Living the Dream, Year Five, June to September 2021

 Sunday 20th June

Well, we have made it back to France. What a year and a half we have all had. Covid certainly doesn't want to go away.

Eventually, on 9th June, the French decided to allow all people from the UK who have had both vaccines and a negative antigen test into France without having to have a specific reason to travel. So we booked our crossing, had an antigen test, packed the car and set off at 5am today.  As usual the car was full with just about enough room for me to sit with all the required paperwork packed around me! We had an excellent journey down to the tunnel, hardly any traffic. We arrived at the tunnel at 8.30am but had to wait until 11.03am for a train as they were working on the lines. So we popped into duty free and bought two bottles of gin for £10 each, the only advantage to Brexit! and I bought some make up.  No problems going through Border Control, they just checked our covid certificates and stamped our passports. They didn't even ask where we were travelling to, when we were coming back or what we had in the car! So the uneaten ham sandwich and the six mini pork pies made it into France 😊After a good journey we arrived in Tours at 6pm and checked into the Ibis hotel for the night, the room was small but very clean. We had our evening meal in the hotel and then an early night.

Monday 21st June

After a good nights sleep we left the hotel at 8.30am and made good progress arriving at the barn at 11.50am. We opened up the barn, it looked just as we had left it with a few extra dead flies and cobwebs! Kevin switched on the electric and fortunately we hadn't been switched off. He then turned the water on and by the end of the afternoon we had plenty of hot water. Manuel popped down to say hello, he was the bearer of some sad news, Gerald, our neighbour opposite, had died on Friday after a long illness, his funeral is tomorrow but only his wife, Danielle, his daughter and son in law will be attending at Danielle request. So sad. 

I then started cleaning our bedroom, getting rid of the flies and a few cobwebs and then made the bed ready for dropping into later when we are shattered! Kevin emptied the car whilst I put the food in the kitchen cupboards. We then decided to go food shopping to Le Clercs. It has been completely revamped, seems much bigger and now has a lot of different products. We managed to buy a new lawn mower in Le Clercs so we can now cut the grass! On our return we unpacked and put the food away before having pizza for dinner. I then finished unpacking all the clothes whilst Kevin put the new lawn mower together. A busy day but glad to be back.

Tuesday 22nd June

A busy first day. Kevin started by putting a spice rack on the inside of one of the kitchen cupboards, he had to make one of the shelves narrower so the door would shut. 

                                         

He then put the outside sign back in its place on the top of the front door. Our neighbour, Steve,  had kindly painted it for us over the winter, it looks superb now. 

We then waited until Danielle left for Gerard's funeral before we started making noise by cutting the grass and strimming. I used the new lawn mower whilst Kevin did the strimming. Unfortunately rain stopped play at 12.30, so we decided to have an early lunch in the hope it would pass over.

After lunch, whilst the grass died out, we emptied the front bedroom ready for Kevin to fit the flooring. He has decided to use this room as his office until we get the lounge area finished. We then restarted the  grass cutting.

Nev and Barbara arrived about 3pm, it was lovely to see them. We had tea sat in the garden until it started to thunder and lighten. We moved into the barn and chatted until 6pm, just lovely to catch up with them again after so long. I gave Nev the six mini pork pies, hopefully he will enjoy them more knowing they have been smuggled into the country! 

Since it had decided to start raining again we decided to call it a day and had shower and our meal. After dinner Kevin decided to start fitting the flooring in the front bedroom! He finished at 7pm in time to watch Startreck Voyager! I did the ironing whilst watching the tennis from Queens. 

Wednesday 23rd June

A busy day in the garden. We were outside by 8.30am, Kevin started by pulling up the weeds  and I sorted the borders around the out building. Once the grass had dried out Kevin strimmed whilst I finished cutting the grass. David came across for coffee at 11am, it was good to see him and catch up on all his winter projects. 

By 3.20pm we had a trailer full of weeds and grass cuttings so we decided to take it to the dechetterie, a good job done as it started to rain after dinner. Manuel called and had a non alcoholic gin with us, we sat in the garden enjoying his company. After dinner Kevin continued putting the flooring down in the front bedroom. Again shattered but it's beginning to look like our house again.

Thursday 24th June

A bit of a rest day. We spent nearly three hours in the back garden strimming and pulling weeds out. We filled six more black sacs ready for the dechetterie! We also brushed around the pool and took the sand bags off the pool cover. 

We then had showers and put our glad rags on and set off for lunch at the Fleur D'eau. Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley had kindly invited us to join them for lunch. We sat at the side of the river and enjoyed time together over a lovely meal. After we all came back to the barn for coffee. A super day with great friends. 

We then decided to nip to Brico Marche for some nails and called at Tip top where we bought a garden table and two chairs which Kevin can use as his office table in the front bedroom for now. On our return Kevin continued putting more flooring down in the front bedroom, he has almost finished it. 

Friday 25th June

At 9am I went to the market with Manuel and Myriam, I just love wandering around and watching the French buy their produce. I bought a punnet of strawberries for five euros! Not cheap! and some peaches and nectarines, was proud of myself for asking for them in French. We were back at the barn by 10.30am after having a sneaky coffee at the Cafe du Collones! Whilst we were gone Kevin mended the kitchen tap, we had had no hot water from it since we arrived. He also put some more flooring down in the front bedroom and got the jet wash and Elsie (The pool robot) out ready for cleaning the pool. After a quick coffee together we started washing the pool cover, we then opened the pool. It was fairly dirty with three dead lizards on the bottom. We put Elsie in and left her to work her magic. 

Kevin then finished the flooring in the front bedroom and I jet washed round the pool area and the margels. After lunch I continued jet washing whilst Kevin put the door linings on the front bedroom and cut the skirting boards ready for me to paint tomorrow. Kevin then put the pump into the pool and we had the grand switch on, fortunately everything worked first time. A beautiful day, 25 degrees and sunny.

Saturday 26th June

Another beautiful sunny day. Elsie was in the pool before 9am, she is certainly working hard and her filter bag is full of dirt when I change her every hour and a half🤣. I went to Le Clercs for the weekend food, as I was passing Manuel's, he and his mum were working in the front garden, so I stopped to say hello to them both. Whilst I was gone Kevin started putting the flooring down on the landing. 

After coffee outside I brushed out the pool store and washed some of the garden furniture in between cleaning Elsie and the pool filter bag. Kevin made an oak nosing for the top of the stairs and by the end of the afternoon had fixed it in place. After lunch I made a beef stroganoff for dinner, under coated some skirting boards and then decided to clean round the pool inside edges. We then tidied up and after showers sat in the garden enjoying the evening sunshine with a drink before we had our evening meal. A busy day but good progress made. 

Sunday 27th June 

We had a thunder storm over night and a dull day today with rain on and off. So it was a day working inside. I did the weekly clean, bed change and ironing whilst Kevin finished putting the flooring on the landing, some tricky cutting but now finished and looks superb. We now have flooring to all the upstairs. 

We decided to have our main meal at lunchtime as Manuel has invited us for apero with Myriam, Freddie and Danielle at 6.30pm tonight. I had bought the tiniest chicken for 9 euros in Le Clercs yesterday which we had with Isle de Rey new potatoes and vegetables, tasted very nice and we have enough left over for tomorrow night. After lunch I finished the ironing, cleaned the upstairs windows and cleaned the pool filter whilst Kevin fitted some of  the painted skirting boards in the front bedroom and cut more ready for me to paint tomorrow 😊. We had early showers and then got ready to go to Maunel' s. 

Monday 28th June

We had a superb evening at Manuel's, he had prepared nibbles and we all enjoyed a drink together before playing a game of Forehead Detective, we had a good laugh together, we had to speak in French when asking our questions so good practice too. We left about 9pm.

A lovely morning so Elsie was in the pool by 8.30am, the pool is looking much cleaner now and the water looks a better shade of blue. However, at lunchtime it started to rain so we quickly put the pool cover on so the end of pool cleaning for the day. 

Kevin spent the morning grouting the remaining tiles in our ensuite, another good job finished. We need to touch up the paint and finish the electrics for the shaving point and then another room will be completed. 

Bruno, our local electrician, arrived about 10am to have a look at our electric box and to check Kevin's wiring before we ask the electricity board to come out and certify it. Just a couple of things for Kevin to sort out but Bruno was impressed with his work so full marks to Kevin and a big relief for him. Manuel came down to help us with translation but Kevin managed to understand everything Bruno advised. We had coffee with Manuel after Bruno left. I spent the morning painting more skirting boards and sorting Elsie out.

After lunch I cleaned up after the tiler! I then painted more skirting and door linings as Kevin cut the pieces. Another good days work.

Tuesday 29th June

We woke up to pouring rain and it was like April showers all day, either pouring down or sunshine. After breakfast it was back to work. I painted areas of our ensuite that needed touching up where the grout had left grey marks, not an easy job but had finished the first coat by coffee time. 

Kevin spent the morning fitting the skirting board and door linings that I had painted yesterday and then cut more ready for me to paint! 

After coffee I gave the ensuite a second coat of paint. After lunch I undercoated all the skirting and door linings that were waiting for me. We have almost enough to finish all the upstairs rooms now. After cleaning the ensuite we decided to have early showers and nip to Brico Marche and then to Le Clercs. When we paid the Le Clerc bill the girl said you have won fifty euros😊We didn't really understand what she meant but she passed me a receipt that said  'gagner €50' she told us to go to the customer service desk so off we went and were given a gift voucher for €50 to spend in Le Clercs before the end of August, so really thrilled. A good end to the day. 

Wednesday 30th June

Can't believe it's the end of June already and we have been here ten days. A better day with no rain and sunshine by the afternoon. Elsie did her cleaning and then we put some Chloro Shoc tablets into the skimmer box and covered the pool leaving the pump working to dissolve the tablets over night.

Kevin then clambered into the loft above our dressing room and finished the wiring for the electric toothbrush socket and the ensuite fan. I sorted Elsie and was the electricians 'gofer' passing equipment as requested. Manuel came for coffee and a chat, he invited us to go for a walk tonight at 7pm with Myriam. Before lunch Kevin fitted more painted skirting and door linings. After lunch we went to Brico Depot and then Le Roy Merlin's in Perigueux. The traffic was busy so we quickly bought what we needed and headed back to the barn for a quick dinner before our walk. 

Thursday 1st July

We had a lovely walk last night with Manuel and Myriam, 7 km, it was a beautiful evening, sunny and warm.

After breakfast Kevin switched the power off and started to replace the interupters as suggested by Bruno. As usual this was not an easy task. He soon realised the replacements were not the same configuration and had to be replaced in a different way, requiring additional pieces, which of course we didn't have. So he put everything back as it was and left it until we could go shopping again. As we constantly say nothing is straightforward. Since I had no electric I mixed up some polyfiller and started filling round the skirting boards in the front bedroom. 

After coffee we opened the pool, what a difference the chlorine tablets had made, we checked the PH and chlorine levels, as expected the chlorine is a bit high and the PH was fine. We left the pool open all morning for the sun to burn some of the chlorine off. I then cut the grass whilst Kevin started putting sealant round the ensuite. After lunch we decided to go to Brico Marche for the electrical parts and then went to the wood yard in Chalais for some oak to make some more doors. We have been invited to David's for dinner tonight so looking forward to seeing him and of course Monsieur Tatoo, his dog. 

Friday 2nd July

We had a fabulous meal and time with David last night. He had made a cold prawn chowder soup, delicious, followed by chicken in an orange sauce and then sorbet. We looked at his winter home improvements and then spent time chatting so a perfect evening. 

I went to the market with Manuel, practiced my French buying courgettes, strawberries and some coffee. We had a sneaky coffee at the Collones and were back at the barn by 10.20am. Whilst we were gone Kevin had tried to fit the new electric pieces into the electric box but had difficulty. Manuel kindly phoned Bruno and he came down during his lunch time and fortunately told  Kevin how it could be fixed. Kevin then spent some time fitting the parts and we now have our electrics ready for inspection. That's the next difficult task, completing all the French paperwork! I decided to nip to Le Clercs for the weekend shopping whilst we had no electrics, best out of the way! After lunch we sorted the spare electrics and packed everything into one box, hopefully finished with for now🤞. Manuel popped down to see if we had electricity, he is so thoughtful, so we all sat and had a cup of tea in the garden. We then had showers and got ready to go to the pizzeria for dinner, Nev and Barbara are joining us so looking forward to seeing them.

Saturday 3rd July

Kevin spent the day making oak doors for the utility room, he has four to make and by the end of the day had enough wood cut for two of them. I did the weekly clean, washing and ironing. 

After lunch I prepared beef in black bean sauce for dinner as we had organised to go and look at an oak dining table and chairs that had been advertised on the Drone Valley Network for sale. We set off for Mussidan at four o clock, of course we got lost as the house we were looking for was in a small hamlet not registered on our sat nav! We stopped in a village near by and interrupted a boules game, the Marie kindly jumped in his car and showed us the way to the house we were looking for, this just wouldn't happen in the UK. We decided to buy the table and six chairs, solid oak but with some marks and scratches but we decided it was good value for money at 250 euros. We packed everything into the trailer and set off back to the barn, a beautiful drive through stunning scenery. We arrived back at the barn at about 6.15pm, we then had the problem of lifting the table out of the trailer🤔. It had taken five people to lift it in. We unloaded the chairs and Kevin carried them into the front bedroom for storing until we have decorated the downstairs. He then took the table to pieces, we then managed to lift the two pieces into the barn. After a bit of work the table will look good in the dining room, so a good buy. Not sure what we are going to do with it whilst we decorate the dining room though! 

After all the heavy lifting we enjoyed the beef in black bean sauce with of course a glass of wine.

Sunday 4th July

We started the day by completing our application to have the electrics verified. What a performance, it took us over an hour to complete, we carefully checked our understanding before pressing the send button! Hopefully, we will be contacted and someone will come out from Limoges to test and pass before we return to the UK.🤞

I then spent some time putting the pictures on the blog whilst listening to the Archers. Kevin continued making the oak doors for the utility room. At 4pm we went to look at two single beds which Kevin had seen on the Drone Valley Network, since it was raining we decided not to take the trailer, if we decide to buy them we will return tomorrow when the forecast is better. We had to go to La Tour Blanche which is only about 20 minutes drive away. We decided to buy the beds and the seller was happy for us to return tomorrow to collect them. Not sure where we are going to put them but a successful weekend of bargain buying! 

Monday 5th July

A much better day, beautiful sunshine all day and 26 degrees. So Elsie was back to work! The pool looks lovely now, can't wait to get in but the chlorine level is still a bit too high so hopefully tomorrow.

Kevin went to Brico Marche at 9am for a new blade for his circular saw. Whilst he was gone I tidied up after breakfast, sorted the pool and started filling in the skirting and door frames between the guest bedrooms. Manuel came down for a coffee, we sat outside enjoying each others company and the view. After coffee Kevin continued sorting the cupboards in the utility room. By the end of the afternoon he had put a shelf in place and fitted one of the oak doors, it's beginning to take shape. I continued my filling in job. 

At 4pm we went to fetch the two beds.  On our return Manuel was talking to Myriam outside his house, we stopped to say 'hello' and he told us the sad news that his cat, Minette, has stomach cancer and will have to be put to sleep sometime in the next couple of weeks, so very sad for him and also Myriam as Minuet was originally her cat.

We quickly emptied the trailer and put the beds in the spare back bedroom, it's looking a bit full now! We then had dinner and watched Wimbledon. 

Tuesday 6th July

After a lovely evening we were woken up at midnight by a tremendous thunderstorm. It's been a dull day with the occasional rain shower. So it was a hard day's work for the A team😊. Kevin started the day by cutting the final pieces of skirting board for upstairs which I had undercoated before 8.30am. He then cut and joined two pieces of oak for our bedroom window cill.  He spent the remainder of the day fitting and making doors for the utility room, he has almost finished it. I finished filling in all the upstairs skirting and door frames. Manuel popped down for coffee, he is very upset and worried about Minette and knows he will have a difficult decision to make soon. 

After coffee I started painting the skirting and door frames with satin finish, by the end of the afternoon I had completed the front bedroom, upstairs hallway and landing. Just our bedroom to finish tomorrow. Before I finished I treated one of the oak doors with turps and linseed oil for Kevin. A good days work. We finished at 6pm, had quick showers and dinner and are now looking forward to a zoom catch up with Andy and Kath

Wednesday 7th July

We had a good catch up with Andy and Kath last night, so good to see then and hear their news. 

Another dull and rainy day. I decided to nip to Le Clercs and Tip Top to buy food and  some table mats and cushions for the new dining chairs. We have invited David to dinner tomorrow night and if the weather is not good we will eat inside and use the new table and chairs. 

Manuel invited us to his house for coffee at 11am. He had made a cake but it was still in the oven so we decided to have it for afternoon tea instead.

Kevin had been working on the utility room cupboard surrounds rubbing them down ready for me to treat with turps and linseed oil. I also rubbed our bedroom window sill down and treated it. 

After lunch I managed to finish painting the upstairs door frames and skirtings before Manuel arrived for tea and cake, we invited Danielle to join us.  

We then had quick showers before going to meet David, his sister and brother in law at the Cafe de Collones before going to the art exhibition in the tourist office. After looking at the art we managed to pop to Brico Marche for some screws  and then Le Clercs for wine before they closed. 

Thursday 8th July

A busy day for both of us. Kevin started by fitting the oak window sill in our bedroom, looks superb and another good job finished. He then fitted the final two doors in the utility room after I had sanded them. This was before 8.30am. I then gave the doors a coat of terps and then cleaned the cupboards and filled them, its made a good storage space. Whilst Kevin started making the door for our ensuite I cleaned through the house, we have David coming of dinner tonight and everywhere has a covering of saw dust!

After lunch  I prepared dinner and set the new dining table, looks quite good. At 4pm it went very dark so it was a rush to get Elsie out of the pool and get the cover on before it poured it down. We also had to clear up Kevin's tools and electric equipment as he had been working outside. 

After showers we watched a bit of the ladies Wimbledon semi final before finishing the food preparation for dinner. 

Friday 9th July

We had a lovely evening with David, after eating we played Mexican Train and for once I won, even thought the boys ganged up on me!

A lovely day so I spent most of the day working in the garden. I weeded the borders, which looked like they had never been weeded after all the rain and then cut the grass.

Kevin continued making the ensuite door, by the end of the day he was ready for me to give it a final sand and then treat with the turps and linseed oil solution.  

We had some good news today, Andy and Kath have booked flights after the UK have decided to stop quarenteen when returning from amber countries. They arrive on Thursday 12th August and are staying for ten days. So looking forward to seeing them, fingers crossed for good weather.

We were both shattered by 6pm . I decided to have my first bath, and someone brought me a welcome gin and tonic so a good end to the day! After dinner we watched the Djokovi semi final. 

Saturday 10th July

Another busy day. We started by lifting the ensuite door upstairs, it's really heavy. Kevin checked how it fitted and decided he needed to plane a bit off one of the sides so we carried it back downstairs. Whilst Kevin sorted the door I changed the bed and then went out in the garden and started cutting back the over hanging tree branches. Once Kevin had sorted the door we carried it back upstairs again. Fortunately this time he was happy with how it fitted.  So he spent the rest of the morning fitting the hinges and door handles. We have finally got a door to our ensuite, there are just some things you don't need to share not matter how much you love each other 🤣.

After lunch we decided to spend the afternoon in the garden, Kevin strimmed outside the front whilst I cut back brambles and ivy. At 4pm we decided we had had enough so after shower we went to Riberac to buy a new printer, more door hinges and some polyfiller. We then sat outside enjoying a pre dinner drink. 

Sunday 11th July

Another busy day. We started by finishing the front outside grass strimming and then cut down the trees, we have a trailer full ready for the dechetterie tomorrow. At 11am we came inside for coffee whilst listening to the Archers, I also did the ironing and put the pictures on the blog. Kevin decide to line the outhouse inside ceiling with thick plastic as a temporary measure to try to keep all his tools and equipment dry. We then spent an hour sorting equipment in the lounge and making room in the outhouse for more. We filled the trailer with some things we decided were no longer require and also an old rusty wheelbarrow and three old swimming pool pumps of Danielle's. We then spent an hour filling in some of the large gaps in the lounge. I decided to have my first swim before dinner, the pool was 25 degrees and a beautiful sunny evening. I really enjoyed spending time just swimming up and down in the peace and quiet. Whilst preparing and eating dinner we watched the men's single final. Let's hope England are successful later, 🤞

Monday 12th July

A disappointing result for England but they did well to get to the finals and felt sorry for the penalty takers. 

After a beautiful sunny evening we were woken up at midnight and then again at 4am by a thunderstorm, the thunder was deafening. It was a dull and rainy day so we worked inside all day. We covered the doors and furniture upstairs and downstairs and then started sanding the stairs, dining area and entrance walls. What a lot of dust! We then spend the day filling in gaps and putting a second coat of filler on the walls. Not my favourite job but it has to be done and it's the last rooms so the end of filling is in sight. After lunch we decided to take the full trailer to the dechetterie only to find they have changed their opening times for July and August to 7.30am till 1pm each day, so we took the full trailer back with us, not happy! We called at Brico Marche for a new sander as ours seems to have given up. We then spent the rest of the afternoon filling and sanding. 

Tuesday 13th July

Another wet and windy day. We were at the dechetterie by 9.10am. We got rid of all the smelly grass and tree cuttings. We called at Aldi on our way back and were back at the barn by 10.15am. After an early coffee we started filling and sanding. By the end of the day we both had grey hair! Will be glad when this job is finished, it's soul destroying especially since we are not very good at plastering. We finished at 5pm and decided to go to Brico Marche for another sander so we can both be sanding at the same time tomorrow 🤔. It was still pouring down so we decide to treat ourselves to a quick drink at the Calise in Vertiallac before going back to a very dusty barn for dinner.

Wednesday 14th July

Well it might be a holiday for the French but no such luck for me😊. We spent most of the day sanding and filling in, making progress but still lots to do. At 3.30pm we decided we needed some fresh air so I cut the grass while Kevin strimmed round the pool and the front garden. It was after 5pm when we finished. Kevin continued filling in round the edges of the ceilings whilst I  brushed some of the dust up. The whole of the barn has a thick layer of plaster dust covering it.

 

Thursday 15th July

Another busy day. I went food shopping as we have invited Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley for dinner tomorrow night. Whilst I was gone Kevin started sanding the lounge ceiling. After coffee we both continued sanding the first coats of plaster in the lounge and dining room. Kevin also started to clean the oak beam in the lounge. We spent the afternoon sanding. Manuel popped down for a coffee and we had half an hour sat in the sunshine. We then started to clean up the dust, what a mess, it gets everywhere. I managed to pour some boiling water down my front whilst rushing to finish. Kevin threw a bottle of cold water over me and then nipped to the chemist in Riberac for some burn cream🤣. It's certainly sore but hopefully the cream will prevent blisters. After showers we sat and enjoyed a pre dinner drink in the garden looking at the view. 

Friday 16th July

A beautiful day, at long last summer has arrived. I spent the morning cleaning the barn ready for our visitors tonight, I also nipped to Aldi for bread. Kevin started putting the second coat of plaster on the lounge ceiling.  Manuel invited us for coffee, his mum was there so it was good to see her. Manuel gave us a bamboo desk and chair which he no longer needs,  Kevin is now using it as his desk. I spent the afternoon preparing the meal for tonight, prawn and melon cocktail, chicken wrapped in Palma ham with a tomato sauce, new potatoes and green vegetables, cheese and then baked nectarines with blackberries and almonds served with ice cream or Greek yoghurt for dessert. We sorted the garden and Kevin cleaned the garden furniture, the birds had left their calling cards! Kevin then decided he needed some more beer so nipped to Le Clercs, he came back with some red wine as they had an offer on wine. We were ready with the table set outside by 5.30pm and looking forward to seeing Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley.

Saturday 17th July

We had a lovely evening last night. We ate outside and then sat chatting until 11pm. So good to see everyone and enjoy time together outside. 

It was back to work today, we both spent all day putting second coats of plaster on, Kevin completed the lounge ceiling and I completed the walls. 

We finished at 5pm and I had a swim whilst Kevin enjoyed a beer. We are going out with Manuel, his friend Cindy, Freddie and Myriam to a pop up restaurant in Epeluche, a last minute decision so looking forward to sitting outside for the meal. 

Sunday 18th July

We had a fabulous evening last night, great food and such lovely company, even thought we were the only English we are made to feel part of the group. The restaurant is only open during the summer months and is situated by the banks of the river, has a mixture of furniture, shabby chic, with a good atmosphere and was good value for money, we will certainly go again. 

Another soul destroying day today, we continued filling and sanding and yet again the barn is full of plaster dust. Think we might call it a day after tomorrow, we could continue for another two weeks but don't think we will improve the final outcome, it will be another feature of the barn Kevin and Sue built! 

Manuel and his friend Cindy came for coffee, Danielle also joined us. Danielle has a problem with her swimming pool and the water has turned green so after coffee we took Elsie across and let her have a go at cleaning for Danielle. Cindy had brought her petrol strimmer to cut Manuel's long grass, after coffee she volunteered to cut the weeds on the outside of our garden, so very kind of her, it only took her ten minutes and would have taken us much longer with our small electric strimmer. 

Danielle came across for a swim at 4pm, I joined her at 4.50pm and Kevin brought us a gin and tonic so a perfect end to a hard day. We sat enjoying Danielle's company until 6pm.

Monday 19th July

Another day of sanding but thankfully the last day. We have decided to call it a day after a final sand everywhere today. We are just not plasterers, its certainly a skill.  Once finished we swept the walls and floor and then prepared the paint ready for tomorrow. Danielle came round for a swim at 4pm and I joined her about 4.30pm with a cheeky gin and tonic although mine was alcohol free.

We went across to David's for dinner as Robert and Caro arrived today for 90 days. We had a lovely evening sat outside. David had made a chicken pasta dish and I provided the dessert, nectarines and blackberries soaked in Marsala and baked in the oven.  Good to have Robert and Caro back across the valley. A perfect evening.

Tuesday 20th July

Can't believe we have been here a month already. Another beautiful day. We started painting at 9am and finished at 6pm. We had put 30 litres of paint on the walls. One coat on all the downstairs walls and then a second coat on the entrance, dining room, utility and kitchen. We were just too tired to carry on. We were both sweating all day, as Iris would say 'a wet knickers day' 🤣.Think I got more paint on me than the walls!

At 3.30pm the man from the Consual Technical Services arrive to check and verify our electrics, a worry for Kevin but thankfully he passed all the electrics and we should have our certificate within three days which will allow us to organise our permanent electric supply. So pleased for and proud of Kevin, he has worked hard planning and installing the electrics and can now relax knowing he has been 'certified'

At 6pm we both had a swim and a celebratory drink. The pool is 30 degrees so just about warm enough for Kevin😊.

Wednesday 21st July

Another hot day, we were painting at 8.45am and had put the second coat on the lounge walls and ceiling by coffee time. We then put the third and final coat on the entrance, dining room, utility and kitchen. I then cleaned the utility room, loo and then cleaned the front windows. Kevin began to sort an extra electric socket for the outbuilding, now he has been certified! 

Danielle came across for a swim  at 5.30pm and a g and t, it's good she feels ok coming across and spending a little time with us, she is struggling coming to terms with Gerard's death, its so hard for her especially when things go wrong. At 7pm UK time we had a zoom chat with Andrew and Kath, so good to see them and have a catch up. It's so annoying they will have to isolate after they have been here, hopefully Boris will lift this before they come. 

We then sat outside enjoying the sunset and trying to cool down a bit before bedtime. 

Thursday 22nd July

Another hot day 34 degrees at 2pm. We spent the morning putting the third and final coat of paint on the lounge walls and ceiling. All the painting is just about finished now so another milestone day. Just a small area where Kevin has fitted the electrics for the outhouse to rub down and paint. I gave the beams in the dining room a coat of turps and linseed oil so another area finished. After a quick tidy up we had showers and then lunch before going to Chalais. We called at Phil and Lesley's to drop some wood off that we no longer need and had a quick look at their pool terrace and new abri area. They have friends over and Phil and Tom were putting the finishing touches to a pizza oven, looks very professional and looking forward to being invited over for a pizza evening soon. We then called at the wood yard and bought enough oak to finish three remaining doors and two window sills. We called at Le Clercs on our way back for the weekly shopping and after putting it away I jumped into the pool to cool down before dinner. 

Friday 23rd July

A bit of a rest day. We were at the market by 8.30am. Kevin decided to join me and we enjoyed a wander round the stalls, we bought a plastic table cloth to cover the dining table and also a bottle of gin from a new producer. We had coffee and croissants at the Colonnes before picking up other bits and pieces and returning to the barn. Manuel decided not to join us as he had decided to have Minette put to sleep last night, a sad time for him but he made the right decision and had given her a good life. 

Kevin put the lounge lights back up and cleaned the front high barn windows whilst I started preparing the evening meal. Robert, Caro and David are joining us. After lunch Kevin cut the grass whilst I cleaned round and washed the outside furniture.

After a quick swim and shower we decided we would eat inside as the wind had got up so I set the dining table, we were ready to receive out guest at 6.30pm. 

Saturday 24th July

We had a lovely evening last night, after the meal we played Mexican train and I won again so a good night!

We were up and on the road to Perigueux by 9am, we went to Le Roy Merlin's first and bought twelve pieces of architrave to finish the doors, a fan for the spare room to try to keep the room cool for Andrew and Kath, some chlor choc, some more door knobs for the utility room cupboards, a jubilee clip for Danielle's pool and some key labels. We then went to Brico Depot for eight bags of levelling screed, a quarter of a ton in weight! and some tile glue. guess what the next job is! Kevin spent the afternoon finishing some of the 'bit' jobs, he fitted a loo roll holder in the downstairs loo, the door knobs in the utility room, filled in the corner at the front of the lounge area and fitted a radiator. I decided to wash and clean the inside of the car as it was filthy and then did the ironing as it had cooled down a little. I had a quick swim before dinner and Kevin brought me a g n t and sat enjoying a beer whilst I swam. 

Sunday 25th July

It had rained during the night so a dull but cooler start to the day. I nipped to Le Clerc for bread and cheese as Manuel and Danielle are coming tonight for a cheese, pate and wine night and we are going to teach Danielle how to play Mexican Train. Kevin fitted two more radiators before lunch and then started tiling the kitchen walls. I spent the rest of the day cleaning upstairs, preparing for Andrew and Kath and also preparing for our trip to Spain. 

Monday 26th July

We had a fabulous night last night, Mexican train got very competitive, if we are not careful we will have no friends left in Pautardie🤣 Kevin won four games so was the overall winner. 

A mixed day, some sunshine and showers. Cooler to work in though. Kevin continued tiling the kitchen, he has just one row to complete but all the tiles need cutting now. 

I did a pile of ironing and cleaned the third bedroom, we now have two guest bedrooms almost ready for guests. We nipped to Brico Marche for a blade for the tile cutter but they don't have the size we needed so a wasted trip. 

Tuesday 27th July

A busy day for both. Kevin finished cutting the tiles for the kitchen window cill and after coffee fixed them in place. I started the day by strimming round the pool and back garden. Manuel and Danielle came for coffee. After coffee it took me till lunchtime to sweep up the grass cuttings, just as I finished it started to rain. After lunch I sanded the final corner in the lounge and put a coat of plaster on. I then did some clearing of equipment and swept the lounge area. After a quick coffee I tidied up after the tiler whilst he cut some wood to form the base for the lounge window cill. I then spent an hour weeding the flower beds, the roses are looking beautiful at the moment. Another day of good progress .

Wednesday 28th July

A better day weather wise, some sunshine and a lovely evening. Another busy day. Kevin spent the morning grouting the kitchen wall tiles so another job ticked off the list. I gave the final area of the lounge three coats of paint, whilst each coat was drying I cleaned the back and side windows and doors and finished strimming the inside of the garden. We had quick showers before lunch as we had organised for Lisa, a mobile hairdresser, to come at 2pm. When she arrived it turned out she only lives across the valley and is originally from Ferrybridge so another Yorkshire lass. After she left we decided to complete the online application for our permanent electric supply, not easy translating and understanding everything, but we eventually managed it with a little help from google! After dinner we sat outside enjoying the evening sunshine. 

Thursday 29th July

Another lovely day. I spent the morning giving the kitchen a good clean and then touched up the paint round the edges of the tiles. Kevin levelled the final bit of floor in the utility room and then cut the tiles ready to fit tomorrow. After lunch he put sealant round the edges of the kitchen, utility room and downstairs loo, a good job finished. I started to strim the outside area but the strimmer decided to stop working so need to buy yet another strimmer, think we have had three already! I cleaned up after the worker and then washed the lounge front doors and windows. I had a quick swim before getting ready to go the Le Chabrot restaurant in Riberac with Manuel and Myriam. They are both going on holiday for most of August on Saturday so we will miss them. 

Friday 30th July

We had a lovely evening last night, good food and great company. 

I decided to go to Brico Marche for another strimmer, bought the cheapest and lightest Black and Decker . I called at Le Clercs for a few bits before heading back to the barn. Whilst I was gone Kevin stuck the tiles down in the utility room so another job completed. After coffee I strimmed the outside area, the strimmer is not very good but hopefully it will last this year and then I can pass this job over!  Kevin spent the rest of the day making the oak window cill for the lounge side window. I cut the grass and did a bit of cutting back before having a relaxing bath. We are meeting Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley at the pizzeria tonight so looking forward to seeing them. 

Saturday 31st July

We had a lovely evening last night. As usual we all enjoyed the pizzas and of course each other's company.

A day of cleaning, washing and ironing for me. Kevin grouted the utility tiles and then routed an edge on the window cill and fitted it in place. We spent the afternoon sorting materials, filling the trailer and finding space in the out building to store more equipment we have finished with for the moment. We then washed down all the garden furniture and brought it into the barn. We are almost ready for our trip to see Pamela in Spain next week. Manuel came down at 4.30pm to say goodbye as he will be away until the end of August. He has rented his house out for the next month and he is off to Corsica. 

                    

Sunday 1st August  

A bit of a rest day. We decided to go to the market at Vertiallac for a wander, we were there for just after 9am. The Calise were advertising bacon rolls so it would have been rude to walk passed😅. We were back at the barn by 11am. Had coffee listening to the Archers and put the pictures on the blog. We then packed the car for our trip to Spain tomorrow. We are going to see Pamela for three nights, it will take two days to get there, we are staying over night tomorrow in a hotel south of Madrid. We will hopefully arrive at Pamela's late Tuesday afternoon. So looking forward to seeing Pamela and having a little break.

Monday 2nd August 

An early start, we got up at 5am and were on the road just after 6am. We managed to get through Bordeaux without any traffic jams. We had a good drive down through the Pyrenees, enjoying the beautiful scenery. We  had a coffee stop around 11am and then a lunch stop around 1pm and arrived at the hotel at 4.15pm. We had booked an over night hotel in a town called Valdemoro, its a new town about 40 kilometres south of Madrid. Excellent new hotel with swimming pool, which was not open because of covid! Only 59 euros B and B so a good find. We had a wander round the local area to find a restaurant but nothing was open so it was back to the room to eat the remaining tuna sandwiches and a packet of crisps, fortunately I had packed the gin! So an early night after a long day. 

Tuesday 3rd August

After breakfast we were back on the road by 8.30am. Had a good drive through the Sierra Nevada, the scenery was stunning. We arrived in Fuengirola at 4pm. We called in Aldi for supplies and arrived at Pamela's about 4.30pm. It was lovely to see Pamela after eighteen months but also a shock to both of us to see her looking so thin and frail. She was also covered in cuts and bruises from her most recent fall at the weekend. We had a quiet evening catching up with Pamela.

Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th August

Both very hot days, 35 degrees. We did some gardening and general jobs for Pamela. We took her shopping and bought heavy items which she can no longer manage on her own. On Wednesday evening Jean Louis and Susie came over for drinks and we all spent time discussing various options of how Pamela could live moving forward but she is adamant she wants to stay in her home on her own. Whilst we are all very worried, we have to respect her decisions. 

On Thursday morning the plan was to take Pamela down to the sea for a paddle, however, she decided she didn't feel well enough to go. 

We needed supplies so we decided to have a trip to Mijas. Whilst there Kevin bought two belts and I bought a navy handbag and an outfit. 

We spent the afternoon doing pottering jobs for Pamela and packing for out return journey tomorrow.

Friday 6th August

We were on the road by 8.30am. Very sad to say goodbye to Pamela but pleased we had spent some time with her. Another long journey, we arrived at the Parador de Lerma at 4.30pm. We had decided to treat ourselves to a two night mini break for our 15th Wedding Anniversary. What a fabulous hotel, it was a Duke's palace in a previous life. 

                 

We unpacked and had a walk around the square and found an Italian restaurant, since our first date had been to an Italian restaurant we decided to eat there later. We sat outside, in the square looking at the Parador. The meal was ok, nothing special, I ordered chocolate and vanilla ice cream for dessert. When it arrived it was a mini magnum, well the waitress did say it has nuts in it 🤣. We had a good laugh so it was worth it. Kevin had an enormous piece of tiramisu😊.

Saturday 7th August

Our 15th Wedding Anniversary, can't believe its 15 years since we were at Fischer's. We had a superb breakfast in the hotel. We then explored Lerma, it's a beautiful old town with lots of narrow cobbled streets. We had coffee in the hotel lounge and then had lunch in the hotel casual restaurant. We had a bit of a lazy afternoon, I actually started reading my book whilst Kevin did some work on the computer. We got dressed up and went for our evening meal in the hotel main restaurant. We had a lovely meal, we both had pate, then I had duck and Kevin had the suckling pig, we had the crepe suzette for dessert. 

Sunday 8th August

After a lovely breakfast we were on the road by 9am. We arrived back at the barn by 4pm, another long drive for Kevin. Good to be back at the barn, lots of washing to sort out so its down the earth with a bang, but a fabulous end to the week. Before we went to bed I had washed and ironed three loads of washing so certainly back to normal!

Monday 9th August

A busy day. We left the barn at 9am, Kevin dropped me off at Le Clerc's and then went for petrol and took the trailer full of rubbish to the dechetterie. We then started work. Kevin started by sanding and then filling the lounge window sill. He then started levelling the entrance hall floor using the kango to dig the concrete out, another dusty mess. I did the ironing and then went out into the garden. I started by weeding the rose beds. After lunch we worked together, Kevin strimmed round the pool and then we brushed up all the cuttings. We opened the pool and put Elsie to work. We put all the garden furniture back outside. Kevin then strimmed some of the front garden whilst I cleaned the back outside windows and then the 'Outram' front door bell. I took over the strimming and finished the front garden. Danielle came across at about 3.30pm, she had bought us a fire pit for helping her with her pool, she is so kind. Kevin finished the day by putting a layer of glue solution on an area in the entrance hall. I decide to get in the pool and clean the water line, it was a bit cold as the water was only 24 degrees, the forecast is for a warmer week so hopefully the pool will warm up a little more. 

Tuesday 10th August

A beautiful day. We opened the pool and put Elsie to work. I then washed and vacuumed the car while Kevin prepared another area of the entrance for tiling. After coffee we both worked in the garden. Kevin strimmed while I cut the grass. After lunch I gave the lounge window cill and the front lounge beam a coat of linseed oil and then cleaned the lounge doors and side windows. Kevin put some levelling compound on the entrance floor, almost ready for some tiles. We then put some weed killer round the edges of the garden. A busy day. 

Wednesday 11th August

Another beautiful day. After breakfast I nipped to Le Clerc's, whilst I was gone Kevin dug out some more concrete, he is trying to level the entrance floor before he puts the tiles down. I cleaned the house and finished getting ready for Andy and Kath's arrival tomorrow. Kevin decided to make a holder for the air conditioning unit, he has fitted a piece of wood in one of the windows in our bedroom and made a hole in it for the pipe of the air conditioning unit. We can now cool our bedroom down. Kevin then spent some time deciding how to lay the tiles, its complicated as there isn't a straight wall to the downstairs 🤣. 

Thursday 12th August

A warm day with some rain this afternoon and evening. We made the evening meal and finalised our preparations ready for Andrew and Kath's arrival and then set off for the airport to pick them up. The plane was on time and Andrew and Kath were through arrivals five minutes after we arrived. They had no problems leaving the UK and just covid checks and passports on arrival. We were back at the barn by 1.10pm. We sat out and enjoyed lunch and then had to go inside as it started to rain. We managed a swim at 4pm as the sun came out. After showers it had started to rain so we had dinner inside. We played Mexican train and Kath won. 

Friday 13th August

A beautiful sunny day. After breakfast we were for a wander around Riberac market, it was the busiest we have seen it for a while. Good to see the stalls busy. We went to the Collones for coffee and croissants but unfortunately they had sold out of croissants so had to make do with coffee. We bought some crusty bread from Le Clerc's and had cheese and pate for lunch. Kath and I  had a relaxing afternoon round the pool, the boys started laying tiles in the entrance hall. They fitted about 2 metres square and then had a relaxing end of the afternoon round the pool. We had a BBQ for dinner and then sat out watching the stars and looking for shooting stars as its supposed to be a good time to see them. Kevin and Kath managed to see one. At eleven pm Kevin, Andrew and I had a swim to cool down, a perfect end to a lovely day.

Saturday 14th August

Probably the hottest day of the year so far and a work day! After breakfast outside the boys started laying tiles. Kath and I did the washing and ironing, made coffee and lunch and generally pottered in the morning. After lunch the boys continued tiling. Kath and I had a restful afternoon. We are going to the Fleur D'eau for dinner tonight, I have booked a table over looking the river so looking forward to it.

Sunday 15th August

After a leisurely breakfast we went for a walk around La Jemaye. It was the busiest we had seen it, its August and the French are also on 'staycation' this year. Once back at the barn the boys continued tiling. I did a bit of glue mixing and Kath and I cooked a chicken Sunday dinner. After dinner we played Mexican train and Kath won again. 

Monday 16th August

The boys were at Brico Marche just after 9am, they bought their entire stock of tile adhesive, four bags! Kath and I then nipped to Le Clerc's and then called in Aldi. Whilst we were gone the boys put some levelling screed down on half the lounge floor. They then spent the rest of the day tiling and made good progress. Kath was their 'gofer' during the afternoon whilst I cut the grass and sorted the pool. After early showers we went across to Robert and Caro's for apero's. We had a lovely couple of hours chatting and eating some delicious canapes that Robert had prepared. Once back at the barn we had cheese and pate and then played partner whist, one set all. 

Tuesday 17th August

Andrews birthday. Kevin went to the boulangerie early for croissants. We had bucks fizz and croissants sat outside for breakfast. We then went to Aubetterre, had a wander around and a bit of lunch at an Italian restaurant. We called at the garden centre in Aubetterre on our way to Le Jardin du Coq. We enjoyed a walk round the gardens before going back to the barn for a little rest. We put our 'gladrags' on and enjoyed an evening meal at the Citronier. I arranged a birthday cake which we all enjoyed a piece of before taking the remainder home. A disappointing day weather wise but a lovely day otherwise.

Wednesday 18th August

It was back to work for all today. Kevin and Andrew continued tiling whilst Kath and I nipped to Le Clercs. Nev and Barbara came for coffee at 11am bearing gifts of cakes. We all sat chatting outside but it was a bit cool. After lunch we all worked on the tiling. Andrew laying them, Kath his 'gofer' Kevin cutting tiles and I mixed the adhesive. By the end of the day we had another 38 tiles laid. I cooked chicken in apple and leek sauce with baked nectarine and blackberries for dessert. We played Mexican train and Kath won again. 

Thursday 19th August

A dull and cloudy day. So a work day for all. Andrew continued tiling in the lounge with Kath as his 'gofer' Kevin refitted the downstairs toilet door and cut tiles for Andrew and I cleaned yesterdays tiles ready for grouting and mixed the adhesive for Andrew. We all worked from 9am till 4.30pm with only a coffee and short lunch break, we have almost got half the floor tiled. I cooked chicken in Provencal sauce for our evening meal and then we played dominoes and Kath won yet again. 

Friday 20th August

After breakfast we went to Brantome to their Friday market. We arrived just before the rush hour and managed to find parking and walked round the market with ease. We had a coffee before returning to the barn for a light lunch. At 1.30pm Kevin took Andrew and Kath to the laboratory in Riberac for their covid test. Although they had to queue they were back at the barn just after 2.30pm. Whilst they were gone I cleaned the pool filter and removed all the tile fixers from yesterday. We had an afternoon round the pool before having showers and then going to the Pizzeria in Riberac for dinner. Both boys had a calzone, Kath and I had a pizza.   

Saturday 21st August

Andrew and Kath's last full day. Kevin fetched croissants for breakfast which we ate sat outside. We went to the Riberac antique market and had a last coffee in the Collones. Andrew and Kath kindly bought me an egg holder, in the shape of a chicken, for the kitchen window cill, we named her Henrietta. We had bread and cheese for lunch sat outside and a quiet afternoon round the pool. A final BBQ is planned for tonight. 

 

Sunday 22nd August

We had a lovely final evening, after the BBQ we lit Danielle's fire pit and sat outside until almost 10pm. 

A sad day, we were all up at 5.30am and after a quick breakfast we left for the airport at 6.45am. Once Andrew and Kath had checked in we all sat and had a final coffee together. We said our goodbye's and made our way back to the barn arriving back at 10.15am. The barn felt empty when we got back. We had a coffee listening to the Archers and I put three loads of washing out to dry. At 11.50am we left to go to David's for brunch. As usual he had prepared some delicious food, Robert and Caro joined us. In between courses Robert taught us how to play croquet. We all had a good laugh as the grass was anything but even and our balls kept rolling everywhere. We left David's about 4.30pm. Once back at the barn I did the ironing and then we watched a bit of TV before an early night. 

Monday 23rd August

A beautiful sunny day, typical now Andrew and Kath have left. We worked hard all day. Kevin levelled some of the dining room and kitchen floor ready for putting levelling screed down. I cleaned upstairs. After lunch we worked together, definitely the B team today, we missed Andrew and Kath as we both had to be two people today! Kevin cutting and laying the tiles and me mixing the adhesive and cleaning up after the tiler. By 5pm we had laid twenty two tiles, not bad for three and a half hours work. Kevin then cut some of the door architraves ready for me to paint. After washing all the equipment I had a quick swim before preparing dinner. Both shattered tonight. 

          

 Tuesday 24th August

Another beautiful day and a busy day. Kevin left at 8.45am to go Le Roy Merlin's in Periguex to fetch levelling compound, adhesive and grout. I decided to stay at the barn and complete some jobs. So I opened and cleaned the pool, brushed the leaves up from round the pool edges, cleaned the BBQ and cleaned the groves in yesterdays tiles ready for grouting. I was just brushing out the pool house when Kevin returned at 10.40am so a he had a quick trip. After coffee Kevin mixed several buckets full of the levelling compound and spread it out in the top end of the lounge and dining room. I undercoated the door architraves and then weeded the garden. After lunch Kevin dug out some of the front lounge entrance area which is too high for tiling using the kango. We then started tiling and laid just seventeen tiles at the front of the lounge. however, we also have lots of areas prepared ready for tiling. After cleaning up after the tiler I had a quick swim before preparing dinner. After dinner I did the ironing. Once again both shattered tonight.

Wednesday 25th August

Another beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, and we were working inside! We worked hard all day, we put 38 tiles down and Kevin also levelled the kitchen floor. As usual I was the tilers mate mixing the adhesive and cleaning yesterdays tiles ready for grouting. Robert and Caro popped over for a quick coffee on their way to Vertiallac. I had a quick swim after cleaning up and Kevin did a bit more levelling of the front lounge floor. After showers we are going to Nev and Barbara's for a meal so looking forward to seeing them.  Once again we are both aching so will be good to relax with Nev and Barbara.

Thursday 26th August

We had a lovely evening with Nev and Barbara, we sat outside until 11.30pm enjoying their company and garden. Nev cooked fillet steak which was delicious.

Back to the grindstone today! Another beautiful sunny day, the pool reached 28 degrees today. I went to Le Clerc's and did a big food shop and bought some bits for taking home. Whilst I was gone Kevin removed all the tile wedges and prepared some tiles ready for fixing. We had an early coffee and then started tiling. We managed to fit another 36 tiles by the end of the day. We are both shattered but determined to carry on and finish the tiling before we leave for home. After cleaning the equipment I had a swim whilst Kevin enjoyed a well earned beer sat in the sun.

Friday 27th August

Yet another glorious day, sunshine and blue skies and yet again we are tiling! I nipped to Aldi whilst Kevin removed the wedges in the tiles and started to clear equipment from the front of the lounge. I hopefully, did a final brush of the concrete floor and then Kevin put a coat of UPVC glue down. We then started tiling and once again completed 36 tiles by the end of the day. I am becoming an expert at cleaning the grooves out, think I might apply to be a dental hygienist!  After lunch Kevin put some levelling screen down in the front of the lounge and then we continued tiling. After cleaning up I had a swim whilst Kevin enjoyed a beer sat round the pool. Once again we are shattered but making steady progress. We received a beautiful homemade thank you card from Kath and Andrew today, lovely to get something thought the post box

Saturday 28th August

Yet another glorious day, wall to wall sunshine. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for some more tile adhesive, while he was gone I cleaned the grooves of yesterdays tiling. Once Kevin was back we continued tiling. Kevin finished tiling one end of the kitchen, we are putting two rows of tiles either side of the centre line in the kitchen each day so we can continue to use the kitchen. Kevin had lots of tiles to cut today so progress was a little slower than previous days. As usual I was the tilers mate mixing the adhesive and cleaning the tiles. After lunch I managed to cut the grass in between mixing adhesive. I had a quick swim and Kevin enjoyed a beer before we had a BBQ for dinner. We ate outside and enjoyed the evening sunshine. After dinner Kevin decided the pool was warm enough for him to have a dip.

Sunday 29th August

Another glorious day and much the same work for us. Kevin finished tiling the kitchen and dining room laying another 36 tiles. We have about 30 tiles to put down in the front of the lounge and the two difficult areas, the bottom of the stairs and the front lounge step, to complete now. I did my usual jobs, cleaning the grooves and mixing the adhesive. After we had cleared up, I had a swim and then cooked dinner. Once again both shattered but almost there.

Monday 30th August

Another perfect day and yes you guessed it, we are still tiling. Kevin started tiling the step to the stairs, I had to use a small portable step to get across to the staircase tonight as my legs are not long enough to reach without! He also filled in most of the back of the lounge so almost there. I did my usual jobs, getting a bit boring now but needs to be done. Had my usual swim before getting dinner ready, will miss this when we are at home. Manuel called about 7pm, he had just arrived home after his month in Corsica, he is looking really well but its back to work for him tomorrow. 

Tuesday 31st August

I can't believe its the end of August already, only ten days left so yet another day of hard work. We nipped to Brico Marche for another bag of tile adhesive, hopefully the last. We also bought a grouting bag, its just like a piping bag so my piping skills might get tested! Kevin then finished tiling the stairs and the back of the lounge. He decided to dig out the concrete at the front of the lounge by the doors, he wasn't happy with the floor level so decided to re level this area before we tile. I did my usual cleaning of the tiles and then did some packing and sorting ready to leave things over winter. We have just got too much 'stuff' here now. I will leave most of our summer clothes packed in plastic clothes bags and see how they keep over winter. I vacuumed the car and then vacuumed all the groves in the tiles ready for grouting. Had my swim and then made a salmon stir-fry for dinner. Another beautiful day.

Wednesday 1st September

Another beautiful day. Kevin went to Brico Marche for sand and cement to refill the entrance to the lounge front doors. He made and laid the concrete before lunch. Hopefully the tiles will now fit with enough clearance for the doors to open. I spent the morning preparing to return home, I cleaned the BBQ and garden furniture, sorted the pool out, packed some more clothes and then strimmed the front garden. After a late lunch we put the spare tiles in the pool house and then put the umbrella's and the BBQ away for winter. I then had a quick swim and shower as Lisa, the hairdresser, and her husband John, were coming to look at the garden at 4pm. John has set up his own gardening business and is going to cut the grass for us over the winter. He is a retired policeman who moved here permanently last year. We sat chatting with Lisa and John in the shade and after they had gone decided we had done enough for today. 

Thursday 2nd September

The forecast is for rain coming in tonight and tomorrow with some forecasted for next week so we decided to do some of the garden preparation. I washed the car first and then started cutting back the roses and lilies ready to leave over winter, its a shame to be cutting the roses as they are still flowering, I did leave some in the hope I will get time to cut them back next week. Kevin strimmed round the pool and back garden. We then sorted the outbuilding out and made more room for storage. After lunch Kevin finished tiling the front of the lounge leaving just the entrance area to tile next year. We need to leave the concrete to dry out before we risk putting the tiles on top. In between being the tilers mate I packed food in the kitchen ready to take home and then cleaned the cupboards. So a busy day again. The rain didn't arrive as forecasted but it clouded over and went very humid. 

Friday 3rd September

We woke up to pouring rain, fortunately it cleared by 9am and was another warm and sunny day until 6pm when it poured down again.  Another busy day, we started grouting the tiles in the dining area, another long and difficult job, the tiles are non slip so have a raised surface which mark easily with the grout. We bought a special tile tool, a Roughneck mortar gun, which we tried but found the normal way of applying the grout much quicker so soon gave up on this. Kevin filled the gaps and I wiped the tiles over several times and then we left the grout to dry for a couple of hours and then polished the tiles. We completed about 5 square metres and once again we are both shattered. We decided to have a break and went to Le Clerc's at 5pm for the food shopping and bought some wine ready to take home. We are restricted to 18 litres of wine each now since Brexit so we had to limit our purchases! We got soaked as we came out of Le Clerc's as the heavens opened, when we got back to the barn there had been no rain. 

Saturday 4th September

Another busy day. I started by stripping the bed and washing the mattress cover and valance ready to put away over winter. I then cleaned our bedroom and ensuite. Kevin checked the gaps in the tiles in the kitchen. Manuel came down for an English breakfast at 11am, he had put in a special request for one before we return home and I had managed to get some English bacon from Franklin's Farm when we went to Riberac market with Andrew and Kath. We all enjoyed breakfast and then after clearing away we started grouting. We managed to complete the kitchen and another three rows of tiles in the dining area before we had to stop to get ready to go to Nev and Barbara's for dinner. Phil and Lesley have also been invited and we are all staying over night so promises to be a good evening! Nev is cooking slow roasted leg of lamb, our favourite, so looking forward to a relaxing evening with everyone. It will also be a little sad as will be our last get together for this year. 

Sunday 5th September

We had a fabulous evening last night. the sun was shining so we were able to sit under Nev and Barbara's abri until after 10.30pm. Nev produced a lovely meal, the slow roast leg of lamb was delicious and was washed down will several glasses of wine. We eventually went to bed about midnight.

We were up and dressed just after 8am, after breakfast we said out sad goodbyes but look forward to more special times next year. We arrived back at the barn at 11am, I managed to get a load of washing done before we got ready to go across to Robert and Caro's for lunch. We had another fabulous meal, five courses with poached salmon for the main and peach tart tatin for dessert. once again we were able to enjoy the sunshine and sat under their abri enjoying the good food and company. It was gone 5pm when we said our goodbyes. Once back at the barn I decided to enjoy the evening sunshine and had a swim,

So a wonderful final weekend.  

Monday 6th September

Well our final few days have arrived. Another beautiful day, 35 degrees, at lunchtime. We went to book our covid test at the pharmacy in Riberac and then tried to get one of the car tyres repaired, it has a slow puncture, but we forgot it was Monday and most places are shut! So that job will have to wait until tomorrow.  We then collected Manuel and Danielle's rubbish and then took a trailer load to the dechetterie, fortunately it wasn't too busy and we were back by 11.10am. We had a quick coffee and then we sorted the sand bags ready to put round the pool for winter, we put the bags in new plastic bags as they tend to disintegrate over the winter. We then put weed killer round the back garden and round the pool. We wheeled the trailer round to the back garden outside the kitchen and fitted its lock, its ready to leave now. After an early lunch we started grouting and finished about 5.30pm when Manuel came and joined us for a beer in the garden. We both then had a swim before dinner. It was just beautiful in the pool, not a cloud in the sky.  

Tuesday 7th September

Yet another busy day. Kevin went to get the tyre sorted and ended up waiting almost an hour before deciding to go to another garage. They saw to it straight away and only charged him 15 euros. Whilst he was gone I cut back the remaining roses and cleaned the front downstairs windows, inside and out, we can at last see through the windows. I then cut the grass whilst Kevin checked all the remaining tile gaps. Robert and Caro arrived bringing me three roses ready for planting, they had a quick coffee with us. I then planted the roses. We then started grouting and finished at 6pm. In between we put the swimming pool to bed for winter. Its forecast thunder storms tomorrow. Another good days work, we have now completed over half of the grouting. 

Wednesday 8th September

We are running out of days! I nipped to Aldi to top up with salad and fruit and then Lisa came to cut our hair. We packed the car with our 'duty free' allowance, 18 litres of wine and 4 litres of spirits each, we had to count the bottles of wine to make sure we were not over our limit, Brexit! We then started grouting and finished at 6pm. We managed to complete the entrance and dining room and did a bit more in the lounge so another productive day. In between I cleaned the utility room and downstairs toilet and our ensuite so almost ready to leave. 

Thursday 9th September

A busy day but no work completed today. We invited David, Robert and Caro for coffee at 11am. We went to Le Clerc early and bought cakes and pastries as a treat. We had a lovely hour and a half sat in our new lounge, on garden furniture, as the forecast wasn't very good although the sun did come out. We then said our goodbyes for this year. We had just finished clearing away and Nev and Barbara arrived, it was lovely to see then and we spent another couple of hours chatting over coffee and the remaining cakes. At 6.30pm Maureen, Mike, Karen and Dave arrive for drinks and nibbles, they had just arrived from the UK this afternoon for two weeks. Manuel joined us and we spent the evening catching up. It was lovely to see them after two years. So a busy day socialising, this is what I thought retirement would be about!

Friday 10th September

Our last day for this year. Considering we didn't think we would get here this year we have worked hard and have just about finished all the inside work. We will certainly be open for visitors next year. We went for our covid test at the pharmacy, we didn't realise they were testing our insides as well! The swab was pushed right up our noses until we both were crying but the test was negative and we had our certificate within the hour. We had a final wander around the Friday market and a coffee at the Collones whilst waiting for our results. I managed to buy a jumper. We spent the rest of the day packing and preparing all the paperwork for travelling. We are meeting Nev and Barbara at the pizza restaurant tonight for a final meal together, a perfect end to our stay. So its Au Revoir et Bientot.