Once again there isn't room for a pin in the car! We set the alarm for 5am and after showers and breakfast left home at 6.20am. We had a good journey to the tunnel despite wind, rain and the occasional sunshine hindering the drivers view. We managed to get on an earlier train so arrived in France at 12.30pm local time. We had a steady journey to Alencon again in rain, wind and sunshine, just like being at home! We arrived at our hotel at 5pm. Kevin made a welcome gin and tonic whilst I spoke to mum. Had an early evening meal at 7pm in the hotel then an early night.
Monday 9th March
We set the alarm for 6am and were back on the road by
7.10am. We made good time and arrived at LeRoy Merlin’s in Angouleme at 11.20am.
Kevin bought some plumbing bits ready for the kitchen sink. We arrived at the
barn at 12.40pm. We had asked David’s gardener, Alexandre, to cut the grass so
the garden looked good, the daffodils are flowering and the roses have leaves
so hopefully they will flower later in the year. The caravan had wintered well
and everything in the barn was just as we had left it, (no fairies had finished
it whilst we had been at home!) We unpacked the car and started sorting things
out before we stopped for lunch. We decided to go to Le Clerc’s for essential
shopping. On our way back we popped to Nev and Barbara’s to deliver the pork
pies I had bought for him. It was lovely to see them and catch up. We organised
to go out with them on Saturday night. On our return we continued unpacking and
eventually stopped for dinner at 7.30pm, fortunately I had made a chilli and
brought it will us so an easy meal. We have decided to sleep in the barn so I
had made the beds ready and we were in bed by 10pm shattered.
Tuesday 10th March
After breakfast I prepared a chicken casserole in the slow
cooker and then continued unpacking and sorting both the caravan and barn.
Kevin started fixing the units in the kitchen, he started fitting the cooker
and the microwave, this proved to be a more a difficult job than he had expected
taking most of the day. Manuel and his mum came for coffee at 11am, so good to
see them both but also very sad for them both following the death of his father
last month. We both worked in the kitchen for the remainder of the day. After
showers we enjoyed the casserole with a gin and tonic for me and a glass of
wine for Kevin!
Wednesday 11th March
An interesting day, Kevin continued working in the kitchen
and fixed the fridge / freezer in place and then set out the long wall before fitting
the extractor fan. I helped him for a while in the morning. David arrived as I
was just leaving for Manuel’s house, his mum had invited me to watch how they
prepared the foie gras, his uncle, aunt and his cousin and her husband were all
there with thirty duck livers! They all had to be prepared before packing in tins
with almanac and seasoning. I helped by putting the almanac and seasoning in
the can before it was filled with the prepared liver, I then topped with more
almanac and seasoning. The cans were then taken to a local foie gras producer to
be sealed. The foie gras will not be ready to eat for another year. So a very
interesting morning. After lunch I cleaned the cupboards in the kitchen and
filled with food from home. Manuel invited us for drinks at 7pm with Myriam, we
spent a lovely evening chatting in French/English whilst drinking wine/gin and
eating cheese, what better way to spend an evening.
Thursday 12th March
A busy day for both, Kevin continued working in the kitchen,
fitting the wiring for the plinth lights, completing the extractor fan,
completed the wiring circuit and tried the dishwasher in its position. I
started rubbing down the plasterboard in our bedroom, completing two walls and
then put another coat of plaster on. We were both shattered by the end of the
day but good progress made. I finished the day by sorting the garden around the
outbuilding. We went to David’s for
dinner along with Robert and Caro, we had a lovely evening, superb food as
always and good company. It was gone eleven when we got home.
Friday
13th March
Kevin needed some more bits for the plumbing in the kitchen
so we decided to go early to Jamot’s in Riberac, fortunately they had all the
bits he needed. We then went to Le Clercs and did a big shop, just in case we
need to either self-isolate or are told not to go out because of the corona
virus. It’s beginning to get serious now and even the French are not kissing
each other! We bought some minced beef
which I made into Bolognese sauce on our return and then froze it so we have at
least five meals ready. Along with beef, chicken and veal for casseroles so hopefully we can survive for
a few days without going shopping. Nev and Barbara arrived late morning and we
sat in the sunshine chatting over coffee for a couple of hours, the weather was
superb and it was lovely to sit and chat with them. Manuel arrived as they were
leaving so we had another coffee with him, Danielle also joined us so a bit of
a rest day, much needed and really appreciated everyone calling to see us. Kevin
then continued with the plumbing whilst I did some gardening, too nice to work
inside! Had the usual Friday night tea and then an early night.
Saturday 14th March
A busy day for both, Kevin worked all day on the plumbing
and then the electrics in the kitchen, he had almost finished it by the end of
the day. I started by stripping the beds and sorting the washing then after
breakfast I cleaned the inside of the caravan and then went to Aldi for just a
couple of things. When I got there it was packed, lots of locals buying up the
shop after Macron’s announcement that schools are to close from Monday. On my
return I cleaned our bedroom and bathroom before lunch, Manuel came for coffee
at 11am. After lunch I decided to cut the grass whilst Kevin went to Brico
Marche for yet more plumbing bits. I finished off by cleaning the inside of the
car and then did the ironing before having a shower and getting ready to go to
Nev and Barbara's for dinner, we had decided not to go out to a restaurant as
the corona virus situation is getting
more serious each day.
Sunday 15th March
Well a strange day. It started by finding out we are on lockdown
due to the Corona virus. All the shops are now closed apart from food shops, chemist,
banks, petrol stations and tobacco shops! This is going to last for at least a
month. All educational institutions as also closed from Monday and people have
been encouraged to work from home wherever possible. It’s certainly worrying
times. It’s soon going to be a problem
continuing working on the barn as we will need materials from the builder’s
merchants, we will just do as much as possible and then perhaps I can read a
book! After breakfast Kevin nipped for
some money and petrol for the lawn mower, at least I can keep cutting the
grass! Whilst he was gone Robert and Caro arrived and invited us for Sunday
lunch, they should have been going to a restaurant but since they were now
closed had decided to cook a Sunday dinner. It was really kind of them to
invite us. Kevin continued with the plumbing and then Manuel and his mum
arrived for coffee and told us all about the lockdown. We had a lovely lunch
with Robert, Caro and David, it was gone 4pm when we arrived back at the barn.
At 5pm we went a walk with Manuel and Myriam, we only walked three kilometres
but I was shattered, just shows how unfit we have become over winter. On our return the four of us sat in our garden
watching the sunset after a beautiful sunny day with of course a drink! So very
little work done today but it was lovely spending time with our friends.
Monday 16th March
A milestone day. Kevin completed the plumbing and electrics
in the kitchen and then tested everything. We had fingers crossed for the plumbing
but we needn’t have worried, no leaks so a superb job done. All the electric
sockets also work so a satisfying day. Kevin also fitted the heated towel rail
and then fixed all the base units together, leveling them as he went along. I
was the builders mate today, holding pipes, cleaning up after the worker and
sorting tools out etc. Manuel and Myriam arrived for coffee at 11am, it might
be the last time we see them for two weeks as Macron announced tonight no
visits to friends or family, only now allowed to go out for food, petrol or to
the doctors or to work. We could be divorced by the end of this enforced
isolation! It’s really getting serious and worrying, not sure if we will be
able to get home at the end of April as he also announced no crossing of
borders for two weeks. Just hoping all these measures work and everything will
get back to some normality soon.
Tuesday 17th March
Kevin spent time fixing the corner closure pieces in the
kitchen, he fitted some doors and then he put the television on the wall. We
then sorted all the tools and equipment and I cleaned the kitchen area. We are
now ready for the worktops to be fitted next Monday. Manuel and Myriam arrived
for coffee at 11am, we are all keeping our distance and doing the ‘birdie song’
to greet each other! We decided we are family as we have spent so much time
together during the last week. Kevin contacted Chris who is going to fit the
worktops and he said he is still ok to come next Monday, fingers crossed this still
happens now we are on lockdown. After showers we went to the petrol station to
buy a gas bottle for the caravan, Riberac was like a ghost town, hardly anybody
about. On our way back we managed to get some stamps so I posted mum a second
Mother’s Day card, not sure when she will receive it though.
Wednesday 18th March
A busy and exhausting day for both of us. We worked in our
bedroom filling in the gaps between the plasterboard. By the end of the day
Kevin had completed most of the high filling in whilst I had rubbed down the lower
areas and put a second coat of filler on. Manuel and Myriam came for coffee at
11am. It was a beautiful sunny day, 30 degrees in the caravan at 6pm, so we sat
outside for lunch and again for about half an hour at 4pm when we had finished working
for the day. We then decided to put a set of kitchen drawers
together before we really finished for the day!
Thursday 19th March
An interesting start to the day.
After breakfast we decided to go food shopping. As we arrived at the Riberac
roundabout the police were stopping all cars and asking to see our letters of
authorisation (Attestation de Deplacement Derogatoire) and asking the reason
for our travel before we were allowed into Riberac. Fortunately, they allowed us
to proceed. When we arrived at Le Clerc's there was a security guard on the
entrance door and he was only allowing the over 70's, people who worked for the
medical services and the vulnerable in between 8.30 and 9.30am. I suppose we
should be grateful that they didn’t think we are over 70! So we sat in the car for
about 40 minutes. I had a good phone signal so managed to talk to mum, they are
managing ok at the moment but the UK are not on lockdown yet. Fortunately, once
we were allowed into the shop we managed to get everything we needed to last
for another week. At 11am we went across
to Myriam’s for coffee, we sat in the garden enjoying the sun as it was another
beautiful sunny day. Myriam kindly let us use her WiFi so we were able to check
our emails and deal with those that needed replies. After lunch we both
continued working in our bedroom. Kevin finished the first coat of filing in on
the high areas and I completed the low areas. So once again we were shattered.
We finished the day by putting the remaining cupboard doors on in the kitchen.
Friday 20th March
Another busy day. Kevin rubbed down the ceiling and high
walls in our bedroom whilst I washed the car. At 11am we nipped to Manuel for
coffee with Myriam, we sat in the garden sitting further apart every time we
meet! On our return Kevin continued his work in the bedroom and I pottered in
the garden as it was quiet time. After lunch I cut the grass and strimmed the front
garden. Kevin started the second coat of plaster and had almost finished it by
the end of the afternoon. Manuel, Myriam and Danielle came round at about 5pm
and we all sat well apart in the garden enjoying the sunshine with a drink. Before
we finished for the day we lifted ten of the flagstones around the caravan and
rerouted three of them as we have decided to manage without the awning.
Hopefully the grass will start to grow and there will be less strimming
required now.
Saturday 21st March
A frustrating day. It started well with Kevin continuing in
the bedroom and I did my usual weekend jobs. We had agreed to eat with Manuel,
Danielle and Myriam tonight with me providing a lasagne, however, last night Manuel
sent a message saying it was probably not wise to do this following current corona advice. So I made a take away
lasagne for Manuel and Myriam and also one for us. I put a third load of
washing in the machine just before 11am and unfortunately the machine wouldn’t
start. Kevin had a look at it and failed to get it working. Manuel and Myriam
arrived for coffee and after some thinking and reading of the instruction book
Myriam said her machine worked if you bang the door! So Manuel banged the door
hard and miracle it started to work, however, with four minutes left of the
programme it stopped. Fortunately I was able to open the door and remove the
very wet washing. We tried again to get it working but in the end decided it
had died. Fortunately Merlauds, the shop that sells everything in Vertiallac,
was open this afternoon and they had three machines in stock, unfortunately,
due to the corona virus they are unable to deliver at the moment so we returned
to the barn and collected the trailer. So by 4pm we were 420 euros worse off but I had a new washing machine. Kevin had managed to find enough plumbing pieces so
we could move the machine into the new utility room. We have to wait till
tomorrow for the plumbing joints to set before we can try the machine, fingers
crossed we are not flooded in the morning! After showers we went across to Myriam
and sat in her garden having our evening drink together, after we returned to
the caravan for the lasagne. Another beautiful day 24 degrees in the afternoon.
Sunday 22nd March
A bit of a rest day! We started by making carrot soup, with
some carrots that were getting old, and then made a casserole with veal and
left it in the slow cooker for the day. Manuel came for coffee at 10am this
morning so we could listen to the Archers at 11am. Myriam decided to stay at
home as she had a bit of a cold after sitting outside last night. Whilst listening to the Archers I did some
ironing. After we both sorted the kitchen ready for the worktops to be fitted
on Monday, provided Chris can manage to get here. After lunch we both worked in
our bedroom. Kevin completed rubbing down the ceiling and then cleaned the
wooden beams. I cleaned the lower beams in our bedroom and then the en-suite
beams. The bedroom is now ready for painting. Manuel came for a drink at 6pm
and I gave him a ‘Sue’s take away’ of veal casserole, we also nipped to
Myriam’s with a dish full for her.
Monday March 23rd
Another beautiful sunny day. Chris arrived at 8. 15am, he
had managed to get through the police block without any problems which was
really good news. Kevin helped Chris with the fitting of the worktops and by
the end of the day we had a kitchen with worktops. Chris also cut the worktops
for the utility room and prepared the end panel for closing the gap at the end
of the kitchen so a really good days work. Kevin now just needs to fit the sink, hob and
dishwasher and put all the cupboard doors back on. I nipped to Aldi for bread
and other essentials, fortunately I wasn’t stopped by the police. Aldi was very
quiet and people were respecting the two metre distance. Once back I prepared
lunch and then made the men coffee, Manuel joined us and we sat enjoying the
sun in the garden, respecting the distance rule. I then strimmed the back
garden before lunch. After lunch I started clearing the weeds around the
swimming pool, it took me all afternoon to sort just over half way round. After
Chris left we cleaned the barn, had showers and enjoyed an aperro with Manuel
and Myriam in the garden, respecting the distance rule, whilst watching the
sunset. Boris Johnson announced more stringent rule for the UK, the closure of non-essential
shops, stating people should stay at home and not visit family or friends, only
allowed out for exercise once a day. It’s getting really serious now. We are
going to look at the government website in the morning to see if we need to
return home. I am also worried about mum and dad but we are managing to speak
on the phone every day and they are fine at the moment. The measures are the
same at home as in France now and we would have to travel 700 miles to get home,
mixing with lots of people along the way so we are wondering if it’s safer to
stay here for the time being. We will make a decision tomorrow.
Tuesday 24th March
Well we tried to get through to the British Consulate in
Bordeaux, Kevin eventually managed to get through to their crisis line and was
just cut off! We then tried phoning our travel insurance company, Kevin spoke
to an advisor but they didn’t know what the situation was so they promised to
find out and email us back. As yet we have had no reply! After coffee at
Myriam’s with Manuel we decided to just continue working on the barn until we
had more information, all a bit unsettling but not much else we can do. We
spent most of the rest of the day putting the first coat of paint on our
bedroom walls and ceiling, it’s beginning to look like a room now. After
cleaning our paint brushes we spent an hour sorting some of the remaining jobs
in the kitchen. We nipped to Manuel’s for aperro at 6pm and sat outside enjoying
the last of the sunshine. Another prefect sunny day, it’s difficult to think
the world is in such crisis as it’s so quiet and peaceful here.
Wednesday 25th March
Another beautiful sunny spring day. We worked together
putting the second coat of paint on in our bedroom. We finished it by lunch
time, it’s beginning to take shape now, think one final coat will be enough.
After lunch we put the three large kitchen drawers together. Kevin then worked
out how to fit the electric hob wires into the back of the drawers, a difficult
job as the wires are so thick. We nipped to Manuel’s for coffee at 3pm and
enjoyed half an hour sitting on his patio observing the two metre distance rule. We also used his internet to send an email to
our health insurance company as we hadn’t had a reply from them yesterday.
Thursday 26th March
A bit of a milestone day. We started by putting the final
coat of paint on our bedroom. It looks fine now and is ready for the woodwork
to have its final clean and a coat of turps and linseed oil mixture. We went to
Myriam’s at 11am for coffee, we sat in the sunshine observing the distance
rules. Manuel announced he had had a telephone call and had been given the job
he had been having video interviews for, so really good news for him and we are
so pleased for him. It was good to have some good news at this difficult time. After
lunch we worked in the kitchen and Kevin managed to sort the electric box for
the cooker hob and then plumbed in the sink. We tested the sink and had no
leaks which was good news. So I now have a working hob and sink, a step nearer
to moving into the kitchen. Manuel invited us to his house for apperro at 6pm,
when we arrived he had a bottle of Verve Cliquot champagne chilled and pate de
foie gras ready. We celebrated his new job is style even at this difficult
time!
Friday 27th March
Another lovely spring day, though the breeze was cooler. I went
to Le Clerc's for the weekly shop, wearing my face mask, gloves and sunglasses,
a very elegant look! Kevin put a piece of plasterboard in the gap by our window
and filled it in whilst I was gone. Manuel came for coffee at 11am. We then
started washing the beams in our bedroom and finished them by lunchtime. Myriam
made us some French fries and had been to the butchers and bought us a burger
each to have with the fries. We took them back to the caravan and we both
really enjoyed them, the burgers were pure beef and all very tasty. After lunch
we both started giving the beams a coat of turps and linseed oil. It’s amazing
how it brings out the colour of the wood. By 5pm we had finished, another good
days work.
Saturday 28th March
Another beautiful spring day but with a bit of a nip in the
air. I started the day by doing the usual weekend jobs. I also made a chilli
and enough for Manuel and Myriam. They both arrived for coffee and 11am and
went home with a ‘Sue's take away chilli!’ Kevin spent the morning preparing a jig
so he could put the kitchen door handles all in the same positions. This took
some time as guess who changed her mind on the positions! After coffee I did a
bit of gardening, I took out all the dead butterfly lavender and one of the
dead rose plants as they hadn’t survived the winter. After lunch we worked
together putting the door handles in place on all the cupboard doors and three
of the drawers. I also removed the plastic film covering the doors. We have just
six drawers to finish tomorrow.
Sunday 29th March
A bit of a lazy day. We didn’t wake up until 7.45am as the
clocks had gone forward to summer time last night. It was a much colder day
with snow forecast later in the week, a big change from 24 degrees yesterday.
After breakfast I made a chicken casserole and left it in the slow cooker whilst
Kevin cut the grass. We then listened to the Archers, whilst listening I did
the ironing and then transferred pictures onto my word diary ready to
eventually transfer to the blog if we ever get an internet connection! At
12.30pm we tried to call Nev and Barbara but our telephone connection wasn’t
good so we just managed a short catch up. After lunch we put the remaining door
handles on the six drawers and then Kevin started to fit the dishwasher. He is
having problems with the feet not extending properly so we decided to call it a
day. Manuel and Myriam arrived for coffee at about 4.30pm. They both left with
a ‘Sue take away chicken casserole’. A beautiful sunset tonight.
Monday 30th March
Well I can't believe we have only been here three weeks,
what a lot has happened in the world in this time. So many people have died or
been infected by corona virus. Just hope all family and friends manage to stay
safe and the measures that have been put in place start to have some effect. It’s
going to take a long time to get over this. Here at the barn we continue to
make progress if a little slower now as we know we will soon run out of
materials. We had a bit of a milestone day, the kitchen is finished apart from
the walls and floors that need tiling but we haven’t bought the wall tiles yet
and who knows when the shops will reopen. The floor needs to wait until the
dining room and lounge floors are tiled. However, I have a dishwasher, oven,
microwave, fridge/freezer and hob which are all working. Whilst Kevin finished
fitting the dishwasher and the end panels I cleaned the cupboards and started fetching
equipment from the caravan and put it into the cupboards. I have left enough
equipment in the caravan to prepare meals for the moment as today was so cold
and the forecast is the same for the rest of this week. We will continue to eat
in the caravan until the weather warms up a little. It rained all day and was
very cold and at times there was snow in the rain. Manuel, Myriam and Freddie (Myriam’s
partner) arrived at 4pm for coffee so I made our first drinks in the barn.
Freddie had arrived late last night as he is working from home this week, we
all kept our distance from him! After coffee we were so cold we decided to call
it a day and had early showers and got warm in the caravan watching Escape to
the Chateau DIY, we picked up some ideas from Dick and Angela!
Tuesday 31st March
A steady day. Kevin completed wiring the electric sockets in
our bedroom and then he put the ceiling spotlight in place so we have a light
in our bedroom now. I made some carrot soup and did the general jobs. I then
touched up the paintwork in our bedroom where we had caught it with the turps mixture
when painting the beams. I also painted the piece of plasterboard under the
window soffit. I then emptied our dressing room of paint and painting equipment
so Kevin now has access to the loft area to complete the electrics in the
en-suite and then he can insulate the loft area. I finished by brushing our
bedroom ready for the flooring to go down. Manuel came for coffee at 11am, it
was a beautiful sunny morning so we sat outside. A 4pm we nipped to Manuel's to
use his internet in the garden. We managed to transfer my word diary into the blog but the
pictures wouldn’t transfer so I will put the pictures in when we have an
internet connection, whenever that may be! Another beautiful sunset tonight.
Another beautiful day, fortunately, the forecasters seem to
have got it wrong. Kevin worked in the loft above our dressing room putting
insulation in the roof, a messy job but a good job done. He then used up some
of the remaining insulation on the inside of the dressing room walls and in one
wall of the third bedroom. He is hoping he has enough left to insulate the
final wall in the third bedroom tomorrow. He put the electric fan in the
en-suite and then made a hole for the electric toothbrush socket. He finished
by putting the television onto its bracket. I spent the day outside. I washed
the sides of the caravan, it was filthy after winter. After lunch I strimmed
the front outside grass. This had got very long over winter so by the end of
the day my arms were aching! The gang arrived for apperro at 6pm, we sat in the
garden enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company at a distance. Manuel had
received his new iPhone 11 during the afternoon, so he was excited to show it
to us.
Thursday 2nd April
Another beautiful day. We started by putting plastic
membrane on the outside wall of the third bedroom. We nipped to Manuel’s for
coffee, we sat round his pool at a distance and enjoyed the sunshine. Kevin then put
insulation in place in the third bedroom. We threaded the wire from the loft in
out bedroom to the socket for the toothbrush charger, unfortunately the electric
box is not deep enough so it will have to wait until our next visit to be
completed as we need a replacement box from the UK. After lunch I completed
strimming the outside edge of our property. Once again my arms are aching!
Kevin spent the afternoon fixing the insulation in place, made a hatch for the
loft and fitted the wood for the window cill support. So lots of smaller jobs
completed today.
Friday 3rd April
Last night Manuel sent a message telling us that Brico
Marche is opening every morning from 9 to 12. They are allowed to open as they
sell animal food! So guess who was stood outside Brico in the queue when they
opened this morning! Kevin also did the weekly shop at Intermarche which is
next door to Brico. When Kevin arrived back he had managed to buy some electric
wire and some plasterboard fixings. He also had details of how to order larger
items via email. So over coffee with Manuel they composed an email ordering
plasterboard and some wood for the door jambs. Hopefully he will be able to
collect it tomorrow, time will tell. So
a happy chappy! Whilst Kevin was gone I started sorting clothes and equipment
in the caravan in case we decide to go home early or decide to take the caravan
home as originally planned at the end of April, so much undecided at the moment
but thought I would be prepared! After lunch we worked together putting an
electric cable into conduit and then threading it through the ceiling from the
third bedroom under the bridge to our bedroom, not an easy task as flooring and
plasterboard are now in the way! Kevin had forgotten to put this cable in last
year, it’s for the electric radiators in our bedroom so essential! We need to
put another one in tomorrow for the lounge radiators and then all the first fix
electrics are complete. Kevin finished the day by fixing one of the radiators
in our bedroom and fortunately the new fixings worked.
Saturday 4th April
Kevin went to Brico Marche with the hope of collecting the
plasterboard and wood he had ordered yesterday, but guess what, he arrived back
with nothing and not a happy chappie! The salesman told him they had sold out of
plasterboard and it could be three weeks before its back in stock. Whilst he
was gone I did the usual weekend jobs. I also made a bolognese sauce with
enough for ‘the gang’ as a take away. On
his return Kevin fitted the second radiator in our bedroom. After coffee we
decided to have a break from working in the barn. We decided to try and move
the caravan tomorrow to the front of the barn in preparation for it going back
home sometime soon but not sure when! So Kevin started lifting the flag stones from
in front of the caravan. Myriam made
sausage and chips for ‘the gang’ for lunch so we swapped dishes! After lunch we
continued working in the garden, it was a beautiful sunny day so I finished
weeding round the pool whilst Kevin cut the grass. Kevin then fitted an outside
plug socket and also plumbed in the outside water tap so it should now be
easier getting water to the swimming pool. We ate the bolognese sauce with tagliatelle
for dinner so a lot to eat today! It was thirty four degrees in the caravan at
6pm.
Sunday 5th April
Yet another beautiful day. We started by preparing a beef
bourgignon and left it cooking in the slow cooker in the barn, the first dish
to be made in the barn! Kevin continued the preparations for moving the caravan
whilst I emptied the van of anything that could break during the move. We had a
break at 11am to listen to the Archers. Whilst listening I did the ironing. After
lunch Kevin wound up the steadies and checked that the motor mover still worked,
which fortunately it did. We were ready to move the van by 2pm. Manuel, Myriam
and Freddie came across to help and boy did we need them! The motor mover
worked well to begin with until a flagstone (being used to stop the wheels
sinking into the ground) got jammed between the mover and a wheel! We had to
move the van backwards and forward to try to release it but to no avail. Kevin
and Freddie then jacked the wheel up enough for Kevin to eventually prize the
flagstone out. So after about an hour the van was in its new position in the
front garden. So grateful to ‘the gang’ for their help, we just wouldn’t have
managed it on our own. We spent the rest of the afternoon settling the van in
its new position. ‘The gang’ left with a Sue take away of beef bourgignon. It
seems strange seeing the caravan back where we first started, four years ago. Hopefully,
we will be able to take it home sometime this year, depending on the corona
virus.
Monday 6th April
We woke up to rain so a day working in the barn. Kevin
managed to find enough plasterboard pieces to complete the hallway between the
two guest bedrooms. After he had fitted them in place I filled in all the gaps
and screw holes. I also filled in the gaps in our dressing room on the ceiling
and the one wall which has plasterboard. Kevin made a loft hatch for the hallway
so another area ready for painting after a final fill. Kevin then made some
mortar and filled the gap under our bedroom window cill ready for the oak cill.
He also tidied up the pierre apparent edge to the end bedroom wall ready for
the flooring to go down. Since the rain had stopped I decided to spend an hour
in the garden clearing stones from where the caravan had been, getting it ready
to sow grass seeds. Not a quick fix as the ground is full of large stones which
need removing. Kevin came out and helped move some of the big stones and
started trying to remove a tree stump. So a good days work.
Tuesday 7th April
Kevin spent the day sorting the electrics. He managed to
identify all the cables that had still to be wired either into light switches
or sockets. He then sorted the heating cable for our bedroom and connected the
heaters to the cable. He then switched on the heaters at the mains. Fortunately both
heaters worked! So another piece of the wiring system completed. I rubbed down
the filling in from yesterday and then put another coat of filling on,
hopefully, I will be able to paint the hallway and the ceiling and one wall in
our dressing room tomorrow. After lunch we worked together sorting the final
heating cable, this was the final cable to be passed from one side to the other
of the barn, again through the ceiling of the downstairs toilet, across the
bridge, through the ceiling of the lounge finishing up at the far side of the
lounge. We pulled fourteen metres of cable through conduit before threading it
through. Another good job completed. I then spent the rest of the afternoon
sorting materials in the lounge area, a filthy job as all the dust and straw
had come down from our bedroom and en-suite when the plasterboard had been fitted.
By the end of the afternoon I had sorted the left over wood into different
piles according to types of wood, sorted equipment and gave the room a good
sweep, I was filthy and shattered but a good job done as Kevin can now see what
materials he has left to work with. A
beautiful sunny day.
Wednesday 8th April
Kevin spent the morning completing the electric circuit for
the heating system. We now have a working heater in the guest bedroom and a
heated towel rail in the kitchen. I did a final rub down of the filling in and
then put two coats of paint on the hallway and our dressing room. After lunch
Kevin started laying the laminate flooring in our bedroom and completed about a
third. I finished sorting equipment and then spent about an hour in the garden
working on the caravan area. Kevin finished his day by trying to get the tree
root out, he loosened another bit of it and it’s going to take some time and
effort to remove the whole root! The Iris we planted last year is now in flower and beautiful.
Thursday 9th April
After breakfast I went to Le Clerc's for the weekly shop
armed with my face mask, gloves and letter. Fortunately the police were not out
and about. I managed to get everything we needed and was back at the barn by
10.40am. The supermarket was busy, I assumed everyone was buying for the Easter
weekend. Whilst I was gone Kevin investigated a possible birds nest in the eaves
above the guest bedroom, he managed to put some wood in place to stop them
before they built their nest so hopefully they will find another suitable spot.
After coffee we worked together putting the laminate flooring down in our
bedroom. After lunch I gave the hallway and dressing room a final coat of paint.
I then cleaned the wooden beams and treated it to a coat of turps and linseed
oil so another job completed off Kevin’s list! Kevin finished laying the
laminate by the end of the afternoon so after a clean and mop another task
completed and ticked off the list. It’s just a pity we can’t buy skirting
boards and wood to finish the door jambs. However, if that’s our only worry at
this terrible time we shouldn’t complain. We were both shattered by the end of
the day. It was the warmest day so far so after dinner we went for a short walk
around the hamlet and enjoyed the evening sunshine. A beautiful sunset tonight.
Friday 10th April
Another beautiful sunny day. We started the day by putting
the bed into our bedroom, it’s beginning to take shape now. I then decided to work in the garden all day.
I cut the grass and after coffee strimmed the front garden. After lunch I
washed and vacuumed the car, it had a film of yellow pollen all over it from
the last time it rained. I also made a dessert for Sunday, Nigella's ice cream
cake with passion fruit, and the first dessert to be made in the kitchen. Kevin completed the lighting wiring circuit
and tested it and all in working order. We just need to buy lights to fit now
and plasterboard to complete ceilings and walls! He then used the final roll of
insulation to insulate behind the shower room and the final wall in the third
bedroom. Once again we were both shattered by the end of the day.
Saturday 11th April
Yet another beautiful sunny day. I did all the usual weekend
jobs. I went to the local butchers with Manuel to fetch the leg of lamb which
he had ordered for us on Friday, we went in separate cars and kept our distance
at the butchers! The lamb weighed 2.4 kilos and was just short of 50 euros!
Manuel insisted on paying half, we stood arguing in the butchers but he won in
the end! A bit more expensive than Aldi is advertising in the UK! I then nipped
to Le Clercs for bread and a few other bits and treated myself to a mini electric
hand food mixer. Whilst I was gone Kevin dismantled the temporary floor and had
removed it by the time I returned. What
a difference it made, we can now see the ceiling in the dinning room and get
the full effect of Kevin’s design for the entrance hall. He then made a hand
rail for the bridge with the wood he had salvaged. He is going to use the
remaining wood to frame out the back wall of the downstairs toilet and if he
has enough left he is going to use it as support battens for the utility room
worktops, so everything is recycled at this house! Myriam made her usual
Saturday take away chips, this time with duck breast, we fetched ours and ate it
in the barn as it was too hot to eat outside, it was delicious. After lunch I
made some Easter buns using my new mixer and baked them in the new oven. I
decorated them with buttercream topped with mini eggs. Just sorry I couldn’t give
any to mum as her favourite but will make some for when we next manage to see
her. We invited Manuel, Myriam and Freddie for afternoon tea and cakes, sat at a
distance as usual! Manuel went to invite Danielle to join us and she came too
which was really good as she had had to have her dog, Noisette, put to sleep on
Friday and Gerard, her husband, is still in hospital, he has been there since
before we arrived and is still very poorly. The Easter buns went down well and it
did Danielle good to be with us all. When everyone left we tidied up and then had
our evening drink sat in the shade enjoying the evening sunshine. A fabulous
sunset tonight.
Sunday 12th April
Well a different Easter Sunday to what everyone had planned.
The death toll in the UK rose to over 10,000. The UK and France are still on lockdown.
Macron is speaking to the nation tomorrow night and it’s expected he will
extend the lockdown until the middle of May. We decided to have a day of rest,
the first since our arrival here. I prepared the lamb, we both prepared the
vegetables for roast potatoes and roasted roots. I cooked the lamb in the new
oven but cooked the potatoes and vegetables in the caravan, I didn’t want to spoil
my new oven! I cooked the gesier that Manuel had given us for starter and
served with salad. We had the frozen passion fruit cake for dessert. We shared
the meal with ‘the gang’ All was delicious.
Before lunch we listened to the Archers and talked to Nev and Barbara on the
phone. Kevin walked up the road to get a reception on his phone and managed to
phoned Pamela in Spain, all is well with
her. Her neighbours are shopping for her. We had a quiet afternoon and I phoned
mum and dad at our usual time. Both are fine, keeping busy in the garden and
house. So an unusual Easter Sunday, just hope this nightmare starts to end soon
and we can get back to some sort of normality.
Monday 13th April
Back to work today and a fairly busy day. Kevin started
using the wood he had salvaged from the temporary floor to make a timber frame
for the back wall of the downstairs toilet. He then found enough plasterboard
to put on the inside wall of the toilet, every little helps! We still need to
plasterboard three walls when we are allowed to go shopping again. Kevin wired
the extractor fan in. The outlet is behind the guest bedroom so he had to
squeeze through the tiny gap, I need to stop feeding his so well as he was
struggling to get out! So progress on the downstairs toilet today. I did some
sorting out in the caravan and barn then cleaned the beam and window in our
bedroom and gave the beam a coat of turps and linseed oil, another job
completed. After coffee we phoned Nev and Barbara to wish Barbara a very happy
special birthday. So disappointed we could not be with her to celebrate but
when this awful time is over we will celebrate in style! I then decided to clean all the windows and
wooden beams above them, including the back door. We can see out now! Finally,
I spent an hour on my hands and knees working on the garden where the caravan
and awning had been, I removed three wheelbarrows full of stones and have
completed almost half of it now. A bit cooler today but sunny which suited me
whilst working in the garden. Manuel sent a message at 8pm saying Macron had extended the lockdown until 11th May, not a surprise but when will all this start to improve?
Tuesday 14th April
The first day of the second month of lockdown! Kevin started
the day by connecting the fan in the downstairs toilet and wired it into the
light switch and that’s now working. We found some bits of plasterboard which
Kevin managed to cut to fit between the beams in the third bedroom, not enough
to finish the wall but a couple more pieces used up. I filled in the
plasterboard in the downstairs toilet and a few of the screw holes in the third
bedroom. Kevin found the electric outside flood light we had been using as a
temporary light inside the barn before we had any lights fitted. He decided to
fit it on the outside front wall of the barn. This was a good idea as we had
been struggling to see when we leave the caravan to go to bed at night. After
lunch Kevin became a plumber! He started to put the hot and cold water supply
to our en-suite, a difficult task as the pipes don’t bend where you need them
too! He managed to get the pipes through the lounge ceiling and into the en-suite
ready to be connected to the appliances whenever we manage to buy them! He then
made a hole for the soil and vent pipe to be connected in the en-suite. I spent
an hour on my garden project, it’s slowly moving forward.The Iris is looking beautiful.We have flowers on
the Iris and also on the roses which we planted last year. We had a cooked
breakfast for dinner using up the last pack of bacon I had brought from home
and left over mushrooms and tomatoes, very enjoyable!
Wednesday 15th April
Kevin started the day by making some support batten for the
utility room worktop. I transferred toiletries and medicines from the caravan
to the barn, another bit of the caravan emptied and ready for home! After
coffee we both worked on the garden project, Kevin worked hard on trying to
remove the tree stump. A really difficult job as the roots are so big and well-fixed
into the ground. Danielle saw him struggling and came out with an axe, but even
that didn’t cut through the stump! I cleared the squares where the paving stone
path had been, these are now ready for seeding. We continued on the garden
after lunch until we had both knocked ourselves up! Whilst we were having a
glass of water to recover, Manuel arrived, he had telephoned Brico Marche and
they now have some plasterboard in stock. So Kevin went and managed to buy
eight sheets. On his return we carried them into the barn. He is going back tomorrow to see if he can buy some more. We can now finish the walls in the dressing
room, third bedroom and hopefully the downstairs toilet. We decided we were both
shattered so we had early showers and then sat in the garden enjoying the
evening sun.
Thursday 16th April
Kevin was at Brico Marche for 9am! He arrived back at 9.45am
with another ten sheets of plasterboard so plenty of work ahead! I went to Aldi
for water, bread and a few other bits for the weekend. Whilst I was gone Kevin
started putting plasterboard onto the three remaining walls in our dressing
room. After coffee we emptied the trailer of the plasterboard and lifted nine
sheets into the third bedroom using the plasterboard lifter. Kevin continued
putting plasterboard up in the dressing room and finished around 3pm. Whilst at
Aldi I bought 18 geranium plants so I planted them in the garden and the front
trough. We have our first rose in bloom. At 3pm I started filling the screws and gaps
in the dressing room and finished the first fill about 5.20pm. Another room
almost ready for painting. Kevin finished the day by putting three of the
support batons up in the utility room. Another good day’s work and both
shattered again!
Friday 17th April
Another busy day. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for some
plumbing bits for the downstairs toilet. Whilst he was gone I cut the grass and
then cut a few over hanging branches off the trees in the front garden. On his return
we both worked on the garden project, still plenty to do but Kevin managed to
remove a couple of the long roots. After lunch I rubbed down the dressing room
and gave it a second coat of filling. Kevin did a bit of the plumbing for the
downstairs toilet and then moved onto the worktop in the utility room. I
cleaned up all his mess! Lots of sawdust today! I finished the day by renewing
some of the plastic bags which have sand in around the pool edges. We put about
fifty bags of sand around the pool edges to hold the cover down over winter and
to prevent any small animals getting into the pool! The bags have started to
disintegrate in the sun and sand is spilling out. Unfortunately, I ran out of
bags so will buy some next time I go shopping to complete the job. At about
6.30pm it started to rain and then we had a thunderstorm which lasted about two
hours and we had another one during the night.
Saturday 18th April
The sun was shining when we got up and another beautiful day
until the evening when we had another thunderstorm. I did the usual weekend
jobs and managed to get the washing dried outside. Kevin prepared two onions
and peeled the bag of potatoes we had left whilst I nipped to the butchers for
some minced beef (15 euros for a kilo!). I then nipped into Aldi for black
plastic bags. The police were waiting at the first roundabout but they just
waved me past, which was a relief. On my return I made five portions of Shepherd’s
Pie and gave three as ‘Sue’s take always’ to Manuel, Myriam and Danielle. I put
one in the freezer for later and we ate one for dinner. Kevin continued
preparing the wood for the worktops in the utility room and then took it all to
pieces so I could paint the wood with undercoat. After coffee I cleaned our
bedroom, the bathroom and the caravan. After lunch I put a coat of paint on the
dressing room and then painted the wooden pieces for the utility room. Kevin
finished his day by putting up two pieces of plasterboard in the third bedroom.
Another productive day.
Sunday 19th April
We woke up to rain and it continued for most of the day, not
heavy but a miserable damp day. We worked in the barn all day. Kevin continued
with the utility room, putting a piece of plasterboard in place to hide the
final bits of plumbing and then fixing the back and side batons to the two long
walls ready for the worktops. He did some more plumbing in the downstairs
toilet, fitting the drainage pipe for the toilet. He then put a coat of PVA
glue on the floor of the toilet, this will hopefully, after being left for
24hours, help the levelling screed to bond. He finished the day by measuring
the positions for the wall lights in the third bedroom. I made a chicken
casserole and left it in the slow cooker, I gave some to Manuel and Myriam as a
‘take away’. I then gave the dressing
room two coats of paint. In between the
coats I painted all the wooden pieces for the utility room with gloss paint,
these are all ready, once dried, for Kevin to put in place. We enjoyed the
chicken casserole washed down with a glass of wine.
Monday 20th April
Another dull and rainy day. Kevin started the day by
redirecting the television aerial. He moved it from the third bedroom floor
down through the utility room and then outside to the caravan. This is so we
could put plasterboard on the walls in bedroom three and still get to the tv
aerial. Fortunately the tv still works! I started the day by cleaning the
dressing room, our bedroom and sorting materials in the en-suite. We both
worked together for the rest of the day putting plasterboard up in the third
bedroom. Kevin wired in the two wall lights and the sockets on the bed wall.
The lights work and are brighter than we thought they would be but better than
being in a dark bedroom! After lunch we had a change and mixed and put down the
levelling screed in the downstairs toilet, this has to be left for 24 hours
before we can walk on it. By the end of the day we had put up five pieces of
plasterboard and completed the electrics in the bedroom so another good days
work. We had a beautiful sunset, really red sky so hoping for a better day
tomorrow.
Tuesday 21st April
Well, we woke up to another dull and rainy day, the red sky
at night didn’t come true! It rained on one and off most of the day. But a
milestone day, all the upstairs walls and ceilings now have plasterboard! Kevin
worked hard all day fitting the final pieces of plasterboard in the third
bedroom. Some pieces proved to be difficult due to the shape of the ceiling and
the wooden beams. He drew the shapes on pieces of cardboard and checked the
fitting before cutting each of the plasterboard pieces. I was the builder’s mate
helping lift the plasterboard and passing the screws. Before we finished for
the day I put the jointing tape on most of the joints, so I am ready for a day
of filling tomorrow!
Wednesday 22nd April
Still dull and rainy here, its beautiful sunshine in the UK!
We both started filling the cracks and screw holes in the third bedroom at 9am
and finished at 4pm, still about half a day’s work to complete the first fill! I
had an early shower at 4pm and then Kevin drained the water and then used Nev's
method for fixing the leaking pipes in the utility room, mastic! We have to
leave the water off for 24 hours before we can test to see if it has worked, fingers
crossed! So we have kettles, buckets and pans of water filled for our water
supply for tomorrow.
Thursday 23rd April
Yet another dull day, but no rain today. Kevin went to Brico
Marche for plaster and called at Intermarche for bread and milk. While he was
gone I tidied up and then stated filling the cracks in the third bedroom. Kevin
joined me on his return and we had almost finished the first coat by coffee
time. After coffee I started sanding down the first coat whilst Kevin finished
filling the high edges. After lunch we decided to have the ‘big switch on’ of
the water with all fingers crossed! We were both shocked when we heard gushing
water, fortunately one of us had left the tap on in the kitchen so panic over! Kevin
inspected all the pipes and no leaks, so Nev's tried and tested method had
worked, thanks Nev. So washer and dishwasher switched on. Kevin decided to
finish fitting the worktops so I started the second coat of filling. We both continued
working until 7pm. Kevin finished fitting the worktops and I finished the day
by cleaning the utility room and putting back equipment. So another room almost
finished, a satisfying day but once again both shattered!
n
Friday 24th April
We woke up to fog but it soon cleared and turned into a
lovely sunny day. I went to Le Clerc's for the weekly shop, fortunately no
police around. Kevin started rubbing down the ceiling in the third bedroom and
by just after lunch had completed a second fill. Just a small area for me to
complete and hopefully we can give it a final sanding ready for painting. After
coffee I decided, since the sun was shining, to cut the grass. After lunch I went
back outside and strimmed the whole garden so it looks neat and tidy again. After
brushing all the grass cutting up round the pool and from the front patio I was
shattered! Kevin spent the afternoon putting up plasterboard on two walls in
the downstairs toilet. He then organised the tiles for the floor. Another good day’s
work.
Saturday 25th April
Another sunny day or at least we thought so, it was beautiful until 3pm when we had a thunderstorm and heavy rain. The rain continued throughout the evening. I did the usual weekend jobs, fortunately I managed to get all the washing dried before the storm. After coffee I made a chilli for us and enough for the 'gang'. Kevin spent the morning filling in and rubbing down the ceiling and window frame in the third bedroom. After lunch I rubbed down the second coat on the walls and did a final fill on the last bit of wall, so just a bit of rubbing down to complete and another room ready for painting. Kevin spent the afternoon laying the floor tiles in the downstairs toilet. Unfortunately, he ran out of tile adhesive with only three tiles left to fit. He decided to have a quick shower and then he nipped to Merlaud's to buy more adhesive. Fortunately, they had just one packet left. We enjoyed the chilli with the usual glass of wine. I had bought a piece of flan each for a treat so both very full after! We will have to work extra hard tomorrow to work it off!
Sunday 26th April
We woke up to fog which stayed until mid-afternoon when
suddenly the sun came through and we had a beautiful late afternoon and
evening. Kevin finished cutting and laying the last three tiles on the toilet
floor whilst I made a pork in cider casserole. The casserole is for tomorrow
night as Myriam and Freddie sent a message to say frites and sausage was on the
‘take away’ menu for today! We listened to the Archers. At 1pm we went across
to Myriam’s to collect our take away, she has also bought strawberries and had
made some Chantilly cream to go with them as a surprise, which was lovely.
After we had eaten lunch we decided to finish rubbing down the third bedroom
which was not an easy task after such a big lunch! We then had early showers
and decided to go for a short walk, four kilometres, through the local woods.
It was beautiful but a little wet under foot because of thunderstorm last
night. So guess who slipped and fell and ended up with muddy jeans and t shirt!
Monday 27th April
It was a fine morning when we woke up, Kevin decided to go
to Brico Marche to see if they
had plasterboard in stock. He managed to buy another ten sheets, some plasterboard
adhesive for sticking it to the block-work and some salt and chloro shoc for the
swimming pool so he had a good shop and was back by 10am. We emptied the
trailer of the plasterboard and stacked it in the dining room ready to use to
line the bridge. It was a good job he went early as by half past ten it started
to rain and continued for the rest of the day. We then put two coats of paint
on the walls and ceiling of the third bedroom. In between coats Kevin grouted the
tiles in the downstairs toilet. I did some sorting of equipment. This is
becoming more difficult as we are running out of rooms that are not decorated
and we really need to take a trailer load of rubbish to the decheterrie. We
still have all the cardboard boxes that the kitchen units came in and lots of
plasterboard off cuts that we need to get rid of. Apparently they are now open,
however, you are only allowed one visit per household per week and of course
there are long queues. We have decided to wait until the queues die down a bit.
After showers we enjoyed the pork in cider for dinner, very tasty.
Tuesday 28th April
Another dull and rainy day. When Kevin first went to the
caravan he realised the incoming water pipe had burst and we had a pond of
water at the back of the caravan! It had spread into the outhouse! Kevin
switched the water supply off and managed to fix the leaking pipe, fortunately
the water started to subside fairly quickly, the joys of caravaning! We then started the day by giving the third
bedroom its final coat of paint. After coffee Kevin plumbed in the downstairs
toilet pipework into the drainage pipe. He then cut holes in the plasterboard
to feed the pipework through. Before lunch he had fitted the two back wall
pieces of plasterboard. I cleaned the painting equipment in between helping the
plasterer! After lunch we worked together fitting plasterboard to the final
wall in the toilet. We learnt a new skill, dot and dap, used to fix
plasterboard to the block-work. I will soon be able to apply for a job as a
builders mate!
Wednesday 29th April
Yet another dull and rainy day. After breakfast I filled the
screw holes in plasterboard in the downstairs toilet. Kevin decided to start to fit
out our walk in wardrobe with some shelves and hanging rails. He managed to find enough wood and used
tongue and grooved chipboard for the divider and top shelf. The chipboard has
been recycled, it had previously been used as the temporary floor. For the
lower shelving he used shelves we have left from the kitchen, so we have fitted
furniture at a minimum cost! It just needs painting but that will have to wait
until our next visit as the remaining paint we have will probably be all used
in the downstairs toilet. After coffee I washed and cleaned the wooden beams in
bedroom three, I left them to dry over lunch and then painted them with a
mixture of turps and linseed oil. It really does make a difference to the final
look of the beams. After emptying and brushing the bedroom it’s now ready for
the flooring. Kevin finished the day by putting the radiator on the wall,
another room almost completed.
Thursday 30th April
Well, we should have been going home today with the caravan.
How things have changed in the last seven weeks. Who would have guessed that
the whole world would be on lockdown. It’s hard to believe a virus can have
such a devastating effect on so many people. We have decided to remain in
France
until at least the 11th May when the French government make its
next announcement. The UK is also due to make an announcement on the 7th
May. It looks like there will be some relaxing of the lockdown in both
countries. What these will be and how soon they will start has yet to be
decided. The French are suggesting if the number of deaths continue to fall
then people will be allowed to travel 100 kilometres from their homes without
having the Attestation de Deplacement Derogatoire.
This will allow most people to go back to work. Shops will gradually reopen but
restaurants, bars and cafes will remain closed. All big events have either been
cancelled or postponed. Families and friends will be allowed to meet but in groups
no bigger than ten. The UK has yet to make any announcement on how the lockdown
will start to be relaxed. We think we are probably safer remaining at the barn
as the Dordogne has had very few cases of the virus so far and to travel home
would mean passing through areas of high infection. We can also keep working
here and making progress even if it’s not as originally planned. So we will watch
and wait for the official announcements and then make a decision about when to
return home. Talking about progress, we
both started the day by rubbing down the first coat of filling in the
downstairs toilet. I finished the low bits whilst Kevin continued with the walk
in wardrobe. I then completed a second coat of filling. Just the rubbing down
tomorrow and another room ready for painting. Kevin almost completed the walk
in wardrobe.
Friday 1st May
We woke to yet another rainy day, it rained all day and at
times was very windy. The rose garden is flooded and we have mushrooms growing
in the grass! Kevin started the day by trying to mend the sander, the plate had
lost its stickiness and so the sandpaper kept dropping off every time we tried
to use it. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to sort it and the shops are shut here
as it’s May Day. I had to resort to manpower to rub the downstairs toilet walls
down. By 10am I was shattered but at least it was good for the bingo wings! Before
coffee I had put the first coat of paint on three walls and the ceiling. Kevin
finished fitting the hanging rails in the dressing room so another room almost
finished, it just needs painting and then the flooring and door. After coffee
he set up the scaffold and spent the rest of the day working on the bridge. He
made the hand rails and then put in some side supports on one side. Still lots
for him to do but it’s beginning to take shape. I finished the first coat of
paint and then did some tidying jobs whilst it dried. I completed a second coat
after lunch. We had had a bird in last week and it had made a mess on the
dinning room walls so whilst Kevin had the big ladder out he managed to wash the
wall over and then put a couple of coats of paint over it, we are trying to
keep the barn door closed to try and prevent a recurrence, they get so
frightened and make such a mess!
Saturday 2nd May
Yet another rainy and windy day. I went to Le Clerc's for
the weekly shop. For the first time since lockdown began I had to queue to get
in. I arrived at 9.30am, just after the allotted time for the elderly and
medical workers, there was already a queue outside waiting to go in. I joined
the queue and waited twenty minutes before being allowed to go in. Not sure why
this was, perhaps because it was closed yesterday for the May Day holiday.
Anyway, I managed to get everything we needed and arrived back at the barn by
10.45am. Kevin worked on the bridge whilst I was gone. After coffee I did the
usual weekend washing and cleaning jobs. I finished the final coat of paint on
the downstairs toilet after lunch and then cleaned all the mess up after
myself! Kevin started putting plasterboard on one side of the bridge and had
completed it by the end of play. I had taken a chilli out of the freezer which
we enjoyed followed by a chocolate fondant which Manuel had made and brought down
for us and some strawberries Myriam and Freddie had been and picked. So very
full again.
Sunday 3rd May
It started off as a dull day, no rain but by the late
afternoon the sun had come out. A beautiful sunset so hopefully the weather
will be better tomorrow. I started the day by making a chicken in white wine
casserole and left it in the slow cooker for tonight. Kevin started working on
the second side of the bridge. After coffee I decided to use all the
ingredients I had brought with me to make the famous white chocolate
cheesecake. The only thing I was missing was double cream and they don't sell
it in France. I had bought some cream with marscapone to experiment with when I
went shopping. It’s the cream used to fill profiteroles, I managed to whip it so
hopefully the cheesecake will taste good. I froze the cheesecake in the hope
that we will be able to have a meal with friends before we come home, just
keeping fingers crossed that the lockdown will soon be lifted. Otherwise, I
will give it to ‘the gang’ as a leaving present when we decide to go home.
Kevin continued with the bridge most of the day and after lunch I helped him
lift the plasterboard into place. By the end of the afternoon he had finished
the second side. I need to fill in the screw holes and then it will be ready to
paint. Unfortunately, we haven’t enough paint left so that will have to wait
until our next visit. At about 3pm I opened the barn door to let the sunshine
in, I also let two swallows in! They stayed in until 5.30pm! What a mess they
made on the walls so another repair job needed! Kevin finished the day by
fixing the downstairs toilet pan in place. We enjoyed the casserole washed down
with a glass of the spare white wine!
Monday 4th May
A beautiful sunny day. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for some
plumbing bits, when he got back he said the roads were busy and there was a lot
of people around in Riberac. We think a lot of companies are starting to go
back to work. I did lots of pottering jobs in the morning waiting for the grass
to dry enough to cut it. After lunch I cut the grass, hard work as it had grown
very long with all the rain. Kevin finished fitting the toilet in the
downstairs toilet and then moved onto sorting the sink ready for fitting. We
decided to use some of the left over floor tiles as skirting so he finished the
day by cutting some to size ready for fitting.
Tuesday 5th May
Another beautiful day. Kevin fitted the downstairs toilet
sink and together we levelled it and then used a mixture of sand and cement to secure
the base to the floor. We have to leave it 24 hours to set before we can use
the sink, so fingers crossed for no leaks! We then had a bit of a clear up in the dining
area to make space for Kevin to start putting the plasterboard and lights into
the bridge soffit. Kevin then spent the rest of the day completing the bridge. We
now have all the lighting in the dining room complete. I spent the rest of the morning filling in the
screw holes on the landing and on one of the outer sides. Since Kevin was
working in the same area we decided to leave the final outer side until later. I
spent the afternoon strimming the grass on the outside area at the front of the
barn. Another difficult task as again the grass was so long, my arms ached after!
I then weeded the rose garden and dead
headed the roses. I am really pleased with the roses, we have buds on all of
the plants.
Wednesday 6th
May
A beautiful sunny day. We got up a bit earlier and after
breakfast started filling the trailer with wood and cardboard ready for Kevin
to take to the decheterrie. We had filled the trailer by 9am so off he went. Whilst
he was gone I sanded the landing and completed a second coat of filler. I was
just about ready to make coffee at 11am and Kevin arrived back after also going
to Brico Marche for some more plasterboard and other bits and pieces. There had
been only one car in front of him at the decheterrie so not as bad as we had expected. After
coffee we both set too and cleared the lounge area, we condensed tools and
materials and moved everything to the front area of the barn. We are going to level
the lounge floor using concrete, starting with a small trial area at the back tomorrow.
It’s not an easy fix as the floor levels vary and are quite a bit lower in
places than the dining room floor! After lunch Kevin went to Peyrou for sand
and cement. Whilst he was gone I strimmed round the caravan and then the front
garden. We continued some more preparation for tomorrow and then decided to
call it a day.
Thursday 7th May
Yet another beautiful day, it got hot during the afternoon,
34 degrees in the caravan at 6pm. We started the day by concreting a metre trial
area of the lounge floor. It took us about two hours to complete and was back
aching! The lounge is 9 metres long so it will take us a few days to complete
the whole floor. After coffee I sanded the landing walls and then gave them a
coat of paint. Kevin started to sort some wood out ready to make some shelves
in the out building. He will soon need to have somewhere to store his tools and
equipment as the lounge starts to become a room and not his store room! After
lunch Kevin went to Peyroux for more sand and cement, he decided to do two
trips so we have enough materials to keep us busy over the weekend! So when he
arrived back with the first load we emptied 500 kg of sand onto the concrete
floor outside the barn. He then returned for another load which we left in the
trailer to use tomorrow. Whilst he was gone I strimmed the back garden and put
another coat of paint on the landing walls. Kevin also went to Brico Marche for
some damp proof membrane, unfortunately,
they don’t sell it so had a wasted trip. We don’t have enough membrane to
complete the floor so hopefully we will be able to go to Brico Depot in
Perigueux next week to buy some. I finished the day by weeding the garden round
the out building. Whilst I had my shower Kevin cut the wood ready for making
shelves tomorrow. So once again
shattered but a good days work.
Friday 8th May
VE Day and a bank holiday in the UK and France.
Unfortunately, all the planned celebrations were either cancelled or took place
without the public present. It the UK lots of streets still had there street
parties but with social distancing. I decided to go and see if Le Clerc’s were
open. I arrived at 9.25am, fortunately, they were open all day. It was very
quiet, a bit different to last week. I managed to get all the shopping and was back
at the barn before 10.30am. Kevin had prepared the second section of the lounge
floor ready to be concreted. After
coffee we started mixing the concrete. We finished the section at 1.45pm so had
a late lunch. After lunch I cleaned up the mess and then gave the landing walls
a final coat of paint. Another area finished. Kevin made and then fixed the
shelving in the outbuilding and started to move his tools and equipment in. We
still need more shelving to store the garden equipment but at least we have
some space in the lounge now.
i
Saturday 9th May
I did the usual weekend jobs whilst Kevin nipped to Le
Clerc's, we had heard they had some face masks in stock. Guest what, they had
sold out on Friday! They told him they should be back in stock on Monday. He came back with wine and beer instead! After
coffee we concreted another section of the lounge floor, we are almost half way
now. Kevin then prepared the existing raised floor area, which also needs to be
raised to the final floor level, he scabbled it with a chizel,cleaned it and
then applied PVA adhesive in the hope that the screed will bond to it. We will
prepare and lay the screed tomorrow. We need to buy more damp proof membrane
before we can concrete the second half of the floor. I cut the grass and then did a pile of ironing. We had
a chilli I had taken out of the freezer for dinner washed down with a glass of
well deserved wine!
Sunday 10th May
A bit of a lazy start. We both did some pottering jobs,
Kevin sorted some of the electric wiring whilst I prepared dinner. We didn’t
want to get too dirty before sitting in the caravan to listen to the Archers!
We sat down at 11am ready to listen to last week’s omnibus, when it started it
was repeat programmes, they had obviously run out of recordings and are no
longer recording due to the Corona virus. So that was the end of the hours
rest, we got changed and started mixing concrete! We finished the section at
1.15pm. We have completed half the floor in three days. We spent most of the
afternoon making space to concrete the remaining half of the floor. We moved the
BBQ and swimming pool equipment into the pool house. We moved more other
equipment into the outhouse. We have another pile of rubbish to take to the
dechetterie, including the old washing machine and a pile of wood to give to
Myriam for her fire. Kevin then spent a bit more time working on the electrics
whilst I gave the barn a good brush. It rained for most of the day and
continued most of the evening. We
listened to Boris at 8pm, not much change in the lockdown. People who can't work
from home are encouraged to return to work provided safety precautions are in
place from tomorrow. People are
encouraged to walk or cycle to work and not to use public transport. Everyone
is allowed out to exercise more than once a day. Social distancing is a must
for all. Quarantine will be brought in for people arriving by plane but no
mention of arriving by tunnel, or when or how it will start to be enforced. Schools
and most shops may be allowed to open in June if the death rate and rate of
infection continues to fall. So still a long way to go before any sort of
normality returns.
Monday 11th May
A dull and rainy day. The corona virus restrictions are
starting to be reduced today in France. Shops are reopening, except
restaurants, cafes and bars. People are going back to work. We can travel 100
km without our Attestation paperwork. Families and friends can meet in groups
no larger than ten provided they socially distance. Kevin spent most of the day
fetching materials. First he went to Vertiallac to the pharmacy to see if he
could get some of his allopurinol tablets. Fortunately they had them and they only cost two
euros. When he got back I nipped to Le Clerc's to see if they had had a
delivery of face masks, but was unsuccessful. On my way back I called in Aldi
to see if they had any but again was unsuccessful. Whilst I was gone Kevin had
filled the trailer ready to go to the
decheterrie. He had managed to lift and put the old washing machine into
the trailer by himself. He had also started to make some more shelving for the
outhouse. Kevin then went to the
decheterrie and to Chaussons for the damp proof membrane. He arrived back with
the membrane so we can continue concreting tomorrow. After lunch Kevin
completed the shelving and then went to Peyroux for sand and cement, so all
ready for tomorrow. I spent the rest of the day as the builders mate and tidied
up after him! We listened to Boris in
Parliament and got a bit more clarity on the new rules for lockdown although we
are still not sure if we will have to self isolate for two weeks when we get
home. We are now planning on going home around the first of June with the hope
we will be allowed to return at some point later in the year. Whilst listening
to Boris a car went past, stopped and a young child got out and put something
in our letter box. Kevin went to see what had been delivered. It was a plastic
bag with two homemade face masks inside. The package was addressed to ‘Madam Heritier
voisin anglais’ The face masks are made of fabric and came with instructions of
how to wear them and how to wash them. They are free to all the inhabitants of
Bertric Buree. We were astonished that they had been personally delivered to
every household, this would never happen in the UK.
Tuesday 12th May
Another dull day. I nipped to Aldi and managed to buy ten
face masks, they are made of thin paper and are one use only but better than
nothing. We then worked together and completed another section of concrete. It’s
a back breaking job and we are both shattered after but we are getting there
slowly. Another couple of days should see the lounge floor level. We can then
leave it to dry out fully whilst we are at home and before putting the floor
tiles down. After lunch we cleared up the mess and yet again moved equipment
and materials around to make space for the next section. Kevin went to Peyroux
for more sand and cement. I went across to Myriam’s garden for a while to sort various
things out on the internet. Myriam returned
to work yesterday and leaves her
internet on so we can use it in her garden which is very kind of her. I looked at the Eurotunnel website for
crossings. They are now back to running four crossings per hour. When Kevin
returned we went back to Myriam's garden and booked our crossing for 6pm on
Monday 1st June. We have decided to complete the journey in one day with just toilet
stops, it will be an early start and a
long journey. We will share the driving but better than stopping over night and
risking getting the virus. Hopefully we will not need to go into quarantine,
Boris and Macron have made an agreement that people travelling between France
and the UK don’t need to isolate but things can change between now and then! So
we now have a deadline to work too. We have still plenty we would like to
complete but will just keep plodding along and see where we get too.
Wednesday 13th May
When we got up it was pouring down and continued all morning.
We finished preparing the next area to be concreted but decided it was too wet
to be carrying in buckets of sand so we left that job. Kevin trimmed the edge
of the plasterboard on the bridge and then I filled in the strips and screws. Kevin
sorted the wiring for the lounge lights. After lunch Kevin decided we could put
the first piece of plasterboard on the lounge ceiling, it went up fairly easily.
Since it had stopped raining we then decided to complete the next section of
concrete. We finished at about 3.30pm. We then put up another two pieces of
plasterboard on the ceiling, sorting the wiring for one ceiling light in the
process. So a good days work with lots of progress. After dinner Kevin decided
to spend an hour sorting the electric box out, he needs to re organised how some
of the wires are connected into the box ready for it being inspected. At 9pm he
hadn’t come back to the caravan so I went to see where he was. He had switched
the mains off to the barn and was struggling to get the thick wires back into
position. It was dark in the utility room and he was struggling to see wires so
I helped by shinning the torch and keeping quiet! By 9.30pm he had managed to
reconnect all the wires back in the box and we had electricity again! No more
night time electricity sorting though!
Thursday 14th May
A much better day weather wise, sunny and warm. I decided to
go to Le Clerc's for the weekly shop. I managed to buy some face masks. On my
way back I called at the Mairie in Bertric Buree to collect our free plastic
bin liners. I also collected Manuel’s, Myriam's, Danielle's and Madame
Heritier's. I arrived back with twelve rolls of bin liners! I expected a queue
at the Mairie's but I was the only one there which was good news. Kevin had
prepared the shuttering for the next concrete pour whilst I was gone. We nipped
to Manuel's to use his internet and his expertise to fill in all the paperwork
for a landline and internet connection, the French telecom need maps and house
plans before they will decide if you can have a telephone line! We started the
concrete pour after lunch and had finished by 3.30pm. Kevin decided we needed to
check the pipework to our en-suite. It runs through the lounge floor so needs
checking for leaks before we can put plasterboard to the lounge ceiling. He
attached a valve to each pipe, hot and cold, and then switched on the water
supply. We had a bucket and tray ready to collect the water when Kevin
turned on each valve but guess who got squirted with water! Fortunately I was
the only one wet and the pipes had no leaks so we can now start to put the
plasterboard on the lounge ceiling.
Friday 15th May
A beautiful sunny day. We had started mixing concrete by 9am
and had finished by 11am just in time for a coffee! Just two small areas left
to complete tomorrow. Myriam invited us for a socially distanced coffee in her
garden, Manuel joined us. After coffee we put two pieces of plasterboard on the
ceiling and then another one after lunch. At about 2.30pm Manuel and his mum arrived
bearing gifts of pate, jams and magret of duck. She is so very kind. They
stayed for a quick socially distanced coffee sat in the garden enjoying the
sunshine. It was so good to see Manuel's
mum, Marie Paul, its been over eight weeks since she has been to Pautardie. Kevin
then went to Brico Marche for more plasterboard, some plasterboard screws, tile
trim and some electric wiring. Whilst he was gone I cut the grass, the lawn
mower started to make a strange noise just before I had finished. It sounded
like a stone had got stuck in it. When Kevin came back he investigated, he cleaned
all the wet and dry grass cuttings away and then noticed that the cutting blade
was catching on the front of the mower, I must have hit a lump of ground
and bent the steel pan! Fortunately Kevin managed to knock it back into shape! I
then completed renewing the sand bags around the pool whilst Kevin framed out
the rear right wall of the lounge ready for plasterboard, he needs to get some
wiring through the back of it for the television and sockets. The roses are beginning to look really beautiful now. Once again both
shattered so the usual Friday tea washed down with a glass of beer and a gin
and tonic.
Saturday 16th May
Another beautiful sunny day. I nipped to Aldi for a few bits
and pieces and then did the usual weekend jobs. Kevin prepared the final two
small areas of the lounge floor ready for concreting. We had coffee at 11am and
then started the final mixes of concrete. By 1pm we had finished so the floor
is finally flat! Its been hard work and back aching, we are both shattered but
really pleased we have finally finished it. After lunch Kevin continued working
on the right hand wall. He completed the framing out. He drilled holes through the
wall into the dining room for the wiring and then put two pieces of plasterboard
on the wall. Its a small area of wall but a lot of cutting of the plasterboard is
needed as we want to keep a piece of the wooden beam showing. I was the
builders mate and cleared up after him! I then had an early shower and
completed the ironing. We invited Manuel, his mum and Danielle for socially
distancing apperro in the garden at 6pm. A perfect end to the day.
Sunday 17th May
A beautiful day. It’s also Richard and Sandra’s and Andy and
Kathy’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. Not the day they would have
planned but certainly one they will remember. Happy Anniversary to both
couples. We had a lazy day. Kevin did put up two pieces of plasterboard to the
lounge ceiling before we got ready to go to across the valley to David's for a
socially distanced lunch. As it was such a lovely day we decided to walk there.
It only took us fifteen minutes, down the hill and then across the valley
bottom and up the steep hill at the other side. Robert and Caro had also been
invited. We sat outside and thoroughly enjoyed David's meal. Mixed meats with cooked
peppers and onions for starters, fish pie for main, cheese and then chocolate
fondant for dessert. All washed down with several glasses of wine! It was so
good to finally see them. We eventually staggered back to the barn at about 6pm!
Our French friends had also had family or friends visiting them today, all very
happy to see them after such a long time in lockdown. Hopefully the same will
soon be allowed in the UK.
Monday 18th May
Another beautiful sunny day. Just two weeks to go before we
will travel home. We decided to brave a trip to Le Roy Merlin’s and Brico Depot
in Perigueux. We need some insulation for the lounge walls and bathroom
furniture. We are allowed to travel 100km from base now and all the shops are
open. We set off just after 9am, had a good journey with very little traffic
and fortunately no police around. It felt really strange to be travelling
further than Le Clercs in Riberac but we enjoyed the ride and the scenery. We
decided to go to Le Roy Merlin’s first to look at light fittings for the
lounge. When we arrived the car park was fairly full, people were already queuing
to collect their purchases and there was a queue for the building materials. We
put our mask and gloves on and walked to the main entrance. No problem getting
into the shop but lots of people around. They had a one way system which many
people were ignoring. We found two light fittings and then found the skirting
board. Kevin had a quick look at the plumbing materials but didn’t find what he
wanted. I felt very uncomfortable in the shop and was getting hot and bothered
wearing a mask so we decided to go to the check out. On the way out I wanted my
usual trip to the toilet but all closed! We called in the builders area and
managed to buy the insulation, it was cheaper than Kevin expected so a bonus.
We decided we had enough materials to keep us busy for the next week so decided
to go back to the barn instead of going to Brico Depot. I quickly nipped into
Grand Frais for some meat kebabs and then we were on our way back. Not the best
shopping experience! We were glad to be back at the barn by 11.30 and enjoyed a
coffee looking at the view in the sunshine. Kevin then continued putting up
plasterboard in the lounge ceiling, I was his mate! After lunch we dismantled
and rewired the cable to the caravan so Kevin could put the next piece of
plasterboard up. I vacuumed the caravan and car and then spent an hour on the
gardening project. In between I was the builders mate!
Tuesday 19th May
A lovely day. Another milestone passed, Kevin finished
putting plasterboard on the lounge ceiling so all ceilings are now complete! We
then started putting insulation in the outside lounge wall followed by fixing
two pieces of plasterboard to the wall. There are lots of electric wires to
sort before each piece of plasterboard is fixed in place so not
straightforward. In between being the builders mate I washed the car and
caravan. David arrived, in time for coffee, with two pieces of wood that he
wanted a routed edge on. So after coffee Kevin sorted the edges for him. It
will be interesting to see the finished article next time we go across the
valley. Kevin spent most of the afternoon battening out one side of the lounge/entrance
hall wall. Again there are lots of wires to be fed between the batons before we
can put plasterboard up. I started covering the ceiling gaps with scrim tape
ready for filling with plaster.
Wednesday 20th May
The hottest day of the year so far. We both went shopping,
Kevin went to Brico Marche for plasterboard and wood to make more framework, he
dropped me at Inter Marche for some bits and pieces of food. On our return Kevin
continued sorting out the wiring for sockets and the electric radiator on the outside
lounge wall. Manuel invited us for coffee with his mum in the garden, Myriam was working from
home so she came for a quick coffee. Manuel's mum had bought Manuel some new
curtains for his pool house, he asked Kevin if he could drill the holes for the
new poles. So after coffee Kevin nipped to the barn for equipment. He fitted
the two outside supports and then when he put the first pole in place it bent
in the middle before the curtains were put up. There wasn’t a centre support
provided with the poles. So after much discussion Kevin put one of the second
pole supports in the middle of the first pole! At least then Manuel could put
up one set of curtains. It was lunch time by then and Manuel and his mum
insisted we stay for lunch. Homemade pate de foie gras followed by mixed
vegetables and lemon sole, much nicer than our planned sandwich! It was lovely
sat in Manuel’s garden in the shade enjoying lunch together. After lunch we
worked together cutting and putting several pieces of plasterboard in place. We
used the plasterboard in the trailer to save moving it twice. I had a hair appointment
at 6pm, at 2.30pm I received a message from Anya asking if I could get for
4.30pm, she had a cancellation. After a
quick shower I was sat in Anya's for 4.25pm. Another strange experience. You
have to wear a mask, difficult when cutting round the ears! wear gloves or use
the hand gel provided and leave your handbag on a chair away from the cutting
area. She has to disinfect everything after every customer. No drinks allowed
and after paying you have to use hand gel. I was back at the barn by 5.45pm
with my new look short hair! Not sure when it will get cut again as the
hairdressers are not opening until at least the 3rd July in the UK. Kevin
had continued working in the lounge, fixing wiring and plasterboard whilst I
was gone.
Before haircut!
After haircut!
Thursday 21st May
Another hot day. Kevin continued sorting the wiring in the outside lounge wall. When he had finished we put insulation and then plasterboard in place. The long wall is now complete and ready for filling. Another milestone, all the walls are now insulated. We have about a metre of insulation left so we had over bought! We went to Manuel's for coffee as he had managed to buy two more brackets for his second pole, not the same as the original ones as these are made of wood not metal but the same size. After a quick coffee Kevin drilled the holes and he finished putting up the pole. We put a piece of plasterboard up on the short inside lounge wall before lunch and then completed that wall after lunch. We now have two walls complete in the lounge, we are getting there! Kevin then spent the rest of the afternoon fitting wooden batten to the final wall. He needs to box out the soil and vent pipes for our ensuite which go up this wall through the ceiling into our ensuite. All the electric wires also arrive into the lounge via this wall so it’s going to take a little time to sort out. I spent the afternoon cleaning the lounge floor and then putting materials and equipment back into the lounge from the dining room, we are rapidly running out of storage space! At 5.15pm I checked my phone, Myriam had invited us for apperro in her garden at 6pm! Its another bank holiday in France, the third this month! So it was quick showers. We enjoyed an hour of socially distanced drinks and nibbles in the shade. Manuel and Danielle also came. It’s so much better to be able to spend time with everyone, even if it is at a distance. Hopefully the UK will soon be allowed to do the same.
Friday 22nd May
A beautiful day, not quite as hot as yesterday and a little breeze. I nipped to Aldi for bread. Kevin went to Manuel’s to try to sort out the application for the telephone landline, the company keep asking for the same information! French bureaucracy! On his return he continued preparing the final lounge wall. By the end of the day he had just about completed the boxing out and electrics. We put up one piece of plasterboard and Kevin cut a piece for part of the boxing out. I spent most of the day in the garden, I cut the grass and then strimmed the back garden and the field side of the back garden. Kevin raked the ground where the caravan and awning had been and we decided, although the ground is not flat, to sow the grass seeds and see what happens whilst we are at home! Fingers crossed the birds don’t eat all the seeds! We were both shattered. We listened to the Downing Street briefing and they announced
everyone coming into the UK after 8th June would need to go into quarantine for two weeks. Fortunately this won’t affect us as we arrive on 1st June. However, we will self isolation for a while when we get home just to make sure we haven’t picked up the virus on our way home.
Saturday 23rd May
It was raining when we got up and rained on and off all day. So saved me a job of watering the new grass seed! I went to Aldi for bread and then did the usual weekend jobs before coffee. Kevin finished sorting the wiring on the final lounge wall. We then worked together and fitted two sheets of plasterboard. Whilst Kevin finished the boxing out round the pipework I sorted equipment and brushed the downstairs floor. Kevin then put the final pieces of plasterboard up. Another milestone, the lounge is plasterboarded and wired. Kevin wants to fix the sockets and lights and test the circuits before we start filling in the gaps and screw holes. Think the filling in will be a job for next time! I did the ironing before we had Shepherds Pie for dinner. We are eating up meals I have frozen so the freezer is empty before we go home.
Sunday 24th May
A lovely sunny day with a breeze. We both went to Le
Clerc's, we both had a trolley and walked in separately! Kevin went to the wine
section looking for wine to take home and some for Andy and Kath and mum and
dad, the choice was disappointing so he only bought 18 bottles! We will go and
have a look at Inter Marche later in the week to see if they have a better
selection. I did the food shopping. We
were back at the barn by 10am. Kevin then started putting up the light fittings
in the lounge, he put both lights in place and then fitted the two way light switch
and we had the big switch on. Fortunately both lights worked but unfortunately
one bulb didn't light. Kevin checked it was screwed in properly, changed the bulb
but still it didn't light, he then look the fitting down and checked the wiring
and put it back up again but still no light, the problem seems to be the with
the prewired section so we will have to return the fitting to Le Roy Merlin's
during the week which is annoying. Kevin then started fitting the sockets, he
completed two by the end of the afternoon. I started preparing the food for tonight, we
have invited Manuel, Myriam, Freddie and Danielle for a socially distanced BBQ.
It’s Manuel's birthday on 6th June so we will miss it and also
Freddie's on the 30th June so a bit of a birthday party for both
men. I prepared a tomato and mozzarella salad with basil and pesto for starters.
We had bought some turkey kebabs from Grand Frais and I made some beef burgers
at Manuel’s request. I had managed to buy some Isle de Rey potatoes, they are
just like Jersey Royals, and made a rice salad and lots of other salads to go
with the meat. I used the remaining half of the white chocolate cheesecake decorated
with raspberries and strawberries for dessert. We put two tables under the
trees in the back garden so plenty of space to sit socially distanced. Kevin
managed to put a light up in the trees so we could still see when it went dark.
Danielle had invited the ‘gang’ for apperro before the BBQ so we all met at her
house at 6.30pm. Kevin and I left at 7.20pm to sort the food for the BBQ,
everyone else came across at 7.30pm. We had a lovely evening together, our last
for some time I guess.
Monday 25th May
A beautiful sunny day. Just one week until we leave for home.
Kevin spent the morning connecting sockets in the lounge. I started packing for
home. I emptied the kitchen cupboards of everything we will take home and then
cleaned them. I spent some time in the caravan sorting clothes and packed the
things were are leaving in sealed plastic bags. Manuel invited us for coffee so
we updated our emails and Kevin downloaded the Attestation which we will need
to have with us when we travel next Monday. At the moment the French are only
allowed to travel within 100 km of their homes, we have heard that the police
are spot checking, issuing fines and sending people back home! So we need to
make sure we have all the correct paperwork with us! After lunch we took the
remaining rubbish to the decheterrie, we also took some old carpet and some
other bits for Danielle. We decided to call at Intermarche for wine and managed
to buy another 30 bottles so hopefully have enough now. We also called at Brico
Marche as Kevin needed some more backing boxes for the sockets. We arrived at
the decheterrie at about 3pm, they had opened after lunch at 2.30pm. We had to
queue for 45minutes before we were allowed in, they are only allowing one car
in as one leaves. We had obviously chosen a bad time as this is the first time
Kevin had queued. Once back at the barn we pottered about, we moved the
fridge/freezer in the utility room to its permanent position, Kevin sorted a
socket in the utility room and fixed a blank cover over the junction box in the lounge. We
intended having a BBQ as we had some burgers left from last night, but we
started watching the briefing about Dominic Cummings, so I cooked the burgers
under the grill and we ate in the caravan instead.
Tuesday 26th May
Another beautiful day. We decided to take the light fitting
back to Le Roy Merlin’s. We were there for 9.45am. Fortunately it wasn’t as
busy as last week. They changed the fitting with out even looking at it. We
also bought the tiles for the kitchen walls, some plumbing pieces and a
matching lamp to the ceiling lights. We then decided to go to Lapeyre to look at
their doors. Kevin has designed the barn door so wanted to look at the doors he
has seen on their website. The assistant was very helpful, she will order the doors
for us via email once we know when we can return to France. We then went to
Brico Depot and bought a bath, two sinks and a heated towel radiator all for
our ensuite, they didn’t have the shower tray or shower screen we wanted in
stock so we decided to wait until our next trip to buy them. As we were queuing to collect the bath I
looked at the garden furniture. We decided to buy a garden suite, not on the
shopping list but will come in very useful! So a good shopping trip. We arrived
back at the barn at 2.50pm. We then started to put the garden furniture
together as it was flat packed. It was all complete by 5.30pm. Whilst we were
working Manuel and his mum arrived, she was on her way to see her brother in
Angouleme and had called to say goodbye to us. They had a quick glass of water
with us, it was lovely of her to call. Kevin then put the light fitting back up
and fortunately all three bulbs worked, we also put a bulb in the lamp and
checked that worked. We had a BBQ for
dinner and enjoyed the evening sunset sat in the shade.
Wednesday 27th May
Yet another beautiful day. I went to Le Clerc’s for fresh
salad ingredients as Neil and Dee are calling to look at our progress and
staying for socially distanced lunch in the garden. Kevin finished fitting the
sockets in the lounge and did a temporary fix of the wires in the dining room.
He then had the final grand switch on and all the sockets are working. Another
milestone reached, the electrics are almost ready now for the permanent supply
to be fitted. That will have to wait till our next visit though. Whilst I
prepared lunch Kevin fitted two walls of tiled skirting in the downstairs
toilet. Neil and Dee arrived at 1pm after visiting Robert and Caro and David.
Robert and Caro want him to pierre apparent a wall for them and David wants him
to do another wall for him so he had called to give them a price. We spent a
lovely afternoon sat on the shade having a BBQ with them. Neil and Dee kindly
agreed to come and cut our grass whilst we are at home. I am really pleased as it
would be knee high again in no time and since we don’t know when we will be
back at least the garden will look tidy for our neighbours. It was almost 5pm
when Neil and Dee left so after washing up we decided to have a lazy evening. We
listened to Boris and the Corona virus briefing, not exactly riveting
television!
Thursday 28th May
Another beautiful day, it got really hot in the afternoon.
Kevin finished fitting the tiled
skirting in the downstairs toilet and then tiled the utility room walls, just
one row of tiles. We used the remaining tiles from the guest bathroom so
another recycled project! I emptied and defrosted the caravan fridge and then
cleaned the cooker and put some olive oil on the window seals. The caravan is
almost ready to leave now. After coffee I nipped to Aldi for bits as we had
decided to invite ‘the gang’ for final socially distanced apperro in the garden
tonight. While Kevin continued with the tiling I sorted our bedroom out and
packed more clothes! The gang arrived at 6pm and we sat in the shade for an
hour enjoying a final drink and some of Manuel’s mum’s pate together. Myriam
later set off to Freddie’s for the weekend, she has a days holiday tomorrow and it’s yet another
bank holiday in France on Monday so she has a long weekend with him. It was sad
saying goodbye to everyone since we don’t know when we will next be allowed to
come back. Hopefully we will see everyone later this year, fingers crossed.
Friday 29th May
Another hot day. Kevin grouted the tiles in the utility room
and downstairs toilet and then spent a couple of hours tidying up the electric
box. I went to the bottle bank with the empty bottles (two boxes full!). On my
way back I called at David’s and asked if I could leave a plant for Caro, we
are invited for apperro tonight as it’s
Caro's 70th birthday in June and we will miss it. The plant is too
big and heavy to carry when we walk across later. I then spent most of the day
in the garden. I strimmed the front garden and then weeded the garden. It was
very hot working outside. At 5.45pm we walked across to Robert and Caro’s for
socially distanced apperro. It was still very hot so hard work walking up the
steep hill. We were definitely in need of a drink when we arrived! We stayed
just over an hour and then walked back, the final hill was a long drag as it
was still very warm.
Saturday 30th May
Another hot day. A day of sorting out ready for going home.
Kevin managed to connect and get the caravan television working in the guest
bedroom. The caravan is now surplus to requirements! It's a pity we can't take it home with us and sell it, but it would
be impossible to get it home in the day so it will stay here until next time. I cut the grass first before it got too hot. I
then did some strimming. Kevin measured up for the lounge small window, he is
hoping to order a double glazed unit at home and bring it back with us next
trip. Kevin then took over the strimming whilst I cleaned the utility room and
downstairs toilet. After lunch we emptied the caravan of items going home and I
did the final vacuum and then locked it ready for leaving. I did more sorting jobs whilst Kevin measured
the stairs ready for sorting a hand rail whilst at home. After showers we took
our pre dinner drinks and sat in the shade enjoying the garden and evening
sunshine. The farmer (Monsieur Beau) had been busy in the field for the last
two days, he stopped and told us he was planting sunflowers this year.
Hopefully we will get back in time to see them in flower.
Sunday 31st May
Well our last day, we have been here a month longer than
planned and don’t know whether we will be allowed to come back again this year
or not. We have made really good progress and so pleased we were here when they
announced the lockdown. We would have been bored at home and would have been
thinking about what we could have completed here. Anyway it’s an early start in
the morning, an eight hour plus drive to the tunnel and then another four and a
half hours to home. We are going to complete the journey in the day and only
stop for the toilet! Hopefully this way we will reduce the number of people we
come into contact with. We both spent
the day preparing for departure. We are leaving the barn ready for winter just in case
we cannot come back. Manuel has invited us for apperro and a simple meal
tonight and then it will be an early night. A bientot.
Monday 1st June
We got up at 5.30am and after draining the water we left the barn at 7am. Manuel got up early to say goodbye to us. We had a really good journey, very little traffic and the service stations were empty, fortunately the loos were open! We arrived at the tunnel at 2.45pm. We were really lucky and were put on the next train, 3.20pm. three hours earlier than booked. The French customs just waved us through without looking at our passports and the English customs checked the passports and also waved us through. Nobody asked us where we had been or where we are going too! no mention of quarantine either. The traffic was much worse in the UK, almost as normal. We only had one loo stop and the service station was busy, people seemed to just be ignoring the one-way systems. We were glad to be back in the car. We made good time and arrived home at 7pm, just 13 hours since we left the barn. So back home now and no idea when we will next get back to the barn but at least we have made some progress this year.
