On reading Jean's post about Christmas at A Very Grand Pressigny, I was filled with nostalgia and anticipation about our place in Brittany.
We haven't spent a Christmas there yet, but that could all change in 2010. Everything has now been done to prevent heat from disappearing...like sealing windows, fitting internal doors, floors laid, boarding and insulation installed throughout. The wood-burning fire is just waiting to show off and we are just waiting to see if it's man enough for the job. To back-up the wood burner we have heaters in every room (new and ever-changing regulations).
Not so long ago we had bats flying around our electricity-less, mouse infested, draughty, cold and uncomfortable spider paradise. We were able to see daylight from any room and I know there were more creatures iside than was ever intended. Nature had already took a stranglehold of the exterior and was rapidly reclaiming the interior.
How well we remember our pre-electricity candle-lit evenings of a thousand shadows amidst a total building site of an interior.
I think this is par for the course for all who buy French properties for renovation.
It has been a labour of which we eagerly wait and hope for love to evolve. Okay, so we fell in love with it first and its been hard labour ever since. We were smitten, but had we known then what we have since experienced we would perhaps have thought twice about getting involved in such a venture. It was all to do with the heart rather than the mind, so perhaps we would have been prepared to go through anything anyway.
We're glad we didn't give up. Too many give up at the first and subsequent hurdles. Too many throw in the towel instead of resolving to work hard through all the storms and disappointments to the point where the sun shines and burns brightly (this is beginning to sound like a marriage!)
Anyway, such ventures really do share some of the characteristics of a successful marriage...commitment, dedication, sacrifice and love.
Well thanks very much Jean! Because of you setting me off, I have no room or time to write about today's experiences. I'm only kidding, of course! It has been good to ramble on a little about the place. It brought back some fond memories.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Church, carols, birthdays and bright lights.
The skies were dark and angry and the rain eventually poured on the way to church this morning but once inside it was warm, bright and friendly. The 18-26yr old Young Single Adults spoke to us...and the theme was? You've guessed it!
Steph...Knowledge of Christ.
Deb...Who is Christ?
James...Suffering of Christ
Hannah...Death conquered through Christ
Daryl...Personal testimony of Christ in scripture and beyond.
Lydia, Deb, Suzanne and Martha also sang to us.
The other meetings were similarly uplifting.
This afternoon we dropped David and Helen Bourne into the centre of Newark ready for the Christmas Carol singing by the Carlton Male Voice Choir and the official turning on of the lights.
We missed the lights but dropped by afterwards to see them on our return from the family gathering to celebrate Ashley's 24th birthday.
It was a jam-packed day but very enjoyable.
Check these out...
Edith with...
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Lost for words
We've seen rain, snow, sunshine, family and friends.
We have laughed, had good food, good company and great experiences.
We've lived and loved this day.
I should write all about it but I'm just too tired. I'll have a hot drink instead and go to bed happy.
We have laughed, had good food, good company and great experiences.
We've lived and loved this day.
I should write all about it but I'm just too tired. I'll have a hot drink instead and go to bed happy.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tragedy for Stefan, family and friends
What a tragedy this story is from The Times today...
"A former university student and grammar schoolboy was crushed to death in the back off a bin lorry after falling into a life of drink and drugs.
Stefan Tomkins, 31, was killed after he fell asleep in an industrial refuse container as he sheltered from the rain. He was unable to escape when the bin was emptied into the back of a truck containing a powerful crusher".
His parents had thrown him out of the family home because of his lifestyle and it's effect on them. How must they feel now! I really feel for them. Where can they turn for peace when something like that happens?
Tomorrow we go to the Temple...it's a place where we go for peace amongst other things, but first we'll be attending our church welfare meeting tonight.
For those who don't know, our welfare meeting is a committee that meets every month in an effort to identify and assist those in need. Such committees are replicated throughout the world within our church. No doubt Christians the world over and across hundreds of denominations are involved with similar good work. It's a shame Stefan won't benefit but hopefully others will.
I feel very fortunate that up to now I'm living a tragedy-free existence...long may it continue.
On the way home I was not too proud to stoop to pick up a penny. I didn't even look to see if anyone was watching.
Today marked my last full working week at Vodafone. I'll only be working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in future and painting Thursday and Friday. I feel quite pleased that I've actually done something to change my life experience...hopefully for the better.
So, from next Friday I'll be posting my efforts over the two days, and the expectation is that I will have produced one marketable work of art each week.
Mmm! Do I feel pressure already?
Preston Temple...
We'll pick Jon up from Leeds on the way...really looking forward to the day!
"A former university student and grammar schoolboy was crushed to death in the back off a bin lorry after falling into a life of drink and drugs.
Stefan Tomkins, 31, was killed after he fell asleep in an industrial refuse container as he sheltered from the rain. He was unable to escape when the bin was emptied into the back of a truck containing a powerful crusher".
His parents had thrown him out of the family home because of his lifestyle and it's effect on them. How must they feel now! I really feel for them. Where can they turn for peace when something like that happens?
Tomorrow we go to the Temple...it's a place where we go for peace amongst other things, but first we'll be attending our church welfare meeting tonight.
For those who don't know, our welfare meeting is a committee that meets every month in an effort to identify and assist those in need. Such committees are replicated throughout the world within our church. No doubt Christians the world over and across hundreds of denominations are involved with similar good work. It's a shame Stefan won't benefit but hopefully others will.
I feel very fortunate that up to now I'm living a tragedy-free existence...long may it continue.
On the way home I was not too proud to stoop to pick up a penny. I didn't even look to see if anyone was watching.
Today marked my last full working week at Vodafone. I'll only be working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in future and painting Thursday and Friday. I feel quite pleased that I've actually done something to change my life experience...hopefully for the better.
So, from next Friday I'll be posting my efforts over the two days, and the expectation is that I will have produced one marketable work of art each week.
Mmm! Do I feel pressure already?
Preston Temple...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Film night.
The Times newspaper have listed the 100 best films of the decade and guess how many we've been to see? Only nine...
- Devil Wears Prada
- Hotel Rwanda
- About Schmidt
- Finding Nemo
- Gladiator
- Being John Malkovitch
I don't believe it! In the background I have a quiz show showing on TV and just as I typed Malkovitch, Jeremy Vine asked a question about the film and said Malkovitch at exactly the same time. Now what are the chances of that happening? It's amazing!
- Minority Report
- The Queen
- Bourne Supremacy
I think the reason that we've only seen nine is partly to do with us never considering '18' rated movies or '15' without close scrutiny and boy, you certainly have to scrutinise 'em these days.
We've seen a lot more than nine but for some reason they aren't in The Times top 100.
Tonight we're watching Catherine Cookson's 'Dinner of Herbs'...old but good!
We've seen a lot more than nine but for some reason they aren't in The Times top 100.
Tonight we're watching Catherine Cookson's 'Dinner of Herbs'...old but good!
I was ill this afternoon and I've put it down to the beef we had on Sunday that I made sandwiches with today.
This evening I repaired the wing of the chair MIL knocked off, but had to go out and buy a countersink bit (left mine in France).
While we were out we checked out the two new shops that have just opened...Next and Peacocks.
While we were out we checked out the two new shops that have just opened...Next and Peacocks.
In Next we saw a long slim 3' high solid oak sideboard with drawers and cupboards...perfect for the right-hand side of our fireplace in France. It's so elegant and timeless. If it's in the sale in January we'll be tempted beyond our ability to resist.
Finished the chair...now for the film.
Finished the chair...now for the film.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Christmas plans...
Oh my word, we almost slept in this morning! It was a rush to get up and out. I am feeling every single one of my 32 years!
I'm at work now and thinking of Christmas. It's fast approaching and there is still so much to be decided.
We still aren't sure if Boxing Day will be spent in Sunderland, Mansfield, Leeds or Newark. We don't know where the tree will be located and we haven't even started with presents (children excluded).
Are we bothered? No! It'll be an uncomplicated and simple time. We'll be together somewhere and we'll be happy enough.
This year we've asked for a card through the postal system with an additional wrapped card inside containing our children's Christmas memories. We'll put these under the tree...wherever that may be. It's going to be so good to open and read them on Christmas morning.
There is also a family challenge out there with the adults only, to come up with the most original and thoughtful present...costing under £5. We're offering a prize for the one voted the winner.
We'll be starting the day on our own with a traditional early morning walk. It's a great way to begin the day. When the kids were growing up it was a time to reflect and talk about the Christmas Story as well as things we appreciate in life. It wasn't always a popular activity because they were eager to open their presents but they now look back on those times with fondness...as do we!
By lunch time we will be at Martin & Sarah's for Christmas turkey.
That's it! The rest is as clear as mud...for now at least!
We've been out visiting tonight and, although enjoyable, we are back feeling tired and the worse for wear.
Time for bed. Let's hope we don't sleep-in tomorrow.
I'm at work now and thinking of Christmas. It's fast approaching and there is still so much to be decided.
We still aren't sure if Boxing Day will be spent in Sunderland, Mansfield, Leeds or Newark. We don't know where the tree will be located and we haven't even started with presents (children excluded).
Are we bothered? No! It'll be an uncomplicated and simple time. We'll be together somewhere and we'll be happy enough.
This year we've asked for a card through the postal system with an additional wrapped card inside containing our children's Christmas memories. We'll put these under the tree...wherever that may be. It's going to be so good to open and read them on Christmas morning.
There is also a family challenge out there with the adults only, to come up with the most original and thoughtful present...costing under £5. We're offering a prize for the one voted the winner.
We'll be starting the day on our own with a traditional early morning walk. It's a great way to begin the day. When the kids were growing up it was a time to reflect and talk about the Christmas Story as well as things we appreciate in life. It wasn't always a popular activity because they were eager to open their presents but they now look back on those times with fondness...as do we!
By lunch time we will be at Martin & Sarah's for Christmas turkey.
That's it! The rest is as clear as mud...for now at least!
We've been out visiting tonight and, although enjoyable, we are back feeling tired and the worse for wear.
Time for bed. Let's hope we don't sleep-in tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Black, white and grey
I was trying to think the other day of when I first became aware of colour. As a kid everything seemed to be black or white...planes, bikes, cars, ambulances, footware, police uniforms, newspapers, photographs, watch-straps and TV. Then there was grey for things like overcoats and battleships.
Americans spell it Gray and are convinced they are right, but we were first!
All right clever-clogs, I know black and white are colours too, but you know what I mean.
I think it was lipstick that first made me aware of real colour. No, I didn't have a use for it, but I remember my mother scrubbing up once or twice and giving me a smacker on the way to a rare outing.
It may have been my first sighting of a ladybird or the blue twist of salt in a packet of crisps or even the blue tissue of the individually wrapped fruit. Incidentally, I emptied the contents of a crushed packet of crisps recently and was shocked at how much we pay for so little. I've gone right off crisps. Mars bars aren't as big as they were either.
Bev also noticed that schloer bottles have become smaller but the price has increased. In France you may think you are buying a tin of paint but when you open it you'll find only two thirds. French paint sucks!
Anyway, I concluded that the first colour I became aware of other than what was caked in my nappy, was red...probably my own blood as a result of my dad's army issue leather belt.
I also remember watching the animals being slaughtered in the slaughterhouse down by the quay and watching the blood flow. I can't believe they used to allow us kids to line up and watch. Once, a bull panicked and escaped, which sent us scurrying down the alleyway with the beast not far behind us. That was real fear for all concerned I suppose but more particularly for me who only had two legs. The alleyway is still there and so is the shop at the bottom that I ran into for safety.
I also remember the black shawled widows bent over with age and who I imagined at the time to be witches. If I thought one was looking directly at me I wouldn't dare make eye contact in case she turned me into a cat or something.
Black & White is the theme for our team Christmas decor this year...thought I'd just mention it.
I wish the newly proposed employee pension plans were as black and white..talk about confusing!
Black things that I like...liquorice, black pudding and that dress Bev once wore. I'm also partial to black BMW's although to be honest I'd take any colour.
Today has been a bit grey but at least I haven't been rained on.
I'm looking forward to relaxing tonight. I've just made tea for Bev (I don't do it as often as I should) it was only a jacket and filling but she appreciates things like that when she's tired.
I'm off to put a little colour back into her life.
Americans spell it Gray and are convinced they are right, but we were first!
All right clever-clogs, I know black and white are colours too, but you know what I mean.
I think it was lipstick that first made me aware of real colour. No, I didn't have a use for it, but I remember my mother scrubbing up once or twice and giving me a smacker on the way to a rare outing.
It may have been my first sighting of a ladybird or the blue twist of salt in a packet of crisps or even the blue tissue of the individually wrapped fruit. Incidentally, I emptied the contents of a crushed packet of crisps recently and was shocked at how much we pay for so little. I've gone right off crisps. Mars bars aren't as big as they were either.
Bev also noticed that schloer bottles have become smaller but the price has increased. In France you may think you are buying a tin of paint but when you open it you'll find only two thirds. French paint sucks!
Anyway, I concluded that the first colour I became aware of other than what was caked in my nappy, was red...probably my own blood as a result of my dad's army issue leather belt.
I also remember watching the animals being slaughtered in the slaughterhouse down by the quay and watching the blood flow. I can't believe they used to allow us kids to line up and watch. Once, a bull panicked and escaped, which sent us scurrying down the alleyway with the beast not far behind us. That was real fear for all concerned I suppose but more particularly for me who only had two legs. The alleyway is still there and so is the shop at the bottom that I ran into for safety.
I also remember the black shawled widows bent over with age and who I imagined at the time to be witches. If I thought one was looking directly at me I wouldn't dare make eye contact in case she turned me into a cat or something.
Black & White is the theme for our team Christmas decor this year...thought I'd just mention it.
I wish the newly proposed employee pension plans were as black and white..talk about confusing!
Black things that I like...liquorice, black pudding and that dress Bev once wore. I'm also partial to black BMW's although to be honest I'd take any colour.
Today has been a bit grey but at least I haven't been rained on.
I'm looking forward to relaxing tonight. I've just made tea for Bev (I don't do it as often as I should) it was only a jacket and filling but she appreciates things like that when she's tired.
I'm off to put a little colour back into her life.
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