FRENCH DIARY
27.6.97
Don, Helen, Brenda, Martin, Charlie
Arrived at Saint Ellier Les Bois approx. 16.45 French time, devastated to find the restaurant closed for the weekend, Martine and Daniel were going away.
Somewhat daunted at the thoughts of the works ahead - where does one start!
We wandered out to La Roche Mabile and had a drink in a small bar, followed by a small journey into Carrouges to have a bite to eat. Bar maid asked after Douglas, she must have heard of his escapade on the bike. We then returned to the caravan and retired to bed.
28.6.97
Woken by the church bells at 7.am. Helen began work on the left hand bedroom, sugar soaping the walls followed by scraping off excess paper. Martin and Brenda [friends who came with us] cooked breakfast. Donald unhinged the front door and shaved the bottom to prevent further sticking. Helen and Brenda, helped by Charlie [Brendas son] rubbed down the bedroom and hallway architraves, followed by extensive filling of holes.
Donald and Martin deliberated over equipment required for essential plumbing.
We downed tools and hit La Ferte Mace, went to the Bricolage to purchase plumbing gear only to be thrown out shortly after, they wished to close for lunch. So we promptly found a restaurant in the town called Chez Octave and had a 75f meal. Don found a spider crab on his plate believing he had ordered prawn cocktail. Charlie ordered what he believed to be a sausage it turned out to be chidlings otherwise known as Andouille, this does not bear recommendation. We did find a good second hand shop which had a wonderful kitchen table which Don would not let me buy, mind you I don't know how we would have got it back to the house.
We returned to the Bricolage where Don and Martin continued their purchase.
Arrived back at St. Ellier Les Bois at 6pm and began work. D&M plumbed in new hot and cold supply to existing kitchen. Helen painted ceiling in bedroom, Brenda & Charlie rubbed down walls in the hallway. Helen also gave walls in smal1bedroom a white base coat, followed by a bath, quick drink & bed. NOTE The bath is deep but narrow-for us pear shaped women, or perhaps it's my problem only!
29. 6. 97
Woken by 7am bells once again. Cooked breakfast had by all
D & M connected up waste pipe to hand basin in the bathroom and fixed toilet down and filled waste pipe hole. Helen gave the bedroom ceiling a second coat, unfortunately we have a damp patch which Don later attempted to remedy.
Martin, Brenda & Charlie went into Carrouges to visit the Chateau and came back extremely wet, I forgot to mention it rained all weekend.
Helen painted bedroom wall primrose yellow then D, H & M undercoated all woodwork, Don removed metal work from window & painted it black - it looks good.
Snack supper had by all, H & D had a good clean up, Don fixed shower
curtain up then checked earlier remedial works - we still have some leaks.
30. 6. 97
Up at 8am, baker came through the village. we had croissants for breakfast. H & D did last minute fixing and cleared up tools.
Gaby was not about to have quote translated so we had an early lunch in the restaurant. Don settled the water bill with Martine which had been put on for Sue & Lizzie & made arrangements for Martine to liase with Gaby re water supply for our side. Homeward bound.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE TRIPS
Gloss required to complete bedroom No 1 [white] Mini rollers for undercoating & glossing doors
Small can of black spray paint for centre light & fixing
2 metres of 14 ml ex 12 id (copper piping) [to be purchased in France] Expanding foam filler
Mirror for bathroom White emulsion Window cleaner
Towels to be returned - Helen has brought them home for washing Fish slice
Female spoon
Bottle opener - we lost one
Small hinge for cupboard in caravan Kitchen roll
Loo roll Tea-Towel:;
N.B. I failed to mention we had temporary electric supply which gave us full use of all rooms however, do mind live wires hanging loose in left hand bedroom.