Catching Up!

After many weeks of frustration at not having full access to a computer, I have finally got an opportunity to catch up with my blog.... Here are a few sunny reminders of our most recent trip to France. 

We visited plenty of markets and vide greniers, but also had time on the beach

There was an opportunity to relax by the pool at a friends house.

Spotted this house which I fell in love with....it reminded me of something straight out of a TIn Tin book. It is in need of much love and attention....

......the sign on the front was temptation....

I bought this great little vintage dolls house bathroom at a Depo Vente. At present it is "resting" in my collection until the start of the fairs at the beginning of September.

Another day we watched a cycle race - the French do love their bicycles.

On our return from France we were off again to enjoy the sun at the WOMAD festival. At long last we got to see the wonderful Skip McDonald ( aka Little Axe). He is a regular at the WOMAD festival, but we usually missed seeing him as he played on the Thursday evening in previous years.

Other highlights were Toumast, if you like African music with a Hendrix influence, then this is the band to check out! Above are the excellent Toubab All stars - a lively French Ska band which got everyone dancing.
Below is Gilzene & the Blue Light Mento Band   traditional Jamaican music.

I have discovered a lot of new things to enjoy, including this - Kormac's Big band which has to be my absolute favourite find of the month! There is no CD available yet, but I am sure it won't be long....... Lastly, I was a little disappointed by the tracks that Gil Scott Heron played. He has a fantastic new CD, and should really have included this in his set. Hey ho!

Guess Who?

 Guess where I went yesterday? Who is my favourite all time artist?
a clue (care of Youtube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Liv2Abvr3wQ

 Had a fantastic day at Glastonbury, but have to confess that one day is certainly enough for me, that many people in one place makes for a tiring experience! This wasn't the first time that I had seen Stevie...Back in 1980 I saw him play in London at "The Hotter than July" concert, and of course being the ultimate hoarder, so was able to find the ticket & newspaper cutting from then.

Earlier in the day we enjoyed  The Bees perfect music for a Sunday afternoon, or in fact anytime. I have been listening to "Octopus" as I have been ironing, sewing and pricing for the past few weeks.

This guy was a much - awaited treat, Dr John, all the way from New Orleans (don't you just love those flowers on the front of the stage!)

Then, it was a fast walk around to the Pyramid Stage to see Ray Davis (of the Kinks fame). What I admire about these guys from the 60's is that they know how to engage the audience and really get everyone on their feet. Most of the audience were certainly not born in the 60's, so could have little or no knowledge of the music from that time.... but Ray had everyone in full voice for Lola, Waterloo Sunset and others. It was a brilliant gig, and the accompanying Crouch End Choir were awesome.

Next stop was The Acoustic tent for the Bluesband. As you can see they are somebody else I saw in the 80's! A mere 29 years ago.... Below is Paul Jones back in 1981, that guy must know the secret of eternal youth as he hardly looked any older. Apologies for rather rubbish photos, I am usually too immersed in the music to take more than a couple of shots!

Now, you can see there is a bit of trend going on here. Yet another favourite band that I used to see in London in the early 1980's. These are Toots and the Maytals who played regularly at the Venue in Victoria Street,  London.

But of course - the best had to wait until last. Stevie Wonder played a fantastic set. This man has created so much amazing music you would question how on earth he could pick out what to play? He did not disappoint, if you are a fan look on BBC i player or Youtube. I have already lost half of today watching favourite bits over and over again..... it really was a night to remember!

Favourite & Best Bits of 2009

Snow dominated the start of the year.. and the end of 2009..... the above photo was taken in Austria where we had a magical holiday.

Below is a view over Somerset fields.

I saw the Dohl Foundation twice in 2009, brilliant band, and I could happily see them again in 2010.... http://www.dholfoundation.com is their website.

The ancient rose above the washerwoman's washing line, sadly it wasn't a great summer weather wise, so not a lot of time spent in the garden this year.

Purchased a van in 2009, a useful vehicle to say the least.... guess who chose the colour?

2009 was a year of several reunions, above is the long awaited & much anticipated get together with Angie, Jacqui & Steve. We all worked together in the early 80's on a certain orthopaedic ward at St Thomas's hospital.

Next came a noisy weekend in Bath with Christine, Aline, Sara & Catherine.

(Hardly any wine was consumed.....) Great weekend & always a special treat to get-together with these school friends & ex-flatmates!

WOMAD, Charlton Park, Wiltshire. Below is Sarah Savoy (and the Francadians) http://www.myspace.com/sarahsavoythefrancadians

One of the highlights over the amazing 3 days, this girl has a great voice & a stylish taste in dresses!

Peter Gabriel played a stunning set on the Saturday night. The special effects were awesome.

Summer day out at the Big Sheep in Devon with Donna, Alfie, Lizzie, Thomas & Tilly was a special day to remember. Donna Thank you so much for organising it.

At the end of August, we moved into the Dairy House (above is the stock we took & used for our business card photoshoot)

September - another trip to France in search of solitude (oops, sorry that is meant to read stock)

Shelves at the Dairy House, our eclectic style taking shape.

Had to add in this photo.. taken this weekend with some friends who are over in this country from Australia. Not seen each other since the very early 90's. Where do the years go?

Photo below is the girls of 1979 Nightingale school of nursing. Thank you Ruth for hosting a super day. It was great to catch up & see everyone.

Wonderful Wychwood!

Anyone who follows my blog (with the volume on) will know that I am pretty passionate about music, so it might come as no surprise that I was very keen to visit the wonderful festival that is held every year just outside Cheltenham....The sun shone, the atmosphere was brilliant... these guys (above) are the Shtetl Superstars, they play witty funky Jewish ska! (oh and they have a female vocal lead called Barbara..)

..... the above shows the original "Grumpy old man" aka Attila the Stockbroker in full rant.. very clever observations & witty poems. Loved him!

This is the Wonderful Justin Adams & Juldeh Camara.. a brilliant combination of driving blues guitar and African lyrics.. and an instrument that looked a bit like a cricket bat with one string. Bought the album, its fab!

But had to wait until after dark to enjoy the best, Johnny and the boys, the Dohl Foundation. We saw them play a few weeks ago and knew we had to see them again.
and they certainly didn't disappoint. They were wonderful from the first drum beat to the final number, and had everybody jumping and doing that Bhangra thing which involves a lot of energetic arm waving (have just tried to google it to get the correct name..) and failed!

It was a wonderful day and has certainly wet my appetite for the WOMAD festival which is next month.