Painting, plaster boarding and plumbing...

Also electrics but that didn't behind with a p so didn't sound so good.

After a lovely break we have been busy. 

Phil has been bringing plumbing in to the en suite shower room in Bedroom 2 and also electric cables.

Plasterboard has gone up and after a vent has been fitted we will be ready to begin tiling. 

I have been painting Bedroom 2 walls (still not finished) ceiling and beams. We bought a clever tool back in the UK for making grain on a painted surface. I had bought a chocolate emulsion as undercoat and the idea was to paint a liquorice (not suite black) over the top and use this training tool. It looked awful! So as the beams are painted wood anyway and I wanted them to be a very dark brown I mixed some chocolate and some liquorice together and this is the result. The window has also been undercoated and given the white silk treatment so everything is looking brighter. I really like this room and can envisage how it will look when it's finished.

Beams and window - Bedroom 2

Plasterboarding and plumbing Ensuite 2

We did several days work then last Wednesday headed up country to visit Paul and Di near La Lude. We intended visiting them in March when they were over in France but Phil's antics put paid to that. It was great to see them. They have a beautiful house and the work they have done is amazing. Such attention to detail and plastering skills unbeknownst to DIY man. The decor is gorgeous and they have again given us some great ideas. We were looked after beautifully and didn't Iift a finger. They took us to a nearby town called La Flèche which was stunning. There is a military academy there so several young military types around the town. It was lively with pretty buildings and a lovely river and weir. Shops were great and to cap it all they have a lake with man made beach where people go for list of activities including a swim.
A couple of pix here

We came back on Thursday afternoon via Ikea. Phil's was trembling in horror but agree to keep an open mind. He won't admit it but I think he is pleased with our purchases. Three of which are furniture for bedroom 2. A chest of drawers and 2 bedside cabinets.

Since coming back there has been more painting and we have even tried some paint named Ton Pierre which blends well with the stonework and is a local 'colour' on some bits outside. For some reason our house and many others that we have noticed have had external gaps filled in with horrendous grey concrete. Ugly as sin and not good for the stonework. A lime based product is supposed to be used as the concrete can crack the stones.

We are starting to plan for our trip back to the UK next weekend. A shopping list of stuff we can't find here. Would you believe plywood is being illusion even though there is some old stuff that has obviously been purchased here as privacy on our front gates. This is what we need to replace.

A hospital appointment has also been made as they want to check Phil's ICD at the BRI after the shock he had a couple of weeks ago.

We have put the pressure on Plisson, our local builder as to when he will come and knock down a couple for walls and level our stable (to be kitchen) floor. He reckons 15th July for 2-3 days, we'll see. Especially as 14th is Bastille Day and there may be some sore heads on 15th. He will also be depositing a large amount of blonde gravel on the courtyard to pretty it up a bit. Hopefully if this is done they will have departed before Rich arrives on 19th. I am so looking forward to seeing him here and for him to see it for real rather than on Skype or FaceTime.
So until the next time mes amis - we are off to Le Canton for a small beer in the sunshine.
Much love xx