Elvis Fontenot and The Sugar Bees

Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees @ Old Brown Jug, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Many thanks to good friend Mark Shed for the invite to go to the Newcastle Under Lyme Blues & Jazz festival. It takes place at various venues (Pubs) around the town over the May bank holiday weekend. Most of the venues are free and some charge a small amount as they get packed into the evening.

We arrived mid afternoon and got to see various bands throughout the afternoon/evening of various styles and of various abilities whilst sampling some local beverages. The absolute stand out of our visit though for me was the mighty fine Elvis Fontenot and The Sugar Bees - "Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp 'n' Roll from the bayous of Staffordshire" — at the Old Brown Jug.

They were quite simply brilliant with a well practised set which was captivating, foot tapping and with an energising intensity which you don't find often. Vocal and instrumental duties were split and swapped between all members of the band so there is plenty of variety to keep you interested. 

After a break which was longer than expected, as the drummer couldn't be found, the second half saw the temperature rise and the dancing/jigging/foot tappin catch on throughout the crowded venue.It ended with everyone wanting more which is a testament to their appeal.

Subsequently bought their Cd "Three" from their website and I have been playing it an awful lot. As with the live show it combines originals and their interpretations of standards. I've never been a fan of Tom Waits but their version of "I don't Wanna grow up" is excellent. It doesn't quite catch the intensity of the live show but it will more than suffice until I can get to see them again.

Bionic Man

Bionic Man, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

"ANTHONY PATRICK McCOY has broken both shoulder blades, both collar bones, his ankles, wrists, cheekbones, ribs, his leg and back and along with several chipped teeth and numerous dislocated thumbs the greatest jump jockey to ever grace planet Earth " - A Racing Passion

A spur of the moment decision led Mr & Mrs Pieman heading for Bangor is y Coed for the first meeting of the new National Hunt season on an extremely pleasant and warm evening.

A while since we have been and a little under prepared, form wise, we still had a great time. There were some excellent close races with an even split between hurdles and chase races.

A good atmosphere with a few improvements since our last visit. Although the standard of equine talent was not the greatest, they came from the best yards and carried some of the best jockeys including the very best, Mr A P McCoy aka the Bionic Man.

Queen Boudica of Brazilica

Queen Boudica of Brazilica, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Went to the Brazilica Carnival parade in Liverpool last night. It was excellent. A riot of colour, costumes, rythyms, tunes, smiles to attack and delight the senses.

It started up near the university and wound its way down through the city via Hope St and Bold St to its finale in Williamson Square. it was great fun to watch with the participants clearly keen for a good time. Queen Boudica had her own battery powered chariot to charge down the parade route and she was quite obviously very pregnant !!!!

It was brilliant to watch, with the enthusiasm/exuberance of the performers, very infectious and created a great atmosphere. It was really interesting  to absorb, watch and jig about !!!!

Roodee Roar

Roodee Roar, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Had a fantastic evening down at the Roodee last Friday to help celebrate special birthdays for Ange and Beefy.

The roar from the assembled punters as the races finished was not the only roar as the roar of laughter and chat from the clan gathering to celebrate two birthdays was not unsubstantial.

Lots of delicious cake, bubbly refreshments, barbie and peanuts were consumed between the races and chat.The weather was glorious and some even picked some winners but none as good as the J man who was on a roll.

Cow Pie! Rockwells American Diner

This week found two of the Pie tribe in Runcorn this and feeling rather peckish we headed optimistically to a relatively new American themed/styled diner called Rockwells in the high street. The entrance from the High Street is just about noticeable (We actually entered via the back through the Bike Park!), but step inside and a whole new world beckons.

Absolutely fabulous with a lot of effort placed on getting the decor just right. We have missed Eddie Rockets diner in Liverpool but we think this could surpass it and it even has their ceiling fans. 

The service is excellent and the food is great. Just as I was about to order a burger the waitress mentioned the special of the day the "COW PIE" ... well I had to. It was excellent, big, hot, filling and tasty (8.5/10). So much so there was no room for a pud and we had wanted to try the pancakes.

So we will definitely be going back here sometime soon.

CPOP 2013

Ferrari F40, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.
 

Pieman, Georgio, Shabby and Beefy headed for preview day at the latest Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (CPOP 2013). The format is pretty much the same as in previous years with some modifications and changes in line up and display. 

In recognition of Rally GB returning to North Wales for the first time in ages a special display of past and present Rally cars is present including some Colin McRae originals which was great to see. 

On the track their are some familiar vehicles but plenty not seen before and seeing the lorry cab come charging around the corner at a full thrutch was a sight to behold !!!!

The weather was very changeable and resulted in us diving into the beer tent. The rain was pretty heavy so we broke out the Pie supplies which today were purchased from Phil Salt Butchers Pie emporium and might fine they were with particular praise for the Countryman Pie.

As ever access was very good throughout the event and particularly around the paddock area. A number of vehicles drew our attention. Shabby was taken with Danone Heart (Bottom) car and one of my favorites was the Aston Martin DB2 closely followed the Noble which as good as it looked. The only disappointment of the day was missing the scrambling bikes in action (Lack of info) especially as the weather was perfect for them ! But all in all it was great day with Pie consumed.

Crash, Bang, Wallop

Happiest Driver (Jason Plato), a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

An excellent two days were spent recently at the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) meeting at Oulton Park. It has been many years since our last visit and whilst the basic circuit is almost the same with some minor changes ,the circuit as a whole has been improved considerably.

The weather for both days was excellent and the support races were pretty good including the Porsche Super Cup. The main event was the touring cars which was superb with race three on the Sunday being the pick of the bunch ,  with Jason Plato retiring his car on fire. 

Access to all parts of the track was very good and even though it was heaving on the Sunday, it wasn't difficult to find a decent spot to watch from.The circuit setting is superb with great access to the pits available, fine toilets and well organised parking, we even got to drive on the circuit! It's hard to beat.

Pies were consumed over the two days were supplied by Vaughans Butchers of Penyffordd and as ever they were of a very high standard which we can thoroughly recommend including the Steak, Pork and fine herby sausage rolls. Big thanks to our kind sponsor for the day Mrs Georgio Dragonslayer. Look forward to the opportunity of going again soon.

Chasing Dragons and Damsels

Following a planning meeting in a local hostelry, the night before, I accepted the invitation of Sir John of Moth and headed off to the swamplands of North Shropshire in search of Dragons and Damsels early ..ish Sunday morning. Fortified by a quick visit to McCalories ( Sir John insisted) we eventually found our way to our chosen destination Fenns Moss close to the Llangollen Canal and not far from Whitchurch.

Boots on and insect repellent liberally applied, we set off with the sun rising rapidly. What a delightful place to go for a walk, the place is interesting, quiet and slightly unusual. With the recent weather change, doing anything outdoors becomes an absolutely pleasure even if you are yomping around midge central.

Various flora and fauna are spotted, observed, admired and photographed. I never thought the breeding habits of a 2cm long Damsel fly could be so fascinating. It's all the more interesting  when in the company of someone who is so well informed and entertaining as Sir John. It's a bit like David Attenbrough and Bill Bailey combining to give you a guided tour through the intricacies of the complicated lives of insects with several witticisms throw in for good message. 

After spotting various cast members of a "Bugs Life" a concerted effort was made to specifically catch the Bare Faced Darter on camera, face on. This proved difficult as the bare faced chappie much preferred showing his bottom rather than his face for the camera. As the sun reached it's highest (and the temperature was rising) we headed home, very satisfied with the morning exercise.

Chrome mmmmmm

1956 Cresta Vauxhall, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Went to the "Griffin Gathering of Historic Vehicles" at Vauxhall motors and although it was a little disappointing we did get to view a couple of beautiful older cars, especially the chrome adorned 1956 Cresta Vauxhall pictured above.

The event was a little over priced for what it offered and perhaps a bit more explanation in the advertising would have been appreciated,

Fifty Sheds of Grey

Fifty Sheds of Grey, a photo by Idreamofpies on Flickr.

Plot 47a has seen some progress this year after a very late start due to the weather. A new patch has been reclaimed from the undergrowth and planted with tayties. Another patch has been covered with carpets ready to start digging over in the autumn for next years new patch. 

Just discovered tonight a hose line and bits, hidden away, making the watering can redundant...happy days.

Beds are meeting with mixed success thus far and Linda's horse byproduct is proving very helpful. Also a huge number of frogs knocking about and a significantly large ginger rat which may be a new species known to science, Rattus Humungus.