Now that at least two of our devoted followers have very kindly and probably not entirely accurately compared our blog to Driving Over Lemons ( a very fine “we moved abroad” kind of book) I have considered re-titling to Stomping Over Leaves. It has been an epic job clearing them all – we are definitely not short of trees.
I am on a constant learning curve. Yesterday our French neighbours kindly invited me for lunch. I trotted over after a decent breakfast, expecting a light snack. I really should have known better! After a starter of crevettes, avocado and home made mayonnaise, chicken and beans, salad, cheese and prune tart, I nearly crawled home. I still had a jobs list and had to really pull myself together to get things done but I did – honestly Fiona!
Today, I decided to make a serious start on the gites. Unfortunately, I decided to do a really thorough job and examine the roof. It soon became apparent that some tiles on the terrace canopy needed replaced. Not a big deal for a top handyman like myself (well -I’m learning) but turns out (that phrase is cropping up a lot) that the tiles I need are no longer in production. No doubt there will be a solution, At least the gites are dry and there is no internal damage.
Now that I have a French mobile, French people are convinced that I can understand long, complex messages in rapid French. Maybe one day that will be true but at this point……….
Just a week now until the amazing Mrs Downes comes to join me (and yes Jess and Mum you are amazing but I mean the other one!) Really looking forward to being in our new home together.