Living the Dream - July to October 2022

Thursday 28th July

We are trying a different journey back to France. Kevin had a dental appointment this morning so we decided to travel at lunchtime and get an early evening train. As usual the car was full, this time with an oak cabinet for the dining room! We also managed to get the cool box in with some stow away pork pies for Nev! We arrived at the Eurotunnel at 4.30pm and managed to get on an earlier train than booked. No problems with either traffic or passport control. We had made the right decision to travel on a Thursday after all the problems last weekend. We arrived at our overnight Ibis budget hotel at 8.30pm. Fortunately, I had bought a couple of salad meals with us so we sat on the bed and ate them! We were asleep by 10pm.

Friday 29th July

After coffee and teacakes in our room we were on the road just after 8am. We made good progress although the roads and service stations were busier than normal with holiday traffic. We arrived at the barn at 4pm. We unpacked the car and whilst I put everything away and got rid of the cobwebs Kevin started cutting the grass. We had pizza for tea and then an early night as shattered after the longer journey.

Saturday 30th July

I went to do a big food shop at Le Clerc’s whilst Kevin continued with the grass cutting and strimming. Manuel popped down to say a quick hello before cleaning his house ready for his next rentals and Danielle joined us for an orange juice at 11am. I then helped Kevin with clearing up the cuttings and brushing round the pool. We then opened the pool, it was surprisingly clean. We put Elsie to work and then I got in and cleaned the water line and all was back to normal.  We decided to go to the Esplanade for dinner and both had a pizza light, a lovely relaxing evening sat outside in the sunshine, 35 degrees today.

Sunday 31st July

Robert and Caro had invited us for Sunday lunch at 12.30pm. Before we went I ironed the new voiles and we put them up in the utility room, back dining room and front lounge windows. The barn is looking more like a home now. After quick showers we went across to Robert and Caro's, David , 36 degrees. We returned home at 4.30pm after a super day together. At 7pm we walked up to Maureen and Mike’s. They had kindly invited us to join 14 of their family members to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Robert’s father buying their property. Danielle, Sandrine and Patric joined us. We had a lovely evening and eventually left about 11pm. So a day of socialising, eating and drinking, we could be on holiday!

Monday 1st August

Well it was down to earth with a bump. Back to work for us. We did lots of pottering jobs. Kevin finished strumming and cutting the grass, I did a pile of ironing and spent the rest of the day in the garden weeding. I don't know why the weeds grow when there hasn’t been any rain. We measured the pool area for paving and then Kevin started looking at fitting a satellite dish so he can eventually watch French TV. 

After a quick swim and showers we went to Brico  Marche to look at  paving slabs, we called in Centrakor for another curtain  pole and then nipped to Nev and Barbara's to deliver the pork pies. We spent a lovely hour sat in their beautiful garden before going back to the barn. Another hot day, 36 degrees.

Tuesday 2nd August

Another hot day, 36 degrees at 5pm. We filled the trailer with tree cuttings and garden rubbish and went to the decheterie before it was too hot. We called at Aldi for water and were backed at the barn before 11am. After coffee Kevin continued fitting the satellite dish whilst I cleaned the guest bedrooms and shower room. After lunch Kevin fitted the final curtain pole and I cleaned downstairs. At 5.30pm Maureen, Mike and their family arrived for a swim, 14 in total. It was lovely to see the children and some of the adults enjoying cooling down in the pool. At 10pm Kevin decided to cool down in the pool before bed so we both had a quick swim.

Wednesday 3rd August

An early start, we had arranged to meet Phil and Jayne King, the couple who are doing our hog roast on 3^rd September, at a café near their home two hours away from us at 11am. After a coffee and discussion with them we felt much better about the hog roast and are now looking forward to our party. We called in Brantome on our way back so Kevin could take so photos for his next assignment with the photo club. Whilst he was busy I had a wander round the shops but as usual many were shut as it was lunchtime! We called at Brico Marche then an insurance company to organise better house insurance and finally at Le Clerc’s before getting back at the barn at 5.30pm. After quick showers we went across to Danielle’s for apero followed by dinner. Manuel, Myriam, Fredy and Myriam’s daughter Clara were also invited, what a fabulous evening. Danielle had prepared stuffed tomatoes with rice followed by cheese then trifle. We then played petang, Danielle, Kevin and I were a team and beat the others, much to Manuel’s disgust!

Thursday 4^th August

Another hot day 35 degrees. Kevin completed his satellite dish and by the end of the day he had French television! I cleaned our bedroom did lots of sorting out and then did three loads of ironing, it was just too hot to iron though so after I jumped in the pool to cool down. After quick showers we prepared for Maureen and Mike’s family to arrive for another swim.  They all had a lovely time swimming and playing in the pool. Danielle joined us for a gin and tonic!

Friday 5th August

A bit cooler today, 30 degrees. We decided to have a wander round the market and a coffee at the Collones before going to Brico Marche to order the tiles for round the pool. We bought some bacon, sausages and burgers from Franklins and I managed to buy a dress. The market was very busy, lots of Brits, good to see everyone out and about enjoying catching up with friends. Unfortunately Brico Marche hadn't enough of the tiles we had chosen in stock , the salesman asked if we could come back tomorrow when his boss would be working so a bit of a wasted visit. Kevin spent the afternoon filling the trailer with garden rubbish whilst I made two desserts to freeze ready for our party. At 7.10pm we left to go to Le Petit Couture restaurant in Coutures, we met Nev and Barbara there and had a fabulous meal. A good new find.

Saturday 6th August

After breakfast we went to the dechetterie and emptied the trailer, we then called at Brico Marche, after about half an hour the manager managed to locate enough of our chosen tiles at another Brico Marche. Hopefully, they will arrive in Riberac next Friday and then we have to go back to organise delivery. Nothing is straight forward at the moment. Danielle and Myriam joined us for a quick coffee on our return. Manuel was busy preparing his house for the next rental, family, he popped down during the afternoon for a quick glass of water. Kevin then filled the trailer again whilst I prepared lunch. After lunch we both worked in the garden, Kevin also took three wheelbarrow loads of tree stumps across to Myriam's for her log burner. After a swim we had our first BBQ, although we decided it was just too hot to sit outside to eat it. 

Sunday 7th August

Our 16th Wedding Anniversary, how time flies when you are enjoying yourselves! After breakfast we packed the car with an over night bag and set off for St Emillion. We arrived at lunchtime so decided to have a snack lunch at one of the restaurants in the centre of town. We had a wander round and managed to buy three bottles of St Emillion wine before checking into the hotel. We had booked into the Remparts Hotel for the night, we have stayed there three times before, a good place to stay right in the centre of the town. We changed into our swimming costumes and sat in the pool area relaxing in the shade before having a swim. After showers and putting on our glad rags we went to our favourite restaurant, the Tertre, for dinner. We had a superb meal, it has new owners since we last visited.

Monday 8th August

After a relaxing breakfast in the hotel garden we decided to take a trip on the St Emillion tourist train. It was just too hot to wander round. The train took us round all the local vineyards with an audio tape telling us about each vineyard so  a very interesting 40 minutes ride. We then decided to have a drink and a light lunch of bread and cheese sat in the shade of the cloisters. After lunch we drove to Chateaux La Croizille for a tour of their vineyard and wine tasting. An interesting hour. We then drove back to Riberac and did some food shopping before arriving back at the barn at 5.30pm. A lovely way to spend our wedding anniversary.

Tuesday 9th August

Back down to earth again! We were at the dechetterie by 8.30am and back at the barn just after 9am. Kevin filled the trailer again whilst I opened the pool and did lots of jobs in the barn. Robert, Caro and David popped over for coffee at 11am, we sat in the shade and enjoyed chatting to each other for well over an hour.  After lunch I made two desserts to freeze ready for our party. Kevin continued with the garden project. Maureen, Mike and their family arrived at 5.30pm for their final swim as they are going home early on Thursday morning. Only ten of them this time as Stephen and his family had left for home on Saturday. We will be on our own in Pautardie until Danielle returns on Saturday. We had a late swim and then watched the beautiful sunset.

Wednesday 10th August

Once again we were at the dechetterie by 8.30am. On our return we watered Danielle's plants and opened her pool and then filled the trailer with seasoned oak and took it across to Robert and Caro to eventually us in their log burner. After a quick coffee with them we returned to the barn and filled the trailer again. We continued working until 4pm, finishing with taking five wheelbarrows full of logs over to Danielle's house and stacked them ready for her to use over winter. it was 28 degrees so we were both shattered. I had a swim before Kevin BBQ some chicken for dinner. Kevin watered Danielle's plants and closed her pool whilst I updated the blog. Maureen and Karen popped down to say goodbye. They will be back in three weeks.

Thursday 11th August

Another very hot day it was still 39 degrees at 7pm. We were at the dechetterie by 8.30am and then again just after 10am. We then filled the trailer with a load of logs for David which we took over for him after lunch. We then filled the trailer with logs again for David and took then. Finally we cleared some more branches and filled the trailer ready for the dechetterie in the  morning. We were absolutely shattered working in the heat but a good job done today. We both had a swim to cool down before dinner and then had a relaxing evening.

Friday 12th August

Yet another hot day, 38 degrees at 7pm. It's relentless and exhausting. Hopefully, it will cool down on Sunday and there is rain forecast for early next week, the garden certainly needs it. We were at the dechetterie by 8.30am, emptied the trailer and were back at the barn by 9am. Someone came to buy our electric generator at 10am. Let's hope we don't have any power cuts now. We then filled the trailer with seasoned wood and took it across to David's. After coffee we refilled the trailer and took a final load across to David's. Before lunch we refilled the trailer and took in to Myriam's. We have finally moved all the logs and twigs from the side garden. Lots of tidying up to do still but we have reclaimed the side garden back. After lunch we did a bit of tidying up of the new area but it was just too hot and we were both exhausted. I had a quick swim and then we went down to Brico Marche to organise delivery of the pool tiles. Unfortunately, the delivery van had broken down so the tiles had not arrived and the sales assistant couldn't give us a definite date when they would. So not very happy but we just have to wait for a phone call to tell us when they have arrived. We did a bit of food shopping and then made our way back to the barn.

Saturday 13th August

Another hot day, 39 degrees at 7pm. Hopefully the last hot day for a while. We worked hard in the garden until 11.30am, clearing brambles and filling the trailer with tree cuttings. We were both covered in bramble scratches by the end of the morning. We have finished the side garden for the time being, all the tree branches have finally been removed and we are back to where Kath and I started six years ago! Just need to sow some grass seed in the autumn. At 12,30pm we met David at the Bertric Buree church fete, definitely a 60's throw back event, tombola, raffle and games for the children. We had a go on the tombola and raffle and then we had hog roast and chips for lunch sat in the shade. We decided to nip to Le Clerc's after and bought the white wine for our party. Kevin then pottered in the garden but it was just too hot for me so I stayed inside and had a rest. Danielle arrived back from her holiday in the Pyrenees at about 4pm and invited us across for apero at 7pm. We had a chat and then she came across to us for bread, cheese and pate so a lovely evening, its good to have Danielle back in Pautardie.

Sunday 14th August

A much cooler day, thank goodness. It rained in the night and then we had a bit of a thunder storm about 5am. Kevin worked in the garden putting the final trees cuttings into the trailer. He then fitted some brackets onto Madame's wall to store the long ladders when not in use. Finally he marked out the foundations ready to start the abri  and a dug hole ready to concrete in the rotary clothes line. I spent the day washing, ironing and giving the barn a good clean, nothing had been done for over a week and the spiders had started to invade again!  

Monday 15th August

Another cooler day, 26 degrees, much better for working in. We started the day by moving four of the roses from the side of the house and put them round the side of the outhouse. This is so Kevin can start building the abri on the side of the house. Kevin then started digging out the foundations for the abri. I finished weeding the garden and then after lunch made a lemon cheesecake and put it in the freezer ready for the party. I then raked some of the top soil Kevin had moved to the back garden.  We were both shattered at 4pm so finished work and had a quick swim.

Tuesday 16th August

Once again a cooler day. We were at the decheterrie by 8.40am with hopefully the final load of garden rubbish for a while. We called at Brico Marche for a new spirit level and other bits before going back to the barn. Whilst Kevin continued digging out the foundations I had a quick shower and then went to Centrakor, for extra serving dishes and then Le Clerc's for ingredients to make gazpacho for the party. Riberac was manic, I have never seen so many cars in town or so many people in Le Clerc's. I arrived back at the barn at 12.20pm. After lunch I made a double mix of gazpacho and put it in the freezer for the party. Kevin finished his foundation and then went to Peyrou for sand and cement. A good days work all round. 

Wednesday 17th August

Another cooler day and the A team worked hard. Kevin had started work by 8.30am, mixing a first load of concrete for the foundations. I had made chilli and a lasagne by 9.15am, ready to freeze for our guests arriving in two weeks time. I then helped Kevin with the foundations, filling the buckets with sand and cement for him. By coffee time we had completed the concrete in the foundations. After coffee we emptied the spare sand and gravel onto some plastic in the back garden, ready to use at a later date. I raked the soil in the side garden whilst Kevin sorted the corner stones ready to put in the abri wall. After lunch Kevin fetched 25 concrete blocks ready for building the abri walls. Whilst he was gone I cleaned the downstairs windows and the Outram bell, getting ready for our visitors. Finally I vacuumed the car to get ride of all the leaves from clearing the garden. After quick showers we walked up to Marie Laure's house to organise the delivery of their trestle tables which we are borrowing for our party on the 3rd September. 

Thursday 18th August

The day with some good news, Sandra phoned to let us know that Diane had given birth to my great niece, so excited for them. As yet the baby has no name but she weighed in at 8lbs 6oz at 5.45am after a long labour. Looking forward to seeing her and having a cuddle.

Kevin started laying the concrete blocks and by the end of the morning had laid three courses. After lunch he went to Brico Marche for 30 more blocks ready to lay tomorrow. I washed the car and then cut the grass. After lunch I cut back the brambles at the front of the house and also trimmed the trees at the back. Another cooler day 26 degrees. 

Friday 19th August and Saturday 20th August

Well an interesting couple of days! I woke up at 6.30am and at 7am decided to get up and make our early morning cuppas since Kevin was still sleeping. I pottered in the kitchen whilst the kettle boiled and then took the drinks back to the bedroom. As I reached the top step I tripped on the hem of my pyjama bottoms and went flying! To cut a long story short we ended up going to Perigueux hospital to have an xray of my swollen wrist. It was broken on both sides! After a night in hospital I was operated on at 10am Saturday morning. Plates were put in my wrist and at 3pm I was allowed to go home. We called at the pharmacy to pick up the prescriptions, 80 euros worth of plasters and pain killers! the care and service I received was incredible. Once back at the barn I had a shower with Kevin's aid! and a short rest before we went across to Robert's and Caro's for dinner. Their son and daughter in law had invited us to join them earlier in the week. We had a lovely evening, better than sitting feeling sorry for myself. Benjamin and Sophie cook a lovely meal, beetroot and goats cheese salad, fillet steak with lyonnaise potatoes and green beans with a Rochefort cheese sauce followed by chocolate mousse. Kevin had to drive and unfortunately I couldn't drink because of the pain killers! I managed to stay awake until 10pm when we returned to the barn.

Sunday 21st August

Needless to say Kevin is back on early morning cuppa duties! After breakfast Kevin helped me change our bed and hang the washing out. Kevin then started work on the abri wall, my performance has put him back two days! I managed to clean our bedroom and ensuite with one hand and then did the ironing, its amazing what you can do with one hand and your knees or feet. We managed to contact a nurse who will come to the barn tomorrow and every other day to change my dressings, this just wouldn't happen in the UK. Between us we made lunch and then Kevin cooked some kebabs on the BBQ for our evening meal. Its going to be a difficult six weeks!

Monday 22nd August

Kevin spent the day working on the abri wall. He is making good progress. The nurse, Amanda, arrived at 11am to change my dressing. it is so impressive that they come to you. She cleaned the wound and redressed it and told use how to sort out a physiotherapy appointment. I spent the rest of the day doing pottering jobs with one hand preparing for  the party. Danielle popped over at coffee time and couldn't believe what had happened. We nipped to the doctors surgery at 4pm and made an appointment for physio on 10th September 21 days after the operation, everybody is so organised. We called at Le Clerc's for food on our way home. 

Tuesday 23rd August

Kevin continued his block laying and at the end of the morning had done as far as he can reach without the scaffold. He is going to leave the wall until after the party now as he needs to fetch our scaffold back from David's barn where it has been for almost two years. He spent the afternoon putting up the lights for the party. I did some more organising for the party. Danielle came over at coffee time. Robert, Caro, Benjamin, Sophie, Nora, Matilda and David came over for apero at 6.30pm. It was a beautiful evening so we all sat in the garden chatting. When they had gone we sat and watched the beautiful sunset.  Before going inside we tested the party lights, just like Blackpool illuminations!

 Wednesday 24th August

We worked together and made a final batch of gazpacho soup.  Kevin peeled the tomatoes whilst I managed to chop the pepper and cucumber one handed. So between us we managed to complete the food preparation for the party.

David arrived at 10.30 as he wanted Kevin to copy him some documents, he had a quick coffee with us. Amanda arrived at 11am and changed my dressing, the bruising is coming out now so my arm is a lovely colour. After lunch I did some ironing, Kevin helped by ironing his one shirt. We then decided to go shopping for extra wine, plugs to wire the outside lights and other bits and bobs.

Thursday 25th August

A busy day for Kevin, not so much for me! We woke up to thunder and lightening but it didn't amount to much. By 8am the sun was shinning and another lovely day. Kevin spent the morning finishing the wiring of the outside lights for the party, another job ticked off the list. He spent the rest of the day moving materials and equipment from the outside store to Danielle's cellar. She has kindly let us use her cellar to store materials so we can clean and open the outside toilet so the men can use it for the party. A filthy job, quite glad I was otherwise indisposed! I spent most of the day on the computer, trying to use my left hand to work the mouse was a nightmare! I sorted the instruction sheet for the games and a score card, re organised the seating plan and printed everything. Apart from final cleaning, grass cutting and shopping I think we are just about organised for our visitors to arrive next week and for the party on the 3rd September.

Friday 26th August

A busy day for both. I gave the guest bedrooms a final one handed clean whilst Kevin spent most of the day cutting the grass. Amanda came at 11am and changed my dressing, my arm has lots of lovely bruising now, she was happy with how the scar is healing and will return on Monday. Manuel arrived at 11am, he had just arrived back from his holidays in the Pyrenees, he had had a lovely holiday. Danielle joined us for coffee so we all sat in the garden catching up. We nipped to Aldi for bread and cheese as we invited Manuel and Danielle for cheese and wine evening at 7pm and a game of Mexican train.  We had a lovely evening together, I won, beware the injured player!

Saturday 27th August

A busy day for both. We started by changing the bed and then we cleaned the house together, Kevin vacuumed and mopped the floors whilst I dusted and polished. Manuel came down for a coffee, we sat in the shade chatting. After lunch I did the ironing whilst Kevin finalised the re plumbing of the outside toilet. At 7.15pm we went to meet Nev, Barbara, Phil, Lesley, Joan and Andy at the Fleur d'eau restaurant in Riberac. We spent a lovely evening together. 

Sunday 28th August.

We did some pottering jobs and then at 11am Manuel, Myriam and Fredy came for coffee. Danielle was suffering with asthma so decided not to join us. At 12.30pm we went across to David's for lunch. Once again we had a fabulous meal, Spanish themed this time. We arrived back at the barn at 5pm along with 25 chairs loaned to us from Robert and Caro and David ready for the party.

Monday 29th August

A busy day, we both did some final preparations for our visitors and for the party. After the nurse had been we went to Le Clercs for food shopping. I made chocolate mousse for tomorrow night's dessert whilst Kevin sorted the party music. Just about ready now.

Tuesday 30th August

We set off for Bergerac Airport at 9.30am. Andrew and Kath's flight was on time with only 40 people on board. They were through arrivals by 11.10am. We called at Grand Frais in Bergerac to buy kebabs to BBQ  for our evening meal and then arrive back at the barn just after 1pm. We had lunch sat in the shade and spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool. I managed to get into the pool with Kath's help and enjoyed cooling down. Kath kindly cleaned the water line. Kevin lite the BBQ and after a few minutes realised it was on fire! He quickly uncoupled the gas bottle and got the hose pipe fortunately he was quick enough putting it out before we had a major fire or somebody was hurt. So the kebabs got cooked in the oven! We sat outside until 9.30pm watching a beautiful sunset before having an early night. Andrew and Kath had been up since 4am. It was 31 degrees at 7pm.

Wednesday 31st August

Can't believe it is the end of August already. After breakfast Andrew and Kevin went in search of a new BBQ. They were back within half an hour having found an Aldi special. They then spent the rest of the morning putting the beast together. We have a new BBQ to try tonight, fillet steak. Kath prepared most of the evening meal and dinner with a little help from one handed me. I did manage to do the ironing. After lunch we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon  round the pool. Avril and Phillip arrived at 5pm. After gin and tonics round the pool we tested the new BBQ. We had blinis with smoked salmon and champagne, fillet steak with a Rochefort cheese sauce with new potatoes and green beans followed by figs cooked in Marsala with Greek yoghurt. We played Mexican train and Kevin won.

Thursday 1st September 

Kevin fetched croissants for breakfast and we sat outside enjoying a leisurely breakfast before leaving for Perigueux. We has a wander round the old streets and a coffee before having a look in the church. We then had lunch at the St Louis restaurant, the same restaurant as my birthday, but this time it was warm enough to sit outside. After lunch the boys went back to the barn whilst the girls called at Grand Frais for fresh fruit and cheese for the party. When we got back to the barn the farmer had arrived and started cutting the sunflowers, fortunately the wind was blowing away from the swimming pool although we did get some bits in the pool. We had a leisurely later afternoon swimming and enjoying the sunshine. We had cheese and wine for supper and sat out until 10.30pm.

Friday 2nd September 

After a leisurely breakfast we went to the Friday market in Riberac. A little disappointing as a lot of the usual summer stalls were missing perhaps on holiday or it's already the start of the winter market. The boys had a walk to see the church and met us at the Collones for coffee. After a light lunch Marie Laure and Guy arrived with the marquees and tables ready for the party, they are so kind to lend them to us. With the help of Andy, Kath and Phillip they were soon erected. We had a swim and then got ready to go to the Esplanade for pizza light.

Saturday 3rd September

Party day! We all worked hard all day preparing. The girls prepared nibbles and decorated the desserts while the boys finished preparing outside. Kevin took white and rose wine and water to Maureen and Mike's as they had kindly offered their fridge to cool it down.  Phillip and Avril fetched the bread from Aldi. The Hog King arrived at 12.30pm and set up the hog roast, it looked pretty impressive.  At 3.30pm Kevin and I went to Le Clerc to fetch the ice we had ordered, when we asked for it they told us it hadn't arrived! So back to the barn without ice. Fortunately we had put ice in Myriam's freezer and Phil, Lesley and Andy and Joan arrived at 5pm carrying a container full of ice, so ice issue avoided. Everyone started to arrive at 5pm. Lots of guests carrying lovely presents, flowers, orchids and lots of bottles of wine.  Mark arrived carrying a stunning statue of three grue (cranes) he had carved in wood to put in the garden to ward off evil spirits. Myriam, Fredy, Danielle, Manuel and Marie Paul arrived carrying an olive bush. We are so lucky to have found such wonderful friends. The hog was carved at 5.30pm. Kevin and I said our speech and the party began with the food. In between the main course and dessert we played some games, petangue, mollki, pick up sticks and shooting. Scores were totalled and the winning table won a wonderful prize of a back scratcher! Whilst we were eating dessert John played his trumpet and saxophone, ending with a medley music from Les Miserables, my favourite musical. After dessert Myread and Lorna sang some beautiful ballads, with everyone joining in with the choruses. We then danced the night away round the pool before everyone left around 11pm. Avril, Phillip, Andrew and Kath had done all the clearing away and washing up, again so lucky to have such wonderful friends. We were all in bed by 11.30pm shattered after a fabulous day.

Sunday 4th September

After a very leisurely breakfast the boys took the gazebos down and collapsed the tables ready for Guy and Marie Laure to collect tomorrow evening. Kath, Avril, Jeanette and I sorted the remaining food and put glasses etc away. At 12.15 we all went to Le Petit Coutures for Sunday lunch. David and his guests had also booked a table along with Robert and Caro so we took over the restaurant. After lunch Jeanette and Trevor went home whilst the rest of us relaxed round the pool. We ate the remaining pork, coleslaw, pasta salad and desserts for supper before having an early night.

Monday 5th September

After breakfast the boys and Kath went to Brico Marche for more sand, cement, and blocks, Kath went to Inter Marche and did a food shop. Kevin, Andrew and Phillip then returned the chairs to Robert and Caro's and also to David's. They returned with the scaffold. Avril and I cleaned upstairs and changed beds. The washing machine was on all day. After lunch Avril and Phillip left for Constant where they are spending a further week's holiday. Kevin and Andrew started putting the scaffold together and prepared for working on the wall. Kath and I did the ironing and continued cleaning upstairs. We had a leisurely end of the afternoon before having a BBQ for dinner.

Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th September

Kevin and Andrew continued working on the abri wall, by Thursday afternoon they had completed the side wall. Kath and I spent the mornings doing jobs round the house and then the afternoons sitting by the pool. On Thursday I drove for the first time, just to Le Clercs for food shopping and on Friday morning we nipped across to Robert and Caro's for some of their figs. We had BBQ's each evening and enjoyed sitting out watching the sunsets. On Wednesday night Danielle and Manuel joined us for cheese and wine and a game of Mexican train. Manuel was determined to win and beat Kath, but Kath managed to win, much to Manuel's disgust!

Thursday 9th September was a very sad day, the death of Queen Elizabeth was announced at tea time, we were all upset and shocked. Manuel came down to say how sad and sorry he was. We all raised a glass to the Queen. Manuel then stayed and we played Mexican train, he was disappointed as once again Kath managed to win.

On Friday morning Kevin and Andrew nipped to Nev and Barbara’s to borrow Nevs long ladder. On their return Kevin replaced a missing tile on the barn roof with Andrew holding the ladder for him, a good job done and hopefully the barn will remain water tight over the winter now. On Friday evening, Andrew and Kath’s last night for this visit, we went to the Esplanade for pizza, Andrew had his traditional Calzone whilst Kath and I had pizza light and Kevin steak and chips. We were back at the barn by 9pm. After a quick drink we were all in bed by 10pm as we have an early start in the morning.

 

Saturday 10th September

An early start, we were on our way to Bergerac Airport by 6.40am. We arrived at 7.50am and Andrew and Kath managed to check in straight away. We had coffee and croissants together before saying our sad goodbyes. We will miss them and are so grateful tor everything they have done during the last ten days. We made our way back to the empty barn. It was very quiet, we had a coffee whilst we watch Prince Charles officially ascending to King Charles 111, its certainly been an historic couple of days. I spent the afternoon washing and ironing whilst Kevin started digging out the foundation for the front abri wall.

We nipped to Nev and Barbaras to return his ladders, had a quick cup of tea with them and then returned to the barn for an early night.

 Sunday 11th September

I spent the day cleaning the barn, Kevin vacuumed downstairs for me before continuing digging out the foundations. He finished at 4pm. I cooked roast chicken for dinner. Another warm day 32 degrees at 4pm.

Monday 12th September

We woke up to a message from Manuel asking if he could have a glass of orange and a coffee for breakfast as he had no water or electric in his house due to his kitchen being prepared for his new kitchen next week. He came down at 8.20am and had breakfast with us before leaving for a meeting in  Bordeaux. Kevin mixed the concrete and laid the foundatio9ns for the front of the abri. I continued sorting the barn. At 2pm we went to the medical centre in Riberac and I had my first physio session. I no longer need to wear the support strap and have to gradually increase the use of my right hand and wrist. I need to massage vaseline into the scar so all progressing well. We called at Brico Marche on our way home and sorted the delivery of the pool tiles, they decided to deliver them straight away! So we rushed back to the barn and Kevin helped them unload 260 tiles, at a cost of 120 euros for delivery! Unfortunately they will not get laid this year but at least we now have them on site for next year.

At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's for apero, she had invited us and Maureen, Mike, Karen and Dave, so kind of her and difficult as we were all speaking English although kevin and I did our best to translate the conversation.

Tuesday 13th September

Kevin emptied the trailer of sand and then fetched enough blocks to finish the front wall. He spent the rest of the day preparing for laying the blocks tomorrow. I prepared a meal for Manuel and Danielle. We invited them to join us for dinner as Manuel still has no facilities at home. They arrived at 7pm and after dinner we played Mexican train and Manuel won, we sent a picture to Kath of an elated Manuel!

Wednesday 14th September

Manuel came for breakfast, he was bearing gifts of croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin so a healthy start to the day! Kevin started building and finished the front wall, just three courses. Maureen, Mike, Karen and Dave came down for coffee, its their last day this year. Manuel joined us and we all sat in the shade chatting. I started sorting clothes and bedding in our bedroom and the spare guest bedroom ready to leave over winter, our time is running out quickly now. We both watched the procession of the Queen's coffin to Westminster, a very sad day. We certainly do ceremony well. The Royal family must be shattered they have been so busy this last week. 

Thursday 15th September

Well the A team worked together for most of the day! Kevin started to put the stones around the walls. I filled buckets and the wheelbarrow with stones from the massive pile ready for Kevin to put in the wall. By the end of the day I was shattered. At 4pm we went down to the medical centre where I had a other physio session. At 7pm we went to Saint Victoire where we met Nev and Barbara at the restaurant. A other superb meal and another good restaurant to add to our list. 

Friday 16th September

I cleaned upstairs whilst Kevin continued with putting stones round the wall. It's certainly going to be a labour of love completing it. 

Saturday 17th September

Kevin worked all day on his wall whilst I cleaned the downstairs. Myriam had arrived home late last  night and came across to say hello. She suggested we go out for an evening meal with her and Manuel. At 7.15pm we went to the Esplanade as everywhere else Manuel tried was already fully booked. Kevin, Manuel and Myriam had steak whilst I had a pizza light. As usual we had a lovely evening together, we finished it off by playing Mexican train, Myriam won. 

Sunday 18th September

A day of rest. We had been invited to join David, his sister and brother in law and two of his friends for dinner at a local French farm. What an experience, 80 people, mainly French, gathered together at 12.15pm in the garden of the large French farmhouse. A long table was set and our names were about half way down the row. We were served apero with various nibbles, tomato and pasta soup, goose stew with roti potatoes, cheese, chocolate fondant, all washed down with either red or rose wine and then a coffee to finish. All for 17 euros each. What a fabulous way to spend a Sunday. Looking  forward to next time.

Monday 19th September

A very sad day, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth 11. I started the day by cleaning the downstairs windows, inside and out and then polishing the oak dining table and chairs and my porte couteaux which Andrew had kindly made for us from a piece of the oak used to make the barn internal doors. Kevin worked on his wall. At 11am we sat having coffee watching the funeral. I continued watching it until we went for my next physio appointment at 4pm, my wrist is healing really well now. The funeral was very moving, we certainly do ceremonies well, she had a good sense off. A day to be proud to be British.

Tuesday 20th September

The A team at work again. Kevin decided to use the block and tackle to lift the manger stones into place on the top of the front abri wall. He is using them to form an edge that can be leant against when finished. It also used the original manger stalls rather than throwing them away. Once he had set up the block and tackle we worked together to put the first piece of stone in place. A tricky manoeuvre but we eventually managed it and Kevin then cemented it in place. After lunch I nipped for my physio appointment. 

Wednesday 21st September

Once again the A team worked together. We managed to put three further pieces of stone into place and finished the top at the front. I also cut back the lavender and gave it to Danielle to make lavender pouches. I worked in the back garden during the afternoon whilst Kevin emptied the trailer of sand. 

Thursday 22nd September

We both spent time preparing for the arrival of Andrew and Caron on Saturday. I cleaned the upstairs and did loads of washing and ironing whilst Kevin stimmed and cut the grass. Whilst I was at my physio appointment Kevin spent time removing some more tree stumps. Just one big one left to remove now. The back garden is looking much bigger now. 

Friday 23rd September

We finished our preparation for our guests. I cleaned downstairs and Kevin sorted the swimming pool out. I then nipped to the butchers and Aldi whilst Kevin did some preparation of stones ready for using next week. At 2pm we took the scaffold across to David's, he has kindly offered to store it over winter for us. We stopped and had a coffee with him before calling for more lime mortar on our way home. 

Saturday 24th September

An early start, we were at Bergerac Airport by 8.45am. Unfortunately, the airport was fog bound so Andrew and Caron's flight had to circle for almost an hour before it cleared enough to land. It was a relief to see Andrew and Caron come through arrivals. We decided to visit the Montbaziac Chateau and had a taste of their sweet wine. We then had a wander around Bergerac old town before having a snack lunch. We arrived back at the barn at about 4pm. Andrew and Caron were shattered after their early start so we had a bit of a rest before having our evening meal, figs stuffed with Rochefort cheese wrapped in Palma ham followed by fillet steak with new potatoes and green beans and then ice cream cake for dessert. We played Mexican train and Andrew won. An early night was had by all.

Sunday 25th September

Kevin fetched croissants and pastries for breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast we headed for Aubeterre. There was a brocante in the car park so we had a wander around and Caron managed to find a pair of shoes for 6 euros, brand new so a real bargain. We had a stroll round the town and then had lunch in the Taverne restaurant before heading back to the barn at 4.30pm. Andrew braved to pool, the water was only 22 degrees so much colder now. We payed Mexican train and Andrew won again.

Monday 26th September

After an early breakfast we set off for the caves of Lascaux. We spent about two hours looking at the caves, certainly worth a visit. We then drove to Salat and found a good restaurant for our lunch. After a stroll round the town we got back to Riberac about 7pm. We decided to try the new pizza machine, 'gang of pizza' since I was intrigued how anything edible could come out of the  machine. Well, I had to eat my words as it was quite tasty. We then played Mexican train and yet again Andrew won. 

Tuesday 27th September

After breakfast we went to Brantome, had a wander round town and then lunch before heading back via Bourdeilles. We called at Aldi to look, for pate and wine before I went for a physio session. Whilst I was gone Andrew, Caron and Kevin went for a quick drink at the Collones. We then called at Le Clercs and then made our way home. We played a final game of Mexican train and this time I won.

Wednesday 28th September

Andrew and Caron's last day with us. It's gone so quickly. After breakfast we packed the car with their luggage and then went to St Emillion. We caught the 11.15am tourist train and stopped at Chateau for a wine tour and taste. After a quick lunch and stroll round the town we dropped Andrew and Caron at the train station where they caught the train to Bordeaux. They are spending two nights in Bordeaux before going home. It was sad to say our goodbyes. We headed back to the empty barn and had a quiet evening.

Thursday 29th September

It was back to work for us. Kevin continued facing his wall with stones whilst I washed, ironed and packed the two spare bedrooms ready for leaving for winter. After coffee I started packing up our clothes. After lunch I went for my final physio appointment. I called at Le Clerc's for food before going home. We then put the pool to bed for the winter, can't believe it is almost time to go home, time has gone so quickly.

Friday 30th September

Another work day. Kevin continued facing his wall whilst I cleaned our bedroom and downstairs. Robert and Caro called at 10am and had a coffee with us, it was lovely to see them. After lunch I ironed and did some more packing whilst Kevin continued working outside. 

Saturday 1st October

Only one week left this year. We woke up to rain and it rained on and off most of the day. Kevin decided to move the pool tiles from by the side front wall to round the pool. A heavy job, by 3.30pm he had moved about two thirds of them between the rain showers. I nipped to the post office in Vertiallac to post Pamela's birthday card and then spent the rest of the day preparing lunch ready for tomorrow when Robert, Caro and David are coming. 

Sunday 2nd October

Kevin spent a couple of hours moving the pool tiles whilst I nipped to Le Clerc for bread and then finished preparing lunch. Robert, Caro and David arrived at 12.30. We had a lovely lunch with them, it was almost 5pm when they left. aAter washing up we had a relaxing evening.

Monday 3rd October

An early start, we were at the hospital in Perigueux by 8.30am for my final appointment. After an Xray of my wrist we spoke to the Doctor, he was very happy with how it was healing. We arrived back at the barn at 10.45am. Kevin spent the rest of the day putting stones on the front abri wall. By the end of the day he had finished the front wall. I continued packing and preparing the barn to leave for winter. At 6pm we left to go to Joan and Andy's new house at St Paul Lizone about 15 minutes away. its a beautiful old mansion house with beautiful views from the back garden. Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley had also been invited so we spent a lovely evening together. eating the curry and desserts Joan had prepared. A beautiful sunny autumn day 23 degrees. 

  

Tuesday 4th October

Another beautiful day 24 degrees and sunny. We both worked outside all day. Kevin worked on the side wall and I planted some rose cuttings in front of the front abri wall. Fingers crossed they will survive the winter. I also cleared the leaves from the back side garden and then put some grass seed down, again hopefully it will grow over the winter. I then washed the garden furniture and left it to dry in the sun before we lifted it into the barn to store over winter. After lunch we helped Danielle put her swimming pool to bed for the winter. Kevin also checked her car tyre pressures and the oil, so all is ok for her for winter. She invited us to dinner on Thursday night with Manuel, it will be our last meal together for this year. After showers we decided to have a pre dinner drink sat in the front garden enjoying the evening sunshine. 

Wednesday 5th October

Another beautiful sunny day 24 degrees. Kevin made a final mix of cement and levelled the side abri wall. He then put all his tools away for winter. I emptied the fridges and freezers and washed then out leaving only enough food for the two remaining days. At 12 o Clock we went across the valley and gave Robert, Caro and David some of the food that we wouldn't be using as its a shame to just throw it away. We all then went to the Petit Onignon restaurant in Bertric Buree for lunch. We had the menu of the day for 16 euros, a four course meal, really good value. I drove everyone home, the first time in six weeks!

We had a coffee at Robert and Caro's and returned to the barn at 3pm. Kevin filled the car with wine, champagne, food and clothes ready for our journey home. he then cut the grass whilst I updated the blog. 

Thursday 6th October

Yet another social day. We met Nev, Barbara, Phil, Lesley, Joan and Andy for lunch at the Le Lavoir in Siorac de Riberac to celebrate Nev's. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside and enjoyed the menu of the day and each others company. After the meal we went back to Nev and Barbara's for coffee in their beautiful garden. It was sad to say our goodbyes as it was the last time we would see everybody this year. At 6,30pm we went across to Danielle's for a final meal with her and Manuel. We had a lovely evening together and played a final game of Mexican train dominoes.

Friday 7th October

Our final day in Pautardie for this year. We went for a wander around the market and a cup of coffee at the Collones before returning to the barn for the final pack and clean. An early final night ready for an early start in the morning and our long journey home. Another successful and happy year in Pautradie. See you in 2023.

A bientot,