Living and Gardening in Brittany

Modern Day Hay Stook Living here certainly is different from town life. I am aware of the seasons more and the rhythm of farm life. Driving up to the coast recently I noticed that every other field had been harvested. Of course haymaking doesn't involve so many workers these days. One often finds oneself behind an enormous monster of farm equipment. I find this rather sad. Sunrise behind the Church in late June One of the things I have observed since living here that I never noticed when living in town is the movement of the sun. I suppose it's really the earth's movement  but one sees it as the changing position of the sun's rising and setting. In mid summer it rises to the left of the church which is North East and sets almost 360 degrees round on the far side of the house which is North West. In midwinter it rises about 45 degrees round to the side of the house which is South East and only moves about 45 degrees throughout t...

We had a heat wave last week end which was perfect for Blues at the Chateau in La Cheze. The first free concert on Friday was on the island in the middle of the river. We sat under the trees drinking cider and eating crepes filled with rhubarb jam. La Cheze is a perfect town to stage a music festival as it has so many ideal venues. On Saturday the free concert was at the manoir. With a backdrop of the old mansion house. The band played as we sat in the shade of the chestnut trees. The Sunday session was at the chateau itself which is in fact a ruin but is a great setting to sit in the sun, drinking cider and listening to dexterous guitarists. This was in the Paper in 2006 This year's photos to are still in the camera

It was like a girl's night out except we were six women. We all piled into Anne- Marie's car. First, we went to the apero concert at the Jazz Festival. It was free and included wine and nibbles. Then we went to the Church Fitter's concert. They are a folk band and were fantastic. The band is made up of French, English and Irish musicians. This was a classic Breton event. It took place in the middle of the country next to a chapel. There was a buvette (bar) and galette - saucisse and crepes were on sale. The people of the commune supported the event in great numbers. The music was lively, and the musicians were skilful. It was a wonderful atmosphere. The weather was warm, and a full moon shone brightly to make a perfect evening. 

It was the day I flew to the UK but as my flight was in the evening I was able to go. The weather was kind and we found a spot under some trees. The commune organised the BBQ and provided music. The usual Sausage Gallette was available and tables and chairs were arranged under cover from the sun. If you preferred you could take your own food to cook on the BBQ. Our Group JUBBIL French and English The setting by the lake was ideal. We sat in the shade and shared a banquet of a picnic and as usual the wine flowed. I have taken to drinking elder flower cordial at these events for two reasons. Firstly I am usually driving and secondly I always feel sleepy after drinking and I prefer to enjoy myself with a clear head. Anicette brought a new game which was similar to skittles. It was great fun and everyone joined in. Me about to throw the rolling pin at the skittles