Back in Blighty

Just returned from a few weeks in Brittany.

Thank God for that place - its like breathing fresh air. Well, in fact, it IS breathing fresh air.

Knackered after the journey back on my flying steed but got myself back together with a nice walk in the Lickeys with Talbot....just to keep my hand in as an ancient Brythonic demi-god.

After all, who would haunt those woods if not me?

Visited a few of my old oaken friends in Broceliande Forest and my little Feys.

The year is turning once more and the suns gift has filled the roots in readiness for the long slumber and days of mist, fruitfulness and the peace of the frozen world....

Schuberts "Erlkonig"

I have my own symphony by Schubert. Sung by Bryn Terfel. I feel all warm and proud.

Harry ca Nab - Erlkonig - Elder king.

Isn't our culture wonderful - the links to the past.

The Lords Prayer in the Mercian dialect.

Isn't Youtube wonderful. You can hear the midlands accent coming through - a 1000 years or more ago.

And once again the cricket season is upon us.............

Ah for the crack of leather on Willow.....but its all Dutch to me!

On any Sunday

Looking forward to a great day.

We visited the Armed Forces Day celebrations in Brum yesterday. Great time, great music but I am sorry for the young Cadet who fainted. To stand to attention when you feel crap shows a good heart.

The music was especially good - two women sang old war songs - Vera Lynn etc - and had us all in tears.

So many people attended - good, real, Brummies. It was like a flash from the past. The Government and Establishment may like to ignore our existence but we still keep the wheels of this country turning. God help this country when we have all gone and Birmingham resembles Basra.

Today the weather is set, the entertainment planned and all is well with the world.

How can I improve things?

A BBQ - thats how!!!!

But not before a little trip out for some cider.....

Sunday lunch?

Now that is what I call a Sunday Lunch ! A bottle of Muscadet, some french bread and a coffee & Calvados to wash it down....

Brittany - oh how I've missed it

Brittany is lovely at this time of year and I can share it thanks to our marvellous village libary and IT suite.

Interestingly the librarians husband has the same Christian name AND surname as me  - French versions of course. What are the chances eh?

Having a wonderful time, working hard, seeing friends and "catching some rays".

What a contrast to the UK - polite people, low crime levels, nature as it should be, great food and wine/cidre ...as well as a sense of freedom that has been lost in Britains Police State.

Such a contrast - and a reminder of what we have lost and, I guess, will never get back.

BBQ tonight..... sur la terrace!