Summer at Last

Summer arrived on Wednesday, thank goodness, although we have exchanged mud for dust. JP and Patrick constructed another step at the top of the steps leading to our front door. The idea is to redirect water which runs down the hill when it rains away from our entrance. Their ideas and mine were vastly different and consequently a lot of "discussion" ensued. Finally Patrick came up with a super idea which was a satisfactory compromise.

On Wednesday we went to Cahors in search of the special tile adhesive and grout which John needs for the tiling through out the ground floor. Whilst we were waiting in one of the tile shops I was idly looking around and saw some tiles which would be suitable for the salon (although they are designed for external use we were assured they would be OK indoors). We do not need them for a year or so but somehow, when they are almost giving them away, it focuses the mind. John couldn't believe that I was able to make a decision so quickly. So the remainder of Wednesday was taken up collecting tiles and finding somewhere to store them. No use making plans here, you never know whats going to happen.

As the weather has improved we have the roof finished. Yes you have read that correctly!! It did take a day longer than anticipated but as the scaffolding has also come down we can actually believe it.

The builders have done a lot of clearing up but as always not entirely. Cyrille assures me that it will be finished tomorrow, needless to say I will not be convinced until it happens.

Talking of clearing up we have a lot of it to do. John started cleaning out the old mortar from the joints between the stone in the stairwell. The house, and everything in it, is totally covered in dust. So we decided to finish clearing the joints throughout the entire house so that we could make the mess and clear up once. John blew up two machines in the process and finally himself. He has about half an hours more work today to finish before we start on the mammoth clean up.

At present we have a thousand jobs that need doing all at once, painting, tiling, finishing the wardrobes etc. We are realistic enough to understand that these jobs will get done as and when we have the time and we would rather things are done properly than be rushed. Our neighbours still kindly provide shower facilities so we will get there in the end. Now that the builders have virtually finished their part of the project, our progress will be a little slower. As a result our "Blogs" will not be so regular as, left to our own devices, there will not be so much to report. However we will keep you all posted on the everyday goings-on of our little part of France.