Sunday 19th March
I can't believe its been seven years since we started 'Living the Dream' How quickly the time has passed and what an experience we have had so far.
As usual the car is ladened with just about room for me! We have an oak 3 foot square table, two dining chairs, wood to make shelves and cupboards in the outhouse along with food and clothes! We woke up at 4.50am and left home at 5.50am. We made good time and arrived at the tunnel at 9.50am, unfortunately we missed the earlier train so caught our booked train at 10.50am. After a long journey we arrived at the Ibis in Tours at 6pm. We had a short walk next door to their sister hotel and we both had just a main course before having an early night.
Monday 20th March
We woke up early - 6am and left the hotel at 6.50am. We arrived at the barn at 10.10am. After a quick hug with Manuel we started unpacking the car and setting up base camp. I opened the kitchen cupboard under the sink and realised we had had squatters over the winter! I found mice droppings in three of the cupboards! So after spring cleaning the kitchen I unpacked all the food items after Kevin had emptied the car. Fortunately, apart from eating two packets of coffee, our visitors hadn't done any other damage and hopefully have now vacated the premises. Kevin put the towel rail and two electric radiators on in our bedroom, they started working then suddenly stopped! Yet another job for Kevin to sort. Fortunately, the electric radiators in the rest of the barn still worked, perhaps our visitors have eaten through the wires! We put the electric blankets in our bed and switched them on to air the beds. I cleaned our bedroom, kitchen, and lounge during the afternoon, whilst Kevin finished emptying the car of all the wood and tools. At 7pm we went across to David's for dinner. He had kindly invited us along with Robert and Caro. Robert and Caro are returning home tomorrow. We had a lovely evening catching up with each other. I drove since Kevin had driven all day.
Tuesday 21st March
After breakfast we decided to nip over to Robert and Caro's with a birthday card and present for Robert. Robert will be eighty on the 30th April and we will not see them again until July. We said our goodbyes and then went to Le Clerc's and did a big food shop. Food is certainly getting more and more expensive in France, our basic food shop cost 260 euros with no wine! Once back at the barn Kevin started putting his shelving together for the outhouse. I continued spring cleaning, this time the dining room, entrance, utility room and the downstairs toilet. It was such a beautiful day I decide to start weeding around the out building. Danielle popped over at about 4.30pm and we sat outside with a non alcoholic gin and tonic enjoying catching up with her.
Wednesday 22nd March
A full day of work today. Kevin continued with his shelving project and also started sorting out the tiles for round the pool. I cleaned the spare bedrooms and guest bathroom, the cleaning is almost done now, just the outside windows to do. After lunch I continued with the gardening. At 6.45pm we went over to Nev and Barbara's for dinner. We had a great time catching up over a roast lamb dinner. We always manage to put the world to rights! If only Kevin and Nev were in the cabinet! We didn't get home until 11.45pm, guess who was driving!
Thursday 23rd March
A full day of work. Kevin started laying the first of the pool tiles. He also started digging holes in the front garden ready to transplant the roses and irises from the side of the barn where the abri will be. I sorted some cupboards, finished the gardening and finally cut the grass whilst Kevin started to sort his equipment in the outbuilding. We finished working at 5.20pm, both shattered but good progress made. Another beautiful day.
Friday 24th March
A busy day, we did the weekend shop, called at the post office in Vertiallac and then called at the Petit Ognions in Bertric Buree to book at table for their fish and chip evening tonight before arriving back to the barn by coffee time. After coffee Kevin started laying more of the pool tiles. I decided to make lasagne's and chilli's with the minced beef we had bought. All went into the freezer to eat later. I had just finished washing up and Nev and Barbara called for a coffee, we sat and had a good chat with them. We then took Danielle out for fish and chips, Manuel had started with a cold so he decided to give it a miss. We had a lovely evening chatting with Danielle.
Saturday 25th March
A lovely day, Kevin worked outside all day, laying pool tiles, he made good progress laying fifteen tiles by the end of the afternoon. I changed the bed and did the washing, cleaned the bedroom and ensuite then, after lunch, I did the ironing. I then made a vegetarian lasagne to Kath's recipe and put it into the freezer. We had one of the chilli's for our evening meal.
Sunday 26th March
Our first rainy day. We prepared the ingredients for a beef bourguignon and set the slow cooker going. Between the showers Kevin dug up the roses which we need to transplant. I made a dessert ready for next Saturday night when we are entertaining Nev, Barbara, Phil, Lesley, Joan and Andy. After lunch we tried to plant the roses in between the showers but had to stop after only putting three into their new spots because of the rain. Kevin then did some office work whilst I did the blog.
Monday 27th March
A lovely day and a work day for both. We started the day by transplanting the roses and irises, it took us until 11.30am so we had a late coffee today sat in the sunshine. Kevin then continued laying the tiles round the pool, by the end of the afternoon he had fitted another twelve tiles. I cleaned the downstairs windows, inside and out and then weeded the front patio. A good days work.
Tuesday 28th March
Kevin fetched some more cement from Peyrou, whilst he was gone I hung the washing out, recleaned two of the lounge windows and did the ironing. When he returned I decided to go to the shops in Riberac, I needed two dariole moulds to make a chocolate dessert for Saturday night. I went to Gi-Fi and Centrakor but no luck. I called at Aldi for a few bits and pieces and was back at the barn by 11.20am. Whilst I was gone Kevin jet washed another area round the pool, he also cut the front grass. After coffee, sat in the sunshine, I swept the front patio and made up a shoe stand that I had bought at GiFi. After lunch I washed and vacuumed the car whilst Kevin laid another twelve pool tiles. A beautiful sunny day.
Wednesday 29th March
A glorious day, 23 degrees at 3pm. Kevin started the day by laying another six tiles round the pool. It was a bit of a rest day for me. I did household chores until 11am when David arrived for coffee. We all enjoyed sitting in the sunshine chatting together over a coffee in the garden. We decided to have an early lunch. Kevin was just about to start work again when Nev and Barbara arrived with cakes, so we all had tea and cakes sat chatting in the garden, I like this working holiday! Kevin then prepared another mix for the tiles and had just started laying them when Manuel and Danielle arrived for a chat, once again we had drinks in the garden, so a holiday day for me. Kevin did manage to lay another six tiles before he decided to call it a day.
Thursday 30th March
A work day for both. I cleaned the house from top to bottom ready for our guests this weekend. Kevin continued tiling, he spent most of the day cutting the difficult tiles for round the roman end of the pool, not an easy task but he did a really good job. A beautiful day.
Friday 31st March
A windy and showery day. Kevin persevered with the tiling, cutting more shaped tiles for the roman end but decided not to make any concrete because it kept raining. In between the rain he started digging out the side of the pool area ready for fitting the pool shower. I went to Le Clerc's for the shopping for tomorrow night. Manuel came down for a coffee at 11am. I set the table ready for tomorrow. At 2pm Kevin decided to call it a day as the wind had got up and it was raining heavier. We nipped to Brico Marche and bought a drill bit. We then had a lazy afternoon.
Saturday 1st April
I can't believe its April already and we have been here almost two weeks. It rained all Friday evening and the wind got up, it blew the new BBQ over so we are hoping its not been damaged. It was still raining when we got up. I nipped to Aldi for bread. Kevin tried to work outside between the showers but by 11am had decided to call it a day. I prepared the meal for Nev, Barbara, Phil, Lesley Joan and Andy. An Italian evening - Tomato and mozzarella, Melon and Palma ham, a meat and vegetarian lasagne, for Joan and Andy, with salad and garlic bread, cheese and then chocolate pudding or orange parfait. Washed down with copious amounts of wine! We had a lovely evening catching up with everyone. We also introduced the team to Mexican Train, Kevin won but then he was the scorer! We finished washing up just after midnight. A superb evening.
Sunday 2nd April
A better day weather wise although still windy and cooler. Manuel, Myriam and Freddie came over at 11am for coffee, so good to have the Pautardie team back together. Myriam and Freddie had arrived yesterday afternoon hoping to sort the garden out. It was really lovely to see them again. After lunch Kevin decided to work outside, he dug more of the shower area and cut some tiles ready for fitting tomorrow. We had left overs for dinner.
Monday 3rd April
Well I had a new experience today! I decided to join David at his Tia Chi class in Bertric Buree. I had to be there for 10.30am to be briefed as a 'newbie.' Jan, the instructor, was very good and took time during the class to show me the first two moves. I was like a baby giraffe, all over the place but enjoyed the session. Its certainly not easy but I will return next Monday to see if I have remembered my moves!
Whilst I was gone Kevin laid another twelve tiles round the pool. At 3pm we decided to go to Brico Marche in Perigueux, the journey was slow due to road works in a couple of the villages on the way. We managed to get the plumbing bits that Kevin needed for the pool shower. On our way back we called at Le Roy Merlin's and bought some grass seed and compost.
Tuesday 4th April
The A team at work together! We woke up to a frost but by 10am the sun was out and it was 18 degrees at 3pm. Kevin continued laying tiles whilst I started the long process of grading the stones in the enormous pile round the back of the barn. Small stones for a sub base for the shower area, medium stones for facing the abri and I left the large stones to be used at some point to build retaining walls.
After lunch I cut most of the grass whilst Kevin cut tiles ready for laying tomorrow. After early showers we went across to David's to pick up our scaffold which he had kindly stored in his barn for us over the winter. We had a coffee sat in his courtyard enjoying the sunshine together before returning to the barn for dinner.
Wednesday 5th April
Another day of hard work for the A team. Kevin continued laying the tiles, by the end of the day he had finished the front end and had started working up the far long side. He also started laying the sub level in the shower area. I started raising the grass at the front end of the pool so eventually we can just run the lawn mover over the edge of the tiles. I also collected another three wheelbarrow load of stones for the sub base. We sat outside with our pre dinner drinks enjoying the early evening sunshine. Another beautiful sunny day, 19 degrees. At 7.30pm, after a few issues with our internet, we had a lovely zoom chat with Andrew and Kath, they are at their holiday home in Northumberland.
Thursday 6th April
I decided to do the weekly clean and shop today since its Easter weekend and I couldn't remember if the shops are closed here on Good Friday! It took me all day. Kevin went to fetch some sand first thing and then continued preparing the sub base for the shower area. He tried to cut a hole in the centre of a tile for the shower drain without success, two tiles split when he was half way through cutting the hole. He decided to use another type of drain in the end rather than waste any more tiles. After lunch he decided to fetch four more bags of cement so we have enough material to keep us busy over the weekend! On his return he finished laying the nine tiles for the shower area. Another beautiful sunny day.
Friday 7th April
Good Friday and a day of rest! We decided to have a trip to the market at Brantome. It was a beautiful sunny morning. We had a wanders around the market, not as big as in the summer but I still managed to buy a cardigan! We had a hot chocolate and a beer sat in the sunshine and then another walk before having menu de jour in one of the riverside restaurants. It was warm enough to sit outside. We took the scenic route home and called at Bourdeilles and had a little walk around the chateau before driving back to the barn. Manuel was working in his new garden with his friend Cindy, cutting down the overgrown grass and trees. We had a look in his 'new' dilapidated property, what an interesting experience, its been left just as if Madam had just walked out, bed in one corner, table still set. Lots of mess and debri to get rid of but could be made into a lovely gite. We then had a restful afternoon.
Saturday 8th April
Well it was back to work for the A team today. We both worked outside all day. Kevin laid more tiles and I levelled the front grass area. Manuel can down for a coffee and we invited him to join us for chilli at 6.30pm. I went across and invited Danielle to join us, so an impromptu evening. We finished work at 5pm and I quickly prepared the meal, chilli with rice and garlic bread, cheese and then orange parfait that was already in the freezer. After the meal we had a little walk up the road and then returned and played Mexican train. Manuel won.
Sunday 9th April
Easter Sunday. I decided to make two dozen decorated Easter buns to take with us tonight to Phil and Lesley's. They had kindly invited us, Nev, Barbara, Andy and Joan for dinner. Kevin decided since it was Easter Sunday not to use the concrete mixer because of the noise. He decided to mark out the abri final wall and then dug out the foundations ready for concreting tomorrow. At 5.10pm we left for Phil and Lesley's. We had a lovely evening, they had made twice cooked cauliflower souffle's which were delicious, beef bourgignon and a vegetable stew for Andy and Joan with roast potatoes and green vegetables followed by cheese and a choice of three desserts. We had all prepared ten quiz questions for after dinner so we had a good laugh trying to answer them. Kevin and I managed to win. We arrived home at midnight after a fabulous evening.
Monday 10th April
I went to my second TiaChi class, another newbie joined me, her name is also Sue and we were both dressed in blue so we hit it off straight away. It was good to have someone else who didn't know what they were doing, although, by the end of the class we had almost mastered the first three moves!
Whilst I was gone Kevin concreted the foundations and was laying more tiles when I returned. After lunch I joined Kevin outside and completed the front filling in and I then put some grass seed down and watered it in, hopefully it will start to grow soon. Kevin finished the day by digging out some of the ground down the final long edge of the pool area ready for laying the final tiles. A beautiful sunny day.
Tuesday 11th April
It had rained over night and was dull when we woke up but the sun soon came out. I nipped to Le Clerc's for food for tomorrow evening when we have invited David, John and Lisa for dinner. On my return Kevin went to Peyrou for more sand. Manuel came down for coffee in the garden. After coffee we nipped over to David's to help him set up his new rattan garden table, it has a glass top which was very heavy. Kevin put the table base together then we all lifted the glass top in place. After lunch Kevin finished laying the tiles along the far side of the pool and also started sorting the edge of the final long side. I made an orange parfait for tomorrow night. I then decided to cut the grass. Manuel popped down at 6pm with a spare 4G card for use to use for our internet since ours has decided to work very slowly.
Wednesday 12th April
We woke up to rain which continued most of the day. I nipped to Aldi for bread for tonight and then finished preparing the meal. At 11.15am we decided to nip to Nev and Barbara's to deliver her birthday card and present ready for tomorrow. We had a coffee together before returning to the barn. We had a lovely evening with David, Lisa and John. We introduced Lisa and John to Mexican train, some more converts! Kevin won.
Thursday 13th April
Another rainy day but Kevin managed to work outside between the showers. He started laying tiles to make a ramp to take Elsie down to the pool area. I decided to do the weekly clean. After lunch Kevin went to Peyrou for cement. Lisa arrived at 2.30pm to cut our hair. Kevin then went to buy more sand
ready for working over the weekend. He then decided to call it a day since it had started raining again. The first iris came into bloom today.
Friday 14th April
Another rainy day. We woke up to pouring rain and it continued most of the day. Kevin decided to have a look at the electrics for the radiators and towel rail in our bedroom. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to
resolve the problem. After coffee I nipped to Aldi and did a mini weekend shop. After lunch the rain stopped for about an hour so we both worked in the garden. I sorted some small stones for infill whilst Kevin fitted one of the pool ties and jet washed another area around the pool ready for tiling. But the
rain and wind returned so we decided to call it a day.
Saturday 15th April
At last it had stopped raining over night. We both worked outside all day. It was sunny but a cold wind especially at the back of the barn. Kevin continued laying tiles and I was his helper. Sorting small stones to infill behind the upstands and I also started infilling with soil along the far side of the pool.
Manuel popped down for a coffee, it was too cold to sit outside. We finished working at 4.30pm, good progress made. After showers we went across to Danielle's for dinner at 6pm. Manuel joined us. We had a fabulous evening. Danielle prepared a fondue bourgignon with chips and then a dessert similar to tiramisu. Danielle then introduced us to a new game, Yams, a game with dice. Will have to buy it when we get home.
A beautiful day, the cold wind had gone so a warmer day. We both worked outside all day. Kevin is making a really good job of laying the pool tiles, although, I think he will be glad when he has finished now, its hard work lifting the tiles and mixing all the cement. Manuel came for coffee and he tried to organise fibre internet for us but as usual its not straight forward and we need to phone to organise it, hopefully tomorrow. Once again I was the tilers mate, I dug out the edge of the patio ready for Kevin to set the upstands in place, continued my filling in along the far edge, sowed some grass seed and filled a bucket of small stones ready for tomorrow. After showers we sat outside for our pre dinner drink.
Monday 17th April
Well a girls day out for me! Lesley, Barbara, Joan and myself spent the day in Bordeaux. Joan picked me up at 8.30am and we drove into Riberac where we picked Barbara up. Joan then drove to La Roche Chalais where we all got into Lesley's car and she drove us to the Bassins de Lumieres in Bordeaux. We went into the Bassins, its an old submarine base which is now used for incredible light shows. This season it's based on Dali and Gaudi. We then went for lunch in an out of town shopping complex. After lunch Lesley drove us to the park and ride and we caught a tram into Bordeaux centre, we spent the afternoon wandering in and out of the shops. After a coffee stop we made our way back to the park and ride and arrived home at about 7.15pm. Lesley was incredible, she knows her way around Bordeaux like a local and new all the best spots to visit. We had a fabulous day together. The weather was superb 22 degrees in the afternoon. Whilst I was gone Kevin worked really hard, he had laid over 20 tiles, been to Brico Marche for ten more tiles and then fetched another trailer load of sand. He was just cooking his dinner when I arrived home so he was shattered.
It was back down to earth for me! The A team back at work together today. Kevin continued tiling and has just six more tiles to fit and the tiling will be finished. I started the day doing house jobs. After coffee I filled in almost half way across the bottom end of the pool, emptied the trailer of sand, filled in a bit near the shower area and finally did some more stone grading. After early showers we went to Brico Depot in Perigueux for five bags of white cement to use for grouting, some wood for the abri and a grouting tool. We then called at Le Roy Merlin's and bought some grass seed and compost, we also bought two sun loungers to replace our current worn out ones. A beautiful day, it was 21 degrees at 5.30pm.
An early start for both of us. We were both outside working just after 9am. I started filling the gaps between the tiles with a mix of sand and white cement, by 1.30pm I had completed filling the far side and almost across the front end of the pool. Kevin fitted the final two full tiles, he has just round the filter box to complete but needs to work out the best way to cut the tiles. He then filled in the upstands and started filling some of the tiles. We finished work at 1.30pm, had a late lunch then showers. at 3pm we popped over to Andy and Joan's new house to see their new pool, it looks fabulous, they have a fantastic view from their pool. We had cold drinks sat on their patio chatting. On our way home we decided to call in GiFi and bought two more sun loungers. We then did the weekly shop at Le Clercs. A beautiful day, 23 degrees at 5.30pm.
Thursday 20th April
Another work day for both of us and a milestone day, Kevin completed tiling round the pool. He cut the final four difficult tiles and laid then round the filter box. A great job done, it looks so much better now its completely tiled. By 11am I had done the weekly clean and washed the bedding etc. I then joined Kevin outside and continued pointing the tiles. I completed three mixings of sand and cement. Kevin cut some stones for the final wall of the abri and also laid two concrete blocks and a corner stone. After showers we nipped down to the pizzeria in Riberac to book a table for nine of us for next Tuesday night. The owner told us he wasn't sure if they would be open as they were very tired, he was going to speak to his wife and then telephone us to let us know, this would only happen in France! We had a pre dinner drink at the Collones before going back to the barn for our evening meal. Another glorious day 23 degrees at 5.30pm.
Friday 21st April
Another glorious day. We both nipped to Gi-Fi and bought a small self assembly shed to give us more storage for garden tools. We were back at the barn by 9.45am. Kevin started preparing a base for the shed at the back of the kitchen. At 10.30am we nipped to Manuel's for coffee. his mum had driven there for the first time this year as she fell and broke her hip in January. It was so lovely to see her and looking so well. Kevin fitted a new key pad for Manuel ready for his summer rentals. Once back at the barn I prepared a mix for pointing and competed using it just before lunch time. After lunch I completed another mix of pointing. Over half the tiles are filled now. Kevin continued preparing the shed base and then we worked together putting the shed together. Well what a performance, we thought we were quite good at self assembly after putting so many IKEA thing together but this is a different level. The instructions were just not easy to understand. By 5pm we decided to call it a day, the sides were in place but no roof or door. After showers we took Manuel and Danielle for dinner at the local Thai restaurant, Kevin wanted to try it. We had a lovely evening and the meal was quite tasty too. We called at the pizzeria as we hadn't had a phone call. The owner told us they have decided to close on Tuesday evening as they are so tired! I sent messages to 'the gang,' Nev and Barbara quickly replied inviting us all to theirs for dinner on Tuesday night, which is so kind of them.
Saturday 22nd April
We woke up to pouring rain. Jeanette and Trevor had invited us for lunch at their new house in Verteuil, about an hour and a half further north than us. We drove there in pouring rain but as we arrived the sun came out. It was so lovely to see Jeanette and Trevor and both looking so well. Their new home is beautiful and in a perfect position just out of the town and within walking distance of the shops, doctors and restaurants. We had coffee and cake and then had a ride down into the town and a wander around. We had pre dinner drinks at one of the restaurants and then drove back for lunch. Jeanette had prepared a lovely meal, salmon and prawns in a cream sauce with tagliatelle and vegetables, cheese and then pear tart for dessert. It was almost 7pm when we left to return to the barn. A perfect day spent with 'old' friends.
Sunday 23rd April
A better day weather wise. We both worked outside. Kevin continued to put the shed up whilst I completed one mixing of pointing. After coffee we both worked on the shed trying to fit the door in the correct position, we eventually completed the shed at lunchtime. After lunch I completed another mixing of pointing whilst Kevin screwed the shed in place. I was just about to start my third mix when it started to rain so we had a coffee in the hope it would stop. Whilst the rain did stopped the patio was too wet for me to continue pointing so I decided to call it a day at 3.30pm. Kevin started cutting out a recess for the abri column support before he decided to finish for the day.
Monday 24th April
Kevin started the day with a trip to Brico Marche for some more tiles for making a path outside the back door to the pool. Whilst he was gone I did house jobs. I then went to Tia Chi, after, I nipped to Le Clerc's for some food shopping before getting back to the barn at 1pm. Whilst I was gone Kevin had started digging out along the back house wall to make a trench for the lighting and the water pipe for the pool shower. After lunch I completed the pointing of the tiles so another milestone day, the pool is finally tiled and pointed. Kevin did some more digging out before deciding to nip back to Brico Marche for some pipes. A cooler day but no rain so prefect for working in.
Tuesday 25th April
A working day for the A team. We both worked hard all day even though we had some April showers. I back filled the bottom and started back filling the side edge of the tiles and put some grass seed down. Kevin continued digging out along the back house wall, he put the wiring and hose pipe in the trench and then put the first four tiles in place outside the back door. Hard work as the ground if full of stones. At 3pm Andy, Joan and their friend Paul arrived and we helped them fill their trailer full of stones to be used to fill their gabions. Our pile of stones is slowly going down. After a short rest and showers we went to Nev and Barbara's for dinner. They invited 'The gang' along with Paul so catered for nine of us. As usual we had a fabulous evening together. Nev prepared tomatoes and mozzarella, vegetarian meatballs with a sauce and pasta, cheese and several desserts, I made a strawberry trifle laced with pinot. We arrived home just after midnight, I drove.
Wednesday 26th April
Another hard day at work. I finished back filling and levelling round the pool area so another milestone day. Hopefully, the grass will soon grow. Kevin cut some wood ready to use for the abri, he wants to leave it into the outhouse whilst we are at home. He made progress on his hole digging and then fetched more sand from Peyrou's. He emptied the trailer on his return then started cutting holes in some tiles for the uplighters. I cleared an area of stones, sorting them into sizes including a pile for Andy and Joan. It was a dull day with drizzle on and off but it didn't stop the workers.
Thursday 27th April
Yes another busy day. Kevin continued with his lighting project for the back of the barn. I cleaned the barn and did the washing and ironing. Manuel came down for a coffee, we sat on the new pool patio.
After lunch I cut the back garden and finished sowing grass seed round the edges of the tiles. At 4pm we had a grand switch on, Kevin had fixed two of the four uplighters and decided to check if they worked, fortunately they did. Just another two to fit now. A better day, 22degrees at 7.30pm.
Friday 28th April
A beautiful day, 26 degrees at 4pm. A working day for both. I went to Le Clerc's for the weekend shopping. Kevin continued fitting the external spot lights and the hosepipe for the shower. By the end of the day he had connected all four lights and buried the cable and pipework under a layer of sand. After some further levelling he will put the path tiles in place. Manuel and Danielle joined us on the new patio for coffee. After coffee I cleaned a wine rack which Manuel has kindly given to us, it will hold 75 bottles so hopefully big enough for Kevin. After lunch I cut the front grass, swept the front patio and then did some more stone sorting. At 4pm we went across to Danielle's to collect part of her old kitchen as we are going to the dechetterie tomorrow morning and had some room in the trailer. We decided to call it a day after filling the trailer.
Saturday 29th April
We were at the dechetterie by 9.40am and back at the barn by 10.20am. Kevin then spent the rest of the day levelling the ground and then laid seven tiles. He also completed two rows of the abri wall. I did house jobs until lunch time and then spent the afternoon on my hands and knees sorting stones. I am making inroads but still have along way to go!
Sunday 30th April
We were at Le Clerc's at 9.30am. Kevin bought some more wine to take home and I bought bread and strawberries for dinner tonight. We have invited Nev and Barbara to join us for roast lamb dinner.
On our return I spent most of the rest of the day preparing dinner. Kevin laid some more tiles and prepared the ground for the next tiles. Nev and Barbara arrived at 7pm. We had a lovely evening once again putting the world to rights. The slow roast lab was delicious washed down with a glass or two of wine. A perfect evening spent with good friends.
Monday 1st May
I can't believe its May already and its our final few days. I went to Tai Chi, whilst I was gone Kevin did some sorting out in the outhouse, moving garden tools into the new shed. Since it was a bank holiday we kept quiet and didn't use any of our machinery. In France public holidays are ju8st that, everyone has to respect the quiet rules. After lunch we went across to Myriam's for coffee with Danielle and Manuel. We spent a lovely hour chatting together. Its always good when 'the gang' is together. On our return I started weeding the garden around the out building ready to leave. Kevin started preparing a new spot for the final plant that needs moving from the abri area. Rain stopped play at 4.45pm. But a beautiful sunny evening by 6.30pm.
Tuesday 2nd May
Another beautiful and busy day. We both worked outside all day. I finished weeding the garden and then continued stone sorting. Kevin laid another six tiles on the path and cut some stones for the final wall of the abri. At 6pm we went across to David's for apero. He had invited Sue (from Tia Chi) and her husband Martin. We spent a lovely evening getting to know Sue and Martin. As usual David had made some lovely nibbles to have with our drinks. We got back to the barn after 9pm.
Wednesday 3rd May
A gardening day for both. I cut the grass whilst Kevin strimmed everywhere. David popped over for a final coffee and Danielle joined us. The garden looks lovely at the moment with the irises and roses in flower. I brushed the new patio and in front of the house and then vacuumed the car. We finished the day sorting some stones together. A beautiful day, 27 degrees at 6pm. After showers we nipped to and had a quick drink at the bar before returning for dinner and then we had a zoom call with Andrew and Kath.
A final cleaning day for both. Kevin helped me clean the barn and all was done by 11.30am. We had quick showers and then took Danielle out for her birthday lunch. We went to the Petit Ognions in Bertric Buree. We had a very good meal, three courses with a small carafe of wine each for 15 euros per person. Certainly good value for money. After dropping Danielle back at home we decided to go and buy another storage shed, this time a bit bigger! We just need to decide where we are going to put it when we get back... Danielle invited us round for apero at 6pm and we all played Yams together.
Friday 5th May
Our final day, 50 days have gone so quickly. We had our usual walk round the Friday market and had croissants and coffee at the Collones. We called at Aldi for bread for sandwiches and then had a little ride round the local villages. We finished putting the garden furniture away and Kevin packed the car ready for a quick get away in the morning. For once the car wasn't full, just 48 bottles of wine and some clothes. Nev and Barbara called during the afternoon and we enjoyed a final coffee together and a good chat.
Au revoir, A bientot.
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