Spring is on its Way

As previously written, a bonus of returning to the UK is that we can shop for things that are more expensive on France, not available or sometimes of inferior quality. On this trip we managed to return with carpets .....yes, carpets ! Here, they are not very popular, and so difficult to come by. The problem of course, is fitting them in the vehicle to bring back. For this trip, however, we went in the small van, so were able to load pretty much everything we needed at this point.

The first day back, as usual, is spent unloading, and trying to find places to put everything, but we also managed to get the carpet in the bedroom laid. We didn't want to keep them folded too long, so Craig set to work straight away. It's amazing what a difference having a carpet makes - not only does the room look nearly finished now, but it's quieter, and warmer.

The following day, the carpet was laid in the 'snug', and then the next, the study - finally the landing! Wow ! We have proper rooms WITH A PROPER FLOOR COVERING ! Gone are the carpet squares, gone are the oddments that have been there for ever. The rugs by side of the bed look better, and more at home - it's great. What a difference ! That's it folks - shoes off at the door now !

A trip home, or a holiday, often gives us the impetus to crack on with the house again - more momentum etc, so after a trip to the Builders Merchants we came back laden with plasterboard AGAIN ! The wall in the Utility Room was boarded and the first of the wall units lifted into place. The fuse board was boxed in, and the downstairs toilet and wash basin positioned. He fitted new light switches, heaters, and re-sited the washing machine and tumble drier.The big freezer which we had to buy to put all of our produce in - bringing the total number of freezers we have to FOUR - was never destined to remain in the Utility Room, but had been left there as it was easier, now needed to be moved to the Workshop - out of the house, across the road, up an incline ! At least it gave me a chance to discover those delights that are always found at the bottom but are often lost and forgotten about !

Now that Spring is evident, we needed to replace the chickens that we had lost to a fox during the Winter. A friend gave us a cockerel, which we accepted with thanks, as we thought that he would help keep the 'ladies' under control when we bought them. We managed to get four from the market in Chateauneuf de Faou - they do not sell them at the markets over the Winter, so this was one of the first opportunities we had. They were about 8 weeks old, so we expected eggs from them in two or three months time. The fun starts now, as until they get used to the routine, we have to chase them into their housing each night. After a while, they go in without any prompting, as soon as it starts to get dark, but it's 'fun' to start with !

We also bought 18 x day-old chicks as we have done before to bring on and fatten up for the freezer - sorry if you are a little squeamish ! They spend their first few weeks under a heat lamp, so are contained and secure.

Spring is also a good time to have a bonfire - there are rules and regulations surrounding these, as I have explained before, but we managed a couple while the weather was warming up, and at least dry - getting rid of loads of rubbish, and odd branches from the garden.

A while ago, we had a visit from EDF who asked if they could cut the trees that surrounded the wires next to the house. We were never sure if they would arrive or not - but they did. Three men in total - one went up in a cage to cut the branches, while the other two watched him ! We persuaded them to cut a bit of the yew tree down too, that was overhanging a little too much. They were very obliging and friendly, although their health and safety - or lack of it - left Craig gasping in amazement.

We discovered that we have a fifth grandchild due later in the year - as I have said each time, we are far too young of course !!! What a blessing though, and what a joy !