Thursday 10th July 2014

Accidentally woke Laura up at 5.30. She then spent five minutes explaining that she's not a morning person. Tried to be as quiet as possible but the slightest sound wakes her. Yesterday it was me filling up the kettle, today it's me stirring my coffee. 

Set off for Carnac for a practise at Alexander's. On the way we stopped and walked around the Alignements de Keriescon an area of over 240 prehistoric standing stones. Laura was interested in knowing the history behind them. Brittany has over three thousand but no one seems to know their significance. 

Had a quick look at Carnac beach and then stopped at St Colomban, a little fishing village where oysters are farmed. Laura reminded me she hates shellfish. I showed her the 16th century fountain with two troughs, one for the washer women and one for the animals to drink from. She took several pictures of this, also some of the Gothic chapel. 

When we reached Alexander and Simone's bungalow Rodrigo was already there and had brought Tatiana and their little boy, Paulo, along. Ines turned up fifteen minutes later with a pile of music under her arm (what is it about singers and timekeeping?). She wanted to run through Sin Ti and told me about a version by Ikira Baru she likes; must admit I do like that version but hope she's not expecting me to sort out the arrangements this time. Also went through some of the songs we rehearsed earlier this year: nice to get back to those bossas again (Agua de Beber, So Danco Samba and Desafinado). 

Whilst we practised in the summerhouse, Laura sat in the garden with Tatiana and Paulo. She told me on the way home that Tatiana had been complaining about life on the campsite and how crowded it's becoming. Not sure why they're living on the campsite or why they left Brazil. Laura said she had lived on a campsite in Portugal. 

Alexander is stressed about work and wondering yet again whether to resign. He also agreed to organise the band this year, but I think he's taking on too much; I can't see Rodrigo doing it (and I certainly don't want to).

On the way back we called in at Karl's . We sat outside with our coffees and watched Gertrude swimming on the lake with her new friends. Laura said she reminded her of Jemima Puddle Duck. 

Ran through our plans for promoting the books. Maybe I'll have to go over to Brighton for a few days.

Wednesday 9th‏ July 2014 - Vannes

Took about one and half hours to get to Vannes this morning, should only take about forty minutes. Had to keep stopping because of the car overheating. Laura kept telling me she could smell burning. I think she probably wonders why I don't buy a new car!

Laura decided we should look inside the Cathedrale St Pierre. The doorway is interesting, built in the 16th century in the Gothic style, it's lined with niches containing statues of the apostles which, apparently, is a Breton tradition. The interior of the Cathedral is also in a Gothic style. 

Walked around Place Henri IV, a square in the centre of the old town surrounded by 15th and 16th century half-timbered houses. 

Laura wanted to find a particular house covered with animal carvings. I had to ask a couple of people before we finally discovered it in the next street, Rue Salomon. 

I suggested walking the city ramparts but first Laura wanted to look for a skirt. She seemed disappointed at the lack of large clothes stores and kept asking if there were any like Next or Monsoon (I said I didn't think so, but really didn't have a clue what she meant). She followed me into one shop. Four women were standing at the counter talking. They stared at Laura blankly as she attempted a few words of French. She then she gave up and asked if they spoke English. They exchanged smug glances before the youngest one sauntered idly over to a rail and pointed. Laura smiled gratefully, grabbed several skirts and fled into the changing room. (Her French is worse than mine! It's just her pronunciation. But, of course, she doesn't live here). She emerged wearing one of the skirts and I assured her she looked nice in it. However, the assistants smirked. Laura retreated back to the changing room and we finally escaped the shop ten minutes later.

When she mentioned looking for fridge magnets I suggested it might be better to wait until we visit Carnac where there are plenty of souvenir shops. However she seemed determined to carry on searching, so we arranged to meet outside the Cathedral an hour later.

I enjoyed sitting outside in the old part of the town watching all the tourists go by. Got to the Cathedrale to meet Laura five minutes early. After fifteen minutes with no sign of her I phoned her mobile. She said she was lost and didn't have a clue where she was. I asked her to find out the name of the street but she couldn't see it nor any landmarks. I was still talking to her on the phone when I glanced behind and there she was, coming towards me. She had got completely lost.

She said she was in desperate need of a coffee. (It was another twenty minutes before we finally made it to the ramparts). 

Vannes was once totally surrounded by these walls, two thirds of which remain intact today.

Part of our walk overlooked the gardens, laid out in what used to be the moat, and a group of old wash-houses which were still in use after WWII. We passed several towers, including the Tour de Connetable, built in the 16th century, which is the highest in Vannes. 

This evening we went through more of our interview. Laura told me about some of the authors who send her manuscripts, one who always writes the same stories and gives her characters ridiculous names like Teddy Faunterleroy-Huntingdon Frobisher for example.

Gave the garden a good watering. 

Tuesday 8th July 2014 Trip to Belle Île

My legs are still aching from today's cycling in Belle Île. Bit disappointed with the island to be honest although Laura seemed to like it. Karl was keen to come along as he was interested in the wildlife on the island (eco system).

Thank God it wasn't raining like yesterday. 

Our bikes cost 15 Euros to hire for the day, not too bad especially as Laura paid! Went to Bangor to see the lighthouse but didn't spend too long there as Laura wanted to go to the Citadelle at Vauban. This was very interesting, full of old dungeons, passageways and underground tunnels and cells where revolutionaries were once imprisoned. Had to laugh at Karl attempts to freak out Laura during the tour. (I think he's taken with her).

Enjoyed lunch in Le Palais; galettes tasted very good. 
Karl wanted to explore the South West coast (Cote Sauvage). After wandering around for ages he called us over to some scrub where he was sure he'd spotted a rare vole. (We couldn't see anything but he was convinced). After hanging around for about fifteen minutes, I could see Laura was getting impatient. So we left Karl scrabbling around in the bushes having arranged to meet him at the café near the dock. 

Managed to fit in a quick look at Aguiles de Port Coton, a group of strange shaped rocks which featured in one of Monet's paintings (see blog) then headed back to town to get a coffee before catching the ferry back to Vannes. 

We had left Karl with strict instructions to be back at the harbour by quarter to four at the latest. At ten to four there was still no sign of him. As he'd left his mobile at home there was nothing we could do except wait. It was Laura who spotted him as we stood on the deck of the ferry. First time I've ever seen him run anywhere and, even then, he only just made it in time. 

Back home; sat in the garden with a ham salad washed and a glass of white wine. So good to relax! 

Sunday 6th July 2014

Early start this morning to get to St Malo in time. Karl turned up at 5.30 to pick me up. We both seem to be early risers.

Karl whizzes along - pushes his old van to the limit. He talks constantly (wonder if he's a bit lonely in that huge house?). He also has his CD player turned right up (nice sounds - JJ Cale, Ry Cooder, MuddyWaters, etc). We still had time to stop off for a coffee on the way and got to the port at St Malo to watch the ferry come in.

Laura didn't look as if she had a wonderful journey; said she'd been sick a few times and hadn't been able to eat anything. Karl suggested stopping off in Dinan for something to eat before picking up his furniture. The old town centre is full of historical buildings and Laura seemed to really like it. 

She cheered up once we found a café and had baguettes and coffee. It only took ten minutes from Dinan to Karl's pick up place; a beautiful manoir where a bureau and chest of drawers was ready to be collected. Laura said the manoir was how she imagined Monsieur Henri's house to be (Amatore's Restaurant - chapter 23).

When we arrived back Laura wanted to take a look around, so the three of us went for a walk down the lane. Met Jean-Luc who was pottering around in his yard (wonder if he and his wife ever talk to each other). I introduced him to the others. Karl thinks the whole Gertrude saga is hilarious - says I should tell Jean-Luc the truth, but I'm not so sure; I don't think it would go down too well.

Once Karl had left, Laura and I sat out in the garden and discussed promotion for my books. She has lots of useful suggestions. 

Saturday 5th July 2014

After I finished playing last night at the restaurant a couple came up and asked about Guantanamera (not exactly a patriotic USA piece). The couple were French, from Marseilles. They recognised the piece but didn't know much about it. Philippe mentioned he will have more work for me during the summer. He was in a good mood, seems very optimistic about the restaurant now that he's found a new chef. He introduced Jose to me. (I'd say there's more than a professional relationship between them).

Laura's arriving tomorrow morning at eight o' clock, sailing overnight. She mentioned in her e-mail she hates travelling by boat and gets sick. Oh dear, hope she's up for a long car journey! 

Jean-Luc came round and mentioned l'oie but I just pretended not to understand. He's going to be disappointed when he's served chicken (and not Gertrude) at the dinner next week.

Thought I'd better stock up on basic supplies, so spent nearly an hour at Intermarche. Packed out, probably because it's a Saturday. 

Garden's looking good: found Coco asleep in the middle of the daisies. 

Friday 4th July 2014

This morning sold my first book on Kindle! So pleased! Wonder if they'll enjoy it?

I've been thinking about Karl's plan to rescue some of the baby boar from the woods around here. (I knew there were wild boar in France but didn't realise they had them around here). He says the locals hunt them and sometimes leave the piglets abandoned. He plans find the piglets and rear them on his land. Must remind him that I'm up for going along and giving him a hand with his search.

Spent all morning practising for the gig tonight. Added some new American standards in view of the occasion (US Independence Day); BlueMoon, Ain't Misbehavin' and Lullabyof Birdland.

I was sitting at the piano running through some technical exercises when a fly came and settled on the music stand. It remained very still as I played, as if it was listening. But whenever I paused, it flew off, returning to the same spot when I started up again. Very strange!

Something similar happened a couple of weeks ago. A greenfinch flew straight into the window pane and dropped onto the sill, stunned, so I picked him up and brought him in. I was practising the piano at the time and, when the bird came round, he perched at the edge of the basket as if in a trance. As soon as I stopped playing, he started to fly around the room. I was sorry to let him go. 

Didn't take a photo of the Greenfinch but here's one of a thrush which also happened to crash land into the window. (Thought he had a broken wing, but he was also okay after a while). 

Poulet au Cidre: Recipe and Video

Recipe for  6 people                                                          /                         2 people

6 chicken breasts (approx 110 grms each )                                        (3 x 93gms)

2 apples   (preferably golden type )                                                     (1 apple)

3 large onions                                                                                                (1 onion)

4 tablespoons butter ( 2 oz )                                                                   (1/2 oz )

2 cups of Brut cider from Brittany                                                         (2 thirds cup)

2 tablespoons Cognac ( optional )

half a cup of cream                                                                                     (1/4 cup)

2 pinches ground nutmeg                                                                        (1 pinch)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

Heat the oven to 150 Centigrade / 300 Fahrenheit / gas mark 2 

Cut onions into fine strips and crunch up. 
Cut apples into small cubes. 
Add apples to a frying pan with 2 tablespoons of butter. 

Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes. 

Add onion and cook for about further 5 minutes (until golden)  

In another pan, brown the chicken breasts (3 minutes). 
Add the cooked onions and apples to the chicken and cover with the cider. 
Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper. 
Transfer all to a casserole and place in oven for about 30 minutes 

Remove casserole from oven and place on the hob to simmer for approx 30 mins 

or until the cider has reduced to about a quarter of the original amount. 

Remove the chicken breasts from the casserole and set aside (keeping them warm). 

Pour the cream into the cider sauce and stir for a few minutes. If necessary, to thicken sauce, add a teaspoon of flour. 

Plate up and serve with potatoes and vegetables 

Coat the chicken with the sauce.
Bon Appétit! 

Thursday 3rd July 2014

Went to the market at Hennebont this morning. Found some really fresh quality fruit and vegetables. 

I've planned out a Breton menu for the dinner party when Laura's over but, after reading her e-mail this morning (not liking shellfish), I'm going to have to change the starter... Have now decided to keep the moules mariniere and Laura can have crepes. For the main course I'm going to try the poulet au cidre Breton (better do a trial run) and I'll make a Breton far cake for the dessert. A lot of people are put off by prunes in cake, but I love it (really is delicious!).

Must remember to ask Laura to bring over some Marmite, baked beans and teabags when she comes.

Best get the dinner all sorted in advance. Everyone says I get stressed when I'm cooking (I don't believe it). Quite a few said they're coming; Rodrigo and Tatiana, Ines, Alexander and Simone, and now Karl said he'll come. Everyone's bringing some drink (cider and wine). I'm looking forward to it. 

Decided to video my trial run for the Breton cider chicken. Weird how the camera is okay taking videos and not with photos (see blog) 

Pieter came over to offer to help with my laptop this evening. He remembered me saying about the problems I've been having uploading my files to Kindle. He's a manager of an IT company in Rennes and even he couldn't see how it could be uploaded with OpenOffice. In the end, he installed Microsoft Office on my computer and now it works like a dream - Brilliant!

Just published Amatore's Restaurant on Amazon Kindle this evening. So relieved to get it up there at last.

Monday 30th June 2014

Went round to Karl's today to check on Gertrude. Funny to see her swimming around the lake, she seems to be having a great time. Karl showed me a rare chest of drawers he's working on which he picked it up for fifty Euros at a house sale near Quimper. He told me the maker's name but I can't remember now - must ask again when I see him. At some stage it had been painted white. He's now removed half of it away and the wood is a deep rich mahogany.

We had a coffee in his old farmhouse kitchen and I mentioned about the problems I'm having with my car. I also said about Laura having to meet Laura in St Malo. He said he has to go to Dinan on that day to pick up some furniture from a manoir and so he offered to drive me up there if I didn't mind helping load up the van - so relieved.

Rodrigo phoned this morning to arrange a band practice. He and Tatiana are still living on the campsite. Can't be easy for them there; very crowded in the summer. He's desperate for some gigs, even though he's a very good drummer. Said he'll contact Ines and Alexander and try and arrange an evening practice, over at Alexander's place. (He must still have his kit there).

Spent this evening looking at Laura's suggestions for the blurb. Sent her a couple of e-mails. It'll be so much easier discussing things face to face. 

Thursday 26th June 2014

When I got back from visiting visiting Karl yesterday I tried to put Amatore's Restaurant onto Kindle; got so frustrated that I had to take a break and go out for a beer. Managed to get to the village in the car, despite the clunking sound - seems to be getting louder.

The bar was packed out, of course I hadn't realised France were playing Ecuador. Put up with some good natured teasing from Pascal about Les Anglais and the state of the England team. Jean-Luc was there, drinking on his own, eyes glued to the television screen. I bought him a beer and went along with him when he mentioned l'oie. I'm going to have to tell him Gertrude has escaped, or maybe I'll have to buy a ready prepared goose for the dinner and pass it off as Gertrude.

I was thinking about Laura's visit quite a lot today. She's coming over on the boat from Portsmouth. Checked the distance from here to St Malo on the internet: 158 km which works out at about 98 miles. But not sure the car will make it that far. I could ask that guy, Michel, at the garage in Lorient to take a look, but I've got a feeling it's going to cost a bit.

Can't work out how to get my Amatore's Restaurant contents page from OpenOffice onto Kindle. I managed it with the Five Interludes - can't see what the problem is? (There's no way I can afford Microsoft Office). It's driving me crazy! 

Wednesday 25th June 2014

Solange brought Karl around this morning to take Gertrude to her new home. After several chases round the house and garden we bundled her into the back of his battered old van. On the way Karl told me about his travels, back-packing through India, Vietnam and Thailand and later living in Canada for two years. I told him about my time at sea and Brazil. He speaks fluent English, which certainly makes things easy for me.

When we reached his lovely old farmhouse, I carried Gertrude out to the lake and set her down. Several ducks were on the water and a group of geese at the edge eyed him suspiciously. Gertrude pretended to ignore them and Karl assured me they would all be the best of friends by tomorrow.

Karl is a carpenter and also restores antique furniture. He showed me his workshop where he has a beautiful pair of 18th Century armchairs which he's working on. He already has a buyer for them. He told me how he built and installed all the kitchen cabinets in Pieter and Solange's kitchen. We had a coffee and after watching Gertrude take her first dip in the lake he drove me back home.

Didn't get much work done this afternoon but feeling relieved now Gertrude's found a good home.

Monday 23rd June 2014

Started reading through my Hove novel today. After about an hour it was so hot indoors I opened the front door to let the breeze in. Gertrude came stomping through and started eating Coco's biscuits. Had to shoo her away and shut her out, she then started banging against the door. Probably thinks I'm her mum.

Paul (from the gite) came over. I'd told him last night he could come round to try out my piano if he wanted. He's a visiting music professor at l'Ecole Normale in Paris and plays piano and violin. He certainly plays Debussy well! He wanted to run through a piece (l'Isle Joyeuse) which he will be playing for a recital when he returns to Paris.

He asked me about my writing and said his his wife would love to write a book. He said she has so many ideas but never gets any further than the second chapter. I asked him what he liked to read but he told me he never has any time for anything other than teaching and playing. Managed most of the conversation in French - must be Paul has more patience than most. 

Sat out in the garden this evening and read some more of Hangover Square. Such a brilliant portrayal of obsession. What a monster Netta is! 

Sunday 22nd June 2014

Had a good time last night. The neighbour's bonfire was impressive. Pieter told me Solange thinks it's important to keep local traditions going. Told Pieter about Stonehenge and the celebrations there, he doesn't think they have anything like that in Holland. Don't know if they've got any celebrations up in the village, but must be some in Carnac.

Chatted to the couple staying at the gite with their little toddler, they live in Paris and both speak good English. Solange had made plenty of food, warm baguettes, chicken, prawn and cheese dips. Whilst Pieter kept everyone's glass filled. So lucky to have good landlords.

Solange asked about Gertrude (she's obviously seen her honking away). Tried to explain, but my French wasn't up to it. Had to get Pieter to help out. Turns out they know someone with a lake who might be willing to take her on. They said he's already got some geese. Thank goodness! Just hope it'll be a good home for her.

Managed to work through Laura's revisions for the Toby story. Feeling very positive about the book. Nice to get back to historical fiction - one area which really interests me, although does involve so much work with all the research. Can't imagine what it must have been like for writers before the internet. 

Saturday 21st June 2014

Hoped to get lots of work done this morning but constantly interrupted by Gertrude's hysterical honking. I managed to revise the first two chapters of the Toby story; still think there are a lot more changes to be made. Sent the revisions to Laura just before 2.00 pm. Have to wait and see what she says.

Gertrude seems intent on terrorising Coco but the cat doesn't seem to be bothered at all; just sits twitching his tail with eyes fixed on his prey. Gave Gertrude a bowl of cereal which she snorted up happily. No idea what I'm going to tell Jean-Luc. Does he really imagine I could kill her? I could tell him she's escaped, I suppose. 

I noticed a unusual butterfly this morning near my front door; beautiful colours. Wanted to take some photos of it but just remembered my camera's broken. I found a picture in the internet which looks very similar, but there wasn't any information about it. 

Played a few jazz pieces this evening. Think the piano needs tuning; too expensive to do anything about it at the moment. Might include Smoke Gets in Your Eyes to my pad next time I play at the restaurant. Pleased with the way it sounds. Always liked the version Roxy Music did back in the seventies. Funny to think that I was in Somerset at the time (trying to make a living from painting watercolour landscapes -- must have been mad). Should really get some of them out and put them up on the wall; a bit of nostalgia (shame I sold most of the best ones).

Solange came over and invited me to their firework celebrations tonight (see: Feux de la Saint Jean). Forgot it was the Summer Solstice.