Living the Dream, Year Four, August to October 2020

 

Monday 3^rd August

We were beginning to think we wouldn’t get back to France again this year as the UK were starting to put travel restrictions in place again as cases of Corona virus had started to rise. People travelling to Spain have been told only essential travel to Spain and two weeks quarantine on their return. Fortunately, for the moment, we are allowed to travel to France. So once again with a packed car we set off on our travels. We left home at 5.30am and made good time even though it was a Monday morning. Kevin was worried we might hit traffic around Cambridge and again on the M25 but neither were too busy. We arrived at Eurotunnel at 9.30am, our crossing was booked for 10.50am. Fortunately we managed to get on an earlier crossing at 10.30am. We just had time for me to nip into duty free for some make up! We had a good journey to the barn, very little traffic on the French roads, we had a couple of toilet stops and arrived at the barn at 8.30pm local time. Kevin managed to switched on the water and electrics before it was dark. Fortunately no water leaks! We then unpacked the car and put all the food items away. I made the beds in the guest bedroom and we went to bed at about 10.30pm with a gin and tonic for me and a glass of wine for Kevin!

Tuesday 4^th August

After a good night’s sleep we were up, showered and ready for going food shopping by 9am. There is still a one way system in place outside the shopping centre but in Le Clerc's it has been removed. Masks must be worn when in any inside place and everyone seems to be following these rules. We managed to get everything we needed including 18 bottles of red wine, beer for Kevin and tonic water for me! We should be ok if we are locked down again! After unpacking the shopping and a quick coffee we started sorting out the pool area. Neil and Dee had been last Thursday and cut the grass, it was lovely not to have long grass to tackle before we could start any work. The grass is so dry and very brown as there has been no rain here for several weeks. Kevin strimmed round the pool area and then we brushed up all the cuttings. I removed all the sand bags from around the edges of the pool before we jet washed the pool cover. Kevin then fixed the motor in place before we opened the pool. It was very dirty, lots of leaves and an orange band about 150cm deep had developed around the waters edge. Fortunately the water was not green which was a relief. We fetched Elsie (the pool robot!) out of hibernation and she spent two hours cleaning the pool. Both the filter in Elsie and the pool filter were filthy. We then put 100kg of salt and choro shock in the pool, put the cover back on and left it for the night. A good days work but still more to do before I will be able to have a swim. A beautiful day, hot at 28 degrees but with a cool breeze which we needed whilst working outside. A beautiful sunset to welcome us back.

Wednesday 5^th August

We decided to go shopping for materials today just in case France decide to lock down again. So once again we were up and ready to go to Angouleme by 9am. Kevin had checked on Brico Depot website last night and they had two shower screens of the style he wanted in stock. We arrived just before 10am, it was fairly busy as they has their annual sale on. We went straight to the shower screen area and asked an assistant for help. He returned saying they didn’t have the screen in stock! Annoying as Kevin had taken time to check availability. We had a look at their tiles but didn’t really like any. We did manage to buy some work top for the ensuite sinks and some underlay for the laminate flooring. We then went to Le Roy Merlin’s, fortunately they had some tiles we liked, had a suitable shower screen and a shower tray in stock.  We also bought an electric towel radiator for the downstairs toilet. So with a full car and trailer we made our way slowly back to the barn. After unpacking everything we had a quick lunch. Kevin decided to finish his shopping day by nipping to Brico Marche in Riberac for timber to frame out the bathroom and for door frames. I decided to tackle the water line on the pool. It was about 2pm when I started and getting very hot, 36 degrees today and very little breeze. I managed to get the black tide marks clean but am struggling to remove the orange band, some of it has come clean but there is still a definite change of colour. We are going to Myriam’s tonight for a meal so I will asked Freddie for advice. When Kevin returned we did some small jobs and then had showers before going across to Myriam’s. Manuel also joined us so ‘the gang’s was back in its bubble! We had a lovely evening sat in Myriam’s garden enjoying catching up with each other.

Thursday 6^th August

The forecast was for another hot day, 37 degrees, so we were up and completed the outside jobs before it got too hot. We opened the pool, it’s beginning to look much better now, another day of cleaning should be enough. We put Elsie in the pool and changed the filter and left Elsie to work her magic. Kevin then started cutting the trees, on the outside of our boundary fence, he needs to get line of sight between the barn and Myriam’s so he can fit the boxes for the internet. Myriam has kindly agree that we can try to share her internet access since we haven’t heard anything from Orange about fixing our landline. At 11am we nipped across to Myriam’s to discuss where to fit the cables and boxes for the internet link. She is so kind, they are going on holiday today but she has given us her house key and told us she is happy for us to go in and fix everything, she also said we could use her internet until Kevin gets it sorted. We will of course pay her for the internet.  By 11.45 am it was too hot for Kevin to complete cutting the trees. He decided to nip to Riberac for salt and pool water line cleaner, he also called at the Citronnier restaurant in Riberac and booked a table for tomorrow night as it’s our 14^th Wedding Anniversary. It will be the first time we have eaten out together since March so really looking forward to it. After lunch Kevin went to Chalais to the saw mill to buy wood for the bedroom and downstairs toilet doors and for the window cill in our bedroom. He was back at about 3.30pm with an empty trailer, the saw mill was closed. He isn’t sure if it’s closed for the holidays or for Covid. We will ask Phil and Lesley on Saturday if they know anything. I spent the day sorting clothes and bedding mainly in the caravan. We are using the caravan as a dressing room now until we have finished our ensuite and I have painted the walk in wardrobe. It was becoming difficult to find anything as I had packed everything ready for leaving over winter just in case we didn’t return. I also did a pile of ironing, hot work in the heat of the day. We spent some time discussing (arguing!) and organising how the bathroom fittings should be placed, we eventually agreed and Kevin started cutting some wood ready to make the framework for supporting the wash hand basins and bath.  We finished the day by sorting the pool again, Elsie has done four hours of cleaning today, the water is looking much clearer and she is managing to get some of the orange marking off the sides.

Friday 7^th August

Our 14^th Wedding Anniversary and the first one spent at the barn. Another very hot day, 40 degrees at 7pm! Just too hot to be outside after about 11am. So we started the day by sorting the pool, I cleaned the steps with the manual cleaner and then we put Elsie in and left her working her magic. Kevin finished cutting the trees and then he took the old internet satellite dish down. He is going to use some bits from it to support the new transmitter on Myriam’s house. I finished weeding the garden, I can’t believe how many weeds have grow when there hasn’t been any rain! We had a coffee sat inside and then checked the PH and chlorine levels of the pool, its clean and clear now but necessary to check the levels before using. The PH was a little high and the chlorine a bit low so we added a few more chloro shoc tablets. Kevin put the chlorine producer on automatic. We covered the pool and hopefully when we check tomorrow it will be ready to use. We then started workin in our ensuite. Kevin made the framing for the sink worktop and started the framing around the toilet soil and vent pipe. I gave the walk in wardrobe a coat of primer and undercoat and was the builders mate, holding the framing in place as Kevin fixed it.  It was very hot working, we drank a lot of water but a good start made to our ensuite. We then had showers and put our ‘glad rags’ on and went to the Citronier Restaurant in Riberac. It was still 40 degrees at 6.45pm and 36 degrees when we came back at 10pm! We had a lovely meal sat outside, in the shade of a tree, at one of our favourite restaurants. 

 

Saturday 8^th August

Another hot day forecast, 37 degrees.  It started off a bit cloudy which gave us a little respite. We collected a water sample from the pool, checked it ourselves and then took some of it to Bonnin’s, our local pool supplier, for them to test. Our readings agreed with theirs which was good. They recommended we put something called TAC into the pool, this will help regulate the PH of the pool. On our return we nipped to Manuel's for Kevin to have a look at one of his toilets which has started to leak. Manuel has people renting his house for the next two weeks so he needs to sort this out! Unfortunately he needs a new part for the cistern so Kevin will fix this when he has managed to buy one. We then had quick showers and got ready to go to Phil and Lesley’s for lunch. Nev and Barbara joined us. We spent a lovely afternoon eating lunch and drinking the odd glass of wine or two sat under their abri in the garden. Phil and Lesley have a beautiful home with a fantastic view. There was a gentle breeze for most of the time which made it a much more comfortable temperature. We didn’t get home until 7pm! A really relaxing afternoon catching up with lovely friends we hadn’t managed to see this year because of Covid.

Sunday 9^th September

A work day! We started by dosing the pool with the first dose of TAC. We need to leave it for four hours between each addition and need to add three doses so it took most of the day. Kevin then spent some time making a patch cable to connect the transmitter to the computer so he can configure the internet boxes. He then started work in our ensuite. By the end of the day he had used up all available wood for boxing out the bath and shower and had a shopping list ready for Monday. I did the usual weekend washing and cleaning before giving the walk in wardrobe another coat of paint, it just needs one more now. We then worked together cutting the skirting board for our bedroom and wardrobe, they all need painting now, guess who is going to get that job! After dinner we went across to Myriam’s, I watered her tomato plants, fed the cats and then updated my iPad. I tried to order several items from IKEA but was unable to sort click and collect so will have to try again tomorrow. Kevin spent about an hour trying to configure the two internet boxes, unfortunately he didn’t manage it. It is so frustrating for him.

Monday 10^th August

Can’t believe we have been here a week already. Another very hot day 37 degrees and no breeze. After breakfast I opened the pool, cleaned the filter and then put Elsie to work. Kevin filled the trailer with half of the tree cuttings and then took them to the decheterrie. He called at Brico Marche for more wood and plumbing bits for the ensuite. Whilst he was gone I did an hour of ironing and then started undercoating the skirting boards. We had a quick coffee and then worked for the rest of the day. Kevin continued with the boxing out and fitted the shower controls into position. I finished undercoating the skirting boards and then gave the wardrobe a coat of paint. I also did a bit of touching up with paint in the guest bedroom, downstairs toilet and kitchen. We had showers and then drove across to David’s for apero as it was too hot to walk.  As usual he had made some superb nibbles. Robert and Caro had also been invited so it was good to catch up with everyone.

Tuesday 11^th August

We had a thunderstorm during the night which cooled the temperature a little today but still 34 degrees at 6pm. Another work day. We started the day by opening the pool and putting Elsie to work. I went to Myriam’s to use her internet and feed the cats. I managed to organise a click and collect order for IKEA in Bordeaux, the only problem being we have no choice of day to collect and it’s this Saturday, probably going to be very busy. I then went to Le Clerc’s and did the food shopping, Le Clercs was manic, a lot of foreigners down here now on holiday! a big difference to May. Kevin continued working in the ensuite, he completed the boxing out, not easy at times as it was difficult to keep the bath level!  After coffee I cleaned the walk in wardrobe ready for the flooring to be fitted. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche after lunch for some plumbing bits. Whilst he was gone I gave the skirtings a coat of satin wood gloss. At about 5pm Kevin started fitting the laminate floor in the wardrobe and finished about 6.45pm. I gave the skirting another coat of gloss and then decided to get into the pool for the first time and cleaned the waterline. Kevin joined me for a swim at 7pm, bringing me a gin and tonic, what more could a girl want! The sunflowers are now in full bloom and look fantastic.

Wednesday 12^th August

We woke up to a thunderstorm it poured down for about ten minutes and then passed by. It did clear the air a little and made it more bearable for working in. Kevin started the plumbing in the ensuite and by the end of the day had supply pipes to the shower and the bath. He put the tap in place on the bath along with the bath trap and then put the air emmitance valve on the soil and vent pipes. I put the skirting board pieces in place in the wardrobe and our bedroom ready for Kevin the stick and nail in place. A man for Orange arrived at 10.20am to look where we would put the telephone cable and how it would enter the house, he was here for less than five minutes! French burocrasy! He did say it would probably be between two and three weeks before they would come to fit the line, he is going to send us a message when then date is decided. Hopefully we will have a fixed telephone line before too long! Before lunch Kevin fixed the skirting boards in the wardrobe and then after lunch in our bedroom. I then filled in the gaps on the corners and edges, just a final coat of gloss and the skirting will be finished. I then decided to sort out and clean the out building, it is now full of equipment. What a dirty job, spiders had made it their home whilst we had been away! I persevered and after about an hour it looked much better. Whilst I was filthy I decided to bag up the grass cuttings, Neil had left them in a pile at the bottom of the garden when he cut the grass for us, another filthy and smelly job but a good one completed. I also cut back some ivy and over grown tree branches. After a necessary shower! I had a swim whilst Kevin filled the trailer with all the garden rubbish ready for a trip to the dechetterie.

Thursday 13^th August

We woke up to rain and it rained on and off all day, very welcome as the garden needs it and it meant a cooler day for work. Kevin continued with the plumbing in the ensuite. I painted the framework for the sink worktops and then gave the skirting a final coat of satin gloss. After lunch Kevin cut some wood to make the wardrobe door lining. I then gave it a coat of undercoat. Nev and Barbara arrived for a coffee at 3pm. It was lovely to see them, they had booked a table at the pizza restaurant in Riberac for tomorrow night for us all, so looking forward to a night out tomorrow. After they left I gave the door lining a coat of satin gloss, they will be ready for Kevin to fix in place tomorrow. Kevin took down three sheets of plasterboard in the lounge ceiling ready to fit the shower drainage pipes. He also checked the fitting of the shower tray. So a day of steady progress.

Friday 14^th August

Corona virus strikes again! The number of covid cases in France has increased, the infection rate is now twice that of the UK.  We woke up to the news that Boris had decided to introduce quarantine for anyone entering the UK from France commencing at 4am on Saturday morning. This caused chaos for lots of Brits returning home from holidays in France, many decided to cut their holiday short to return home before the quarantine deadline. France also announced they may impose the same quarantine for Brits entering France although as yet have not confirmed this. This may affect Andy and Kath as they are booked to come here on the 3^rd September. We spoke to Kath and they have decided to wait and see what happens in the next couple of weeks. We had booked to visit Rocamador with them and had booked an over night stay but we all decided even if Andy and Kath manage to get here is would be sensible to cancel as its a tourist area so could be still very busy.  Ryan Air have said flights will continue so it’s a waiting game. So with a heavy heart we started the days work. Kevin decided to take the remaining tree cuttings to the dechetterie and then he called for plumbing pieces on his way back. Whilst he was gone I opened the pool, cleaned the filter and put Elsie to work. I then started sorting winter clothes in the caravan and put them into large storage boxes ready to move into the dressing room. David arrived for coffee at 11am bringing a basket full of Robert and Caro's tomatoes. Kevin spent the rest of the day fitting the worktops and sorting the plumbing for the two sinks. I decided, since it was a little cooler, to cut the grass. I then trimmed some of the trees and cut back some ivy and wild roses that had grow between us and Madam Heretier next door. After a quick shower I had a swim before getting ready to meet Nev and Barbara at the pizza restaurant in Riberac. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening, it was Nev and Barbara's first meal out since March, what a strange year this is becoming.

Saturday 15^th August

A dull start to the day so I decided to strim the front garden, I started at 9am and finished at 11am. Kevin finished the pipe work and started the drainage for the sinks and then permanently fitted the top work top in place. We had quick showers at 11am and then went to the summer fete in Bertric Buree. We met David there and had a quick wander around, not many stalls, but we had a go on the raffle and tombola and won a bottle of alcohol free Chardonnay!  We then had pork sandwiches with chips for lunch from the hog roast. We then left and made our way to IKEA in Bordeaux to collect our click and collect order of various items for our ensuite and bedroom. It took just over an hour and a half to get there so we arrived at about 2.35pm. We had a quick walk through the store, it was very busy. We managed to get three mirrors for our bedroom which had not been available for click and collect and a few other bits and pieces. We then went to the click and  collect area, very organised and all our purchases were ready and waiting for us. We loaded the car and we were on our way back to the barn by 4.15pm. On our way back we decided to call at Intermarche in Coutras for food shopping and Kevin nipped into Brico Marche for some fixings for the wall cabinets in the ensuite. I nipped to the loo whilst Kevin took the shopping back to the car. When Kevin opened the car boot a pack of plates and bowls fell out and smashed so a bit of a disaster but at least it wasn’t one of the mirrors! When we got back there was three side plates and three large plates still intact from the eighteen pieces! Fortunately, we had bought two packs so at least we have some crockery to use. After cheese and wine for tea we set too and made up the three bathroom cabinets ready for Kevin to put on the ensuite wall before he fits the sinks finally in place.

Sunday 16^th August    

We had been woken up during the night by a thunderstorm and heavy rain, fortunately it had moved on by the time we woke up. Kevin started the day by fitting the first bathroom wall cabinet, he had to cut out a piece of the back section so the shaver point would fit in. He then fitted the door linings to the walk in wardrobe before fitting the two other wall cabinets. I helped him fit the sink taps and he then sealed the sinks in place and finished the sink plumbing. In between being the plumbers mate did my usual weekend cleaning, washing and ironing. After lunch I cleaned the walk in wardrobe and the sink area of the ensuite. Kevin cut some wood to make the shower niches. Manuel, Myriam and Freddie came for apero at 6pm and we spent an hour sat in the garden under the shade of the trees enjoying their company.  Myriam and Freddie had been away on holiday in the centre of France last week and Manuel is staying with his mum for two weeks as his house is rented out, so it was lovely to see them and catch up.

Monday 17^th August

A cloudy but warm day, 28 degrees. Kevin started the day by fitting the wood in place for the niches in the shower. He then started sorting the drainage for the shower, this ment working in the lounge ceiling, he removed some of the plasterboard so he could access the pipework. Just hope when it’s all finished we don’t have any leaks! I opened the pool and cleaned the filters and as usual put Elsie to work. Nev and Barbara arrived for coffee bring their internet box with them. The boys spent some time checking if it would work in the barn. They managed to get a good signal strength  in most of our rooms with a fast download speed. This is much quicker than the landline will provide so we have decided to try and cancel the landline and will then send for the same internet box. Hopefully, I will eventually have internet! After lunch Kevin continued with the shower drainage. I vacuumed the car. We then worked together and mixed some tile adhesive which we used to set the shower tray in place.  We had early showers as the people who are renting Manuel's house had asked if they could come and have a look at the barn. They arrived just after 5pm bringing some homemade American chocolate chip cookies. The family live near Versailles, the mother is American, hence the biscuits and the father French, they have four teenage children. We spent a very pleasant couple of hours chatting with them over a glass of wine.

 

Tuesday 18th August

A rainy morning and then it cleared and was a sunny afternoon and evening. A busy day. Kevin finished all the plumbing in the ensuite, we are going to leave the joints to set for 48 hours and then do a water test! He then nipped to Brico Marche for a diamond core drill to cut a hole for the shower pipe in one of the tiles. He managed to cut the hole without breaking the tile so another good job completed. We sorted out a plan for tiling the floor and Kevin marked out the floor ready for starting tomorrow.  I was a woman of many talents! A painter, carpenter, plumbers mate, plasterer, cleaner and chief cook and bottle washer! I started by painted the niches in the shower. Kevin then cut me some wood to make the door lining for our bedroom, I sanded it down before giving it a coat of undercoat and then later, when it had dried, I gave it a coat of satin wood gloss. I then decided to start filling the gaps and holes in the plasterboard in the lounge walls and completed about half the walls and a few in the ceiling. I finished the day by sweeping downstairs and then cleaned the window in our bedroom.

Wednesday 19th August

Almost a rest day! Kevin put some wooden supports under the sinks to support some plaster board which will hide the pipework. I cleaned the downstairs windows and then took the empty bottles to the bottle bank. We then had showers as Jeanette and Trevor arrived with two of their friends, Carole and Greg, at 11.30am. After they had looked round the barn we had coffee sat in the garden. At 12.50am we went to the Fleur D’eau restaurant in Riberac for lunch. The restaurant had new owners over winter and had been closed because of Covid so we were not sure what it would be like. When we arrived the car park was full of French cars, a good sign. We all enjoyed our meal sat by the river watching canoes sailing by. We left the restaurant at about 3.30pm. Jeanette, Trevor, Carole and Greg wanted to go to Brantome on their way home, because we had been there lots of times we decided to give it a miss and returned to the barn. As it was still early we decided to put the Ikea bedside cabinets together, we started at 4pm and finished just before 7pm. Kevin then fixed the full length mirror in place in the walk in wardrobe.  We are beginning to sort the finishing touches out in our bedroom.

Thursday 20^th August

A hot day, 36 degrees at 6pm and 28 degrees at 11pm. Kevin worked hard all day. He started by fitting a wall tile on the shower wall so he could fit the bar for shower rose, he left that to set and then decided to cut all the floor tiles to make sure we had enough to complete the floor. At about 3pm we started mixing the tile adhesive in batches, I mixed whilst Kevin fitted the tiles in place. By the end of the day Kevin had almost completed tiling the floor. I went to Le Clerc's first thing and did the weekly shop, it not as busy today which was a relief. On my return I made a dessert and put it in the freezer ready from when Andy and Kath coming, still keeping everything crossed they will make it. At 12 o clock David arrived bringing a basket full of both his and Robert and Caro's tomatoes and also a large courgette. I had a quick swim and then we had showers at 5.30pm and got ready for going to Nev and Barbara's for dinner. At 6.15pm we decided to call at Brico Marche on our way. We bought more tile adhesive, plasterboard filler and some tile edging strips. We then called at Tip Top just to waste a bit of time as we were too early to go to Nev and Barbara's, we bumped into Phil and Lesley who were doing exactly the same thing! We all made our way to Nev and Barbara's and spent a fabulous evening sat on their new patio area, chatting, eating, drinking and watching the stars until after 11pm. A superb evening spent with lovely friends.

Friday 21st August

A rainy and dull but warm day, a bit like our mood today as we had a frustrating day. I nipped to Aldi for fresh bread and water whilst Kevin fitted the shower arm for the shower rose and the shower wand temporarily so we can test the incoming water once the toilet is fixed in place. On my return I noticed a ring of water on the underneath sink work top, one of the outlet pipes has a small leak. Kevin retested the bath outlet pipe and we had another leak. All very frustrating as the leaks are from manufactured joints and not the ones Kevin has done. We then had a text message from Kev and Sarah, they had gone to cut the grass and sort our post at home. When they opened the door they found we had no power. Fortunately they managed to switch it back on at the mains but had to throw a box of ice cream we had left in the kitchen freezer. They checked the freezer in the garage and fortunately it has continued working as it’s on a different circuit so it was a good job I had moved most of the food to the garage freezer. We will need to get it sorted when we get home. We continued trying to sort the leaking bath outlet, Kevin eventually used Nev's method for sealing leaking joints, mastic! We have left it to seal for 24 hours before checking again. Kevin then finished tiling the ensuite floor and fixed the toilet basin in place with tile adhesive. We had showers and then went to Nev and Barbara’s to order the internet box. Hopefully, it will arrive before the end of next week. We need to buy a special sim card to fit the box before we can use it, they are available to buy at a shop in Perigueux. We returned to the barn at about 7pm and had our usual Friday night tea. We had just cleared up when their was a knock  on the door, it was Cyndee and Cyrille, bearing two American muffins to say goodbye as they leave for home in the morning. They had a quick glass of wine with us before going back to pack. They are a lovely couple and it’s been lovely to spent a little time with them. We exchanged contact details so hopefully we will see them again.

Saturday 22nd August

A much better day. Kevin managed to fix the two leaking outlet pipes and then fitted the cistern to the toilet. We nipped to Manuel's to say good bye to Cyndee and her family. We then tested the outlet pipes again and no leaks, such a relief. Manuel came down for coffee, he is now back in his own home and on holiday for the week.  We invited him to join us for dinner tomorrow night. After coffee we decided to test the supply pipes to the ensuite. Armed with a bucket and cloth, I checked the pipes as Kevin slowly increased the pressure on first the cold supply and then the hot supply. We had no leaks. So proud of Kevin, he has now completed all the plumbing in the barn, so another milestone passed. Kevin spent the rest of the day boxing in round the sink area. I decided to wash the car, just as I finished it decided to rain for about half an hour! After lunch Kevin cut me some more door linings, the final one for the ensuite door and one set for the downstairs toilet. I sanded them and then undercoated. Whilst waiting for them to dry I cleaned Elsie and the pool filter. I gave the door linings a coat of satin gloss and then at about 6.15pm we finished work for the day. Kevin made us a drink to celebrate the plumbing being finished and we decided to have a swim, well I had a swim whilst Kevin sat with his feet in the water! A satisfying day.

Sunday 23rd August

Kevin boxed out the shower area and then started to cut and put tiles in place. It’s a tricky job as lots of difficult cutting of tiles round the shower controls. By the end of the day he had finished the boxing out and  cut and fixed seven tiles and had a plan for the rest of the wall. I did the usual Sunday jobs and prepared dinner for Manuel. Melon and Palma ham, BBQ marinated pork loin with couscous and courgettes and then figs in Marsala and honey for dessert. I was then the tilers mate, mixing the glue and cleaning up the mess! After quick showers we were ready for dinner with Manuel. It was still sunny and warm so we ate in the garden. We decided to teach Manuel how to play Mexican dominoes after dinner, we played one game outside but decided it had turned too cold and retreated inside for the rest of the evening. Manuel is now a convert to the game, although I won in the end!

Monday 24th August

The beginning of our third week here, time passes so quickly when you are busy! A bit of a stressful day for Kevin. The shower back wall is proving to be very challenging sorting all the tile cuts and spaces out. It took him most of the day to sort it but by the end of play he had fixed most of the tiles in place. He cut the tiles for the niches ready for fixing in place tomorrow.  I decided to keep out of the way! I washed the caravan and took photos of the outside and inside ready to send an advert to a couple of websites, Bon Coin, a French site and the Drone Valley network. Hopefully we will manage to sell it and then not have the problem of taking it home to sell. It’s worth a try. After lunch I put some weed killer on the outside of our back fence, a trial to see if it works better than strimming. I also put some around the grass edge of the swimming pool, fingers crossed it works. Finally, I weeded the garden and tidied up after the worker. After a quick swim I prepared dinner and then we sat outside enjoying the evening sunshine for a while, a beautiful evening.

Tuesday 25th August

The A Team at work together today! I mixed batches of tile adhesive whilst Kevin stuck the tiles in place. We worked hard all day and by the end we had completed the shower side wall. The shower area is almost complete and ready for grouting. It’s beginning to take shape now. We were both shattered and I certainly won't have ‘bungalow legs' after walking up and down stairs all day! I finished the day with a swim whilst Kevin cut a few tiles ready for tomorrow. After showers we went to Manuel's for apero, whilst there Kevin emailed him the caravan advert, he is going to post it on the Bon Coin website for us tomorrow.

Wednesday 26th August

Another good day of tiling, we worked together to begin with. When Kevin started to tile the tricky bit round the boxed area near the toilet I was surplus to requirements so decided to strim round the pool. Manuel came down for coffee, whilst we were sat round the pool chatting the postman arrived with our 4G box and card carrier, we are a step nearer to having the internet!   At 3.00pm we decided to have early showers and then  went to Perigueux. We called at Le Roy Merlin's for tile adhesive and grout. Then we went to Hyper U to find the 'Free' box where we purchased a SIM card for the 4G box.  We called at La Peyre and paid the remainder of the bill for the barn doors, they should be delivered on the 7th September. Finally, we called at Grand Fraise and bought some kebabs to put in the freezer for when Andy and Kath are here. On our way back to the barn we called at Nev and Barbara's and Nev kindly sorted our connection to the 4G box. We were like school children when we got back to the barn, Kevin quickly plugged in the box and thankfully we had internet access. We are back in the 21st Century at last! 

Thursday 27th August

Another day in the ensuite for Kevin! He started by grouting the shower area, what a difference it makes once the tiles are grouted. He then grouted the floor area near the shower. After lunch he cut more tiles and finished tiling the boxed area near the toilet. He finished the day by grouting the remaining floor area. I went to Le Clerc's and bought a telephone and also did the weekly shop. On my return we plugged the telephone into the 4G box and then I telephoned mum. It was so good to have a conversation with her without losing the signal. We are not sure how much phone calls cost using the 4G box but it was worth every penny. I then finished strimming round the pool and swept up all the mess. I then cut the grass, cleaned up after the worker and had a swim, cleaning the water line whilst in the pool! Manuel and Myriam came for cheese and wine and a games night. We played socially distanced Mexican Train dominoes. Manuel won the evening when he managed to play all his dominoes on his first turn of the final game. A superb evening. 

Friday 28th August

A busy day! Kevin started by fixing the side fitting for the shower screen whilst I nipped to Le Clerc's for bread. Manuel came down to help us lift and fix the glass shower screen in place, it's so heavy and a tricky job to manovere into position due to the shape of the ensuite. Fortunately they managed to lift it into place without too much trouble. Kevin then fitted the cross bar so we now have a shower screen. We then decided to go to Bordeaux to pick up the bedroom chest of drawers which had come back into stock. I had managed to order for click and collect. We left the barn at 12 o clock and were back at 3.30pm so a really good trip considering it is a Friday. After a quick coffee we were back to work! Kevin grouted round the sink area, I helped him by filling the edges. I then washed up all the mess! We then fitted the heated towel rail. After tea, salad even though it's Friday! We made up one of the chest of drawers and finished at 9.30pm. A long but productive day. 

Saturday 29th August

Another busy day. The weather forecast was for thunder and heavy rain. We were supposed to be having Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley for a BBQ but we decided on Thursday,after seeing the forecast, to postpone until later in September. As you might expect it was a lovely sunny morning and we began to think we had made the wrong decision. We continued working in our bedroom and ensuite. Kevin put mastic round the  edge of the floor in our bedroom, this is to allow space for expansion of the laminate flooring against the stone wall. He then put sealant round the shower and sinks in the ensuite. We have decided to leave the boxing in and tiling round the bath area until after Andy and Kath have been.  The ensuite is usable with a shower, toilet and two sinks working. I cleaned our bedroom and started to fetch our clothes in from the caravan. By lunchtime I had made the bed and apart from a window cill and door our bedroom is finished so another milestone passed. After lunch since, it had not started to rain, Kevin decided to take the trailer and fetch wood for the front door. He had only been gone five minutes when the heavens opened and we had a tremendous thunderstorm! We had definately made the right decision to postpone the BBQ! He arrived back and had to sit in the car until it had abated a little. He said the roads in Riberac were flooded. He unloaded the wood and I made us a coffee. We then put the second chest of drawers together. Before dinner I filled the drawers with my clothes. We had chilli for dinner which I had brought from home with some garlic bread, bit different from the planned BBQ! We decided to wait until tomorrow night before moving into our bedroom to sleep as Kevin needs to sort the television aerial out before we can watch tv in bed! 

Sunday 30th August

A bit of a rest day! It is Sunday after all! After the thunderstorm of yesterday a bit of sun today. We did get up early as Manuel had made an appointment for a French couple to come and view the caravan at 11am. I needed to empty it of the remaining clothes. I then gave it a quick clean and polish and finally vacuumed the floor. Kevin started making a wooden duct to house the cables for the communication system, TV, computer cables, telephone etc. He needs to finish this before Wednesday as they are coming to fit the TV cable into the barn, hopefully! I stripped the beds in the guest bedroom and cleaned it ready for Andy and Kath. At 10am we had showers. Manuel arrived at about 10.50am and as we were having coffee the French couple arrived at exactly 11am. They both liked the caravan but had another one to see later in the day. The only problem is they need a carte gris before they can take the caravan on the road, it's like an MOT certificate. Manuel is going to contact the local prefecture tomorrow to see how quick this can be done and how difficult it is to apply for one! Nothing is straight forward in France! We will wait and see what happens next. At 12.15pm David, Robert and Caro arrived and we all went for Sunday lunch at Chez Moran, a restaurant at St Martial -Viveyrol.  It was very busy, mainly with Brits. We had a lovely meal sat under a huge mulberry tree. At the end of the meal Robert insisted on paying for us as we have volunteered to take them to Bordeaux airport for their return flight. It was very kind of them and appreciated but not necessary. We got back to the barn at about 4pm, we all sat in the garden enjoying a glass of wine in the afternoon sun and each other's company until they left at about 5.30pm. We then nipped up to Manuel's as Kevin is going to take all our empty packaging to the dechetterie in the morning, Manuel has a bed base he would like taking. Kevin then spent about half an hour sorting the television out in our bedroom whilst I did the ironing. We spent our first night in our bedroom! 

Monday 31st August

We have been here a month and after a lots of hard work we are sleeping in our bedroom as planned. Kevin filled the trailer with all the cardboard we had accumulated along with some garden rubbish and Manuel's bed base and was on his way to the dechetterie by 9am. He then went to the saw mill in Chalais and bought enough oak to make three doors and the window cill in our bedroom. Whilst he was gone I cleaned the guest bathroom and finished sorting the guest bedroom, we are ready for Andy and Kath to arrive. On Kevin's return we nipped to Manuel's for coffee. The French couple had contacted him and would like to buy the caravan which was the good news. The problem is we need to get a Certificate of Conformity from the caravan manufacturer before he can apply for a Carte Gris. I tried contacting Lunar and Robinson Caravans but it's is a Bank Holiday in the UK so no luck. I sent an email to Lunar so hopefully they will get back to me. Kevin spent the rest of the day sorting the communication system out. He helped me move some of the heavy materials and I re organised and swept the lounge and dining area so we can at least eat and sit somewhere a little less like a builders yard when Andy and Kath are here! Before finishing for the day Kevin put his new router table together ready to start making a door tomorrow. 

Tuesday 1st September

A lovely September day. Kevin spent till coffee time sorting the wiring to the electric box and then put the covers in place. It looks so much better not having all the wires on show. He then started routing the oak for our bedroom door. Even with his new router it's a tough job.  We used a large piece of packing cardboard to make a template of the door hopefully this will help when cutting the oak planks to size.  By the end of the day Kevin had routed groves in enough planks to make our bedroom door. They still need more work on them tomorrow. I went to Vanxain to Anya's for my hair cutting, I am sure it grows much quicker out here! After coffee I strimmed the front garden and then after lunch cut the grass. I cleaned the BBQ, I get all the filthy jobs! And then swept up all the fallen leaves round the pool. The garden is ready for Andy and Kath's arrival.  After tea we made a what's app call to Andy and Kath, we are all excited about their arrival. 

                                         

Wednesday 2nd September

Kevin worked hard on our bedroom door all day. He did more routing to the edges, sanded and then fixed the planks together with the ledgers. He carried it upstairs several times to test the fitting, its so heavy but easier for one person to lift. He planed the sides until it fitted the gap. At 6pm we had a finished door, it just needs fitting and a coat of terebethine and oil to make the grain stand out. At 9am the telephone engineers arrived to fit out phone line, we now need to sort out a supplier and we will have a landline. I did a big shop at Le Clercs. I then made a chilli and a key lime pie ready for tomorrow night when Andy and Kath will be here. We pick them up at Bergerac airport at 16.50. I was the joiner's mate during the afternoon helping join the planks together and fitting the door.  It was a beautiful day, 28 degrees and sunny. I finished the day with a swim.

Thursday 3rd September

Well a strange day! We worked hard all morning finishing the bedroom door and getting ready for Andrew and Kath to arrive. Kevin planed to door and then I gave it a coat of terps and linseed oil. Kevin then fitted it in place, with a little help from his builders mate! I put Elsie to work and brushed up the leaves round the pool. I prepared the meal for tonight and set the table in the 'dining' room. I then cleaned up the saw dust in our bedroom, all this before 1pm. I was just finishing vacuuming our bedroom when Kevin came in and switched it off. Kath had just phoned and told him they were at the airport but had not got their passports! We were so disappointed and upset for them. We looked for alternative flights and found one for Sunday. We phoned Kath and they were on their way back home but decided to stop and have a good look in their suitcases. Fortunately the passports were in Kaths suitcase so they turned round and managed to get the flight in the end. So panic over, Kath had a much needed gin and tonic at the airport! They had a good flight, only about 25 people on the flight. We were at the airport in plenty of time and sat and watched the plane arrive. We arrived at the barn at about 6pm, we all had a much needed drink and then a swim before we had dinner. We played Mexican Train dominoes, Kath won, before going to bed at 11pm. So pleased they have made it. 

Friday 4th September

A beautiful sunny day, 33 degrees at 6.30pm. After breakfast we went to the Friday market in Riberac, our first visit this year. Most of the usual stalls were there and a few people but not too busy. We had a walk round and Kath treated herself to a new dress. We had coffee and croissants in the garden at the back of Cafe Collones Enjoying the atmosphere and the sunshine. After lunch the boys decided to fit the small lounge window, by 5pm it was all fitted and we had a view down the valley. It also makes a big difference to the amount of light in the lounge. They also routed some more oak ready for making the downstairs toilet door. Kath and I had a relaxing afternoon sitting by the pool and cooling off in the pool. The boys joined us at 5pm for a swim, with of course a drink,  before we all had showers. We had a BBQ sat in the shade of the tree. We stayed outside until the sunset and then played Mexican Train dominoes , Kath won again.  

Saturday 5th September

Another beautiful day although not as hot as yesterday and with a breeze. The boys continued making the toilet door. Kath and I nipped to Brico Marche for some panel pins and called at Intermarche. We managed to find the wine Andy and Kath wanted and bought their entire stock, nine bottles! We will go back later in the week and hopefully they will have restocked so Kath can buy some more. Manuel came for coffee and brought his eight year old god daughter with him, she had stayed the night with him for the first time. After lunch the boys finished the door so I gave it a coat of the terps mixture. Kevin used the panel pins to fix the beading in place on the lounge window. The door was left to dry and so it just needs hanging now. The boys joined Kath and I round the pool and we all had a relaxing couple of hours before we got ready to go to the Citronier for dinner. We had a lovely meal sat outside in the courtyard. We played Mexican Train when we got back and Kath won again! 

Sunday 6th September

A bit of a rest day, it is Sunday after all! Kevin went and bought croissants and pain au chocolate from our local boulangerie in Bertric Buree for breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast we went to the brocante at Vertiallac. It was the biggest we had seen, quite a lots of people wandering around all wearing masks. We bought a brass ships bell to fix to the front of the barn. Kevin tried bartering the price down but the stall holder told him in French 'I have to eat Monsieur' so he paid the full price of 25 euros! After lunch back at the barn, Kevin and Andrew fitted the toilet door. Nev and Barbara arrived for a coffee, we all sat in the front garden enjoying each other's company and the sunshine, it was sheltered from the cold wind that had got up in the back garden. Kath and I then prepared dinner and then we all sat round the pool with pre dinner drinks. We played dominoes after dinner, this time Andrew won. 

Monday 7th September

Another lovely day, sunny and warm with a breeze. Kevin and Andrew finished fitting the toilet door handles and then fitted the heated towel rail in the toilet so another room just about finished. We can now use the downstairs toilet without whistling every time! Kath and I went to Le Clerc's and managed to find the wine they like, once again we bought the entire stock, 22 bottles! When we got back the front doors and windows had just arrived. One door was missing along with one of the window handles which was annoying. The doors and windows measured more than Kevin expected, once again the French do things differently to the UK! Kevin and Andy spent most of the rest of the day re measuring and carefully planning how they could make them fit. Fortunately, by the end of the day they have a plan that they think will work. Manuel phoned La Peyre for us and the missing items will arrive on 2nd October so looks like we will have a 'piece of wood int hole!' I cleaned the pool filters and then the toilet and did some ironing and then joined Kath round the pool. The boys joined us with pre dinner drinks and then we had a BBQ for dinner. Kath won again at dominoes. 

Tuesday 8th September

A beautiful day, 28 degrees at 6pm. After breakfast we all went for a walk round the lake at La Jemaye. A beautiful walk and fortunately the a lot of the walk is through the trees so sheltered from the sun. We had a coffee overlooking the lake and then drove to Aubettere for lunch. We ate at La Taverne, a restaurant that we have wanted to eat at for some time. It has outside covered verandas which over look the view. We all had the menu de jour, melon and cucumber salad, confit of duck followed by marscapone mousse. A lovely relaxing lunchtime. We arrived back at the barn at about 3.45pm. The boys decided to put the scaffold up ready for removing the barn doors tomorrow. Kevin is still worried they will be too big. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche whilst the rest of us sat round the pool and swam. On his return Kevin switched off the pool filter and emptied the filter basket as it was full of leaves, he switched the pump back on and nothing happened, he investigated and the pump seems to have over heated. By this time it was 6.45pm, Kevin tried to contact Desjoyaux (the pool manufacturers) but they had already closed. He sent an email so hopefully we will get a response tomorrow. We left the pool pump switched off and will try switching it back on tomorrow, looks like a new pump is needed! After late showers we had bread and cheese for supper and played dominoes, Kath won all the games tonight. 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                 

                                

                                

                                

Wednesday 9th September

Another beautiful day, 30 degrees at 6pm. A very busy and hard working day for the boys. They took the barn doors down gradually using the plasterboard lifter to support the weight of the top when cutting into it into smaller sections. By 11.30 we had no doors! It looked strange to be able to see out of the front of the barn after so long with the wooden doors. They spent the rest of the day fitting  the sole plate. Then fitted the head beam above the top of the doors and made sure the single door frame fitted in the utility room. The temporary electric box had to be moved into the entrance hall. Plasterboard had to be removed to make sure the utility room door would open. Kath and I helped as necessary. Kath used the lump hammer to coach the head beam into place, she had to hit under the beam with some force to move it into place which she did with no problem. We also went to Aldi for supplies and to the bottle bank. We brushed up the leaves round the pool, a never ending job at the moment. At 1.30pm the owner of Desjoyaux arrived a fixed the pool in five minutes. The starter to the electric motor had melted so a quick replacement and the pool filter system was working again. He only charged us for the part,  13.50 euros so a cheap and quick fix much to Kevin's relief.  After fitting sheets of polythene to the door opening and sweeping up, Andy, Kath and I had a swim whilst Kevin had his shower. We had a BBQ for dinner with garlic mushrooms for starter and ice cream cake for dessert. After dinner we all took our glass of wine and sat outside watching the stars arrive, a beautiful evening. We played dominoes and Andy won. 

Thursday 10th September

Another hot day 31 degrees but with a little cloud and breeze at times. Another busy and hard working day for the boys. They finished the lower part of the supporting frame for the front doors, they then fixed the two door frames in place. We now have doors to the front of the barn. Just disappointing that La Peyre didn't deliver all the doors as we also have a piece of OSB board instead of the final door! Hopefully it will arrive before we leave for winter. Kath and I went to Brico Marche for foam filler and staples and also Le Clerc's for food and a box of Champagne for Kath. We them prepared the meals for the day. After quick swims we all got ready and went across to Robert and Caro's for apero's. The boys and Kath walked across but my hip was hurting so I decided to drive over. We spent a lovely hour chatting under their abri in the evening sun. I drove everyone back as it was still very warm. After supper we played dominoes, Andy won tonight. 

Friday 11th September

Another lovely day, sunny with a breeze and 30 degrees at 6pm. Yet another hard working day for the boys. They fitted two of the three windows above the barn doors. Not an easy task as the shape of the opening is not square and they were also working from the ladders and scaffold. They used packing strips and additional pieces of wood to help them fit the windows in square. Kath and I went to the Friday market in Riberac and had a wander around, I bought a dress and some scarves and Kath bought some scarves. We treated ourselves to coffee and croissant at the Cafe du Colonnes and sat and took in the market atmosphere and people watched! On our return I cleaned the pool filter and Elsie and we prepared lunch. After cleaning up for the day and  swims we all got ready and went to the pizza restaurant, L'Escapade, in Riberac. We sat under their large umbrella in the garden and enjoyed our pizzas,  Andy had his usual end of holiday calzone. 

Saturday 12th September

A bit of a sad day as it's Andy and Kaths last day. Another glorious day, 30 degrees and sunny with a gentle breeze. The boys spent the morning putting the final window in place and finishing of bits and pieces of the doors. The barn doors are  looking really good now. After all the worry of whether they would fit or not on Monday the boys have done a good job and we are so grateful for Andy's help, we certainly couldn't have done it without him. It's just a pity they didn't deliver the final door, fingers crossed it arrives before we leave for winter. Kath and I did some pottering jobs before coffee and then nipped to Le Clercs for some bits and pieces. We had lunch sat in the shade in the garden, we all had a glass of wine to celebrate the doors being fitted. Kevin and I did a quick tidy of equipment and I cleaned the windows and then we all spent the afternoon relaxing around the pool and swimming. We had our final BBQ sat outside enjoying the warm evening and the beautiful sunset. We played our final games of dominoes, Kevin and I  ended up joint winners. A fabulous ten days, we are really going to miss Andy and Kath. Hopefully next time they come Andy will have a bit of a holiday!

 

Sunday 13th September

An early start, we were all up at 6am and after quick breakfasts and packing the car we were on our way to the airport by 7.35am. We arrived at 8.35am in plenty of time for the flight at 10.10am. Andy and Kath checked in and then we had a final coffee together before we said our goodbyes at 9.20am. We watched their flight arrive and then left for the barn. We were sad to say goodbye, we had really enjoyed having Andy and Kath staying with us. Hopefully, Covid permitting, they will return next year.  Once back at the barn I sorted the washing and we had a coffee whilst listening to the Archers. I put the pictures on the blog. Manuel's mum arrived bearing gifts of home made jams and pate, she is just so lovely and kind. She had a quick coffee with us. At 12.20 we drove across to Robert and Caro's for lunch, it was too hot to walk across. David had also been invited. We had a lovely lunch sat under their large umbrellas as it was so hot, 34 degrees. Robert cooked a faux fillet de boeuf on the BBQ, it was delicious and Caro had made some lovely salads to accompany it. We had figs from their trees soaked in Monbazillac wine, delicious. We played a game of molkky, a new game to us, it's a Finnish game, a bit like skittles but with different rules. David won. We arrived home at about 4.30pm. I sorted some more washing and did a pile of ironing, it was so hot though, 36 degrees by this time. We had a lazy evening watching the Grand Prix and then the final episode of Strike. 

Monday 14th September

Another really hot day, 38 degrees at lunchtime. Neil is here this week working with Kevin, they are going to fitting the lounge front doors. It's another difficult task as the concrete floor has to be lowered before the doors will fit. The width of the opening also needs widening to fit the new measurements of the doors. Neil spent all day removing concrete. By the end of the day there was enough height available and one side wall had been widened. The angle grinder decided to stop working so Kevin nipped to Brico Marche at 6pm for a new one. Kevin spent the day reclaiming the wood from the original barn doors. He is going to use it to clad the gap between the doors and windows of the main barn. The hope is this will make it look a bit like the original barn door and also recycles the original wood. He also sealed some of the gaps with brown sealant and  filled the gap below the barn doors with dry pack mortar, hopefully we have no mice gaps now! I spent the day cleaning and then packing away, in sealed plastic bags, the bedding etc from the guest bedroom. Since mum and dad have postponed their visit this year because of Covid this bedroom is now ready to leave for winter. I had a swim whilst Kevin went to Brico and then we had a quiet night trying to keep cool as it was still very hot. 

                                                       

                                          

Tuesday 15th September

Another busy and hard working day. Neil continued cutting out the side walls and trimming the oak beam for the lounge doors. I nipped to Brico Marche for a spare disc for the angle grinder and also to Le Clercs for bits of food. Robert, Caro and David came over for coffee at 11am bearing gifts of figs and rose cuttings. After coffee Kevin and I worked together, Kevin cutting the reclaimed wood to size and I painted the bare ends and sides before he nailed them into place between the windows and doors of the barn.  It's beginning to look quite good. Kevin also kept measuring the space Neil had made and by the end of the day the doors almost fit into the gap, just a bit of final trimming to do tomorrow. After Neil left we continued working until about 6.30pm. I had a quick swim before having a shower and then prepared dinner. Another very hot day, 36 degrees again. 

Wednesday 16th September

Another hot day, 34 degrees. Neil finished trimming the door surrounds whilst Kevin finished cutting the wooden blocks. I nipped to Aldi for bread and then cleaned our bedroom and ensuite. I painted the wood and Kevin fitted it into place, the gap is complete and looks good. Kevin also cut some of the reclaimed wood ready to fit  and make doors for the pool house. Kevin and Neil started fitting the door frames and just about had them in place before lunch. I planted the roses which Robert and Caro kindly gave us. After lunch the boys fixed the door frames in place and then reinstated the slab and step in concrete. Fingers crossed the glass door leaves fit and open tomorrow! I took Myriam to the doctors in Riberac, she has been poorly all week with a kidney infection so hopefully the medication will see her getting better in the next day or so. We had just finished clearing up for the day when Nev and Barbara arrived. We all sat in the garden in the shade enjoying a drink and a chat. A perfect end to a good days work.

Thursday 17th September

Another milestone day, we have doors! Kevin and Neil tried the glass doors in place and fortunately they fitted! They then removed them so Neil could do a bit of pierre apparent to neaten up the surrounding edges. Kevin spent most of the day fitting the doors and wood surround to the pool house,  by the end of the day we had a locking door on it so we now have a place to store the pool equipment safely over winter. I nipped to Bonnin's, the pool shop, and bought the winterisation fluid for the pool. I also took the empty bottles to the bottle bank and did a quick shop at Le Clercs. Manuel came down for a quick coffee. I spent the rest of the day clearing up equipment and brushing up after the boys. Another hot day, Kevin joined me for a swim before dinner. 

Friday 18th September

We decided to go to Le Roy Merlin's in Angouleme, it's forecast rain and thunder storms over the weekend and Kevin wanted to buy the final pieces of plasterboard to complete the dining room walls. We also bought all the door architrave and skirting boards that they had in stock and other bits and pieces. We were back at the barn by 12.20pm. We unloaded the trailer and moved all the remaining pieces of wood from the barn door to the back garden. There is enough wood remaining to make a new door for the out building eventually. We also brought in the table and chairs and secured the pool furniture ready for the thunderstorm tomorrow. After lunch Kevin fixed the 'Outram Bell' in place. When Andy and Kath left they had left a thank you card with the money for the bell, it was very kind of them, so the bell now has a name! He then started reinstating the wall between the entrance hall and utility room. I did some sorting out of equipment and made a dessert for tomorrow night, Robert, Caro and David are coming across for the final get together of this year. I also did some ironing before dinner. The rain arrived at about 5pm, not enough yet to really wet the garden or clear the air more is forecast for tomorrow. Still 27 degrees and very muggy today.

 Saturday 19th September

A steady day. Kevin continued reinstating the entrance wall and fitted insulation into the band above the doors. He also sorted the electrics, the builders box has now gone and we are running purely on the permanent French electrics. No more UK plugs needed! I nipped to Aldi and then did some pottering jobs. The French couple who want to buy the caravan came for another look at it, they have taken copies of our paperwork and are going to try and sort the carte gris but we don't have a Certificate of Conformity which may be an issue but fingers crossed they manage it. Robert, Caro and David came across for a cheese and wine evening. We introduced them to Mexican Train dominoes and Caro won. It was the last evening this year with Robert and Caro, we are taking them to Bordeaux airport on Wednesday morning for their flight home.

Sunday 20th September

Another steady day. Kevin continued working on the front door area. Sorting electrics, fitting insulation and cutting plasterboard ready to fit. He also filled some of the gaps with expanding foam, it took him five minutes to fill the gaps and then both of us about an hour to clean up the excess! It just keeps on expanding! I prepared the evening meal, I had bought some faux fillet du boeuf to try. Manuel, Myriam and Freddie came for quick coffees. We had managed to sell the plasterboard lifter on the DVN (Drone Valley Network), the buyer arrived at about midday to collect it. One piece of equipment finished with and gone to a good home. After lunch Kevin cut some of the door architrave to size and I gave them a coat of undercoat and then a coat of satin wood. We enjoyed the faux fillet for dinner, so will buy it again sometime. The forecasted rain and thunderstorms never arrived, it was a lovely September day, a bit cooler, 25 degrees which was better for working in. 

Monday 21st September 

The A team at work today. Kevin started cutting  and fitting the difficult pieces of plasterboard on the side wall of the staircase. I helped by holding the plasterboard in place whilst Kevin measured and cut it to size. I gave the architraves a second coat of satin wood. I then sorted the pool out and put Elsie to work. I moved all the pool chemicals into the pool house and then watered the plants, a waste of time as the thunder and rain arrived late afternoon! The postman delivered the outside lights so Kevin fixed them in place. The front outside is looking good now. The final door is due to arrive on 6th October so fingers crossed. I cleaned and wire brushed the oak beam at the bottom of the stairs and then gave it a coat of turps and linseed oil. I also started cleaning up the stone front door surround, it had been painted sometime in the past. We had early showers and then went to buy a chess set which Kevin had seen advertised on the DVN. Although it was raining we had a bit of a drive round our local area on our way back, calling at Cherval and Lusignac. When it was dark we had the official light switching on ceremony! The front arch looks really good lite up. 

Tuesday 22nd September

The A team working together again. Kevin fitted the architrave to the inside of our bedroom, dressing room and ensuite doors and then cut the top pieces which I painted. He then cut the final two pieces of plasterboard for the staircase wall. After coffee we mixed the adhesive and dot and dabbed the walls before fixing the pieces of plasterboard in place. A tricky job as the plasterboard tends to slide around a bit so guess who got to hold it in place! After lunch we cut a piece of plasterboard for the gap between the front doors and windows and fixed that in place using plasterboard screws. We finished the day by mixing another batch of adhesive and fitted a sheet of plaster board in the utility room and another on the entrance hall wall. Before doing this Kevin removed his tool board from the wall, we are slowly removing all the builders equipment from the barn! A much cooler day 24 degrees with a little cloud, much better for working in. A 9pm we listened to Boris announce the new Covid restrictions. Pubs will be closed at 10pm, people who can work from home are asked to do so again and told only to meet in groups of six and reduce mixing with other households. These new restrictions may be in place for the next six months.  

Wednesday 23rd September

An early start but a rest day! We got up, had showers and breakfast and were across at Robert and Caro's for 8.45am. It was the first foggy morning. We were on our way to Bordeaux airport just before 9am. We had a good journey despite the fog, it eventually cleared and we had a lovely sunny day, 27 degrees by lunchtime in Bordeaux. We dropped Robert and Caro off at 10.40am and then called at IKEA. We bought a cheap chair for our bedroom and some gin glasses and other bits and bobs. Kevin spied Le Roy Merlin's from IKEA cafe so we called in for some sealant before making our way back to the barn. We decided to stop at the garden centre at St Aulaye on our way back, we just had a look round. They had lots of healthy looking plants, we were looking for ideas for a garden hedge, possibly laurel or red robin. A task for next year! After calling for food at Le Clercs we arrived at the barn at about 5pm, so definately a rest day! We unpacked the car and we put the new gin glasses in the dishwasher. We sat down with a coffee and heard something fall in the dishwasher, we now have only five gin glasses as one had fallen over and smashed! We are fated buying pots and glasses at IKEA! The gin glasses will be hand washed from now on! 

Thursday 24th September

Another busy day for the A team. Kevin put sealant round the barn door frame and then fitted the tricky bits of plasterboard round the edges and middle of the doors. I changed our bed, cleaned the bedroom and ensuite and did a bit of clothes sorting and packing. After coffee I did the ironing before becoming the builders mate. I started my favourite job, filling the gaps and screw holes in the plasterboard! At least there isn't as many screw holes when we use dot and dab to fix them in place. Kevin cut the remaining two door linings from timber we have left and I sanded them down and gave them a coat of undercoat. Neil arrived at about 2.45pm to pick up our scaffold, he is borrowing it to work at Robert and Caro's and then David's house next week. We then mixed some plasterboard adhesive and put up two more pieces of plasterboard. Kevin has to spend time cutting back the end of the floor joist before each piece can be fitted so not a quick fix. We finished the day by cutting a piece of plasterboard for the inner hall between then downstairs toilet and utility room. We finished work about 6pm, tired but a good days work completed. 

Friday 25th September

Another day of steady progress. We woke up to pouring rain and it continued all morning. We continued preparing the right hand wall of the dining room, lots of cutting back of the joists and then we cut some plasterboard. After lunch, whilst the sun was shinning, Kevin went to Brico Marche, for hopefully the final four sheets of plasterboard. Whilst he was gone I sanded the staircase walls and put a second coat of filler on. The whole place was covered in plaster dust, including me! So after I had finished a massive clean up was needed! When Kevin returned we lifted the plasterboard inside, just in time before it rained again. We then mixed some adhesive and fixed four sheets of plasterboard in place. Just one more piece and the right hand wall will be complete. We had late showers and had our usual Friday night cheese and wine for dinner. Both shattered but a good days work. 

Saturday 26th September

A bit of a strange day.  I phoned mum to see if they have heard that Wetherby is included in the Leeds lockdown. They are at the caravan and so had not heard. Covid strikes again, mum and dad are now not allowed to have anyone in their house or garden and are not allowed to visit anyone either. This is so disappointing as dad's birthday celebrations will not be happening now (unless the restrictions are lifted before 30th October). They have warned the restrictions may be in for the rest of the year, so Christmas is not looking very good either. It's all getting very difficult now.  I then went to Le Clerc's for the food shopping whilst Kevin fitted wood and then plasterboard round the kitchen opening. At 11am the couple who want to buy the caravan arrived with seven sheets of questions that needed answering before they can try to register the caravan in France! We spent the next three hours trying to answer then, Kevin took photos of the chassis numbers and crawled under the caravan to find brake numbers! I searched the internet and sent messages to the Lunar helpline to try to find answers to some of the questions. In the end we managed most of them. The couple then realised that the electrical connection they have on their car is for a trailer so the caravan electric cable will not fit it, they are going to see if it can be adapted! Think in the end the caravan will be coming home with us! After a quick lunch we moved all the equipment and tiles from underneath the staircase into the lounge. The remaining two walls in the dining area are now accessible and ready for plasterboarding. After quick showers we had chilli for dinner, very appropriate as the weather has changed and is much cooler now, only 16 degrees and some rain today. 

Sunday 27th September

Another cold and dull day, only 16 degrees. I spent the morning preparing lunch for Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley. This is the rearranged meal from three weeks ago which was cancelled due to the weather. Once again the weather wasn't good enough to eat outside. So we put the two tables together in the dining room and managed to sit socially distance. Everyone arrived at 1pm and we had a glass of prosecco to celebrate all the missed occasions this year. Barbara's 70th birthday, Lesley's birthday, Phil and Lesley's 25th Wedding Anniversary and Nev's 65th birthday which is next week. I made black and green figs stuffed with Roquefort cheese and wrapped in palma ham, BBQ pork served with tomato salad, beetroot salad, home made couscous and jacket potatoes followed by passion fruit cheese cake. We had a lovely afternoon enjoying each other's company, catching up and putting the world to rights over the meal with, of course, a few glasses of wine! After clearing up we nipped across to Myriam's for apero's, she had invited us as it could be the last time we will see Freddie this year. Manuel joined us and we had a lovely hour and a half chatting in English and French. A lovely way to spend a Sunday. 

Monday 28th September

Can't believe we have been here eight weeks already. The weather has certainly changed and is autumnal now. A lovely sunny day with a cool breeze, 20 degrees at 1pm. Kevin continued cutting joists, fixing wood to support the corners of the opening to the lounge and then cut the plasterboard for the wall under the stairs. I did lots of sorting out, some ironing and found our winter working clothes!  After showers and an early lunch we both went to Anya's for our hair cutting. When we got back we mixed some plasterboard adhesive and then fixed the prepared plasterboard in place. Just one wall to complete now but we have left the most difficult to the end, the wall is not straight so it might have a bit of a curved wall in the end! It is the barn that Kevin and Sue renovated after all and it now has lots of  added extra character! We had the left over pork and salads for dinner and really enjoyed it. 

Tuesday 29th September

A milestone day, we finished putting up all the large sheets of plasterboard. Kevin started the day by trimming the joists on the final wall. I gave the gaps and screw holes a first fill. After coffee we mixed some adhesive and fitted the final two sheets of plasterboard in place. After lunch, Kevin continued fitting wood supports around  the steel beam between the dining room and lounge and then started to cover the beam with plasterboard. I mixed some polyfiller and started to fill some of the larger gaps between the plasterboard and the walls. At 3pm we decided to have quick showers and then went to Merlaud's in Vertiallac to see if they had any fixed electrical outlet sockets for the heaters. Brico Marche had none in stock but fortunately Merlaud has two so that saved a trip to Le Roy Merlin's. On our way back we decided to go to Le Clercs, their wine festival has started  so we bought a selection of wines to take home. This will probably be the last time we can take any quantity of wine home as next year we will have left Europe!

Wednesday 30th September

Another milestone day. All the plasterboard is finished in the entrance hall and dining room. Just a couple of pieces left to put in place after the final door has been fitted. Kevin worked hard all day measuring, cutting and fitting plasterboard around all the steel beams and door sides. I spent the day mixing polyfiller and filling gaps. I also cut the grass after lunch and started cutting back plants ready to leave over winter. It was a beautiful sunny day 24 degrees, so I enjoyed spending some time outside in the garden. 

Thursday 1st October

What a difference a day makes! We woke up to pouring rain which continued until mid morning when it brightened up. Autumn has certainly arrived now, the forecast for the next ten days is for rain. Fortunately, we are working inside. Kevin spent the morning sorting the final electrics, fitting sockets, tv sockets, computer sockets and radiator sockets in the dining area, entrance hall and utility room. Just two sockets to fix after I have rubbed down one of the jointing strips tomorrow. I changed our bed and cleaned the bedroom and ensuite and then spent the rest of the day filling gaps with polyfiller. After lunch I sanded down one wall, what a messy job, plaster dust everywhere, including on me! We put some plastic sheeting against the entrance to the kitchen, lounge and utlitiy room and covered our bedroom door before I started but the dust still managed to cover all the surfaces and flooring. Will be glad when this job is completed but still lots to do. Nev and Barbara called mid afternoon, it was lovely to see them. They had a dusty cup of tea with us! We continued with our filling until about 6pm when we had both had enough. After dinner Kevin switched the electric radiators on in our bedroom and set the towel rail onto timer so we will have warm towels now the weather has changed. 

Friday 2nd October

A very stressful morning! The couple who want to buy the caravan contacted us last night. The had been to DREAL with all the paperwork. I had eventually managed to get a Certificate of Conformity from Lunar Caravans which I had emailed to the buyers. The paperwork seems to be complete. They needed us to take the caravan and get a Certificate for its weight. We needed to do it today as the couple have made an appointment to take the caravan to DREAL on Monday afternoon for examination. We got up at 7am, it was pouring down and windy. After breakfast we started emptying the caravan of the gas bottle, awning and all the other equipment as it had to be weighed empty. Kevin then removed the wheel lock and clamps and put the steadies up ready to move the caravan. When he started the automatic mover it wouldn't work! We tried everything in the instruction book but no luck! Eventually after about an hour of trying we decided the only way we would get the caravan out was manually! We tried by ourselves but really struggled to move it. I texted Manuel and he came to help. We decided to couple the car to the caravan and managed to almost get the caravan through the gate. We then had to manhandled it out of the gate and recouple to the car as the road is just too narrow to get the car and caravan through. A really tricky movement but eventually the three of us managed it. We then took the caravan to the local garage to get the types pumped up, they required more air than the car pump was capable of giving! The garage didn't have an obvious air pump so Kevin went inside and asked. The lady told him to move the caravan in front of the workshop. Some men were working on cars but ignored us so Kevin went to ask for help. The asked him to reverse the caravan into the workshop! At this point Kevin thanked them and said 'Non, merci beaucoup' No way could we have reversed the caravan into such a tight opening! We then went to Peyrou and got the caravan weighed and were given a tiny ticket with the weight on, just hope DREAL will accept it. We put the caravan on Maureen and Mike's front garden, they have kindly agreed we could leave it there for a few days. Once again Manuel helped us manovere it in to place. Kevin spoke to Nev and he came across with a couple of tyre pumps. We coupled the pump to the Manuel's electricity and in five minutes the types were sorted. An eventful and very stressful morning! So grateful to Manuel and Nev for all their help, we couldn't had done it without them. After a coffee with Nev we had some lunch and then did the weekly food shop and called at Brico Marche for more filler. The weather had improved so on our return I cut the grass where the caravan had been and then decided to wash and vacuum the car. Kevin continued putting metal corner strips round the kitchen and lounge openings. We were certainly ready for a gin and tonic and a beer tonight!  

Saturday 3rd October

We woke up to strong winds and pouring rain. Our stressful day yesterday was worth it. The French buyers arrived at 11am. Kevin and Robert rushed down to the Credit Agricole bank in Riberac before they closed at 12.30pm. Robert sorted a bank transfer to our French account and the caravan was sold to them! On their return we sorted out all the paperwork and then opened a bottle of Cremant to celebrate. Roberts wife, Natalia, was so excited to have finally bought the caravan. We then went and showed then how to fit the caravan to their car. Fortunately, the adapter they had bought worked! At about 12.30pm they pulled away with the caravan. A sad moment as the caravan has done us good service but we were dreading the long journey home with it during this difficult time, we would have had to stop somewhere over night. After lunch we both did more filling in and sanding down, it's a never ending task! Kevin completed the electrics by wiring the final two sockets. Certainly another milestone day.  At 5.30pm we has showers and put our 'glad rags ' on ready to go to the Citronier. We had invited Manuel and Myriam to join us as a thank you for all their help this year. They certainly make having a house in France much easier. We had a lovely evening together, the food was superb as usual and we loved chatting in English and French with Manuel and Myriam. Who would have thought four years ago when I retired we would be 'Living the Dream' in France and met such lovely friends. 

Sunday 4th October

We woke up to another day of high wind and pouring rain. We have been lucky as fortunately we have had no flooding or damage, unlike further south where people have sadly died or lost their houses. The weather does seem to be getting more extreme. A bit of a frustrating day for Kevin, he decided to continue fixing the bath in place in our ensuite. He put some water in the bath and then pulled the plug out, no leaks. He was happy so continued putting plasterboard round the edges of the bath and fitted a wooden support along the side ready to support the plaster board and then tiles. At this point he noticed the bath trap was leaking! So annoying, he will need to buy a new trap tomorrow. Kevin then spent the remainder of the day in the utility room sorting out the ceiling which had to be cut back when the front doors were fitted. I did some sorting out and organised dinner and then spent the rest off the day sanding and filling in the entrance and dining area. It's impossible to stop the plaster dust getting everywhere even with the plastic sheets up at the openings so it's a big clean up at the end of the day! Will be glad when this job is finished! 

Monday 5th October

Another day of rain and at times high wind. Kevin went to Brico Marche for a bath trap. Whilst he was gone I started emptying the food cupboards in the kitchen. We have booked our return for the 14th October in the hope the Leeds lockdown will be lifted before the 30th so we can go and see dad on his 90th birthday. Since we will have to isolate for two weeks I have decided to take as much food home as possible, even taking tinned foods that I would normally leave here. David came across for coffee with his new dog, Monsieur Tattoo. He is a rescue dog, a cross between a French bulldog and a Staffordshire bulldog, he is two years old and was very well behaved. After coffee we both worked in our ensuite, removing the bath.  Kevin then had the difficult task of replacing the pipework. We put the bath back in place and Kevin reconnected the taps. It needs to be left for 24 hours before we can test with water, fingers crossed! I then spent some time sanding and filling in. Kevin finished putting plasterboard on the utility room ceiling. The weather improved a little at about 5pm so I spent an hour in the garden cutting back three of the roses and removing the geraniums. 

Tuesday 6th October

A bit better day, not as much rain and not as windy. I nipped to Brico Marche for sandpaper and some glue for the pipework. We still have a small leak from the new pipework so hoping the glue will help. Kevin spent the day trying to sort the leaking pipes and sorting the missing pieces of flooring and plasterboard in the front bedroom. At 11.30am La Peyre arrived with  the final door. This was a relief, the barn will be much more secure over winter after it is fitted tomorrow. I spent the day sanding down the bridge and then put a second coat of filler on it. At 4.15pm we has quick showers and then nipped to Nev and Barbara's to give Nev a birthday card and present. It's his 65th birthday tomorrow, we are going to The Chateau in Chalais on Saturday night to celebrate with them and Phil and Lesley. We spent an hour and a half chatting over an apero before going back to the barn for dinner. 

Wednesday 7th October

The start of our final week and another milestone day. We have a full set of doors! Kevin and Neil worked hard all day, fitting the final door and then filled in the gaps, fitted the outside trim and the final two pieces of plasterboard on the inside. The barn looks like a home now. I went to Le Clerc's, fed and watered the boys, finished cutting back the roses, painted the outside trim, put some edging strip in the guest bedroom and cleaned up after the boys. Kevin used up the tin of expanding foam to fill round the kitchen window so another gap filled. After Neil left we sorted out the left over plasterboard and filled the trailer with waste wood and plasterboard. A good days work, after dinner we put the outside lights on and stood and admired the finished doors! 

Thursday 8th October

A bit of a sad day, the pool has gone into hibernation for winter! Since the weather forecast was for a dry day we decided to spend the day putting the pool to bed. Elsie did her final clean then we chloro shocked the pool. Later we put the winterisation liquid in and shut the cover for the final time this year. We put sand bags round the edge of the cover to prevent the wind lifting it. Kevin removed the pump, the chlorinator and the ph probe. They are now carefully stored in the barn. We also spent time organising the pool house and outbuiling, making room for more storage of Kevin's building equipment. I brushed the lounge whilst Kevin sorted his equipment and moved some into the outbuilding. I then cut the grass whilst Kevin strimmed. Finally, we moved the sun loungers into the lounge area and covered them with a large dust sheet. Once again we were both shattered but the garden and pool are ready for leaving over winter. I spent two hours after dinner sorting a Tesco delivery, the first date available is the 21st October, a week after we arrive home. Not sure what we are supposed to eat for the first week?! Perhaps Boris will bring us some food whilst we are isolating! 

Friday 9th October

Since it was our last Friday here for this year we decided to go to the Friday market in Riberac . It was a beautiful sunny morning, 20 degrees.  We had a wander around the market, the stalls are all selling winter clothes now. We had coffee and croissants sat outside the Cafe de Collones watching the world go by, mainly French shoppers as most of the Brits have now gone home. We walked round the shops in Riberac before nipping to Brico Marche for some plumbing bits. After lunch we took a full trailer to the dechetterie. We were the only people there so it didn't take us long to empty it. Kevin then spent the afternoon renewing the leaking pipes under the bath, he wasn't happy so decided it would be better to completely renew rather than risk leaks at a later date! Fortunately no leaks this time so he finished the day by fitting the plasterboard surround to form the bath sides ready for tiling. I spent the afternoon cleaning! First the downstairs toilet, then the utility room including defrosting the fridge freezer. I sorted out which drinks are staying and made a pile of the ones going home by the front door. Think we have 14 boxes of wine to get in the car! Should be enough to last over winter! I finished my cleaning chores by cleaning the front doors. Everywhere has a thick layer of plasterboard dust so looks a bit better now but no doubt will be as dusty when we return. We had our usual cheese and wine Friday meal. 

Saturday 10th October

Kevin spent the morning and early afternoon tiling round the bath area. I continued cleaning, this time the guest bathroom and bedroom both were covered in a thick layer of dust. I covered the beds with dust sheets so hopefully they will help keep them clean over winter. At 4pm we both stopped working and had showers and put our 'glad rags' on ready to go to the Chateau in Chalais to celebrate Nev and Barbara's special birthdays. Phil and Lesley had kindly invited us all to stay over night. We arrived at Phil and Lesley's at 6.30pm. We had champagne to celebrate the birthdays before heading to the Chateau. Kevin had volunteered to drive so he took the ladies first and then returned with the men. What a wonderful evening, the Chateau is stunning with a beautiful restaurant and superb food. The new chef has worked in a Michelin starred restaurant and is trying to get his own at the Chateau, from the quality of the food it won't be long before he achieves one. We all enjoyed the fabulous food and exceptional service. We returned to Phil and Lesley's after 11pm. We eventually went to bed about 1.30am! A superb evening, a night to remember. Thank you so much for inviting us Nev and Barbara. Can't wait till the next time. 

Sunday 11th October

After a late night we were up and dressed by 8.40am. We had a lazy breakfast with the gang and said our good byes for this year at about 11.15am. We had a fabulous evening last night. We will miss Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley but look forward to catching up with them next year. Once back at the barn it was back to work! Kevin continued tiling round the bath and almost finished it. I sorted the washing and did more packing of clothes. We watched/listened to the French Tennis final whilst working. Nadal certainly deserved to win. We ate up BBQ chicken and then figs for dessert from the freezer. We both managed to stay awake to watch the final episode of 'Us.'

Monday 12th October

Our final day of work for this year. Kevin managed to finish the tiling in our bathroom. It looks really good now. He is going to leave the grouting until next year and we will also need to give it a final coat of paint. A year of massive progress. We will hopefully be able to return next year and finish, Covid and Breixt allowing. New levels of restrictions start on Wednesday for the UK and as we understand it Nottinghamshire are in tier two, high risk, which means nobody can come into the house, six people can meet in the garden or park. We are not allowed to visit restaurants with anyone not in our household. Looks like we will be looking for our patio heater when we get back! It's going to be a long winter if these restrictions continue. Back to the barn! We managed to get all the wine packed into the car along with food and clothes, just final food, bedding etc to put in tomorrow. Manuel, Myriam and Danielle came for a final apero at 6pm. It was lovely that Danielle managed to join us for a short time whilst Gerard was still at his hospital appointment. Danielle left at about 6.45pm, the rest of us decided to play Mexican dominoes for a final time. Myriam won. We are so lucky to have such lovely friends and neighbours, we will certainly miss our apero and games evenings.  

Tuesday 13th October

Our last day for this year. Can't believe we have now been 'living the dream' for four years. It's gone so quickly and we have met some many lovely people who are now very good friends.  We have done so many new things that I never would have dreamed of doing, think I am almost a qualified builder mate now!  We had a bit of a lazy day, we finished packing the car and defrosted the fridge in the kitchen. We nipped for petrol and popped into Le Clerc's for sandwich filling and bread. We pottered in the afternoon before going across to David's for dinner. He had kindly invited us over to save me from cooking on our last night. We really enjoyed our final evening with David and Monsieur Tattoo  and of course the meal was delicious as usual. Carrot soup, chicken casserole and bread and butter pudding for dessert. We were back at the barn and tucked up in bed by 9.30pm. An early start in the morning!

Wednesday 14th October

An early start 5.30am! After quick showers Kevin turned the water off and opened all the pipes to let the water drain from the water tank. We finished loading the car with the cooler box and the dirty bedding and towels and covered our bed with a dust sheet. Manuel arrived at 7pm bearing gifts of duck confit and a croissant for me and a pain au raisin for Kevin for our journey. He had been to the boulangerie in Vertiallac already to buy them, he is just so kind and thoughtful. We said our goodbyes, we will miss seeing him over the winter but will keep in touch. We were finally ready to lock the new front door at 7.20am. We had a good journey to the tunnel and managed to get a train an hour earlier than booked. We arrived home at 9.15pm, unpacked the back seat and nipped to Tesco before they shut. It's 14 days quarantine now for us so we should get a few jobs done! Take care and keep safe everyone. A bientot xx