This Normandy Life

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where to go

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With the onset of the coronavirus and the international 'lock downs' I have started a daily blog from my solitary confinement here in the wilds of Normandy. 

 

It is only available for those of you with log in details.  Once you are logged in, you will be taken directly to the Lock Down Diaries page, as well as seeing some extra items in the top menu not available publicly.

 

The roof article has languished for a long while now - but things are moving.  I HAVE managed to finish a slideshow about the caravan repair - under Renovations and DIY, which is also availabl on YouTube.  The roof renewal is due a similar treatment.

 

The 'Recipe' section has grown - and is growing.  Much tastiness to be found there!

 

Lean To

Once upon a time we had a barn in front of the house.  Then along came the wind and blew the roof off.  And lo, the insurance company said the wind had not reached a strength necessary to trigger a payout for our loss.  How untypical!  So what to do with 2 walls and no roof?

 

Once upon a time, there was a barn...
And then a 'small' wind gently lowered it to the ground...
What to do?
Clear away the debris...
...up with the scaffolding...
...and down with the wall.
Keeping aside the dressed stone from the outside face...
..but not the random stone from the inside face.
Down she goes...
A lot of earth and big rocks shifted...
Digging out to the right of the right hand wall...
...and laying hardcore to take a concrete slab
Chris and Andy lend a hand...
...to be fair, they did most of the spreading and tamping. Thanks chaps!
The slab
Meanwhile, Gimli makes sure the left hand wall has reached final, dwarf wall, level.
Transfer the scaffolding to the other wall...
...and a block wall gets laid up the side.
The lift gets added to the scaffolding.
A box is created over the top of the old wall...
...which is filled with concrete (hence the lift!)
I fitted these brackets to the top of the block wall...
...ready to take the timber uprights of the lean-to roof.
More of the same, making sure all is upright and square.
Then the tin can go on...
...with some polycarbonate for light.
Some detailing
long the back - slates to cover the woodwork...
..and the angle to finish.
Occasional garage...
...but I think we barbecued and ate out nearly every evening!

To see what happened on the other side of the wall, have a look here...