back to reality

Well what a wonderful place Costa Rica is and I have put some photos on facebook for anyone to have a look at. They are mainly of the flora and fauna and give some idea of the meaning of "cloud and rain forests"......it was wet!!!! I was panicking that my bag might have been searched on return to Heathrow as the smell of "wet dog" is the only way I can describe my clothes....Luckily I bought coffee so a little of the aroma helped!!!! but no need to have worried.
It has taken me some time to get over the jet lag....but think I'm there now.
December has been quite busy. The first folk event was at the Chesnuts on 1st when Maggie Boyle, Pete Morton and Chris Parkinson provided the entertainment with the Magical Christmas Tree....an enjoyable evening of songs and tunes. I sang Come to my Window, the Tim Hart version of an old traditional song that Shirley Collins used to sing Go from My Window.......but I preferred the "happier" version.
On Thusrday 3rd friends and I went to the Union Chapel in Aldgate and saw Lau and Mawkin Causley. What a fantastic venue with wonderful acoustics.....well worth a visit if there's anyone on you'd like to see. (and a little bird told me that Jim Causley is coming to the Chesnuts in 2010!!!!!!!!! woooo). For the first time ever I found Lau's set a bit samey....could have done with more vocal input from Kris Drever......but still, of course excellent...and Mawkin Causley were wonderful....definitely one to see when you can.
On Friday 4th Paul Downes was playing at the Open House (the old Springfield) for those who remember folk in the 70s in Brighton. It's a great venue and there was the opportunity for a couple of songs. In fact the floor singers and guest were mainly from the old Brighton College of Education......Vanessa, Alan, Stu Reed , Steve Flack, Paul and myself.......funny old world!!Paul produced a fantastic evening and I sang Abroad as I was Walking and Come to my Window.