Shell complete!

Hooray the rain and mud went away allowing work to progress apace.  The boys worked really hard starting at 8am and not finishing until 8.30 or even 9pm.  All went relatively smoothly apart from small details like one wall didn't have the door in it to our bathroom!  Fortunately there wasn't a post in the way and a chain saw soon sorted that one out.  One window was too small but ditto with the chain saw - the beauties of a wooden house!

While all this work was going on we have been supervising, rushing around organising next bits like floors, stove, wood for lining windows etc. etc.  Also been having a bit of fun - Montreal has been 'en Fete' with lots going on including mega eating and drinking.  We've done our best to keep the English end up by appearing every day.  Also had some jolly social occasions with French who speak English.  I'm afraid the French isn't up to a whole evening although we do try.

The last roof panel went on 3rd August to much cheering and rejoicing.  They then spent a day tidying up, putting the membrane on the roof and generally nailing and glueing bits they'd missed. 

Now it's mainly down to us with a little bit of help from roofers and stove installers and plasterers.  You will note on the last piccy that the house is totally enclosed in a waterproof membrane - yes we do still have windows but have covered them to keep the rain out until window installers come at the end of August.  So for now there's a big white blob on the landscape which is causing some interest.

I have to say that we are enjoying the experience so far in spite of language difficulties - social life is good - and although the whole project is somewhat daunting it's a challenge and we can do it at our own pace once we have a loo and shower installed.  At the moment we're camping on the site which means using our little shower and the pissoir up the road which although isn't too bad for a French loo it isn't wonderful!  However being on site is much more convenient and cheaper so I think we'll stay here. 

There probably won't be an entry for some time as things will progress slowly but sometime in September after the roof has been done and the windows and doors are in.