The final hurdle!

 

Exciting times here in Basse-Normandie!

We are working on the final room to be decorated. When I say decorated I  mean stripping fabric off of the walls and ceilings that has at least three layers (including a foam layer) and then sanding off glue that should have been used on the Titanic. 

Overall it has been two and a half years of graft - Mainly stripping walls and using gallons of white emulsion (very good deal in Action btw) admittedly the main building work has been completed by others for the simple reason that we could not have done it.  I am always fascinated by the Escape to the Chateau/DIY as the people are so capable. We are no Dick and Angel that is for sure! but not even Dick and Angel are real, are they? I think they are aliens- who can make sloe gin and plumb in a toilet? but not at the same time- obviously!!

 As I have mentioned before, Tim was in Print and I was an English Teacher and all I remember from physics is that Mr Brown is a live wire ! so we did not really come with the right credentials to take on a major project. We did look at a few chateaux but the work needed and the amount of land and out -buildings that came with them were just too much for us. 

What are we going to do now?

But do not worry, we will not be spending the Spring and Sumer sitting in the garden with a bottle of rose as we intend to start on the garden once it is warm enough to go outside. Again, the land is not huge but it is completely surrounded by woodland which has been left for over 30 years. Cutting back a tree or bush always seems such an easy thing to do but it's the getting rid of it that is the problem. Plus, we have a year long ban on bonfires- I checked with our Maire. 

Also, I have bought a few wind chimes- my dear friend Maria suggested them as a deterrent for the Coypu as they move and make a gentle noise (the windchimes not the coypu, they are sneaky little buggers) . Will sitting outside be like sitting in a yoga retreat in Bali?  will the  Coypu find it so relaxing they will invite their friends?. I will let you know if they work. 

Finally had some rain yesterday! 

It has been very dry here, apart from some frost in the mornings and some fat snow last week, we have not had rain for ages so everywhere seems really dry. Today is very windy and the rest of the week is forecast to be wet- won't be cutting the grass then.

Feeling lucky?

Races- Cheltenham races is on next week (see the link to the title of the blog?- I do try) . It's always a favourite with my brothers (particularly as my sister lives nearby and she drops them off and collects them at the end of the day). They took me one year but would not allow me to go again as I was a complete disaster - at one stage one of my horses was going the wrong way!. We have lots of racing here in Normandy too! Trotting races are very popular here and are a great afternoon out and so cheap- providing you don't lose too much money. 

Are you in Normandy or the surrounding area and looking for furniture and nice stuff?

 Then you should visit the new Brocante centre that is just outside of Domfront (61700)  called La Galerie. It has lots of individual brocanteurs (french word) and is on the route du Mont Saint Michel. It has just been renovated, smells of fresh paint and our lovely friends John and Sue have a space there. 

Open days are on the 11 and 12th of March between 14-18h. Rumour has it there will be cakes and refreshments as well- worth going just for that. There are other antique shops along there too so bring an empty boot. 

Salut !! I've even heard them say ciao here!