Lockdown life again!

This week’s update finds us back in lockdown in France, as of last night. We did a quick dash to the big supermarket to get a stock of animal food as well as some things for us! We also dropped in to Mr Bricolage for some paint to do the front door and railings. So we have some supplies and are just working out what will and won’t be open, as it is not quite the same as last time when all but food stores were closed. We are not short of things to do in the house and garden, so maybe, just maybe we will make some progress!

By chance I had booked a hair appointment for Thursday so just got in before lockdown. It is always a bit daunting going to a new hairdresser, and even more so when you have to learn a whole load of new vocabulary to try and get the cut you would like! This is my third visit to the wonderful Maguy in Cordes sur Ciel, a total adventure in hairdressing as she is definitely in charge and decides what is best! Each time I have come out with a different style – and been pleased with it. (Well OK the slight Farrah Fawcett style the first time was great once I had tamed the wild hair flicks – you will need to look her up if you don’t know what I am talking about!) It was hysterical seeing Max’s face when he came to meet me. I am sure he almost changed his mind about our wedding.

The hair appointment on our wedding day was no less entertaining. When I arrived, Maguy had changed her mind about what we had agreed on. She decided my hairstyle would be a surprise – slightly nerve wracking when the wedding was a few hours later. She insisted that I should look different for the ‘big day! What can you do – she has the scissors and hairdryer. I have to say Maguy is amazing – I left an hour and a half later looking totally different – and, although I say so myself, great! My hair was all ‘floofy’ (my new word for curly and volumy – possibly another new word!). I loved it.

My latest visit was no exception. So, in spite of saying how much I loved my wedding cut – non. We were doing something different again. End result – shorter style (who knows when Madame may be able to come to the coiffeuse again), a bit of curl and lots of volume – no idea how she does this as my hair is very straight, very fine and generally doesn’t keep any volume for long. Maybe the French air helps, or the wine, coffee, chocolatines…!

Anyway enough about my hair. The kittens are growing, now out of their safe little space and tearing around their private quarters! Total chaos but fun. Max had to block up the chimney before we let them out to avoid kittens getting lost under floorboards in the attic, or up on the roof! This weekend we are introducing them to Bear, who keeps coming to have a peek. I will let you know how that goes.

Back to the house, or this week – the back of the house. It was this photo that persuaded us to visit when we were house-hunting, as it looked like such a quirky place –which it is, but also beautiful with all the gorgeous blue shutters.

The roof has now been done and the plan is to paint the beams on the second floor terrace, and also the balconies – white maybe. We think blue to match the shutters might just be too much blue and we don’t want to keep the current rusty brown. What do you think?

I love the back of the house – one of my favourite places. All the doors lead onto a lovely walled terrace with views over the countryside and to the village. At each end are lovely wrought iron gates, all in need of repair and paint to show them off.  Another job on the very long list! The terrace gets the sun in the morning – a great place for a coffee and chocolatine, but also lunch or even an aperitif! Many a meal has been eaten on this terrace since we moved in, and before too, I am sure.

At the moment it is a bit of a mess – mainly due to that fact that the whole area was dug up before we bought the house in order to find the septic tank! We are now having to put collars on the septic tank hatches for access – lovely job! The tank is too low in the ground and has to be accessible from above – logical and a legal requirement. New garden design required to factor this in – well, some strategically placed flower pots for a start!

Next week – the front hall, before, during and after as well as conquering (I hope) paint that doesn’t want to be painted on or removed!

As I am writing this our resident Little Owl is calling from the garden – so lovely to hear him/her chatting away. I hope you are enjoying this. Let me know.

Until next time.

Ali x