May 1996

Diary Years

Living conditions during the 10 days that John and I spent working on the house in May 1996 were basic to say the least. We did have electricity, thanks to the rewiring done by the French electrician during the spring. We also had mains water, but couldn't turn it because there were leaks everywhere. So plumbing was a priority and by the end of the first day we had running cold water to the washbasin in the bathroom, but it was going to be three days before we had hot water for a shower!

The previous owners had installed a septic tank ("fosse septique") so we had toilet facilities, but again, because of failures in the plumbing system, flushing was achieved by way of a bucket of water for the first few days.

Sleeping facilities consisted of air matresses and sleeping bags in the lounge. There was no heating in the house and some of the nights in May can get pretty cold!

In fact, the house was like a fridge for most of the time. But this did have its advantages - one, it kept us working in order to keep warm and two, our makeshift refridgerator of an InterMarché bag hung up in the 'utility' room worked a treat!

Cooking facilities matched the rest - basic. A two ring camping gas stove had to suffice - but the chef was excellent!

Our first furniture purchase was a set of white plastic table and chairs which gave us the opportunity to take advantage of any good weather and eat our evening meal outside.

Enough of the holiday snaps! Lets have a look at some of the real work that went on ...