January to June 2011
The year started with research; I was angst-ridden trying to find someone to make a toughened glass hearth of 12mm thickness and the a large dimension, trying also to find an oval trim for a 45 degree angle of pipework to enter the wall. Most trims were shoddy or expensive, and were called a variety of names, which is why it was difficult to locate them on the web and were non-existent in France. Much to the questioning of the UK glazier in January, I sandwiched the glass between chipboard. It was heavy. Poor Clio. The glass rested on an airbed until May!
The year started with research; I was angst-ridden trying to find someone to make a toughened glass hearth of 12mm thickness and the a large dimension, trying also to find an oval trim for a 45 degree angle of pipework to enter the wall. Most trims were shoddy or expensive, and were called a variety of names, which is why it was difficult to locate them on the web and were non-existent in France. Much to the questioning of the UK glazier in January, I sandwiched the glass between chipboard. It was heavy. Poor Clio. The glass rested on an airbed until May!
The oak flooring arrived just before Christmas 2010. The electricity heater stayed on minimum more or less day and night, (even though there was no one in the house), to help stabilize the oak, but in February I bought a dehumidifier to help remove humidity which came in from the partially open chimney vent. To begin with, the boxes of oak were almost impossible to lift but as the weeks passed the boxes became lighter. I was glad they'd had the opportunity to acclimatise. Floor leveling compound was laid and the painting of walls and ceilings began. We thought cracks had disappeared but then after a few days or even the next morning they reappeared and others declared themselves. This became tedious, frustrating, dispiriting, and merciless.
The car became poorly again. A bitter wind blew. Days passed in struggles of all kinds from practical work, physical health, mental and emotional needs, depression and for me, a chatterbox brain. I looked in the mirror and wondered who was staring at me! I reached in my boots for determination even though one can’t always get what one wants!!
With the severe weather the roof of the external toilet block began to leak, so we cleared the roof of moss and laid bitumen in the cracks. Unusual pleasure arrived as the hard work spent on preparation began to pay off. It was a joy to finally wax the pine kitchen door that had been sanded last October. We began to be happy in our individual selves.
Spring eventually pushed the icy weather to one side. On March 14th lawns were mowed…daffodils had been in bloom some time and my friend made great progress with the external doors and windows as well as with the armoire / cupboard doors because he could work outside with sanding and cutting machines. March 23rd was very hot. Summer had arrived, We were able to have morning coffee and lunch in the garden in full sunshine on many a day. It was more than pleasant and harmonious. And so we came to April when I began to sleep in a different house on different nights. Newly glazed and restored windows and doors were hung, painted with final coats of paint. Interestingly, I have an underground water cistern below the Atelier which collects rainwater. It is 2.70m maximum in depth about 3m wide and 4m long and at today’s date the water level was at 1.42 metres just before the huge rain storm on 25th April. It is set up so that water can be pumped into a 50m hose for watering the lawn and plants when the drought occurs. This proved to even serve as a fun shower in the heat of the summer when I still did not have a bathroom! Fortunately, strategically positioned I could not be seen by neighbours! It warms up sufficiently for at least a 2 minute shower.
We started to lay the oak flooring having already laid the plastic membrane and chipboard. The final rows of the oval room were laid on May 10th and the small room must have been about a week after that. There were many days caused for celebration but we never celebrated anything beacuse we were both exhausted and just able to function on automaton. Tragically, my friend heard of the untimely demise and death of a school friend and I could feel his grief. It was deeply sad.
The lawns are mowed again on May 7th and cherries were stoned to make way in the freezer for other things. I made jam! We started to collect 5 stere of logs, finished doorway tiling and glued and pinned skirting boards which were sanded and painted I don’t know how many times until my friend was satisfied. It was grueling. Whoopee - May 19th, the second woodburner was installed, 5 months behind schedule, but it matters not! The weather was hot! This later became a problem on more than one occasion! Eventually radiators were returned to the walls. When they have all been returned to their positions I would be able to order fioul for the central heating. Oh, I'd forgotten about that possibility until now as I write! Hope! Lighting was completed and the rooms are habitable. It looks so beautiful I wish to cry but I smile instead with immense pleasure and relief.
At The Last Supper we shared a bottle of 1997 Rioja – a very dusty bottle discovered in our cache. He cooked lamb. I think I bought a French patisserie. Moving Day was on June 4th when two young lads moved my piano, furniture and personal belongings. I wept but stayed strong. I continued to move things after that date and my friend continued to help me clear, organize and install a washing machine. I was launched into single womanhood again. He was launched into bachelorhood again.
June to December 2011
In the Summertime we rested. My friend bought an electrically assisted bicycle and explored a wider region. I went to UK, Greece, Nimes and Arles. I felt re-generated and blissfully happy meeting new friends and being with my family. Happiness continued until October when another hurdle dragged me down. By November UK flu had gripped me. Is that why in France it is called ‘la grippe’? I spent two weeks asleep and when upright, only half awake! Research and a blood test showed that my protein levels were below the minimum requirement. All other medical support stopped. I was tired of taking tablets. I don’t need them though I have some inactive days when "ma tête est dans mes chaussettes." In 2012, I intend to increase vitamins and minerals and continue to maintain the higher protein diet. My problem as I get older is weight gain. Oh for the days when I was a sylphlike creature. I need to exercise as I have really slowed down. I long to walk everyday, cycle, swim in the wild river, and not eat winter carbohydrates!
Since November we have been working on the installation of a bathroom but illness has beset us both, as well as other housing issues being a nuisance. The days will get longer but first we must make it through the winter months.
I am grateful for the help, to someone who has in the past held a special place in my life and although I do not have sufficiently worthy expressions, I have appreciated the benevolence and kindness in continuing to help me with this project that I am unskilled and unprepared for. I have certainly not appreciated other stuff. Despite the past differences and difficulties which I have not handled well, I have always tried my best to support this pragmatic, independent person as the need arises. We are friends. I try my best, which is not good enough, to make changes in my own inner Self and my 'reality life expectations' to solve the issues that gather around my feet and head!
And so it is as it is.
And so it is as it is.
FRENCH LANGUAGE
· "ma tête est dans mes chaussettes." is a french, idiomatic expression describing low morale (mood) often related to being depressed, translated as having one's head in one's slippers!· le fioul (masculin) = fuel. Domestic fuel = le mazout· l'armoire (feminin) is a cupboard with shelves and / or doors
