, probably the last for this year. After we taught them how to play knock out whist.
Sunday 30th September
We went for another local walk with Manuel and Yannick, Myriam is struggling with her back so she decided it would be wise to stay at home and rest it. Kevin planned the walk using the new map. We walked down the hill by the barn and then towards Alleman. A total of 7.5 kilometres. On our return Myriam had made some cookies so very welcomed with a coffee. Kevin continued tiling the bathroom during the afternoon whilst I sorted some winter clothes out and packed away some of the summer clothes, think we are going to need long trousers for work soon!
Monday 1st October
Kevin continued tiling the bathroom walls, finishing all but two rows. I did the usual Monday wash and ironing. I then sorted the off cuts of plaster board and filled the trailer with all the rubbish. After lunch we made a trip to the dechetterie in Riberac, calling for petrol for the lawnmower on the way. I washed the trailer when we got back as we need to fetch some more plasterboard tomorrow.
Tuesday 2nd October
Kevin finished tiling the bathroom, some difficult cuts round the pipework today, Andy and Kath's tile cutter came into it's own! It looks really good now. Kevin can now add tiller to his CV! It just needs grouting. I went food shopping and then spend most of the rest of the day washing the caravan and awning. It was a really cold start to the day the central heating came on in the caravan during the night, however, by mid morning the sun was shining and the temperature had increased to 20 degrees. After cleaning up after the tiller we went to Brico Marche for more plasterboards, skirting board and a piece of wood to strengthen one of the purlin in our bedroom roof.
Wednesday 3rd October
A busy day. Kevin continued cleaning the ceiling in our bedroom and then sprayed it with insecticide before putting up a section of silver insulation. After lunch Kevin grouted the tiles in the bathroom, it looks superb now, just need a sink, shower and loo fitting! I stained the wood on the pool house dark brown and then gave the skirting board a coat of primer before Kevin fits it to the bathroom wall. I also cleaned the inside caravan windows. After a shower I nipped to Myriam's and we went a short walk together, she has been signed off work for three weeks with a bad back and is waiting for a scan. The doctors has said she needs to rest but also walk a little each day.
I nipped to Le Clercs to buy cheese and wine as we invited Robert, Caro and David for drinks tonight. I then gave the wood on the pool house a coat of linseed oil and terps to preserve the wood over winter. Kevin completed the grout in the bathroom in the morning then we both started fitting the shower. By the end of the day we had the thermostatic bar and the fixed shower head in place.
Friday 5th October
Kevin nipped to all the builders merchants in Riberac this morning searching for wood suitable for door lining, to no avail. Whilst he was gone I started sorting things ready for taking home. On his return we worked all afternoon putting the shower screen together, it was so difficult, the worst afternoon so far! It certainly tested us!!However, by 6pm we had put the side panels in place. Just the front doors to fit tomorrow, hopefully it will be much easier!
Saturday 6th October
A better day! We managed to finish the shower cubicle without too many problems today! I nipped to Riberac for food and then we worked together to complete the shower. At 11am Manuel, Myriam and Yannick came for coffee, Manuel brought some cannele, specialities of Bordeaux to eat with the coffee. After coffee we continued working and by the end of the day the toilet was in place, just the sink to fit now.
Sunday 7th October
It started raining last night and carried on most of the day today, much needed rain but the brocante in Vertiallac was a wash out! We went with Manuel and Yannick but there was only about 6 stalls so we wandered round then called in La Calise for a coffee and pain au chocolate! Kevin then worked in the barn in the afternoon, finishing fitting the toilet and then fitted the sink so the shower room just needs water now! I sorted some more things in the caravan ready to leave over winter then went to help Kevin in the barn.
Monday 8th October
Mark and Neil returned today to start the pierre apparent to the front of the barn. Kevin fitted the electric radiator in the back bedroom then spent the rest of the day cleaning and spraying the joists in our bedroom. I did the usual Monday wash, nipped for food and then gloss painted the skirting boards in the bathroom. After lunch I sorted the lounge area of the barn, sorting wood, plumbing material and electric materials ready for leaving over winter. Myriam and I went a little walk to the end of the road before we sat in her garden to pick up emails and write the blog.
Another busy day, Neil and Mark continued with the pierre apparent completing two thirds of the front by the end of the day. Kevin continued cleaning and treating the wood on our side of the barn, getting to the bathroom end by the end of the day. I went food shopping then cleaned the shower room, it looks really good now. I cut the grass in the afternoon and then swept up after the workers. Myriam and I went for our evening walk then we sat in her garden checking emails etc. Another beautiful autumn day but its forecast more rain tomorrow!
Wednesday 10th October
It was pouring down when Neil and Mark arrived so all three boys worked inside today. By the end of the day they had cleaned and sprayed about one third of the centre section of the ceiling and put up the silver lining. Kevin also started putting in the stud wall to our bedroom so another room beginning to take shape. After fetching bread for lunch I had a day of cleaning and preparing for going home, I cleaned the ceiling windows in the caravan, washed and sorted both fridges, cleaned the BBQ, sowed some most grass seed, sorted the shoe box and then went and swept up after the workers, a messy job!!
Thursday 11th October
Another busy day. Neil worked on the pierre apparent on his own as Mark had a dental appointment. Kevin continued cleaning, spraying and putting the silver lining in our bedroom, the whole bedroom side has now been cleaned and sprayed so a good job completed. I cleaned the inside of the awning and then vacuumed the car. After lunch I spent most of the afternoon cleaning up the mess Kevin had made, a filthy job but at least we only have one section left to complete next year. Myriam, Danielle and Gerard are coming for apperro at 6.30pm tonight, so looking forward to seeing them and saying goodbye for this year.
Friday 12th October
Had a lovely evening with Gerard, Danielle and Myriam. We ended up playing knock out whist sat in the awning during pouring rain! Another busy day. Mark and Neil finished the pierre apparent to the front wall, it looks superb. Kevin strengthened the purlin in our bedroom and then started constructing the walls to our bedroom, bathroom and dressing room, it's beginning to take shape now! I went to the market to look for a tablecloth for mum but again the stall was not there. I then nipped in Le Clerc and on my return after making the boys coffee I watched the royal wedding, two hours of doing nothing! After lunch I cleaned the pool and then cleaned up after the workers! I had possibly my last swim of the year, it was a beautiful day and the pool was 21 degrees, perfect! We went a walk with Manuel and Myriam before sitting in Myriam's garden to pick up emails and write the blog.
Saturday 13th October
Finally the internet has returned! Hopefully it will last until we get home on the 21st! I will wait until we get home to update the photos just in case we loose access again! A quiet day, Kevin was really tired yesterday so he had a morning working on the computer instead of working in the barn! I took the bottles to the bottle bank and then washed the car. I swept up outside and broke the sweeping brush! Think it's been worked too hard this time! I then swept the barn and put away the tools used for the pierre apparent. After lunch Kevin prepared the stud wall to the back of our bathroom, its ready for raising tomorrow, think I will need some muscle power! I sprayed the nettles and weeds with weed killer hoping they will be dead when we return in the Spring! Myriam brought her mum round to meet us late afternoon, she is 90 but very agile and a lovely lady. We are going out to Aux Petits Oignons in Bertric Buree tonight for a final meal with Manuel, Yannick and Myriam, looking forward to it but also sad that we will not see them until next year.
Sunday 14th October
A bit of a lazy morning, sorting clothes ready to pack for home. At 11am we went to Manuel's for coffee and cake and we then all went for a local walk. We walked about 5 km in the local countryside, beautiful views and a beautiful sunny if not a little windy morning. After cold drinks at ours Manuel and Yannick said their goodbyes. We had lunch then worked in the barn, we raised the wooden studs for the wall in our bathroom. At 5pm the heavens opened and the wind got up for about an hour, it's still raining heavily as I write this blog but thankfully the wind has died down a bit.
Monday 15th October
A bit of an easier day. It rained most of last night and eventually stopped mid morning today. Kevin fixed the tie bar to the existing roof and anchored it into the bathroom partition. He then continued putting in the noggins for the same partition. I went food shopping for tomorrow night when Phil and Lesley will be joining us, unfortunately Barbara contacted us to say Nev has bronchitis so they are unable to join us. Hope he is soon feeling much better. After I continued sorting clothes in the caravan and sealing some in bags to leave over winter. At 5pm Myriam and I went for our daily walk, it had stopped raining so was very pleasant to have a walk.
Tuesday 16th October
Kevin continued putting in the stud walls for the dressing room. I prepared the meal for Phil and Lesley. At about 11am the pool man arrived to show us how to close the pool, a bit complicated and it was a good job Myriam had come across for a coffee as she helped us with the translation. At 5pm Myriam and I set off for our daily walk but we had only got half way up the road and it started to rain, since neither of us had a raincoat with us we returned. It soon stopped raining and was a lovely evening when Phil and Lesley arrived. We had a super evening, we ate in the awning watching a superb sunset.
Wednesday 17th October
A busy day preparing for going home. I cleaned the pool and then we put the chloro shock tablets in and shut the cover for 24hours. Kevin continued putting in the stud wall in the dressing room. After lunch we took the awning down, cut the grass and strimmed. Almost ready! I went a short walk with Myriam whilst Kevin did a little more work in the barn. Both shattered tonight!
Thursday 18th October
We started the day by trying to winterise the swimming pool, all went well until Kevin had to uncouple two tight connections to the pump. It was impossible for him to unscrew them. Myriam phoned Desjoyaux for us to see if they could come out to sort it for us. By 2pm we hadn't heard anything so Kevin took the scaffold and props we had borrowed from Nev back to their house whilst I finished cutting the grass and put weed killer around the caravan. Desjoyaux sent an email with a picture of how to winterise the pool, very helpful! Nev lent Kevin a special tool to unscrew the plastic connection, within a minute Kevin had managed to get the pump out, just need to have the right tools for the job! Kevin then continued putting the stud walls in for the dressing room. I finished my outside jobs then went for a walk with Myriam. At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle and Gerard's for apperro, unfortunately Gerard had been taken into hospital yesterday afternoon with water retention. Danielle insisted we still went for drinks. We had a lovely night, Myriam joined us and the four of us played partner whist, Myriam and I won both games!
Friday 19th October
Our last day for this year. We decided to go to Brantome market to look for a tablecloth for mum and then to have lunch there, however, we arrived at 10am, the market was much smaller than when we last went with Andrew and Kath, we had walked round by 10.40am. We decided to go to Riberac market. After a wander around Riberac market we went for lunch at La Citronier, we had a super lunch. We nipped to Le Clercs for the final boxes of wine!!and then nipped to Nev and Barbara's to return the special tool. Had coffee and a chat with them then said our goodbyes for the year. On our return we packed the car, emptied the fridge in the out building and generally prepared as much as possible ready for an early start in the morning. Myriam and I had our last evening walk, a beautiful evening, I will miss our walks and chats.
That's all folks for this year! Au revoir!
