I was getting pretty sick of Adrian’s criticisms of me at band practices, I don’t like being spoken to as if I’m something he found on the bottom of his shoe. And I wasn’t the only one; Jean Marc, the drummer, had had enough too.

A few weeks ago Michel, the old singer, decided to come back, in spite of still having severe tinnitus; he’s very different to sing with from Jean Michel, whose style I’d got used to over the last 2 years and I knew it’d be a challenge. Jean Michel told me to sing as I would with him, so I was surprised when, at the end of the first song, Adrian barked at me that I was too loud, as well as various other faults. This was too much for me, so I called him out over it. He’s someone who’s happy to dish out criticism, but can’t take it, so at the end of the practice he flounced off, like some ageing prima donna, announcing later that he’d quit the group.

Lots of messages flew around over the following few days and I was told I’d have to go to see Adrian, to sort things out; but as he wouldn’t even read messages I sent, this seemed rather pointless. Célia, a keyboard player who Adrian had just brought into the group, offered to arbitrate. We drove 2 hours to a meeting place chosen by Adrian, who arrived nearly half an hour late, by motorbike.

He spat a few orders at me about how I’d have to behave in future, as he wouldn’t be speaking to me and I needn’t bother to speak to him, then started to put his helmet back on.  I pointed out that this would simply cause a bad atmosphere and that we hadn’t driven all that way for that, we’d come to try to find a solution. A very difficult discussion ensued, with Adrian trying to leave several times, but Celia took the keys from his bike. Eventually, I thought we were getting somewhere; Adrian put his helmet on, then deliberately walked straight into me, shoving me out of the way and shouting “move”! I was so shocked that I didn’t say anything; no man has ever behaved like that to me before.

I was so angry, I thought it’d be better if I didn’t go to band practice that weekend, but I was told in no uncertain terms that I had to turn up. I’m pleased to be able to say that, in spite of feeling very uncomfortable and in spite of Adrian glowering at me, I played and sang very well; however that evening I received a message telling me that they didn’t like my attitude and could no longer work with me.

I’ve seen Jean Marc and his wife since; he spoke up for me at the following rehearsal and told them what he thinks of their behaviour towards me, but stopped short of leaving (I can understand, it’s his main social outlet of the week). Apparently Adrian has lied, (in the words of Mandy Rice Davis, ” well, he would, wouldn’t he?”), denying shoving me and saying he stayed on his bike all the time; but, having got over the initial shock and upset, I’m pleased not to have anything more to do with a man like that.

I’ve been asked to play some Christmas songs at the ladies’ club Christmas lunch this week and was invited to spend this afternoon at the house of a friend and her partner. They’re part of a folky/Irish band. I’m not sure if they’re actually looking for a guitarist/ vocalist at the moment and they need to speak to the third member of the group, but it was a very enjoyable afternoon. I’ll wait and see…..

Arthur and Emily wanted to spend their pocket money, so Kieran and I took them to GiFi, a huge shop, full of cheap tat. While we were there, I had a look for little gifts to put into the crackers we’re going to make for Christmas, when Alex & co will be here, but found very little. I wished aloud that I’d thought of this while I was in an amazing little shop in San Sebastian, to which Kieran replied that he needed a trip to Spain too.

So last Saturday morning I picked him and the kids up and off we headed for our day out. I love going places with Kieran as he’s happier driving than being a passenger, so it gives me a break from driving.

It only takes about an hour and a half to get there, so by lunchtime we’d already visited the Flying Tiger shop, leaving with bags full of goodies. The kids chose a stretchy, catapult dragon each, which they played with for the rest of the day. I was delighted since that’s what they’re getting in their Christmas crackers and the ones they bought will have been destroyed by then.

San Sebastian was rattling with tourists and locals so we quickly found somewhere to eat; they loved their tapas, I couldn’t believe how many slices of tortilla Emily got through! It was as well we’d got in before the late, Spanish lunchtime, as people were queuing when we left.

San Sebastian backs onto what I’d describe as a mountain, though it’s probably not really big enough to warrant that name; anyway, a very steep hill, on the top of which are the ruins of an ancient chateau and a more modern statue of Christ, Rio-style. We went to explore. The views over the city and the sea were fantastic and there was so much to see in the ruins. There were dozens of canons from different eras, the older ones covered in rust, though still impressive, the newer ones with beautiful embellishments worked onto their barrels. There were even “ladies’ canons”, with much finer barrels; but how many women fired these, I wouldn’t like to hazard a guess.

Exploring done, it was time to descend the mountain and find ice creams, then back to the car.

We called into the supermarket on the way home. Unfortunately they didn’t have the Danish bacon that Kieran wanted, though he did stock up on his favourite beer, and I bought some booze for Christmas and some olive oil, all very much cheaper than in France.

Arthur and Emily were much quieter on the journey home; they’d had a great day out, climbed a mountain, explored a chateau and nearly stretched their dragons to breaking point.

We’ll definitely be doing it again.

https://youtube.com/shorts/sAk2DfEO35w?si=QajFjaAJrJoioeZM

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, as I couldn’t make photos upload; however, I think Kieran’s sorted the problem now, so here goes, fingers crossed.

It seems to have become something of a tradition that Jan, Kate, Liz and I get together for a break in the autumn; they all came to mine this year, accomodation was tight, but do-able.

The weather, which had been fairly nondescript for the previous couple of weeks, suddenly brightened and we had a week of glorious sunshine, perfect for all we had planned.

Once they’d all settled in and unpacked the packs of baking powder and curry powder I’d requested, it was time to start enjoying ourselves. Our first trip was to the Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux. The theme this time was the Egyptians; amazing photos of mummies, pyramids and everything ancient Egyptian, all set to music and reflected in the water.

A wander around the gift shop found some unusual Christmas presents, followed by lunch in a nearby café, then home for dinner, with plenty of wine and great conversation.

Jan had booked a nice Airbnb in San Sebastian for a couple of nights, so we took the train to Hendaye, from where we changed stations, a walk of about 50 metres, to catch the next train to San Sebastian. French and Spanish train tracks are different gauges, so no through train.

Fortunately, Jan’s Spanish is good; I was disappointed at how little I understood, but real Spaniards speak so much faster than they do on Duolingo! We couldn’t check in till 4pm, so we found somewhere for lunch, then sat on the beach with our bags, enjoying the sun, the sea and……. the nudists?? Yes, we’d unwittingly ended up on their part of the beach! At least they didn’t insist on us joining them!

We wandered around the old quarter of town, finding some fascinating little shops, then went to one of the many tapas bars in the evenings.

Jan has an old friend who lives in the town; when we met up with her she suggested that we get tickets for a sound and light spectacular at the cathedral. It was breathtaking! The whole place was in darkness when the music started, swiftly followed by light projected onto the walls and ceiling with unbelievable precision. The history of the town and the cathedral was narrated while we sat, open mouthed, watching the incredible light show all around. It was truly spectacular. I took a video, I think there’s a way of putting it on here, using YouTube, so I’ll have a go – but no promises! Here are a few photos, in case it doesn’t work.

At the end of a few very busy, but very enjoyable days, we caught the train home, arriving in time for a quick bite to eat, before heading to Hossegor, where the new Downton Abbey film was on in “version original”. The ladies’ club was having an outing to watch it, so we joined them.

The visit coincided with the painting club’s autumn exhibition, so we had a leisurely walk around the lake and called in to the Grange to look at the paintings; everyone manning the stand that day was delighted to meet my friends.

Somehow, a week had passed in the blink of an eye. I took them back to Biarritz airport with a heavy heart, we’d had so much fun and laughter; but there’s always next year, maybe Florence?

I think I’ve done the video, but it’s as a second post.