Well that's the top of the ceiling done and later this week we'll begin work on the sides of the ceiling. It was one job I wasn't looking forward to but it has gone far better than I could have dreamt and having T's scaffold has certainly made a major difference. We're also now the proud owners of a fully functioning central heating system, well at least we are on the ground floor. The system was installed last week but it was only today that we had a timer fitted. I'd asked Stephané where the room thermostat & timer were & he'd replied that these weren't standard fitments on a French central heating system & that they came as 'extras'. Thank goodness the weathers warmed up a bit & we haven't had the heating on, I hate to think what temperature the house would have reached & how much oil we'd have used. Stephané has been really busy this week finishing of the downstairs electrics & fitting the one item Barbara's been desperate for, a bath. I had told her the shower worked well but she would insist on waiting for the bath to be installed. Well done Stephané the pong was getting a little much!

Living on one floor again has meant that we only have the very basic cooking facilities & we've been living on a diet of stews, chillies & pasta. I'm not complaining of course as all these dishes, lovingly prepared between painting & sanding down, are greatly appreciated. We have, however, had one or two very special treats. P, who bought the house from us was before retirement a development chef for 'Not Just' any leading UK High Street retailer but one that I'm sure misses the talents of one of the best wine advisor's in the business and one who continues to develop his wine tasting skills on a regular basis. P has been good enough to make us a couple of curries that would put Madhur Jaffrey's efforts to shame. We're hoping for further supplies & have asked G & J to bring some papadums & mango chutney with them when they're here next week. Fingers crossed P reads this & gets the hint!