Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

General chat topics, anything and everything you want or need to discuss
User avatar
Yorick
Posts: 16750
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:20 pm
Location: Paradise
Has thanked: 10271 times
Been thanked: 6887 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Yorick »

Taipan wrote: Mon Feb 22, 2021 12:49 pm
Yorick wrote: Sun Feb 21, 2021 2:25 pm Just read this story about my best pal and it really made me smile.
We shared a flat as kids then mates all our lives. He moved to France 20 years ago and we've been to see them there every year. Never known a grafter like him.
He's converted a huge barn into a beautiful house and has a tree felling business and builds clamping pods.

We need to get over this summer for some free beer..


https://actu.fr/bretagne/malguenac_5612 ... 73843.html
It's in foreign speak. What's he done then?
Morbihan: the local beer with European flavors from Ian and Vicky, Brits living in Malguénac
Breton organic barley for English Belgian and French beers from Ian Brewster and Vicky Longden in Malguénac (Morbihan). A father-daughter association that ferments well. Meet

Vicky Longden and Ian Brewster, the daughter and father associated with the Torlann micro-brewery in Malguénac, near Pontivy (Morbihan).
Vicky Longden and Ian Brewster, the daughter and father associated with the Torlann micro-brewery in Malguénac, near Pontivy (Morbihan). (© Pontivy Journal)
By Angélique Goyet
Posted on 19 Feb 21 at 12:02
Brexit Beer, a Belgian lager with saffron from Brittany. A wink beer concocted by Ian Brewster and Vicky Longden, British living in Malguénac, in the hamlet of Torlann on the road to Pontivy (Morbihan).

Pan-European flavors with gluten-free black wheat beer
Father and daughter: he relies on traditional French, Belgian and English beers; it modernizes its tastes. And it works !

Brexit Beer is a beer for women, not very strong, very good for summer and to drink very cold, it is with saffron, it is very good with fish, it is like paella, the recipe came from time of Brexit.

Ian brewster
From the Brasserie de Torlann to Malguénac
And also a simple malt and simple hop amber (the Smash); a strongly hopped amber with four flavors (TPA); a blonde with saaz hops (blonde); an English with chocolate and coffee notes (the Porter); an IPA with ginger roots (ginger); the lime blonde (the Lager & Lime).

Pan-European and also local flavors with Buckwheat, a buckwheat and millet beer, with hops and gluten-free: “It is very popular in the markets. "

18 months to find THE right recipe
Ian Brewster came to France 20 years ago, first to spend his holidays there, before moving there permanently after taking early retirement. He has been living in Malguénac for 10 years, after having lived in Guern.

His daughter Vicky arrived three years ago. “I was already making beer for myself. When Vicky arrived three years ago, she was looking for work. Then we thought why not sell my beer, "says Ian Brewster, who says it took them 18 months to find the right recipe.

200 L every 10 days, Breton organic barley
The micro-brewery is set up in a freestone outbuilding, opposite Ian's house and not far from Vicky's, in the hamlet of Torlann, which gives the beer its name.


It starts off with a 50 liter fermenter, today it has four; no more, there are not enough places. But whatever, Ian and Vicky make their beer at their own pace: "200 liters every 10 days". With Breton organic barley processed in Vannes, they have a few hops from France.

Brewer dad
Ian Brewster fell into it when he was little: his father was a brewer in Great Britain.

I made beer all my life with my dad, he had a great brewery in Britain. I ran a brewery for seven years too, and always made beer for myself. Brewster, my last name, means female brewer in English (Editor's note: brewer).

Ian brewster
From the Brasserie de Torlann to Malguénac
Direct sale in a rounded hut and local markets
The father and daughter brewing associates have set up a small store in a rounded wooden hut in Torlann for direct sales: a cellar with 1,000 and one bottles, which stand at attention. “You don't have to put our traditional beers in the fridge or they'll lose their taste,” Brewster advises.

Parked next to the micro-boutique, their stand to roam the markets.

We will develop the markets this year, today we are doing some in Naizin, Noyal-Pontivy, Bon-Repos ...

Ian brewster
From the Brasserie de Torlann to Malguénac
At Christmas markets, their fully wrapped gift packs - in a handmade wooden crate, your choice of four or six bottles with bottle opener - sold like hot cakes.

They also have points of sale: at the Halles Dis grocery store in Malguénac and at the Proxi Super in Guémené-sur-Scorff.

Ian Brewster in his rounded direct-sale micro-boutique at home, in Malguénac (Morbihan).
Ian Brewster in his rounded direct-sale micro-boutique at home, in Malguénac (Morbihan). (© Pontivy Journal)
Returnable bottles
The bottles are returnable (10 cents deducted on return per bottle.

“This is to avoid waste and additional expense,” says Ian Brewster. But I only have 10% returns, yet I tell customers to bring them back, I often tell the regulars, but no, they forget to bring them back ... "
User avatar
ZRX61
Posts: 5164
Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2020 4:05 pm
Location: Solar Blight Valley
Has thanked: 1508 times
Been thanked: 1414 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by ZRX61 »

I got a small giggle when a US political known for possible dementia issues & speech fumbles dropped the N word into a speech today.
User avatar
Yorick
Posts: 16750
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:20 pm
Location: Paradise
Has thanked: 10271 times
Been thanked: 6887 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Yorick »

Yorick wrote: Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:06 pm When we had fibre installed a couple of years ago, we had 300mb wired downloads.

And the guy said there were 2 different wifi connections. But only new phones could use the posh one. So I've been having to put up with 40mb on my old phone.

Ta da. Got a new Samsung and suddenly 90mb
Woo hoo. I can post twice as much crap now :)
Just got a note to say they've upgraded the line :)
Screenshot_20210223-125611_Samsung Internet.jpg
Screenshot_20210223-125611_Samsung Internet.jpg (196.97 KiB) Viewed 1038 times
Jody
Posts: 1714
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:49 am
Location: Biarritz in Summer, Cornwall In Autumn, Courchevel in Winter
Has thanked: 1947 times
Been thanked: 1292 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Jody »

Job offer for summer :)

I'll be going back to Biarritz :) :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:


Obvs I'm not, I can't be, remainers have been telling me I won't be able to for the last 4 years and there's no way on earth they may have been scaremongering or just plain wrong :roll: :roll: :roll:
Wreckless Rat
Posts: 1253
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 11:25 am
Has thanked: 666 times
Been thanked: 704 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Wreckless Rat »

Jody wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:30 pm Job offer for summer :)

I'll be going back to Biarritz :) :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:


Obvs I'm not, I can't be, remainers have been telling me I won't be able to for the last 4 years and there's no way on earth they may have been scaremongering or just plain wrong :roll: :roll: :roll:
I think you mean, "despite Brexit, I can still work in the EU!"

:lol:
User avatar
MingtheMerciless
Posts: 3554
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2020 7:42 am
Location: Scarfolk on Sea
Has thanked: 2945 times
Been thanked: 1883 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by MingtheMerciless »

The Sun is out.
"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?"
"My dear Doctor, they're all true."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."
User avatar
Noggin
Posts: 8030
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2020 1:46 pm
Location: Ski Resort
Has thanked: 16222 times
Been thanked: 3927 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Noggin »

Jody wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:30 pm Job offer for summer :)

I'll be going back to Biarritz :) :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:


Obvs I'm not, I can't be, remainers have been telling me I won't be able to for the last 4 years and there's no way on earth they may have been scaremongering or just plain wrong :roll: :roll: :roll:
Some of us have been saying it will be more difficult!! But the summer season is easy cos it's short :D :D :D

Awesome news on the summer in Biarritz again tho :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:
Life is for living. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake. Ride the bikes. Just, ride the bikes!! :bblonde:
Jody
Posts: 1714
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:49 am
Location: Biarritz in Summer, Cornwall In Autumn, Courchevel in Winter
Has thanked: 1947 times
Been thanked: 1292 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Jody »

Noggin wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 5:57 pm
Jody wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:30 pm Job offer for summer :)

I'll be going back to Biarritz :) :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:


Obvs I'm not, I can't be, remainers have been telling me I won't be able to for the last 4 years and there's no way on earth they may have been scaremongering or just plain wrong :roll: :roll: :roll:
Some of us have been saying it will be more difficult!! But the summer season is easy cos it's short :D :D :D

Awesome news on the summer in Biarritz again tho :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:
Typical summer contract = Mid April until early October
Typical winter contract = Early December until Mid April
Mussels
Posts: 4445
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:02 pm
Has thanked: 838 times
Been thanked: 1240 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Mussels »

Jody wrote: Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:00 am
Noggin wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 5:57 pm
Jody wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:30 pm Job offer for summer :)

I'll be going back to Biarritz :) :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:


Obvs I'm not, I can't be, remainers have been telling me I won't be able to for the last 4 years and there's no way on earth they may have been scaremongering or just plain wrong :roll: :roll: :roll:
Some of us have been saying it will be more difficult!! But the summer season is easy cos it's short :D :D :D

Awesome news on the summer in Biarritz again tho :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:
Typical summer contract = Mid April until early October
Typical winter contract = Early December until Mid April
Don't you need a special visa for over 3 months?
User avatar
Noggin
Posts: 8030
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2020 1:46 pm
Location: Ski Resort
Has thanked: 16222 times
Been thanked: 3927 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Noggin »

Jody wrote: Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:00 am
Noggin wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 5:57 pm
Jody wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 1:30 pm Job offer for summer :)

I'll be going back to Biarritz :) :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:


Obvs I'm not, I can't be, remainers have been telling me I won't be able to for the last 4 years and there's no way on earth they may have been scaremongering or just plain wrong :roll: :roll: :roll:
Some of us have been saying it will be more difficult!! But the summer season is easy cos it's short :D :D :D

Awesome news on the summer in Biarritz again tho :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:
Typical summer contract = Mid April until early October
Typical winter contract = Early December until Mid April
Ah, didn't remember that your summer was so much longer!! LOL
Life is for living. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake. Ride the bikes. Just, ride the bikes!! :bblonde:
Jody
Posts: 1714
Joined: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:49 am
Location: Biarritz in Summer, Cornwall In Autumn, Courchevel in Winter
Has thanked: 1947 times
Been thanked: 1292 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Jody »

Mussels wrote: Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:19 am
Jody wrote: Wed Feb 24, 2021 8:00 am
Noggin wrote: Tue Feb 23, 2021 5:57 pm

Some of us have been saying it will be more difficult!! But the summer season is easy cos it's short :D :D :D

Awesome news on the summer in Biarritz again tho :banana-dance: :banana-dance: :banana-dance:
Typical summer contract = Mid April until early October
Typical winter contract = Early December until Mid April
Don't you need a special visa for over 3 months?
No, I'll be getting a French contract.
User avatar
gremlin
Posts: 5930
Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 3:12 pm
Location: Kent (AKA God's own country)
Has thanked: 810 times
Been thanked: 4805 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by gremlin »

Jody wrote: Wed Feb 24, 2021 1:23 pm

No, I'll be getting a French contract.
In letter form?

Can't be too careful. ;)
636mick
Posts: 945
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 10:34 am
Location: In my village
Has thanked: 1079 times
Been thanked: 721 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by 636mick »

Just had a record played for me and the girlfriend on Greatest Hits Radio. Daydream Beleiver by the Monkees. A bit of fun after sitting in the sun for a couple of hours drinking wine!!!
She is very happy!!
Mick
User avatar
Skub
Posts: 12171
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 5:32 pm
Location: Norn Iron
Has thanked: 9834 times
Been thanked: 10147 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Skub »

Eating real,solid food for the first time in a week,instead of paracetamol,man that makes me happy. 8-)
"Be kind to past versions of yourself that didn't know what you know now."
Walt Whitman
https://soundcloud.com/skub1955
User avatar
Druid
Posts: 1014
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:45 pm
Has thanked: 276 times
Been thanked: 900 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Druid »

Daffodils in our garden are out.

It's rare for them to flower before mid March up here, so spring is on the way a little bit earlier this year :)
User avatar
Noggin
Posts: 8030
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2020 1:46 pm
Location: Ski Resort
Has thanked: 16222 times
Been thanked: 3927 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Noggin »

Druid wrote: Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:37 am Daffodils in our garden are out.

It's rare for them to flower before mid March up here, so spring is on the way a little bit earlier this year :)
I miss snowdrops! I see daffs down in the valley sometimes and crocus. But snowdrops I don't get to see. I expect they grow up here but at the time the spring flowers come out up here no one is about (May is the time to disappear for a post season break!). And if I am here, the ground is so soggy from melting snow that none of us go out walking to look at the flowers! :(
Life is for living. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake. Ride the bikes. Just, ride the bikes!! :bblonde:
User avatar
Noggin
Posts: 8030
Joined: Thu Mar 19, 2020 1:46 pm
Location: Ski Resort
Has thanked: 16222 times
Been thanked: 3927 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Noggin »

Just had a proper cream tea. Well, half what was my share - will have the other scone tomorrow!!

But damn that's good. Proper clotted cream & homemade scones mmmmmmmmm

:banana-wrench: :banana-wrench: :banana-wrench:
Life is for living. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake. Ride the bikes. Just, ride the bikes!! :bblonde:
User avatar
the_priest
Posts: 1908
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2020 2:18 pm
Location: Dwelling in Welling
Has thanked: 1874 times
Been thanked: 2171 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by the_priest »

Mowed the lawn. Did not mow the crocus's we have scattered and now the daughter has decided she wants to bake something, so nice food coming a bit later on.
Proverbs 17:9
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.
Wreckless Rat
Posts: 1253
Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2020 11:25 am
Has thanked: 666 times
Been thanked: 704 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by Wreckless Rat »

After about a year of absence, last night we had a take away curry from the local (excellent) curry house. Now I can make a pretty good curry, possibly even more traditional in some ways than a take away, but I love BIR curry.

It was excellent.... and warmed my cockles it did. 👍
David
Posts: 2134
Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2020 8:50 am
Location: Top 'o the Worle
Has thanked: 218 times
Been thanked: 689 times

Re: Insignificant Things That Make You Happy.

Post by David »

You shouldnt have put it on your cockles......it might stain.