The clocks sprang forward last midnight! Arriving at Angles sur L'Anglin at 6h30, I was as early as last year when people thronged at 7h, but this morning, people did not emerge much before 9h, except for one or two professionals looking for coins, stamps, postcards, hoping to drive down the price of more antique looking items. Mainly, I had what I thought was trash... lots of little items not sold before, diy things, some clothing, and now I wonder what DID I sell? Interest was for a toy tank without tracks, an attractive blue vase for which I wouldn't provide a giveaway price, a rusty woodworking plane, a child's wooden chair. Some things I'd bought, I made a profit on, but much I sold at below the price I'd paid as new. C'est la vie for unwanted items! That is normal. I confess that since my first car boot stall I have had a small kick from making a one or two euros profit on some things. My main interest however, HAS been to dispose of things without taking items to the dechetterie. I don't have a problem with moving things to charity shops but here in France they are few and far between. I support Emmaus.
It was a lot of work for 12 hours on site in the cold but I suppose it was a reasonable profit but one third down on last year's effort. My first sale was my mothers old "snakeskin" patchwork handbag to a man
who I think was theatrical because later I saw he carried the bag and distinguished looking cane!!!!
Once I'd got used to talking to people again in English and French it was quite fun being smiley and happy, even thinking it was 'fun' now that the trauma and anguish of the previous evening had been dispelled. It's physically hard to get the wooden tables in situ without help and realise that if I do one further afield I need a shorter table or a longer car!
I look at all "the stuff" and initially become embarassed but the French have a very good sense of humour so one doesn't feel that once behind the table! "One person's rubbish is another person's treasure," is what I had to say to myself! A good measure of success was that the boxes were lighter for the return journey.
Sunday 31 March 2013
Saturday 30 March 2013
The Bedroom Decor
I have returned to feelings of being in heaven and earth like a princess in paradise!
Room Aspect and Details:
The room faces West - colder in the morning than the afternoon. It measures 240cm high x 410cm long and 330cm wide. The windows are within the doors of the French windows to the courtyard and within the doors of the French windows that lead into the Salle de Sejour. There is also a door without windows leading into the en suite bathroom.
Ceiling: Dulux Roman White between original, fat, sand-blasted, oak beams.
Woodwork: F&B Skimming Stone no. 241: Described as a highly versatile off-white. 'Skimming' refers to its original use as a 19th century skim colour.
Walls: F&B Cornforth White no. 228: Described as Neutral/Cool. In memory of John Cornforth, architectural historian
and author of 'English Decoration in the 18th
Century'. Foremost in the
1970's / 1980's in reviving the Georgian palette of off-whites,
stones, drabs and buffs. The Georgian era spanned the kings reigns between 1714 and 1830.
Bay window tiles: 30 x 15cm². Travertin marble bought at Bricomarché. Treated with clear anti-stain STARWAX .
Oak Floorboards supplied by WoodWorksFrance laid by a competent, experienced builder, who was and is to this day, somewhat still, a very best friend despite all that has happened. I have since treated the wood with 60/40 linseed oil and turpentine.
Bed: Original Victorian iron and brass bedstead, widened and refurbished by Bed Bazaar with a hand made pocket sprung mattress. The story about this bed frame is that in about 1994, I inherited a third of the accident insurance after my father died in Spain. Having slept on a mattress on the floor ever since my early twenties, I decided to raise my sleeping level. I tested lots of beds and mattresses which was fun, but my heart made me inspect iron bedsteads, battered and bashed which had slept no-one for many an age. Horrified at the cost, as I'd never spent this much on furniture, I justified the expense by calculating that it would cost me apx 1p a night for the rest of my life, if I lived to a good old age! I have never regretted the decision and indeed my retreat has given me great comfort for my soul as well as my body. A bed is very important and not just a sleeping place. It's my haven. I like white bed linen although I have been using a brown satin finished bed cover which has an elephant at the centre - a gift from my daughter's visit to Thailand.
Mosquito net: Ecru colour by Klamboe.
Curtains: Laura Ashley fabric circa 1994 (awaiting adaptation)Chandelier: I expect it is French but I bought it for my previous house - a 400 year old inn - where a mezzanine bedroom on the third level overlooked the room in which this hang. In many ways I regret leaving ... but sometimes one has to "move on" and traffic on the street created poor sleeping conditions by vibrating the house. Don't look back except with fondness and memory.
Cheval miroir: Victorian / Edwardian - Inherited from my dearest Aunt Ivy. A little wonky!
Vase: Long Park Torquay. Possibly Aller Vale era. Terracotta. 45cm height. Inherited from my Aunt Ivy filled with peacock feathers and imitation lilies, chrysanthemums and ivy.
Teacher's desk: My school cleared out a storage shed and were about to dispose of this during the summer holidays on a day I went in to work .. the caretaker gave it to me when I asked about it's future!!!!! To remove the 'hot tea-cup' stains we sanded, oiled and loved it! It makes a good surface to store computer related items but it would be nice to move this from my bedroom one day soon!
Carrying the alarm clock and bedside lamp is a mahogany sewing table; lifting the lid reveals blue quilted satin. My daughter inherited this from my Great-Aunt Milly (my father's cousin).My daughter will re-inherit it as I am only the caretaker of a house and items.
Chest of drawers: Inherited after my father died 20 years ago. Spanish - 4 drawers and 6 floral tiles. It is promised to my daughter.
There is no space for the Pine Chest of drawers bought 30 years ago at an antique shop in Suffolk. Lovingly beeswaxed. The space is now the route to the bathroom en-suite.
A wardrobe will have to replace the table.
Room Aspect and Details:
The room faces West - colder in the morning than the afternoon. It measures 240cm high x 410cm long and 330cm wide. The windows are within the doors of the French windows to the courtyard and within the doors of the French windows that lead into the Salle de Sejour. There is also a door without windows leading into the en suite bathroom.
Ceiling: Dulux Roman White between original, fat, sand-blasted, oak beams.
Woodwork: F&B Skimming Stone no. 241: Described as a highly versatile off-white. 'Skimming' refers to its original use as a 19th century skim colour.
Bay window tiles: 30 x 15cm². Travertin marble bought at Bricomarché. Treated with clear anti-stain STARWAX .
Oak Floorboards supplied by WoodWorksFrance laid by a competent, experienced builder, who was and is to this day, somewhat still, a very best friend despite all that has happened. I have since treated the wood with 60/40 linseed oil and turpentine.
Bed: Original Victorian iron and brass bedstead, widened and refurbished by Bed Bazaar with a hand made pocket sprung mattress. The story about this bed frame is that in about 1994, I inherited a third of the accident insurance after my father died in Spain. Having slept on a mattress on the floor ever since my early twenties, I decided to raise my sleeping level. I tested lots of beds and mattresses which was fun, but my heart made me inspect iron bedsteads, battered and bashed which had slept no-one for many an age. Horrified at the cost, as I'd never spent this much on furniture, I justified the expense by calculating that it would cost me apx 1p a night for the rest of my life, if I lived to a good old age! I have never regretted the decision and indeed my retreat has given me great comfort for my soul as well as my body. A bed is very important and not just a sleeping place. It's my haven. I like white bed linen although I have been using a brown satin finished bed cover which has an elephant at the centre - a gift from my daughter's visit to Thailand.
Mosquito net: Ecru colour by Klamboe.
Curtains: Laura Ashley fabric circa 1994 (awaiting adaptation)Chandelier: I expect it is French but I bought it for my previous house - a 400 year old inn - where a mezzanine bedroom on the third level overlooked the room in which this hang. In many ways I regret leaving ... but sometimes one has to "move on" and traffic on the street created poor sleeping conditions by vibrating the house. Don't look back except with fondness and memory.
Cheval miroir: Victorian / Edwardian - Inherited from my dearest Aunt Ivy. A little wonky!
Vase: Long Park Torquay. Possibly Aller Vale era. Terracotta. 45cm height. Inherited from my Aunt Ivy filled with peacock feathers and imitation lilies, chrysanthemums and ivy.
Teacher's desk: My school cleared out a storage shed and were about to dispose of this during the summer holidays on a day I went in to work .. the caretaker gave it to me when I asked about it's future!!!!! To remove the 'hot tea-cup' stains we sanded, oiled and loved it! It makes a good surface to store computer related items but it would be nice to move this from my bedroom one day soon!
Carrying the alarm clock and bedside lamp is a mahogany sewing table; lifting the lid reveals blue quilted satin. My daughter inherited this from my Great-Aunt Milly (my father's cousin).My daughter will re-inherit it as I am only the caretaker of a house and items.
Chest of drawers: Inherited after my father died 20 years ago. Spanish - 4 drawers and 6 floral tiles. It is promised to my daughter.
There is no space for the Pine Chest of drawers bought 30 years ago at an antique shop in Suffolk. Lovingly beeswaxed. The space is now the route to the bathroom en-suite.
A wardrobe will have to replace the table.
Friday 29 March 2013
As mad as a march hare?
The expression:- "C'est du nanan"means that something is good, exquisite, agreeable, easy.
As far as I can understand, nanan is an old word dating back to 1640. Originally Nanan was meat but by extension for children it became something delicious like sweets, candy or candyfloss.
Then by further extension it came to mean something easy. In English we might say "as easy as pie" or "it's a piece of cake" or "it's a breeze".
This sign has intrigued me for some time. I wonder why a hare, or, is it a rabbit?
Is it for the hare/rabbit as meat or to eat?
Is it as in folklore where the hare is a trickster or has magical powers?
I sent an email to my pottery teacher asking her if she knew anything about this sign outside her house. Here is her reply: La personne qui habitait là élevait et vendait des lapins. Nanan doit être une marque d'alimentation pour les lapins.
Then I found a site written by a Frenchman who installed electricity for houses and industrial stes who wrote: Le Nanan produits alimentaires des animaux à Puiseaux.
Enquiry solved!
Thursday 28 March 2013
A room of retreat
At last flooring and decoration is ALMOST COMPLETE!...... other than touching up paint on the skirting board, putting battens on both sides of the door windows, adding draught-proof seal around doors and painting external woodwork on doors.
"I'm really happy" is an understatement, but it's been a long haul since November when my bedroom was vacated and the Salon became a workshop (still is).
I'm extremely pleased that I chose to repaint the walls which we had repainted with inexpensive Wickes Ivory. Previously, it was only ever intended as a temporary base coat when the initial re-decoration was accomplished in 2010 when walls were stripped of paper. However, the walls continued to suck up the paint and became very streaky and patchy. So Farrow & Ball it was, at huge cost, but I like it!
My friend feels satisfaction that he then chose to remove the Three Valleys between the plasterboard sheets (positioned in 1985), then had to eradicate the teeny weeny air bubbles that appeared in the recent plaster filling. Lots of filling and sanding between painting was a nuisance, but the outcome is a happy one. He says it is elegant. How very nice! How very kind! That is also an understatement.
No more bare concrete floor, no more carpet, no more gaps where there was no skirting board and I'm going to attempt to ban myself from storing stuff under the bed. DIFFICULT when I need cupboards!
I'm looking for a suitable armoire for clothing (aka wardobe) but there's not a lot of space with doors on three walls. In the Autumn I will have to consider whether to re-install the radiator because of the 'not much wall-space' factor. I'm intending to hang curtains across the courtyard doors. I'm trying to decide which rail to buy when existing curtains from my UK house have the plastic hooks and gathers plus the hem needs letting down to make them longer. Hopefully hang one or two pictures without cluttering the visual space. Minimalist is now an aim! I've never been able to achieve that!
Achievement is a wonderful feeling... and so to bed, to sleep, and not to dream of re-decorating this room ever again! Thank you to a friend.
"I'm really happy" is an understatement, but it's been a long haul since November when my bedroom was vacated and the Salon became a workshop (still is).
I'm extremely pleased that I chose to repaint the walls which we had repainted with inexpensive Wickes Ivory. Previously, it was only ever intended as a temporary base coat when the initial re-decoration was accomplished in 2010 when walls were stripped of paper. However, the walls continued to suck up the paint and became very streaky and patchy. So Farrow & Ball it was, at huge cost, but I like it!
My friend feels satisfaction that he then chose to remove the Three Valleys between the plasterboard sheets (positioned in 1985), then had to eradicate the teeny weeny air bubbles that appeared in the recent plaster filling. Lots of filling and sanding between painting was a nuisance, but the outcome is a happy one. He says it is elegant. How very nice! How very kind! That is also an understatement.
No more bare concrete floor, no more carpet, no more gaps where there was no skirting board and I'm going to attempt to ban myself from storing stuff under the bed. DIFFICULT when I need cupboards!
I'm looking for a suitable armoire for clothing (aka wardobe) but there's not a lot of space with doors on three walls. In the Autumn I will have to consider whether to re-install the radiator because of the 'not much wall-space' factor. I'm intending to hang curtains across the courtyard doors. I'm trying to decide which rail to buy when existing curtains from my UK house have the plastic hooks and gathers plus the hem needs letting down to make them longer. Hopefully hang one or two pictures without cluttering the visual space. Minimalist is now an aim! I've never been able to achieve that!
Achievement is a wonderful feeling... and so to bed, to sleep, and not to dream of re-decorating this room ever again! Thank you to a friend.
Sunday 24 March 2013
Bats, Bumblebees and Ants
Yesterday evening
I took a walk in the inverse direction from that which I normally take.
Now descending into the valley,
climbing la falaise, all the while witnessing the river glistening below
where the golden bronzed hue of last year's oak leaves shimmer in setting sunlight.
This path took me zig-zagging through the village,
past the house where friends are going to live,
down to the chateau,
along by the river,
where here I come to the mill,
where here I stand and hear a rushing river,
marvelling as it flows,
mesmerized by frothy scum heading downstream
to pass stacks of tree debris piled high in twisted mangles,
wedged between trees that stand with heads aloft,
not yet victims to pounding elements.
I collect a trophy from the river sand
banked onto the bank with flotsam and jetsam of branches in various stages of river decay.
This trophy is a very straight six feet long branch,
useful for a tomato plant stake,
too long and heavy as a walking pole.
Not joy to see teeny weeny ants on my kitchen floor
but oh, how I welcome bees with different coloured bottoms,
not on my kitchen floor
but visiting the purple flowering plant in my garden. Its name I do not remember.
Joy to see bats at dusk as moonlight shines.
I leave my courtyard light on, door open, as it is warmer than inside
just for a while,
before I light a fire to keep me warm throughout the coming night.
Joy to see a newly-mown lawn making visible clumps of white violets and purple,
leaves of cowslips a little late becoming into flower.
It may get colder again, so shall wrap up the camellias.
My mother spoke to me of snow falling.
She was surprised to know today I have Spring!
Saturday 23 March 2013
Basic needs
Yesterday morning was focused on a visit to the dentist. I was happy not to need any treatment other than a clean (29euros) and that only hurt just a wee tad! I do wish he'd give me better clothing protection as water seemed to spurt everywhere from the cleaning machine and my jumper got wet! It was also a good idea that he gave me a small mirror afterwards to show me how whitened was the little tooth that I was concerned about being stained because of old age!!!!!* Like a child who'd been licking icing sugar from a plate, I had white powder around my mouth. ** I was impressed too because I experienced a panoramic xray of my mouth (21euros) which demonstrated that the hidden parts of my teeth were in excellent health.
* just think how long those little enamelled items have had to chomp through three square meals a day for x years, with roots still holding strong, even though gums are receding!!!!!!!
** my mother used to do the most hideous thing of pulling from her pocket a hanky (short for handkerchief) but not a nice new, clean, ironed and folded one.... OH NO!!!! If we children had dirty mouths, I would quake in my shoes as her Peter pointy finger would be wrapped into the hanky and then my mother would lick the hanky and wipe her saliva around our mouths!!!!!!!! YUK!!! I still to this day can conjure up the smell and the taste but it is best not to do that!!!! I NEVER EVER DID THAT to my children and was horrified recently to see me daughter do it to my only granddaughter.. Quel horreur is what I said!!!!!!!
In the afternoon, it was time for a shampoo and cut. Sandrine is excellent as we share conversation in English and French. I learn to to correct my grammar! She remembers her vocabulary! To step out and feel like a new woman was my treat!
* just think how long those little enamelled items have had to chomp through three square meals a day for x years, with roots still holding strong, even though gums are receding!!!!!!!
** my mother used to do the most hideous thing of pulling from her pocket a hanky (short for handkerchief) but not a nice new, clean, ironed and folded one.... OH NO!!!! If we children had dirty mouths, I would quake in my shoes as her Peter pointy finger would be wrapped into the hanky and then my mother would lick the hanky and wipe her saliva around our mouths!!!!!!!! YUK!!! I still to this day can conjure up the smell and the taste but it is best not to do that!!!! I NEVER EVER DID THAT to my children and was horrified recently to see me daughter do it to my only granddaughter.. Quel horreur is what I said!!!!!!!
In the afternoon, it was time for a shampoo and cut. Sandrine is excellent as we share conversation in English and French. I learn to to correct my grammar! She remembers her vocabulary! To step out and feel like a new woman was my treat!
Friday 22 March 2013
A new bakery
Je monte et je descend les rues, the lanes, of my village to discover the news. Birds sing their evening songs.. still light at gone past seven, and the aroma of wallflowers, winter jasmine, blossom on trees and shrubs whose names I forget, fragrant the air..... Ah, it is the Spring. I note the warmer weather. I clip-clop in my heeled boots as an experiment for my feet, which have had problems. Locals are in good humour. I observe a building shelved up with wood pushing against it and braced against the building about 2 metres opposite to stop it falling further!! Quel horreur !! I've been watching that building for some while, always pleased that I didn't buy the house next to it.
We have a new boulangerie. A very nice woman who has come from the Vicq bakery which I know has been proclaimed. I was brave and went in although I had no money with me. I explained how pleased I was to see the bakery open and also explained that I often bake my own bread because I like 100% wholemeal bread. She showed me that she has complét too. Good oh because sometimes I like to buy bread if it is GOOD bread, therefore GOOD for my system! And of course fresh croissants, a greater range of bread, little cakes and tarts. It was her first day open! They are locataire, meaning that they rent the premises.
We have a new boulangerie. A very nice woman who has come from the Vicq bakery which I know has been proclaimed. I was brave and went in although I had no money with me. I explained how pleased I was to see the bakery open and also explained that I often bake my own bread because I like 100% wholemeal bread. She showed me that she has complét too. Good oh because sometimes I like to buy bread if it is GOOD bread, therefore GOOD for my system! And of course fresh croissants, a greater range of bread, little cakes and tarts. It was her first day open! They are locataire, meaning that they rent the premises.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Sunday 17 March 2013
Chamber Music and Fire
Only in France are we turned out into"le soleil" during a refreshment interval of a classical music concert! Under a crystal blue sky, necessitating that our coats, hats and scarves are braced around us do we sip apple juice, sparkling or still, with mini portions of quiche, florentine, chocolatey fudge type thingy, or broyeau biscuits (a local recipe).
At château de Cremault, Bonneuil-Matours there was a performance of piano, violin and 'cello:
At château de Cremault, Bonneuil-Matours there was a performance of piano, violin and 'cello:
❦Haydn Trio Hob.XV:25 'à la hongroise' en Sol Majeur in 3 movements -
Andante-Poco - Adagio - Presto
❦Beethoven Trio op 70 n°1 'les esprits' en Ré Majeur in 3 movements -
Allegro vivace e con brio - Largo assai ed espressivo - Presto
❦Mendelssohn Trio op 49 n°1 en ré
mineur in 4 movements - Molto Allegro
agitato - Andante con molto
tranquillo - Scherzo Leggiero e vivace - Allegro
assai appassionato ❦Rachmaninov Trio élégiaque n°1 en sol mineur
Very nice to be out and about and lovely to see a 5 year old child present though not listening, hear an American speaking French and two ladies speaking English. Average age for the audience .... 75!!!!!! ha-ah and ho-oh!
FIRE
There was a terrible sight at Archigny on my return journey. I showed caution but having made a risk assessment, whilst others parked to watch, I felt that I could continue my journey. As I got nearer, the fireman signalled to pass. There were at least 5 engines; one with a cherry picker carrying two firefighters pouring gallons of water at roof level into the house. Well, there was no roof. I presume a chimney fire started the destruction. Poor souls! Hopefully no one was injured or killed. It was quite upsetting. On Thursday late morning two fire-engines were at the local garagiste! A chimney fire. My friend had a chimney fire in February and the previous February.
I wonder if the severe cold causes a thermal shock so that wood-tar ignites. I know the problems with the installation of my woodburner were not my fault but the cold wet chimney created smoke in my lounge when I tried to light it. It was brand new. However, the woodburner is now very efficient. Even so, I don't like the way it slumbers when there is not sufficient wind or when it is very cold. I like to get it roaring at least once a day!
FIRE
There was a terrible sight at Archigny on my return journey. I showed caution but having made a risk assessment, whilst others parked to watch, I felt that I could continue my journey. As I got nearer, the fireman signalled to pass. There were at least 5 engines; one with a cherry picker carrying two firefighters pouring gallons of water at roof level into the house. Well, there was no roof. I presume a chimney fire started the destruction. Poor souls! Hopefully no one was injured or killed. It was quite upsetting. On Thursday late morning two fire-engines were at the local garagiste! A chimney fire. My friend had a chimney fire in February and the previous February.
I wonder if the severe cold causes a thermal shock so that wood-tar ignites. I know the problems with the installation of my woodburner were not my fault but the cold wet chimney created smoke in my lounge when I tried to light it. It was brand new. However, the woodburner is now very efficient. Even so, I don't like the way it slumbers when there is not sufficient wind or when it is very cold. I like to get it roaring at least once a day!
Sunday 10 March 2013
Saturday 9 March 2013
Un orage
A storm clapped immediately above us as we were in the midst of our meal. It caused consternation but they said it would herald the colder weather that has been forecast. Nearby was the grandiose Gartempe river, nearby the village church with its newly restored spire, which would have attracted lightning.
To begin, we ate: grated carrot and celeriac in lots of lemon juice, followed by red or black radish, if we wished, then rondelles of carrots layered with other veg and eggy mixture, pressed and baked as a quiche-omelette, served cold in cubes and garnished with mâche. I'd baked a vegetable pie using shop shortcrust pastry. I leave the paper on, and press it into a deep, oval, pyrex dish. I spread aioli onto the base and sides of the pastry, cover with a deep layer of sautéed onions, a layer of canned spinach, squeezed so that the moisture has been removed, top with sautéed sliced mushrooms. I added leftover ratatouille (aubergine, onion, red pepper, garlic, courgettes). Then fresh, raw, red pepper sliced into strips, with fresh soft goat's cheese in between to make red and white stripes! Bring the pastry up and wrap on top which leaves the vegetables and cheese revealed in the centre. Add a little more aioli to the pastry on top. Bake in a HOT oven for about 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden. MMMMmmmmmmmm.
The French love to find out how food is made. They kept repeating the words "vegetable pie" with some amusement and all wanted 2nds. All was accompanied by a Bordeaux rouge and much conversation, most of which I did not follow! We were replete but coffee was served with a cake that René had made... it was like an English fruit cake. One lady wanted to drink wine with it, so I did too. I explained that my grandmother always had a glass of sherry with fruit cake. Trying to return my date shortcake for 4pm tea to the basket, they decided they wanted that NOW!!!!! How can anyone lose weight like this? I remember! "Calories" was one of the subjects they were discussing!!!!!
After which, we started the pottery class. Previously made objects needed to be glazed: a donkey, an incense stick holder and a butterfly. I also started and finished a flat fish made in Raku clay which has pieces of previously fired clay in it to add strength. (Ah, I wonder if that is called 'biscuit clay'?) It has to dry before being fired, then glazed and re-fired. Dom had several of her professional pieces to fire: a swallow, a robin, a model with separate arms and legs. Raku firing was to happen.
To begin, we ate: grated carrot and celeriac in lots of lemon juice, followed by red or black radish, if we wished, then rondelles of carrots layered with other veg and eggy mixture, pressed and baked as a quiche-omelette, served cold in cubes and garnished with mâche. I'd baked a vegetable pie using shop shortcrust pastry. I leave the paper on, and press it into a deep, oval, pyrex dish. I spread aioli onto the base and sides of the pastry, cover with a deep layer of sautéed onions, a layer of canned spinach, squeezed so that the moisture has been removed, top with sautéed sliced mushrooms. I added leftover ratatouille (aubergine, onion, red pepper, garlic, courgettes). Then fresh, raw, red pepper sliced into strips, with fresh soft goat's cheese in between to make red and white stripes! Bring the pastry up and wrap on top which leaves the vegetables and cheese revealed in the centre. Add a little more aioli to the pastry on top. Bake in a HOT oven for about 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden. MMMMmmmmmmmm.
The French love to find out how food is made. They kept repeating the words "vegetable pie" with some amusement and all wanted 2nds. All was accompanied by a Bordeaux rouge and much conversation, most of which I did not follow! We were replete but coffee was served with a cake that René had made... it was like an English fruit cake. One lady wanted to drink wine with it, so I did too. I explained that my grandmother always had a glass of sherry with fruit cake. Trying to return my date shortcake for 4pm tea to the basket, they decided they wanted that NOW!!!!! How can anyone lose weight like this? I remember! "Calories" was one of the subjects they were discussing!!!!!
After which, we started the pottery class. Previously made objects needed to be glazed: a donkey, an incense stick holder and a butterfly. I also started and finished a flat fish made in Raku clay which has pieces of previously fired clay in it to add strength. (Ah, I wonder if that is called 'biscuit clay'?) It has to dry before being fired, then glazed and re-fired. Dom had several of her professional pieces to fire: a swallow, a robin, a model with separate arms and legs. Raku firing was to happen.
Friday 8 March 2013
March madness
The VMC developed "a sound" in January and since I was going away, I informed the electrician that he could repair it on my return. It had been installed in the attic with a hanging loop of tube which collected condensed water. In January it was disconnected, the water removed, but we considered there might be another loop. It's difficult to describe but the fitter had taken the tube the longest route forming a huge C shape!
The company boss, not the man who installed it, arrived and admonished me for not running it 24 hours each day. Fair enough, I can understand his logic. When I protested that it would withdraw the heat from the room, he explained that thermic shock is created in the winter when turning off the electrical supply. The tube is exposed to cold air in the attic and steam that is travelling upwards which has not yet evacuated into the environmental air, gets condensed. In the summer, he says it is OK to turn it off after 3 to 5 hours following someone having a shower or bath. He thought that as it only costs 30e per year to run 24 hours x 365, it should not be a problem! Although I spoke about saving the planet and my purse, he shrugged his shoulders in the Gallic manner, and said that until recently there wasn't another option in France!!!!!! Hmph!!!! He argued the advantage that new air was being drawn into the room as it has no opening window. Point taken I suppose! I cannot dispute with such a charming man!
He re-connected the tube to the extractor machine. Thank goodness I took him into the bathroom and switched it on because the sound was even louder. He commented that there was another loop filled with water! Into the attic the fragile wood flooring was removed AGAIN, new holes cut into it and into the wood flooring that was below that floor level, yet above the ceiling of the bathroom. My friend helped by sawing various access holes, being careful not to cut any floor supporting timber, nor any beams. Then the electrician carefully smashed a hole through the terracotta brick suspended ceiling that we'd left in situ when we lowered the ceiling of the bathroom. Now the flexible pipe could be withdrawn from its former position, taken vertically upwards with no twists, turns or hanging loops of pipe, thereby shortening the tube and distance that the steam has to travel. He also adjusted the VMC vanes so that less warm air is extracted. His employee had not set it with that option! It is now working silently.
Meanwhile the chaos upstairs has been left until Monday when we can reposition the flooring whilst removing stones, bricks, pieces of fibreglass, nibbled walnuts and animal nesting material! ..... I hate to know that there is a mess hidden unseen behind walls or floors of buildings!!!!! There is about a metre of space between the ceiling of the bathroom and the attic floor.
In addition, the leak below the bath doesn't seem to have an explanation and does not always pour forth water onto the tiles floor when the bath water is emptied ... so the bath panel is off! Plus, I'm still trying to decide where to buy the bath screen!!!!! England it will be, as I want it higher than the normal dimension.
The bedroom was about to get the final coat of paint now that the F&B paint has successfully covered the cheap and nasty Wickes paint. However, this morning, my friend commented on the concave dips between the sheets of 'plasterboard on polystyrene' panels that were installed in about 1985. Those three vertical hollows have been filled, require sanding when dry, then re-filling, sanding again, before paint can be added to that last and largest wall of that particular room. Patience is required before I can return to sleep there.
The large Salon continues to have 'le rideau bleu' across it, haha, to keep the wood dust that side of the room and the woodburner dust this side!!!!!! I am continually sweeping and vacuuming both sides!!!!! I decided to sort out HIS tools, screws and nails. It is worse than a ravelled ball of knitting!!!! However, we discovered screws etc that he didn't think he had and so a saving has been made on going to Brico shops.
Preparation is being made to start to replace the glazing of 4 exterior French doors.
The warmer weather is arriving.... OR IS IT?????? Forecast suggests lower temperatures! Easter is coming and 'hey ho' the weeks and months pass by as I dream of another life not renovating. I am unskilled and to some extent I love updating a house.... if only I'd been younger!
The garden beckons after the grand clear up ... but I might just avoid it tomorrow and go to my pottery class.
I am in relatively good health. However, I am in shock this evening to hear how a very good friend of my son has serious spinal problems, her husband also has bone and joint problems, coupled with work difficulties or unemployment PLUS looking after a 3 year old. Life is not fair.
The company boss, not the man who installed it, arrived and admonished me for not running it 24 hours each day. Fair enough, I can understand his logic. When I protested that it would withdraw the heat from the room, he explained that thermic shock is created in the winter when turning off the electrical supply. The tube is exposed to cold air in the attic and steam that is travelling upwards which has not yet evacuated into the environmental air, gets condensed. In the summer, he says it is OK to turn it off after 3 to 5 hours following someone having a shower or bath. He thought that as it only costs 30e per year to run 24 hours x 365, it should not be a problem! Although I spoke about saving the planet and my purse, he shrugged his shoulders in the Gallic manner, and said that until recently there wasn't another option in France!!!!!! Hmph!!!! He argued the advantage that new air was being drawn into the room as it has no opening window. Point taken I suppose! I cannot dispute with such a charming man!
He re-connected the tube to the extractor machine. Thank goodness I took him into the bathroom and switched it on because the sound was even louder. He commented that there was another loop filled with water! Into the attic the fragile wood flooring was removed AGAIN, new holes cut into it and into the wood flooring that was below that floor level, yet above the ceiling of the bathroom. My friend helped by sawing various access holes, being careful not to cut any floor supporting timber, nor any beams. Then the electrician carefully smashed a hole through the terracotta brick suspended ceiling that we'd left in situ when we lowered the ceiling of the bathroom. Now the flexible pipe could be withdrawn from its former position, taken vertically upwards with no twists, turns or hanging loops of pipe, thereby shortening the tube and distance that the steam has to travel. He also adjusted the VMC vanes so that less warm air is extracted. His employee had not set it with that option! It is now working silently.
Meanwhile the chaos upstairs has been left until Monday when we can reposition the flooring whilst removing stones, bricks, pieces of fibreglass, nibbled walnuts and animal nesting material! ..... I hate to know that there is a mess hidden unseen behind walls or floors of buildings!!!!! There is about a metre of space between the ceiling of the bathroom and the attic floor.
In addition, the leak below the bath doesn't seem to have an explanation and does not always pour forth water onto the tiles floor when the bath water is emptied ... so the bath panel is off! Plus, I'm still trying to decide where to buy the bath screen!!!!! England it will be, as I want it higher than the normal dimension.
The bedroom was about to get the final coat of paint now that the F&B paint has successfully covered the cheap and nasty Wickes paint. However, this morning, my friend commented on the concave dips between the sheets of 'plasterboard on polystyrene' panels that were installed in about 1985. Those three vertical hollows have been filled, require sanding when dry, then re-filling, sanding again, before paint can be added to that last and largest wall of that particular room. Patience is required before I can return to sleep there.
The large Salon continues to have 'le rideau bleu' across it, haha, to keep the wood dust that side of the room and the woodburner dust this side!!!!!! I am continually sweeping and vacuuming both sides!!!!! I decided to sort out HIS tools, screws and nails. It is worse than a ravelled ball of knitting!!!! However, we discovered screws etc that he didn't think he had and so a saving has been made on going to Brico shops.
Preparation is being made to start to replace the glazing of 4 exterior French doors.
The warmer weather is arriving.... OR IS IT?????? Forecast suggests lower temperatures! Easter is coming and 'hey ho' the weeks and months pass by as I dream of another life not renovating. I am unskilled and to some extent I love updating a house.... if only I'd been younger!
The garden beckons after the grand clear up ... but I might just avoid it tomorrow and go to my pottery class.
I am in relatively good health. However, I am in shock this evening to hear how a very good friend of my son has serious spinal problems, her husband also has bone and joint problems, coupled with work difficulties or unemployment PLUS looking after a 3 year old. Life is not fair.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
Weeding good soil
I am aware that some people have mowed their lawns. I resisted. Instead, in the early evening, I chose to hoe and weed the patch I call my herbal garden. It has small box plants around it which should be pruned for cuttings to make new plants to fill the spaces. The creeping thyme is not suitable for this patch but it prevails, nor is the larger than I would like sage plant which is thriving. The rosemary and tarragon died. The contained mint may or may not appear but if not it matters not as I have a variety that grows not far from the back garden within the lawn! Looks like I must find new herb plants!
Monday 4 March 2013
Les grues cendres - Cranes
It had been a poor weekend .. perhaps it was the backlash of returning from UK, or fighting off illness, or I was tired, but the unmistakeable symptoms of Fibromylagia (M.E.) returned to make me sleep and eat erratically, drink tons of tea and water, shuffle about on leaden legs, and generally be unable to think or do very much. Imagine though at almost midday, when I had opened up the doors to let in the warmth of Spring sunshine, I heard cries of birds. I dashed into the courtyard, then the street, to see V formations of cranes flying towards the north east ... excitedly and joyfully I clapped my hands in glee ...Spring has arrived. Maybe the cold nights and mornings have not ended, but certainly Winter has been banished. I have no idea how many, being poor at estimating I would say about 300. It's the most I've ever witnessed. At 6pm it was 14C outside in the courtyard. I even managed to sit in the sunshine, wrapped in a blanket during the afternoon and fell asleep with a book in hand! I reflected that this is what my favourite aunt used to do!
Saturday 2 March 2013
February
No posts in February as
a) I lost inspiration, motivation and the will to live after making 5 preserve pans of marmalade creating apx 55 jars, some laced with Armagnac, some with ginger, some with cinnamon,, when my blog posting disappeared, as my laptop glitched.
b) I had just under 3 weeks in England. There were:
Attractive accents to listen to; long visits in The Apple Store to correct my computer at no cost.
Brick Lane without a market
Cinema City lunch divine
Daughterly delights
Endless experiences
Fascinating faces and friends
Grand-daughter activities of swimming and gymnastics then she was unwell
Hubbub
Interesting ideas
Jamie Oliver restaurant as a birthday treat for daughter. Nice, but I wouldn't go again.
Keeping calm
'Les Miserables' film and a visit to London
Merlot at The Royal Exchange
Norwich Arcade
Osteopath excruciation - a temporary fix
Plane, Coach and Bus travel takes time yet it's a way from A to B without the car
Quiet frustrations when agreed intentions were not fulfilled and out of my control
Rain-drenched citywalk to look at buildings with my grand daughter's class. I couldn't quite see the point of this school activity for rising 5 year olds!
Southwold pier with a glimpse of heaven. Son at Spitalfields market
Travelling is tiring but a treat
Udon noodles at Wagamama
Visibly happy in Cathedral Close
Walking along Aldgate and cities, coffee at Waterstones, yet I missed a long walk by the coast
Xcessive amount of food consumed
Y I had WHY questions in my head
Zzzzzzzzzz in an expensive London hotel but at a very reduced rate with thanks to laterooms.com
a) I lost inspiration, motivation and the will to live after making 5 preserve pans of marmalade creating apx 55 jars, some laced with Armagnac, some with ginger, some with cinnamon,, when my blog posting disappeared, as my laptop glitched.
b) I had just under 3 weeks in England. There were:
Attractive accents to listen to; long visits in The Apple Store to correct my computer at no cost.
Brick Lane without a market
Cinema City lunch divine
Daughterly delights
Endless experiences
Fascinating faces and friends
Grand-daughter activities of swimming and gymnastics then she was unwell
Hubbub
Interesting ideas
Jamie Oliver restaurant as a birthday treat for daughter. Nice, but I wouldn't go again.
Keeping calm
'Les Miserables' film and a visit to London
Merlot at The Royal Exchange
Norwich Arcade
Osteopath excruciation - a temporary fix
Plane, Coach and Bus travel takes time yet it's a way from A to B without the car
Quiet frustrations when agreed intentions were not fulfilled and out of my control
Rain-drenched citywalk to look at buildings with my grand daughter's class. I couldn't quite see the point of this school activity for rising 5 year olds!
Southwold pier with a glimpse of heaven. Son at Spitalfields market
Travelling is tiring but a treat
Udon noodles at Wagamama
Visibly happy in Cathedral Close
Walking along Aldgate and cities, coffee at Waterstones, yet I missed a long walk by the coast
Xcessive amount of food consumed
Y I had WHY questions in my head
Zzzzzzzzzz in an expensive London hotel but at a very reduced rate with thanks to laterooms.com
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| Norwich Arcade |
 |
| Brick Lane Truman architecture |
 |
| Spitalfields symbolism |
 |
| Reproducing Aldgate in the eye of The Shard |
According to a plaque,
this structure “Palace on Pillars” was created by STUDIO WEAVE and inspired by
two poems¹ from
Chaucer, who lived in Aldgate 1774 to 1386. It denotes the start of High Street
2012 and the route to the Olympics at Stratford. Interestingly to me: it’s like “Baba
Yaga’s chicken hut” one of the pieces from “Pictures at an Exhibition” by
Mussorgsky: The house of Fame and The parliament of
Fowls
 |
| Material contrast |
  |
| Relaxing in The Royal Exchange where I sipped a mellifluous Merlot. |
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