Tuesday 27 March 2018

Summer??






It was a glorious afternoon
on Sunday
The first, official, day of Summer
so my cousin and I 
decided to go for a walk on a local beach...
Broad Haven.



The rock on the right is called
the Lion rock.
I suppose that it does look a bit like a lion??!

It seemed that we were not the only ones
who had decided to celebrate summer
by walking on the beach!



There were a lot of people
and their dogs.
Then a group of girls arrived....
riding their ponies!
The ponies really seemed to love it....
as did the girls!

The mothers put out some tall sticks....
and the girls and ponies
did a sort of slalem
through them.
You can tell I know nothing about ponies!!


It was brilliantly sunny
but....
bitterly cold!!
Even so....I saw some children...
and their game parents..
paddling..brrrrr!

I suppose the dog owners and ponies 
need to make the most of it
as from 1st April until
1st September
dogs and horses will not be allowed
on this beach.
Some large beaches
have an area where dog owners can walk their dogs.


My cousin said I could post pictures
with her in so here we are!
Then she went a bit mad.....
I suppose modelling had gone to her head!!
.......or feet!!


She accused me 
of hoping she would fall in
and I suppose...
.....I might have!!



Apart from all of this
I am, once again, head down
and trying to get
my next assignment done!
It is due in on Thursday
but there's no way I can manage it.
This new condition of mine means that I regularly
spend half a day in the hospital.
Yesterday
I had to do an hours drive
to a centre where the Disabled Students' Association
wanted to review my needs......
and know how to help me.
I must say over these last few years
they have helped me so much..
the only problem
that was another half day gone!
Tomorrow afternoon
I have to go back into hospital
for more injections.
Oh Joy!!



I am still planning
and was trying to show you some photos
but the 'puter is playing up!
I shall just have to show you some more beach photos


I haven't been doing much reading recently
that is ....apart from studying.
I finished 
The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale.
It is a magical book
obviously about a toymaker
who makes really magical toys, 
His two sons, who are each desperately vying 
with each other
to make a better and more magical toy!
It is interspersed with stories of their background
and how they became who they are...
it also almost has an ethical twist..
making the reader stop and think



The other one 
that I have just finished is called
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson.
Such a lovely, friendly easy read.
Still the wonderful insight that she shows into the grief
of her main character
whose husband has died suddenly and far too young.
If I were still counselling
this would be a book that I would buy 
by the dozen
for anyone who has lost a dear one!
In fact ....I just have !!
Debbie also shows a lot of insight into the minds 
of teenagers.
There are so many hilarious episodes.
I would thoroughly recommend it!

I think that's it
I hope this finds you well and enjoying
whichever season you are in.
Will look forwards to visiting with you.......



#netgalley  #thetoymakers  
#summeratthecomfortfoodcafe


Monday 12 March 2018

March Comes in Like a Lion?? Or Does It?!






This is the point where I should be showing you
photos of the snow covered countryside!
Because, although Pembrokeshire
doesn't usually suffer snow,
last weekend,
when 'The Beast From The East'
(as the weathermen called the really cold weather 
that we suffered)
we had snow for several days!!



In fact when the snow melted.....
so did the water pipes
and our mains water (and our neighbours')
was off for 3 days!
Hard enough for us.....
but a real worry was seeing to water for the cattle!
We sorted ours and then managed to help our neighbour.



Eventually all was well
but, even though our water has been back nearly a week
the quality of the mains water
we are receiving is foul and we are.... 
still having to use bottled water!




These pictures were taken on a walk
just before the snow arrived.
The first one is on the way to Fishguard
(where the ferries leave for Ireland)
The rock formation is called by some.......
Maiden Castle.
I suppose it does look a bit like a maiden 
looking at a castle??

The rest are taken at Goodwick
where the ferry terminal is situated.
Although the ferry had 
already left when we arrived!



It was a glorious afternoon
and we were so glad that we had braved the cold.
On one side, and in amongst the trees,
is a large hotel where there are many wedding receptions!
We have been to quite a few.
It's a stunning location!



I have been back
volunteering as a guide at Picton Castle.
They have changed the hours
a little so there is at least 
an opportunityto have a cup of tea 
and something to eat!



I love the way they have made seats
around the tree.
It used to be more overhung and secluded
but they've lopped quite a lot away..
pity really!



Some of the trees are incredible.
As you can probably imagine...
the children love... 
climbing and hanging from...
the branches!



The camellias are starting to open
and are looking glorious.
These photos were taken before the snow
so goodness knows 
what they look like now!



I must explore next week!



I'm not going this week
as I have to be in the hospital 
for another set of injections on Wednesday.



The pond was frozen so the tadpoles
had obviously and wisely, sunk to the bottom
but it didn't seem to bother
this dragonfly!



What else have I been up to??
Well, I am still
involved in decorating in my planners.....
and also my Travellor's Notebooks (TNs)



Isn't this a lovely kit?
Its from @sparklesdelight
I really love the colours and the owls are so cute!
I suppose I like them even more having seen 
the lovely owls at Picton Castle?

I am also very busy studying for my degree.
I find the Latin really hard
and, basically, remember nothing from my school days!

I had a good grade for my last assignment though
so I'm pleased about that.
Hopefully, if I pass the exams in June,
I will be on to the next level 
that I'm really looking forward to studying.
Don't get me wrong.....
the literature side of this course has been 
soooo interesting!
I love it!

I'm also, when I have time,
reading a very magical book called....
'The Toymakers' 
by Robert Dinsdale.
It is absolutely intriguing about an Emporium in London
and the old man who makes,
with his sons,
these magical toys that seem
to bring you back 
to the way you perceived things as a child!
Magical toys 
and
an old man with an unusual history.
I have a job putting it down!!

Well,
I suppose I had better close for now.
Once I start speaking with you
I don't want to stop!!



#sparklesdelight  #thetoymakers  #netgalley