repointing a wall

we are so fortunate to have a beautiful large stone fireplace in our kitchen; it is about 5 feet wide and 4 feet high. 
husband decided to repoint the wall above it (one of many cosmetic jobs outstanding in our farmhouse). 
we were very excited and so cleared the candlesticks, etc off the mantelpiece in preparation.

here it is before the repointing started....

the pipe of the cuisiniere can just be seen in the above photo - more about that in a minute.

the photo above shows a close up of the old narrow french bricks with spaces inbetween needing repointing...and below, work starting...

and half-way through...

later, we took the cuisiniere out and reinstated the open fire with a basket grate. 
just have a look at it now ! 

husband plans to clean and repoint the inside of the fireplace which will be stunning. i will, of course, post photos of that when it is done.

stay cosy and i hope that you will drop by our french farmhouse in the heart of france, for a little more of france romance.

a bientot...