The Tuesday team - Summer arrives

So although Monday wasn't a public holiday, we only saw our builders for a quick measurement check as the word had it, they had arranged for the concrete to be delivered on Tuesday. This seems to be their reliable work day and keeping the theme, even though the weather was miserable and raining, just after lunch the Tuesday team arrived, the signs went up warning of 'workmen ahead', and the concrete truck arrived.

It was a simple 30 minute task to elevate the concrete pump over the back hedge, push the remote control and steer the concrete mix around the footings. A 'three men and a remote' moment- fascinating to watch even in the rain. Even though we're still pondering the need for such extensive and deep footings in a simple 5 x 6 metre extension avec la terrasse.

On Wednesday, summer arrived, the sun came out - and the 'live in' workers got to work on the new project 'Le Palais des Bois', the Palace of Wood. The last of the cladding was removed from the old woodshed and the first of eight holes were dug, up on the top corner of the property, where apparently, many years ago there was a chook house. The moles joined the party overnight, but didn't get the location details very accurately so more digging from humans was required!

It was heating up, into the mid thirties, so rather than 'burnout' we took a day off and went exploring into Rochefort, 30 minutes directly west of here, at the mouth of the Charente river. It was a very pretty, well laid out town, wide city streets, lovely low rise architecture and a few notable buildings, maritime museums, a church etc. We browsed the shops, had an aperol spritz - for hydration only - in the pretty central square, and then walked down to a seafood restaurant by the river. Roger had a craving for oysters and I enjoyed the fish of the day, before we shared a stunning creme brulee for dessert.

Home to our cool maison - no air-conditioning required when the external walls are all 800 mms thick and there is much less glazing. Apart from our usual marche visit on Saturday morning, and a brief stop at Bricomarche for some essential hardware, our weekend was spent busily digging holes and cementing poles in the ground.

Monday was, you guessed it, another Public holiday - Ascension Day. But the very committed pool service guy, Gael had arranged to come to replace the pool pump and commission the pool for summer. We were excited as the temperatures are expected to be in the high 30's for another week. Only problem was, the fittings did not match the original Spanish ones, so new ones are on order! Gael's visit was nevertheless welcome. First of all he's driving a brand new white mercedes van, he's good looking, in shorts and wearing a very pleasant aftershave, worthy of a big night out in the city. I mean, have you ever met an Australian tradie who comes to work with his aftershave on!Read more