The French Renovation

* Not an alternative spelling of 'terrace'. You're safe; it's a place. I feel as though I've in some way cemented my readers into the terrace, so here's a rare opportunity to break free and enjoy a local day trip with me! Let's depart for Turenne! The Turenne skyline is dominated by the castle and tower. The castle began to be constructed in the 9th century, and took over four centuries to complete. It served many viscounts and popes in the Avignon, and was home to some important families, notably, the La Tour d'Auvergne family. Today, only the Cesar Tower and the treasury remain. We had to pay €5.50 each to go in, but it was worth it! And afterwards, we found a vide grenier!

The construction of the terrace has continued at breakneck speed, due to the imminent arrival of guests. It seemed impossible to me that I would ever be finished. My life, for the past year, has become an aggregate of cement, lime, sand, rocks and rubble, not forgetting the blood sweat and tears! As I began to (literally) see the end in sight, I found a new level of enthusiasm, despite the scorching heatwave. Did I manage to finish before our guests arrived? Wait and see... Kevin set about connecting up the lights, despite the wall not yet being rendered and topped. He bought four very basic pillar caps and drilled holes in the centre for the cables, using my sand pile as padding. My haste to complete the job meant that the cement mixer really suffered. Look at this! Fortunately, Kevin took pity on me and banged it clean. I was then able to use the cement mixer 'sick' as hardcore! The final corner comes into view! We always intended havi...