Reeling In The Years - Steely Dan

After all the moaning, groaning, whingeing and whining about the last few day, today was back to reality sorting out the washing, groceries and bills, oh to be back in France. On that subject, I have to point out that the disappointments of recent days were nothing to do with France or the French (both fine institutions) but a series of circumstances no one could have accounted for, and there is a plan for us to return. This visit, included my 64th birthday, was in sharp contrast with a similar visit four years ago, pert of my 60th gig, some of which is highlighted below.

I did put in a quick wander to Ferry Bridge this morning, but apart from the fantastic sigh of a number of juvenile Little Terns on the wing and a small flock of Dunlin there was nothing to report. However, the day was dealt a great blow when I bumped into a long standing mate in Weymouth.

If you ever used the word Blues and Weymouth in the same sentence then by definition you would be talking about Timmy Broad. A 'Master of the Stratocaster' from what seems like childhood Tim and I have covered some ground, and he's still at it. These days he still plays under the heading of Custer's Last Blues Band, in addition to which there has been Brahms & Liszt, Red Rooster and the latest manifestation Broadband (Ged'it?) who will be playing the Royal Manor pub, Portland this Friday. Nice to see you again Tim and love to Maggie!

A Backward Look at My 60th

Leon Cathedral complete with a heavenly host of Common Swifts.

Getting the beers in before the gig.

Entrance to the Theaters Antiques, Leon, France. This Roman amphitheater is idea for any 'rock concert',

but when it's unarguably the greatest vocalist that ever lived then that enters quite another dimension.

Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) just a year older than me put on a most memorable performance, and

enjoyed 3 encores with his band Strange Sensation.

The sky was Bible black in Leon when I found the Magdalene
She was paralysed in a streetlight she refused to give her name
She wore a ring of violet bruises that were pinned upon her arm
Two hundred francs for sanctuary and she led me by the hand
To a room of dancing shadows where all the heartache disappears
And from the glowing tongues of candles I heard her whisper in my ear
"J'entend ton coeur" (I can hear your heart)

Next day Jim the Medic and I enjoyed some fine cuisine,

and more than a drop of Vino!

and here's one to remember Andy (Lindsay) with a fine Bass and Codling.

I can show you, I can show you some of the people in my life
Turn It On! - Genesis

As so many featured here are readers of this Blog I thought the look back may be of interest.

Italian dinner on Birthday Eve

Party Night

The Stockley Clan muster.

Music provided by 'Beaver'.

The best vocalist the band ever had, until I forgot the lyrics of the Metallica classic 'Nothing Else Matters'.

Ken & Lilian shaking a wicked hoof.

Plank & Freeman

Adrian & Tracy Baker

Linda & Dave Winchester

Pete Smith, landlord and band leader.

Alex Robinson

You know who with my girls and Sally Pearce.

Jon Storey (best guitarist hereabouts) Steve Perry (ditto drummer) and wife Jude.

Vinny the Chip wife Lou, Moi and British & Commonwealth Middleweight boxing champion Tony Sibson.

Paul & Annie Harris with Liz & Don Moxom.

and last, but by no means least, my 2 lovely girls Julie and Lisa.