French Deal

So it's a happy new year. In fact it's a terrific new year because this is the year I finally give up work and move to my house in Oraas. New life, new challenge. I popped back there three weeks ago and slept in the house for the first time. There's nothing there at the moment except cold running water, electricity and a huge old french bed which was left behind by the previous farmer.

I needed to finalise the estimate with the builder Monsieur Larressat and the plumber/electrician Monsieur Gain. I also had to choose tiles and all the bathroom and kitchen gubbins because, as from today, prices rise by 8%. The lovely Guilhaume had to place my order before the end of the year - thus saving me about £10K. So I went through the estimates with both Monsieurs, came back to England, put everything in writing and sent them each a copy of the letter to sign and return to me. That gives me confirmation of the work to be done and the timescale. Work starts January 22nd, when Guilhaume gets back from Sydney. So far, so good. I can't wait. Next trip will be in February to check how work is getting on.

Loic, the fab gay estate agent (once a shepherd in France, northern Australia, Scotland and Yorkshire) took me to his house for dinner. When we had put his mother-in-law who suffers from dimentia into the right bed, because she had put herself to bed in the wrong one, it was time to open the Saint Emilion. Because of a power cut, Loic lit a bundle of candles and we ate cold meat and cheese and he chatted his amazing stories about his life. He's a gem that man. Meanwhile, Jean Claude - his partner - is sitting in his flat in Mustique overlooking the sea. He doesn't do winters. So he leaves on November 1st and comes back to Salies de Bearn and Loic on April 1st. He made a hit record once, called Boule Boule (with accents on the 'e's) back in 1978. It sits on vinyl and the album has a picture of Jean Claude on the cover looking all the very pop star with bright yellow trousers and a floral top.

Still, this is going to be a very exciting year.

I must get a book on growing vegetables.

Labels: Happy 2007

posted by French Deal @ 7:51 pm