FULLY FLEDGED

Turns out there were four thrushes in the nest in the back garden. 

These pictures were taken the day before they left.

We named this fella Marie.

Can you guess why?

BROTHER VISITS

My brother came for a long weekend, for the chance to see France get beat and England bore the pants off everyone.

No alcohol was consumed during his visit and the picture below was taken in the 2nd half against Italy.

ACTIVE NEST

In one of the apple trees in the back garden, and very well hidden, Marie could hear the din coming from this nest.

With a pair of steps, these two inhabitants were found inside.

Thrushes, and they are quite noisy! 

IT'S HERE AT LAST

It's the actual Duff Beer as seen in The Simpsons.

Sadly lager and not real ale, but not a bad brew at all.

ST POTAN HELLS ANGELS.

The newly formed branch of the St Potan Hells Angels are delighted to announce we now have 2 Harley Davidsons.

Now we can both go out at weekends and especially bank holidays, to cause trouble at local seaside resorts.

With thanks to Mum and Bob, who have made our dream come true of being feared by all motorists in Brittany.

The above picture shows one of our "Angels" planting some dodgy smoking material to be used by the Chapter for those heavy rock parties.

P.S. The dog lying on the floor has not just been run over!

A PERSONAL TRIBUTE

30 years ago today, I lost one of the best friends that I had in the Navy.

Today I feel I have to put a personal tribute on this site to 

Cook Brian Malcolm (Jock)

A little bit about my good friend Brian Malcolm.
His first posting after Pembroke (Chef's training) was to Heron. We became good friends and had many a good run ashore, especially on market days in Yeovil.
We both liked cider and the number of times we stumbled in to a taxi to take us back to base were countless.
For a while we were in the same watch in the Wardroom. Any spare time whilst duty was spent timber shifting on the Uckers board. Never an argument, always up for the laugh as all good cookie boys are.
He was a crap a dancer at the bop as me, but it didn't matter as it was all about laughing.
I got posted to HMS Newcastle, and eventually when Jock got to Pompey and joined the Glamorgan, we got together and had further runs ashore.
I can't remember the date of the last time I met Jock. But I do remember our last run ashore. Cox's bar, Park Tavern, then Jo's school of naval dancing. 
I joined the Southampton and when I heard the Glamorgan had been hit, I prayed for good news, but 36 hours later I heard the news was the saddest possible.

He remains on patrol in the South Atlantic.
Miss you buddy. A real oppo!
My round when we meet again!

ROYAL VISIT.

Prince Albert of Monaco is coming to visit Matignon and St Cast on 5th July.

You can tell someone important is coming as the main road had been re-surfaced in Matignon.

We are so excited that we are.....Staying in!

YESTERDAY'S PAPER

Taken from yesterday's Ouest-France newspaper.

Right, that's enough of the darts.

We are not taking part in the Summer league.

A complete break before it all starts again in October.  


At last a link.
 http://www.ouest-france.fr/actu/actuLocale_-Fin-de-saison-en-fleche-au-Nautil-_22323-avd-20120608-63004981_actuLocale.Htm

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Why is it our photo's never come out well at night?

Anyway, photo night, and press night at the village bar as the cup was formally handed over.

From the back:

John, Me, Seb, Berber,Olivier, Andy.

After 2 false starts, the darts cup is here.

A full presentation is happening tonight in the village bar, along with the Mayor, and the press.

Nice cup, but it seems we will have to wait a few months for the prize money.

It's probably propping up the Greek economy! 

Myself, Olivier and Andy prepare for the official presentation.

Officially now...The 3rd best team in France.

DIAMOND JUBILEE

A fine display in London today by all involved.

Pageantry at it's best.

"God Bless the Queen"

"Splice the mainbrace in the Gard house this evening.

QUEEN ELIZABETH's DIAMOND JUBILEE.

The Jubilee is being celebrated in the Gard Manoir today and all are getting in to the spirit.

 

Arthur started off with a bit of cross dressing (Only because Bella was having none of the hat wearing stuff)

Arthur then dressed for dinner.

Tonight is a traditional British Cottage Pie.

Having chased Bella round for 10 minutes, we eventually got this picture.

And after a few bribes we even got a 2nd shot..

CHEAP SUMMER BREW

The first batch of Elderflower Champagne was made this afternoon.

A simple light alcoholic brew that is delicious with gin or indeed on it's own.

You need:

3 Lemons

2 Limes

8 Elederflower Heads

1kg of Sugar

10 litres of water.

2 tablespoons of white wine or cider vinegar.

Remove the zest and squeeze the juice out of the fruit.

Put the water in a clean pot or bucket.

Chuck the rest in and stir for a while.

Cover with a cloth and leave in a coolish place for 24 hours.

Strain the liquid through a cloth straight in to plastic screw cap bottles, leaving about 2 inches at the top..

Store at room temperature.

After 3/4 days, unscrew the caps the release the pressure, then re-store for 3 more days.

It is now ready to drink, although a month is a good brewing time.

It lasts for about a year.

Serve well chilled over ice.

Free alcohol for 10 minutes work!