Week starting 11th January - bright and sunny!

After the deep freeze of last week it has been easier for stone work to progress this week. Some of the days have had bright blue skies and warm sunshine - ideal weather for running up and down scaffold.
The main emphasis this week had been on raising the level of stone work at the front of the house. This has progressed well even though some delay is being caused by the non-arrival of some of the stone lintels that were ordered back in November!. Similarly the roof timbers were due to arrive on Friday morning but are now not due to be here until next Thursday - which may hold up progress a little (but this is France!).
The adventures with the old stone fire place have continued. The individual pieces of the structure are so heavy that it is quite an adventure getting it all set in place - but if there was a way with the pyramids then there is a way to be found here - and the structure has now taken shape.
The stone chimney breast is being built up and this will appear running right up through the mezzanine floor which is to be suspended in the middle section of the salon. Robert has devised a method of releasing any of the build up of heat from above the stove (which will eventually be fitted in the fireplace) - small vents are to be placed (in the chimney breast) at what he considers to be feet height - and where he guesses the desk will be placed - so there will be no chance of cold feet up there!