I KNEW IT WAS BAD BACK IN BRITAIN.

I really didn't realise that the credit crunch had sunk in so bad back in Blighty.

Ah well, stiff upper lip everyone, we are British!

LEARN FRENCH WITH AL & MARIE

Ces huitres sont passees par moi comme une missile exosse

=

Those oysters have gone through me like an exocet missile

FRUITS DE MER

Well you have too don't you? At least once a year when it is peak seafood season, go out for a fruits de mer. Crab, langoustines, whelks, winkles,oysters, and a bottle of muscadet.

We went to Notre Dame de Guildo, a small fishing port where the food was delicious.

Paul and Liz tuck in. By the time I had put the camera away, most of it had gone.

Ah well..never go to lunch with the "anti weight watchers league"

And the view over the estuary whilst having lunch was pretty good too.

Where is Marie I hear you ask? At home with a baked spud as she doesn't like shellfish.

BBQ WITH MONSIEUR LE PROPRIATAIRE

Bloody good move this. Local bar wners Bruno and Marylene are on a 2 week holiday, so it seemed a good idea for us to have a BBQ to thank him for all his hard work in keeping us in ale/pastis/wine/etc.

Also invited..and from left to right.. Natalie (Russian), Me, John (English), David (French plumber and fellow darts team member), Bruno, Mikhail (Russian), Monique, Marylene and Maryhelene who is David's wife.

A good night was had by all. The French were introduced to tandori chicken which they liked, along with steak brochettes and bbq pork.

ST LORMEL

3 miles away is the picturesque village of St Lormel, another very friendly bar.

It is frequented by a great English guy who used to be a session drummer with many big names that toured in the 60's. Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra are some of his claims to fame. Was hoping to get a picture of him but missed by 10 minutes.

Not forgetting the church which is opposite the pub.

NONOE'S BAR

As the local village bar is shut for 2 weeks, we are using the pub in Pluduno which is run by a very friendly couple, Annie and Nonoe.

Popped in on Sunday and met the drunkest man in France who wanted to show us all his ballroom dance moves. Of course, in England he would have been punched into next week, but we tolerated it. Despite being as drunk as Oliver Reed at a stag party, I am told he managed the 20 mile drive home!!!

CUP DREAM OVER

The mighty St Potan crash out of the cup at home to Pleselin by 2 goals to 0. The dream is over. Sack the manager, sack the board..but don't employ Kevin Bond.

The league starts next Sunday with a home game against Trevron.