I spent b****y hours yesterday uploading pics, converting them to smaller jpegs and then creating a slideshow, and then Explorer kept crashing, so I couldn't get any words out! Grrr. Still, Perhaps you have got the gist that we have been making quite a lot of progress despite the fact that the electricians are still at it (gnashing of teeth). However, emergency lights and cut-off switches are going up, so actual visible progress is happening, and please let them finish this week! It would also be quite exciting to have electricity!! There is only one plug socket that works which is in the reserve, and this has loads of extension cables coming out of it as people power their tools and lights. We are nearly at the stage where we (well, Dave) can start the flooring, so we have been to Perps to choose it. We have ordered walnut floorboards, they are a mixture of black and normal walnut and have a really velvety dark sheen to them. They will look fab. They will arrive on Tues, so we shall be off to pick them up then. As you see from the photos, the Steakstones finally arrived. I have to mention DHL here - they picked them up from the supplier in the UK on the 1st Sept. and they finally got here after constant phone calls from us on the 26th. Good job it wasn't urgent. I am very happy with them, (the Steakstones, not DHL, and I wouldn't recommend them) I think they are handsome sets. They were also very well packaged. We have a handsome silver shovel with them as well, to manipulate the stones out of the oven.

So the final details are now being put into place. I ordered the kitchen tables and sinks etc last week, and they are on their way, so we shall start fitting out the kitchen when they arrive, which should be any day now. The only thing I am waiting for is a low fridge unit with a grill, deep fat fryer and bain mairie which has been ordered from Italy. We were told that it would arrive in September....not much of that left! Actually, I can't really believe where this month has gone - it all seems a bit of a blur.

Our banker came round the other day to see the progress - probably to find out for himself why it is taking so long!! He normally lunches here, so hopefully will be a keen customer once we do open. He seemed quite enthusiastic.

The downside of everyone finishing is that they will all want paying - watch that bank balance plummet! Gulp. Still, when we look close to opening, I shall blast everywhere with a poster. Oh, good news, and aparthotel is opening just down the road, about a 10 min walk here (uphill) and a 5 min walk back. 72 furnished apartments for rent, short or long stay. They will be getting a poster!! They are www.atriumtourismgroup.com and the new residence is called 'Les Balcons du Canigou'.  I am so excited about opening, I can't tell you!

Well, better go, but before I do, I would just like to note how sad I am to hear of the death of Paul Newman. He truly was an icon, and hot stuff! May he Rest in Peace.