Gigging

Today was supposed to be raining. But it wasn't, so we headed off to hire a rotovator. Happily we now have a fully working vehicle* that can drive right into the garden, so the monstsrously heavy machine could be delivered right to the garden it was intended to transform. Since the garden is my domain, I bravely refused all offers of help from Mr B and got on with it myself. Very hard work. And rather hot work too - I was actually down to a vest for most of it (the thermometer confirmed that it was rather warm - 21 degrees), but finally the plot was thoroughly dug over, with compost mixed in. Once the machine was washed clean of all the claggy clay soil, I could indulge in a long hot soak for my aching muscles.

Later, as a sudden rain storm thumped down, we headed out to a concert given in a local village by one of our neighbours. He's a specialist in medieval instruments and tonight we heard the Ûd (pronounced ood, which delighted the kids as it reminded them of Doctor Who. It's the roundish guitar at the back) and the Psaltérion, the triangular one at the front, which I can only really describe as like a violin that sits on your lap and you play it with two bows. There's a video of our friend playing it here.

The event was in someone's loft, which added wonderfully to the medieval atmosphere, with the exposed wooden structure of the roof and all the walls of the mix of river stone and quarry tiles that is common here. Linen drapes and candles added to the mood, and the audience was draped on sofas, futons and floor cushions. Lots of kids there too - and mostly very well behaved save from the teenage boys fighting on the sofa behind me. CarbBoy had had an exhausting day, and fell asleep on me half way through (in that curled up on top of me way that I had all but forgotten about). The show was very entertaining - one and a half hours of just our friend on his own. He did a rather clever segment where he played instruments in turn and recorded bits that were then repeated back through his computer so he, in effect, built up his own live backing track. In amongst the music was lots of story telling, in Occitan and French, and some jokes (some of which I got). There was also a good deal of mixing in modern music and other media (with samples of movie scripts and modes of transport. A very interesting mix. However, my favourite was a country/blues section that reminded me very much of evenings in the dark smoky back room of a pub out watching local bands with my Dad. A different and altogether satisfying way to spend a Friday night.

The photo is a bit rubbish - having been taken with my phone after the show - but it didn't feel at all appropriate to get my camera out during the show. Which is a shame as our pal is very photogenic and was looking particularly cool in medieval garb.

*The problem with the 'truck' last weekend is still a mystery. The garage could find nothing wrong with it, but did dispute our assertion that there is no immobiliser... which could explain it all.