Again this morning, glorious weather. The terrace was dry enough for a good roll in the sunshine.
Thursday
And we're off again...
Another 4 truckloads of concrete. All floors are in. Michel said, the hardest, dirtiest part is now over. Next week, walls begin to go up. The boys did an impressive job yesterday. We had the perfect day for it and they finished ahead of schedule. They even cleaned up all the stray concrete spritzes. Henny remarked, Gilbert gets the windows cleaner than we do. Everyone was happy and satisfied.
Again this morning, glorious weather. The terrace was dry enough for a good roll in the sunshine.
Again this morning, glorious weather. The terrace was dry enough for a good roll in the sunshine.
Friday
Armed and ready
The terrace has been iron meshed and reinforced for the next concrete delivery.
Meanwhile, a gloriously sunny day. Michel knocked on the door to ask if it was all right if the boys had their lunch on the terrace. They were perfectly comfortable in late-January sunshine, sheltered from the wind. Henny's Alignan house had a beautiful south-facing terrace that we often used on sunny days in winter. We've tried our best to find that here with a house that faces east, and by gum, Henny's dream looks like it's becoming a reality.
Meanwhile, a gloriously sunny day. Michel knocked on the door to ask if it was all right if the boys had their lunch on the terrace. They were perfectly comfortable in late-January sunshine, sheltered from the wind. Henny's Alignan house had a beautiful south-facing terrace that we often used on sunny days in winter. We've tried our best to find that here with a house that faces east, and by gum, Henny's dream looks like it's becoming a reality.
Thursday
It's all about the levels
When you're building on slopes, you've got to get it right. The tolerances here seem to be down to millimetres of clearance for pipework running under floors, and the renovation meeting the correct levels of the existing structures. Michel comes to us regularly with a long face. We need a step up to accommodate the well. Then somehow he magically rectifies it. Henny and I breathe a sigh of relief. Today the plumbers came. No, we need 15 cm for our waste pipes. Michel returns an hour later with a big smile. I've got it down to 8cm, we can fix it with a little ramp. (Hopefully not à la the ski jump of a previous blog). But it's going very well indeed considering how tight it all is.
The new terrace is now levelled. Pou thinks we built a giant litter box outside his cat flap.
Here's where it will meet up with the existing. Once you add the top layers of concrete and tiles, you will take one step down to the existing terrace.
Plumbers today laying their pipes before the next layer of concrete arrives in a few days.
This is indeed exciting for us! Now they've confirmed their levels, they can close up the holes in the existing bathroom they made for verification. No more icy trips to the loo!
The new terrace is now levelled. Pou thinks we built a giant litter box outside his cat flap.
Here's where it will meet up with the existing. Once you add the top layers of concrete and tiles, you will take one step down to the existing terrace.
Plumbers today laying their pipes before the next layer of concrete arrives in a few days.
This is indeed exciting for us! Now they've confirmed their levels, they can close up the holes in the existing bathroom they made for verification. No more icy trips to the loo!
The Workshop
Since our garage and our shed were sacrificed for the renovation, we had to squeeze in garden storage somewhere. I had this revelation during a nuit blanche. We've used supporting walls that were created for the parking and separation from the neighbour. They're being built up further, and voilà, our new workshop.
Here's how it looks today from the parking area. There will be a 2 metre terrace/pathway out front. That's where you'll enter. The former kitchen window will be reused to give us a little light. I think it's going to do the job well. Wonder what the architects will make of my plan?
Here's how it looks today from the parking area. There will be a 2 metre terrace/pathway out front. That's where you'll enter. The former kitchen window will be reused to give us a little light. I think it's going to do the job well. Wonder what the architects will make of my plan?
Snow!
On the 16th of January, I travelled back from London by train. There were delays all along the way. Here's why. It was actually worse down our way than it was in the north.
This is the ramp leading from parking space into the garden. Henny's planning a Ski Jump Competition. In summer it'll be skateboarding with a half-pipe right into L&A's pool.
Update mid-January 2013
The work is moving along nicely. More cement arrived, big trucks negotiating our narrow lane.
The foundation walls have gone up. Here our foreman, Michel, in action bravely standing on palettes covering our well. The wooden section is making a concrete lintel over the well. To the left is the parking area. We'll have a manhole here to access the well.
When the cement cylinder that protected the well was removed, everyone was surprised at the diameter of it. You could practically drive a Northern Line tube through. Michel said it's very deep and proclaimed we probably have enough water for all of Roujan. We were delighted with his assessment. It will help us to re-establish the garden when all this is finished.
The foundation walls have gone up. Here our foreman, Michel, in action bravely standing on palettes covering our well. The wooden section is making a concrete lintel over the well. To the left is the parking area. We'll have a manhole here to access the well.
When the cement cylinder that protected the well was removed, everyone was surprised at the diameter of it. You could practically drive a Northern Line tube through. Michel said it's very deep and proclaimed we probably have enough water for all of Roujan. We were delighted with his assessment. It will help us to re-establish the garden when all this is finished.
At the end of the day, the work is finely inspected from another perspective. How is it that on the wall he looks like a cat, but in the shadow, I see a piglet.
Wednesday
Progress Report
A catch-up blog. The boys drilled the last bit of the cuve out of the tower walls in cold lashing rain. They worked under a tarpaulin, which didn't help them being soaked to the bone anyway. The digger did the big work pronto, but the last 40 cm were left to do with jackhammers to avoid damage to the inside. It took two men the better part of two days.
The delivery of cement blocks arrived. These will be used to level-up our sloping land in three areas: terrace, parking, and the building on the north side.
The delivery of cement blocks arrived. These will be used to level-up our sloping land in three areas: terrace, parking, and the building on the north side.
Footings have been dug ready for concrete.
And here it comes. The concrete pump was higher than the tower. They move it around with a remote control the fellow in the green shirt is wearing around his waist.
Here are the poured footings. The last bit was finished in the cold, dark and wet, but they were done the Friday before the Christmas break as promised. Impressive.
Sunday
New Choir
I enjoyed my recent experience singing with the choir in Pézénas. How could I go on from there? One of my fellow altos, whose talent I admired, is a member of the Choeur Symphonique de Montpellier. The choir has a dynamic new conductor, Vincent Recolin, who has been shaking things up and has revitalised the membership. Entrance is by audition and the standard is high. I was very happy to be accepted, in time for the first concert under Vincent's direction on 15 December.
Again Rossini's La Petite Messe Solennelle, but an altogether different experience. I was chuffed to be chosen to sing in a small group, creating a lighter effect, for two of the choruses. Fourteen intrepid friends made the pilgrimage all the way to Saint Thérèse in Montpellier to squeeze into the packed church. Everyone enjoyed it and said the choir was fantastic.
Joining any choir is a big commitment. Henny and I discussed it. The sacrifice should be worth it. So far this choir ticks all the boxes. The standard is challenging, it's all in French, the administration's professional, the people are nice, and most of all, I really enjoy it. Except perhaps the repertoire. Next up, the Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross by Haydn. I miss my show tunes.
Wednesday
Demolition Day 3
Diggers at dawn. The garage was munched by the jaws in about an hour.
Henny enjoyed the mesmerising action in the courtyard from a ringside seat. She sipped her coffee and quickly absorbed digger skills.
Later in the afternoon, she had a go herself.
Okay, I may be exaggerating just a touch. Note complete absence of garage. They've begun to dig the new foundations. This will continue tomorrow.
Henny enjoyed the mesmerising action in the courtyard from a ringside seat. She sipped her coffee and quickly absorbed digger skills.
Later in the afternoon, she had a go herself.
Okay, I may be exaggerating just a touch. Note complete absence of garage. They've begun to dig the new foundations. This will continue tomorrow.
Tuesday
Demolition Day 2
The digger arrived first thing this morning. The walls didn't stand a chance.
Next it was time to attack the reinforced concrete cistern. The digger has various attachments, like a giant Magimix. We used to pump water into the cuve from the well. A gravity system would then take it, in dribbles, to the secret garden. The system gave up a while ago, but there was still water left in the bottom. The digger operator figured we'd missed a chance to make this into a jacuzzi. Brrrr.
We've lost trees and other vegetation, a fence and a building here. We've never felt so exposed to the neighbours.
At the end of the day, all gone. The little window is in our bathroom. It's never seen direct daylight. The remnants of the cuve are below, which will be cut out tomorrow. We were advised to take paintings off the walls, etc. as the vibrations could make things fall, but it went all right. The tower's walls are 70 cm thick, yet you could feel them humming. Pou was very brave. He took to his apartment for the day. Rescue Remedy on his little head helps. Tomorrow, the garage.
Next it was time to attack the reinforced concrete cistern. The digger has various attachments, like a giant Magimix. We used to pump water into the cuve from the well. A gravity system would then take it, in dribbles, to the secret garden. The system gave up a while ago, but there was still water left in the bottom. The digger operator figured we'd missed a chance to make this into a jacuzzi. Brrrr.
We've lost trees and other vegetation, a fence and a building here. We've never felt so exposed to the neighbours.
At the end of the day, all gone. The little window is in our bathroom. It's never seen direct daylight. The remnants of the cuve are below, which will be cut out tomorrow. We were advised to take paintings off the walls, etc. as the vibrations could make things fall, but it went all right. The tower's walls are 70 cm thick, yet you could feel them humming. Pou was very brave. He took to his apartment for the day. Rescue Remedy on his little head helps. Tomorrow, the garage.
Monday
Demolition Day 1
Henny nostalgically took a few photos over the weekend of sites around the house that will soon never look the same. Here's the shed and covered terrace. The cement cylinder covers our well. Sadly the pomegranate tree will be going.
Today two fellows with sledge hammers, crowbars and saws arrived. The roof was off the shed within the hour. I've never seen the tower from this angle before. The pattern of holes you see at the top is what makes this a pigeonnier, where the birds entered. We've seen birds nest here, but they're no longer invited inside.
By the afternoon, here's what was left. Tomorrow a digger will arrive, and I'm sure Pou will head for the hills. Stay tuned.
Today two fellows with sledge hammers, crowbars and saws arrived. The roof was off the shed within the hour. I've never seen the tower from this angle before. The pattern of holes you see at the top is what makes this a pigeonnier, where the birds entered. We've seen birds nest here, but they're no longer invited inside.
By the afternoon, here's what was left. Tomorrow a digger will arrive, and I'm sure Pou will head for the hills. Stay tuned.
Before the builders arrive
In preparation for the tearing down of our garage and shed, of course we had to empty them. Many trips to the déchetterie later, we still have this left in our garden.
The first floor of the tower has always been a storage depot. It's now full to bursting. Other garage-type stuff has moved into our living room, including the clothes dryer. Henny organised it all brilliantly, but we're all going to have to get used to a different lifestyle for a few months.
Happy Meals
We were driving towards Roujan recently when we saw what looked like a tornado or a huge plume of smoke in the distance. It shifted suddenly and with such grace, we quickly realised it was a murmuration of starlings. Enormous and elegant, amazing to behold. When we got home, we saw a few stragglers had stopped by for a snack. Our kaki tree is very popular. It's lovely to be a Little Chef for migrating birds.
The Plan
From the very beginning, it's been our intention to enlarge this house. First we sold Henny's house in Alignan, then we began plans in earnest for the extension. We received our permission to go ahead in July, have met various builders, and are now ready to go. Here's what's happening.
To the left is our garage, which will become a studio. The courtyard between the studio and the house is currently much smaller and slopes downwards rapidly following the lay of our land. It will be levelled with rubble from the wreckage of the garage, and extended to meet the existing terrace. This is Henny's dream. The new part of the courtyard will get the winter sun and should be more sheltered.
The structure to the right side of the tower is currently a shed and covered terrace. We make little use of this area, so it's perfect for rehabilitation into a laundry room/storage area on the street side, and on the garden side, a lovely new bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
Planners made us create parking for two cars, though in reality, it would be tight. But Henny will finally be able to drive down our narrow lane forwards instead of reversing the whole way. She's great at it, but she's over it. The parking area is also on the slope, so will be filled in with the detritus from the shed. Not everything pictured here is exactly how it will be, but we wanted to give you an idea of what's to come. I'll try to update the blog regularly for Little French House fans.
To the left is our garage, which will become a studio. The courtyard between the studio and the house is currently much smaller and slopes downwards rapidly following the lay of our land. It will be levelled with rubble from the wreckage of the garage, and extended to meet the existing terrace. This is Henny's dream. The new part of the courtyard will get the winter sun and should be more sheltered.
The structure to the right side of the tower is currently a shed and covered terrace. We make little use of this area, so it's perfect for rehabilitation into a laundry room/storage area on the street side, and on the garden side, a lovely new bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
Planners made us create parking for two cars, though in reality, it would be tight. But Henny will finally be able to drive down our narrow lane forwards instead of reversing the whole way. She's great at it, but she's over it. The parking area is also on the slope, so will be filled in with the detritus from the shed. Not everything pictured here is exactly how it will be, but we wanted to give you an idea of what's to come. I'll try to update the blog regularly for Little French House fans.
Sunday
Ich bin eine Berlinerin
Going through photos this grey Sunday morning, I rediscovered pictures of our trip to Berlin in June 2012. I've always had a fascination with the city, home of my parents. Henny very sweetly gave me this trip as a birthday present (yes, how lucky am I). We stayed six days and had an amazing time. The weather was on our side, which was unexpected from the forecasts.
We arrived the first day of Euro 2012. Spectators were coming in via Berlin for some of the matches contested in Poland, and the Germans are football mad anyway, so huge screens were set up all along the river Spree "beach bars". Even though we're not football fans, we parked ourselves with a few beers, mojitos and a currywurst. A convivial atmosphere pervaded as, unfortunately, we watched the Netherlands lose in the shadow of the Reichstag.
Henny and I easily found my grandparents' house in Tempelhof, the house my mother grew up in. Here's the city gate that spans the street almost next door. I remembered when I was last there even though it was circa 48 years ago.
Our friend Burkhard came from Hannover to spend a couple of days with us. He organised a very full programme which included delicious meals at some of his favourite haunts, a trip to the Neues Museum (the building is a beautiful marriage between preservation and renovation which houses treasures of the ancient world, including the bust of Nefertiti), a drink at Clärchens Ballhaus on tango night (one of the last surviving Weimar-era dance halls), and a trip to the top of the Reichstag. Erste Klasse, lieber Freund. Grosses Dankeschön und dicke Knuddel!
Pure glee at the sausage counter in the KaDeWe food hall.
Although we were busy the whole stay, we hardly cracked Berlin. There's so much going on and so much to see. I can't wait to go back. It's a city that will always hold a powerful attraction for me. Henny, you're the best. Thank you for an unbelievable birthday treat.
We arrived the first day of Euro 2012. Spectators were coming in via Berlin for some of the matches contested in Poland, and the Germans are football mad anyway, so huge screens were set up all along the river Spree "beach bars". Even though we're not football fans, we parked ourselves with a few beers, mojitos and a currywurst. A convivial atmosphere pervaded as, unfortunately, we watched the Netherlands lose in the shadow of the Reichstag.
Henny and I easily found my grandparents' house in Tempelhof, the house my mother grew up in. Here's the city gate that spans the street almost next door. I remembered when I was last there even though it was circa 48 years ago.
Our friend Burkhard came from Hannover to spend a couple of days with us. He organised a very full programme which included delicious meals at some of his favourite haunts, a trip to the Neues Museum (the building is a beautiful marriage between preservation and renovation which houses treasures of the ancient world, including the bust of Nefertiti), a drink at Clärchens Ballhaus on tango night (one of the last surviving Weimar-era dance halls), and a trip to the top of the Reichstag. Erste Klasse, lieber Freund. Grosses Dankeschön und dicke Knuddel!
Pure glee at the sausage counter in the KaDeWe food hall.
Although we were busy the whole stay, we hardly cracked Berlin. There's so much going on and so much to see. I can't wait to go back. It's a city that will always hold a powerful attraction for me. Henny, you're the best. Thank you for an unbelievable birthday treat.
Wednesday
Some enchanted evening
For the past 6 years, Pézenas has hosted a festival that celebrates singing, Pézenas Enchantée. For a fortnight, there are daily concerts, and each year a well-known singer comes to pass on his knowledge by way of master classes for young singers. You can watch their progress in daily sessions. I've managed to miss it every year until now. I discovered early on, for the first time, they were offering a choral masterclass. Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, neither particularly small nor solemn, conducted by Michel Piquemal, renown in these parts.
Rehearsals began in late June. There were about 60 singers drawn from surrounding areas, but mostly made up of a Béziers-based choir. It was their conductor who whipped us into shape before the maestro came for two weekend rehearsal sessions earlier this month. Due to my house move, I'd missed 8 rehearsals. I wasn't sure I could show my face on masterclass weekend, but I went anyway. Glad I did. It was a worthwhile experience. I met some nice people, it was great to sing again, good for my French (and Latin), and slightly nerve-wracking. The two fugues are taken at a fair lick. 'Amens' for page upon page, but fun to sing once you learn it. The piece was originally scored for two pianos and a harmonium. Ali said, I wasn't expecting the accordion, the modern-day harmonium stand-in. It's a bit of a bonkers piece, really.
There were three performances, Pézenas, Ballaruc-les-Bains, and even the cathedral in Montpellier. We weren't recorded, but to give you an idea, here's the Cum Sanctu Spiritu conducted by M Piquemal with the same accordionist, sung by a different choir. The photo is of us. Spot my little white head.
Rehearsals began in late June. There were about 60 singers drawn from surrounding areas, but mostly made up of a Béziers-based choir. It was their conductor who whipped us into shape before the maestro came for two weekend rehearsal sessions earlier this month. Due to my house move, I'd missed 8 rehearsals. I wasn't sure I could show my face on masterclass weekend, but I went anyway. Glad I did. It was a worthwhile experience. I met some nice people, it was great to sing again, good for my French (and Latin), and slightly nerve-wracking. The two fugues are taken at a fair lick. 'Amens' for page upon page, but fun to sing once you learn it. The piece was originally scored for two pianos and a harmonium. Ali said, I wasn't expecting the accordion, the modern-day harmonium stand-in. It's a bit of a bonkers piece, really.
There were three performances, Pézenas, Ballaruc-les-Bains, and even the cathedral in Montpellier. We weren't recorded, but to give you an idea, here's the Cum Sanctu Spiritu conducted by M Piquemal with the same accordionist, sung by a different choir. The photo is of us. Spot my little white head.
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