French entertainment at it's best

Sorry to disappoint you all but the move to the Mac has gone very well and the blog's back sooner that I'd anticipated. I guess you'll not be able to tell the difference, the spelling and grammar will still be as bad as ever, but it's a fantastic machine!

Well that's the last of the crepeing done and what a difference it makes. It's been a long time coming but it's been worth the wait and the outside of the barn finally looks complete. That is apart from the cave doors! The cave walls are made from concrete blocks and hanging the two heavy doors on to them proved to be a little difficult. Having tried conventional plugs and screws and epoxy resin filler without success it was time to visit the local hardware shop and seek out some advise. Attempting to explain what we needed proved a bit of a challenge and it was only when another customer grasped what we were after that things fell into place. He offered to follow us back to the house measure up what was needed and fabricate the parts that afternoon. He was as good as his word and we called at his house at 7:00 there were the parts all nicely painted and waiting for us.

Stop press; The joiner rang yesterday to say he was on his way with part of the balcony. Think it'll be a good idea to wait for the banister to be fitted before sampling a G & T on it.

Whilst I've been busy labouring away on the outside of the house Barbara and Matthew, who arrived last week, have been working hard preparing for our big thank you party on Sunday 9^th. Since moving to Lagarrigue we've enjoyed the hospitality of lots of people and when you're living on one floor of a converted barn it's difficult to reciprocate. Now with the house nearly complete it was time to say a very big thank you and a Sunday lunchtime in early August seemed to be a great time to do it, sun guaranteed! So with tables and chairs borrowed, bottles of Ricard and several bottles of wine purchased we were ready for the big day. Problem was, yes you've guessed it, the weather forecast said rain, lots of it. For once the French met' office had it right and we woke to a grey overcast sky and rain falling. Ah well good job we'd decided to keep the upstairs of the barn open plan and big enough to seat 22 people. The day went well with our French & English friends enjoying traditional British cuisine of baked beans on toast. Just kidding. The Coronation Chicken was a great talking point with the French and despite it's mild curry flavour it was very quickly devoured.

Matthew had driven down with a couple of friends and had spent a few days exploring the local villages and bars. They were blessed with great weather and on the Wednesday night were able to enjoy the delights of Najac night market and some very exciting street theatre. Watching someone juggle a baguette was, I'm sure, the highlight of their holiday.