A wet spring - Update # 35

27 April 2016

Deep silence from La Fromagerie, where the Easter school hols and rain have slowed the pace somewhat, but Tom has written to say:

The galvanised plates at the bottom of the 4 oak posts are bedded in the concrete pads (and) this concrete had to be left to cure for a week or so. I didn't want to crack the concrete by banging around with new rafters etc. This time has obviously passed now and I am desperate to move on with the roof of the covered terrace. I have all the new oak rafters on site and I have cut the oak ridge. I have the chestnut volige boards ready to go too.

So, with any luck, and a break in the weather, we'll be getting a photo update very soon.

The annexe - Update # 34

8 April 2016

We've been waiting with bated breath for news from La Fromagerie. Last night, a brief note from Tom to say that the structure is up, and the concrete pads are done.

That doesn't tell you much, but this might:

We are pleased as punch with the porch so far, and especially with how well it 'talks' to the dépendance. The vertical post above the A-frame will be trimmed back before they start on the roof.

The apple tree doesn't look too impressed :( but will hopefully recover its joie de vivre in time.

Peering at the photo, we can see evidence that the grapevine has been pruned. Not by John, methinks; it's more likely to be the handiwork of a certain neighbour, J-M...

Can't wait for more photos. We should have some interiors soon.