A diverse offering twixt the interesting, the unusual, and the amusing.
Sunday 26 June 2016
My little village. What's on, Summer 2016.
Having been a little depressed and confused over the past couple of days, here's something to boost my morale.
Everything from spit-roasted lambs, to Baroque music, a Pétanque competition, and a boot sale; my dinky little village puts on a pretty good selection of events throughout the Summer.
Well done lads, and well done to all at the Mairie.
Can't say that I have ever come across spit roast lamb here in the UK Cro - usually hog roast is the order of the day. The farmer and I are trying hard to rise above all the hoo-ha at the moment. He is walking with his friends today and I am lunching with mine. No political subjects will be mentioned.
I do like the "Bring your own covers" idea... Everyone in France has their outdoor Barbie stuff, so a plate or two and cutlery are easy to take...and saves a lot of washing up for the organisers! However, if they tried that here, the little business in the next village, who rent out 'les couverts' amongst other catering things....would be horror struck!! I think that in the current climate, the U.K. would take comfort from community feasting...and get to know each other again!!
A Pétanque competition: I'll pop over. I played in New Zealand (before croquet took over my life) and when I was staying in France we used to play because the club met opposite our friend's house. I recall the knowing smiles and pitying looks when I played in my first club afternoon. They soon changed when I went off with four bottles of their wine. I got back-slapts the second time I went. The club (and it's 50 members) has gone now: riven by internal village politics. Sad.
I loved all those summer French festivities. I didnt realise, until I just 'google mapped you' you were so close to Monflanquin! Many happy hols there ... always nostalgic and envious when I come here x
THE BELLS ..... THE BELLS ..........
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*I guess we all have good things and bad things about where we live. One of
the lovely things about where our house is, is that it's a stones throw
aw...
2 weeks ago
Optimistic Cro!
The difference between an optimist and a pessimist, is that the optimist enjoys himself whilst waiting for the inevitable! I AM that optimist!
This is a daily, optimistic, 'photos and comments' blog. I make no judgements (only occasionally), just notes. If you wish to comment in any way at all, please feel free. Everything and everyone (except the obdurate and dictatorial) is very welcome.
I was born just south of London, but for the past 50 years I've lived in S W France. I am a painter by profession, and writer by desire. Lady Magnon and I live between an ancient cottage in a tiny village in perfectly tranquil French countryside, and a bijou townhouse in Brighton UK. In France we have plenty of fruit trees, all situated amongst a view that takes the breath away, in the UK we have a handkerchief sized patio. We also have a Border Collie called Billy. I try to treat our planet with respect, and encourage others to do likewise (without preaching).
Contentment is a glass of red, a plate of charcuterie, and a slice of good country bread. Perfect!
The spit roast lamb sounds good - it is very popular here, brought over by the Dalmations.
ReplyDeleteThey usually do about 6, or more, these events are very popular.
DeleteI know what Susan H means, but as a former owner of a spottydog, Measles, I can't help but picture a pack of dogs with their lamb.
DeleteMy wife had one when I first met her; it was as mad as they come!
DeleteCan't say that I have ever come across spit roast lamb here in the UK Cro - usually hog roast is the order of the day.
ReplyDeleteThe farmer and I are trying hard to rise above all the hoo-ha at the moment. He is walking with his friends today and I am lunching with mine. No political subjects will be mentioned.
Political overload. Lunch or a good walk sounds very sensible.
DeleteWe went to a concert at our local bistro last night....
DeleteNo politics!!
No politics at all!!
Summer is a coming in, tra la la.
DeleteBonjour clochemerle et pissoir tres bonne n'est-ce pas?
ReplyDeleteNo public pissoir in Lumberjack; just bushes.
DeleteThat's the way - it's all around you !
DeleteSame as here then.
DeleteI do like the "Bring your own covers" idea...
ReplyDeleteEveryone in France has their outdoor Barbie stuff, so a plate or two and cutlery are easy to take...and saves a lot of washing up for the organisers!
However, if they tried that here, the little business in the next village, who rent out 'les couverts' amongst other catering things....would be horror struck!!
I think that in the current climate, the U.K. would take comfort from community feasting...and get to know each other again!!
The 'Bring your own covers' business includes tablecloths, candelabra, a waiter, best silver, etc, just to impress the neighbours. Only kidding!
DeleteSave that for the diner en blanc folks.
DeleteA Pétanque competition: I'll pop over. I played in New Zealand (before croquet took over my life) and when I was staying in France we used to play because the club met opposite our friend's house. I recall the knowing smiles and pitying looks when I played in my first club afternoon. They soon changed when I went off with four bottles of their wine. I got back-slapts the second time I went. The club (and it's 50 members) has gone now: riven by internal village politics. Sad.
ReplyDeleteWell you'd have fun here; and we play (cheat at) Croquet too!
DeleteSummer 2006????
ReplyDeleteWoops; corrected!
DeleteWe have these sort of events here, but the posters are now in black, white and grey...
ReplyDeleteOr grey and grim.
DeleteOh for God's sake.
DeleteI have to say that the Lumberjack fete weekend and their marches des producteurs are my favourite in this area.
ReplyDeleteI think we put on a good show. The Thursday evenings are certainly the best around.
DeleteHave not had lamb for quite a long time...now I am hungry :)
ReplyDeleteI often BBQ a whole Breast of Lamb, which is one of my favourite cuts. Fatty but delicious.
DeleteNever mind what the doctor says, it's the fat that gives it the flavour.
DeleteI loved all those summer French festivities. I didnt realise, until I just 'google mapped you' you were so close to Monflanquin! Many happy hols there ... always nostalgic and envious when I come here x
ReplyDeleteMonflanquin is not far away, but I'm not sure if I've ever been there. I'm not very well travelled. How are you?
DeleteWell, I'm back ... Not much has changed really. Still trying, and still much to be thankful for. It's good to be back though xx
DeleteThose are some events to cheer up anyone in your village.
ReplyDeleteSomething to look forward to.
DeleteThe French equivalent to the village fete, more or less.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteThis looks like so much fun ! Sounds like a good summer.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip and thehamish
Plenty going on here; and lots of guests as well.
DeleteIt all looks delightful !
ReplyDeleteAnd it is!
DeleteThese events sound like fun, perhaps because they really are the result of a local tradition and effort.
ReplyDeleteHoping that you will share some more photos of the actual event.
Best wishes.
Don't worry Frances, I'll be showing you all the fun as it unrolls.
Delete