Sunday 28 October 2012
No Humming update
Wasps clamouring to reach the light on the outside of the windows make themselves an easy target for a shoe or flybat! Sleepy wasps on a tiled floor get stamped upon. Today, increasingly colder weather brings another 60 or so, in their death throes, fallen to the ground at the double doorway below the nest entrance. One lies dead in the spotlight above the bath in my brand new bathroom!!!! The crack in the wall received another spray on Tuesday but being inappropriately dressed, 'though well covered, swiftly did I descend when wasps appeared from east and west! Thursday, the crack was indirectly blocked by a sheet of metal but as the wall is wonky, they can still exit and enter. Evidently, green ant powder will do the trick....me thinks I need to drill a larger hole into the wall plus pump it in somehow. The week has passed and the poison control man never even contacted me! Hmph! My granddaughter was very brave, especially when she found a sleepy one on her clothing. I look forward to their full departure and am grateful that they don't appear to be humming anymore!
Sunday 21 October 2012
No Humming now!
What a saga!!!! We finished three cans that had been previously started to kill wasps nests in his and her houses! My friend wore a plastic decorator suit with a clear plastic bag over his head, pegged together and rubber gloves. He managed to do the deed without suffocating himself, nor getting stung. Another bonus was that he couldn't breathe in any of the fumes. That was good! I borrowed a ladder so we could put wooden planks over the plastic corrugated roof to tread on, to reach the crack in the house wall, which is above the roof, above the exit door. You can see that there is cement on this wall! Not good!!!!!
The wasps came from east and west, swooping over the rooftop but most got sprayed. It was lunchtime, not the righttime, but needs must! The vital task was to spray directly into the crack and this he managed. Within the afternoon there were 50/100 wasps in the salle de sejour, yet with all windows and doors closed. Attracted by daylight, they met their end by shoe and flyswat as they collected on the French doors. Then an equal number fell dead or almost so, into the atelier below the roof outside the exit door.
Some sprays destroy wasp nests, others kill only wasps. Although expensive I didn't have to pay the wasp man. Fortunately / Unfortunately he is too late. I expect he will be annoyed! He came and looked, then had to order the powder but meanwhile it rained a lot. He didn't come at the weekend because this is France although he knew I needed them to be removed urgently!
My friend suggests that we fill the crack with mousse foam to be doubly sure that surviving wasps do not return to the nest even though I have read that the queen flies and starts a nest elsewhere.
Now, another job will be to go around the external house walls, filling cracks and holes with chaux render! However, it is easier to own a French property when one has a pragmatic and skilled friend.
Ah!!!!!!
No humming now!
Friday 19 October 2012
Linked to the previous posting
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| Seated Art |
I refrained from taking photos of artists' works ( see previous posting ) but felt that outdoors, being in the public domain, the art of seeing with an eye, was permissible. Years ago, in the 1980s I once walked in the Forest of Dean following the sculpture trail. My children loved the giant forms transformed from nature.
Sunday 14 October 2012
L'Art et Lard - Le Petit Pressigny
The rain fell. Sadly, people did not appear until the afternoon when the sun shone, but as quickly as it arrived, so also did the temperature drop after an electric storm. Gusty winds eventually blew the grey sky full of rain into differently sized bulbous clouds of varying shades of white and grey. However, despite the gloomy weather, some people brought laughter and smiles and I was glad to have made an effort in order to support those who had worked so hard to present the event.
Glad too to have entered the tart competition because I learned from it, tasting the winner's offering. It was won by an English lady who'd added ground almonds, which was interesting in that we were not allowed to have any other form of tart e.g. Tarte Tatin, Tarte Alsace. So, I'd decided to let the pastry and apples speak for themselves rather than add cinnamon or other flavourings that I love to put in pastry and fillings. Many of the recipes I researched used apple puree as a bed for the sliced apples but I followed one where apples were on a bed of home-made Creme Patisserie! My apple tart was tasty but did not stand alone in taste as it needed cream or yoghurt. I discovered THAT afterwards. The Ariane apples were too acidic and too crunchy. I needed an apple that will squidge down more and cook until soft. I need to cut the slices more uniform. My shortcrust pastry was not sufficiently cooked despite having been baked blind and being in the hottest of ovens as well as baked on metal. However on the plus side I liked the rustic look of my effort! Well, it was fun to do. I was Number 4 of 12 entries - usually 30! Every participant received a litre of freshly juiced apple from the apple press. Not bad!
Several artists were not in their appointed places...too wet a day! I 'm not sure how the artistes and artisans fared with sales but it could not have been rewarding!
Unfortunately, I couldn't muster a wow about much of the art. My favourite work was by a photographer who was being interviewed by the press. His description of passion for his mother and her pasta making was a joy to listen to, although I did not understand all. I almost bought his book documenting French cafe-bars. Had I seen before the wonderfully large portraiture, where the crepes were to have been enjoyed? Feeling tempted to commission a study of my grand-daughter, I resisted the thought and edged away. Dominique's decorative pottery is always wonderful. The Illuminated painting on different materials was a marvel with detail and exactitude. The photography of a red paper dress was appreciated because there was no one present so I had the building to myself! I would like to see more craftsmen or women working as did Magalie, Eliane, a jeweller and someone who makes the zinc work for rooftops. There was jewellery made with hand made lace which though very interesting was not my style. Although solitary, I met people I knew. I enjoyed the event, as much as anyone could in such weather, but previous years were better. Such a shame for it was not the fault of the organisers.
The English tea stall had doubled the quantity of cakes they had made and seemed to do a fine trade in keeping us warm. Thank you Joyce and her team for English scones and Earl Grey tea! Nothing like a cuppa!
I enjoyed wandering the lanes and having my umbrella turned inside out around the muddied-watered lake but sunshine makes all the difference to an Autumn Fair.
Glad too to have entered the tart competition because I learned from it, tasting the winner's offering. It was won by an English lady who'd added ground almonds, which was interesting in that we were not allowed to have any other form of tart e.g. Tarte Tatin, Tarte Alsace. So, I'd decided to let the pastry and apples speak for themselves rather than add cinnamon or other flavourings that I love to put in pastry and fillings. Many of the recipes I researched used apple puree as a bed for the sliced apples but I followed one where apples were on a bed of home-made Creme Patisserie! My apple tart was tasty but did not stand alone in taste as it needed cream or yoghurt. I discovered THAT afterwards. The Ariane apples were too acidic and too crunchy. I needed an apple that will squidge down more and cook until soft. I need to cut the slices more uniform. My shortcrust pastry was not sufficiently cooked despite having been baked blind and being in the hottest of ovens as well as baked on metal. However on the plus side I liked the rustic look of my effort! Well, it was fun to do. I was Number 4 of 12 entries - usually 30! Every participant received a litre of freshly juiced apple from the apple press. Not bad!
Several artists were not in their appointed places...too wet a day! I 'm not sure how the artistes and artisans fared with sales but it could not have been rewarding!
Unfortunately, I couldn't muster a wow about much of the art. My favourite work was by a photographer who was being interviewed by the press. His description of passion for his mother and her pasta making was a joy to listen to, although I did not understand all. I almost bought his book documenting French cafe-bars. Had I seen before the wonderfully large portraiture, where the crepes were to have been enjoyed? Feeling tempted to commission a study of my grand-daughter, I resisted the thought and edged away. Dominique's decorative pottery is always wonderful. The Illuminated painting on different materials was a marvel with detail and exactitude. The photography of a red paper dress was appreciated because there was no one present so I had the building to myself! I would like to see more craftsmen or women working as did Magalie, Eliane, a jeweller and someone who makes the zinc work for rooftops. There was jewellery made with hand made lace which though very interesting was not my style. Although solitary, I met people I knew. I enjoyed the event, as much as anyone could in such weather, but previous years were better. Such a shame for it was not the fault of the organisers.
The English tea stall had doubled the quantity of cakes they had made and seemed to do a fine trade in keeping us warm. Thank you Joyce and her team for English scones and Earl Grey tea! Nothing like a cuppa!
I enjoyed wandering the lanes and having my umbrella turned inside out around the muddied-watered lake but sunshine makes all the difference to an Autumn Fair.
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| Roof Art |
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| 15 kilograms Loaf Art |
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| Door Art |
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| Liquid Art |
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| Camer'Art |
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| Tart Art -'ard to win! |
Saturday 13 October 2012
Almost Midnight
......and savouring the first glass of red as I look at the first ever attempt at making a
It will be scrutinised and tasted by French experts! I don't favour my chances but everyone who enters gets something, so that in itself will be a reward. I am doing it for the fun of FIRSTS. I don't fancy being a judge. They are going to have to taste quite a few tarts! If there is part of my tart looking still edible, then I am allowed to collect it after prizes have been distributed!
I WOULD LIKE THE MIDNIGHT FEAST NOW!
Eventually after much decision making I decided not to add lavender to the pastry and not to add cinnamon to the apples. I thought the taste and texture should speak for itself.
Cheers... I deserve this glass of red!
It's been a wet and whiney day!
"Tarte aux Pommes Classique"
Yes, of course I have made many an apple pie that might even have looked me in the eye like this one....... but...... this has had to be special because it is for a competition. It will be my first ever "concours" if I can get it to the destination intact. The weather is forecast with an ORANGE alert meaning that there are going to floods and floods means RAIN RAIN RAIN... We've already had 18mm in 24 hours and before that 60 mm since Sunday evening. It will be scrutinised and tasted by French experts! I don't favour my chances but everyone who enters gets something, so that in itself will be a reward. I am doing it for the fun of FIRSTS. I don't fancy being a judge. They are going to have to taste quite a few tarts! If there is part of my tart looking still edible, then I am allowed to collect it after prizes have been distributed!
I WOULD LIKE THE MIDNIGHT FEAST NOW!
Eventually after much decision making I decided not to add lavender to the pastry and not to add cinnamon to the apples. I thought the taste and texture should speak for itself.
Cheers... I deserve this glass of red!
It's been a wet and whiney day!
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Five green bottles
After administrative visits to CPAM and then the Tax Office in order to have explained to me, yet again, the Avis d'Imposition, I took lunch at Fred's in the market place, Chatellerault. Highly recommended.
I understood much more as to how tax figures are calculated but now I must go to the Bank and ask them to explain other calculations! It is complicated living in another country and having to learn so much, but inevitably it must keep the brain active!
Now, five green bottles standing in a row were placed upon my table after I'd ordered a 'Croque Saumon avec graines de cumin et Salade et Tomates". In response to my asking for a glass of red, Fred starts to tell me the choice, gives up before he has started to speak, brings the large "ardoise" (blackboard), gives up quickly again, then brings a choice to the table!!!!!!! It's all very fast, furious and fun in his cafe-bar where he has no kitchen but telephones to the charcutiere one's order! I choose the central bottle because it is almost empty. I only have a small glass!!!! The food arrives with a flourish and he asks what it is in English. I say a toasted sandwich. A lady client amuses me as she tries to say "toasting sandvich". I meet my hairdresser and then a lady from my pottery class dining with her husband. We speak English, because he is, and now I was on my way to the next venue.
It was to "La Gourmandine" restaurant where there was an Independent Financial Adviser company presentation to us British Nationals living in France. I learn one or two useful facts. One is that I am poor but not as poor as some. However, I try to take no notice for I have other riches! Afterwards we are presented with Kir Royale and mise en bouches. There were small glasses of cold pea soup which was deeeeeeelicious, morue with waffle biscuits on tiny wooden platters, other savoury morsels, French honey cake and strange sweet nibbles with coffee! A bizaare 4pm gouter!
Onwards to the supermarket where I was brave enough to ask a lady which apples she would recommend for a Tarte Pomme Classique. She did not know in English!!!! After we'd summoned further help and I settled on Reine de Reinettes and also Ariane I asked her where she had learned her English. She became quite wistful and told me how she used to work with Nato and missed an opportunity to go to Germany with a certain gentleman but subsequently worked with the oil trade where she met her husband.
It is a joy to meet French people and hear their remarkable stories!
I don't often praise myself but today I have been called "adorable" by one lady, then by another praised for my shape in the diet foods aisle, whilst discussing the merits of BIO biscuits containing sunflower, sesame and lin seeds....as a potentially nourishing biscuit to give my grand-daughter and prise her away from "rubbishy snack foods". My daughter is having a terrible time trying to get the little one to eat properly!!!!!! They will be with me soon just for 3 full days.
Yes, today I felt positive. Happy to be out and about in "April showers" and sunshine, with movement and colourful people, but dismayed at the emptying of the wallet and purse!!!!!!
I understood much more as to how tax figures are calculated but now I must go to the Bank and ask them to explain other calculations! It is complicated living in another country and having to learn so much, but inevitably it must keep the brain active!
It was to "La Gourmandine" restaurant where there was an Independent Financial Adviser company presentation to us British Nationals living in France. I learn one or two useful facts. One is that I am poor but not as poor as some. However, I try to take no notice for I have other riches! Afterwards we are presented with Kir Royale and mise en bouches. There were small glasses of cold pea soup which was deeeeeeelicious, morue with waffle biscuits on tiny wooden platters, other savoury morsels, French honey cake and strange sweet nibbles with coffee! A bizaare 4pm gouter!
It is a joy to meet French people and hear their remarkable stories!
I don't often praise myself but today I have been called "adorable" by one lady, then by another praised for my shape in the diet foods aisle, whilst discussing the merits of BIO biscuits containing sunflower, sesame and lin seeds....as a potentially nourishing biscuit to give my grand-daughter and prise her away from "rubbishy snack foods". My daughter is having a terrible time trying to get the little one to eat properly!!!!!! They will be with me soon just for 3 full days.
Yes, today I felt positive. Happy to be out and about in "April showers" and sunshine, with movement and colourful people, but dismayed at the emptying of the wallet and purse!!!!!!
Tuesday 9 October 2012
Tuesday 2 October 2012
My first accordion
When I was seven years old Santa gave me this little accordion.
And for a little bit of nostalgia:
I was told by my father that during the war he was mostly in the back of a lorry on signals, but whilst in Ancona, Italy he heard many an accordion. Today the factories still exist and museums too. Though I would love to go, I feel I would be filled with sadness, as well as, joy to hear the many sounds and styles of such an instrument that I love to play. It represents freedom for me!
A few days ago, an English lady whom I met 3 years ago arrived for guidance on how to play it. She had bought one exactly the same but darker red! I thought she'd paid rather a lot of money but I would need to research that! It was fun to teach and she made quick progress whilst I made a cup of tea. It's a very limited instrument as it is child-size.
When I was seven years old, it was my French teacher or she was a teacher who was French (possibly Madame Boucher who taught mathematics) ... who gave me lessons. I learned to play Three Blind Mice. She was impressed. It was my earliest recollection that I could be successful at something! After about three after-school lessons, she visited my house and told my mother I needed to have professional lessons more or less immediately. I started studies with Martin Lukins.
I can't wait until my grand-daughter who has already shown interest and ability at the age of 4, is ready to learn to play seriously. It would be nice to think that I could pass on 'heritage tracks' !!!!
And for a little bit of nostalgia:
I was told by my father that during the war he was mostly in the back of a lorry on signals, but whilst in Ancona, Italy he heard many an accordion. Today the factories still exist and museums too. Though I would love to go, I feel I would be filled with sadness, as well as, joy to hear the many sounds and styles of such an instrument that I love to play. It represents freedom for me!
When I was seven years old, it was my French teacher or she was a teacher who was French (possibly Madame Boucher who taught mathematics) ... who gave me lessons. I learned to play Three Blind Mice. She was impressed. It was my earliest recollection that I could be successful at something! After about three after-school lessons, she visited my house and told my mother I needed to have professional lessons more or less immediately. I started studies with Martin Lukins.
I can't wait until my grand-daughter who has already shown interest and ability at the age of 4, is ready to learn to play seriously. It would be nice to think that I could pass on 'heritage tracks' !!!!
Monday 1 October 2012
Changing my mind
Change the mind and change my world!
I've just had several days or was it weeks when apart from trying to organise the mess that I create and cleaning for a friend, I now feel optimistic!
Being lazy on a Sunday afternoon with the sun shining warmly, I decide it's better to be a social human being. I decide not to shut the world out of my courtyard but to achieve what once a friend and I said we would do in France ... I open the gates, meet people, see places.
First port of call was a small Brocante at Bonneuil Matours. No more than a dozen stalls. But no vide-grenier which was a welcome change! Then I wandered to where I thought there was a Park, carrying my picnic basket. Realising it was too far, I returned to the car. However, with a 'no entry' to my right I decided to explore, driving into narrow streets of the old town. I wished to go into the church but at mid-afternoon the riverbank wall, warm with sunshine, urged me to eat my raw salad, yoghurt, scone and plums with Earl Grey tea. The dam was automatically operating and seeming to clean the vanes of the barrage. To my surprise, it is an old moulin which once created flour and now creates electricity.
I have to practice my French to read / understand more here and here. The noticeboard outside the mill was very interesting but I couldn't absorb all the history.
Then I found a park which will be ideal for my grand daughter as there is mini-golf, zipwire, climbing apparatus, the usual roundabout things for younger children PLUS space to play ball or fly a kite and in the summer a place to swim or paddle with lifeguard present. FREE!
Feeling quite buoyant I set off for home but took a different route and came upon L'Abbaye d'Étoile which was absolutely stunning. It is a redundant, salvaged Cistercian Abbey.... the only one in the region of Poitou. The Cistercians lived in Silence but used Sign Language to communicate. Unlike the Benedictines at St Savin, the Cistercians lived in austerity and poverty. Some of the buildings have received much preservation work but more is required. It will cost a fortune! How come I have not discovered this in the last 9 years of my knowing this region? I definitely wish to return. After my solitary visit, apt to get a feeling of the vastness and the space that monks created and prayed in, I had the opportunity to listen to the guide speaking to descendants (?) or people interested in, Les Acadiens. There was I think a twinning group from Archigny. After a while I sloped off, for I did not wish to be "Who's that woman in our photographs?"
There is quite a lot of history to learn!
I've just had several days or was it weeks when apart from trying to organise the mess that I create and cleaning for a friend, I now feel optimistic!
Being lazy on a Sunday afternoon with the sun shining warmly, I decide it's better to be a social human being. I decide not to shut the world out of my courtyard but to achieve what once a friend and I said we would do in France ... I open the gates, meet people, see places.
First port of call was a small Brocante at Bonneuil Matours. No more than a dozen stalls. But no vide-grenier which was a welcome change! Then I wandered to where I thought there was a Park, carrying my picnic basket. Realising it was too far, I returned to the car. However, with a 'no entry' to my right I decided to explore, driving into narrow streets of the old town. I wished to go into the church but at mid-afternoon the riverbank wall, warm with sunshine, urged me to eat my raw salad, yoghurt, scone and plums with Earl Grey tea. The dam was automatically operating and seeming to clean the vanes of the barrage. To my surprise, it is an old moulin which once created flour and now creates electricity.
Then I found a park which will be ideal for my grand daughter as there is mini-golf, zipwire, climbing apparatus, the usual roundabout things for younger children PLUS space to play ball or fly a kite and in the summer a place to swim or paddle with lifeguard present. FREE!
Feeling quite buoyant I set off for home but took a different route and came upon L'Abbaye d'Étoile which was absolutely stunning. It is a redundant, salvaged Cistercian Abbey.... the only one in the region of Poitou. The Cistercians lived in Silence but used Sign Language to communicate. Unlike the Benedictines at St Savin, the Cistercians lived in austerity and poverty. Some of the buildings have received much preservation work but more is required. It will cost a fortune! How come I have not discovered this in the last 9 years of my knowing this region? I definitely wish to return. After my solitary visit, apt to get a feeling of the vastness and the space that monks created and prayed in, I had the opportunity to listen to the guide speaking to descendants (?) or people interested in, Les Acadiens. There was I think a twinning group from Archigny. After a while I sloped off, for I did not wish to be "Who's that woman in our photographs?"
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| A model of the entire site |
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| Stars and Moons |
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| The Chapel |
Sunday 30 September 2012
Pottery
A new term for teaching and learning has begun: there was a 6 hour pottery day, which really is 4 hours split by a 2 hour French lunch!
How amazing that 4 people can donate their contribution creating sufficient for 8 or more! Where was the unexpected guest? In fact there were 5 of us, because a friend of a friend also arrived but I think he also bought tomatoes.The assiette looked attractive with the tabbouleh, potato and egg salad, home-produced tomatoes (two varieties) and lettuce and my contribution of the raw vegetable/fruit salad as mentioned in my poetry of yesterday. In addition there were pork products and baguette but I don't eat those.
There for afters was my very yummy French scone, baked with the last of my French black cherry confiture, rather overfilled but the jar was emptied! It amused me to serve an English scone, called a French scone. Ha!
I was so absorbed in concentration whilst making two clay flower heads that I forgot to take a photo. It will appear here maybe at the end of October when the biscuit clay has been fired and then refired with glaze. I didn't have time to glaze the flower I created in June!
How amazing that 4 people can donate their contribution creating sufficient for 8 or more! Where was the unexpected guest? In fact there were 5 of us, because a friend of a friend also arrived but I think he also bought tomatoes.The assiette looked attractive with the tabbouleh, potato and egg salad, home-produced tomatoes (two varieties) and lettuce and my contribution of the raw vegetable/fruit salad as mentioned in my poetry of yesterday. In addition there were pork products and baguette but I don't eat those.
I was so absorbed in concentration whilst making two clay flower heads that I forgot to take a photo. It will appear here maybe at the end of October when the biscuit clay has been fired and then refired with glaze. I didn't have time to glaze the flower I created in June!
Saturday 29 September 2012
Hope
One always needs to see
HOPE in LIFE
as much as possible
for truly
it is often hidden in small gems
just around the corner
out of view
waiting only to be recognised.
I love
rime, rhythm, rhyme,
thyme, time
again
when to create pleasure
I choose and use the flavour
of walnut oil and lemon
roasted seeds of fennel
basil leaves or any herbs
plus crumbled hard goats' cheese
in a mixed raw salad
of beetroot, carrot, celeriac
with slivers of William pear,
It' s a treat to eat and share.
Hoping someone will be there
even if only me.
© RestlessinFrance
HOPE in LIFE
as much as possible
for truly
it is often hidden in small gems
just around the corner
out of view
waiting only to be recognised.
I love
rime, rhythm, rhyme,
thyme, time
again
when to create pleasure
I choose and use the flavour
of walnut oil and lemon
roasted seeds of fennel
basil leaves or any herbs
plus crumbled hard goats' cheese
in a mixed raw salad
of beetroot, carrot, celeriac
with slivers of William pear,
It' s a treat to eat and share.
Hoping someone will be there
even if only me.
© RestlessinFrance
Friday 28 September 2012
Look after the hat and a house will look after itself
Without discussing every detail, first of all the postponement and now the cancellation of the roof repair and replacement is perhaps a blessing in disguise! It should have been the first project when I bought this house but it was delayed. Apart from everything else that happened when I bought my house, the research to have it repaired is not as easy as it seems.
But then, I seem to not have a simple life. It often becomes complicated!!!!!!!
Now, I am thrown back into the cauldron of research and having to decide what to do about my roof! It needs repair and the valley between the two roofs is urgently requiring attention!
It's a mansard roof but only half of one with no flat roof. Common in this area. Evidently, the pitch is insufficient for terracotta flat tiles which currently exist. But I was going to ignore this fact and replace the flat tiles. I think too many of them are broken and / or fragile and more replacements than at first thought will be required. So that in itself may cause the price to rise! Technical information indicates that the pitch of the roof and the direction of the wind are important when choosing the roof material. I don't wish to have the rear wall built up higher. It seems to me that most roofs of this shape are slated but sometimes they have the top part (terrasson) in one material and the brisis in another. I'm almost sure I do not wish to have two types of tiling on the roof.
I think slate will look pretty providing it is high or medium quality slate and is nailed!
The timbers of the current roof frame are bent; cracked under the weight of wet tiles. Rafters are a mixture of pine and poplar indicating patched repair in previous years.
Then there is the matter of the guttering position on the façade which at the moment is incorrect and plastic pipes must be replaced by zinc guttering.
So, back to the planning stage, studying estimates, researching and learning, plus having to reapply to the Architect de Batiments de France with whom on Thursday I had an hour long conversation about the perceived visual and heritage issues, although I do have official permission to repair!!!!!!! Residents must have an opportunity to say nay or yay to ardoise tiles if that is what I have changed the plans to! It seems it will not be done this side of winter!! Aaaarrgh!
I ask too many questions and some artisans do not like this!!!!!! They are of course the experts and I am, by and large totally ignorant, and would not be in the building game for all the tea in China, but I know what I like, though the wallet is almost empty!
But then, I seem to not have a simple life. It often becomes complicated!!!!!!!
Now, I am thrown back into the cauldron of research and having to decide what to do about my roof! It needs repair and the valley between the two roofs is urgently requiring attention!
It's a mansard roof but only half of one with no flat roof. Common in this area. Evidently, the pitch is insufficient for terracotta flat tiles which currently exist. But I was going to ignore this fact and replace the flat tiles. I think too many of them are broken and / or fragile and more replacements than at first thought will be required. So that in itself may cause the price to rise! Technical information indicates that the pitch of the roof and the direction of the wind are important when choosing the roof material. I don't wish to have the rear wall built up higher. It seems to me that most roofs of this shape are slated but sometimes they have the top part (terrasson) in one material and the brisis in another. I'm almost sure I do not wish to have two types of tiling on the roof.
I think slate will look pretty providing it is high or medium quality slate and is nailed!
The timbers of the current roof frame are bent; cracked under the weight of wet tiles. Rafters are a mixture of pine and poplar indicating patched repair in previous years.
Then there is the matter of the guttering position on the façade which at the moment is incorrect and plastic pipes must be replaced by zinc guttering.
So, back to the planning stage, studying estimates, researching and learning, plus having to reapply to the Architect de Batiments de France with whom on Thursday I had an hour long conversation about the perceived visual and heritage issues, although I do have official permission to repair!!!!!!! Residents must have an opportunity to say nay or yay to ardoise tiles if that is what I have changed the plans to! It seems it will not be done this side of winter!! Aaaarrgh!
I ask too many questions and some artisans do not like this!!!!!! They are of course the experts and I am, by and large totally ignorant, and would not be in the building game for all the tea in China, but I know what I like, though the wallet is almost empty!
It is my nature to find out as much as I can in order to make an informed choice. I think every client should be able to discuss the detail of a job, until they feel comfortable with their employment of the artisan.
I look roofwards wherever I go in France... to see if I can find a roof edging like mine...... not even the Architect was familiar with this method of finishing the eaves.
I look roofwards wherever I go in France... to see if I can find a roof edging like mine...... not even the Architect was familiar with this method of finishing the eaves.
Evidently it should be more like this:
This next roof is set back further along the street.
I think it is quite pretty with the same shaped roof structure.
So maybe that is my answer.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Prelude à L'après-midi d'un faune
At the concert I recently attended where two pianists played a transcription of the orchestral piece Prelude à L'après-midi d'un faune by Claude Debussy 1862-1918), a French Impressionistic composer, we also, beforehand, listened to the poem of Stephane
Mallarmé (1842-1898) L'après-midi d'un faune (1865/7) which had inspired that music. This poem is about a faun who whilst alone in woodlands plays his pan-pipes. Interested in the nymphs and naiads, he follows them, eventually sadly realising that he is rejected, so returns to dream of them whilst asleep.
Whilst the poem was read aloud we watched the following video of Nureyev performing the choreography by Nijinsky who performed the ballet in 1912 which had been inspired by the poetry and the music.
A lot of controversy over the years!
Whilst the poem was read aloud we watched the following video of Nureyev performing the choreography by Nijinsky who performed the ballet in 1912 which had been inspired by the poetry and the music.
Then of course there was the new modern version by dearest Freddie Mercury of Queen when in 1984 he dances the role of the faun, supported by the Royal Ballet, as he sings I want to Break Free.
Wonderful History of The Arts!
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Irons not in the fire
I wonder why this pattern was created.
Since then I saw another iron pattern .. must re-locate it as I didn't have the camera with me!
Monday 24 September 2012
Yesterday
A storm brew up in the evening
after a chilly morning
with an afternoon temperature recorded at 31C.
A tempest so they said
in Bonneuil Matours,
where two pianists played
Debussy: "La Mer" the third movement being
but still no rain where I live.
All about, the sky was different.
Whichever way one turned
the wind was blowing
fresh and warm.
A newly tumbled dessicated tree stood sadly in a field
as the storm with thunder and lightning rumbled on its journey
whilst a moon in its first quarter shone brightly.
Sunday 23 September 2012
Stone
invited me to sit down,
invited me to sit down,
made for just my size,
invited eyes to look before me,
at a bridge above a river
to watch English empty barque of water,
whereupon
five people boarded,
rowed
laden, towards a weir,
walked across a dam
laughing, loudly speaking
as English often do.
On an island,
invited eyes to look before me,
at a bridge above a river
to watch English empty barque of water,
whereupon
five people boarded,
rowed
laden, towards a weir,
walked across a dam
laughing, loudly speaking
as English often do.
On an island,
first Sunday August,
if early enough
to bag one's place,
spectacular fireworks can be seen
in an hour of an evening
from the very best espace.
if early enough
to bag one's place,
spectacular fireworks can be seen
in an hour of an evening
from the very best espace.
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Interesting!
I'd elected to go to the market. Parked my car. Looked back. Looked again.
Laughed. Camera emerged from bag!
Priests? Choristers? Perhaps the latter!
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Returning from Brittany
where skies were often overcast I returned to my own region where at 7pm
it was still 25C according to Pharmacy green crosses not far from here.
But the following day, the temperature plummetted. I cannot crow about
warmth as we head towards the final weeks of September.
It was wonderful to see ocean, though not the furthest West, even though the warm rain won. Lovely to be near numerous river scenes with harbours and fortified villages within ramparts whilst I glimpsed a fraction of the wealth of vistas. It was just a few days to see new places but I loved to see the sea, rocks covered in cockles in stunning light. All this confuses thinking about where I should be and why! or where I would like to be and why!
Les Jardins du Botrain was remarkable for the different gardens within a garden and the sculptures therein. My favourite was a Japanese garden. My cousin will be able to visit in different seasons.
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| It's a little Japanese fisherman. |
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| Fortunately. you cannot see behind the hedge and to the left. |
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| Rare 18th century Ruchers - to hold bee hives. |
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| Textured stones create a focal point for metalwork and meditation |
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| Giant rhubarb is what I call it! |
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| Venus fly traps |
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| The Spiral Triskele |
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