Sunday 21st April
Well, we eventually started our return journey to the barn today. I am returning as a bionic woman!
It seems a long time since we left the barn last August. So much has happened since then. In August, on our return home, I had various tests, colonoscopy, gastroscopy and various scans to try and find out what was causing the issues with my stomach. Fortunately, apart from a few minor issues everything was clear. First worry over.
I then visited Barlborough Private Hospital for an assessment on my right hip. The specialist at Barlborough agreed I needed a new right hip. After seeing the scan he could see I had bone on bone osteoarthritis which wouldn't improve without the hip replacement. I went into Barlborough Private Hospital on 23rd September for a right hip replacement. After an over night stay I returned home to recuperate. Unfortunately, this meant we couldn't return to the barn in September as originally planned.
Andrew and Carron decided to still have their planned holiday, at the barn but on their own. Kev and Sarah, who were also booked in, decided to cancel their holiday, which upset me, but was unavoidable given the situation.
I progressed well and by November the right hip was almost back to normal. We decided to spend Christmas at the barn. We left home on 7th December and spent a lovely three weeks at the barn. We bought a Christmas tree and trimmed the barn. We visited and entertained friends, visited Christmas markets and had a lovely relaxing time. Phil and Lesley invited us to join them on Christmas Day along with Nev, Barbara, Joan and Andy. We had a fantastic day together. We returned home on 27th December. Andrew and Kath invited us to spend New Year at their caravan in Northumberland, again we had a fantastic time.
I was now finding it difficult to walk with my left knee causing a lot of pain. In January I had an MRI scan of my left knee which showed bone on bone arthritis. My body is just full of osteoarthritis! I returned to see the specialist at Barlborough and he agreed I needed a new left knee. So on 25th February I had a new left knee. Well, what a journey its been, very painful and slow progress. The specialists don't warn you about this! Anyway, almost eight weeks after my operation we decided I could now travel back to the barn.
We decided to take three days to complete the journey allowing me time to have regular stops and walks.
We set off at 7.30am on Sunday 21st April. Once again with a full car. this time with an oak shoe box, four garden chairs, four feather pillows, a roll of fabric for David, the usual food, building equipment and clothes! We arrived at the tunnel at 11am and managed to get on an earlier train. We spent the night just south of Rouen. The Domity hotel (a chain hotel) was also an Old Peoples Home, I fitted in really well!
Monday 22nd April
After a leisurely breakfast we set off for our next over night stay. This time we had booked a Chateau near Poitiers. We decided to not use the tolls roads so had an interesting drive seeing a bit more of the French countryside and small villages along the way. We arrived at the Chateau at about 4pm. After a short rest we went down to the dining room for our evening meal. What a fabulous meal we had.
Tuesday 23rd April
After another leisurely breakfast we set off for the barn. We arrived at 12.30pm. I managed the stairs for the first time! Whilst Kevin vacuumed the flies and cobwebs in our bedroom I polished it. Kevin then vacuumed the rest of the barn before he unpacked the car. Since the sun was shinning we decided to have our lunch sat in the garden. I put things away whilst Kevin emptied the car. Kevin finished the day by cutting the back grass. I managed to get up and down the stairs three times before having an early night with my ice packs! Both shattered but glad to be back at the barn.
Wednesday 24th April
Well, an interesting day. Kevin had started with the sniffles on our journey yesterday. He just thought he was starting with a cold. He still had them when he woke up this morning. We decided that he should test for covid. So we went to the pharmacy in Riberac to buy a testing kit. We were both shocked when it was positive as we were convinced he had just a cold. He has no other symptoms of covid. So its a few days of isolating for us! Fortunately, we managed to do some shopping before he tested positive. Myriam had invited us for apero tonight and David has invited us for dinner tomorrow night, both of which we cancelled and are now home alone! Kevin spent the rest of the afternoon cutting the grass and strimming whilst I continued to put things away.
Thursday 25th April
Kevin had a good nights sleep and doesn't feel any worse today. I have the sniffles so assume I now have covid!
Kevin spent the day cutting back the trees at the front of the house. I made a cheesecake and froze it ready for our visitors later in our stay.
Friday 26th April
We both went to the dechetterie early with the trailer load of tree cuttings. Fortunately, there was nobody around.
Once back at the barn Kevin continued cutting back the trees in the front garden. I started weeding the front borders. Its going to take me some time as so difficult to bend down far enough to weed!
Kevin not feeling too bad today, I continue with sniffles.
Saturday 27th April
Kevin spend the day clearing weeds in the back garden. He is trying to sort out where the new shed is going to be put. I don't want it in the dining room anymore!
I made a chilli for dinner and spend time sorting the barn.
By lunchtime I was beginning to feel worse so I did a covid test. Not really a surprise, I tested positive. So the isolation continues.
Sunday 28th April
Kevin felt dizzy when he woke up and decided to go back to bed after breakfast. He slept most of the morning. When he woke up he felt a bit better.
I am full of cold/flu symptoms, runny nose, cough, headache and aching so paracetemol and lemsip and an early night for me.
Monday 29th April
Kevin felt much better when he woke up. He took another load of trees to the dechetterie and was back before 10am. Again, he didn't see many people. He spent the rest of the day clearing the side back garden, removing the log store and preparing an area for the new shed.
I stayed in bed until he got back feeling sorry for myself!
Tuesday 30th April
Another covid day! Kevin managed to prepare a concrete base for the new shed. A big job on his own, sorting the sand, cement and then spreading the concrete but he managed to get it done by 2pm. We had a late lunch and then did some inside jobs.
A rainy covid day! Kevin started clearing more weeds and tried to make some space along Madame's side wall, unfortunately, he was soon rained off. I decide since, I felt a little better, to clean the back guest bedroom. Kevin vacuumed it for me after coffee. At least one room is now guest ready. However, I think I did too much as by lunchtime I felt shocking again and by 2pm I was back in bed! This covid is certainly not going away without making its mark.
Thursday 2nd May
After a sleepless night, coughing and feeling rough I woke up at 7.45am feeling slightly better. Kevin did a covid test but still has a very feint positive line. He decided he would do a food shop with a mask so set off early for Le Clercs with the weekly shopping list. Whilst he was gone I tidied the barn.
During the afternoon Kevin continued his project of clearing the weeds and made a start on the clearing the abri. He finished the day by cutting the grass.
Friday 3rd May
Manuel popped down for a garden coffee sat 2 metres apart! It was lovely to see him but sad not to be able to have a cuddle. Hopefully, soon. After coffee Manuel and I decided to walk to the end of the road, suitably socially distanced. It was good to walk and talk to him and catch up on his news. The furthest I have walked so far. I knew I had done it after but at least making some progress.
Kevin continued preparing the abri for the concrete base. yet another hard and difficult job for him.
Saturday 4th May
It rained all day. I still feel full of cold and Kevin still had a bit of a cough.
Its Danielle's birthday today and she had invited us to join her and her daughter Virginie for apero tonight. Since we are both still not negative we had to sadly decline.
We both worked in the front spared bedroom and cleared the items stored under the bed and also the cobwebs! I cleaned the room and Kevin finished by vacuuming it. So another bedroom guest ready. I spent part of the afternoon rearranging the clothes in our bedroom. Kevin decided to start to put together the shed roof in the lounge! Not sure how he is going to eventually get it through the doors!
Sunday 5th May
A better day weather wise. Kevin spent the day preparing a section of the abri ready for concreting.
I prepared Sunday dinner, roast chicken and then decided to walk to the end of the road. It took me over half an hour and I was shattered when I got back but at least I did it.
After coffee I made a chocolate cheesecake and put it in the freezer ready for when our guests arrive.
We started the day doing covid tests. Fortunately, we both tested negative, so at last we can get out and about and catch up with everyone.
Within the hour we had been sent invites. David invited us to dinner on Saturday night with Robert and Caro. Nev and Barbara invited us to dinner on Sunday night with the 'gang'. So looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
I did my daily walk at 10.15am, I was half way back and saw Myriam walking up the road to meet me. So good to be able to see her and catch up before she goes back home tomorrow.
Daniel arrived home, from visiting her mother with her daughter, at lunchtime. We were both working in the garden. She invited us for apero at 6.30pm.
Kevin worked on the abri floor and I pottered in the garden.
At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's, Myriam had also been invited. We spent a lovely couple of hours chatting in 'Franglais' So good to spend time getting to know Danielle's daughter.
We woke up to rain and it rained all day. Kevin continued putting the shed roof together. Manuel, Myriam and Danielle came across for coffee, so good to have the 'Pautardie gang' together again.
Manuel kindly took us to his friends garden centre at St Foy Le Grande in the afternoon. Danielle came with us. We bought 28 Laurel bushes to put along the inside of the road side fence to eventually give some privacy to the swimming pool. Manu's friend, Nico, is going to deliver then on Sunday 25th May and hopefully help us plant them. He is also going to plant 27 for Manu, so a busy day coming up. A beautiful sunset tonight.
Wednesday 8th May
A beautiful sunny day. Kevin continued preparing the abri floor. A bit of a milestone day for me, I competed my walk without using my crutch, a step in the right direction. After my walk I continued weeding around the outhouse, by the end of the afternoon I had managed to complete it. Its not easy gardening sat on a chair bending over to weed but 'where there is a will there is a way'!
We were both shattered by 5.30pm but a good days work. After quick showers we nipped to Joan and Andy's to see if Andy could possibly help Kevin put the new shed in place. He kindly agreed to help on Friday morning.
Thursday 9th May
Another beautiful sunny day. I did my morning walk, again without my crutch. Kevin worked on the abri floor, he has almost prepared it for concreting.
Manu invited us for coffee. We had a look at his new swimming pool liner.
After coffee I stared weeding the side front garden, by the end of the afternoon I had almost finished it.
Kevin nipped for some lawn mower petrol and ended the day by cutting the grass. The garden is beginning to look like home now.
Friday 10th May
Kevin was up and out early fetching calcaire from Peyrou before Andy arrived at 10am. I nipped to Aldi for some shopping. So another milestone reached, I drove for the first time with my new knee and since before Christmas. Andy and Kevin had erected the shed by lunchtime although it took Kevin the remainder of the day to finish fixing it to the base and to put the doors on. So no shed in my lounge!
At 7pm we went across to Manu's along with Danielle. He had invited us to join him and his friend Amilie for a cheese and wine evening followed by a game of Mexican train. We sat outside to eat and then at 9pm went inside to play Mexican train. Amelie had never played before but soon got the rules. We returned home after 11pm after a fabulous evening.
Saturday 11th May
After cleaning upstairs we got ready and went to Sue and Martin's mill for coffee, David joined us. Wow, what a difference three months has made. The mill is almost finished and they had spent their first night in their bedroom last night. It was lovely to see them and catch up.
On our return to the barn Tom, our neighbour at home, reported he had a leak in his downstairs shower room After Clive kindly investigated for us it appears to have come from a leaking pipe to our washing machine in the utility room. We seem to have little water in the utility room, it appears to have found its way into Tom's causing quite a lot of damage along the way. Clive turned our water supply off and we now need to get a plumber to sort the problem for us. I spent most of the afternoon contacting our insurance company to try to sort it all out. Hopefully, it can all be resolved for Tom quickly.
After showers we went across the valley to David's for dinner. Robert and Caro had just arrived back from the UK. We had a lovely evening, sat in David's garden until after 11pm, eating delicious food and catching up with each other. Perfect.
Sunday 12th May
Clive telephoned to say he had been back into our house and located the leak to a tiny hole in the washing machine pipe. He managed to pull the washer out and found very little water damage. The water had obviously found a lower level and seeped through into Tom's. Hopefully the insurance will cover Tom's repairs.
Kevin worked in the abri, levelling the floor ready for the concrete base. I did my daily walk, exercises and then jobs around the barn.
We went to Nev and Barbara's for dinner. Phil. Lesley. Joan and Andy were also invited. Unfortunately, the weather has changed so we ate inside. Another prefect evening spent with good friends, eating, drinking and catching up.
Monday 13th May
I started the day by making another dessert for when we have visitors in June, this time an orange parfait. Kevin continued working on the abri and he also finished the second shed base ready for concreting. He nipped to Peyrou for more calcaire which he then used as the final level in the abri.
Manu came down for coffee.
At 4pm we went to St Meard de Drone to our first French class. We have decided we need to improve our French so have joined a class on Monday afternoon's for an hour. We were a little lost to begin with but just about managed to keep up with everyone else. We decided we will continue and see how we get along over the next few weeks. On our way home we called at Le Clerc's for food shopping.
Tuesday 14th May
It had started raining at 8pm last night, it rained all night and was still raining when we got up. Fortunately, after breakfast it started to improve a little and Kevin managed to finish his preparation of the abri floor. He is ready to start concreting tomorrow, weather permitting. He nipped to Peyrou for cement. Manu came down for coffee at 11.30am. After coffee I managed to do my walk without getting wet, I walked to the end of the road for the first time without my crutch. After lunch Kevin went back to Peyrou to buy sand. He then concreted the second shed base so despite the rain he managed to complete another concrete base. I spent the afternoon sorting our walk in wardrobe out. The sun decided to come out at 7pm. Lets hope its a better day tomorrow.
Wednesday 15th May
I think the weather has forgotten what month it is. We had April showers today, one minute pouring down the next sunshine. Kevin managed to work outside most of the day. He concreted the first section of the abri floor, spent some time clearing a patch of weeds in the back garden, its now almost ready for putting some grass seed down. After lunch he emptied the trailer of sand and then went to Peyrou for another load of sand. He is ready for his next mix of concrete tomorrow. I made a quiche and once cool put it in the freezer for when our visitors arrive. After coffee I did my daily walk to the end of the road. I was half way back and Danielle had walked to meet me, we walked back chatting. Manu popped down for tea at 3pm before returning to Bordeaux, he will return here tomorrow night.
Thursday 16th May
Another day of concrete mixing for Kevin. He spent the morning concreting a one metre section of the abri floor. A big job on his own. After my walk I decided to try my new kneeling mat. I put a pillow in a black bin liner and used it to knee on. I managed to get down and weed. Another milestone.
After showers we nipped to Le Clerc for food shopping.
Friday 17th May
We were up and at the Friday market by 8.30am. Whilst walking round we saw David and he joined us for a coffee at the Collones. We were back at the barn just after 9.30am. Kevin went straight to Peyrou for more cement and sand. Whilst he was gone I cleaned downstairs and then prepared nibbles, cheese and wine etc for tonight. Manu and Danielle are joining us. At 1.30pm Lisa arrived to cut both our hair.
Manu and Danielle arrived for a cheese and wine evening followed by a game of Yams. I won the first game and Kevin the second so a good night for the British.
Saturday 18th May
Kevin worked hard all day. By 2pm he had concreted another one metre section of the abri floor. He had a bit of a disaster when the wheel barrow finally gave up on him. After a late lunch he started digging more of the holes ready for the hedging plants. He then spent some time sorting out the level at the side of the pool house ready for putting some flags down to put the BBQ on. I cleaned upstairs, vacuuming for the first time in over six months, did my daily walk, the ironing and then a bit of pottering in the garden. We were both shattered by the end of the day but good progress made.
Sunday 19th May
Kevin was working by 9am. He managed to finish marking out the 28 holes for the plants. He just needs to dig the holes to 30cm deep and we will be ready for our planting day next Sunday. I did my morning walk. At 12.15pm we left for lunch at Robert and Caro's, David joined us. As always we had a lovely lunch, Robert had BBQ two whole chickens and Caro had prepared some lovely accompaniments. We sat under their Abri, unfortunately it drizzled most of the afternoon but it didn't stop us having a lovely time. We arrived home at 5pm.
Monday 20th May
We woke up to pouring rain. It's another fete day in France so Kevin was unable to get more sand and cement from Peyrou as they were closed. He nipped to Brico Marche, they were open until lunch time. On his return, since it had stopped raining, he decided to continue digging the holes for the plants. I made another quiche and put it in the freezer. I also managed my walk without getting wet. We went to our French class at 4pm. We both managed a little better than last week and got praise for our homework.
Tuesday 21st May
Well, it poured down during the night and continued until after 2pm. Kevin went to Brico Marche first thing for a new wheelbarrow, wood and gutter piping. He then went to Peyrou for cement. Robert and Caro came across for coffee. Before lunch Kevin decided to put some plastic sheeting on the roof of the abri so he could continue with his concrete laying even when its raining! After watching him through the lounge window nearly fall off the ladder, I decided to go out and help him. It was blowing a gail and pouring down, he was wet through but he eventually managed to fix the plastic to the abri roof providing shelter for concreting the base! After lunch Kevin fetched some more sand from Peyrou and then completed another metre section of concrete base. Since it had stopped raining I managed to do my daily walk. I then sat outside and watched Kevin work whilst having a coffee! So despite the weather good progress made today.
Wednesday 22nd May
Sue came for coffee today, she brought our hanging rail back that she had borrowed over winter. We have somewhere for our guests to hang their clothes now! We had a lovely time having a girly catch up. Kevin worked outside between rain showers. He made me a shelving unit for the outhouse. He nipped to Brico Marche and also popped in to see Martin at the mill. Martin needs someone to watch over their fire surround being fitted next week whilst they are back in the UK, Kevin is going to do it for him. I tried to do my walk during the afternoon but the rain stopped me.
Thursday 23rd May
A much better day. Kevin was outside well before 9am. He started by fixing the shelving unit in the biggest shed. He then mixed concrete for another metre section of the abri. Only two sections to complete now. He fetched more sand and cement after lunch and also completed digging 14 holes for the plants. He finished the afternoon by cutting the grass. I did my morning walk before it was too hot. I then spent the rest of the morning moving gardening tools and equipment from the front shed to the back shed. We have never had such an organised shed! How long that will last is anybody's guess! I also cleaned all the plastic chairs, many had snails underneath! To finish the day I started cleaning the weeds out of the front patio. So good progress made by both today.
Friday 24th May
Another busy day. Kevin completed another metre section of the abri floor, just a tiny section to complete now. I did my daily walk and then completed weeding the front patio. Manu and Danielle popped over for coffee at 11.45am. After lunch Kevin moved the smaller shed to its new position, it fits in well and now just needs filling! He also marked out another four squares for the plants, we have decided we need 34 plants to complete the section! I did the ironing. After showers we went to the L'Esplanade to meet Nev and Barbara for a pizza evening. We had a lovely evening as always.
Saturday 25th May
Kevin completed concreting the abri floor. It looks much bigger now. Another milestone completed. He started laying the paving slabs by the pool house ready for the BBQ. He then spent some time digging the remaining holes for the plants. He spent the rest of the day sorting the materials that had been left stacked up in front of the abri, ready to level the ground and he now needs to get access to the abri roof. Manu came down for coffee. I cleaned the barn and did the ironing.
Sunday 26th May
An early start. Manu, his friends Nicholas and Fabien along with Nicholas's two children were out and ready to start planting the bushes by 9am. After showing Kevin how to plant the bushes they concentrated on getting Manu's 27 bushes planted. I nipped to Le Clerc's for bread and then made coffee for everyone. It started raining about 11.15am and continued until 3pm. They all worked in the rain and by lunchtime Manu's bushes were all in place. Kevin had managed to plant over half of ours on his own. I made lunch for everyone, sausage cobs, cheese and tarte au pommes. After lunch Nicholas and Fabien helped Kevin finish our planting whilst Manu watered his bushes. A good days work by all. Kevin finished off by watering our bushes. We just need to keep them alive now! Hopefully, we will have a beautiful colourful hedge one day soon.
Monday 27th May
Kevin started the day by clearing the spare grass, soil and stones from around the laurel bushes. they look really good now. He then spent the rest of the day preparing the ground in front of the pool house ready for laying some tiles. I did my morning walk and then did some gardening. At 3pm we went to Jardin Verte to pick up the strimmer, we also called at Aldi for Kevin to buy another pair of slip on trainers to use in the garden since the sole of his current trainers had fallen off! We then went to our French lesson.
A busy day for both. Kevin nipped to buy petrol for the strimmer and then started strimming along the outside of the fence. Its much quicker with a petrol strimmer for him. Manu's mum came down for a coffee, she was here cutting Manu's hedge for him. I did my morning walk and then washed and vacuumed the car, another milestone as I haven't managed to wash the car since last summer. After lunch Kevin strimmed round the pool whilst I jet washed the front patio. We then worked together, me jet washing and Kevin brushing the pool cover. We then opened the pool, it was really dirty so will take a few days of Elsie working hard before it is clean enough to use. Kevin fitted the pump whilst I jet washed the margels. A good days work but I could hardly move at the end of it!
Wednesday 29th May
Another rainy day. Kevin worked outside all day in the rain. He put the robot to work in the pool, after ten minutes it had stopped working. After Kevin investigated it was already full of debris from the pool! He ended up changing the filter bag and the robot bag at least once every half hour during the day! He managed to make and fix a ladder beam for the abri, he loaded the trailer with Danielle's old kitchen units and our rubbish ready to take to the dechetterie all in between dealing with the pool.
Manu and Danielle came for for coffee at 11am. I spent all day cleaning the inside and outside windows, I managed to get them finished even in the rain.
Thursday 30th May
Well, when we woke up the sun was shining so I decided to wash the voiles. By the time the first load had finished it was raining! I managed to dry them in the tumble drier and had ironed them by 11am.
Kevin opened the pool and put the robot to work. Its slowly getting a little cleaner.
Robert and Caro came for coffee at 11am, bringing me another rose bush.
After coffee Kevin planted the rose bush for me and then laid five more paving slabs for the BBQ area. He then spent time filling the gaps of the abri walls with breeze blocks. At 4pm we went to the decetterie. Kevin dropped me off at Le Clerc's and I did the shopping whilst he dropped the rubbish off. At 7pm we went to Manu's for cheese and wine and a game of scrabble in French.
Can't believe its the last days of May. Where is the sunshine? The weather is certainly disappointing so far this year. Kevin worked outside all day. He continued cleaning the pool, changing the filter bag and the robot bag regularly throughout the day. He put some cloroshoc tablets in the filter basket and within an hour the pool had changed colour and was looking much better. He also laid some more paving for the BBQ area and filled in the side wall of then abri with breeze blocks. I spent the day preparing lunch for tomorrow. David, Robert and Caro are coming. I cleaned downstairs, laid the table, prepared the vegetables and partly prepared individual sherry trifles. After lunch I nipped to Intermarche for bits of shopping. We finished the day by putting the voiles back up.
Saturday 1st June
The first day of summer and another dull and rainy day! Kevin strimmed part of the back garden and cut a couple of paving slabs ready for laying tomorrow. He then came in and got ready for our visitors coming. I prepared the meal. A retro meal, prawn and melon cocktail, slow roast leg of lamb with garlic, Isle de Rey potatoes, with vegetable and red wine gravy. Followed by cheese and then individual sherry trifles. All washed down with copious amounts of wine. We spent a lovely afternoon putting the world to rights as usual!
Sunday 2nd June
Kevin laid the paving slabs he had cut yesterday and also filled in the side abri wall. He opened the pool and its looking much better, still needs some final cleaning but getting there.
After completing my morning walk, I spent the rest of morning cleaning our bedroom and ironing.
Nev and Barbara called after they had been to the brocante in Vertiallac. It was too cold to sit outside so we had coffee sat in the lounge and enjoyed catching up with them.
We both worked outside during the afternoon. We gave the pool area a wash. Kevin cut some more paving slabs and I did some gardening.
Monday 3rd June
Kevin worked outside all day until it was time to get ready to go to French. He laid more paving slabs and used the excess concrete to fill in the gaps in the abri walls. He kept changing the filters in the pool and robot. The pool is almost looking perfect.
I did my early morning walk and then cleaned the guest bedroom and bathroom ready for Carol and Graham who are arriving next Sunday.
Manu and his mum came down for coffee.
After French we called at Brico Marche for two extra paving slabs, which are needed to finish the BBQ area.
Tuesday 4th July
Kevin was up early and out working just after 8am. He wanted to grout the paving slabs before we went out for lunch.
I did some office work and then at 11.45 walked to the top of the road. Kevin picked me up and we went to collect Robert, Caro and David. Kevin drove us to Mussidan, almost an hour away, to a newly reopened restaurant which Robert and Caro used to visit years ago. We all had the menu de jour for 17 euros, good value for a three course meal. We had a quick coffee at David's before returning to the barn just before 3pm. Kevin decided to cut the two final paving slabs in half ready to fit in place tomorrow.
Wednesday 5th June
Another early start. Kevin had finished laying the final four pieces of paving by the time I had done my morning walk. We had coffee sat in the sunshine, Danielle joined us. After coffee we had a grand clear up and I brushed the abri floor. Its beginning to take shape now. Before lunch we gave the pool area another sweep and wash. After lunch Kevin completed the grouting of the tiles. We then went to Le Roy Merlin's and Auchan at Perigueux for pool supplies and food read for when Carol and Graham are here. On our return we sat in the garden enjoying the evening sunshine, Danielle joined us for a gin and tonic.
Thursday 6th June
A work day. Kevin did some sorting for the abri whilst I continued preparations for our guests. We both worked together and cleaned the downstairs floor with the Karcher. At 5.30pm we left for Phil and Lesley's. The 'gang' had been invited for dinner and an over night stop over. We had a lovely evening, we sat outside for apero, enjoying the beautiful views, and then went inside to eat. We eventually went to bed at 12.30am after putting the world to rights once again!
Friday 7th June
After a leisurely breakfast we left Phil and Lesley's and followed Nev and Barbara to their second home at Brandeau. Nev wanted some advice from Kevin. They have some movement in some of heir walls and Nev wanted Kevin's advice on the cause and solutions. We then went to Le Clerc's for a big food shop, we are almost ready for our guests. At 6pm we went across to David's for apero. Robert and Caro also went. They are going home tomorrow so it was a good bye drink. we were back home by 8.30pm.
Saturday 8th June
Our final day of preparations. Kevin concentrated on the pool whilst I made a dessert and also cleaned our bedroom, did the washing and ironing. After lunch we both worked outside. by 4.30pm we had finished cleaning all the garden furniture and the pool area. after showers we went out with Manu for his birthday meal.
Sunday 9th June
Carol and Graham arrived at about 2pm. They parked their camper van on Manu's new parking area. After a leisurely drink we then had a late dinner. Prawns and melon cocktail followed by BBQ pork steaks, new potatoes and green beans, followed by sherry trifle. We had a quiet afternoon chatting.
Monday 10th June
Kevin fetched croissants for breakfast ,We then had a ride to La Jemaye. We all had a short walk along the waterside before Carol and Graham left us for a longer walk. We had a snack lunch sat over looking Jamaye before returning to the barn. Kevin BBQ'ed some chicken thighs which we ate with new potato salad, followed by fresh fruit salad.
Tuesday 11th June
After a leisurely start to the day we headed to Aubetterre. We had a wander around the shops before having lunch sat in the square. Kevin, Carol and Graham then climbed up to see the views whilst I sat in the square people watching. On our way home we called at Joan and Andy's to feed their fish and put a chlorine tablet in their pool as they are in the UK for the week. We had cheese and wine for supper.
Wednesday 12th June
We headed for Brantome after breakfast. We had a wander around the streets before having lunch sat looking over the river. It was quite cool. After lunch we walked along the river and watched a couple canoeing across the weir. We came back to the barn via Bordeilles and had a walk round the chateau before heading back to the barn.
Thursday 13th June
We were all up early and on our way to St Astier market by 8.30am. We had a wander round the stalls, Carol bought a jumpsuit for her cruise in September. We had coffee and croissants sat in the square people watching. We were back at the barn by 12.30pm. After a quick lunch Carol and Graham left for La Rochelle, their next stop on their way back to England. It was sad to see them go, we had spent a lovely few days with them. During the afternoon Kevin worked on the abri roof.
We woke up to pouring rain and it rained most of the day. Kevin spent time repositioning the rafters of the abri. He had to keep stopping due to the rain. I clean the guest bedrooms and bathroom and got them ready for when Andrew and Kath arrive next weekend. Manu came down for coffee at 11am.
Saturday 15th June
Another rainy start to the day but fortunately it improved as the morning went along. Kevin spent time measuring up for materials and finalising the design for the abri roof. I nipped to Aldi and then cleaned our bedroom. I spent the afternoon preparing cheese, pate etc for Manu and Danielle who joined us at 6.30pm. We played scrabble in French, needless to say Manu won, Danielle second, me third and Kevin brought up the rear. We then played yams and Manu won so a good night for the French.
Sunday 16th June
Kevin spent the day working on the abri. He routed 15 sarking boards, they just need sanding down and then coating with linseed oil before putting in place. He also removed one of the rafters which has twisted over winter so he needs to get a replacement. I did my walk and then made a quiche ready for when Andrew and Kath are here.
Monday 17th June
Kevin was a Brico Marche just after 9am. He bought wood for the abri roof. He then spent the rest of the morning routing the sarking boards. I did my daily walk and then pottering jobs. At 2pm we went across to Danielle's to open her pool for her. Kevin connected all the pipework and with fingers crossed Danielle switched the pump on. Fortunately, it worked first time. We went to our French lessons at 4pm and called at Brico Marche on our way back for a new router blade as Kevin had worn out the current one.
Tuesday 18th June
Kevin worked on the abri roof all day. He has started to fix the sarking boards in place. I went to see Sue at the Mill for a coffee. I called at Aldi on my return. After lunch I cleaned all the downstairs windows and did the ironing. At 3.30pm Lisa came and cut our hair. We put the car into Danielle's garage as a thunderstorm with hail stones was forecast so we decided to be better safe than sorry. Kevin finished the day by cutting the front grass.
Wednesday 19th June
Fortunately, the forecasted hail stones didn't arrive, we had a thunderstorm and lots of rain over night but by the time we got up the sun was shining. Kevin worked on the abri roof all day. I did my early morning walk and then cleaned the upstairs windows. After coffee the builders mate returned to work! I decided I needed to help Kevin by sanding and then painting the sarking boards with linseed oil. This allowed Kevin to then fix them in place quicker and there was less climbing up and down the ladders. After lunch Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for more wood. Whilst he was gone I prepared three more boards and then weeded the garden. We continued working together until I decided I had done enough at 4pm, I was absolutely shattered but a good days' work and another milestone reached. Kevin continued working until 5.30pm.
Thursday 20th June
A mixed day and at times frustrating. Kevin fitted the new router blade only to find it is slightly too big for the UK router. He had bought a 6mm blade and needs a 1/4 inch so it wouldn't hold in the fixing. So he contacted Kath and asked if they would mind bringing one over from the UK with them. He managed to use the old blade to route six more sarking boards which he put up in the rain! That was the end of the working day for Kevin as it rained all afternoon. We decided to clean the downstairs so Kevin vacuumed whilst I polished, so not an entirely wasted afternoon!
At 4.30pm I phoned mum only to find out dad had fallen out of the summer house. Long story short, he ended up at hospital for an x-ray which fortunately found no broken bones, he is badly bruised and battered.
Friday 21st June
After listening to the pouring rain in the middle of the night when we got up it was fine. Kevin spent all day strimming and then cut the grass whilst I cleaned our bedroom, washed and ironed and finalised the guest bedrooms. At 6.15pm David arrived to take us to the new King Cars Diner in Riberac. On our way we picked up Sue and Martin. We met Claire and Peter there. It was certainly a different experience. We had the choice of either burger and chips or fish and chips. We both had the burger which I enjoyed. At about 7.30pm the singer started, he played the guitar and sang with a backing band, he was quite good but loud! After two hours he was still singing. Martin, Sue, Kevin and I decided to go for a walk around the vintage cars, lots of reminiscing. We then decided to retreat to the Mill and spent a further hour chatting quietly together over a drink. Perhaps our days of loud music are over!
Saturday 22nd June
Well another rainy day. Will summer ever arrive this year? We went to Le Clerc's and did a big shop ready for Andrew and Kath's arrival tomorrow. After coffee we spent some time sorting Auntie Dorreen's financial affairs out. At about 3pm it had just about stopped raining. Kevin swept the grass cuttings up from around the pool. I cleaned the outside downstairs windows again! We are just about ready for Andrew and Kath.
Sunday 23rd June
We spent the morning trying to clear up the mess in the garden from all the recent rain. It looked a bit better by the time we had finished sweeping all the grass cuttings around the pool area. I prepared the evening meal as much as possible before we headed to Bergerac airport at 1.45pm to meet Andrew and Kath. Their plane arrived on time at 3pm we were back at the barn by 4.30pm, just in time for gin and tonics sat in the garden. We had a BBQ and enjoyed our first evening sat out until late.
Monday 24th June
A beautiful sunny day. The boys worked all day on the abri roof. Unfortunately the new router bit that Andy had brought with him didn't fit the router. Kevin decided to go and buy a new router but after persevering on a couple of the sarking boards they decided it would be much quicker to forget about the routing and just put the boards onto the roof. They put up several more rows of sarking boards before we went for our French lesson at 4pm. Kath and I did my morning walk and then prepared meals and drinks for the boys. Andrew and Kath both braved the pool even though it was still only 22 degrees. We had a BBQ for dinner and sat playing Mexican train as the sun went down, Andrew won. A perfect end to the day.
Tuesday 25th June
Another sunny and hot day, 31 degrees at 3pm. The boys continued working on the abri roof. They had put up two rows of tiles by the end of the day. We invited Danielle and Manu to join us for a BBQ at 6.30pm. Kath and I nipped to Le Clerc and then spent the day preparing food for the BBQ. We had a lovely evening. We ate outside but decided it was just too hot to play Mexican train outside so at 9pm we went inside and played until 10.30pm. Kath won much to Manu's disgust!
Wednesday 26th June
Another hot and sunny day. Once again the boys worked all day on the abri roof. Kath and I did our morning walk, washed and ironed and prepared meals. We had a relaxing afternoon round the pool, I had my first swim since my operations, so another milestone met. At 7pm we went to the Douane restaurant for an evening meal. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thursday 27th June
A cooler start to the day. We went to St Astier market first thing in the morning and had a wander around, stopping for a coffee and a bit of people watching. We bought a rosemary plant and a plant for Danielle. The boys did a bit of work on the roof during the afternoon. I had my first swim during the afternoon, a bit wary getting into the pool for the first time but with Andrew and Kaths' help I was soon in my 'happy place' another milestone reached. At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's for our evening meal. Manuel joined us. She had made a traditional Congolese chicken dish served with rice, bananas and nut. For dessert she made a pineapple Charlotte Russe all washed down with plenty of wine. We played Yams and Kevin won, again much to Manu's disgust!
Friday 28th June
We were up quiet early and left for Bordeaux at 9am. We went straight to our over night hotel at the Novotel, Bordeaux Lac. We were lucky as the rooms were available from 11am, so we unpacked our bags and put the gin and tonic water in the fridge ready for our pre dinner drinks before we set off for the wine festival in the city centre. We walked round the festival tasting the various wines. Our ticket allowed 11 tastings each, we managed 10 each before deciding to call it a day at about 4pm. We had a duck burger with chips for lunch sat in the shade. It was very hot and humid, 27 degrees. We decide we were all too tired to go back into Bordeaux for our evening meal so we ate in the hotel. We were all surprised by the quality of the food and service so a good decision. We finished the evening by playing a game of table football. Andrew won.
Saturday 29th June
After a leisurely breakfast we nipped into IKEA for two new blinds for the back bedrooms, some serviettes and four gin glasses. We then went to the Bassin de Luminaire to see the Vermeer, Van Gough and Mondrian show. Yet another superb light show. Andrew and Kath were really moved and couldn't believe it. After a quick snack at the Bassin we made out way back to the barn calling at Le Clercs for food and wine supplies. A superb night away. We had quiche and salad for dinner and then played Mexican train in the dining room as it was raining, Kevin won.
Sunday 30th June
I can't believe its the end of June. It was back to work for the boys. They continues putting up the sarking boards, tiling lates and tiles. Kath and I nipped to Aldi for bread and then did some cleaning, washing and generally got everything back to normal after our night away. We had BBQ chicken for dinner, marinated in a new marinate which Kath made, delicious. We played Mexican Train in the garden, a beautiful evening, Andrew won.
Monday 1st July
The boys worked all day on the abri roof. It was a little cooler so better for them when climbing on the roof. Kath and I nipped to Brico Depot for screws and then did a bit of shopping in Inter Marche and Aldi. We decided to give French a miss this week as Kevin wanted to continue working on the abri roof. Andrew, Kath and i had a swim before we had a BBQ for dinner. We played Mexican train and Andrew won.
Tuesday 2nd July
The boys continued tiling the abri roof, by lunchtime they had almost run out of tiles so after lunch they decide to fetch another 40 tiles. They continued working until about 5pm. Kath and I went to Lidl and Le Clercs for Champagne and wine ready for us to take home for Andrew and Kath. We bought some chicken kebabs from Lidl which we BBQ'ed for dinner. Andrew, Kath and I had a swim before we christened the abri with a bottle of the champagne, the boys then moved the plastic dinning table into the abri and we ate our first meal under the new roof. We played Mexican train and Kath won.
Wednesday 3rd July
The boys started work early and by 10.15am had just one tile to fit on the abri roof. They got changed and we nipped to Pont P to buy the final edging tile before calling at Sue and Martins to see their new fire surround in situ. After lunch the boys finished putting the final tile in place on the roof so another milestone met, they have worked hard over the last twelve days, not much of a holiday for Andrew. Andrew and Kath had their final swim, although the weather was a bit windy and cool. At 7pm we went to the pizza restaurant, Andrew had his traditional final meal, a calzone, the rest of us had pizza and we all commented that it was the best pizza we had eaten there.
Andrew and Kath's last day, a dull and rainy day. They spent the morning packing and kindly cleaned their bedroom and bathroom. We set off for the airport at 11.10am. We planned to have a picnic in a park near the airport but in the end because of the weather we went to the Monbazillac Chateau and found a picnic bench in the car park. Fortunately, it stopped raining long enough for us to eat our packed lunched. We nipped into the wine shop and we all bought a bottle of the Montbazillac wine before making our way to the airport. After saying our goodbyes we left Andrew and Kath after they had checked in. A sad journey back to the barn.
Friday 5th July
A lovely sunny day but a work day. We both worked together and cleaned the barn from top to bottom. Kevin fitted the new blind in our bedroom. We then worked outside, Kevin strimmed and cut the grass and I tidied up after him. I did the ironing while Kevin finished cutting the grass. At 7.30pm we went to the Esplanade for pizza, this time with Nev and Barbara. We had a lovely evening catching up with them.
Saturday 6th July
We were woken up during the night by a thunderstorm. The day was mixed with rain and sunshine. We did the food shopping at Aldi and Le Clercs. Kevin fitted the new blind in the guest bedroom and we did final sorting ready for Andrew, Carron, Mandy and Mark's arrival tomorrow.
Sunday 7th July
Andrew, Carron, Mark and Mandy arrive at about 1.30pm. After a coffee and cheese and pate for lunch we all had a relaxing afternoon. Before the 'gang' arrived Kevin had put the lid up on the bureau and then couldn't open it again! It took everyone to find the screw which had logged in the opening! We had a BBQ for dinner followed by an early night as everyone was tired after their early start.
Monday 8th July
Kevin fetched croissants for breakfast and then the boys worked hard during the morning. Andrew and Mark were the 'builders mates' today. By lunchtime they had almost completed the top edge of the abri roof, moved and then refilled the log store. Mandy and Carron helped me prepare a BBQ, we invited Nev and Barbara to join us. After lunch Andrew. Carron, Mark and Mandy went for a walk round La Jemaye and then to the supermarkets whilst we went to our French lesson. Nev and Barbara arrived at 6.30pm and we all spent a lovely evening chatting whilst eating the BBQ. It was the warmest evening of the year so far. We watched the sunset and star gazed until 11.30pm.
After a leisurely breakfast we all went to Aubetterre. We had a wander around the shops then had galettes for lunch. After a short rest watching a bit of tennis we all got our glad rags on and went to the Petit Couture for our evening meal. What a lovely meal we all had. We played Mexican train when we got back and Carron won.
Wednesday 10th July
Andrew, Carron, Mark and Mandy went to Perigueux for the day. We opted out as my knee was painful and swollen so I decided a rest day was needed. Kevin finished putting the concrete haunching on top of the abri roof whilst I pottered all day and then prepared the evening meal, salad, quiche and dessert. The 'gang' arrived back about 5pm, they had bought us a beautiful oak clock as a thank you present. Such a lovely surprise. We sat outside until the England game started at 9pm. We all watched the match and were thrilled when England won.
Thursday 11th July
We work up to rain which had stopped by the time we left for St Astier market. We had a wander around the market, Carron bought a pair of cut off trousers and Mandy bought a T shirt. We called at Nev and Barbara's on our way home and had a guided tour and then coffee sat in their beautiful garden. We called for bread on our way home and had a late lunch of pate and cheese. We all had a swim during the afternoon before getting ready to go to the Escapade for pizza.
Friday 12th July
A sad day. The 'gang' left after breakfast for Bordeaux, they are spending two nights there before returning home on Sunday. We have had a lovely few days together, we will miss them. At 11am we took Elsie, the pool robot, across to Robert and Caro's to see if she could pick up all the sand on the bottom of their pool. On our return we cleaned downstairs. After lunch Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for some guttering pieces. Whilst he was gone I ironed all the bedding and remade the guest bedrooms. We then watched the men's semi final tennis matches from Wimbledon.
Saturday 13th July
Kevin spent the day fitting the guttering to the abri. By the end of the day he had fitted the main pieces and just has the outlet pipe to fit in the ground. I spent the morning cleaning our bedroom and then packing for our trip to Spain on Tuesday. We are nipping down to Spain for four days. I managed to watch some of the ladies Wimbledon final. We had a quiet evening watching Wimbledon.
Sunday 14th July
Bastille Day. Robert and Caro had kindly invited us for lunch along with David and his two visitors, Jill and Bill. We spent a lovely afternoon enjoying good food and company. We arrived back at the barn in time to see the end of the men's Wimbledon final. We didn't watch the football final but kept flicking over during station breaks to see what was happening. Unfortunately, England came second.
Monday 15th July
A sorting out day and final preparations for our trip to Spain tomorrow. I washed and vacuumed the car. Kevin dug the hole for the abri drainage and sorted the garden for leaving. We went to our French lesson and then Danielle invited us for apero and a game of yams, we all won a game so a perfect end to this stay. We return from Spain during the early hours of next Sunday and will then have a quick turn around before leaving for home on Monday 22nd arriving back on Tuesday 23rd. We will return hopefully on 19th August. A bientot!
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