What a week! The week started with Becky arriving last Saturday to sunny weather and a relaxing weekend ahead. We enjoyed a cup of tea in the backyard on the first afternoon. Unfortunately the weather turned grey and slightly cooler for the rest of the weekend. However we didn’t get too much rain, so we were able to get out and about for a walk on the Sunday and a trip to Rochechouart on the Monday – we had a look at the chateau (which now houses a contemporary art museum and the most spectacular frescoes from the 16th-century). As it was Easter Monday most places were closed, however we did get to have lunch at a local restaurant – once again incredible value – €14.50 for a starter, main, cheese, dessert, coffee and a glass of wine. Also very generous portions, I really could have skipped the dessert. They were also very nice and did me some chicken for the main as the choices were fish or liver – neither which I’ll eat. Pat and Becky both went for the liver. So after that we went for a little walk around the town and discovered that the meteorite museum was opened. Pat was in heaven. It is a small museum but interesting. The area had a meteorite impact approximately 200 million years ago. Even though it was known for a long time that the rocks in the area were odd, it wasn’t till the late 1960’s that a geologist finally figured out that a meteorite was the cause. So all in all it was a good day out with lots of photos taken. Becky headed off on Tuesday complete with some Mon Cheri chocolates and 50ml of the local chestnut liquor – fantastic for making a kir.
The rest of the week has progressed with the weather staying grey and with some rain. Of course on Wednesday morning I decided I really had to get my corn seedlings into the ground – so the veggie patch has started – I’m just hoping that they will survive the cold turn in the weather. My plan for today was to extend the patch, but with the rain already starting to fall today I’m not sure if I’m going to get outside.
We’ve also been to see the Notaire this week, as I really needed to sort out a French will. After our discussion, I went back to pick up what they had typed out for me – not to sign, but to bring home and write by hand, yes write by hand, as in France your will must be written by hand! No mistakes allowed. The assistant – whose English is very good – talked me through all the info. Thankfully it is a simple will and only be a page long. Let’s see how many attempts it takes me to get it correct.
We’ve also had our first set of builders around to look over the house to quote for the work we would like to have done. Thankfully it looks like only a few of the supporting beams in the basement need to be replaced and it isn’t urgent, urgent – the floor shouldn’t collapse. We will see what the quotes are from the other builders and hopefully in the next 6 months this will all happen. We do, of course, still need to apply to the Marie (local mayor) for permission to put a window in upstairs.
So that’s this week all wrapped up – unlike Pat’s presents which I need to wrap up as next Friday is his birthday. I’m even treating him to a meal out. Till next week.
Thanks to Becky for the photos of Pat 🙂
A sad Pat outside the closed museum
A happy Pat outside the open museum
The start of my veggie patch