My friend has been living without power for a few weeks now. Why? Because the power company decided we had enough time to get the whole house wired up according to standards. But life had other plans, and it wasn’t actually enough time. So we had to figure out how to make electricity ourselves. Today we picked up solar panels we ordered, lifted them onto the car, drove them back to La maison, set them up, and got them running. They’re now charging the batteries and we have power again. Voila. 🪄It feels like we are early humans who just discovered fire. 🔥
Progress shot of the back room in the house. It was covered with foam insulation, multiple layers of wallpaper, and black stuff I assume was either mold or soot from the fireplace chimney.
When the dust settles and the new walls and electrical is put in, it’ll be magnificent.
One step at a time.
France is coming along. Slowly but surely we’re breathing life back into it. Unfortunately they turned the electricity off on us because we used the building site power for as long as France allows. 😑 So our plans to go solar came a little quicker than we planned for. 😂 But that’s fine, because as the saying goes, “You plan, god laughs.” We’ve almost got the whole house wired though! Progress happens one day at a time. One obstacle at a time.
Wish I could be there to see it in person. My friend and her constant stream of visitors have made INCREDIBLE progress. The first few pics are of the room before being gutted. Then you see the decorative beams, old tiles, outdated fireplace, and fake stone texture get stripped back to pure potential. 😄 Also, yes! Those are NEW windows and doors. One step closer to getting the house sealed up and in (somewhat) livable condition in time for Winter. 😝 Just a few holes in the roof that need patched yet… (and a mold test to see what battle we’ll have to fight next. 😅🫠)
I’m back in France. Still no proper electricity in the house, but my friend hooked up the water and crafted some makeshift plumbing to breathe some life into the pink bath tub. 🪄🌱🪴🕯️
I’ve spent my day writing, wearing a Snuggie, and trying to relax enough to finish this book. 😅😭🇫🇷🛁✍️
Took a big piece of foam that was covered in layer upon layer of wallpaper. Underneath looks even worse. 😂 I think that’s mold growing on the concrete, so gotta get that tested and WIPED OUT. 🍄☠️🤢 Yes, I did wear a mask. And no, I won’t be touching that room again until we have gas masks and disposable coveralls. 🙃
Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. My boyfriend ripped out the kitchen in this room during our latest trip. He managed to save a lot of the tiles, too! It’s super fun to take a crow bar and sledge hammer to things and see what’s underneath. #spookyfrenchvilla #renovation
Discovered the spooky abandoned villa is super close to a sunflower field! Also, here’s an update of the train tomato and cucumber plant I brought down a few weeks ago. And finally, a friend brought pistachio crème and limoncello to enjoy from Sicily. 🍋🌻 Also, I managed to write a lot.
How it started. How it’s going.
The tree growing in the boat has officially been removed. The neighbor wanted the boat, so the town farmer helped him drag it to his house with a tractor. 😄 #countrysidelife
