Sunday 18th August
Well, when set off for the barn at 7am, Kevin had, for the very first time, a view through his internal mirror! The car boot was full and the back seats but he was able to see through the car. Another milestone - I think we have almost got everything we need at the barn. Famous last words!
We arrived at the tunnel at 12 o clock and managed to get on an earlier crossing even though, when Kevin booked, all earlier crossings were full. We had a wander around duty free, bought a couple of bottles of gin and some perfume, and then sat in the car with a coffee listening to the Archers. Suddenly an attendant knocked on the car window and asked if we would like to get on an even earlier crossing. We of course said 'yes please' and we proceeded to border control. We arrived in France at just after 2pm local time. We had decided to take a different route to the barn and have a couple of days exploring north west France. So set off for Honfleur. We had found a newly renovated small boutique hotel for the evening. It was absolutely beautiful. We arrived at about 5pm. After a wander around Honfleur, a beautiful fishing harbour and old town, we showered and went down to dinner in the hotel restaurant. We had a superb meal.
Monday 19th August
We decided to walk down to the harbour for breakfast. We had croissants and French bread over looking the harbour, a perfect start to the day. After a wander around Honfleur we set off for La Rochelle, our next evening stop over. We arrived around 4pm. We walked down to the harbour and had a drink over looking the sea. 20 euros for a gin and tonic and a beer so we drank them slowly! After another wander we chose a restaurant for our evening meal. La Rochelle is a very pretty harbour town but rather busy in August.
We set off for the barn after breakfast arriving at 1pm. Kevin unpacked the car whilst I unpacked inside. Kevin then vacuumed upstairs before I unpacked clothes etc. By 6pm we had set up base camp. We nipped to say hello to Danielle but she didn't hear us. So after dinner we had an early night.
Wednesday 21st August
After breakfast we both went to Le Clerc's for a big food shop. On our return we saw Ian and Freda, who are over for another week. After a quick chat with them we nipped up to Manuel's. His latest rentals had a problem with the back door shutting. We had a coffee with them and Kevin managed to sort the door problem for them. We spent the afternoon pottering. Elsie went into the pool and did a great job cleaning it. The pool didn't look too bad after leaving it for three weeks. I just need to get in and clean the waterline. 27 degrees and sunny.
I did my morning walk and then Robert, Caro and David came across for coffee. It was lovely to see them and catch up with their news. We arranged to go out to the Petit Onignons next Tuesday lunchtime with them. I made a dessert and put it in the freezer and Kevin started work on the lighting for the abri. I had my first swim and cleaned the waterline. 27 degrees and sunny again.
After my morning walk I nipped to Le Clerc's as we have invited Manu's rental family for apero at 6.30pm. Kevin continued working on his lighting project. I spent the rest of the day pottering and preparing for the apero. I had my swim and then finalised nibbles. We had a lovely time with Manuel rental family. We all sat chatting round the pool enjoying the evening sunshine - still 27 degrees at 8pm.
Saturday 24th August
Ian and Freda came down for coffee, they kindly bought cakes with them. We spent a lovely couple of hours sat in the sunshine chatting. Kevin then continued his lighting project whilst I pottered. At 6.15pm we went to Joan and Andy's for dinner. Nev, Barbara, Phil and Lesley had also been invited. We had a fabulous evening catching up with 'the gang' sat outside until 11.30pm. 26 degrees today.
Sunday 25th August
A day of rest! Not really, Kevin worked outside all day. I cleaned upstairs and also the upstairs windows and then did three loads of ironing! We had a BBQ sat outside enjoying the view and the evening sunshine. Another hot day 27 degrees and sunny.
Kevin worked all day on the lighting whilst I pottered. At 4pm we went to our French lesson.
Tuesday 27th August
Kevin worked on the lighting and I did jobs until it was time for us to leave for the Petit Ognions. We met Robert, Caro and David at the restaurant at 12.30pm. It was a bit disappointing as the service wasnt very good, we waited over 40 minutes to order a drink and then our starter had arrived before we got the drinks. I think the new management are on a big learning curve. Hopefully, they will improve and make a success of their new venture, time will tell.
Wednesday 28th August
Kevin spent all day working on the abri lighting, he has almost finished fitting the lights in place, he just needs to connect all the wires before the grand switch on! Sue came for coffee at 11 and stayed for lunch, we spent until after 4pm catching up. It was lovely to see her and have a girly chat. At 7pm we had a zoom meeting with Andrew and Kath, always good to chat to them and catch up. They are going to madeira on Friday so hope they had a lovely time.
Thursday 29th August
We nipped to Le Clerc Espace to buy a new vacuum cleaner and our old one eventually gave up. Kevin then worked in the abri all day, he has almost finished the wiring for the lights. He had to drill through into our bedroom to connect to the house light. It took sometime to locate the wires as we have put so much insulation in the walls! I tried out my new toy and cleaned vacuumed the downstairs. I then had a swim to cool down, 27 degrees and sunny.
We both went to Le Clercs for the weekend shopping. Kevin then continued connecting the outside lights to the house system. When he switched on unfortunately he had cross joined the wires so the wrong ones came on together! Since it was getting late he decided to call it a day. I pottered and prepared for Sunday when Robert, Caro and David are coming for dinner. I had my swim and cleaned the water line. 27 degrees today and sunny.
Saturday 31st August
At 10am Kevin took me down to Sue and Martin's Mill. They are having an Open Garden day for charity. Visitors can bring a picnic and sit in their massive garden overlooking the Drone river for a fee of 5 euros. Unfortunately, it was raining at 10am and continued until about 11.30am when the sun came out and it was then a beautiful day. Sue and Martin spent most of the day giving tours of their beautiful Mill that they have just about finished renovating. I was the money taker! Kevin came down at 1pm and we had our picnic in the garden overlooking the river, so quiet and peaceful. They had made 175 euros by 4pm. At 7.15pm we picked Sue and Martin up and we all went to the Escapade for pizza so a perfect end to a very good day.
Sunday 1st September
We were woken up during the night to a thunderstorm. We spent the morning preparing for our lunch guests. Robert, Caro and David arrived at 12.30pm. Although it stopped by mid morning we decided to have lunch inside. Kevin cooked the chicken on the BBQ. We had a lovely time chatting over lunch and once again putting the world to rights! They left at 5.35pm, a record for one of our meals together.
Monday 2nd September.
A quiet day. Kevin worked on the abri, filling in the wood on the side wall. I did pottering jobs. We went to our French lesson at 4pm. A sunny day 24 degrees.
Tuesday 3rd September.
Kevin worked in the abri all day. I nipped to Aldi for bits of food. Manuel came down for coffee and we had a good catch up with him. His rentals for the year have finished now so we should see a bit more of him. After coffee I painted the wall in our bedroom where Kevin had drilled through, I also painted Kevin's side of the bed where his hair had marked the wall! At 4pm we went to Joan and Andy's to feed their fish and put a chlorine tablet in their pool. They are in the UK until Saturday. Joan had kindly told us to take any ripe tomatoes and courgettes so we picked a few. A dull and showery day 20 degrees.
Wednesday 4th September
Kevin finished his wood work in the abri. He then worked on the lintel above the back door, he had noticed the lintel was rotten so he removed the rotten piece and then treated the wood, hopefully, it with hold up the door for a little longer now. At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's, she had invited Manuel and us for apero and a game of yams.
Thursday 5th September
A cooler day but fine. Kevin started fixing the stones to the inside low wall in the abri. Its going to be a long job as he can only fix so many each day so the concrete mix will hold the stones permanently in place. He also started cutting the grass. I made a vegetarian lasagne with the courgettes we picked at Joan and Andy's. I put it into the freezer ready for when 'the gang' come for dinner. Nev and Barbara arrived at 2pm and we spent lovely a couple of hour sat in the garden catching up with them.
Friday 6th September.
Kevin worked on the stone fixing most of the day. Lesley invited Barbara and I to join her at the Cafe Collene's for coffee at 11am. It was pouring down so many of the market stalls hadn't bothered to turn up. We had a lovely hour chatting over hot chocolate. We went across to David's for apero at 6pm, Robert and Caro joined us. He had made a fabulous selection of nibbles which we all enthusiastically ate. Another fabulous evening.
Saturday 7th September
Another dull day with some rain. Kevin worked in the abri fixing stones. I cleaned the barn from top to bottom and did three loads of ironing. At 7.30pm we went to the Esplanade for pizza with Nev and Barbara, another lovely evening.
Sunday 8th September
Kevin worked all morning in the abri. I did my walk but got wet on the return journey. I started sorting our wardrobe ready to leave over winter. I'm feeling a bit sad as another year is coming to a close.
Monday 9th September
Another dull day. Kevin worked in the abri, he is making steady progress with the stone fixing and then Pierre apparent but still a long way to go. I continued sorting our walk in wardrobe out, packing things we are leaving over the winter. We went to our French lesson at 4pm.
We woke up to pouring rain, Kevin worked until 11am in the abri. After coffee we decided to call it a day. We had an early lunch and then went to Perigueux to Brico Marche to buy the wood ready for Kevin to start making shutters for the back of the barn.
A better day. Kevin worked in the abri all day. I did pottering jobs.
Thursday 12th September
Kevin decided to start making the shutters. By the end of the day he had almost finished the first set for the kitchen window. I will soon have a painting job! I cleaned the downstairs. At 2pm Lisa arrived to cut our hair. I then nipped to Le Clerc's for the weekend shopping.
Friday 13th September
A beautiful September day, 24 degrees at 4pm. After my morning walk I went to the Friday market with Manu in his new Teslar car, very posh and quiet. Its always such a good experience to go shopping with him. We went to the tea/coffee shop and he bought some ground coffee. We then bought fruit and vegetables from the market before going for hot chocolate at the Collones. It was so good to spent time together and catch up on the summer news. Kevin worked all day on the shutters.
Saturday 14th September
Another beautiful day. We nipped across to David's to feed his fish as he is currently in the UK, on our way back we called in Aldi for bread. Kevin then worked on the shutters, he has almost finished two sets now. I spent the day preparing the evening meal for the 'French Gang' Stuffed figs, followed by marinated chicken with vegetables, cheese and then I made individual trifles laced with sherry. The 'gang' arrived at 6.30pm. We had a fabulous evening together, the first evening this year that we were all in Pautardie at the same time. After eating we played Mexican train, Kevin won much to Manu's disgust!
Sunday 15th September
I cleaned our bedroom and did four loads of washing and ironing. Kevin worked on the shutters all day. He started making the ones for the back door. At 11am we went to Manu's for coffee. Myrian and Freddie joined us. Danielle was still in bed! After coffee Manu joined me for my daily walk. Another beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky.
Monday 16th September
The A team worked together today. Kevin making the shutters whilst I gave one side of four shutters a first coat of under coat. We then went to our French lesson at 4pm. A lovely sunny day.
Tuesday 17th September
Another lovely day 24 degrees and sunny. We worked together again. I gave the back of four shutters a coat of primer. Kevin continued making the shutters for the back door. Manu came down for coffee in the garden. After lunch I started cutting back the lavender and roses around the outhouse.
Wednesday 18th September
Another beautiful day, 26 degrees at 4pm. Kevin continued making and then fitting the shutters. I gave the front of four shutters a coat of top coat. Danielle came across after lunch and helped me finish cutting the lavender. We then took all the lavender across to Danielle's, she is going to make lavender sachets. She is also going to refill the one she gave me last year. Kevin fitted a new towel rail for Danielle. Manu came for a cold drink in the garden at 4pm.
Thursday 19th September
Whilst Kevin worked all day fitting the shutters, I had a day off. I went to see Sue at the mill for coffee and then lunch. We sat outside on her veranda overlooking the river, a beautiful view and a lovely day. Sue had made a lovely quiche for our lunch which we ate outside in the sunshine. After leaving Sue's I went the Le Clerc for the weekend shopping.
After my morning walk I worked in the garden all day, cutting back the remaining roses and irises. A good job finished. Kevin started to sort the pool out ready for closing for winter. The forecast is for rain next week so although it was a beautiful sunny day we decided it was best to shut it before the rain arrived. A sad end to the day as another year of swimming ends. Manu came down for a quick coffee.
I spent the day preparing dinner for 'The Gang' Stuffed figs, Vegetarian and meat lasagnes with salad and garlic bread, cheese and then passion fruit parfait for dessert. Kevin spent the day working in the abri on the shutters. We had a lovely evening catching up with everyone.
Sunday 22nd September.
I spent the day cleaning and ironing whilst Kevin continued with his shutter project. He fitted the downstairs shutters onto the windows. They will look good when finished. A beautiful day.
Monday 23rd September
A dull day. I managed to paint one side of six shutters before we went for our French lesson. Kevin worked in the abri cutting wood for the upstairs shutter.
Tuesday 24th September
We woke up to pouring rain. As predicted the weather has changed and Autumn has arrived although it is not cold. We decided to put dust sheets down in the entrance hall, I then finished undercoating all the shutters. We have shutters drying all over the abri! Kevin nipped to Brico Marche but unfortunately they hadn't got what he wanted in stock.
Wednesday 25th September
Nev and Barbara brought their neighbours, Sally Anne and Kelvin round as they wanted to have a look at our pool cover. They are considering buying a similar one and wanted to know how easy it was to open/close. Kevin gave them a demonstration of opening it using the rolltrot, which is the easy part. He then showed them how it closed, which requires a bit more muscle. Both Kelvin and Sally Anne had a go, so at least it gave them some idea of whether its suitable for them. We then all had a coffee sat in the lounge, whilst it was not raining, there was an autumnal nip in the air. After lunch I gave one side of six shutters a coat of paint. Kevin continued making the upstairs shutters.
Thursday 26th September
It was pouring down when we got up. I nipped to Le Clerc's as we have invited Maureen, Mike, Karen, Dave, Marie Laure, Guy, Danielle and Manu for a cheese and wine evening tonight. I spent the rest of the day preparing for it. We moved the kitchen table into the dining area so everyone could sit down whilst eating. Unfortunately, Manu cancelled as he was not feeling very well. The rest of us had a fabulous evening, we taught Marie-Laure and Guy how to play Mexican train. Karen won.
Friday 27th September
A day off. We went to Brantome and had a wander around the market and then lunch. At 6.30pm we went to the Mill to Sue and Martin's first social evening. We had a lovely time chatting in front of their real fire.
Saturday 28th September
Back to work today. We both worked on the shutters. I gave one side another coat of paint. Kevin continued making the upstairs shutters. At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's for dinner. She had invited 'the French gang' We played Yams, Myrian and Kevin won. As always we had a fantastic night together.
Sunday 29th September
We were working by 8.30am I was determined to give the final coat of paint to the downstairs shutters before we went out for lunch with Robert and Caro. We nipped to Manu's for a quick coffee we at 10.30am. Robert and Caro picked us up and we went to the Petite Couture for lunch to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. We had a superb meal. We had coffee back at the barn. Another lovely day.
Monday 30th September
A rainy day. I walked to the road with Maureen before painting one side of the upstairs shutters. French was cancelled so we both worked all day in the abri. Kevin nipped to Brico Marche for more fittings whilst I prepared the evening meal.
Tuesday 1st October
Another rainy day. Maureen and I started our walk but it started to pour down so we made a quick retreat. We both then worked in the abri, me painting and Kevin preparing the shutters.
Wednesday 2nd October
A much better day. Maureen and I managed to walk to the main road via the steep route, so another first for me. I then painted one side of the upstairs shutters. Kevin spent most of the day up the ladders putting the fixings in place. A good days work.
Thursday 3rd October
A fine autumnal day, sunny and warm in the afternoon 22 degrees. We spent most of the day working on the shutters. Me painting and Kevin fixing. We went to Nev and Barbara's for dinner, they had also invited Sally-Anne and Kelvin. We had a lovely evening, Nev had cooked roast leg of lamb, delicious. It was after midnight when we got home. The Dalia's Judy gave me several years ago are in full bloom and looking beautiful.
Friday 4th October
A fine but cold day. I met Lesley, Barbara and Joan for coffee at the market. The Collones was packed so we decided to try the Salon Du The on the high street. We had a lovely chat and then a wander around the market. Kevin spent the day working on the shutters. I gave the four remaining shutters a coat of paint in the afternoon.
Saturday 5th October.
We nipped to Maureen and Mike's for coffee with Manu. They are going home tomorrow, their time here has gone so quickly. After coffee Maureen, Manu and I did my daily walk together. We spent the afternoon working on the shutters and in the garden. Kevin tried to fit the upstairs shutters in place from the ladder on his own, I tried to help from the bedroom window but they were too heavy for me. It was too dangerous for Kevin to lift them from the ladder on his own so he nipped to see if David could give him a hand. Fortunately, he was in and they worked together on the scaffold and ladders and in ten minutes had all four shutters were in place. Kevin finished the day by cutting the grass, a had a little go with the lawnmower, another milestone, but I don't want to get used to it too soon! We had a quiet evening on our own and managed to watch Strictly for the first time this season.
Sunday 6th October
Kevin continued boxing in the upstairs shutters, he managed to finish the front face of our bedroom and started the underneath. He then tried to open the guest bedroom shutters. Unfortunately, one of the fixings came out, the stone surrounds are very soft. So the shutter had to be lifted back into the bedroom via the window. So disappointing for Kevin. He did manage to make a temporary repair and refitted the fixing in place. I cleaned upstairs and did four loads of washing and ironing. At 3pm we nipped to Manu's for coffee. Manu and I them had a walk round Riberac whilst his electric car was charging. At 6.30pm we went across to Danielle's with Manu and played Yams. We played a different game, playing three lines of Yams at one time, more skill was required. Kevin won.
Monday 7th October
We work up to pouring rain. Kevin managed to refit the shutter, we have decided to leave it shut until next year when he can do a better repair to the stone wall. He then continued cutting, painting wood and then using it to box in the upstairs shutters. I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen cupboards. Another job on my preparation to leave list completed. We went to French at 4pm.
Tuesday 8th October
Kevin continued boxing in our bedroom shutters. Its beginning to look really good now. I spent most of the day packing clothes in plastic storage bags ready to leave over winter. A dull day.
Wednesday 9th October
We both worked in the abri most of the morning. Kevin finished cutting the boxing in wood and I painted them. He finished the boxing in our bedroom. We left the remaining wood to dry whilst we had a coffee and then cleaned the abri. We then put all the furniture and equipment back tidily in the abri to leave over winter. Kevin moved a plastic bag covering his lime and two toads jumped out making. He managed to move them safely into the field but they will probably make their way back over winter!. Kevin spent the afternoon boxing in the back bedroom. At last the shutters are all finished and boxed in, a superb job done and another milestone met. It started to pour down late afternoon and the wind got up so a good job we had put everything safely into the abri.
Thursday 10th October
A bit of a lazy day for both of us. The weather had improved 18 degrees and sunny. After breakfast we both did my daily walk. On the way back we stopped and had a chat with Guy. At 11.30 we went to pick up Robert, Caro and David. We went for lunch at Salle la Vallette. We had a superb lunch at the L'Envie Gourmande, David had been before. 16 euros for the three course meal with several choices for each course. Really good value for money, a good find. We had coffee at Robert and Caro's before returning to the barn.
Friday 11th October
Another lazy day. We did pottering jobs in preparation for leaving next week. Its a bit early to give the grass its final cut. After the early morning fog cleared it was a beautiful sunny day.
Saturday 12th October
Kevin strimmed the garden and then cut the inside grass. It looks the best it has this year! Typical when we are going home. I cleaned downstairs and then gave the tiles a wash with the Karcher, so the house is looking neat and tidy! A lovely sunny day. At 7.30pm we joined Nev and Barbara at the Le St Victor restaurant, we had a superb meal and it was lovely to spend time with Nev and Barbara before we leave.
Sunday 13th October.
Kevin had finished strimming the outside of the garden and had cut the outside grass verge before 11am. We then got changed and went across to Robert and Caro's for Sunday lunch. David joined us. We sat under their abri enjoying the autumn sunshine - it was 24 degrees at 4.30pm. We had a fabulous meal as always, roast leg of lamb, which Robert cooked on the BBQ, followed by the fig frangipane tart I had made for dessert. It was after 5pm when we left. A superb end to our year in France.
Monday 14th October.
We did pottering jobs before going to our final French lesson. We called at Le Clerc's on our way back for wine to take home. Another beautiful autumnal day, 25 degrees and sunny.
Tuesday 15th October
Our final day for this year. We packed the car and did a final clean round before an early night. Another good year of progress on the barn. Kevin has almost finished his 'to do' list! However, there will always be something else on my list! Au revoir. A bientot.
No comments:
Post a Comment