Living the Dream - April to June 2022
Sunday 24th April
As usual we were up, showered and on the road by 6am. the car was once again full, we had a coffee table and a nest of tables along with the usual food and materials. We made good time and managed to get on an earlier train. customs waved us through which was a huge relief as we had six small pork pies for Nev stowed in the food bag! We had decided to travel to Tours and stay in a different hotel. We made good time and arrived at the hotel at 6pm. A long day driving for Kevin. We had a wander around Tours, as usual the shops were shut! and then had a nice meal in a French restaurant. The hotel was much better than our usual Campanile.
Monday 25th April
We were on the road by 8am and arrived at the barn just after 11am. Driving the extra distance last night gave us an hour and a half less driving today. As usual the grass and weeds have grown. Kevin put the electric and water on and both worked fine, another relief. Manuel arrived to say hello. Whilst Kevin emptied the car I cleaned and vacuumed our bedroom before putting clothes away. We were unpacked by 1.30pm. After lunch we went food shopping and also bought yet another lawn mower. Hopefully I will not brake this one! The irises in the garden are in full flower and look beautiful, so many flowers this year.
Tuesday 26th April
A busy day. Kevin put the lawn mover together whilst I cleaned and vacuumed the downstairs. After coffee I took over mowing whilst Kevin strimmed. Whilst having lunch I checked my emails and saw that IKEA had sent a message saying we could pick up the furniture I had ordered last nigh between three and four pm today! After a quick change and sorting the trailer out we were on the road to Bordeaux, a two hour drive away, and it was already 1.55pm! We arrived at IKEA at 3.45pm. Fortunately it wasn't busy and our goods were ready and waiting. We loaded the car and trailer, with some difficulty, and were back on the road by 4.15pm. We just about missed the evening rush hour arriving back at the barn at 6.15pm. We then emptied the trailer and started putting one of the settees together before having dinner. We continued after dinner and by 9.15pm we had our settees in place. The barn is beginning to look like a home. Both shattered we went to bed at 9.45pm. A beautiful sunny day with the temperature reaching 25 degrees in the afternoon.
Wednesday 27th April
A beautiful sunny day, 24 degrees and sunny. Kevin continued strimming the back garden, he then removed the metal gate stop so hopefully no more broken lawn mowers! I cleaned the front windows and then did the ironing and sorted some summer clothes out before making coffee for David at 11am. It was lovely to see him and catch up. After David left I decided to try making some sausage rolls using the French pastry and sausage meat that we bought at Le Clercs on Monday. I had just put them in the oven when Nev and Barbara arrived, perfect timing to be the tasters! We had drinks sat outside enjoying catching up in the sunshine. The sausage rolls were not as good as at home but passable. Kevin then spent the afternoon working on the front bedroom door. I swept round the pool and started weeding the garden. At 6pm we decided to try out our new waste bins system, we took the packaging from the settees and a bag of household waste in the trailer to the end of the road where the new bins are situated. We now have a ticket which registers the amount of household waste, we are only allowed to put two bags a fortnight into this bin! At the end of this year we will be charged based on the amount of household waste we deposit this year! All recycling items are placed in the cardboard and plastics bin along with another bin for bottles. What a performance! We will really have to think how we manage our rubbish in future. After dinner we decided to make up the carcass for the chest of drawers ready for the spare front bedroom. Another good days work and a good catch up with friends.
Thursday 28th April
After I had finished writing the blog last night Kevin realised he has left his laptop charger at home! So to minimise its use I am writing the blog on my tablet and will then transfer when a new charger arrives from Amazon!
We started the day by going to Le Clerc Espace to see if they had a laptop charger, we bought a multi use one which when we got home didn't fit, so Kevin took it back and ended up getting a credit note as they didn't have one that would fit, nothing is ever straight forward. Whilst at Le Clerc's we bought a television for the lounge. We then did the weekend food shop and also called at Aldi for water and wine and Kevin managed to find himself a pair of shoes in their centre aisle! After coffee Kevin continued with the door, it's proving difficult as the wood is definitely not straight. I made another batch of sausage rolls using different pastry and sausage meat much better. After lunch we moved the outdoor furniture out, putting it round the pool. I then cleaned under the stairs and moved the remaining tools and equipment under the stairs and then cleaned behind the settee, the lounge in now clear of building materials. They are getting closer to the front door so fingers crossed they will make it to the outside soon! At 6.30pm the Pautardie gang arrived for apero, they were the guinea pigs for the sausage rolls, they all disappeared so a success. We had a lovely evening catching up, its so good to see everyone again.
Friday 29th April
We were at the Marie's office in Bertric Buree at 9am, we deposited the plans for the abri that Kevin has drawn so fingers crossed they will be passed. I then went to the Friday Market with Manuel, Maria and Freddy. Such an experience watching the French buy all their goods from the market. We called at the Collones for a quick coffee before returning. Kevin decided to continue making the door. After lunch I decided to paint the chair for the front bedroom, it looks so much better painted white. I also painted the final piece of wall in the front bedroom. Kevin nipped to Brico for bits for his drill. I finished the day by weeding the rose garden and started weeding round the outhouse. After showers went to the pizzeria in Riberac with Nev and Barbara.
Saturday 30th April
We had a superb evening last night. We sat outside until 10.30pm, eating, drinking and enjoying time with Nev and Barbara. We were up early, after the usual bed change I nipped to Aldi to buy some flowers for Danielle as we are invited for dinner tonight. Kevin spent the day working on the door. David, Maureen and Mike's son in law, arrived last night and was talking to Kevin when I got back from Aldi. He is here with Mike's brother and sister in law for a week. They have brought an industrial lawn mower with them to attack the grass. Another beautiful sunny day. After cleaning the bedroom I gave the onside of the door a coat of the terps mix to bring out the grain and colour of the oak. I then cut the grass in the back garden. After lunch I gave the other side of the door a coat of terps. Kevin fixed the hinges in place ready to attach the door. Once the door had dried Kevin nipped and asked David is he could help him lift the door upstairs, it is just too heavy for me. The boys lifted it up in no time. We went across to Danielle's at 6.30pm for apero and dinner. She had produced a speciality chicken dish from the Congo, it was delicious, followed by strawberry pavlova. Manuel, Maria and Freddie also came so after dinner we had a game of Mexican train, Freddie won. Another superb evening.
Sunday 1st May
Kevin fitted the door, fortunately it was a good fit and only needed a bit of planning. He then put the door handles in place and then fitted the architrave round the inside of the door and filled in the gaps. I did lots of pottering jobs, prepared the evening meal, a pile of ironing, polished the dining room furniture and fitted the new cushions on the dining chairs. At about 1.20pm Nev and Barbara called for a cup of tea on their way back from the brocante at Vertiallac. We sat in the garden enjoying the sunshine. At 2pm I took Danielle to the brocade, some of the stalls were beginning to shut but she managed to buy an old bottle to add to her bottle collection and a fruit basket so she was happy with her purchases. Kevin was fitting the blind to the velux in the front bedroom when I got back. He then put sealant round the edge of the wall and put the coat hooks up. So just a bit of painting to be done and the room is ready for a final clean. After dinner we decided to put the drawers together for the chest of drawers. We completed them in record time, we could offer our services to IKEA!
Monday 2nd May
After an early breakfast we decided to go to Brico Depot, Le Roy Merlins and Auchan in Perigueux. Kevin wanted to buy the handrail for the stairs and wood to finish the door linings. We also managed to buy two new waste bins for the kitchen, a divided one for recycling and general waste and a small one for composting at a cost of 200 euros! A good idea this change of waste collection! We also called in Auchan for a food shop. After a late lunch Kevin finished the door lining on the third bedroom and put the door threshold in place. He also put the new mirror on the wall. Just the painting of the door frame for me tomorrow and the bedroom is finished. I was the builders mate and cleaned up all the wood shavings.
A busy day. I had undercoated the door frame by 9.30am. Whilst it dried I cleaned the guest bathroom and made the beds in the third bedroom. Kevin fitted the door threshold to the guest bathroom and then spent the rest of the morning fitting a handrail to the staircase. Manuel popped down for coffee and Danielle joined us. After lunch I glossed the door frame and finished cleaning the bedroom. It's all finished for our visitors on Friday evening. Kevin finished the handrail and then fitted the threshold and part of the door lining to the downstairs toilet. I finished the day by cleaning up after the worker and then polished the 'Outram bell'. Ian, Freda and Dave came down for apero and then Kevin went with Dave and Ian to Patric's for a game of boules. I enjoyed a quiet half hour to myself!
Wednesday 4th May
Kevin really enjoyed his half hour playing boules with the boys last night. I started the day by taking the packaging to the bins, a regular trip at the moment! I then went to Le Clercs for the food for Friday night. Kevin started to fit the door lining to the downstairs toilet. He then fitted the curtain rail in the lounge and the television to the lounge wall. Manuel and Myriam came for coffee. I then made two desserts and put them in the freezer ready for Friday night, an orange parfait and a biscoffi cheesecake. I also made some buns and decorated them. I then sorted the curtains out in the lounge and hung them.
Thursday 5th May
A cleaning day! Kevin attacked the spiders and cobwebs round the ceilings whilst I cleaned up after him. It took me all day to clean the barn but a good job done. We are cobweb free for at least a day! Kevin then started strimming outside the front of the property. He was strimming all afternoon and has completed half of it. He also cut the front of the barn. I set the table and sorted ingredients out for tomorrow. Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley are coming for the evening and a stop over so really looking forward to seeing them.
Friday 6th May
A preparation day. We started by preparing the Pork Normandy and left it in the slow cooker to do its magic! After preparing the vegetables we went to Aldi, Le Clerc and then Le Clerc Espace to but wine, food and a new iron. We met Manuel at the Collones for coffee at 11.30am. I spent the rest of the day preparing the meal. I made chocolate mousse for dessert then finalised the cooking of the vegetables etc. Kevin cut the grass and finished strimming the front outside. At 6.30pm our guests arrived. We had champagne in the garden enjoying the evening sunshine and each others company. We ate the meal inside. We eventually went to bed at 1am after putting the world to rights and having a lovely evening together.
Saturday 7th May
A bit of a rest and recovery day! Kevin went to Vertiallac at 8am for croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisins ready for breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast our guest left at about 11am. I stripped the beds and did two loads of washing before we had a bit of lunch. We then left for Aubettere, they were having a fund raising event for the Ukraine. We passed a good three hours listening to music in the sunshine with Nev, Barbara, Phil, Lesley and Joan and Andy two friends of Phil and Lesley. We left about 6.15pm although the event continued until midnight, we were all just too tired after last night. We called for bread on our way home. Had cheese for tea and then an early night, we were both asleep by 9pm! Can't keep up these days!
Sunday 8th May
Back to reality! We spent the day opening the pool. Kevin fitted the pump whilst I did the ironing. We both then cleaned the pool cover, it was covered with Sahara sand. We then opened the pool, its quite dirty but Elsie did three hours of cleaning and she is beginning to make a difference. I spent the afternoon jet washing the tiles and the concrete. It looks much better. Kevin started sorting out the wood for the utility room door. He also came and helped me by brushing the water off the concrete. After showers and dinner we sat outside for half an hour enjoying the evening sunshine. it was still 23 degrees at 8pm!
Monday 9th May
I can't believe we have been here for two weeks already and everyday has been at least 24 degrees and some 28 degrees and sunny every day. We were on the road to Bordeaux by 9am. We collected the armchair for the lounge, its come back into stock. We also called at Le Roy Merlin's for an new lock for the outhouse door and then Decathalon for a pair of walking shoes for me. Manuel has invited us to join him in the Pyrenees at the end of the month and my walking shoes are at home! We bought two new duvets from IKEA for the 3rd bedroom as the ones we have are 13 tog! left over from the caravan, a little too warm for Nev on Friday night! Hopefully our guests will be a bit more comfortable in future. We arrived back at the barn at 4pm. We put the armchair together and reorganised the lounge area. Another room almost finished. We then opened the pool and put the chloro shoc in and left it open until after dinner. Its beginning to look much cleaner now.
Tuesday 10th May
A work day for both of us. We started by opening the pool and putting Elsie to work. I then cleaned the guest bedrooms and bathroom and vacuumed downstairs. the flies see to have taken up residence! Kevin continued with the utility room door, he had made good progress by the end of the day. I weeded the garden and then did the ironing. By the end of the day the pool looked very inviting, the temperature had risen by 3 degrees to 20 degrees so hoping for a swim later in the week.
Wednesday 11th May
Monday 16th May
We were at the dechetterie by 9.00am. We then nipped to Brico Marche, Brico Jardin and Aldi and got back to the barn at 11.10am. Manuel came down at 11.30 for a quick coffee. He is away for work until Friday so the last coffee with him for a few days, Danielle joined us when she returned from shopping. Kevin then continued fitting the kitchen plinth, I was the builders mate and in between cleaned the utility room and downstairs toilet. By the end of the afternoon Kevin had cut and temporarily fitted the plinth and had made holes for the spot lights. I decided at 5.30pm to clean the pool waterline so changed into my swimming costume and braved the pool. The water was 24 degrees but felt cold to get into as the outside temperature was 29 degrees, but once in it was lovely. We sat outside after dinner enjoying the evening sunshine.
Another glorious day 31 degrees at 4pm. Kevin finished fitting the plinth only to find two of the spot lights didn't work so he will have to order some replacements when we get home so its still a temporary fit at the moment. Kevin then started sorting the wood and cutting it ready for the final door, our dressing room door. He also cut the wood ready for the back lounge window cill. He is beginning to use up all the oak we have left. I did lots of jobs, cleaned Elsie and the pool filter, checked the pool water for PH and Chlorine levels, cleaned the downstairs floor, made a dessert for the weekend, when we have Jeanette and Trevor coming to stay, weeded the garden and then had a swim, before preparing dinner.
Wednesday 18th May
A busy morning for both. Kevin continued making the
final door and I decided to get the Karcher floor cleaner out and washed the
downstairs floors. Lisa came at 2pm and cut our hair. We then went to Aldi for
wine, the Red Cross shop to drop the four bags of bedding and clothing off and
then Le Clerc's for beer, all ready for the weekend when Jeanette and Trevor
are coming to stay. We then met Nev and Barbara at the cinema in Riberac and
watched the new Downton Abbey film. We all needed tissues at the end. We then went
for a meal at the Esplanade, as usual I had pizza light but Kevin had the
entrecote steak for a change. Another lovely evening.
We were woken up in the night by thunder, lightening
and a storm. It cleared by 10am and was another beautiful day. Kevin finished
sanding the door and I gave it a coat of the terps mixture. It's ready for hanging now. I also cleaned upstairs and then
spent the afternoon cutting the grass. We both went across to help Danielle as
the pipework to her swimming pool was leaking, not an easy fix for Kevin but
after he nipped to Brico for new clips he seems to have solved the problem for
now, fingers crossed. At 7pm Robert and Caro's nephew sent his drone across and took some aerial pictures of the barn.
Saturday 21st May
We spent most of the day preparing for our guests to arrive. We prepared the slow cooked beef and vegetables, I nipped to buy bread while Kevin continued strimming the back garden. It was so hot and humid. Jeanette and Trevor arrived at 5pm. We opened a bottle of champagne that they had kindly brought with them and we sat round the pool enjoying it with smoked salmon blinis and nibbles . At about 7pm we decided to eat in the house as it was just too hot and humid outside. After dinner we had a little walk up the road and then played boules in the front garden. Jeanette and I finished the evening sat with our feet in the pool to try to cool down. A lovely evening catching up with old friends.
Kevin fetched croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin for breakfast from the boulangerie in Vertiallac. After a very leisurely breakfast we drove to Aubeterre and had a wander round the village before going to La Terrasse for lunch. Jeanette and I both managed to buy a dress from Hilary's. After lunch we drove back to the barn and had a relaxing cup of tea before Jeanette and Trevor left for home. A lovely relaxing weekend.
Monday 23rd May
I can't believe we have been here a month already. The thunderstorm promised during the night never arrived but we woke up to a dull and much cooler day, thank goodness. I spent the morning cleaning up after the weekend. Kevin cut the wood for the dressing room door surrounds. We had a little rain in the morning but it had stopped by coffee time. Manuel, his mum and Myriam came for coffee, we sat inside as a little cool to sit outside. After lunch I undercoated the door surrounds whilst kevin worked on the lounge window cill. After showers we went across to David's for supper and to say good bye to Robert and Caro. As usual we had a lovely meal and evening. David made a beef tagine and I took the remaining piece of orange and grapefruit parfait for dessert.
Tuesday 24th May
A milestone day! By the end of the day all the doors, door architraves and door stops were in place and painted. Kevin also finished fitting the final window cill, we are getting there! A busy day for both. I started by emptying our dressing room of clothes and shoes, we have so much 'stuff' here already! Kevin then fitted the door surrounds and door stops in our dressing room and ensuite and then started filling in the gaps. I gave the lounge window cill a final sanded and then a coat of the terps mixture. We left it to dry whilst we had coffee with Manuel and his mum. After coffee I took over filling in whilst Kevin fitted the window cill. Before lunch I cleaned up after the worker. After lunch I gave the door surrounds and stops a final coat of satin paint. Kevin cut some wood to fill the gaps above the kitchen window and the dining room back door and gave them a coat of turps mixture, he then cut the tiles for the front door step. An exhausting day but good progress made.
Wednesday 25th May
Another busy day. It was raining a little when we got up so I started the day by nipping to Le Clerc's for a food top up. Kevin fitted the wood infills to the kitchen and back door. He then started fitting the tiles on the front door step. Daniel came for an orange juice in the garden although it was a much cooler day. After lunch I decided to jet wash the front gates and managed to use a whole tin of paint on one of them, we need a trip to Brico Depot in Perigueux to buy some more! or I might just wait until Kath is here to help me as last time! Kevin worked on the wood for the landing during the afternoon. Once again good progress made. At 5.50pm we went with Danielle to Marie Laure's house, she lives just up the road and she is organising a village meal on Saturday 16th June. We have been invited, each family provides either a starter or dessert or both and then we pay 7 euros for the main course and drinks. I volunteered to make a starter and dessert. We spent a lovely half hour having a glass of wine with Marie Laure and her husband Guillem discussing the plans for the evening.
Thursday 26th May
I spent the day doing housework and preparing for our trip to the Pyrenees on Monday. We are joining Manuel for three nights and are really looking forward to a little holiday. I made chicken wrapped in palma ham and put it in the freezer ready to take with us, I will make a chilli over the weekend as the restaurant in the village we are staying in doesn't open on Monday or Tuesday nights. Kevin did lots of little finishing off jobs. He sorted the remaining oak out and decided to make some of it into shelves above the bureau in the lounge. He then grouted the front door step and used the remaining grout to finish round the floor by the front and back doors. He then spent time cutting and sanding oak for his various shelves. Daniel popped over for a fruit juice but we sat inside as it was starting to rain a little.
Friday 27th May
Back to beautiful blue skies and sunshine. I nipped to Aldi for bread and cakes. David and Danielle joined us for coffee. Kevin continued making his shelves and fixing the oak capping on the bannister, its beginning to take shape now. I decided to wash the car ready for our trip and then cut the grass. I also started packing the car for our trip, we need warm clothes, clothes for sunshine and for rain according to Manuel so the car will be packed! We had our usual cheese and wine Friday night.
Saturday 28th May
Another beautiful day. I made a chilli and froze some ready to take on our trip. I left some out for our dinner. We nipped to Brico Marche for some shelf fixings and I wanted to look for some paint for the gates but unfortunately the don't sell Hammerite paint. We then both worked all day, Kevin glued the bannister capping in place and also fitted the shelf supports above the bureau. He finished making one of the shelves. I spent most of the day cutting back in the garden. We decided to go to the wine bar in Riberac for a drink before dinner and then decided to eat out so the chilli was put in the freezer for another day. We eventually ate at the Fleur D'eau as the Copper Coc and Le Chabrot were both fully booked.
Sunday 29th May
A busy day for both. I went to Le Clerc's for bread to make sandwiches for our journey and for fresh food for our holiday. I finished packing the car, think there will be just about enough room for me! Kevin made the second shelf for above the bureau and then filled in around the bannister capping, another paint job for me coming up! After lunch we decided to set too and empty the outside store, what a messy and dirty job but a job well done. Kevin has more storage space for all his tools and equipment and hopefully he will be able to find things now! I have finally moved him out of the barn!
Monday 30th May
We were packed and off by 9am. We called at Le Roy Merlin's in Bordeaux for a can of Hammerite paint so I can finish the gates when
we get back. We made good progress and arrived at the small village ten
kilometres from Aulon at 2.30pm. Manuel drove down the mountain to show us the
way, if he hadn't I think we might have turned round! The road was single
track, very steep and wound up the mountain. Half way up we met the men
renewing the tarmac on the road. Everyone had to move very carefully to the
side to pass each other! We arrived at Aulon at 3pm. After unpacking and a
quick cup of tea we put our walking boots on and set off to explore Aulon. It's
a tiny hamlet, 1200 metres above sea level with beautiful views. It's either up or down hill from the apartment.
We walked up the valley to the next small hamlet, a steep and tricky walk of
about 45 minutes. It was a dull start to the walk with a little rain but the sun eventually came out. We arrived back at the apartment at 6.30pm, apero time! Manuel then organised raclette for our evening meal. We then played
Mexican train and I won. A super first day in the Pyrenees.
We were up, showered and had had breakfast by 8.15am. We set of in the car to reach the starting point of our walk. We went up the mountainside to 1500 metres, through the low lying cloud and eventually to the sunshine and parking place. We then walked up the mountain to a lake, 4.5 kilometres to 1800 metres. What fantastic scenery, snow topped mountains, beautiful spring flowers, eagles flying and marmots running around. It was a difficult walk and I eventually reached the top on my hands and knees as I was worried about falling! After a short break for water and bananas we headed back down. It was much easier walking back to the car. We arrived back at the apartment at 1.30pm. Had a quick lunch and a little rest then Manuel drove us through the valley to another lake, again through beautiful scenery. We had a short walk round the lake and watched the para gliders landing by the lake. We called for bread and had a quick apero in one of the old villages and were back at the apartment by 7.30pm. I reheated the chilli and cooked some rice for our dinner. We then played Mexican train until 10.30pm, Kevin won. A superb day, even if I am absolutely shattered!
Wednesday 1st June
A bit of a lazy start to the day. We were up at 7am and pottered around until 9.40am when we walked to the local nature centre to meet our guide for the day. We were a group of seven people with our guide. We had booked a walking day with nature, something different. We walked 8 km stopping along the way to listen, smell and taste the local fauna and flora. A very interesting day and certainly very different. Everyone is the group was French so we had to concentrate to understand what was being said to us but we managed really well. We sat and enjoyed a picnic together before returning. One of the group invited us all to her house after for a drink in the garden. She probably owned the house with the best view in the village. We were made very welcome by everyone. After baths we put on our glad rags and went down stairs to the Michelin restaurant at 7.30pm. We all decided to try the degustation menu. What a treat, certainly on a par with the Manoir aux Chat Saison, Raymond Blanc look out! We had a final game of Mexican train Kevin won, much to Manuel 's annoyance! before eventually going to bed at 11.30pm. What a wonderful time spent with a very special friend in the Pyrenees, something to remember.
A milestone day. Kevin finished fitting all the oak shelves and then moved all the remaining pieces of wood out of the barn. We have just about finished inside, just the staircase to finish, when we can agree how to do it! I need to re paint the landing and some bits of filling round the windows and doors to finish but basically we have finished inside. I spent the morning making two desserts, a trifle and a cheesecake to take to Phil and Lesley's. We left at 5.15pm and arrived at 6pm. It was a sunny and warm evening so we sat under their new abri until 2am! We had all produced a quiz of ten questions related the the Queen's reign and we had also prepared three questions about ourselves, one true and two lies and we played 'Would I lie to You' we had a good laugh trying to decide which were the true facts, who would have believed we could all lie so convincingly! We had all taken food so had a feast along with a glass or two of wine. What a superb evening with good friends.
Saturday 4th June
We were all up by 8am and after breakfast said our
good byes after a wonderful evening with special friends. We called at
Aubetterre to look for a piece of pottery to sit on the lounge window
cill but unfortunately didn't find anything suitable. We arrived home at
midday. We spent the afternoon
organising our trip to the Bordeaux wine festival on 24th June and booking our
crossing home on the 27th June. We then watched the Jubilee concert. What a
superb evening of celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Sunday 5th June
Kevin spent most of the day organising the paving stones for outside the front door, we are moving outside to work this week. I did the usual weekly change of beds, cleaning, washing and ironing. At 11am Myriam and Freddie arrived and had a coffee with us. Then Nev and Barbara arrived with their friends Mike and Jan who are staying with them to house sit while Nev and Barbara have a holiday. It's was over three years since we had seen Mike and Jan so lovely to catch up with them over a coffee.I then watched the Jubilee pageant.
Tuesday 7th June
Another busy day. Kevin worked all day on his tiling
project and by the end of the day had completed
over two thirds of it. I started the day by washing the upstairs floors
on my hands and knees checking for any paint spots. Manuel and Danielle came
for coffee, I had made cakes for Manuel's
birthday yesterday. Before lunch I sorted the pool out and then continued
weeding the garden. After lunch we decided to take a trailer load of rubbish to
the dechetterie, it's forecast rain
tomorrow so we didn't want it to get wet. I then decided to paint the second
front gate. I hate Hammerite paint it's
so difficult to work with. But a good job done. After a quick swim, showers and meal we had a zoom
chat with Andrew and Kath, so good to catch up with them.
It was pouring down when we woke up so we decided to go to Perigueux. We went to Desayaux for bits and bobs for the swimming pool, called in Brico Depot to look at tiles for round the pool and bought a new Karcher. We called in a pot shop which Robert and Caro had recommended and managed to find a milk jug and sugar basin. We then went to Le Roy Merlin's to return a lamp and ended up buying a TV aerial so Kevin can eventually watch French TV. Finally, we called in Grand Frais for some kebabs. Kevin spent the afternoon completing the Cat 6 wiring whilst I decided to clean the kitchen cupboards. So a bit of a lazy day. After dinner we had a zoom call with Sue and Nick to finalise their arrangements for coming here next week. We are really looking forward to seeing them and showing then a little bit of the area. Just hoping the weather improves a bit.
Thursday 9th June
Back to work for both of us. A much better day, cloudy and cooler but no rain and perfect weather for working outside. I started by jet washing the back gate, I left it to dry whilst we had a coffee and then painted it before lunchtime. Kevin spent most of the day laying the flag stones, he had finished by the end of the day. After lunch I filled the gaps in the flagstones with a mix of sand and lime. I then finished my gardening, round the outbuilding. Before finishing I moved some of the left over stones and flags to the back of the barn, which is rapidly becoming a dumping area. At least the front is looking much better.
Friday 10th
June
A beautiful
day and another busy day. I nipped to Aldi for food whilst Kevin started
filling the gaps round the front edges of the paving stones with soil. I
finished filling in the remaining gaps with sand and lime mix. After coffee we
moved all the roof tiles from the side of the outhouse to the back of the barn,
it looks a bit tidier in the front garden now. After lunch Kevin filled the
trailer with a variety of pieces of wood
that had been left over from the barn original doors and we took a full trailer
to the dechetterie. We then spent an hour cutting back the brambles and nettles
in the back garden. I can't believe Kath and I cleared this area during our
first visit in 2017. Its all grown back and plenty more. We filled the trailer
with cuttings before calling it a day at 4.30pm. I then had a swim whilst Kevin
relaxed with a beer. Danielle came across and joined us for a gin and tonic,
its so lovely to spend time chatting with her.
Saturday 11th
June
Another
beautiful and busy day. Kevin strummed the inside and outside the front garden.
I cleaned the inside and outside windows, vacuumed downstairs and then cut the grass. We then spent just over an
hour attacking the wilderness! After a quick swim, Kevin had his first swim of
the year, we got ready to go to the Copper Coq for fish and chips and music
evening.
Another warm day 29 degrees in the afternoon. I did the weekly clean and used the Karcher on the downstairs floor. Kevin worked on the wilderness, he is making inroads into it now and we can actually see the log store. He filled the trailer ready for taking to the dechetterie tomorrow. Manuel and Danielle came for coffee before going to vote in the next round of elections. After early shower we went with David to the cinema in Riberac to watch 'Duke' it was an easy watching comedy. We went to the Fleur D'eau after for dinner. A very enjoyable evening.
A very hot
day 31 degrees at lunchtime. We were at
the dechetterie by 9.15am. After emptying the trailer we went to Le Clercs to
buy food ready for Sue and Nicks arrival tomorrow. After coffee with ManuelI
made a quiche ready for lunch tomorrow. Kevin sorted an advert for some tools
and equipment he no longer needs. Manuel is going to put it on a French site
for him. After lunch we decided to go to Centracor to buy another garden
umbrella, we also bought some curtain poles ready to put the voil curtains up
at the front windows.
Tuesday 14th June
We spent the morning finalising our preparation for the arrival of Nick and Sue. They arrived at midday after staying the night in Tours. it was lovely to see them. We had a leisurely lunch sat outside, quiche, salad and then fresh fruit salad with ice cream. After lunch we had a drive to Auberterre, Sue bought a gift for her new nephew who is being christened on Sunday and we managed to buy a bowl and jug for the lounge window cill. We all then had a relaxing afternoon and early evening sat round the pool catching up and enjoying a swim. The pool was 29 degrees and the temperature was 34 degrees at 5pm. After showers we had a BBQ for our evening meal. A super first afternoon and evening.
Looks like it's all nearly finished... congratulations!! The trip to the Pyrenees sounds amazing -- look forward to hearing about it, including the Michelin * meal !!!
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