The bathroom was taking shape - the tiles were in position, grouting continued, and the shower was in situ. I can't believe we had managed for so long without one, but now it was so close, I was becoming very impatient. Once more the problems became apparent - the DIY shops are so far away, so a quick trip to get grout for example becomes a whole morning away from other jobs. We try to plan as much as we can, but there is always that small item that gets forgotten or overlooked. I have been known to make a couple of trips in one day if something is very urgent, but we don't like to make that a habit !
Then we had HOT WATER - real hot water from the tap, and not from a kettle !!! No need to boil a kettle to wash up, wash ourselves etc. Such a luxury, you wouldn't believe. It took a couple of days to sort out the fact that the water was meant to heat up overnight on the cheaper rate electricity, but we were there, and now I don't even think about it - well who does ? You turn on the tap, and it's there isn't it ? But when you haven't had it - WOW !
THEN, we used the shower for the first time.....there was a short fight about who was going to have the first one, but Craig won - after all he had done the most work. What a luxury - to be able to wash your hair in a shower instead of with a jug over a bowl in the sink !
Arthur the dog celebrated his 'official' 3rd birthday. We use the date that we brought him home, as we have no idea of his actual day, and then add a year, as he was about one year old when we got him. So, we brought him home two years ago. How time flies, and now I can hardly imagine life without him.
We have some friends who keep horses, and they were struggling for grass. We asked them if they would like to use one of our fields for a few months, and they jumped at the chance. It was of mutual advantage, as they would keep our grass down as well. We had just had to pay to have the grass cut to try to keep it under control, so this would maybe help avoid another added cost.
They arrived to fence off the area with tape and posts, and bring the water container etc. They would be coming daily to check up on them, as we have no idea when it comes to horses !! Other than to talk to them on the way to check the sheep, and feed them apples that had fallen from the trees that is !!
The two horses arrived and were soon settled in, although the first morning we woke to find them in with the sheep. I think they were overawed by the length of the grass they had, and felt more comfortable with the shorter grass that the sheep had. Anyway, extra fencing was put in place, and all was fine for the time being. It was exciting to have other animals here, especially as we weren't responsible for them - we had visits from the Vet, and the Farrier, for them, so we watched things that we wouldn't normally have seen. It is all a learning curve!
My sister and her husband were our first visitors of the summer. They were only here overnight, but it was great to show them around, and instead of the view they had from the camera on the computer, they were able to see the work we had done, and were still doing. The visit was too short to show them much of the area, although we managed a quick trip into Huelgoat for a cup of coffee overlooking the lake.
The vegetables were all growing well, as were the weeds and the flowers. It proved very difficult and very time consuming to keep on top of it all, especially in the heat of the summer.
We pondered over the idea of putting a large shed to the side of the house, and had a look round at the various types, sizes etc that were available here. However, over a certain size, and permission has to be obtained, so we decided that we would have a go, as it would give us another option to our progress here. We checked with the Mairie, completed the forms (not without a few hiccups - the French love their paperwork !), and sent them in.
Sometimes we have to compromise over things we want for the house, either because of price, or maybe we cannot find the exact things we want. This happened with the lights in the kitchen - we wanted lights hanging over the work surface, and bought some that were 'OK', but of course, the minute they were up (and so couldn't be returned), we found some that we had originally wanted !! It took a little extra work to get them up, but they look great, and as a bonus, we managed to sell the others !
From this...........
To this.......
I am always so grateful that I have a very handy, and understanding husband who doesn't mind that I can change my mind, even after he thinks he has finished something, only to have to re do it, to keep me happy !
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