Wonderful Whitby

A relaxing day yesterday...sad that when you get to the really, really relaxed state, it's almost time to go home. Spent a lot of time up on the West cliff again, this time with Phil and Jake. We all sat in the cafe and had ice cream and coffee. Big decisions to make over the next two years - would we want to move here? I would, Phil would, Jake sometimes would and Sarah definitely wouldn't. I feel a definite pull from the North and would like to explore places further up the coast, and we will.

Whitby is so beautiful though and has got a bit of everything. Nothing beats the view of the vast North Sea, the view of the church and the abbey, and indeed the views from the abbey down to the town and the sea. Today we're going on a boat ride to Staithes- it will be great- we'll have an hour to look around and then come back. Don't want to go home.

Not Folk Week in Whitby

Aah a nice soothing week this week, recovering from the last one. Went to a session at the Station pub on Sunday - quite different to the ones I'd experienced at Folk Week. People just sat round in a kind of messy circle, and took it in turns to lead a song or tune. I had to have a go, so I sang (nervously) will the circle be unbroken- it was quite fun, and people fully joined in the chorus! It was a really warm and friendly atmosphere there, would definitely go again. Yesterday Phil and Jake went fishing- Jake caught the most enormous cod-he's got the photos to prove it. We ate this, and the whiting and mackerel they caught, for dinner last night. So completely fresh and delicious. While they were fishing, I went for a walk onto the West cliff, had a coffee and cake in the cafe by the chalets. Very good and very relaxing just staring out to sea. Only three more days and then home. Boo. Don't want to go home.

Last Day at Folk Week

Friday today. Last day of Folk Week, but hooray, we are here for another week. Yesterday I read a lot more of Dracula; it's really good and Whitby features far more strongly than I expected. Only did one folky activity yesterday, which was to attend the Queen ceilidh. It was great. I just wore a dress, but quite a few men had made a real effort. The two winners were a tall man in very high black boots and a schoolgirl outfit, and a teenager dressed as a Freddie Mercury's tombstone! This was clever as fitted a side Whitby vibe as well! 

I've decided that the late night ceilidhs are the ones to go for. More teenagers just going mad, so fewer people tutting that you're not doing it quite right. The dances have felt a little more stressful than they did last year, maybe we've been at more of the early, brightly lit ones. They seem more serious. The bands playing have been great though, and last night they were excellent at camping up the Queen songs.

Today we went to part two of the all abilities workshop; excellent again. I think one of their children's workshops would be about my level to assist me in playing by ear. Bumped into Alan and Patricia in the courtyard cafe - can't remember what it's called - We know them from Ealing Country Dance club, and they kindly brought several of our musical instruments by car to Whitby and will take them back tomorrow. Patricia has extremely long hair. She hasn't had it cut for 22 years. Jake would very much like me to do this, and the other day I recklessly told him that I would not cut it again apart from a little tidy now and again.

Found folk week a bit tiring this year, possibly because we were far away from the Pavilion etc, so everything felt more important due to travel time etc, and we didn't stay to end of ceilidhs as would have been soooo late going to bed. It'll be different next year. 

Met a very nice man at a few workshops; Nick - he has moved here from Somerset. He encouraged us to make the move, too and told Phil that fiddle players are needed here, as the weekday sessions are somewhat devoid of them.

More on Monday as Coliseum internet caff is closed at the weekend.

Whitby Folk Week

So here for Folk Week again. The second time intentionally. Fifth time in wonderful Whitby. 

Folk Week is very hectic - we are staying in a flat a little out of town this time, so haven't been dipping into quite as many activities as before. Activities we have done have been a mixed bag.

I was overjoyed to see activities aimed at the inexperienced this year, but several of these have proved disappointing. Somehow you are already assumed to have a very good ear, or a working knowledge of the more popular tunes. The two workshops that really did what they said on the tin, and were suitable for all abilities were, in no particular order, Pete Cooper's Appalachian tunes workshop, and an all abilities fiddle workshop where we learned a couple of tunes from the South West. What both did was to call out the notes, rather than just expect you to hear them accurately and judge what the next one is going to be in the space of a nanosecond. Anyway, both good, and the only ones that I have left feeling I've joined in properly and also learned something.

Dancing - haven't done so much this year, partly because the teenager's been in two minds about whether to come to the Ceilidhs and we've only had one set of keys to the flat, so Phil's had to zoom backwards and forwards with the boy between the Pavilion and the outer reaches of the town towards the new bridge. Did go and see Eliza Carthy and the Park Bench Social Club on Monday night, with a lead in from Eliza and Saul Rose on the accordion. Exciting stuff. A harp player with a flautist went first and were dreamily magical. 

Tonight is the Queen ceilidh. Last year I dressed up for the Abba one, but this year, although I can picture how men could dress for the Queen ceilidh -ie flamboyantly, I have no idea what to wear.  It will be a non-Queen specific swirly dancey frock.

Our flat: Although it is very nice, it's a long way from everything...also, we have a disagreeable neighbour who greeted us on day two with demands that we did not bang the doors, and telling us that he lived in Whitby all the year round. All this said very aggressively. He is the only unpleasant person I have come across in Whitby, apart from, of course, impatient and intolerant ceilidh dancers. They are of course a tiny minority of our fellow revellers.

What I'm really pleased about though, is that we have managed to secure a house for next year's Folk Week, and over in our favourite part of Whitby, too. Clever us.

More tomorrow.

Whitby 2008

Arrived in Whitby on Saturday. This year we thought we'd launch straight into Folk Week for our first week and then have a week up here to relax and recover afterwards. So far this seems like the best way round. Did it the other way last year and we went home exhausted! Nothing like the exhaustion we experienced afterwards though, when we moved to my dad's to look after him.

This year the journey went smoothly - we sent our luggage ahead - just like the Victorians and Edwardians did, and timed our journey well. The Coastliner bus was a double decker and very comfortable. This time, we had a holdall, a carrier bag and a violin, last year it was 3 violins, two guitars, fishing rods and two suitcases. A company called Carry my Luggage took the strain this time, and charged about 90 quid for the return taking of two suitcases and some fishing rods from London to Whitby.

Aah Whitby, so beautiful; so unchanging. well some little changes maybe. A smart bar by the harbour called Marine is rather nice. Noticed another couple of new restaurants and bars, too. Phil and I had coffee and a piece of lovely cake at Marine yesterday afternoon-too early for me to sample the oysters with a glass of wine at that point, but I'll be going back! What a thing to be able to sample an oyster or two while taking in the view.

Thought I'd read Dracula this year. Am on about chapter 7 at the moment, with the description of Whitby - Mina describes the view from the West Cliff. Am struck by how unchanged this view is. 

Half way through Folk Week now. Have been to a few workshops aimed at all abilities, or beginners. Amazing how some have an element of sadism involved...

The best one's been a mixed ability workshop for fiddlers. Now that is how such a thing ought to be run. We were expected to play by ear, but instead of, as in some, being expected to pluck notes out of the air and hope for the best, we were patiently told which notes were involved, and how we could join in with chords and drones even if we lost the thread of the tune. Definitely the most competent and confident I've felt so far in a group fiddling situation.

More tomorrow. 

Not Long Now

Two weeks to go until we're in Whitby. Folk week first this year, then a week to recover afterwards. How fantastic will it be? We've already got the programmes for folk week...last year there was an ABBA ceilidh, this year there's going to be a Queen ceilidh..what shall I wear. Just about managed a 70s ish outfit last time - big hat, flares, long top...the Queen were 70s too....weren't they? More glam maybe? more rock 'n roll? 

I've been in training for the hills and the dancing recently. For a month or so I've been to back to my dance classes, tried to be a bit more careful re: food, and walked very quickly to work with Ali la Peche ! With all the stresses of the past twelve months, I'd abandoned it all, and a very unwanted few pounds crept on. Never mind, off it will all jolly well come, and hopefully in time for our holiday. I'm also revisiting the cCanadian Air Force exercises which got me into pretty good shape before I had Jake I seem to remember. 

This folk week there seem to be a few more things going on for people who aren't already experts at joining in sessions. There are fiddle workshops suitable for all abilities, and some sort of sessions for people who aren't quite ready for a full blown session. That's me. 

So, I'm in training with the violin, too. That has suffered over the past year, but I'm probably still better than I was last time we were in Whitby. We've barely seen Pete the guru. Time to stop now, as I've promised myself a quick practice this evening.

Folk Day at the Proms

Phil and I went to Folk Day at the Proms on Sunday. First we went to Kensington Gardens, and saw Bellowhead play a few numbers. They were on excellent form - lots of tunes to dance to - madly in the midday-ish sun. Then we were wandering over to another tent and saw Pete Cooper playing for a mini ceilidh, so we had a little dance in there, too...nice to see Pete and Sue, but a very long time since we've had a lesson. Soon it will be Whitby, and the folk week so we'll see Pete and Sue a lot more then.

Anyway, we went to look at the Serpentine gallery, and the striking outdoor structure before going to the Albert Hall and the free folk prom. It was amazing, in particular the four piece Musicasz, who then had a play off with the orchestra, joined by Folkestra. can't be more specific as we didn't have a programme.

Then there was a break, and we went to meet Di, Alan, Bernadette, Yasmin and Jim to go into the main evening prom. Phil and I managed to get tickets for the Ceilidh, but the others didn't. So the folk prom -  Bella Hardy, pretty and talented, the last two songs she played were the best. Martin Simpson - seemed to be playing/singing cover versions ! There was a song 'when a knight won his spurs...' that I'm sure we used to sing in assembly at primary school, also a version of Matty Groves - brilliant dark folk soap oper, a song about wishes, very beautiful, but I think was a Pete Seeger song. Thing is, loads of folk music is new interpretations of old stuff, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Magical guitar playing. Perfect. 

Then....Bellowhead. This is the best I've seen them play, and that's saying something - I guess it helps that there was room to dance, unlike in Lewes - they really were exciting to watch, dance and listen to - all quite momentous being in the Albert Hall. To cap it all there was a Ceilidh - cleverly organised - rousing dance tunes, some played and danced at breakneck speed- a good warm up to Folk Week indeed. So Bellowhead, when are you playing at the Southbank again?

Hastings

Went to Hastings for much needed R and R the other week, courtesy of a boost to my finances from my mum. It was an interesting experience. Had browsed on the net for places to go to nearish to London, and Hastings seemed easy. Next job, find somewhere to stay. Minstrel's Rest bed and breakfast comes out near the top if you Google it, so we went there, Phil being a minstrel and everything. Also, one of the two hosts was a Phill,(two els) and ex-minstrel. That was it then. Away we went. we got out at Ore station and walked the wrong way...it seemed very dingy near the station, but we knew we were near the sea and relaxed instantly. We phoned the b and b to say we were lost, and co-owner Michelle arranged for Phill to come and get us. Excellent. We got there, it is a normal looking house, in a normal street, but once inside, you are in a medieval fantasy. Each room is different, with meticulous attention to detail. All the toiletries have been re-bottled and labelled by Michelle, and all smell fantastic. Guess what chocolates were in the room? After we settled in, we went off to find somewhere nice to eat. Walked up to Ore villlage but didn't fancy anything there, so walked down to the sea front, a beautiful walk, and looked at the sea...then as we were wondering were there might be a nice place to eat, Phil saw a couple walking down a back street and thought that might be good place to go and look, and it was!!!! nice pubs and fish restaurants, hidden away, and we had a delicious meal at Pomegranate. Taxi back up a very steep hill, was only four quid. we slept well that night.

Back Again

A stressful couple of months here, and two weeks off work as a result. Doctor willing to give me another couple of weeks, but really, it's time to go back. Things have been bad at home, as those who know us will attest, and it has not been a good year. Good things came of it though. Dad is being properly looked after, our house is beautiful (apart from the kitchen floor, GRRRRR), the teenager is sorting himself out, adult child is being wonderful, and we have found deep and supportive friendships amongst our acquiantances and neighbours. 

Back to work tomorrow, then. Had to happen one day. Was going to practice the violin, go to daytime dance classes in Pitshanger Lane and write my blog every day, but did I?

Off to Hastings tomorrow for a three day break with Phil. Somewhere to get away. We ought to have been in Whitby this week, but the teenager wasn't well enough. Positive outcome again, though in that we have swapped our week in Whitby now, for one in November, which I imagine will be very beautiful, and we will all be healthy. We have only been in August, to date. Of course we'll be going before November, for folk week and the week after to recover. This year, Phil will be driving there...he is fortunate, having passed his test umpteen years ago and not having to take another one. He's had a few brush-up lessons with the wonderful Laura, and has practiced getting on and off the M1. We are going to share my daughter's car, and I'll be able to drive a little bit, too but not on the motorway of course.

So a lot going on, but for now, I'm back.

the stone kitchen floor disaster

Our building work is not quite finished....the kitchen floor is a disaster. we wanted stone, several people advised us against this; would I listen? You wouldn't believe how fussy stone is. I couldn't believe it either. This stone floor is limestone, with small fossils in. It's beautiful, or was. It needs to be sealed, with the correct stuff which is much pricier than going to Wickes and buying their floor sealant of course, then you need to be careful of every little kitchen type thing you might drop. So, no tomato, wine, lemon juice, coffee and more or less any other type of substance that one might normally, accidentally of course, spill in a kitchen.

To clean it, you can't use flash, or anything simple, you need to wash it-with special stuff- the stuff you can only buy from special shops or off the net with its confusion of advice and materials- then you have to leave it for a few minutes, and then rinse it, then dry it.

Oh and then, you have to reseal it every year and then every three years or so, you have to strip it all back with speacial and probably highly toxic chemicals, and start all over again.

My lovely floor already looks like a hundred elephants have danced across it in hobnailed boots. It's only really been in use for ten weeks or so. I wish I'd chosen lino.

Driving

So, I've been having lessons for a few weeks now. Have started to see myself being able to drive, although the thought of the test fills me with dread. My teacher Laura is so good. She is so patient and encouraging. She understands, or seems to, how different people learn. So six lessons in and some progress is being made. Having not had a lesson for about 25 years, I can still execute a perfect three point turn.
The motivation is Whitby, well Whitby and possibly Pete Cooper. The two pilgrimages. I love the thought of being able to put stuff in the car and drive door to door with it. Last time we went to Whitby, we went with two violins and three small suitcases. We came back with three violins, two guitars, a fishing rod and three small suitcases. It was a stressful journey home - although very scenic. Phil has got a replacment driving licence, and can officially drive, however he hasn't driven for about 25 years!! He's going to have some brushing up sessions with Laura, and hopefully, between us, we'll be able to drive to Whitby this summer. Driving is very stressful. In negative moments I ask myself 'is it worth it?' You only need to lose concentration for a split second and you, or somebody else, or both could be dead. I would rather travel stressfully by public transport than be dead, or kill somebody as a result of a momentary lapse in concentration. You see I am trying to talk myself out of it again. Actually, I'd rather drive there and back with all our luggage and arrive at both destinations safe and sound. Millions of people manage it every day, surely I'm up to the job?

Back to Crouch Hill

Today we made the lengthy pilgrimage to Crouch Hill to see Pete Cooper. So much for improvements to the Silverlink/North London Line. It is now styled as London Overground and has stuck on black tube signs on the side of the trains. The trains are still dirty and crowded. Phil and I have to plan our exit from the train several stops before we have to change at Gospel Oak. Feel sweaty and panicky at the thought. All ok though. 

We get off the train and look for the times of the trains going back. A random fellow passenger tells us that they go at half past and on the hour, which we know is completely wrong. In the excitement I have forgotten to touch out my oyster card. After walking along with the fellow passenger chatting about how long she's lived in CH and how many times she's travelled on the filthy overcrowded North London Line, we go for a quick snack in the Larrick as we're early for the lesson. Long for a quick glass of wine, too, especially with it being Friday night and therefore traditional. Decide that the fabled bow hold will be even more elusive if I do that and the lesson will be a washout for me as a result. So, sensibly we share a plate of tasty morsels and some fizzy water, and stride purposefully up the hill towards Pete's flat. 

Wonder about what it would be like driving to Pete's for our lesson.  It would certainly be less stressful in terms of getting on and off the trains with the violins, work  bags etc. We get to Pete's flat and think about how to park on such a steep hill, as we are wondering about this, Pete pulls up in his car and we think he'll demonstrate, however, he drives into his own parking space behind the flats.

Lesson is good, but I can really feel that I haven't been for ages and have been practising in a rather slipshod way. Having mastered the bow hold to a certain degree, I must now focus on holding the violin in a more effective way. We book another lesson for three weeks' time to avoid lapsing too much. 

On the journey home we meet several people who notice the fiddles and chat, which is nice and surprisingly unusual. One says he is a bass player, and encourages us to get in touch should we ever need one. Wonder how we would have got in touch as he doesn't offer any contact details.

Best of all is meeting Barry Grant on the 267 bus, the last leg of the journey. Aah Barry, Luthier and maker of Phil's electric fiddle. Late night smoking and backgammon companion. He's on his way to see the lovely Anna. We wish them both well as we get off the bus, and head off for a fantastic chicken salad takeaway and then home.

Lewes 3

Sunday came. We had a lazy breakfast and I settled the bill. Another pleasant surprise on top of many was that they hadn't charged us for our late night brandies and olives. I mentioned this and they said gave me a 'don't worry about it' type of gesture. Fantastic. Another plus for Pelham House. Phil and I went for a walk, down the hill to a beautiful walled park with a formal garden and stream. The plan was, to walk about a bit and then go for a roast lunch in the White Hart. This was a low point unfortunately. It was hot and stuffy in there, and we fancied sitting outside, but the waiter said we couldn't do that. In fact later on, they even shut the doors to the terrace. We could see other people come and go from the main part of the pub to the terrace with drinks which made is feel even hotter inside. The food was delicious though, and they had marrow as one of the vegetables on offer, which is quite a rarity on a Sunday lunch menu and was very tasty. The service was pretty good too, but lost marks for not letting people sit outside and then closing the doors.

Anyway, then it wastime to go home. We gathered our belongings and strolled down to Lewes Station. An easy journey home apart from a 40 minute or so wait at Clapham Junction for our train home.

By good fortune, we met Di and Paul as we got off the train, and all agreed to catch up in the Magpie later. The predicted end to a great time away.

Bellowhead live at Lewes

So.... we woke up in our fabulous bed and had a fabulous bath. Spent some time trying to wake the sleeping teenager and went down for a delicious breakfast. Wandered around Lewes for a bit, spotted random members of Bellowhead as the afternoon wore on. Lewes is a strange and quaint place. There are very ancient buildings just dotted about in in the normal streetscape. looked at the castle with the great views; eerie through the fine drizzle on Saturday. Met up with Sam, Fiona and children at Bill's and had a great tea - they do fish finger sandwiches and cheese on toast. It's great. I opted for a spicy veg stew which was perfect. Fiona saw mine and had the same. Fortified, we adjourned to the Brewery Tap round the corner, a very comfortable and cosy pub, and had a pre- gig drink all together, then Jake went off with Sam, Kaya and Ryan for and evening of curry, beer and computer fun.

Phil, Fi and me strolled up the hill to the town hall to see Bellowhead. We had a drink in the bar, and then found a good spot to stand. What was really disappointing was that so much of the hall was seated. Yes, seated at a Bellowhead gig. Who thought of that? Anyway we had a small space among some friendly people in which to jiggle about.

The music, a mixed bag. Low point first...Bruton Town. Bellowhead added nothing to this song in my opinion. Maybe it was just so new they were testing it out - they did say this about some of their newer stuff. Maybe it's my own taste and experience. It felt like they were just going through the motions with it, and maybe it's just that I prefer the Pentangle version. The other new material was excellent though, a melancholy song about death, and some really full on instrumentals. A perfect rendition of Flash Company. Love it in their songs where the music falls apart -in a controlled way of course- and then perfectly climbs back in together for the climax.. Bellowhead are sounding really polished as far as their familiar work is concerned. So exciting to go and see them play live again, and have such a great time with friends, too.  Fi came back to the hotel with us to phone a cab, and after she got home, sent Jake back in the cab. Perfect. we had a brandy in the bar and waited for him, and we all went up for a wonderful deep sleep.

Lewes part 1

Just returned from Lewes, and it just the break we needed. The first evening went well, we arrived at Pelham House at 6ish and were shown to two sumptuous rooms. Already a worrying surprise as we had booked a standard single for Jake and a standard double for us, and we thought they'd made a mistake; they had already given us a bit of a reduction on our booking. But no, we had been given an upgrade! Jake's room was modern and had a beautiful view of the Downs; our room was bigger, a suite with its own corridor leading to a huge bathroom with the bath in the centre of the room. The beds must have had the best mattresses of any hotel room so far. Perfectly flat and firm. Crisp white bed linen, huge bath towels. Gorgeous smelling Neutrogena shower gel. We congregated in our room, had some coffee and biscuits and went to visit Sam and Fiona and their children Kaya (oops not sure of spelling) and Ryan.

What a blast of an evening. Haven't seen them for about four years. Greeted with a glass of strong red wine, the conversation and wine flowed steadily all night. We ate a spicy fish stew and lots of ripe cheese and talked a lot. Jake was happy sitting with the adults and playing games with the younger children. It was perfect and we made plans to see them the next day. We had gone to Lewes specifically to see Bellowhead and while we were there, to catch up with Sam and Fi. w had got three Bellowhead tickets, thinking Jake might want to come too, and be won over, but no. So we offered our spare one to Sam or Fi, and came to a most suitable arrangement. Jake would stay in with Sam and the children, and Fiona would come out to play with us. 

More in part 2

Bellowhead here we come

Well, we're off to Lewes on Friday night...can't wait. So much stress the past few months, actually since the day after we got back from Whitby last summer. This year is going to be about recovering and moving on, with the minimum of stress. Here goes then. Arrive in Lewes around 6.30, book into the hotel, visit Sam and Fiona who moved to Lewes from Hove about four years ago spend the evening catching up, drinking wine and being cooked for. Back to hotel. Sleep. Saturday wander about in Lewes, weather permitting. Late lunch. Go to Bellowhead gig. Still don't know what to wear. Try to sleep afterwards! Sunday, find somewhere nice for lunch and then back to Brentford...possibly go to the Magpie for a quick catch up with Di and Paul and any others to round off the weekend. It will be brilliant and here it all comes, just two short days away.

Book Group 2

Anytime now, book group 2 in Brentford will begin. When we moved to our current house and things began to be really sorted out, Di and I were talking about the book group she goes to. I wanted to join. Alas, there was no room and feelings of rejection/dejection ensued. Bit by bit I discover others who there wasn't room for either, half a dozen or so yummy mummies and we will form book group 2. We can't begin quite yet, as there is nowhere to sit at our house. How will we do it? will we take it in turns hosting? I think the idea will be to take it in turns to choose books, talk about them for a bit, drink wine and gossip. It will be great. So, watch this space, and the space on the new blog when it's ready.

Bellowhead

Well, as Bellowhead won't come to us, we must go to Bellowhead.

As Bellowhead don't (doesn't?) seem to be playing in London for the foreseeable future, we have decided to treat ourselved to a weekend away in Lewes, which is the nearest place I can get my fix anytime soon...We're going to stay at the Pelham House Hotel, as the receptionist, Lizzie was by far and away the friendliest of any B & B or hotel people we spoke to, some of which answered the phone with a weary and grumpy 'yes' or 'hello'. Feel slightly ill about spending so much to go and see a gig, but then remember it will be an excellent and much needed break as well. We might get to see Sam, Fiona and co, who relocated to Lewes from Hove about three years ago IF she gets in touch.
What to wear though....last time, having heard that people at Bellowhead gigs really dress up in Burlesque and other outrageous stuff, myself and the select yummy mummies and daddies really went for it when we saw them at the Festival Hall. Although it was packed there, we were definitely among the few dressed up for the occasion, I was sporting a medieval style green dress and feather mask, Di wore a basque and a kind of hitched up skirt, the others, variations on the theme. I thought we looked fabulous. So, this time requires some serious planning...or should I wear the usual jeans and sludge colour tops?

Are Bellowhead the new Fairport?

Yes, yes I say. Recommended to me by Geraldine Stephenson at Whitby, when I was bemoaning the absence of a big complex sound at Whitby, or in folk generally that could match Fairport or say Pentangle. Something fresh and enthusing, not tired and cheesy. Tired and cheesy....this summons up for me how Fairport became. Saw them in their 90s incarnation at the Waterman's. Absolutely nothing of the creativity and vigour of the music that they produced on Liege and Lief or Full House. A depressing experience, one which I have no wish to repeat.

Anyway, came back from Whitby and downloaded Bellowhead's Burlesque. Loved it immediately, especially the instrumentals - very similar to the gutsiness and musicianship of Fairport's jigs and reels. Some of the singing was a bit irritating to begin with, but the vocals have grown on me. Anyway a couple of months after discovering Bellowhead, they hosted the Festival Hall Christmas party - it was brilliant, very exciting....quite a few of the Brentford yummy mummies and a daddy or two were in our group. Di got it together. I hope Bellowhead do another gig there soon though, apparently they are the 'band in residence' or something at the South Bank Centre. I've also listened to quite a bit of Spiers and Boden on their own. Also exciting - lovely songs, mostly arrangements of traditional ones, but made to feel quite modern. More please...sadly no evidence of more gigs at the Southbank centre or anywhere else in London for a while. What's going on?

clocks went forward

Well, for the first time ever, I forgot to change the clocks. Threw my day out a bit, because we were going to go to church and then to the Mac store in Regent Street. Plans changed, as we realised at what we thought was nine o'clock, that it was in fact ten o'clock. Too late for St Paul's, so we went to worship at the church of Apple instead. We got some nice new toys, and hopefully will be able to produce a shiny new blog, and Phil will be able to create shiny new music, too. I will post the new blog address here when it's all set up. Will be much easier to post photos online instead of peering at invisible thumbnail pictures and trying to guess which photo is which.

Other things this week... I said goodbye to my dad's flat in Putney in it's previous incarnation; mainly 70s pale green everything, with multitudinous nicotine stains...Barney's builder's have moved in and are gutting it before transforming it into the lucrative des res that will pay for Dad's care. The bathroom looked particularly strange with a great cavity in the wall where the tap end of the bath had been. Then We were going to meet Jake at Putney station and go for lunch, but there had been a signal failure and Jake got off the train at Barnes and walked to Putney. In the meantime, I went to look at stone for our new patio. It was cols and rainy, but good to see what colours the different types of stone became when wet.

Went to tap on Friday - I'm really getting back into it now, after months of minimal exercise, I am walking to work again, and dancing twice a week...hopefully the pounds around my middle, laid down during the stay in Putney will budge soon.

Thinking of being back home, and about the yummy mummies and daddies of our neighbourhood, I've begun to regret introducing them to Darren! They have stolen him away from us, and he now has no time at all to do even the tiniest job for us. Darren, we need legs for our table!!!