Back on the roof

A little more progress, but it's still very slow. I'm concentrating on the overhang today and preparing a few rafters for another day. I just need enough for the next few feet.

This will ensure the Douglas Fir boarding will fit in line with the base 'A' frame.

Oops, I forgot to accommodate the 'A' frame base.  I guess I'll be doing that on Wednesday.

I'm really pleased that everything is level at last and, thanks to Andy back in the UK through Skype, my rafters fit lovely.

Tomorrow morning is French in Vannes and painting in the afternoon.

I'll be back on the roof Wednesday afternoon.

Our day out.

Here we are at Port-Louis nice and early.

We are going to get to see all of it.

On our way to the Citadel

About to go through the arch onto the beach...

... and this is the first thing we saw.

Don't ask me!

I had a walk over the rocks...

... and turned to see that she was still there.

I loved these tree wraps.

We'll come back for the guided tour another day. The Citadel was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and that's about all I know.

I loved this sculpture. We are in Larmor-Plage now.

This church was magnificent...16th Century.

They were preparing for  a wedding.

The church from the outside is just as impressive.

We are on the other side (Larmor-Plage). That's Port-Louis in the distance and if you look closely you'll be able to see the woman on the beach still doing her thing.

There are quite a few bunkers here.

The water is such a nice colour.

The bride about to go into that magnificent church.

Followed by the guests coming from the Mairie's office.

The WW2 submarine base in the background.

A few more wrecks.

A good day, but I'm feeling a bit of a wreck myself right now. We've done more walking than we realised.

Looking forward to having what we bought at the market, for our evening meal.

A frustrating few hours on the roof.

Rained most of the day, which is good because I was in my studio.

It dried up late afternoon so I thought I'd do a bit on the bread oven.  It was so frustrating and painfully slow.  It's a good job we are out sightseeing tomorrow because a complete break from work will do us good.

It may look all solid, but there is only one piece of timber fixed in place. There is so much more to do on this first 'A' frame... like getting it perfectly square from the side.  I think it's thereabouts, but I can't be certain as there is no reference point other than a plumb line from the centre down to a cross timber and a home-made large square.

Does anyone know an effective way to check other than by eye?

We are looking forward to tomorrow and, because of it, Monday afternoon when I'll be up on the roof again with a fresh brain and eyes to match.

Progress report...

It's supposed to be half day painting and half day building in no particular order, but it was a late start after studying and there were problems working out the best way to begin. The left hand wall is longer than the right so there's lots to think about. I'll paint tomorrow.

Scaffolding is up and ready.

Ridge timber level and secured.  It fits perfectly into the chimney. It was difficult doing it alone but I'm pleased it's up there.

Plumb line fixed to ensure it's in line.

Wall plates parexed...absolutely solid.

One 'A' frame diagonal in place with rafter on top. Two 'A' frame cross sections will straddle it.  

Now that I know what I'm doing, I'll hopefully be able to secure the complete 'A' frame and relocate the scaffolding tomorrow afternoon.  Painting takes priority in the morning.

My working week.

On Monday we had the Pfost family over for lunch.  It was good to spend a few hours with them before working on the wall.  I'm not allowed to start the bread oven until it's finished.

Tuesday was French in the morning and building the wall in the afternoon.

Wednesday we were in Dinan for a break.

Thursday was spent in the studio painting and working on the bank and wall in the afternoon...not to forget the evening meetings in Plescop.

Friday was working on the wall again.  In the evening we welcomed Martin and Colette back.

Saturday was finishing the wall and fitting the wall plates on the bread oven in between the tennis.

Today we went to Lorient after church in Vannes.

It doesn't look as if it was a hard week, but it was. That stone is very difficult to find and arrange. I'm getting old. I'm glad it's done.

English wording in a French town. I suspect the busker wasn't exactly discreet in looking at the ladies fashion.

The next time I come here I'll climb that tower.

From the ramparts.

Our helpers for a few hours...Tippett and Rasband.

Back at work, shifting some of that soil to the front garden.

Checking the 'A' frame base is the right width.

'Ay up m'duck'! Making sure I have what I need.

The wall finished at last. I can think about seeding the area now.

The big stone we struggled with is dead centre of the photo.

The bank is coming on nicely.

Wall plates secured and parexed. I pick up the extra scaffolding on Monday.

Today in Lorient...Tippett is off to Paris now.

And we're off home.

Enjoyed the rest of the evening watching Bradley Wiggins break the hour record and skyping whatever family was available.

Well done Jon for making advances with our genealogy.