Last night we took a well deserved night off, headed into Manchester to our fave venue and took in the fun of the B52s. And fun fun fun it was, the band was on fire and Fred, Kate and Cindy had an absolute ball as did the audience. Great set list - great band and great venue (though I think I lost a stone in persperation - why does every venue refit seem to forget to put Air Conditioning into the mix). We all danced our socks off all night. Dan recognized Sterling Campbell was on the drums (last saw him on the last two Bowie tours)

Talking of concerts and venues I really do appreciate these smaller more intimate places. Its been a mixed batch this year - Rush at least know how to use an Arena and put on a show and were excellent as usual - Lisa Stansfield pure class upstairs above a bar as she warmed up for her tour - Bon Jovi (well half of Bon Jovi as obviously Richie had had enough of the farce they had become) could best be described as dull and soulless trying to create any atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium - Slash with Myles Kennedy at the Apollo superb. New policy - if it isn't Rush no more Arena gigs and all Bon Jovi records to be burnt.

Looking forward to the Ramsbottom festival (don't worry its attendance is more likely to be in 100s not 1000s) in September (3 days on a cricket ground and only a bus ride from the barn)- Sinead O Connor and Moreland & Arbuckle  - mmmmm

Anyway reality calls.. Carpet underlay has just arrived - the carpets ready for delivery (for the bedrooms) and the oaks ready for the lounge floorboards.. 

 

 "The whole Shack Shimmies"