Here are a few more photos that I took at Noirlac last week. In the first row there are two of features that I think deserve a second look, and between them is a photo a model of the monastic complex on display there. Below those are some exterior views.
Meanwhile, all enfer has broken loose here at our house in Saint-Aignan. Well, that's an exaggeration. It's just that the plumber whose bid we signed off on for several projects — almost a year ago — showed up yesterday morning. The tile contractors were already here and at work. The plumber moved a big, newish radiator from the loft, where we didn't need it, to the entryway two flights of stairs down and hooked it up, replacing an old cast-iron radiator that badly needed painting or removing.
He also took out the little radiator in our downstairs WC (half-bath, or loo) and will replace it today with a tall towel warmer (sèche-serviettes) that will heat the room and give us another place to dry towels and other textiles when the weather is damp and cold. Finally, he is putting in a new water line and an outdoor spigot on the front of the house, which will come in handy when summer arrives.
The problem with his unannounced arrival yesterday was that we hadn't moved any of the furniture, potted plants, and other stuff that needed to be moved to give him access to pipes and other things he needed to work on. So it was a scramble. Besides, Walt had a doctor's appointment at 8:45 a.m. and needed to keep it. At least the tile guys no longer need to come through the house to get to the front deck (terrasse). They use a ladder instead, even though I think it is dangerous.
Walt and I will soon take and post photos of all this stuff. It's just too chaotic right now. Why does everything happen at once, after we've waited literally years for the tile and plumbing work to get under way?
By the way, yesterday, April 24, was the 20th anniversary of the day we became the owners of this house. At the time of the closing, we were still in California. Our French real estate agent and the notaire (contract lawyer) he worked with stood in for us. We had sent the down payment but for several reasons didn't want to fly back to France for the closing. We arrived and moved into the house in early June.
He also took out the little radiator in our downstairs WC (half-bath, or loo) and will replace it today with a tall towel warmer (sèche-serviettes) that will heat the room and give us another place to dry towels and other textiles when the weather is damp and cold. Finally, he is putting in a new water line and an outdoor spigot on the front of the house, which will come in handy when summer arrives.
The problem with his unannounced arrival yesterday was that we hadn't moved any of the furniture, potted plants, and other stuff that needed to be moved to give him access to pipes and other things he needed to work on. So it was a scramble. Besides, Walt had a doctor's appointment at 8:45 a.m. and needed to keep it. At least the tile guys no longer need to come through the house to get to the front deck (terrasse). They use a ladder instead, even though I think it is dangerous.
Walt and I will soon take and post photos of all this stuff. It's just too chaotic right now. Why does everything happen at once, after we've waited literally years for the tile and plumbing work to get under way?
By the way, yesterday, April 24, was the 20th anniversary of the day we became the owners of this house. At the time of the closing, we were still in California. Our French real estate agent and the notaire (contract lawyer) he worked with stood in for us. We had sent the down payment but for several reasons didn't want to fly back to France for the closing. We arrived and moved into the house in early June.
When it rains, it pours, they say! No more waiting for contractors. When this mess is cleared up, I think you’ll be very happy and relieved. Good luck in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the book about le Thoronet by Fernand Pouillon, here's an Amazon.com page that has more information. Actually, earlier you just asked the question about whether or not the book had been translated into English. I found the $127 first edition of the English translation on Amazon. I didn't think I needed to find all the editions of that translation, new and used. Ha ha. That's Amazon's job.
DeleteWell, at least you'll be out of the mess and workmen all at once as well! Congrats on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThanks, elgee. We will be happy next week, I'm sure. The work will most likely be all done by then.
DeleteI remember the excitement you were feeling twenty years ago. And the excitement continues this week. Your house just keeps getting better.
ReplyDeleteIt was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Soon it will be finished. YEA!
ReplyDeleteBettyAnn
Yes, yes, your house just keeps getting better, and, as chm and elgee pointed out, how glad you'll be when it's all done, all at once :)
ReplyDeleteThe plumber finished his work yesterday. Towel warmer in the half bath, new radiator in the entryway downstairs, new outdoor spigot in the front driveway, more space and more wall space up in the loft because a big radiator is gone, etc. It's all nice.
Delete