Saturday January 24th, 2009

I wrote the first part of the following Saturday morning just before we lost all power. It was out for just about 12 hours but I will still post this as soon as the internet connection returns. It is trying to boot now.

I am composing this off line in the hope that later we will get a connection long enough to post. We are still being bombarded by incredible winds and have been since around 03.30 this morning (now 11.00.) We slept on the convertible sofa in the house as the campervan is on the side of the property hit by these winds. (NW to Westerly gusting 150kph). So far we have been lucky, we think, although we haven’t been around that side of the house yet, as it is difficult to stand. The barometric pressure has been around 950/951 for the last 12 hours and has only risen by 1 point this morning, so the winds may continue.

We have a very disgruntled cat that is using his litter tray but doesn’t like it. Dog took one look outside (on a leash) and reversed in the direction of the wood burner and has not moved since.

Houses in France have external shutters as the norm and it is at times like this when they come into their own. It makes it dark inside but protects the glass. We are getting intermittent electricity and internet so we are boiling kettle to fill a thermos , writing etc whenever poss.

Thank goodness for the battery pack on laptops, as I am typing this in alternating light and darkness.

We are now with heat.

Following the purchase of the wood burning stove, a visit from the chimney sweep and arranging for the insertion of the necessary double lined insert chimney tubing. We have put in 2 chimney liners so that we can have a fire in the salon as well as the one now installed in what will be a dining room.

After the snow and then the heavy rain we now know where the roof leaks are. I always knew I would find a use for all those old plastic bowls I kept "for a rainy day". The replacement of the roof is now on the priority list, together with the new front door and back door. The existing ones don't exactly fit anymore having dropped and warped.

Today the sun is shining in a blue sky following a night of windy rain. Some of the early bulbs are beginning to break through in the pots amoung the pansies.

There have been happenings this week. A visit from the architect to consolidate plans. The arrival in the post of the first quotes for work to be done.
We decided on Thursday to invest in a small wood burning stove for the dining room. We will have to have the chimney swept (organised for Monday) and for a metal liner for the chimney which will be done when the roofer is up there working.
In the meantime we are using the fire and a different kind of warmth is slowly permeating the house. What a difference.
We have also painted the walls in both the dining room and the hallway. Just with white paint for the moment to make everything look cleaner and brighter. A definite improvemen, be it only temporary. Plain brilliant white is far too bright for this house.

With the holidays over we were all set to recommence our renovations, but with temperatures well below freezing everything is on hold.
The hole for the water and waste has been filled in and we have a great deal of sand and gravel left over. I'm sure we will find a use for it.
We now have hot water so can shower in our own premises. We just have to be careful as to when we plug in the water heater as our only form of heating is also electric and we have a limited supply. The answer is that during the day we space heat and then water heat during the night. The camper continues to be our night time refuge where it is heated and the bed has an electric blanket.
We have had visits this last week from a couple of electricians to quote for rewiring. Now waiting for their written quotes. Also had a quote for replacement windows and doors. So things are moving be it ever so slow.
The other document received was the architects estimate as to the cost of the project, as seen by his eyes. When we recovered we set about making comparisons and eliminations. A tweek here and there.
Decided against going to the first day of the sales today. We may miss out on some items but the small roads in the village are like glass so better to stay in today and hope that the weather will warm in the next few days.

A house in France

Oh dear. It seems that the hole dug by the workmen to put in the drainage pipes was infilled with fine gravel. Each time you dig to reach the connecting point the sides capsize. So it is off to the bricolage (builders merchants) to buy further equipment for the man to use this afternoon.
It is bitterly cold so I am glad to have plenty to keep me busy inside.
I put a Christmas wreath and some foliage on the front door yesterday so it looks a little bit Christmassy. After reading the Crissy poem I felt I should do something.
I tried to put some pretty Christmas like balls and things inside but Sammi kept playing with them. I wonder what he will do if we bring in a tree?

Living in France

After living in France for 19 years we have done what we said we would never do again.
Renovate!!!!
Having weathered 10 weeks without mains water and collecting water from a friend (and taking a hot shower at the same time) the water company brought the water to the outside of the house yesterday.
Today December12th a trough is being dug, by hand, from the meter, into the house. It is hoped that all will be connected before the weekend is over.
We are sleeping in the camper van, which has heating, so all is snug at night.
We keep warm during the day with paper stripping and the odd partition demolition. Every little helps towards the completion of the house.