Friday 2nd June
We decided to try a different travel time this time. We got up at 4.30am and set off at 5.45am to Auntie Dorreen's in London. We arrived at 9.30am so a really good trip down. After coffee Kevin took Auntie Dorreen for her dental appointment, I stayed behind since the car was once again full to the brim. I had made sandwiches and bought pork pies, crisps, tomatoes and cakes from Marks and Spencer's for lunch. We left Auntie Dorreen at 1.30pm and got to the channel tunnel at 3pm. We managed to get on an earlier crossing and arrived at the Holiday Inn hotel at Coquelles at 5.30pm French time. We had a short rest then had an evening meal in the hotel and then an early night as both shattered after the early start.
Saturday 3rd June
After a leisurely breakfast in the hotel we set off at 9am for the barn. We arrived at 5.30pm. Kevin unpacked the car, this time we had a television table and a black rubbish bin! both filled with clothes and towels, along with the usual building materials and food. I unpacked the food and started sorting the clothes in our bedroom. Manuel and his mum arrived at 6.15pm. We had a quick look at his new property, he has decided to demolished it as it was too dilapidated to restore. Fortunately, for us it has opened up a new view from the front of the barn. Manuel has still to decide what he will do with the land. In the meantime we will enjoy our new view! Kevin decided to cut the long grass, John hadn't been to cut it whilst we were at home so hope he is ok. After cheese and bread for tea we had another early night, once again both shattered.
Sunday 4th June
Kevin continued cutting the grass and did some strimming between 10am and 12 o clock. I finished unpacking and finding places to put everything. Manuel and his mum came down for coffee at 11am, we sat on the patio enjoying catching up with them. Kevin then opened the pool and put Elsie to work, the pool was quite dirty but at least it wasn't green! Nev and Barbara arrived at about 1.45pm, we sat in the garden in the shade as it was 27 degrees. We spent a couple of hours catching up, then the clouds suddenly changed and it absolutely poured it down. Barbara helped us get the washing in, we were all soaked. We then had a thunderstorm so that ended the work outside for the day.
Monday 5th June
We both went to Lidl as Nev had told us they have some good chicken kebabs. 0n our return Kevin opened the pool and put Elsie to work again but by10am it had started raining. Kevin went into his shed and started to organise some of the equipment, its a big job! I decided to change our clothes over, I packed away our winter clothes and got the summer clothes out. Another big job. After lunch the sun came out so Kevin continued preparing the path to the pool and putting the scaffold up ready for laying more breeze blocks. Manuel and his mum arrived for coffee which we managed to have outside between the showers. We decided to give him his 40th birthday present as he will be in Bordeaux tomorrow on his birthday. He was thrilled. we have bought him a leather holdall for his travelling, a city gent now!
Tuesday 6th June
A work day for both of us. Elsie continued her cleaning job, the pool is looking much cleaner now, another couple of days and it should be ready to use. Kevin re-laid the tiles he wasn't happy with and started digging out ready to lay some more. He also put a layer of breeze blocks on the abri wall. I cleaned the spare bedrooms and bathroom as we may have some of Manuel's friends staying on Saturday night. He is having a party to celebrate his 4oth, it may be in our garden if the weather if fine. if not it will be in Danielle's garage. Danielle came across for a glass of water during the afternoon, so good to see her again. Kevin finished the day by going to Brico Marche for more tiles, unfortunately they only had four left in stock so he bought them all. A beautiful sunny day 28 degrees.
Wednesday 7th June
We both sorted the pool area and put Elsie to work. Kevin laid three of the four tiles he bought yesterday and also another layer of breeze blocks. I cleaned all the windows inside and out and then spent the rest of the day weeding the garden. We sat in the garden and enjoyed our pre dinner drinks. Another beautiful day 27 degrees and sunny.
Another busy day for both. I started by changing our bed and cleaning the bedroom, then finished weeding the garden. Kevin laid the final tile, dug a trench for the pool shower pipe and put it in place and then laid some more breeze blocks on the abri wall. I back filled the trench so another job almost complete. After a late lunch and showers we nipped to Phil and Lesley's to deliver the twelve tins of baked beans and some salad cream. We enjoyed a couple of hours sitting in their new outside kitchen and lounge area chatting and looking at their fantastic view. Another beautiful day 28 degrees and sunny
Friday 9th June
It was dull and looked like rain when we got up. I went to Le Clerc for the weekly shop. Whilst I was gone Kevin cut some stone end pieces for the abri wall. David and Danielle came for coffee which we just managed to finish before the heavens opened. At 1.45pm we went across to Danielle's so Kevin could help Manuel unload the tables and marquees for tomorrow night from Marie Laure's van. Manuel has decided to store them over night in Danielle's garage in the hope the weather improves tomorrow. I then made four dozen cupcakes and decorated them for the party. Kevin decided to go to Brico Marche for the wood for the abri roof. whilst he was gone Manuel and his friend Cindy arrived with drinks and put them to chill in our fridge, so a busy day. Fingers crossed the sun shines for Manuel tomorrow.
Saturday 10th June
What a superb day. We spent most of the day helping Manu and his friend Cindy and her family setting up our garden for the party. By 6pm all was looking good. The caterers arrived and the singers and by 7pm we had all changed into our glad rags ready to party the night away. Manu had invited thirty six friends and family, we were the only English. Everyone made us very welcome and put up with our very poor French. We had a superb meal provided by the Chabrot restaurant in Riberac. Manu had organised us into teams and had prepared a quiz - our team were last- not surprising with Kevin and I on the team, definitely a disadvantage to the team! We finished eating after midnight. The two singers were excellent. At about 2am the 'younger' members of the party went across to Danielle's garage where we had set up a disco hall. We went over but only stayed about ten minutes, old age is catching up with us and we retired to bed. The party continued until 3am. Nicholas, Manu's best friend from school stayed the night with us. A very special evening for a very special person.
Sunday 11th June
Definitely the morning after the night before. We got up at 8am and wandered downstairs. The garden looked like a bomb had hit it. We started clearing up, washing first all the glasses. Manu's mum arrived at 9.45am and helped us finish the washing up. Manu arrived at 10am after saying good bye to friends who had stayed with him over night. We all then spent the rest of the morning clearing up. Myriam and Freddie came for a quick cold drink before they left. Manu's mum kindly invited us for lunch - confit du canard, green beans and potatoes, cheese, and left over dessert form the party. We arrived back at the barn about 4pm and did a final clear up. Both shattered but in a good way so an early night tonight is needed.
Monday 12th June
A quiet day after the hectic weekend. We both opened the pool, cleaned the filters and put Elsie to work. I cleaned the downstairs and did the ironing whilst Kevin laid another large edging stone on the abri wall. It started to rain after lunch so that stopped the outside work for the afternoon. We nipped to Brico Marche and ordered the extra tiles we needed and called in Intermarche for some bits of food. We then decided to nip and see Nev and Barbara. We had a cup of tea whilst discussing the difference between the British and French tax systems.
Tuesday 13th June
We woke up to rain which continued most of the morning then cleared to give a beautiful afternoon. Kevin worked under the marquee cutting the wood for the abri roof. During the afternoon he fixed another large stone on the abri wall. Its almost complete now. I had a lazy pottering day.
As early start. By 9.30am I had given the lounge wall three coats of paint to hide the holes from the television. Kevin had almost fitted the wine rack back to the wall in the dining room. After quick showers we went to Joan and Andy's for coffee and a look at their new decking round their pool. They have worked really hard and have almost finished the decking and the gabions. Its going to look superb when it is all complete. After a quick lunch at 2pm I took Danielle to a craft fayre in Verteillac. There was only about twenty stalls of home made crafts but we enjoyed a wander round and Danielle treated herself to a new green belt. Whilst we were gone Kevin cut the front grass and then continues with his abri woodwork.
Monday 19th June
A busy day for both. I vacuumed the barn to get rid of all the flies which keep taking up residence, it doesn't help having the doors open all the time. I then filled the wine rack with 60 bottles of wine! and reorganised the cupboards in the utility room. Kevin continued his work on the abri. I spent the afternoon weeding the garden and cutting back the trees which have grown back. At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's for apero and played a couple of games of yams with her.
Tuesday 20th June
A dull start to the day. Kevin continued his woodworking but was rained off by 10am. I decided to make another dessert to put into the freezer for when Andrew and Kath are with us. At 11.15am Neil and Dee arrived for coffee, they are over from the UK for two weeks. It was pouring down when they arrived. It was lovely to see them and catch up. At about 12 o clock John arrived to see if we needed our grass cutting, fortunately, for him, Kevin had done it as it was still pouring down. John stayed and had a coffee with us all. After a late lunch we went to Le Clerc's and Aldi. At 4pm Kevin nipped to Danielle's to put her summer pool cover in place and also her pool steps. Since it had stopped raining he decided to go back to his woodworking for a couple of hours.
Wednesday 21st June
A mixed day weather wise, one minute raining and the next sunshine. I spent most of the day preparing for our cheese and wine evening with David, Sue and Martin. Kevin managed to stain the wood he had prepared under the marquee. Our guests arrived at 6.30pm. We managed to have a drink in the garden before going into the barn for the cheese and wine. We had a lovely evening chatting together.
Thursday 22nd June
We had a thunderstorm during the night and it was still raining when we got up. We decide to visit the doctors again as my upset stomach hadn't improved and its five weeks now since it began. We saw a different Doctor as the previous Doctor was not at work today. The doctor made a referral to a specialist in Perigueux. I had an appointment sent through before we got back to the barn for tomorrow afternoon, I just can't believe how quick everything is in France. Once back at the barn I did the ironing and then made a quiche to freeze ready for when Andrew and Kath are here. The weather improved and Kevin went outside and painted some more wood and did a bit of levelling in the back garden.
Friday 23rd June
A busy working morning for both. I made a cheesecake to freeze ready for Andrew and Kath whilst Kevin finished cutting the wood for the abri. At 1.10pm we set of to find the gastro specialist in Perigueux. Fortunately, we allowed plenty of time as the address on the letter I was given turned out not to be the place we needed to be! I looked at my email message and saw the address was a ten minute drive away. Fortunately, we found the place with ten minutes to spare. I went in to see the specialist straight away. He read my details and asked me about my symptoms. He decided to give me two different tablets, gave me a diet sheet to follow for three days and also told me go and buy some clay! from the Biocop shop in Riberac. I asked him what to do if this medication didn't work, his reply was it will! He thinks its irritable bowel syndrome. On the way back we called at Brico Depot for Kevin to buy some more wood stain. We called at the pharmacy and then Biocop for the clay! I mixed some clay with water and left it in the fridge over night as per instructions.
Saturday 24th June
A busy day for the A team. We worked together changing our bed and then cleaning. Kevin then strimmed round the pool whilst I weeded round the out building. At 11.30am Manuel and Yannick arrived for coffee. Yannick was visiting to pick up some bits and pieces from Manuel's for his new home. It was lovely to see him again after four years. Before lunch we both cleaned up the grass around the pool. I did some more weeding and Kevin painted the final three pieces of wood he had prepared. At 4.30pm we nipped up to Manuel's for Kevin to look at his gate, it has dropped so in no longer closing properly. Kevin tried to adjust the fitting but was unable to raise the gate. He is going to trim some of the gate tomorrow so hopefully the gate will soon be working again. We had a glass of water with him chatting with his friend Cindy who had arrived to strim Manuel's garden! I then decided to have a swim and clean the water line from inside the pool. So good to be back in my happy place at long last. After dinner I did a pile of ironing whilst Kevin put one of the new sun loungers together. Both shattered but a good days work.
Sunday 25th June
Another busy day. I cleaned the windows inside and out. Kevin strimmed and then cut the grass in the front garden. We nipped up to Manuel's for a quick coffee, whilst we were there Kevin managed to cut a bit off the bottom of his automatic gate and fortunately it now shuts. Before lunch I washed and vacuumed the car. Kevin move all his prepared wood from in front of the barn to in front of the abri ready for working with Andrew! After lunch I weeded the front garden and then gave the 'Outram bell' a clean, can't have 'the Outram's' arriving to a dirty bell! Before dinner I had a swim and we both enjoyed a pre dinner drink sat in the garden.
Monday 26th June
Kevin started the day by putting the second sun lounger together, I cleaned the downstairs. At 10.45am we nipped across to David's for coffee. He has some ex colleagues visiting. Two of them are going back home on Wednesday on the return flight Andy and Kath arrive on. We arranged to take them to Perigueux, it will save David leaving his other guest to go to the airport and since we are going it made sense. After lunch we both cleaned the downstairs floor, Kevin vacuumed whilst I mopped with the Karcher. We are just about ready for Andrew and Kath. Kevin finished our preparation by cutting the grass in the back garden.
Tuesday 27th June
We went to Le Clerc's early for our big shop. On our way back David sent me a message saying the farmers barn behind his house was on fire. As we drove up the hill towards La Pautardie we could see the black smoke in the sky. Once back at the barn we put the food away and then made a coffee and watched the happenings across the valley. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and the farmer managed to rescue his combined harvested and other equipment. Three fire engines and 14 firemen attended the blaze. David and his guests were stranded at his house and not allowed to leave until the fire had been put out. Lisa arrived at 2pm and cut our hair, Danielle came across and Lisa also cut her hair. We spent the rest of the day making final preparations for Andrew and Kath's arrival.
Wednesday 28th June
We got up at 6am and David arrived with two of his guests at 7am. We were taking them to the airport with us as they were catching the return flight that Andrew and Kath were arriving on back to East Midland's airport. We arrived at the airport at 8am exactly two hours before the flight. We had a coffee and croissant together and then Anne-Marie and Lyndsey left to catch their flight. Unfortunately, the in coming flight, with Andrew and Kath, was forty minutes late. On our way back to the barn we called at Grand Frais in Periqueux to buy kebabs to BBQ for our evening meal. What a disappointment, they had changed since last year and are now half the size and not as much choice of flavours. We arrived back at the barn at 11.40am, had a coffee sat in the garden before Andrew and Kath unpacked. After a light lunch we all sat and relaxed around the pool. Andrew, Kath and I all had a swim but since the pool temperature was only 26.5 degrees Kevin decided it was still too cold for him to venture in! We had the kebabs for our evening BBQ, still a disappointment, we will not be going to Grand Frais especially for their kebabs again. We enjoyed the evening sunset and then had an early night. Andrew and Kath had been up since 2.30am.
Thursday 29th June
A working day for all. The boys started putting the prepared wood in place to support the abri roof. Kath and I nipped to Aldi for bread and lettuce. After coffee Kath cut down the branches of the dead tree in the back garden. I helped her by putting the branches in the trailer. By lunch time the tree had been cut back, a brilliant job by Kath. The boys continued working until 3pm and then relaxed by the pool. We had BBQ again for dinner. This time Kevin prepared pork steaks with apricots, a lovely meal and much better then last nights. We sat and watched the sunset before having an early night 10pm, as everyone was tired.
Friday 30th June
We decided to go to Brantome to the Friday market. Another first today, Kevin pushed me around in a wheelchair as my hip is now making it too difficult for me to walk very far. The market was a little disappointing as there didn't seem to be as many stalls as usual, perhaps its still a little early in the season. We had coffee sat by the side of the river and then booked a table for lunch at another restaurant overlooking the river for 1pm. We wandered around Brantome and arrived early at the restaurant. Again another disappointment, the menu was very restrictive and when we asked for something it wasn't available, so we decided to leave. We made our way back to the barn and had pate, cheese and bread for lunch. The boys worked on the abri roof during the afternoon whilst Kath and I did some pottering jobs. It was a bit cool for swimming today. We decided to go to the pizza restaurant for our evening meal, we all really enjoyed our pizzas.
Saturday 1st July
We woke up to pouring rain. After breakfast, Kevin and Andrew decide to take the tree branches to the dechetterie and then went to Brico Marche to collect the remaining tiles Kevin had ordered. After coffee Kath and I went food shopping. The boys managed to make steady progress on the abri roof between the rain showers. After lunch Kath and I prepared the evening meal, we had invited Manuel and Danielle to join us. We had picked some figs from Manuel's trees during the morning so Kath stuffed them with blue cheese and wrapped them in Palma ham. I prepared the main course, chicken in a mustard and mushroom sauce, new potatoes and green beans. We had a choice for dessert, chocolate cheesecake, frozen orange parfait or passion fruit meringue frozen dessert. Manuel decided to try all three! We then played Mexican Train, Manuel was determined to beat Kath. In the end I won!
Sunday 2nd July
After a leisurely breakfast sat in the garden we went to Vertiallac to the monthly brocante. Kevin managed to push me around the cobbled streets. It always amazes me how much rubbish people have and who buys it! The weather was a bit better today although windy at times. We all had a quiet afternoon.
Monday 3rd July
A work day for the boys. They continued fixing the wood for the roof of the abri. Kath and I did some cleaning and washing. At 2pm we went to the radiology department in Riberac and I had both my wrist x-rayed. Once again the results were available in 20 minutes. The x-ray confirmed I have arthritis in both my wrists. I am just dropping to pieces! Kevin and Andrew decided to go to Le Roy Merlin's in Perigueux at 4pm for wood for the next section of the abri roof. They were back in two hour so a good trip. Kath and I had a swim whilst they were gone and prepared the evening meal. Andrew cooked pork steaks on the BBQ for dinner along with sauteed potatoes, it was delicious. We then all sat outside watching the sunset.
Tuesday 4th July
The boys worked on the abri roof whilst Kath and I went food shopping to Lidl and Intermarche. We managed to buy nine bottles of the red wine Andrew and Kath like, Intermarche's entire stock! At 5pm we left to find a local beer brewing company, as usual it wasn't where the address indicated. We eventually found it, a young couple had moved back to the area from Paris and set up a gite business and a beer brewing business. The owner gave us a short explanation of how he makes his beer and then of course we got to taste it. The boys bought 12 bottles each. We then went to La Douane for our evening meal. We have been recommended it by several friends so it was our turn to try it, we all enjoyed our meal. The boys had steak, Kath had fish and I had duck.
Wednesday 5th July
The boys worked all day on the abri roof, between the rain showers. Kath and I went shopping in Riberac. At 3pm Kevin and I went to the Doctors again, they know my name now! This time she examined my neck, organised another scan and gave me some anti inflammatory tablets to take for ten days. She also gave me an ordonnance for some physio on my neck and back. Kevin made some chicken kebabs for our evening meal which we enjoyed sat outside in the evening sunshine. We played Mexican train and this time Kath won.
Thursday 6th July
Another work day for the boys. They are making good progress on the abri roof. David, Nev and Barbara called for coffee at 11am, we all spend an hour chatting in the sunshine. Kath and I did pottering jobs and then spent the afternoon relaxing round the pool. At 5pm Monsieur Beau arrived with his combined harvester to cut the wheat. We quickly covered the pool. A good job we were going out for our evening meal. We went to the pizzeria in Riberac, it was their tenth anniversary of opening. Danielle and Manuel joined us. A bit of a disaster as far as the meals was concerned. We had pre ordered our meal. We ordered a sharing platter for one as a starter. It eventually arrived at 8.30pm and was a massive platter for at least twelve people! At the same time they brought Andrew's, Kath's, Kevin's and my main course, Manuel's and Danielle's arrived about half an hour later! The jazz band were very good and Danielle enjoyed a dance with her ex neighbour. In the end Manuel negotiated our bill and we paid 62 euros a couple which included drinks so in the end a good night.
Friday 7th July
As usual Friday is market day in Riberac followed by a coffee and croissant day at the Collones. We left the barn about 9.30am. We managed to park in the market car park. Kevin wheeled me around the market. We bought some meat from Franklin's farm and also some strawberries for Danielle before enjoying a coffee and croissant at the Collones. The market was heaving and lots of new stalls so we really enjoyed it. After a lazy afternoon round the pool we went across to Danielle's for dinner. She had made a traditional Portuguese fish dish with potatoes and then strawberry pavlova for dessert. We played Mexican train and Kath won, a perfect evening.
Saturday 8th July
The Tour de France was passing through Riberac at about 2pm today. Kevin, Andrew and Kath left home armed with folding chairs, a picnic and water at 10.30am. They managed to find a parking spot near to the Periqueux road and a perfect spot in the shade. They sat and waited for the caravan to arrive, they managed to get lots of goodies as the floats went passed them. At just after two o clock the Tour arrived. They had a fabulous time, I decided to stay at the barn as it was hot and I am struggling to walk. I did some cleaning and ironing and then watched the Tour on television. I enjoyed seeing all the local areas as the Tour passed through. We had a lazy afternoon, Kevin decided to have his first swim of the year since the pool was 29.5 degrees. Kevin cooked some of the Franklins pork sausages and burgers on the BBQ. We sat and watched the sun go down. A perfect evening.
Sunday 9th July
Andrew and Kath's last day. The time has gone so quickly. The boys spent the morning working on the abri roof. Kath and I did some cleaning and then Kath packed. After lunch we relaxed round the pool and all enjoyed a swim. The water in now 29.5 degrees so really warm to swim in. Andrew cooked our final BBQ, pork steaks. We then sat outside and watched the sun set.
Monday 10th July
We set off for Bergerac at 10 am arriving in the town centre just after eleven. Kevin pushed me around, not an easy task on the cobbled and hilly streets. We had a wander around the old town and then found a lovely restaurant for lunch. We all had a three course meal. We then wandered back to the car park and took Andrew and Kath to the airport. At 3.45pm we said our sad goodbyes and made our way back to the barn. We called at Le Clercs for food and then dropped the wheelchair off. They only charged us 32 euros for 14 days. Once back at the barn I did the ironing and Kevin sorted the new internet box, ready for installation next Wednesday. Its very quiet now at the barn without Andrew and Kath, we will really miss them.
Tuesday 11th July
A busy day for the A team. We were up by 8am and working by 8,30am. Kevin strimmed and then cut the grass before coffee, whilst I cleaned and remade the guest bedrooms ready for Angela, Rob and the twins who arrive on the 22nd July for three nights. After coffee we both brushed the grass up from around the pool. The men arrived to empty the septic tank at 11.30am, hopefully, we will no longer have any nasty smells now! After lunch Kevin vacuumed downstairs whilst I cleaned. Kevin then went to Brico Marche for more concrete building blocks ready to complete the abri walls. Whilst he was gone I finished cleaning and prepared dinner. After showers we sat outside and enjoyed a well deserved drink.
Wednesday 12th July
I was at the laboratoire in Riberac by 7.40am for another blood test. Its seems to be normal practice to have a blood test before an x-ray. I was back at the barn by 8am. Straight in and the results were sent through by 11am, very efficient. I then made some scones and a quiche. Joan and Andy arrived for coffee at 11am, it was raining so we had coffee and scones inside. It was lovely to see them and catch up on their news. After lunch I made two desserts to put in the freezer, the famous white chocolate cheesecake and a passion fruit frozen parfait, all ready for our next guests. In between the showers Kevin managed to built up the left side wall of the abri. He worked in the rain during the afternoon. I finished my day by putting the pictures on the blog.
Thursday 13th July
A busy day for both. Kevin started putting stones on the abri walls, a slow and time consuming job but steady progress made today. I started by making another dessert to put in the freezer. I then cleaned the downstairs windows inside and out. At 10.30 Kevin decided to fetch some gravel to put between the flags and the back house wall. After coffee Kevin emptied the gravel into the wheelbarrow and tipped the stones in the gap between the house and flags. I arranged the gravel in place. By lunchtime we had filled the gaps. I then decided to finish pointing the flags so another job ticked off the to do list. At 7pm we went across to Nev and Barbara's for dinner, their garden is looking stunning at the moment with lots of flowers in full bloom. We sat outside in their new seating area by their pool and enjoyed our meal and chatting together. It was midnight when I drove us home. A perfect end to the day.
Friday 14th July
Bastille Day. Kevin continued fixing stones to the abri wall whilst I washed and vacuumed the car. At 12.15pm we went across to Robert and Caro's for our Bastille Day celebrations. David arrived dressed as a French man with his beret and red scarf. Robert and Caro had prepared a lovely meal, stuffed tomatoes, fresh salmon with new potatoes and salads and then fruit flan for dessert. It was after 5pm when we got back to the barn. A perfect way to spend Bastille Day. Manuel, Myriam and Fredy arrived at 6pm, we enjoyed cold drinks chatting inside as it was 32 degrees outside. Manuel is staying the night with us as the three of them are going to the Bastille Celebration and fireworks in Riberac tonight. We decided to stay at home as the heat was just too much for me.
Well, it was a good job we didn't go to see the fireworks last night. The heavens opened at about 10.30pm so spoilt the display and we would have got wet through. Manuel arrived back here at about 12.20am, we didn't here him come in. Kevin fetched croissant for breakfast so a lazy start to the day. We pottered about in the morning, Kevin continued putting stones in place on the abri wall. Manuel, Kevin, Danielle and I went to Myriam's house for lunch with her and Fredy at 12.30pm. We had a fabulous afternoon, so good to have everybody together in Pautardie again. We returned to the barn just in time to watch the ladies singles final so a good end to a perfect day.
Sunday 16th July
Kevin started sorting out the electrics for the abri whilst changed the beds and cleaned upstairs. At 11.45am we picked David up and we then went to the Watermill near Epiluche, the new project and eventually home of Sue and martin. We had all taken food for a picnic so after 'the grand tour' of the mill we sat outside until 4pm enjoying a picnic lunch in the mill garden. The mill is fabulous and will be stunning once finished. Its a big project but Sue and Martin have contractors doing the major works. Look forward to seeing it when finished. We arrived back in time to see the end of the second set and to the finish of the men's Wimbledon final. So another perfect day.
Monday 17th July
Well, our run of good days had to come to an end sometime! We started the day by collecting our new rotary drier from an Amazon drop off point at St Paul Lizone - a working garage, fairly straight forward once we had found the garage and asked Madame for our goods. We then went to the Doctors in Riberac for an appointment, I needed a repeat prescription which she kindly gave me. She also told us to come back ;later after my neck scan. We nipped back to the barn and did some jobs before leaving for Perigueux. Kevin needed some things from Brico marche so we decided to kill two birds with one stone. We had plenty of spare time so we went shopping in and bought a chair for Kevin to sit at when using the computer. We then made our way to the private hospital at Frencheville. I was called in straight away so looking good. Once in the waiting room one of the staff told me that in order to find out what the problem with my neck is I need to have an MRI scan and not the normal scan I had been booked in for. A member of staff took us down to the MRI scan area and organised an appointment but not until 1st September. So a frustrating and wasted day especially for Kevin as no work was done on the abri. We returned to the barn and Kevin went to Peyrou to get sand and cement, he then made a mix of concrete and started fixing stones to the abri wall at 5.30pm, so not an entirely wasted day.
Tuesday 18th July
A work day. Kevin worked on the abri all day. I made started the day by making some cheese and blueberry scones for coffee. We had invited Robert, Caro, David and Caro's friend Hilly for coffee so I served them fresh scones. I also made a quiche which I froze ready for when Angela, Rob and the twins arrive at the weekend. At 4pm we nipped to the post office in Vertiallac to post two letters to the UK. A hot day 33 degrees at 3pm.
Wednesday 19th July
Another work day. Kevin put more stones in place on the abri wall and also painted a couple of the perlins he had cut. I cleaned the outside windows again as the rain had made a mess of them. The technician from Orange arrived to fit the fibre cables at 8.30am. All went according to plan and we now have fibre internet and phone. Hopefully, we are now in the 21st century! At about 10.30am the swifts decided to invade the pool and spent about half an hour diving for water. I then weeded the garden before lunch. After lunch I cleaned the utility room and downstairs toilet. At 5pm we both decided to have a swim.
Thursday 20th July
A busy day for both. I cleaned the downstairs ready for our visitors on Saturday. Kevin continued with his stone project and cut some more purlins ready to go on the roof of the abri. Another warm day 25 degrees, but good for working in.
Friday 21st July
We started the day by going to Le Clerc's for the weekend shopping. On our way back we picked up a wheelchair for me to use over the weekend with the family. after unpacking the car and a coffee sat in the sunshine Kevin mixed some concrete and laid some more stones on the abri wall. I cleaned our bedroom and then did the ironing. Kevin cut some more wood for purlins and he finished the day by cutting the grass. I did some brushing up of the grass. Think we are just about ready for Angela, Rob and the boys to arrive. We decide to go out for dinner so I booked Le Saint Victor for 7pm.
Saturday 22nd July
We had a lovely meal at the Saint Victor last night, as usual I had duck and Kevin had veal.
We spent the morning preparing for the arrival of the family. I was so excited to see them all. They arrived at about 2.40pm after sat nav had tried to take them down the chemin road! We had a relaxing afternoon sat under the gazebo with gin and tonics. The boys played on the grass. Angela and Rob took the boys for a walk down the hill to settle them a bit. They then unpacked the car and settled in. The boys had baths and were in bed by 7pm. We had a glass of champagne and then Kevin cooked pork on the BBQ and we had the famous white chocolate cheesecake for dessert. We sat chatting watching the sunset. We were all in bed by 10pm.
Sunday 23rd July
Angela and Rob had had a long night, the boys woke up at 1.30am and then every hour until 6.30pm when eventually they all got up and the boys had their breakfast. We got up at 7am and Kevin fetched the adults croissants and pain au chocolate for breakfast. After the boys had had a sleep we went to La Jamaye. Kevin walked round the lake with Angela, Rob and the boys. They deposited me next to the lake in the wheelchair and whilst they were gone I did my French. We had a picnic at La Jamaye before going to Aubetterre for the rest of the afternoon. We had a wander around, Angela, Rob and the boys walked up to the top to see the view, whilst Kevin and I window shopped, as usual most shops were closed. We had a drink in the bar before going back to the barn. The boys then had their first swim, they stayed in for about half an hour, with Angela and Rob dunking the boys, Angela had been taught how to do it 'safely' at the local pool. Both I and Rob were not too sure but the boys survived the dunking. After the boys had gone to bed we had another BBQ, this time chicken and again sat chatting whilst watching the sunset. A lovely day, we were all in bed by 9.45pm, shattered.
Once again Angela and Rob had a disturbed night. It was a dull start to the day. After breakfast we went to Brantome, we had a wander round and gave the boys their lunch in the park at the side of the river. We wandered back to the car and found a picnic bench for our picnic lunch. We had just set up when it started to pour down. We abandoned the picnic and rushed back to the cars. Remy, by this time had got himself upset. Angela and Rob drove the boys round Riberac for about an hour, eventually, the boys managed to have a short sleep. Once back at the barn the weather improved and we had drinks sat outside. However, it soon turned cooler and the wind got up so we decided not to swim. Kevin and Rob nipped to Le Clerc's for some wine for Rob and Angela to take home. Whilst they were gone I made a shepherd's pie for the boys and I then gave it to them. Leo was eager to eat it whilst Remy was a little more cautious. The boys had a play on the grass and then had baths and were ready for bed at 7pm. Kevin cooked burgers and sausages from Franklin's farm for our dinner. We decided to eat inside as it had got very windy. Once again we were all in bed by 10pm, another lovely day with the family.
I can't believe the three days have come to an end already, the time just seems to have flown by. The boys had another unsettled night. Kevin fetched croissants for breakfast whilst Angela and Rob packed the car. After the boys had had a short sleep they were on the road just after 10am. They have a long journey to Le Mans for their over night stop. The barn was very quiet when they left. It has been so lovely to have them all to stay and to spend time getting the know the boys better. I will miss them all. We spent the rest of the day washing, cleaning and getting everything back to 'normal'. Kevin took the wheel chair back whilst I did the ironing. Think it will be an early night for us tonight as once again shattered. A fabulous few days.
Wednesday 26th July
Well it was back to work today. Kevin continued laying stones on the abri wall. I cleaned the guest bedrooms and bathroom, went to Aldi for bits and bobs and then made a banana cake with the left over bananas. Lisa came at 2pm to cut our hair. It started to rain so Kevin decided to go to Brico Marche for more wood for the abri rafters before deciding to call it a day.
Another work day, Kevin continued his wall filling and also prepared some more of the rafters. Sue popped over and she and I sat having coffee from 11am until 1.30pm so a lazy day for me! We both had a swim before our evening meal. 30 degrees and sunny today.
Friday 28th July
It was pouring down when we woke up so we decided to do the food shop and fill the car with petrol. By the time we got back to the barn it had stopped. After coffee Kevin continued with his stone wall and also cutting and painting some more of the purlins. I did pottering jobs in the afternoon.
Saturday 29th July
A dull start to the day. We nipped to Le Clercs for some strawberries and raspberries to decorate the cheesecake I had made for Joan and Andy's pool opening party tonight. Kevin worked outside until 4pm when the heavens opened. I cleaned the kitchen cupboards and decorated the cheesecake. At 6.10pm we left for Joan and Andy's. We were really lucky with the weather, the rain had stopped and it was a lovely evening. We had a BBQ round their new pool area and then everybody had brought ten quiz questions, a bit of a laugh as nobody really took it seriously but good fun. We left around midnight after a really lovely evening.
Sunday 30th July
A late start. We didn't get up until about 8.30am. After a leisurely breakfast Kevin opened the pool. He realised the pool pump wasn't working so he investigated the electrics etc but unfortunately it remained dead. Something else to resolve. Hopefully, before Wednesday when Avril and Phillip arrive. Kevin then spent the rest of the day fixing the framework and waterproofing the left hand side of the abri wall above the pool house ready for tiling. He had made good progress by the end of the day. I finished cleaning the kitchen and utility room cupboards and did a pile of ironing. I then decided to give the wooden grues, the garden ornament that Mark and Jen gave us for the barn opening, a coat of terabathine, they look much better now. I completed the day by weeding the garden and deadheading the roses. A beautiful sunny day, shame I couldn't have a swim. After dinner we wrote an email to Desjoyaux asking for help with the pool pump. Fingers crossed for a quick response.
A work day for both. We started the day cleaning. Kevin vacuumed downstairs whilst I cleaned and vacuumed our bedroom and then polished downstairs. Kevin then worked on the abri, He put up the tile laths on the left side ready for tiling and then cut some more purlins and painted them. I did the ironing and then some weeding in the garden. Desjoyaux were shut today, its Monday of course! Kevin finished the day by cutting the grass.
Tuesday 1st August
We had an email just after 9am from Desjoyaux telling us their technician would be with us late morning, we were very impressed to get such a quick response to our email. I went to Le Clerc's for the food for when Avril and Phillip are with us. Kevin worked on the abri, finishing the tile laths and putting up the purlins, after lunch he put some more stones in place. The technician arrived at 11.30am, he replaced the capacitor to the pump and it started to work. We paid him 150 euros and he was gone in 15 minutes. We were really pleased until Kevin went back outside and the pump had stopped working again! Kevin checked everything and we contacted Desjoyaux. Unfortunately, they were closed for lunch 12 till 2pm! Nothing is ever straight forward in France. At 2pm we spoke to Desjoyaux and they said the technician might come back during the afternoon but most probably tomorrow morning. Since he didn't arrive we are expecting him in the morning, fingers crossed. I spent some time cutting back brambles which had come through from madame's garden then Kevin raked up the fallen plums and I picked them up, what a sticky mess. We then filled two large bowls with plums from the tree. Its certainly a good year for plums. I took one bowl across the Danielle.
Wednesday 2nd August
The Desjoyaux technician was with us by 9am, he had disturbed an electrical connection when putting in the new capacitator, so by 9.40am the pump was working again, thank goodness. I spent the morning doing the final preparations for the arrival of Avril and Phillip. Kevin did one mix of cement and put another row of stones in place. It started to rain at lunchtime so he decided to call it a day. After lunch Kevin went to fetch me a wheelchair but returned without one, he has to go back at 8.30am tomorrow as none available. Whilst he was gone we had a storm, it blew the pagoda over and it ended up across our fence, the metal struts were bent so that's the end of our pagoda in the shade! At 3pm we set off to pick Avril and Phillip up from Angouleme train station. The train was on time arriving at 4.35pm. We were back at the barn for 6pm. After cups of tea we opened the champagne! The plan was to BBQ but the weather spoilt its self and we ate inside. So lovely to have Avril and Phillip to stay.
Thursday 3rd August
Another dull, rainy and windy day. Fortunately, I had booked us into a tour of a cognac producers. It took us about and hour and a half to get to Chateau Montifaud, in the cognac region. We were booked on the 10.30am tour, a Dutch family joined us. Our tour guide spoke excellent English and we spent the next couple of hours touring the vineyard and learning how Cognac, Pineau and Gin are produced. After a tasting of several of the cognac's pineau and gin we left the Chateau. I had booked us into the Coude a Coude restaurant in the next village. Lesley had recommended it to us. What a superb lunch we all had, amuse bouche, starter, main, dessert, petit fours and coffee all for 17.50 euros each. Since we were so near to the town of Cognac we decided to visit it. We had just parked the car and it started to rain, I decided to stay in the car whilst the others went to have a look round the town. They were back withing 15 minutes as the rain got heavier and not much to see in the town. We made our way back to the barn, arriving back just after 5pm. Since nobody was hungry, we had cheese, and pate for our evening meal. We then played Doddle, a new game Avril and Phillip had bought for us.
Friday 4th August
After a lazy breakfast we wandered around the Friday market in Riberac, it was packed. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the market. I bought new tablecloths to match for both of the tables and managed to buy a dress and Avril bought a top. We had coffee in the Collones before heading back to the barn for lunch. We managed to have lunch sat outside and the plan was to have a lazy afternoon by the pool but once again the weather was too windy and cold to sit outside. Avril and Phillip went for a local walk during the afternoon. We had quiche for dinner and then played Mexican train, Kevin won.
A bit of a brighter day but still windy and cold. After a leisurely breakfast we went to the Church fayre in Bertric Buree. We had a go on the tombola and raffle and Kevin and Phillip challenged each other on the kids games! We had the hog roast for lunch, we sat with David and Peter and Claire. We then had a walk to the church but is closed at the moment as the roof is falling down! We also called in the book barn, Kevin managed to find himself two books, a copy of Larousse Gastronomique and GIMP 2.6 for Photographers, Phillip found a music book so both happy chappies. Once again it was too cold and windy to sit out so we all had a lazy afternoon reading our books. At 6.45pm we left for the St Victor restaurant, we had a lovely evening, we were the first to arrive but eventually the restaurant was full so it was a good job we had booked a table. We all had a three course meal, it was delicious. We arrived back at the barn at about 9.40pm, had a cup of tea and then an early night.
Sunday 6th August
A better day with some sunshine and no rain but still a cold wind when out of the sun. After breakfast we made our way to the Brocante at Vertiallac. It was very busy but we managed to find a parking space without too much trouble. Kevin pushed me around in the wheelchair. We wandered around the top area, had a coffee and then tackled the rest. It was good to see Vertiallac buzzing. We bumped into Sue and Martin who were having a wander before having lunch at the L'Escalier. We were back at the barn just after 1pm. Had lunch and then we all sat outside reading. Avril and Phillip decided to brave the pool, it was only 24 degrees but the wind had died down a bit and it was their last chance for a swim this year. Both Kevin and I decided to give it a miss, nesh! I cooked chicken with mushrooms and mustard sauce for dinner, we decided it was too cold to sit outside and BBQ. After dinner we played Mexican train, Avril was determined to beat Kevin, she lead for most of the games but unfortunately had one game with a big score so I managed to win. Phillip was second and Avril third so she did beat Kevin!
Monday 7th August
Our 17th wedding anniversary and our first spent at the barn. It was lovely to have Avril and Phillip with us in the morning since they were special guests at our wedding. After breakfast we set off to the train station in Angouleme. We arrived just after 11am. Avril and Phillip's train was on time so after saying our tearful good bye's we made our way back to the barn. It was sad to see them go as we should have been going to Paris with them, unfortunately, I just couldn't manage all the walking so we had to cancel. Once back at the barn Kevin worked all afternoon on the abri. I cleaned downstairs and sorted some things ready for taking home at the weekend. I then did the ironing. At 7.10pm we left for our anniversary meal at the Chabrot in Riberac, fortunately, about the only restaurant open in Riberac on a Monday evening. The weather was much better today 25 degrees as 7pm when we left for the Chabrot.
We had a lovely meal at the Chabrot last night, we shared pate for starter, Kevin had veal and as usual I had duck, they bought us an anniversary dessert of chocolate mousse, we had already ordered dessert, I had strawberries millefeuille and Kevin had crème brule. A perfect evening.
A beautiful day, 26 degrees at 5pm. Kevin started the day by taking the wheelchair back, hopefully, for the last time this visit. He then went to Brico Marche for more wood and some terps and linseed oil. I made the spare beds and tidied the spare bedrooms and bathroom whilst he was gone. At 11am Danielle knocked on the door, she brought a jar of plum jam that she had made with our plums so looking forward to trying it. Kevin spent the rest of the day working on the abri. I did pottering jobs, ironing and vacuumed the inside of the car. I had a swim and cleaned the water line before getting dinner ready.
Wednesday 9th August
Another beautiful day 30 degrees at 5pm. Kevin continued working on the abri, he is trying to get the side wall completed before we leave on Saturday. I did pottering jobs and some packing ready for leaving. I had an afternoon swim, the pool temperature had increased to 27 degrees. We then got ready to go to Nev and Barbara's for the evening. Once again we had a lovely evening. The 'gang' spent the evening sat in Nev and Barbara's beautiful garden putting the world to rights as usual! Nev had prepared a vegan chilli and salads, cheese and then three choices of desserts. All washed down with copious amounts of wine. We left about 11.30pm after a fantastic evening together.
We were woken up by a thunderstorm at 6am. Whilst it had stopped by the time we got up, it remained humid and cloudy for most of the day. I cleaned our bedroom whilst Kevin continued working on the abri, he had put almost all the tiles on the short side by the pool house by the end of the day.
At 6.45pm we went across to David's, he had invited Robert and Caro and us for a BBQ. Well what a BBQ! We sat in David's beautiful courtyard and once again put the world to rights. David had made Gazpacho soup served with home made croutons, made in the air fryer, followed by pork ribs, duck sausage and chicken kebabs cooked on the BBQ served with jacket potatoes and homemade coleslaw and other salads. A selection of cheeses was followed by home made key lime pie. What a feast. Once again washed down with copious amounts of wine! We finished off the evening looking for shooting stars, Kevin managed to spot one.
Friday 11th August
Our final day here this time. Its sad to be going home, its earlier than we had planned but I need to see a specialist about my hip. I am deteriorating each day and am having a lot of pain and great difficulty in walking anywhere now. I need to find out what can be done. I have made a private appointment to see a hip specialist at Barlborough hospital next Wednesday. Hopefully, he will have some advice and be able to suggest a way forward. We are hoping we will return to the barn around the 24th August until the end of September, fingers crossed.
Kevin spent the morning cutting the grass and then securing the rafters on the abri. I emptied the fridges and freezer and did the final packing.
At 6.45pm David, Robert and Caro arrived, they had a quick look at the abri developments before we set off for the Le Petit Coutures restaurant. Robert and Caro had invited us as the restaurant was having a special meal for 25 euros with and two English women singers. What an evening! I knew the words to every song, our era! and the food was very good too. We were back at the barn by 10.30pm. A fabulous end to our time at the barn this trip.
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