A weekend of music and fun...

 

Our fun weekend started with the effervescent Locos Locaux at 'l'ère du temps' in Lésigny on Saturday night - always fun! We left at 10.00pm to head over to Ciran to take in the 'Spectacle' which had been planned for Friday night but the rain put us off. We had perfect conditions on the night and they obviously knew we had arrived as they greeted us with a blast of 'Flower of Scotland' before sending out Nessie to welcome us!

Love the way England is represented by the 'Full Monty' dance routine!

A great show as ever - if you haven't checked it out - you should!

Last night it was the turn of 'Celtiqua' to entertain us with an Irish music set at the Guinguette 'Le Lavoir' in Preyilly-sur-Claise in a weekend where we had a variety of music genres and venues choices throughout Southern Touraine. 

I enjoy a challenge...

I have set a target of just over two weeks to get the former grenier habitable as our bedroom before Pauline's sister Eileen arrives. We actually used it last September when Michael, Rose & Ada were over for a visit and we did a quick bedroom setting.

It is not as if we have been idle since then as we decided to use our time in finishing the last third of our courtyard.

Old Hat at 'Bar La Caravage' in Loches.

Always fancied doing a gig at 'Bar La Caravage' with the backdrop of the historic 'Porte des Cordeliers' in Loches and last night Dominique and I, as 'Old Hat' did just that - good fun and ambiance. In spite of some reservations regarding the location, there is a road directly beside the venue, it proved not to be a problem and a good time was had by all. 

Another airing of 'Old Hat'

 

You have to love France...

Dennis & Angela and John & Maureen joined us for the village's 'Fête Nationale' celebration last night.

They put on a lovely evening and great fireworks display.

These evenings normally end with a 'bal' - the video above is of a couple starting off the dancing in front of the Mairie to the sounds of  'Viva Espana' !! - ah France! Oh and Pauline also photo bombs it!

More Craigs catching up...

Lunch at 1051GWR (former railway station) on Great Western Road in Glasgow with the family yesterday, an early birthday celebration for Michael before heading back to France.

Craigs catching up...

 

Good afternoon in Kilmarnock yesterday catching up with family. 

Brother Johnny who had to leave before my group photo.

Wining & dining and a sparkling day out!

 

Yesterday along with friends we went on a wine buying trip starting off at the cooperative cellar of Bléré - 'Beaujardin'.

We followed up our visit with a hearty lunch in Nazelles-Négron just over the bridge from Amboise at the Resto du Terminus - as recommended by Susan and Simon.

After lunch it was over to the cave 'Aubert' in Vouvray for more tasting and buying of their sparkling wines! This was another recommendation from Angela & Dennis/Jane and Peter.

All in all a very good day out with good friends,food and wine! 

Back at the Lavoir...and more Irish music

 

Last night saw us back with friends at 'Le Lavoir'  in Preuilly-sur-Claise to listen to a fine group of musicians give us a very convivial set of Irish tunes as we enjoyed the food on offer accompanied by a few bottles of wine!

This was our second exposure to Irish music in just a few days as we attended the Irish Night at Le Grand-Pressigny on Friday. 

As well as music we were given an excellent display of Irish dancing by this lovely young lady who at times seemed to be floating on air!

Images from Irish night courtesy of Tim Ford.

End of season walk...

No Monday walks now until the cooler weather in September.  Last Monday saw us meet at 'Le Lavoir'  in Preuilly-sur-Claise for the last walk of the season.

Have to give a big thank you to Fabrice and David for leading us on some fine walks throughout the season. Not really sure what the above posing was about however!😊

The walk took us around the village and surrounding countryside before gathering for lunch back at the Lavoir.

Festival des Barroudeurs

Good fun last night performing with Dominique as 'Old Hat' in Barrou. The village did their usual great job of setting the scene and providing a great venue. We started the night off on the little stage which was set up perfectly for us. Thanks to everyone who came along to support us!