The Family

Mum, Dad, Mike and Betty in Auray

Jean-Jaque undergoing some sort of retirement initiation

At the party

Dad and I at Jean-Jaque's party

Mum and Dad in front of the old chapel at Guenin

The Pardon at Guenin

Mum and Dad in front of an old windmill close to Erdeven

Mum, dad and the dogs on Erdeven beach

Well here we are in St. Barthelemy. Mum and Dad have now returned to England after spending 2 weeks on holiday here in Brittany. The weather was a mixture of sunshine and showers and warm, so at least they were able to sit out in the garden between the showers or even do some gardening which they enjoy, along with walking the dogs.

We went to a couple of Pardons one at Melrand and one at Guenin, which we all enjoyed. The meals were great and the Breton musicians were on top form as usual. They also enjoyed going to Auray and Hennebont markets and luckily on those days the weather was warm and sunny. We were also invited to Jean-Jaque's retirement party on the 14th July, which was great night of food, music and dance.

The two weeks went by very quickly and then it was back to Brest Airport for them to return home, fortunately this time there was no travel problems!!!

Family

Me at Brest Airport waiting to fly to England and Betty the new addition to the family - But thats another story!!!

Richard, Dad and Mum

Mum, Ann (mum's sister) and Dad in a bar waiting for Richard to come on stage

Dad, Mum and Richard in front of their house

Its been a busy few weeks one way or another. On the 28th June for the first time after 4 years living here in Brittany I returned to England for a surprise visit for my dad's 80th Birthday on the 30th June. My brother Colin kindly collected me from Luton Airport whilst my other brother Richard persuaded Mum, Dad and mum's sister Ann to accompany him to the local pub. When they entered the pub there I was sitting there with a glass in hand, to say they were surprised was an understatement. What followed was a great night followed by a Saturday birthday bash with the family at a local restuarant and afterwards at the Irish club in Letchworth for a night of good music including Richard (Dicky) playing the tin whistle.

Next day, Sunday afternoon, we all went to see Richard play the pipes at the local music festival, again a good time was had by all!!!

Before I knew it Tuesday had arrived and the time had come to return home to Brittany, but I was not returning alone as we had planned it so that Mum and Dad were returning with me for a 2 week holiday. The flight back was interesting to say the least, we arrived on time at Luton Airport only to be told the flight would be two hours late leaving, phoned Mike to let him know, the only problem was he had already left for Brest Airport. The flight took off 2 hours late but after about 10 minutes in the air there was an almighty flash and a bang, the plane had been hit by lightning and we had to return to Luton Airport for the plane to be checked over!! This procedure took about 40 minutes, fortunately everything was OK and the plane took off an hour later. We finally landed at Brest over 4 hours late, but at least we had arrived safe and sound!!

After arriving in St. Barthelemy we went to our french friends, Jean-Jaques and Michelle who had kindly invited us for dinner that night and althouth we phoned to tell them that we would not arrive in St. Barthelemy until 9.00 pm they told us that would not be a problem and they would wait for us. What good friends they are.

Its good to be back.