France 2011
01 June 2011
We continued our leisurely drive on down the coast to Antibes before heading inland so as to make a little better time as we had promised the kids that we would be there for the final "shoot" of their epic TV drama. For those of you who didn't hear, Hank, prior to leaving, had contacted a TV production company looking for ex-pats who had purchased a home abroad and would be interested in having their trials and experiences filmed for the US viewing public. Its a rather low budget production that is looking to sell the program to an HGTV type cable network.
They had already filmed the "before" and were now looking to do the "After". For some reason the "parents" were written into the script so it was imperative that we get back to Petit Clos for our close-ups and reaction shots to the big make-over. On the drive back, I kept rehearsing my line "bus driver, move that bus" ala ABC's Extreme Home Makeover all the time knowing full and well that I was not scripted for that particular line.
We spent our final nite on the road in the small sea port town of Meze, a town that if you looked real carefully couldn't be found on a map. The town is mainly known for its oyster production and lack of Hotels. We managed to locate and book a room in the önly" hotel in town. The town is abundant in vacation apartments with numerous restaurants to serve the semi-permanent tourist trade. The hotel was a bit of OK, but the dinner was truly spectacular and most memorable.
Up-and-atum early the next morning for our final push through Provence.back to the "farm". Trust me when I say that Provence can't hold a candle to the area in and around Petit Clos as it lacks the numerous rolling hills and undualting grape vines that are found everywhere in this Bordeaux section of France. I will grant you that Provence does have many castles dotting the countryside, but in general the terrain of the area is not as interesting and varied as that which surrounds Hank and Cindy's place.
We managed to beat the film crew back to Petit Clos by one day, so that we had ample time to run our lines one final time and spend the appropriate amount of time in make-up and hair styling. Actually we were anxious to see the progress that Hank and Cindy had made during our absence. When we left, the living/family room was in the final stage and Hank was headed up stairs to frame the first of two bathrooms on the second floor. Unfortuanately for Hank its more than just an exercise in carpentry as all the electrical and plumbing needs to be brougt to the site so it turns out to be quite a process. Hank had promised me a flushing toilet for my homecomming as he was tired of hearing me peeing in a can in the middle of the nite so that I could avoid the dark trip down the stairs to the bathroom.
Such was not to be the case and to this day I continue to visit the "pee pot" and least twice every nite. As with most construction, delays are common, materials are missing and Hank's right hand man was not always available to help as much as was needed. .
Upon our arrival, we did find, however, the living room finished, complete with TV, couches and tables and even a bit of art work that they had brought from home. As some will recall they had sent a 20' container over from Topanga packed with what they thought they needed most. They were very greatful to have sent over-stuffed couches, lounge chairs and several other creature comforts. I don't think the concept of crashing in front of the tv on a comfy couch has reached the French countryside as of yet. Also, Susan's and my bedroom had been painted and the final decorations had been started, just waiting Susan's expertise at drapery building to give the room a final punch.
The film crew finally arrived and proceeded to undue much of what Hank had accomplished because it didn't go with the flow of the show. They have had problems such as this in previous film shoots and it really slows the overall progress of their renovation down, really grinding things to a halt. Then there was the staging of the "incomplete" bathroom so as to make it appear complete. The toilet, sink, and clawfoot tub were all set in place to give the room the appearance of a fully funtioning bathroom complete with draperies and phony chandeliers. Hank when so far as to paint the floor and then stripe it so as to give the appearance of a newly laid tile floor.................ah, such is Hollywood and what has to be done for the sake of the illusion.
The film crew was here for a total of three days............plus two previous trips............all of this for 22 minutes of final film for the 30 minute show. Well the wrap party was a total success as we summed up on film the project and what it has meant. We then adjourned to drinks and a Bar BQ on sunset point and then bid fond farewell to the four member crew as they scrambled for flights back to their hometowns. The crew was mostly from this side of the pond with the producer/director from New Zealand but living on the east coast.
With almost three weeks to go it was now time to put the finishing touches on the one completed bedroom, finish the other bedroom and begin furnishing and decorating both. All this while Hank trys to get me a flushing toilet.
I thought it only fair that I give the decorator/designer a final say in this bit of rambling as Susan was largely responsible for pulling the final look to completion. She can better describe the numerous trips to the Brocants in search of the perfect piece for that special spot................Susan, take it away...............
Well Susan is in the last minute throws of sewing and training Cindy how to sew some items that she in turn can sell in the local markets around her area. It seems as though there is a market in a town square nearly every day of the week and beginning shortly there will be nite markets in some of the town squares. Good way to meet people and drum up some busine for the B&B. In addition to some final touches being apllied, Susan and Cindy have been buying bed sets and armoirs for the new rooms...........end tables where needed and various tables for the guests that will be here soon. The Brocants (antique stores) were a wonderful source for all of the period furniture that they needed. The other day we took a day trip to Bordeaux to get the car repaired......out for a lovely lunch at the world famous La Travina...............then it was back for more shopping and deal making at a Brocant call Flash. Jammed our car with all of the lovely things then headed hope to pack up and get ready for the road trip back to Paris on Thursday in order to fly on Friday.
I would be remiss if I didn't shower more praise on the the "Three Pettersons" who have embarked on this courageous journey. I have to applaud the hectic daily routine they are both engaged in and the super human efforts both go thru everyday. While many of us have dreamed of making such a change in our lives, very few have had the initiative to actually carry them out and make them a reality. I reserve the most compliments and appreciation for the way Caleigh has adapted to her new life. Aside from a few of the adolescent problems that all teens go thru, she has really excelled in school and receiving top grades in all of her subjects. Imagine yourself taking geometry, physics, spainish, english, science and best of all taught in French............I can only imagine the nightmare of it all. Her day starts early and ends between 5pm and 6pm every day.......Caleigh was the "wild card" in all of this but has proved herself a real trooper who genuinely is enjoying her France experience with no talk of returning home in the near future. Of course, the new boy friend, Tio, has made the transition all that much more bearable.
All in all I am very pleased with the life that they are making for themselves. They seem to enjoy each and every day and the hard work that goes with it.
bye......and au revoir.............and see some of you very soon..................................gb
