Mostly outside work

Work has, as ever, been intermittent. But at last we are seeing some real progress outside, at least.

 The edges of all the balconies have been done on in a slate covered steel. They are still being fixed as you may be able to see from the clamps holding them on on the lower balcony. You will also see that the storm force winds that we had for a whole three days last week scattered chairs and tables!
The two pipes near to this side will be cut down to ground level and have manhole covers put on now that the landscaping is done. Whilst the ground level was being sifted all around them these pipes were put there to protect the drainage from the shifting soil.
The landscaping is nearly finished. All the grass has been sown. Almost too late for this year but we should see a sign of greening giving a little bit of protection from the cloying clay. The drive has been done in crushed limestone for the time being. The quarry is just at the top of the hill and has seen some serious requirements from us.
The lime render has been tinted with natural rock powder so the lighter one copies the colour of the limestone, and the pinky red tries to simulate the red stone of the village that can be seen from the church in the background.
The solar panels provide hot water. Just as well, as we did not have any mains gas back-up until a couple of weeks ago. However, we managed for just over two months, admittedly summer months, with only solar heated water.

From the front the house is beginning to look nearly finished. The 'Elf & Safety gurus amongst you will have noticed a distinct lack of guard rails on all the balconies, not to mention no hand rail on the stairs. After several fruitless encounters with French artisans who could give us exactly what they wanted to give us, not what we had asked for, we eventually struck lucky. A steel fabricant in Rodez works with a glass company, also in Rodez. They have put forward a proposition meeting exactly what we asked for. Work should be done on that early November. In the meantime "Stand away from the edge".
The survival of Zack and Ethan, coming over next week with Sarah for their half-term will prove the power of fear.
You may have noticed that Brennie hadn't put her slap on and hence the timid face out the door!
Finally, a little treat for the boys.

We had a big yellow digger, a little turquoise and yellow digger, an orange bob-cat thing, a white vibro-roller, and a big yellow lorry. Never mind "red lorry - yellow lorry" (repeat as fast as you can), avoid if your are Chinese.