Kieran and Nick were very excited to find that Aldi had electric mincers on special offer; I was despatched on the appropriate day to buy one. Obviously a mincer on its own is no use, so I also got some belly pork, pork shoulder and sausage skins and set to, with the addition of garlic and parsley,  to make sausages. It took a while and they did turn out very thick, (I’ve worked out how to make the next batch thinner), but they were yummy! Definitely worth the effort!

When I’ve not been playing domestic goddess recently I’ve been making the most of the glorious autumn weather we’ve had. Now I’m not complaining; far from it, but it does seem strange to have to don T-shirt and shorts to work outside in October. But such are the hardships of living here, so we’ll just have to put up with it! I’ve been lasuring the balcony woodwork for what seems like forever; but now I’ve finished the second coat on all of the front edge of the highest section, a knee-trembling 8metres up and have done most of the lower section too. Most of the ceiling remains to be done, but that will wait until the balcony floor is in place to work from. I’ve also finished tiling the kitchen in what will be the gite and I’m pleased with the result.

Nick and Kieran have been busy putting up plasterboard in the new house, another job that seems to have taken an age; but it’s beginning to look like a house now, with spaces that are recognisable as rooms at last. The underfloor heating company is due soon, but there’s a bit of work to finish before they can start.