Living the Dream, Year Three, September to October 2019

Sunday 1st September
As usual an early start, I woke up at 4.15am so we decided to get up and get off. We left home at 5.20am. The car was absolutely jam packed full. So much so Kevin suggested I caught the plane! We had bought a single built in oven, an electric hob, a cooker hood, a 32 inch TV, a glass cover for the dressing table, bedding, clothes and food! Sounds like the generation game, just missing the cuddly toy! We made good time and as usual managed to get an earlier crossing on the train. We had a good journey to Alencon and stayed at our usual Campanile. Dinner and an early night as we were both shattered after the early start.

Monday 2nd September
Woke up at 7am and on the road by 8am. Made good time and arrived at the barn at 1pm. Unpacked the car then went food shopping and then spent the rest of the day cutting grass! Kevin strimmed whilst I used the lawn mower.  The water heater didn't heat the water so Kevin changed to the gas supply and fortunately we had hot showers. A beautiful evening and sunset. Both shattered so had an early night.

Tuesday 3rd September
A busy day. We started by putting up the awning, think its the first time we have put it up without arguing! Next Kevin strimmed round the pool whilst I sorted the equipment in the awning. We both then brushed all the grass cuttings from the pool area before opening the pool. It looked fine, lovely blue colour, we tested for chlorine and the PH before letting Elsie get to work! She did a superb job, she is definitely saving me lots of hard work and time. When I went to wash up after lunch we had no hot water! We spent the rest of the afternoon investigating why and making phone calls to the supplier of the water heater. It appears that the thermic fuse which is part of the printed circuit board had blown! £300 to replace, looks like cold showers for a while! We had arranged to go out with Manuel, Yannick and Myriam so cold showers it was! We had a lovely evening catching up with them. Manuel and Yannick are going on holiday to Corsica on Saturday so it will be a while before we see them again.

Wednesday 4th September
Kevin made an early morning phone call to Geoff to discuss the water heater,  thanks Geoff for all your help. We contacted the supplier and he agreed we needed to buy the complete circuit board! Kevin is investigating alternative options, in the meantime it's cold showers and boiling the kettle for hot water for washing up! I washed the outside of the caravan to remove all the grass cuttings whilst Kevin finished strimming round the caravan. At 10.30am Robert and Caro called for a coffee, they came baring gifts, figs, home grown tomatoes and flowers all very much appreciated. Kevin then spent time sorting the water in the barn, by the end of the afternoon he had filled the water heater and checked for leaks, fortunately all went well. Hopefully we will have hot water in the barn tomorrow, looking forward to a warm shower! I emptied the out building and brushed all the cobwebs away and gave it a good brush out, looks much better without the spiders Kath! David arrived at 2ish to collect his grass seed that we had brought back for him, had a quick coffee and catch up with him. Kevin put the missing tile back in place in the shower whilst I weeded the garden. It's beginning to look as if we are back in residence! I decided to have a swim before braving the cold shower! A beautiful day, sunny with a gentle breeze, perfect for working in.

Thursday 5th September
A busy day for us both. Kevin changed the plumbing from the temporary system to the permanent system, just a few issues but he managed to sort them fairly quickly. He also grouted the final tile in place in the guest bathroom and then fixed the shower head in place, just need to wait 24 hours before using the shower! Guess it's another cold shower then tonight! Kevin then connected the electrics for the water heater. Final test tomorrow, will see if we manage to get some hot water for showers! I cut the front grass and strimmed round the edges. Maureen and Mike called for a coffee, was good to catch up with them, they are here for two weeks so hopefully we can have a get together one evening next week. We filled the trailer with left over plaster board and floor boarding and took it to the dechetterie. This has made space in the lounge area for me to empty the kitchen of all the tools and equipment ready to start the kitchen. I started to brush the cobwebs and sorted half the lounge before going for my cold shower.  Had to wash my hair over the sink as it was just too cold to put my head under the shower, wimp!! (Kevin did the same!).

Friday 6th September
Another beautiful day. We both worked hard sorting out the barn. I started by cleaning the guest bedroom and making the beds ready for Andrew and Kath next week. I then cleaned the guest shower room, Kevin had switched on the water heater and we had hot water by lunchtime! Kevin started clearing the equipment in the kitchen area, the plan being to empty the kitchen ready for starting work in there. We both sorted the spare bits of wood which has been stored in the lounge area for two years! We filled the trailer with wood and lots of other rubbish so had another trip to the dechetterie after lunch. I gave everywhere in the barn a good brush on our return whilst Kevin put some sealant against the window wall,sealing where the Pierre apparent meets the floor,in the guest bedroom, he also sorted some more electrics out. We both had a hot shower using the guest bathroom, perfect! and another milestone, first showers in the barn! We are going to Nev and Barbara's tonight for a meal so looking forward to seeing them and catching up.

Saturday 7th September
We spent a lovely evening with Nev and Barbara, Nev cooked a superb meal, melon and palma ham, chicken casserole with broccoli and new potatoes and then a variety of cheese and small cakes. Kevin was driving so I had a couple of glasses of rose wine! We decided to go to Angouleme to look at kitchens, we called at Le Roy Merlin's, Brico Depot and then Castorama, not sure we have found what we want yet though! we also called at Grand Fraise and bought some kebabs for when Andrew and Kath are here and then did the weekend shop at Carrefour. It was about 5.30pm when we got back to the barn so we decided to have the usual Friday tea and then watched Strictly.

Sunday 8th September
I did the weekly bed change and five loads of washing and ironing. I also made chilli for dinner and froze some for when Andrew and Kath are here. Kevin started to sort the water in the caravan, he decided to asked David (Maureen and Mike's son in law)to help him with the soldering. Fortunately they managed to solder the circuit board and we now have hot water again in the caravan working off the gas supply. Hopefully this will continue! We went to Nev and Barbara's late afternoon to collect his scaffold and the temporary staircase which they have kindly lent us whilst Andrew and Kath are with us, making it safer (hopefully) for them to get to bed after a drink or two!

Monday 9th September
A frustrating but busy day. We started off with no water in the caravan, Kevin had to refit the connector and fortunately we had water! Neil and Mark arrived and completed the preparation of the final side wall of the barn ready for pierre apparent tomorrow. This is the side that is in Madame' s garden so we made sure her garden was kept tidy. Kevin went for plaster board and wood ready for starting the kitchen, fetched sand ready for Neil and Mark and he also fixed the temporary stairs in place ready for Andrew and Kath, think we are almost ready for their arrival now. I went food shopping and fed and watered the boys. I cleaned the awning windows, cleared all the weeds out of the flags in the awning, cleaned the pool filter, cleaned the guest bathroom, sorted the spare front bedroom and brushed upstairs, helped Kevin sweep Madame' s garden and then did some weeding. A good days work by all!

Tuesday 10th September
A busy day. Neil and Mark completed the top third of the pierre apparent. Kevin completed the final bit of boxing out in the utility room and then covered it with plaster board. He then started planning the kitchen, placing the wooden struts in place ready for the plaster board. I did the shopping and fed the boys. Then spent the afternoon strimming. I finished the day by sweeping up the mess all the boys had made! At 7.30pm the television decided not to work, Kevin spent time checking all the connections and it seems to be the television connection in the caravan which is no longer working! Fortunately Kevin managed to by pass the caravan connection and pass the ariel in through a window and we have a working television! Just wondering what will go wrong next in the caravan!

Wednesday 11th September
Mark and Neil continued with the pierre apparent, Mark only worked until lunchtime as he had visitor's arriving. Neil had completed the second third of the wall by the end of the afternoon. Kevin completed the balustrade on the front side of the bridge, so Andrew and Kath should be safe on the bridge now. He helped Neil with the brushing of the wall during the afternoon. After my usual shop and feeding and watering the boys I filled in the holes in the plaster board in the utility room and then washed and vacuumed the car. I also went to help with the clearing up of the scrapped off cement. After quick showers we nipped to Le Clercs for wine and beer, essentials!! Another beautiful,sunny day, keeping fingers crossed it lasts for Andrew and Kath.

Thursday 12th September
Another busy and productive day. Neil continued with the pierre apparent and only has a small section to complete tomorrow. Kevin fitted some laminate flooring in the entrance hall between the two guest bedrooms, so Andrew and Kath can get to the bathroom with bare feet! He also went to Brico Marche for electric cable and multi couches piping ready to fit in the kitchen ceiling. He spent some time setting out and planning the kitchen walls and ceiling. I did the usual shop and sorted food and drinks. Washed the caravan carpet, cut the back garden grass, swept the barn and sorted equipment and then helped Kevin clear up for Neil. We have been invited to Maureen and Mike's for drinks tonight so looking forward to seeing them and Karen and Dave. Another beautiful day 33 degrees in the caravan this afternoon.

Friday 13th September
Yet another good days work! Neil finished the pierre apparent so that's all sides of the barn completed. Madame was really pleased and came out with two bottles of wine and then later brought another one, think she is happy! Kevin put the pipework under the bridge to our bathroom, took Nev's scaffold back and then planned where he is putting the wiring for the kitchen. I did a big food shop ready for Andrew and Kath's arrival, mopped the utility room, guest bedroom and bathroom and cleaned the temporary staircase. After lunch I went into the van to wash up and heard water gushing, the water pipe to the caravan has split! Kevin had to go and buy a jubilee clip before he could mend it, it is Friday 13th after all! I helped Neil clear up Madame's garden during the afternoon before cutting the front grass. After a final brush of the barn and a clean of the water line of the pool and we are finally ready for Andrew and Kath. The weather is beautiful, 40 degrees in the caravan at 7.30pm still. Just hope the weather holds next week. After showers we sat in the garden enjoying the sunshine and the view with a well earned gin and tonic.

Saturday 14th September
We spent the morning doing the final preparations for Andrew and Kath' s arrival. I made a beef bourgignon and a fresh fruit salad, Kevin helped by peeling the onions and shallots and had a good cry! We set off for Bergerac airport at 12.50pm and arrived in plenty of time. Andrew and Kath's flight was on time so they were through the gate by 2.30pm. Just as they arrived it started to rain just a little.(it always rains when Andrew and Kath are here!) We decided to call at the Montbassillac Chateau on our way home, an interesting visit with the obligatory taste of wine! As we came out it had started to rain a little harder. Fortunately it had stopped by the time we got back to the barn. We had a glass of prosecco to celebrate our first visitors staying in the barn followed by dinner sat in the garden. A perfect end to the day.

Sunday 15th September
After a lazy breakfast we went to La Jemaye and had a lovely walk around the lake before it got too hot. We had a quick drink at the restaurant by the lake before setting off for Robert and Caro's to water their tomatoes. When we arrived David was sat in his front garden with his latest visitors, he kindly offered us a glass of wine so we joined them and enjoyed sitting chatting with his visitors. We then went and watered the tomatoes before going back to the barn for a late lunch. After lunch we relaxed sat round the pool and cooled down in the pool, it was 38 degrees today. After a BBQ we sat in the garden until it was cool enough to sit in the awning to play cards. Andrew and I beat Kevin and Kath tonight.

Monday 16th September
Another beautiful day, sunshine all day and a lovely evening. A work day for the boys, they started by fixing the pipework in the kitchen and then put in the electrics for the kitchen spotlights. In the afternoon they fitted two pieces of plaster board to the kitchen ceiling and made the holes for four of the spotlights. Kath and I went food shopping and prepared lunch and dinner and then had some 'chill' time sat round the pool reading and cooling off in the pool, a first for me in three years! After dinner we played whist and Andrew and I won the final hand to win the evening game.

Tuesday 17th September
A rest day. We decided to go and see the panoramic gardens at Limeuil, one of the plus beau villages. It's an hour and a half drive away but well worth it when we got there. Lovely gardens with a panoramic view of the Dordogne river. We decided to have lunch there, menu of the day 20 euros in a beautiful setting. When we got back to the barn we had a swim and then cheese and bread for supper before playing whist, for the third night in a row Andrew and I won, two games tonight! Another hot day 34 degrees at 6.30pm.

Wednesday 18th September
Another beautiful day, 29 degrees at 5pm. Andrew and Kevin had a work day, they continued putting up plasterboard on the kitchen ceiling and also put in the wiring for the towel rail in the kitchen. Maureen, Mike, Karen and Dave came down for coffee at 11am. Kevin had taken the trailer up for them to fill at 9am so he arranged to take them to the dechetterie at 2.30pm to empty it. Kevin and Andrew called for more wood and plaster board on their way back. Kath and I went shopping for bread and called at Robert and Caro's and watered their tomatoes. We did potting jobs and Kath worked hard at keeping the leaves out of the swimming pool, a never ending task at the moment! We had a relaxing afternoon by the pool before having showers and going for pizza in Riberac for dinner. We played cards when we got back, Andy and I won.

Thursday 19th September
Yet another beautiful day, 28 degrees. After breakfast we went to the market at St Astier, a very pretty village where the market is in the streets so you meander through the town. It is Manuel's parents village. After wandering around we had a coffee sat in the sunshine watching the world go by before heading back to the barn. After lunch the boys worked in the barn putting up another piece of plaster board, sorting the vent pipe for the downstairs toilet, putting in the wall plate ready for putting in the final row of plaster board and then made the holes for the spotlights. Kath read by the pool while I planted the herbs we bought at the market. I joined Kath and read some more of my book before swimming. We had a BBQ and then played cards. One game each tonight.

Friday 20th September
After breakfast we all went down to the Friday market in Riberac. After a wander around we went for coffee and croissants at Cafe des Colonnes. We called at Robert and Caro's on our way back to water the tomatoes. The boys then started work in the barn, completing the final sections of the ceiling plaster board by the end of the afternoon. Kath and I prepared lunch and then sat round the pool reading during the afternoon. Kath, Andrew and I all had a swim, Kevin was nesh and sat watching us, it was 25 degrees in the pool and 29 degrees out!  After showers we went to A Table restaurant at Le Guide, we enjoyed a fabulous meal sat outside enjoying the warm evening. It was almost 11pm when we got back so no time for cards tonight.

Saturday 21st September
After breakfast we packed the car with Andrew and Kath's cases and then left for Bergerac. We had a walk round Bergerac before having lunch sat outside. A great end to a fabulous week. We then took Andrew and Kath to the airport and said our goodbyes. It was sad to see them go as we had really enjoyed our week with them, our first guests in the barn. We then decided to go to Bordeaux to Ikea to look at there kitchen units, a big mistake, it took us over two hour to get there with the traffic and Ikea was very busy, mental note to not go on a Saturday again.  It was almost 7pm when we got back to the barn, it was pouring down so the washing I left out in the morning ended up in the tumble drier! We watched the first Strictly programme before going to sleep.

Sunday 22nd September
We woke up to pouring rain, much needed but not today when I had lots of washing! It was very quiet and it was back to work and down to earth for the two of us. I worked in the caravan, sorting the bedding and moving it into the barn. We have decided to sleep in the barn for the remaining time. I cleaned the caravan, did about ten loads of washing and ironing and then cleaned the bedroom and bathroom in the barn. By mid afternoon we were all settled in the bedroom and the caravan was clean. Kevin worked in the kitchen, setting out the framework for the walls. The internet went down at 9.30am, Kevin tried to contact Big Blue but no response so had to wait until today to contact them. we were both shattered by the end of the day. The television humax box has now decided not to work, we can just get one channel! A good first nights sleep in the barn.

Monday 23rd September
Back to work in the barn for the A team! On our own now for three weeks so we need to make some progress on the kitchen. Kevin worked hard and by the end of the day had the walls set out and one piece of plasterboard fitted with the light switch in place and four spotlights. I rubbed down the utility room and completed another coat of filling in, filled in the ceiling holes in the downstairs toilet and then moved into the kitchen and filled in the holes in the ceiling, a good days work from both of us. The internet is now working but the television still only works on one channel! A cooler day but no rain so perfect for working in.

Tuesday 24th September
We woke up to rain and it was a dull day although warm still. We both worked hard, Kevin started by fitting the final four spotlights and then connected them to the electric box, he then switched the lights on, we have lights in the kitchen now!  He then continued setting out the walls in the kitchen, making a frame for a shelf at the sink end of the room, he also made holes in the wall for an outside tap and electric socket. I spent most of the day in the utility room! I rubbed down the plaster and then painted the ceiling and walls, giving the new bit four coats of paint. It took me as long to clear up my mess as it did to paint the room! Think I got more paint on me than the walls! After early showers we nipped to Riberac for more plaster filler, a gas bottle and food.

Wednesday 25th September
Another productive day. I did a mini clean of both the caravan and bedroom and bathroom. Kevin continued working on the framing out of the kitchen window wall. Manuel popped down for coffee and to look at progress. I then moved on to be the builders mate, making a cardboard template of the window wall ready to cut OSB board to provide the base for the plasterboard and then tiles. By the end of the day the window wall was complete and Kevin had framed one of the side walls. It's beginning to take shape now.

Thursday 26th September
We decided to go and order the kitchen today so after breakfast we set off for  Castorama at Angouleme. After over two hours with the sales assistant we had ordered our new kitchen along with fridge freezer and dishwasher. We have the oven, hob and cooker hood already so all set. It will hopefully be delivered by 22nd October. It will probably not get fitted now until next year but at least it will be ready and waiting for us! We then went to Brico Depot and ordered the floor tiles for the downstairs, they will be ready after 10th October, again we are not ready to fit them but since we had seen the ones we liked thought it was best to buy them before they were no longer available. So a very expensive day, Kevin had to have a beer tonight to recover! On our return we made a quick visit to Montignac Le Coq to see an Art exhibition of botanical watercolours by Liz Hansen, she is a the sister of David from across the valley, what a superb artist. Kevin then went for more mundane shopping, wood and plaster board to complete the kitchen walls. On his return we put some electrics into the kitchen wall and then covered it with a sheet of plaster board, so a busy day again. A better day, started dull but a lovely sunny afternoon, 25 degrees.

Friday 27th September
Another busy for both of us. I nipped to Aldi for bread and cheese, essential Friday food! Kevin continued cutting and fitting plasterboard in the kitchen, by the end for the day we had just about three walls complete all with first fix electrics in place for the cooker, microwave, fridge and electric sockets. I made two cardboard templates for the tricky pieces of plasterboard by the pierre apparent and then filled in the screw holes on the plasterboard. I finished the day by rubbing down the first coat of filling in on the ceiling and giving the screws a second coat of plaster. Getting nearer to painting the kitchen. We are both shattered tonight but enjoyed the usual Friday tea. The new free sat box arrived at Intermarche at about 2pm so we nipped down to collect it. Kevin plugged it in and we immediately had all television programmes, Thank you Amazon France, we no longer need to watch Eastenders!

Saturday 28th September
Another productive day. We both continued with our work in the kitchen. Kevin fitted the final piece of plaster board on the back wall and then completed the wall studs on the final wall, the longest and the most difficult one! This wall has the pipework for the sink and dishwasher and also electric plugs, the electric hob and extractor fan so it's going to take some time to complete it. I sorted the templates for the sink wall ready for Kevin to cut the plaster board which he did so the sink wall is also complete. I then filled in the screw holes on the back wall, rubbed down yesterday's walls and gave then a second filling. I also painted the RSJ between the kitchen and dinning room with hammerite paint to prevent it going rusty, hopefully it will now see us out ( as dad would say!). We then had showers and are now going to Brico Marche for more pipes to complete the plumbing before meeting Nev and Barbara at the pizza restaurant for dinner.

Sunday 29th September
Another busy day. Kevin worked hard and by the end of the day had completed the plasterboard and electrics first fit on the final long wall in the kitchen. I did the usual Sunday bed change and loads of washing, the weather was lovely so I managed to get it all dry and ironed before it started to rain in the afternoon. I cleaned the bedroom and bathroom and the caravan before rubbing two walls down in the kitchen and filling in the third wall. Manuel invited us for coffee at 11am, we spent an hour with him practicing our French! We are both shattered tonight but happy with the progress this week.

Monday 30th September
A dull start to the day but a beautiful end, sunshine at 7.30pm and 32 degrees in the caravan! Another productive day. Kevin finished fixing the plasterboards and then completed a first coat of filling in round the top edge and the ceiling. I filled in the screw holes and joints on the long wall and rubbed down the short walls. Another day should see the filling in complete and ready for painting. David and Nev called for coffee so had a good chat putting the world to rights! After lunch I cut the grass, cleaned the BBQ and tidied the garden. Kevin started sorting the electrics sockets.

Tuesday 1st October
We woke to the sound of thunder, lightening and pouring rain, this continued most of the morning and then rained on and off throughout the day. We continued rubbing down and filling the plasterboard, by coffee time we had just about finished. Robert and Caro arrived for coffee bearing gifts, nine rose bushes that Caro has propagated herself and some figs. I managed to plant the roses in between the rain showers so keeping fingers crossed that they will grow over the winter months. We had the figs in Marsala and honey for dinner, both very much appreciated. After lunch Kevin continued fixing the electric sockets in place, I was the electricians mate! The kitchen just needs a final rub down in the morning and then we can paint the ceiling and walls.

Wednesday 2nd October
Another productive day, we started by giving the kitchen walls a final rub down and then gave the walls and ceiling a first coat of watered down paint. We finished by 11.30am so it was time for a coffee, Manuel popped down for one with us. After lunch we gave the kitchen a second coat of paint,this time not watered down, its beginning to look good but think it will need two more coats to fully cover the green plasterboards. Once finished we cleaned up and then gave the dining area a good tidy and brush ready for the next project, the staircase! After early showers we are off to David's for apperro with Robert and Caro, think its just what we need after a busy day!

Thursday 3rd October
We had a lovely evening at David's, superb nibbles and good company.  A cold start to the day, we put the electric heater on in the caravan at breakfast time. It turned into a lovely day, blue skies and plenty of warm sunshine. Another busy day, we started by giving the kitchen it's third cost of paint. Manuel came for coffee and then we moved some plasterboards upstairs making room to start the staircase. Kevin put some aluminium foil insulation on the outside wall of our bedroom and en-suite while the paint was drying. I sorted the pool out ready for closing for winter. After lunch we gave the kitchen another coat of paint, hopefully it's last! Manuel brought his mum down to have a look at our progress during the afternoon. I finished the day by sorting out the paint supplies and sorting the walk in wardrobe out, it was filthy!

Friday 4th October
A dull and colder start to the day but sunny and 21 degrees by 5pm. I nipped to Le Clercs for the weekend shopping whilst Kevin put the front pieces on the electric sockets in the kitchen. I prepared some garlic bread as we are going to Myriam's tonight, we are providing the chilli, rice and garlic bread, Myriam the starter and Manuel the dessert. After coffee we finished putting the swimming pool to bed for the winter by removing the pump, chlorinator and the PH probe, sad to shut it as it means winter is coming and our time here this year is coming to an end. Kevin then started to build the staircase, taking time to measure and put the two stringers in place, not fitted yet but went together well. I cleaned the painting tools and then put sand bags around the pool to prevent the wind lifting the cover over winter. I had booked a hair appointment with Anya at 5.45pm but when we got there the village had a power cut so no hair cut today, she is going to contact me and let me know when she can fit me in.

Saturday 5th October
We had a lovely evening with our French friends last night, didn't get to bed until after 11.30pm! Kevin spent the day setting out the wood for the staircase, a difficult and precise job but by the end of the day he was happy with the outcome and is now ready to start routing. I had a steady day, cleaned the van, made coffee for our French friends, packed summer clothes in sealed bags and cleaned cupboards out. In between I was the joiner mate, holding the tape measure! We are going to the Citronier in Riberac tonight to celebrate Nev's birthday along with Phil and Lesley so looking forward to seeing everyone and to catch up with Phil and Lesley as we have not seen them for a while.

Sunday 6th October
We had a lovely evening last night, good food and great company. Kevin continued working on the staircase. He made a jig for the router and then routed the grooves for the tread inserts, by the end of the day he had completed both stringers. I did my usual Sunday jobs, beds changed, washing and ironing done, bedroom and bathroom cleaned and then cleaned the caravan windows and oiled the seals ready for leaving over winter. A dull day until the evening when the sun came out.

Monday 7th October

A busy day. Kevin cut the stringers for the staircase to size and then I planed and sanded then. Hard work and think I have more muscles in my arms now! After lunch I gave one side of each stringers a coat of undercoat. Kevin cut all the treads and started to sand them and routed a nosing in some of them. I nipped for my hair cutting at 4pm. On my return I gave the other side of the stringers a coat of paint and then cut the grass. Manuel and his mum came down for coffee bearing two fresh beetroots and then later he brought half a pumpkin down so have just boiled the beetroot and made pumpkin soup, instant dinner tomorrow! Think we should sleep well tonight as we are both shattered!

Tuesday 8th October
Another day of good progress. Kevin started the day by re routing the temporary electrics so he could work on our ensuite, he put some plastic sheeting against the outside wall and then started to put insulation in place. I gave the stringers a coat of satin wood finish and then sanded the oak treds down. Kevin then put a nosing on each tred. I treated them with a mixture of linseed oil and turps to bring out the markings and their colour. The staircase is beginning to take shape, I just need to put a coat of satin wood on one side of the stringers tomorrow, give it time to dry over night then we can try to fit the pieces together on Thursday! After a quick coffee we cut the grass round the caravan and I finished the day with a bit of strimming. Shattered again but happy with progress. A beautiful day.

Wednesday 9th October
A dull start to the day, it improved but the wind got up. Kevin worked hard in our ensuite, putting insulation in place, sorting electrics and putting some plasterboard up. I gave the stringers a final coat of paint and then spent most of the day sweeping up all the sawdust from making the stairs! Everywhere is covered in a layer of sawdust! I also tidied the garden, taking out the petunias, planted some daffodils and cutting the butterfly lavender back. The garden is almost ready to leave for winter.

Thursday 10th October
Another milestone day! After some very hard work and some stressful times we have a staircase! We spent the whole day working on the staircase, trialing the treads, trialing the stringers in place with a couple of treads, sticking the treads and screwing them in place and finally lifting the staircase into place. That was no mean feat! It is so heavy we had to use the block and tackle to lift it into place. The glue ran out over the paintwork so I had to sand it down and will need to give it another coat of undercoat and then a coat  satin gloss. I also organised our bedroom ready for the insulation and plasterboard to be fitted next week. I moved 20 boxes of laminate flooring into the spare front bedroom! Kevin finished the day by putting up another piece of plasterboard in the ensuite. Manuel arrived at about 5pm so we sat in the garden and enjoyed a cheeky gin and tonic with him. A beautiful day with a lovely weekend forecast.

Friday 11th October
I got a 'pass out' this morning and went with Manuel for a wander around Riberac market, it was a beautiful morning and a great atmosphere at the market. We managed to sneak a hot chocolate and croissant at Cafe des Colonnnes! We called at the new biocop shop on our way home, they sell all sorts of bio food products. I bought Kevin a pain au raisin for 1.98 euros! He did enjoy it with a coffee on our return! I then reported for duty and filled in the screw holes in our ensuite before lunch and then strimmed all afternoon. Kevin worked on the electrics so he can put more plasterboard in out ensuite. He also put a piece of plasterboard on the ceiling in the ensuite ready for some spotlights. After showers we are going to Vertiallac for a meal with Robert, Caro and David, it's Robert and Caro's last  night so it's a 'bon voyage' meal. David has kindly offered to drive so they are picking us up at 7.50pm.

Saturday 12th October
We had a lovely evening last night,  good food and good company. Another beautiful day and another day of hard work for us! Kevin continued working on the insulation and the electrics for our bedroom and ensuite. I did the Sunday jobs, cleaned the van and awning and then cleaned the bedroom and bathroom in the barn. After coffee I made some card templates for the plasterboards and then swept the barn, it was filthy again! At about 3pm Kevin went to Le Roy Merlin's for more insulation, I decide to stay home and cut the grass and did the ironing before preparing dinner, chilli! We had a relaxing evening watching Strictly, much needed as we are both shattered. We are having a  much deserved day of rest tomorrow, Jeanette and Trevor are coming and we are going to A Table for Sunday dinner so really looking forward to seeing them.

Sunday 13th October
No internet today so no blog until tonight, Monday! A day of rest. Jeanette and Trevor arrived around 11am and we sat and caught up over a coffee. We left for La Guide at 12.30pm. Imagine our surprise when we opened the restaurant door to see all the tables and chairs stacked and nobody around, we rang the bell, shouted 'Bonjour' all to no avail, we wandered around but nobody to be seen so it was obvious we were not going to be fed there. We got back in our cars and drove to Vertiallac where we left Jeanette and Trevor car and then proceed to Bertric Buree to Aux Petits Oignons where fortunately they set another table and we then had a lovely meal. Not what we expected but we enjoyed the meal anyway. After we came back to the barn and enjoyed coffee sat in the garden in the sunshine,  27 degrees. A lovely day with Jeanette and Trevor but will try to find out what happened to our booking at La Guide!

Monday 14th October
Neil returned today, he and Kevin continued putting up plasterboard in our ensuite. I did some food shopping and after preparing lunch I emptied the fridge freezer in the outhouse and Kevin and Neil then moved it into the utility room. I washed it out before refilling it. Nev and Barbara arrived about 11.45am and had coffee with us. They mentioned a thunderstorm with hail was forecast along with 100 kilometre winds. We decided it would be a good idea to take the awning down as it wouldn't survive these wind speeds. So Neil, Kevin and I had the awning down and put away in record time, we also brought in the remaining summer sun loungers. After lunch Kevin went for more plasterboard before the rain arrived and I spent the afternoon sorting the winter storage in the barn. Fortunately the high winds didn't arrive, just heavy rain and a thunderstorm but no hailstones so think we got away lightly.

Tuesday 15th October
A busy day. Kevin and I went to Brico Depot in Angolueme to collect the floor tiles we ordered two weeks ago. We hired a self drive transit van to bring them back so it was a quick drop off of 53 boxes of tiles and a quick return trip for Kevin with the van. They charge by the hour and by kilometres travelled. We managed it all in three hours so not bad. Fortunately Neil was here and Manuel kindly offered to help with the unloading, the boxes were just too heavy for me to carry, or that was my excuse! Whilst Kevin returned the van I gave Neil and Manuel their lunch. After I filled in some of the nail holes in the ensuite. Neil had been fitting more plasterboards this morning, he also put some noggins in place in our bedroom walls ready for insulation and plasterboard tomorrow. Kevin finished putting the final pieces of plasterboard in the ensuite on his return so another room ready for filling and then painting!

Wednesday 16th October
Another busy and productive day. Neil and Kevin started by filling in the high gaps in the ensuite. They then moved into our bedroom and started putting up more insulation and plaster. After fetching more filler and preparing lunch I rubbed down yesterday's filling in and then put a second coat of filler on the low areas. I was then the builders mate during the afternoon, clearing up after the two of them! Had some good news today, the kitchen has arrived at Castorama. Manuel kindly telephoned them for us and it is being delivered on Friday between 9 and 11am, that's four days ahead of schedule so hopefully we will get some of the kitchen fitted before the end of next week. A lovely autumn day, after Neil left we took the temporary staircase back to Nev and Barbara's and had a look at their finished sun room, all very professional and looks lovely, and of course we had a quick appero with them!

Thursday 17th October
Another busy and productive day. Kevin spent most of the day sorting the electrics out above the loft. He feels much happier now that he has had time to sort some of them out. Neil spent most of the day rubbing down the filling in in the ensuite. I made a quiche and other nibbles for tonight, we have invited our French neighbours, Danielle, Gerard, Myriam and Manuel for drinks and nibbles at 6.30pm. I then helped Neil with the second coat of filling in before setting the table in the kitchen of the barn. We had a lovely evening chatting in French and English, we are just so lucky to have such good French neighbours who are now good friends.

Friday 18th October
Yet another productive day. Kevin continued putting insulation and plasterboards on our bedroom outside wall. He also sorted more electrics out. Neil continued filling in and sanding down the higher bits in the ensuite whilst I did the lower bits. It's all completed now, just a final rub down and the ensuite is ready for painting. The kitchen units arrived at 10am, four days ahead of schedule. Hopefully we can start to make the units up tomorrow and then start to fit them into place. We are going to the Chabrot restaurant with New and Barbara tonight, our treat to say thank you for all their help and support and for the loan of the scaffold and the temporary staircase.

Saturday 19th October
We had a lovely evening at La Chabrot, food and company both superb.
We have spent all day today making up kitchen carcasses, it took all morning to make one drawer unit! Trying to follow pictures and understand the French instructions was difficult to say the least! Why is every self assembly pack different!! By the end of the day we had the cooker housing, two corner units and a drawer unit made up. Kevin moved the television into the barn so we could listen to the Brexit debate! Hopefully tomorrow we will be quicker as we know the routine now. Kevin also put up a piece of plasterboard in our bedroom, every little helps!

Sunday 20th October
The start of our last week for 2019, it seems to have gone so quickly. Kevin continued putting together the tall unit carcasses whilst I did my usual Sunday 'jobs' We had coffee listening the Archers whilst I did some ironing and put the photos on the blog. We then both worked on the remaining carcasses, finishing at 6pm with all the carcasses completed so a good weekends work. Manuel popped down for a coffee at 3.30pm. I had made a chicken casserole for dinner in the slow cooker which we have just enjoyed! Both shattered but happy with progress. Hopefully we will get most of the units fixed in place next week and some of the plumbing sorted.

Monday 21st October
Another day of good progress. Kevin and Neil worked on the difficult high pieces of plasterboard in our bedroom. Kevin also fixed together the two short sides of the kitchen units after levelling them. I started packing the caravan and then went into the barn and sanded the walls of our ensuite, they are ready for painting now. I also sorted the spare wood and swept our bedroom after the workers. We finished working at 7pm so we are both tired but happy with the days work.

Tuesday 22nd October
Yet another productive day with lots of progress. Kevin spent most of the day in the loft above our dressing room. Think he is making himself a bedroom up there! Seriously he worked hard on sorting the electrics, we now have lights that work in the ensuite, the dressing room, our bedroom and the dinning room. So nearly all the lights are working now. Neil sanded down the ceilings in the ensuite and then finished putting in the last six pieces of plasterboard in our bedroom so another room ready for filling and then painting. After shopping, making lunch and sorting four cupboards in the caravan I started the filling in our bedroom. By the end of the day I had completed the low bits. Still lots to fill but a good start made. Once again we are both shattered tonight.

Wednesday 23rd October
Unfortunately  Neil has a cold today so he is having a day off, so it's just the A team! We gave the ensuite two coats of paint, it needs at least two more but it's a start. I filled in more of our bedroom walls, Kevin put some small pieces of plasterboard next to the beams and then worked on the kitchen plumbing. So once again shattered, I ache everywhere so looking forward to a long soak in the bath when we get home! We are going out for a meal with David tonight to Chez Moran, there is also some music so should be a good night.

Thursday 24th October
We had a superb evening last night, 15 euros for a five course meal and live music! Well worth the money. Neil is still not feeling well so another day on our own! We started by giving the ensuite another coat of paint. Kevin started the plumbing in the kitchen whilst I painted the walls in the ensuite.  After coffee I became the plumbers mate in between clearing some of the equipment away ready to leave over winter. We continued working on the plumbing until 4pm when we had early showers and then went to the cinema in Riberac to watch Downton Abbey. Nev and Barbara joined us. We enjoyed the film, just like the Christmas productions really. After we all went to the pizza restaurant for our last pizza this year. An enjoyable end to the day.

Friday 25th October
Neil was back today so the three of us worked hard. Kevin gave the ensuite ceiling it's fourth coat of paint and then he completed the plumbing in the kitchen, it just needs connecting to the water next year. Neil filled in the high gaps in our bedroom ceiling and walls. I gave the ensuite walls a fourth coat of paint and then brushed and vacuumed the ensuite and our bedroom as the boys then moved the king sized bed in so it is left flat over the winter, just need to cover it with dust sheets now. The boys moved the fridge freezer into it's cabinet, put the worktops on top of the kitchen units so again they are left flat for winter. We finished at 5pm with the boys having a beer to celebrate all the work we have done this year, I had flavoured water! Manuel joined us for a beer. Just need to finish sorting equipment and finish packing, cut the grass and go to the dechetterie tomorrow!

Saturday 26th October
Yet another busy day but this time getting ready for going home. We started the day by taking a trailer full of cardboard and plasterboard along with a garden chair for Manuel to the dechetterie. Manuel came with us and helped unload the trailer so we were back at the barn by 9.30am. Kevin watched the England rugby match whilst I packed the remaining clothes and then joined Manuel and Myriam for a coffee at Manuel's. After I nipped to Le Clercs for a bit of food to get us to Tuesday. After the rugby we both sorted the car ready for home. Kevin put the top box on whilst I vacummed and cleaned the inside. Kevin also packed the wine and all the bags that were ready so almost packed ready for Tuesday. After lunch we both worked in the garden, I cut the grass whilst Kevin did the strimming. Whilst I weeded the garden Kevin took detailed measurements of each room so he can plan the next sections of work over winter. After showers we sat enjoying a pre dinner drink in the garden enjoying the last of the sunshine.

Sunday 27th October
Another day of preparing to leave. I did some more packing and then put weed killer around the pool area, caravan and by the back door, hopefully we will not be overgrown  when we return in the Spring! Kevin filled in some of the holes in the doors, hoping to stop any mice getting in. We did lots of sorting jobs and are now just about ready to leave as usual a day early. We sat in the garden enjoying a last drink and watching the sun go down before dinner. We will miss the view and the quietness.

Monday 28th October
Well it's soon come round to our last day. We emptied and cleaned the guest bedroom and bathroom and moved back into the caravan for our final night. We finished packing and emptied the fridges and freezer. All packed and ready for  the off in the morning. Just need to sort the water and electrics in the caravan after showers and breakfast. Neil called to collect our scaffold as he is borrowing it to render David an outside wall. He stayed for a coffee and Manuel joined us. Nev and Barbara arrived after his French class. Lovely to see them both, we sat having a coffee and putting the world to rights! Sad to say goodbye to them but not that long until we will be back. David  called during the afternoon for me to witness his signature, we enjoyed a coffee with him. We are going to the pizzeria with Manuel for our final meal tonight. So that's it for this year folks. A bientot.