Sunday 17th March
Got up at 5am, after quick showers and breakfast we were on the road. We arrived at the tunnel in good time, very little traffic. However, we couldn't get on an earlier crossing as we had the top box and needed space in a single storey carriage! Arrived in France at 1.30pm and had a steady journey to Alencon, arriving at 6pm. After an early dinner it was time for an early night.
Monday 18th March
Set off from Alencon at 8.15am. Had a good journey and arrived at the barn at 1pm. The grass has grown, what a surprise! Everything else looked ok. We spent the afternoon setting up base camp. Had problems with the water (a pipe leaking), electrics (light not working in the van) and the toilet in the van wouldn't flush, it's never straight forward! We finished unpacking and cleaning the van by 6pm so had a welcome gin and tonic before reheating the chilli I had brought with us. A quiet night and an early night needed.
Tuesday 19th March
We woke up at about 6.45am, had coffee in bed then we decided to go food shopping after breakfast whilst the grass dried enough to cut it. After coffee Kevin started strimming the grass whilst I sorted the shopping and put a load of washing in. We bought some geraniums at Le Clercs and I planted them in the trough outside the barn, hopefully they will survive and give a splash of colour. After lunch we put the awning up, a bit easier this time. Kevin then started to cut the grass whilst I moved all the equipment into the awning, base camp finally set up! Nev and Barbara arrived about 4pm, we had an apperro and a chat. They have kindly invited us for dinner on Friday night so looking forward to that. Had a quick catch up with Danielle and then a chat with Myriam when she arrived home from work. A lovely sunny day, warm in the sun but a bit cool out of it.
Wednesday 20th March
A busy day! Kevin started by putting the electrics, TV and Computer points into the back bedroom. I was the builders mate helping to guide the wiring through the ceilings. He also put in the electrics for the wall light on one side of the dining room. This ment moving around all the materials stored in the kitchen, guess who got that job! After coffee I cut back the daffodils leaves and strimmed round the edge of the front and side garden. After lunch I continued strimming the back garden. The new grass has grown and in places was knee high so difficult to cut. Kevin came out and finished cutting the grass before we took 20 plus plastic bags of grass cutting to the dechetterie, our first visit this year of many I guess! On our return Kevin started putting up plaster board on the back of the dining room at first floor level. I finished cutting back the daffodils before getting dinner ready, chicken in Dijon and creme fraiche sauce! A beautiful day, first day of spring, let's hope it continues.
Thursday 21st March
A beautiful day. Kevin cotinued putting plaster board on the upper wall of the dining room and then moved onto our bedroom wall. I cleaned the van, swept round the pool then strimmed the front garden and outside of the front garden. A good days work for both. Manuel surprised us and arrived at about 4pm today instead of tomorrow. We had a quick drink with him sat in the garden before getting ready to go across to David's for apperro. We had a lovely evening with him and Robert and Caro. David had made some superb nibbles all washed down with a glass of wine or two!
Friday 22nd March
Another superb day, 24 degrees in the afternoon and 32 degrees in the caravan at 5pm! Manuel and I went to the Friday market in Riberac, I just love watching the French buy all the fresh vegetables and fruit. We called at the butchers so I could by minced beef (12 euros for a kilo!) Ready to make chilli for six of us tomorrow night. We are going to eat at Manuel and Yannick's, they are providing apperro and dessert. Myriam and her new boyfriend Freddie are also going so should be a good night. Kevin continued putting in the electrics, this time in our bedroom and then continued putting up plaster board on the upper dining room wall. I cut the grass again this time without the box, it's beginning to look better. After lunch I went to Le Clercs for the weekend shopping. I bought some more geraniums and planted them on my return outside the out building. After early showers we are going to Nev and Barbaras for dinner. Guess who is driving! Bought some non alcohol wine so I can pretend!
Saturday 23rd March
Had a lovely evening with Nev and Barbara, Nev had made chicken with cashew nut and black bean sauce, using two of the packets of black bean sauce we had brought over for him, he also made a lemon salad and a Thai dish all very tasty. Followed by tart tatin and cheese and for Kevin a few glasses of wine! It was great to catch up with them and have a good chat. We got back to the caravan at about 11.30pm.
Another lovely spring day, wall to wall sunshine, 24 degrees and 31.5 degrees at 5.30pm in the caravan. I started the day by making the chilli ready for tonight. Whilst helping me by cutting the onions Kevin cut his thumb, thought we might need a trip to hospital for a stitch but it seems to have healed so far! Kevin continued putting up plaster board on the upper dining room wall. I nipped to Aldi for bread to make into garlic bread (not found any ready made garlic bread here to date) and whilst there saw some trainers on offer for Kevin, when I showed him them in their brochure he decided he would like a pair to work in, very expensive 11 euros! so after coffee I nipped back and bought him a pair. As in the UK they only have what they have out so best to buy when you see something! Kevin nipped to Brico Marche after lunch for more plaster board, whilst he was gone I decided to make a bit of a garden border outside the outhouse. Our first bit of garden! Mum will be proud of me! At 6.30pm we went across to Manuel's armed with the chilli, rice, garlic bread and of course wine!
Sunday 24th March
We had a fabulous evening last night. Myriam made egg mayonnaise with endive for starters, I had made the chilli with rice and garlic bread and Yannick made apple tart with almonds and also a chocolate cake. After the meal Manuel organised a music and then a film quiz, we all had a good laugh and enjoyed each other's company.
After breakfast I made beef bourgignon ready for dinner tonight. Kevin continued with the plaster board fixing. After listening to the Archers and adding the pictures to the blog we both started to fill in the gaps between the plasterboards and the beams with expanding foam, what a job, it's gets everywhere! After lunch we continued filling gaps and then I started filling the nail holes with plaster whilst Kevin completed the plaster board by the side of the bridge. A good days work. Another beautiful day 23 degrees and sunny. We both really enjoyed the beef bourgignon and there is enough left for tomorrow night so no cooking tomorrow!
Monday 25th March
A busy day! First we stripped the beds and then we both worked hard all day jointing the plaster board and filling the joints between the roof trusses and plaster board. It all still needs rubbing down and a second coat but a good job started. Think I should have gone on a plastering course over winter, it's not the easiest of jobs to get a smooth finish but we are working at it! Whilst Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for some joists and tong and groove boarding, ready to extend the temporary floor tomorrow, I swept the barn and then prepared another area of garden round the outhouse. Glad the evening meal is almost ready as feeling shattered tonight and still got the ironing to do!
Tuesday 26th March
Neil arrived back today and he and Kevin started by putting up another section of temporary floor in the middle section of the barn. This is so they can start to put up the insulation and plasterboard to the ceiling. I went shopping for bread for lunch and after preparing lunch and coffee for the boys I continued with the next section of garden round the outhouse. I had bought three lavender plants and thirty petunias so planted these in the hope they will survive both the frost and the hot weather. After coffee Kevin and Neil started the framing out of the back dining room ceiling ready for the insulation. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche after work for more wood ready for tomorrow. Another lovely spring day, cooler out of the sun but warm in the sun. A lovely sunset so hopefully more of the same tomorrow.
Wednesday 27th March
Both shattered tonight! Kevin and Neil worked hard in the barn and by the end of the day had completed a section of the ceiling. Putting insulation, the membrane and then the plaster board over. Not easy as there wasn't a straight edge anywhere! Who would buy a barn! After shopping and preparing coffee and lunch I started strimming round the caravan before lunch. After lunch I completed the strimming and then cut the grass. I also did a bit more of my gardening project, I bought five butterfly lavender in Aldi this morning so more plants to put in tomorrow. Another beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky.
Thursday 28th March
Another busy day, Kevin and Neil continued with the ceiling, almost finishing another section. I finished my gardening project, have a strip of garden almost all the way round the out building now. I planted butterfly lavender in the final section. I also strimmed and cut the grass at the front of the barn and then did some clearing up after the boys. Another beautiful day with a lovely sunset.
Another good days work. Kevin and Neil completed the second section of plaster board on the ceiling and then framed out the final section on the back of the dining room ceiling ready for insulation and plaster board on Monday. I nipped to Aldi for bits of shopping then made sandwiches for lunch. Before coffee I cleaned the caravan side that's inside the awning. After coffee I finished washing the outside of the caravan and awning, it looks much cleaner now! After lunch I washed the car and then cleaned up after the workers. Myriam has invited us for aperro with Manuel and Yannick so looking forward to it. When we arrived at Myriam's she gave me a lovely bowl with spring flowers as a welcome back to La Pautardie, we really are very lucky to have such wonderful neighbours, now friends.
Saturday 30th March
Another beautiful day, 32 degrees in the van at 6.35pm! After breakfast we went to Brico Marche for more plaster board, if you spent over 100 euros you got 15 euros off so worth the trip! We then went to Le Roy Merlin's at Perigueux for insulation and various other bits and pieces. After lunch we both worked in the barn, filling in cracks and rubbing down, a difficult job and not sure we are very good at it! Need more practice! After showers we enjoyed the last of the evening sunset in the garden with pre dinner drinks. Myriam has gone away for two weeks so I am in charge of feeding her cats, hope they survive until she gets back!
Sunday 31st March
Another beautiful day. After getting up and changing the beds we went for a walk with Manuel and Yannick round La Jemaye, a beautiful day for a lovely walk round the lake. After quick drinks on our return Kevin went into the barn and moved some of the electrics getting ready for the next area to be platerboarded. I made dinner, chicken with Dijon mustard and then ironed seven loads of washing which had dried as quick as I put it on the line. Kevin put more plasterboard up, this time in the front guest bedroom.
Monday 1st April
A cooler day but better for working in. Kevin and Mark continued putting up insulation and plasterboards to the dining room ceiling, they had almost completed half way by the end of the day. After food shopping and nipping to Brico Marche for staples and expanding foam, I cleaned the van and made the boys coffee. After coffee I joined the boys and rubbed down the plaster board and re skimmed in places. Hoping it will be smooth enough to paint after a further rubbing down, fingers crossed! After Neil left Kevin strimmed the grass outside the back garden, he had almost finished when the petrol strimmer gave up the ghost, the end bearing had melted, he burnt his finger looking at it! I cleaned up after the workers before getting dinner ready. Both shattered tonight but good progress made today.
Tuesday 2nd April
A much cooler day, it rained during the night and then its been a dull day. It's forecast snow for Thursday! Another hard day's work done. Kevin and Neil have now finished half the dining room ceiling, they also started filling the gaps ready for painting. Still lots to do before we can start to paint though. I continued rubbing down and filling in the lower level gaps, hopefully my bits just need a final rub down and are then ready for painting. Kevin and Neil also started putting in the stud walls in our bedroom and bathroom. This is so the electrics can be fitted before the plaster board is fixed.
Wednesday 3rd April
A typical April day, sunshine and heavy showers all day. Cold and then warmer!
Kevin and Neil continued filling in and rubbing down the plaster on the ceiling and then put up some plaster board to form the door way to our bedroom. David popped over for a coffee and to look at progress. It was lovely to see him. I rubbed down the lower walls and put a second coat of plaster on the walls in the front bedroom. I then cleared up after the workers, they do make a mess!
Thursday 4th April
Another day of filling in gaps and rubbing down! Hopefully the last for this section, just a final rub down in the morning then think we will be putting on the first coat of paint on this section. It's really time consuming and hard work on the arms, might be missing my morning swim but think I have more muscles! Its been a cold and sunny day with a little rain, but no snow, the forecast is for more of the same tomorrow.
Friday 5th April
Another hard working day, I did the weekend shop whilst Kevin did a final rub down of the plasterboards. We then brushed and vacuumed the floor and ceiling before coffee. After coffee we both started painting the prepared area, it took us just over two hours to finish the first coat. After lunch Kevin cut the grass whilst I brushed the barn and did a general tidy up. At 4pm we started the second coat of paint and finished at about 6pm. Both shattered but pleased with the progress we have made today. Had showers, a well deserved pre dinner drink and the usual Friday tea!
Saturday 6th April
A dull rainy day! So we worked hard in the barn! We put another coat of paint on the walls and ceiling before coffee time. David arrived for coffee so had a chat sat in the awning with the heater on as it was cold and damp! After coffee I did the ironing whilst the paint dried and Kevin pottered in the barn. After lunch Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for wood for framing out the next section of trusses. I rubbed down the wooden beams and started painting them with a mixture of terps and linseed oil, this brings out the colour and shows the knots more. Kevin continued with the high beams on his return. So we have finished this weekend's work plan already! One side of the dining room ceiling is complete! This means Kevin and Neil can remove some of the temporary floor on Monday and use the wood to make a temporary floor at the front of the barn. We have been invited to Nev and Barbara's tonight, the plan was to go for pizza but the restaurant is fully booked so Nev has kindly volunteered to cook. Phil and Lesley with be there so looking forward to catching up with them.
Had a lovely evening with Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley, we didn't get home until about 12.15! Kevin was the driver so I had a couple of glasses of wine! Had a bit of a lie in 7.45am! We decided since we had completed the weekends job list we deserved a morning off! We decided to have a wonder round the brocante at Vertiallac, very busy with lots of stalls with secondhand furniture, pots pans or anything that nobody wants! We then had a ride to La Tour Blanche to have a look at their brocante but when we arrived we could see there was only a few stalls so decided to have a coffee in the local bar instead. Kevin finished painting the upper beams in the afternoon, he also put up the lights on the finished walls and then began taking down the temporary floor. I tried to put the pictures on the blog, only to find our internet connection gone. Manuel and Yannick popped down for a coffee at three o clock and we watched the boat race with them. After dinner Kevin had a walk up the lane to find an internet signal and managed to send an email asking for more gbytes!
Monday 8th April
A bit of a milestone day! Kevin removed some of the temporary flooring so we can now see some of the finished effect of the open dining area, looks very good just as he planned! Kevin and Neil moved the temporary floor to the front of the barn then spent most of the day cleaning the wooden beams and then spraying them with insecticide. It's a filthy job, they have now completed the cleaning of the beams so should be the end of the really filthy jobs, another milestone! Guess who got the job of cleaning up all the mess after them!
Tuesday 9th April
Kevin and Mark completed putting the silver foil insulation in the front dining room ceiling. They then started framing out the ceiling ready for plaster board. They also re routed the powercable to the caravan. Kevin also started framing out the truss ready for plaster board so another good days work. I made a beef bourgignon and then went to the post office in Vertiallac. I nipped to Aldi for bread. After coffee I rubbed down the plaster in the front bedroom and put another coat of plaster on the gaps. After lunch I spent four hours strimming the back garden. Both shattered again tonight but a good days work. A beautiful evening after a foggy start to the day.
Wednesday 10th April
Kevin and Neil continued with the framing out and also put some studs in our bathroom wall, will soon have all walls in place upstairs. I nipped to Aldi for bread and Brico Marche for more screws, think the boys are eating them! I then cleaned the inside caravan windows and rubbed oil in the seals so hopefully they will last another year. After coffee I strimmed the front garden then after lunch strimmed the outside area. I finished off by sweeping up the sawdust after the boys! Another lovely day,sunny with a little wind which dried the washing. Left over beef bourgignon for dinner!
Thursday 11th April
Another productive day. Kevin and Neil finished framing out the ceiling and Kevin continued preparing the stud walls. I cleaned the caravan carpet before coffee and then after went into the barn and treated some of the beams with turps and linseed oil. After lunch I cut the grass and then went back to the wood treatment. A cloudy day but fine.
Friday 12th April
The A team at work today! Neil had a well deserved day off. After breakfast we both worked in the barn, first on the electrics in the front guest bedroom and then after lunch we put up some plaster board on the upper entrance hall walls. I started to fill the holes with plaster whilst Kevin nipped to Chaussons for some tradi blanc ready to build up a section of the wall and pierre apparent it. We had early showers and are going to meet Nev and Barbara at the pizza restaurant in Riberac tonight, it's Barbara's birthday tomorrow so celebrating! We are going to do the weekend food shop before to save time tomorrow! Guess whose turn it is to drive!
Another good days work from the A team! We both worked hard all day. Kevin completed the plaster board on one half of the front walls and I then filled in the holes and skimmed the plaster bits. Kevin also started putting plaster board on the other side, putting two pieces up whilst I had a shower and prepared dinner. More filling in for me tomorrow! Think I could be a plasterer mate when I have completed my apprenticeship on the barn! A beautiful spring day.
The internet went down last night so no blog photographs whilst listening to the Archers! It's now Monday, lunchtime and it's back on again but for how long who knows so taking the chance to write yesterday's blog! The A team at work all day, no rest for the wicked on a Sunday here! Kevin finished putting plaster board on the walls in the upper entrance hall. I continued filling the holes and rubbing down plaster. One wall should be ready for painting after a final rub down tomorrow. We finished in time to watch the final nine holes of the Masters and to see Tiger Woods win. What a fantastic comeback.
Monday 15th April
Another good days work from the A team! We started by putting up the insulation in the first section of the ceiling. Then we put up the middle piece of the plasterboard, a difficult process as the walls are anything but square! After lunch we tried to put a second piece of plasterboard up, it was a pain, just wouldn't go into place for Kevin, I am just not strong enough to hold it in place so we decided to leave it before we got divorced! It's the first job for Kevin and Neil tomorrow! We continued filling in gaps and rubbing down the plasterboard then giving a second coat of plaster. Hopefully this wall will be ready for painting after a final rub down. Myriam arrived home from her holiday tonight, I am pleased to say the cats are both still alive and well! It was lovely to see her.
Tuesday 16th April
Had a thunderstorm last night and very windy. When we got up the plastic chairs were in the middle of the swimming pool, good job the cover is still on the pool!
The real A team worked hard today! Neil and Kevin put insulation and then plaster board up on two thirds of the ceiling. After my usual shopping trip and nipping to Brico Marche for a new surf-form, I cleaned the van, made lunch and coffee and then joined the boys in the barn. I continued with the filling in of the nails and put two metal plaster angles on the door frame at the entrance to the guest wing and then plastered it in place. After lunch I treated the wooden beam above the front door and cleaned up after the boys. All in all a good days work. Turned into a lovely sunny day after a dull start.
Wednesday 17th April
Yet another good days work. Neil.and Kevin just about finished putting up the insulation and plaster board on the centre ceiling. Just a bit of the boxing in to complete tomorrow. Neil also filled in the two higher sections for the first time. I filled in the bottom section for a second time and did some filling in round the edges of the plaster board. Both tired again tonight but happy with progress made. David came round for coffee at 11am armed with some homemade cheese scones, they were delicious and soon disappeared! A warm but dull day.
Thursday 18th April
Another busy day. Kevin and Neil finished boxing out the beams on the ceiling and then almost completed the filling in and rubbing down on the highest bits. I went food shopping,did my normal jobs and cut the grass before coffee time. After coffee I went and helped with the rubbing down and filling in, it's a thankless task as you can't really see what we have done but hopefully once painted it will all look ok. A beautiful day, warm and sunny, 30 degrees in the caravan at 6pm!
Happy Easter to all our readers, hope you have a lovely weekend. Well it wasn't a good start here! After my early morning trip to the loo we had no water in the caravan! The connections had blown and it took Kevin over an hour to sort and it's still very fragile now! I nipped to Le Clerc's whilst Kevin sorted the water. We then both worked in the barn, rubbing down and filling in. At about 1pm Nev and Barbara arrived to look at the progress made so far, it was lovely to see them. We sat with tea/coffee in the garden enjoying the sunshine and their company, puts it all back into perspective! We then had quick showers and went to Brico Depot in Perigueux and bought tiles for the utility room floor and then went to Le Roy Merlin's for a water heater. Unfortunately, the model we wanted wasn't in stock, the story of our day! So we will have to go back next week when then are back in stock. On our return to the barn we had well deserved drinks sat enjoying the evening sun in the garden before our usual Friday night tea. It was 38 degrees in the caravan at 7pm! Looks like summer has arrived!
Saturday 20th April
Another busy day. Kevin finished rubbing down the ceiling and high walls whilst I prepared a batch of chilli. We then started putting the first coat of paint on before lunch. A 2.30pm we took a load of Manuel and Yannick's rubbish to the dechetterie for them. They invited us for apperro at 6.30pm. So on our return we put a second coat of paint on. Just had time for quick showers before going for our drinks. Both shattered but only one more coat of paint and the centre ceiling is complete! A beautiful sunny and hot day, 37 degrees in the caravan at 6pm!
Sunday 21st April
Happy Easter, hope you are enjoying the good weather in the UK. A milestone day! After breakfast we both did the final coat of paint on the walls and ceiling , the upper walls and ceiling of the entrance hall and dining room are complete! Just need to clean up the beams and give them a final coat of terps and linseed oil. We managed to finish painting in time to listen to the Archers. Kevin then cleaned the painting tools while I did the ironing, had changed the beds before breakfast! After lunch Kevin wired one spot light above the bridge and fitted a bracket for another light whilst I weeded the garden and put some bark on it. After early showers we are off to Phil and Lesley's for dinner and a stop over, so really looking forward to a night off.
Monday 22nd April
After a lovely evening last night and breakfast we left Phil and Lesley's at about 9.45am and called at the Easter Monday market in Chalais before going back to the van, so a bit of a holiday! Once back at the van we had lunch and then took the trailer to Brico Marche as they had an offer on with up to 20 percent discount depending on how much you spent! We arrived for opening time 2pm only to find they had closed at lunchtime for the bank holiday! So not happy Chappies! We decided not to waste the afternoon so went to Conforama and Castorama at Angouleme, first to look at single beds for the guest bedroom and then to look for flooring for the upstairs. Fortunately Castorama had some flooring we liked so we opened one of their loyalty cards and got 5 per cent immediate discount, worth having as we bought enough flooring for the whole of the upstairs. We have to go back tomorrow to collect it as we didn't have the trailer with us! So a bit of a lazy day, nothing done in the barn but some materials sorted ready for the next phase of the building. So no photos today.
Tuesday 23rd April
Back to work today! Kevin worked on the electrics and put up the spot lights above the bridge and our bedroom entrance. Neil cleaned the beams and then I painted down the side of them to neaten them up. Neil and Kevin then worked in the utility room. We decided to pinch 100mm from the width of the downstairs toilet to give more space in the utility room so they re sited the dividing wall. After early showers we are off to Castorama in Angouleme to collect the upstairs flooring and various other bits and bobs.
Wednesday 24th April
We all worked hard today. Kevin and Neil continued boxing out the utility and downstairs toilet. Kevin put in some wiring for the water heater, washing machine and tumble drier. They also drilled a hole for the pipework to go through to the kitchen. After my normal jobs and coffee I painted the back guest bedroom, it's beginning to look like a room now, just needs another coat of paint, a window cill, flooring and a door! So a good days work by all. It had rained most of the night and was a typical April showers day, sunshine then pouring rain!
Thursday 25th April
Another productive day. Kevin and Neil started to remove the temporary floor from the front of the barn, they used the wood to make the ceiling to our bathroom entrance and our walk in wardrobe. We are beginning to see what the entrance hall will look like now, the pierre apparent walls look superb. Kevin can now put the electrics to this side of the barn. After fetching some wood stain I gave the guest bedroom a final coat of paint. I then stained the window cill twice. Between the thunderstorms I managed to cut the grass, so once again shattered at the end of the day!
Friday 26th April
Another milestone day! Kevin has worked hard on the electrics and we now have lights in the guest bedroom, guest bathroom, spotlights on the walls above the bridge and a light in the hallway between the quest bedrooms, all working! We then worked together and put in the wires for the TVs, satellite and data cabling to our bedroom, the dinning room and lounge , not connected yet but in place! After early showers we are going for our hair cutting at Anya's salon at Vanxain.
Saturday 27th April
A busy day! After breakfast we went to Le Roy Merlin's in Perigueux and bought the water heater and fixings, insulation and various electrical bits. We used our 10 percent off day so saved a little! After an early lunch we both continued putting in the electrics. At 3pm Kevin decided we needed more bits to complete the electrics so off we went to Brico Depot at Perigueux. We were back at the barn by 6pm with our supplies. We had chilli for dinner and a lazy night watching TV.
Sunday 28th April
A day working on the electrics. Kevin worked hard and now has a lot of the first fix electrics in place. I was the electricians mate, passing wires through holes and keeping the place tidy, wires everywhere! Hopefully they will all work when finally fixed to lights or sockets! I also nipped to Manuel's and helped him with a translation for one of his properties. A dull and cold day today so happy to do the ironing this afternoon! I made a beef bourgignon for dinner and hopefully there is enough left to freeze for when mum and dad are here.
Monday 29th April
A bit of a frustrating day! All was going well this morning, Neil pierre apparented the window cill in the back guest bedroom and then removed the temporary floor from the front of the barn. Kevin continued with the first fix electrics and nipped to Brico Marche for a wire stripper whilst I did a quick food shop and cleaned the van then was the electricians helper. Nev called after his French lesson and had a cup of tea, it was lovely to see him. We continued working till lunch time, I strimmed round the caravan and the boys continued with their jobs. At lunchtime all went pear shaped! The electric hob had somehow got switched on, I noticed and switched it off but two minutes later there was a bang in the van and the glass cover had shattered making a real mess! So now I don't have an extra work surface to prepare on! We continued working and next I heard the water pipe running, another burst pipe! And then when I switched the TV on it decided not to work! At least that was the third thing! Think it might be an early night tonight!
Tuesday 30th April
Another milestone day! First fix electrics completed by Kevin and Neil,and the electricians mate! The temporary supply was also rerouted to allow the ceiling plaster board to be put up. Let's hope it all works when sockets and lights are fitted! Kevin and Neil then spent the afternoon putting up two pieces of plaster board in the utility room, who said flat ceilings were easy! Not a straight edge in the room! I spent most of the day strimming the garden and the outside area, it had grown so much last week! I also put the summer garden furniture round the pool, it's filthy so another job tomorrow to clean it all! A beautiful sunny day.
Wednesday 1st May
Another busy day! Kevin and Neil worked hard and finished putting up the plaster board in the utility room. I started by brushing round the pool and then washing the garden furniture. I then went into the barn and started filling the cracks and screws on the plaster board. A beautiful day, we sat outside for coffee and then afternoon drinks. After Neil left Kevin and I went back into the barn, I finished the filling in whilst Kevin put some sockets in place. Shattered again tonight but happy with the days work.
Thursday 2nd May
No internet last night so writing this having lunch on Friday! A day of filling in and rubbing down! I gave the utility room a second coat of filler, think I got more on me than the ceiling! whilst Kevin fitted some of the electric sockets and light switches in the utility room. After working all day we had early showers and nipped to Brico Marche and then went to Nev and Barbara's to see how they are progressing with their summer house renovation. We arrived just in time, they were struggling with a piece of plaster board so Kevin gave an extra pair of hands! We had apperro sat in their garden, which was lovely.
Friday 3rd May
We both worked hard today! The walls and ceiling rubbed down and then three coats of paint on the utility room and all finished by three pm! Kevin then started to lay the tiles whilst I tidied the barn trying to make room for everything!! Myriam arrived whilst we were having lunch and invited us for apperro at 6.30pm so looking forward to spending an hour or so with her, Freddie, Manuel and Yannick before dropping into bed shattered!
Saturday 4th May
After breakfast Kevin worked hard all day and almost finished tiling the utility room, he had to finish otherwise he would not have been able to get put of the room! Whilst Kevin was busy in the barn I changed the beds and did 5 loads of washing and ironing. I also gave the van a good clean. After lunch I went into the barn and continued my tidy up and sweeping out, looks a bit more organised now! After showers at 5ish we nipped to Brico Marche for more tile adhesive and then called at Cafe Colonnes for a quick drink before going back to the barn for chilli. A wet and cold day.
Sunday 5th May
A day off! Well at least for me! Kevin spent an hour and a half in the morning finishing the tiling in the utility room before having a shower before Jeanette and Trevor arrived at 11am. We had a lovely day with them, first coffee at ours and then we went to La Table restaurant for Sunday lunch. What a fantastic meal, everyone has the same menu, amuse - bouche, followed by beetroot and goats cheese starter, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding (posh style!) with vegetables, cheese and then chocolate fondant with strawberries. The meal took three hours so very relaxed. We had a lazy afternoon on our return, good to have a relaxing day for a change and it was lovely to see Jeanette and Trevor and catch up with them.
Monday 6th May
Another milestone day! Kevin grouted the tiles in the utility room so another room ready for filling! The water heater is going in place tomorrow so it beginning to look like we will soon have running water in the barn! I pottered in the morning doing bits and bobs of jobs. After lunch we decided to open the swimming pool, it has been a beautiful sunny and warm day after an early morning frost. Before we could open the cover I jet washed it to remove all the winter dirt. Kevin then opened the cover, apart from lots of dirt and flies it doesn't look too bad, lots of cleaning for me with the pool vac! Kevin managed to refit the pump so hopefully we can switch everything back on tomorrow. At 2.30pm we nipped across to Manuel and Yannick for a quick coffee, they are here for a week's holiday. We all decided to go to Bertric Buree tonight to the premier snail festival in the country, think we are supposed to eat snails for supper! Time will tell, will report back later!! Well we have had a superb evening, at least 600 people in a large marquee sitting down to dinner together. We had starter, soup or perigordine salad followed by either duck, beef or snails, I had the duck and Kevin had the snails! I did try two! All washed down with a glass of wine for the boys and water for me, guess who was the driver! There was also an old fashioned fair ground which we had a wander around after dinner. Unbelievable for a small village of 500 inhabitants which includes all the surrounding hamlets.
Tuesday 7th May
Neil came today to help Kevin put the water heater in place in the utility room. It's his last day this trip as he is going on holiday to Florida on Thursday. After they had fitted the water heater they both worked on fixing the form work for the stair step and after lunch they mixed concrete and completed the step. I nipped to the shops, made lunch, tidied the van and then spent the rest of the day cleaning the car which was really dirty! I then cleaned up after the boys. After farewell drinks we wished Neil a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing him again in July. Kevin then spent some time looking at the plumbing,that's tomorrow's job!
Wednesday 8th May
Kevin nipped to Brico Marche after breakfast for plumbing bits and pieces whilst I rubbed the remaining three bits of wall down in the utility room and then gave them three coats of paint during the day. On his return Kevin sorted out the temporary supply of electrics to the new distribution board, it's getting g very complicated now to keep temporary and permanent supply separate! He then started sorting the plumbing out and realised he had a problem with plumbing the downstairs toilet in. After a coffee and consulting the plumbing bible he thinks it's possible to sort it! Nothing comes easy! It's another bank holiday here today in memory of the war so everyone is off work, Myriam came for a quick coffee before she went to her book club this morning, it was good to spend some time with her. A very rainy day, it had rained throughout the night and continued most of the day. Hoping for better weather tomorrow!
Thursday 9th May
Kevin started the day with a trip Brico Marche for more plumbing bits! I cleared up all the mess from the bad weather last night, it rained most of the night and was very windy. The garden chairs were scattered round the garden and the awning was full of soil and grass but at least it was still standing as at times during the night it sounded like it would take off! Needless to say we didn't get much sleep. Manuel and Yannick came for coffee at 11am, they are busy cleaning their house ready for mum and dad to arrive next weekend! After they left I went to Le Clercs to get food for dinner tomorrow night when Nev and Barbara are coming. After lunch Kevin continued with his plumbing making inroads into the drainage pipe work. Since the weather was still windy and rainy I decided to prepare the dinner ready for tomorrow night, in between being the plumbers mate! After early showers we nipped to guess where! Brico Marche for more plumbing bits before going to David's for dinner. After a lovely meal and evening with David,on our return we nipped into the barn and switched the spotlights on and the lights to the guest bedroom and bathroom, all worked and give plenty of light!
Friday 10th May
Today has been another frustrating day! Kevin decided to change the way he was plumbing the washing machine and downstairs toilet sink so we went to Brico Marche early to get the parts he needed. Kevin then continued with the plumbing whilst I cleaned the van then prepared the meal for tonight. After coffee I just happened to walk out of the barn as a van arrived outside, I thought it was the electric meter reader, how wrong was I! He explained he was here to disconnect the temporary electric supply as it was two year since it had been installed! We knew nothing of this and in our garbled French explained that we still needed the temporary supply. I decided to go and ask Manuel for help, unfortunately he had gone out but Yannick came down and explained that we still needed the supply. Eventually the men decided to go telling us we needed to contact EDF asap to sort it with them. We then spent most of the rest of the day listening to EDF telephone message! Still not managed to speak to anyone so going to try to email and see if it can be sorted that way. Thank goodness we were here otherwise they would have just cut us off! On the positive side Nev and Barbara arrived at lunchtime to see if we would like to go to an Art Exhibition before dinner tonight so we are going to Alleman, the next village, at 6pm to look at the art then back here for melon and Palma ham, chilli, rice and garlic bread followed by apple crumble and ice cream! No doubt washed down with a glass or two of wine!
Saturday 11th May
We had a lovely night with Nev and Barbara, it's always good to spend time with them. Kevin completed the drainage to the utility room, guest bathroom and the downstairs toilets. The good news is nothing leaked when we tested it! I changed the beds and then gave the van a polish and good clean. I was the plumbers mate when required and then after doing the ironing I went into the barn and we laid some of the underlay for the laminate floor in the guest bedroom. The other good news today is we eventually managed to speak to someone from EDF, she has requested that our contract be renewed with ENIDIS so hopefully we will have electricity for the next year! My flower garden looks like it has survived the cold nights and we have now got a few blooms!
Sunday 12th May
A steady day. Kevin spent time thinking and sorting out the plumbing bits ready to start the water supply. I cleaned the BBQ, in the hope the weather will soon be good enough to use it! We then opened the pool and I spent the rest of the day cleaning it! Looking much cleaner but still needs some more work on it! We nipped to Manuel's for a coffee at 4pm and then Kevin started to lay some of the laminate flooring in the guest bedroom whilst I prepared dinner. A much better day, sunshine all day after a thunderstorm last night.
Monday 13th May
Another frustrating day! We ended up taking the guest bathroom sink out as it leaked when Kevin put a bucket of water down it! It took me some time to remove the sealant and prepare everything ready to refit, going to try the water test tomorrow so fingers crossed! I cleaned the pool and then put weed killer around the back garden. Nev called for a coffee and to look at the multi-couche method of plumbing that Kevin is using, he is thinking of using it in his new summer house. After lunch I helped the plumber then jet washed the gates, they look much cleaner but need painting again, another job! I also jet washed some garden chairs and then cleaned up after the worker! A lovely sunny day, just hoping it stays like this for when mum and dad are here.
Tuesday 14th May
Woke up to no internet again, spent an hour trying to get through to Big Blue before we managed to sort it. Kevin nipped to the plumbers merchants and Brico Marche for plumbing bits whilst I ironed and then cleaned the pool. After coffee Kevin refitted the guest bathroom sink, with a little help from his mate! Fortunately no leaks this time, so sink plumbed in ready for water. He then sorted the toilet, fixing it to the wall and getting ready for the pipework. I spent five hours strimming the garden. Kevin then almost finished fitting the flooring in the guest bedroom. After showers we nipped to Brico Marche for salt for the pool and other bits and pieces. A beautiful sunny day 30 degrees at 6.30pm. Had my first gin and tonic sat in the garden, do you recognise the blouse Pamela?
Wednesday 15th May
Another milestone day, Kevin finished the flooring in the guest bedroom, just need some skirting board and a door now, getting there! He also fitted the WC supply pipe in the guest bathroom. Tested the toilet cistern, fingers crossed no leaks yet! He found that the multi couches pipes he had bought yesterday are not compatible with the ones he had already purchased at Le Roy Merlin's so he nipped back to the shop in Riberac and got his money back so we now need a trip to Perigueux! I went food shopping and then continued with the strimming, round the pool and the back garden and then cleaned up the mess round the pool! We added some salt to the pool and left it to dissolve over night. I filled up the trailer with left over wood, platerboard etc ready to call at the dechetterie on our way to Perigueux. Robert, Caro and David are coming at 6.30pm for cheese and wine evening so prepared the food and had early showers. Looking forward to catching up with them.
Thursday 16th May
Well a mixed day! Started really well. Kevin continued with the plumbing whilst I cut the grass and then washed the outside of the caravan. I then went to make a coffee, I changed the caravan step to a plastic smaller step as had been using the caravan steps to help me reach the top of the caravan when washing it so had jet washed it and left in the sun to dry. I came out of the van to go and tell Kevin coffee was on and missed the step and went absolutely flying, landing on the concrete floor in the awning! I shouted Kevin and he eventually heard me and came and helped me get up. Don't think I have broken anything but my ribs are really sore and my left arm and ankle are swollen! After coffee I carried on and cleaned the swimming pool twice! At 3pm I decided I was stiffening up so had a shower and am now sat resting on the bed and not sure what hurts the most, can hardly move!! We are going to Nev and Barbara's tonight so Kevin can help him sort some levels out. Will see how I get on! Don't think there will be much sleep tonight!
No photos today, after all the commotion we forgot to take any!
Friday 17th May
We had a lovely evening with Nev and Barbara, it helped take my mind off the pain, perhaps it was the wine as well! Nev had made spaghetti bolognese followed by lemon meringue, very tasty. However, didn't get much sleep as every time I tried to turn over it was agony! So had an enforced day of rest today, did manage a bit of tidying in the van but not much else! Kevin continued with the plumbing in the morning. After lunch we went to Le Roy Merlin's for plumbing bits, parts for the strimmer that I have broken and some wood for the skirting and door lining. Had our usual Friday tea. It rained all day so a miserable day. We saw Maureen and Mike on our way out and have invited them for coffee in the morning, looking forward to catching up with them.
Saturday 18th May
Well after another sleepless night so another enforced day of rest for the builders mate! although I did manage to change the beds and wash and iron. Kevin continued with the plumbing without his mate! He is making good progress, at 5pm he decided to nip to Brico Marche for yet more plumbing bits, I think he is eating them! Maureen and Mike came down for coffee at 11am, it was lovely to see them and catch up with their news. Another rainy day. Really looking forward to seeing mum and dad tomorrow, they arrive at Limoges airport at 6.30pm so will be a long day for them. Another rainy day and the forecast is not much better for the next few days.
Sunday 19th May
A bit of a lazy day for both of us, at least I have a good excuse!! After breakfast we went food shopping to Le Clercs, on our way we stopped at the flower show which was being held at the town hall in Riberac, well worth a visit. We bought an Iris so hoping it will take in the garden. On our return Kevin tidied the barn and swept it, a first I think! whilst I prepared lunch. We nipped to Manuel's to pick up the keys for their house and then after lunch had showers before setting off to pick mum and dad up from Limoges airport. The flight was half and hour early, makes a change, we were back at La Pautardie by 8.40pm. After sorting things out we had toasted teacakes, courtesy of mum, and then left mum and dad to settle in. A rainy day but managed not to get wet at the airport or when we arrived back.
Monday 20th May
Had a lovely first day with mum and dad. We set off at 9am for the saw mill in Chalais, we managed to find some oak planks to transform into a bedroom door. Hoping Kevin can manage to router a halving joint and then join the planks together! We then went to the market in Chalais and had a walk round. We called at the English café and had drinks and cake and introduced mum and dad to Lesley. Had a lazy afternoon back at the barn, Kevin and dad nipped to Brico Marche to buy bits for the door and a new sander. (Thank you mum and dad for my new toy!) We ate in the awning whilst it was raining and then played partner whist, dad and I v mum and Kevin, one game all tonight!
No photos today!
Tuesday 21st May
Well Kevin has a new builders mate today! Dad and Kevin worked hard all day and managed to route the planks of oak ready for fixing together to form the first door. I had a new gardeners mate, mum and I dug out a spot and planted the new iris and then started digging a border on the side of the barn. After lunch I cleaned the pool. A very productive day by all. After dinner we played one game of whist and dad and I managed to win by just one trick!
Wednesday 22nd May
A rest day! We went to the market at Perigueux, it's mainly a fruit and veg market with fish and flowers. Had a lovely morning wandering around and looking at the unusual fish. We bought a couple of plants for the new garden. We had lunch sat outside. After lunch we went to Desyoyaux to look at and then buy a pool robot and a cover winder. We then called at Brico Depot for plumbing and electrical bits. When we got back to the barn we sat in the garden enjoying a cup of tea. Myriam came across at 6.30pm for apperro and then invited mum and dad to have a look at her house. Mum and I beat Kevin and dad at whist tonight, come on you girls!
Thursday 23rd May
Another hard day's work from all. Dad and Kevin just about finished one door and put the door lining in place for the bathroom door. At coffee time Kevin put together my new toy, a pool robot, called Elsie!!We did a trial run, she did a perfect job cleaning the pool and will save me hours of cleaning! Kevin went to Chalais after lunch for more oak ready for the second door. Mum and I nipped to Vertiallac for bread and cream cakes!! Then we continued with our garden project. After lunch I cut the grass but am suffering for it now! We had our first BBQ of the year for dinner and then played whist with our partners, Kevin and I won much to dad's disgust when mum played the wrong suit! A lovely sunny day.
Friday 24th May
We woke up to rain so dad and Kevin decided to continued with the doors, starting on the second door and also preparing the oak window cill. Mum and I went to Riberac Friday market and had a coffee at Cafe Collones. On our return Maureen and Mike came down for a coffee. After lunch I did a pile of ironing whilst mum continued with our garden project and planted two plants that we had bought at the market. I am really suffering today from my injuries, think I did too much yesterday! A night out tonight, we are going to A Table for dinner, really looking forward to it.
Saturday 25th May
We all really enjoyed our meal last night. A busy day for all again. We started the day with trips to Brico Marche, Inter Marche, Le Clercs and for petrol. Nev and Barbara called for coffee and to meet mum and dad. After lunch dad and Kevin finished the second door and lifted it up to the bedroom ready to be fitted. Mum and I finished our garden project. We then had a BBQ for dinner. Mum and I anayalated the boys at cards tonight, probably a good job it was the last night!
Sunday 26th May
Mum and dads last day. After packing and sorting out Manuel's house we had coffee in the awning. Kevin spent a bit of time cutting the bedroom door to size ready to fit hopefully before we go home next weekend. I prepared Sunday lunch, pork casserole. After lunch it was time to set off for the airport. We arrived in good time, had coffee with mum and dad and then said our goodbyes. We have had a lovely week enjoying their company at the barn so it was sad to see them go, not long till we see them again though.
Monday 27th May
Seemed very quiet without mum and dad. We both worked hard in the barn today. Kevin spent time fitting the guest bedroom door, trimming it until hopefully it will now fit the gap! He also fitted the architrave and started trimming the bathroom door. He nipped to Brico Marche for black screws to fix the hinges. I started by priming the back of the skirting board and the architrave for the bathroom. I then sanded the bedroom door and then treated the window cill and the door with turps and linseed oil, it has brought out the markings really well. I finished by priming the front side of the skirting board. Whilst Kevin went to Brico I swept the barn and started to empty the awning. I also packed our over night cases as we are going to see Ed Shearan in Bordeaux on Wednesday night, so excited!
Tuesday 28th May
A busy morning. Kevin finished fitting the bedroom door, he then increased the size of the back board in the utility room ready to put the water softener on it. I gave the skirting and architrave a coat of satin gloss and then sanded the bathroom door ready for treating. We finished at 11.15am as we had been invited to Robert and Caro's for lunch. We had a lovely lunch sat under their abri. Soup, pate and French bread followed by cherry clafoute. On our return we took the awning down, a bit tricky as it's very windy today! I then gave the bathroom door a coat of trips and linseed oil, another door ready for final fit. I also gave the door frame a coat of satin gloss. All being well we should have a bedroom door hung before we leave at the weekend. We have been invited to Maureen and Mike's for apperro tonight so looking forward to a catch up before we all leave for home.
Wednesday 29th May
A rest day! We set off for Ikea at Bordeaux at 9.10am arriving at 11.10 after sat nav took us round the houses to get there! We had a good look round, looking for beds,bedroom furniture, curtains, blinds, bathroom accessories etc. By 1pm we had nothing in our basket so we stopped for lunch and then continued our search. By 2.30pm we had a blind for the guest bedroom, coat hooks and coat hangers, not much for the time we spent but we have a good idea of what to buy when we come back next trip with the trailer. We then went to find our hotel for the night. We managed to find street parking straight away, 35 euros for four hours so not surprising! We paid for an hour 3 euros and then found the hotel. We asked for cheaper parking and he directed Kevin to a subterranean car park near by, hopefully it won't be too expensive in the morning! After a short rest we are going to walk to Manuel's apartment for coffee before we get the tram to the stadium where Ed Shearan is playing. Really looking forward to seeing him. More tomorrow.
Thursday 30th May
Well what a superb night, Ed Shearan was absolutely brilliant, he sang solo for just about two hours. The light show was fantastic. We had superb seats facing the stage. We got back to the hotel at about midnight have cramming onto the tram with hundreds of other fans! We were invited to have breakfast at Manuel and Yannick apartment with Manuel's mum. We arrived at 9am and then left about 10.15am, we took Manuel and his mum to her house in St Estier, about 20mins from us, then after a quick coffee with them we made out way back to the barn. After lunch it was back to work, I sorted both fridges and freezers out, did four loads of washing and packed some clothes before joining Kevin in the barn. Kevin had fixed the skirting boards in place in the guest bedroom and had begun to hang the door. I helped hold the door whilst he fitted the hinges then I glossed more wood and painted the skirting in the bathroom. I then planted the jasmine plant Maureen had given me and watered it in well. After quick showers we nipped round to Myriam's, her brothers and sisters are here for a long weekend to help with some projects at her house. Think we need an early night tonight, Kevin is already snoring at the side of me!
Friday 31st May
Well we have been here eleven weeks, worked really hard and made good progress, so it's time for a break so we are of home for a month. We both worked hard today preparing for departure. We first went to Brico Marche for some black screws to complete fixing the door then called for bread and petrol before coming back to the barn. We started sorting the garden, Kevin strimming whilst I cut the grass. Manuel popped down for a quick coffee and then we packed the car with mainly wine! Might be our last chance!! The pool had an Elsie clean and I cleaned the filter before we set the automatic timer ready to leave for a month. Elsie saves so much work,she is a god send! I had a quick paddle just to say I have been in the pool in May! I sorted the van whilst Kevin finished putting the screws in the door. All finished now and after showers we are off to the pizza restaurant to meet Nev and Barbara for a final meal this visit. Thank you for all your good wishes after my fall, still very sore ribs and bruising but feeling much better, just need a holiday! A bientot. Xx
