Stay strong Abby. These are the growing pains of owning an old French Chateau. It will pass. I hope you have lots of blankets and some fireplaces that work. On a Happy Note, The wall paper looks great!👍
You are spot on, old house, lots of issues, this is the life that she chose. It's not easy but at least it appears she has the money to fix them. A lot would not.
Bruce is such a hard worker and many talents needs a great sport and it has a cost to make changes to something so beautiful and can they put a pipe to go to your fountain. I hope everything get resolved with the water. Abby you are true inspiration working with that water situation ❤
Abby, I love how resilient you are in the face of obstacles! I cannot wait until I can attend a retreat! You are so inspiring and I love how your mates extend their support and help to make your dreams and the dreams of all collective come true for you! This is going to be one of the most memorable places ever for those who get to witness and visit!
In 2015 a wind storm hit my property. my 3 story house you could not see just 80 feet from the road it took two chain saws and 4 hours just to cut a path with 5 trees the same size as yours over 75 more trees fell. I almost got the last of the clean up here in 2023. THEN I fell broke ribs and Tore LIGAMENTS in my foot. ALMOST got it done and now I must Pause, not to mention my dog was killed and his body went missing. SMILE your giving me entertainment MUCH Love Sister
Oh, Abby, if there's ever anyone who needs a pantry stocked to last at least a week, it's you ❤ The wall paper in Olivia's room is gorgeous. Hang in there- you'll find that this too shall pass.
Abby, you bring a whole new level of meaning to the word "intrepid". (Those deadwood trees are a huge concern. Hope they get it all resolved for you soon).
Abby going to remind you that living in PNW you learn to live w/ water all times if year! Well you just proved dealing w/ the water paid off! Well done! Having webbed feet pay off!
What a debacle! First trees, then a water break, and now NO heat! I don't know how you do it! I am 72 and have the worst back! I feel so sorry for you right now! Hope everything gets worked out! Sending hugs and ♥
Oh no!! Everything was going so good last week! On a positive note, the wallpaper is just stunning ❤ I can’t get over how it warms up the bedroom. On no, trees down………..you poor thing, you just roll with the punches. That little dog is just precious, one more thing to worry about. But you are so blessed to have such kind neighbors to bail you out. I have noticed in all the chateau blogs, that the neighbors are just so helpful and generous. Lovely people. Just to have someone to call that will come. Wow! Usually you wait weeks. You are amazing! I simply can’t believe how hard you can work and not throw your back out!! Arrrrrrrrr, now the furnace ! God help you! Time for a bottle of wine and day drinking! Get some well needed rest. Tomorrow is another day, Katie Scarlet!
Fires are easy to start as long as the kindling is dry. I use screwed up cardboard pieces on the base, screwed up newspaper on top of the cardboard. Kindling on top and even a couple bits of fire-lighter in it too. Make sure that is burning first and then add bigger dry timber and even a couple of more bits of kindling and eventually the bigger logs. Easy 😬
I really feel for you & the drainage problem….one tip, whenever you have to work hard like that…always take a 30 min hot bath w / salts it will reduce your aches for the next day…..also if you can have one cozy room with a log burner….where you can close it up & cozy it with heavy curtains and comfy furniture….oh and do the wood tee-pee with kindling and paper in the middle….makesure you have a dry spot in one of your out buildings for seasoning your wood….check out how Norwegians do a fire log…it’s really interesting…..take care of yourself….& your darling pup✨
Well, I should have watched the whole video before I commented as follows: You might want to consider an arborist to look over the trees on your property. It might be the best money you ever spend if it prevents a tree falling on the chateau or on a car driving the road. As a widow myself I admire your courage to live your life in a bold way.
Wow, tough going for you & worring over someone elses dog doesn't help ones nerves! You are a very compentent woman. Love your blog & watching all your renos. The chateau gets more beautiful everyday!
Bruce did a terrific job of the wallpaper the room looks so nice. He’s been a Superstar around the Chateau. Sorry to see you’ve had trees falling those guys chainsawing are a bit out there. Scary alright seeing the dog running around in the midst of it and a blocked drain. All too much hope you get it all sorted. And then the puzzle of a Heating system. Good luck my Dear ❤
The little dog looks like the breed “French Basset Hound”. Really special little hunting dogs. Chin up-you are doing great!!! Bruce is a very good friend. 🇫🇷
I live not too far from you and I’m chuckling the whole time as I’m going through the same exact issues in my own 17th century property with overflow of river water with all of this rain and a heater that does not work and my heater guy who can’t seem to call back!!!Let us stay strong and laugh through all together in similar muddy outfits and boots ❤
Oh well, we all know that things can happen in three's and your on script. No concelation to you of course. Our garden in Cambridgeshire UK has been flooded and strawberries do not like their roots in soggy soil. I have seen a similar situation to yours on a homestead in Northen Portugal. But at least we are not living in Iceland.!! WCL
I am amazed at your work to try to clear the block. I wish Bruce were still there.Together you two would have cleared it. Love the wallpaper ❤. I am so impressed by the French farmers! They seemed to,have helped ALL the Chateaus who do vlogs. What wonderful neighbors❤. Hope you stay warm and everything works out❤
Oh Abby lots of issues sorry about the issues hope you get the water issued fix asap and heat find the right trades people to fix all safe travels Bruce is going to be missed he is such skilled person and an outstanding friend! Iam sure he will be back thanks for sharing your challenged week !😀😍
Wallpaper looks perfect love it , shame Bruce has gone he be handy with times like the blocked drain , a long piece of black alkathene is best for unblocking most drains make sure it's a good size so u can ram it down the drain just a future tip . !!! Great the farmers came to clear the road good job . Hi Chloe 🧡💚🧡🐾🍗 . Keep warm . ❤
I love how your not afraid to get dirty! Sorry you have all this going on at once. You will look back and appreciate all the hard work you have done on your beautiful Chateau. 😍
Abby you are an inspiration to all women! Your positive attitude and determination even during the tough moments motivates us who sometimes lack confidence. xxx
Thank you farmers for coming to your rescue. You are being watched over by angels. Olivia's room turned out awesome. Sad to see Bruce go but hopefully he will return to assist you again. Peace♥
You are blessed to have neighbors that come help like that. To remove the tree. The dog is used to being around things like that and the men will watch for him. The old saying of ..when it rains...it pours...sure hits harder sometimes. But it will get better. The tree must have been weak already.
Love the song on the video, really hugged me today. What you can't see is the disasters I am creating/mitigating at this old place in IL, I so respect you for showing your disasters. Personally can attest to Voltaren for muscles in spasms. Your painting has inspired me to be creative on my cane...
Sand bags, you may want to fill up about 25 or 30 them. You may need them for the future. Keep the pantry stocked for future road conditions. Also have a roll out bed near a fireplace for heating situations. Practice your fire making skills, that has to be a very forward effort! Luckily you can look forward to getting a reprieve by getting back to the US!
Thank goodness you have at least one wood burning fireplaces… would be good to have one room closed and able to seal off the rest of the house. That’s what I’ve done in my house so I can guarantee one warm room. Crazy how weather is changing.
You need Nick the tree surgeon who helps out Chateau Diaries and Escape to Rural France with their tree issues or get a chain saw to add to all the tasks you have mastered! You are amazing!!❤
First off Nick is already busy enough but you do realize that all the Cháteau vlogers don’t live in some neighborhood together it’s something like over 3 hrs and 140 miles France is full of tree surgeons Nick is not the only one. Anyways those aren’t her trees that have fallen. Nor are the ones hanging overhead…
You are such a hard worker and I hate you had to do this yourself I wished Bruce was there to lend a helping hand because you deserve it, your Chateau is amazing, I'm hoping I may be able to get to one of your retreats in the near future, God Bless you Abby keep the faith.God Bless
What a time you have had. Sad to see you go and Bruce. I know just how you feel! Had roof on mobile done and my roofer found termites! Pest guy said I was ok! Bless you Abby!
Darlin, Gosh, I love you! You’re amazing and one determined,Lady! I’m so proud of you and your accomplishments as you continue to renovate your Chateau! A steamy horror novel “Trapped at the Chateau “!
Hi Abby! I hope your plumbing doesn’t freeze while you’re back in the states! You could come back to a home that needs to be totally redone. Sending positive thoughts that you get a contractor in to fix the Froling! Good luck!
Oh Ab, what a mess and yet your ingenuity and tenacity won out as you've always shown you can conquer whatever is thrown your way! Whew, I was so worried about that little dog and the logs with memories of the Vashon tragedy. I hope you're staying warm and can get some issues resolved before you head to the states soon. Happy Thanksgiving!
I was going to say , that the tree service people are going to be really good friends by the time the rains are over . But it seems like the farmers will be too ! LOL !
Abby, you create such beautiful spaces that people all around the world are getting to admire and appreciate! (With great music) When you said you were like a damsel in distress, I had been thinking the opposite of how you are a strong and kick ass amazing woman! When you went onto trench digging, you went on to even higher esteem, in my book, for fearlessly achieving & fixing anything that comes your way. .. definitely better than yoga or a gym!! Your comedy of errors get resolved with elbow grease and determination! You are full of inspiration.. thank you! X
Love the room you've finished everything is coming together looking so beautiful and so fast , the storm hit many of us going to be unsettled for a while then the weather will equal out around the world be nice weather all year round . Mother earth is putting herself right from all the messing humans have done and we are to clear up our rubbish tips and mess , it's time people valued our home just like you are doing in France making a beautiful Chateau liveable for everyone who wants to visit . You've had lovely people helping you what a brilliant team you've had makes things easy for you but you've still worked hard , my love and blessings too you but some workers are naughty with the work they do reminds me if cowboys in the UK ❤❤❤
What an adventure you are having with water and plumbing! Good thing you have a great sense of humor and a positive attitude. Hope the over abundance water issues on your driveway are soon solved.
Eveyone! Needs a " Bruce" amazing talent. I bet you miss him when he leaves, such support for you. Wallpaper is lovely, very luckly girl to have such a beautiful room. Also great what your doing with the cottage.
Fashionista intro! It's the new Pari look = smiles! I like that wallpaper. Maybe get yourself a back brace if you don't have one already for when you have heavy tasks it might help in terms of support.
What a week. Wish I could have stopped by. Everything you did was stuff I like. Water flows and tossing rocks around, heaven! An electro/mechanical puzzle? I live for them. Haha. Farmers can do everything. French farmers have their own style. Those guys were a well oiled machine. How old is that heating unit? You should be entitled to a book on the thing if the EU right to repair is working at all. I got some good tech info on appliances and phones in the past. More than they give you in the states without a paywall. Good video though, funny. Do share the solution to the heating problem.
HI Abby, I feel the water at the cottage will always be an issue if there were better light in there it could be a great paint studio . Its looking very nice. 😊
Oh Abby, so sorry for all the mishaps on your property lately. It all definitely takes a certain kind of character to cope with the many problems. I hope you managed to take a warm, relaxing bath that evening, and a heating pad for your back. Be well, and take care. Lots of Love ❤😊
Dusting off my French from 50 years ago to say, ces frères sont un cadeau du ciel! Sorry you continue to have hurdles to clear, Abby. When things get tough in my life, I remember a driver on the MBTA green line saying once the tracks ahead were finally cleared of a problem, “Time to pull up our petticoats and move on.” I call up the image of a Granny Clampett-like figure, corn cob pipe, hobnail boots and all, lifting up her skirt, petticoats and determinedly trudging on. Serves me well. And it amuses me.
Oh dear! You have been dealing with some difficult issues this week. And Bruce has gone as well! I admire your grit and tenacity Abby. Keep your chin up! This too will pass. Enjoy your trip back to the USA! 🧳✈️ One thing I would definitely get an arborist in to check your trees, Abby. Two trees down in quick succession is 2 too many. Especially when you have paying guests and of course, your own safety to consider. It seems to be a common problem in France brought on by droughts followed by storms which bring down damaged trees.
Definitely one of those 'fun' weeks - NOT! I hope you have some wine & cheese to help get you thru this adventure. OMG 3 motherbroads in a furnace! No thank you. I love old models & equipment because they are simple, work and easy to fix. Thank God for your fireplace! Brighter days ahead!!
Oh man! You poor thing! You're being hit in both directions.....water & heat. Gosh, I hope both of these issues get straightened out quick!!! Do you have a heating blanket there? If not, you should get one ASAP to have on hand.
The wallpaper is beautiful!! Yes lots of trees and rain is not their friend! Ugh when it rains it pours….so sorry one thing after another it seemed! The sun will come out tomorrow…..all will be well! A nice glass of wine is surely needed! Au Revoir 💜
The wallpaper is beautiful , really turned out amazing. Great effort on the drench, hopefully it’s been resolved before you leave. Enjoy your visit to US, safe travels!
Abby i l9ve the wall paper which Bruce put up for Olivia's room. Her bedroom looks so Frenchy! A gold medal should be awarded for Bruce's hardwork. What a great telanted friend you have .......such a consolation😊
That kind of hard, back-breaking labor is rough! I hope you're okay. I can't do it anymore. I know what you mean about being tenacious though :) The wallpaper is absolutely gorgeous. I do hope you can get all these glitches squared away while you're gone to the US. Bon voyage!
Those Coveralls!!!! oMG❤. Excellent college try!! Advil? Can you turn the fallen trees into pellets? Are these trees on your property? They should have used chains or something first, how stressful watching these guys.
🤔 maybe you should re-watch The trees turned into pellets in yes but actually no they could have been chipped and used as fuel if she had a wood burning system.
