A few days away….

What a treat. We spent a few days in the Brecon Beacons: the weather was glorious, the scenery was fabulous, and we star-gazed…..

The star-gazing event was my Christmas present from John in 2020. What with one thing and another we didn’t activate the plan last year, so just before Christmas 2021, it suddenly dawned on me that the voucher would run out and what a waste of money, thought and goodwill that would be. The company that had issued the voucher very kindly extended its life however, so there we were in March 2022 enjoying the Dark Sky Wales.

It was a chilly evening, but the excitement of looking at the stars through a professional telescope – and then taking photos of some of the constellations – compensated immeasurably for the cool air. What a fantastic Christmas present! I thoroughly enjoyed myself – and John did, too. Here’s a ‘photo wot I took’ of the Orion Nebula – cool, eh?

We were so very lucky with the weather last week with it being sunny every day. The apartment that we stayed in had a balcony and a fabulous view over the Brecons, so we sat out each morning to eat our breakfast or brunch and enjoyed the balmy weather and the glorious scenery.

Not only did we enjoy the sunshine and the view from our abode, but we went for a couple of walks too so that John could keep up with his ‘Mile a Day in March’. Our first walk was exceedingly demanding as a) it was uphill and down dale, and b) we got lost and couldn’t find the footpath back. It all started so well……. here’s John toiling up the lane, but going quite well.

And here he is having a rest on the stile, which we finally came to on the right path after we’d tramped through the fields, along a stream and back up through a herd of sheep……ooh, we worked hard to get there and see? he’s got his jacket off!!!

All in all, we had a very good few days away having visited Brecon Cathedral too, which we thought was a lovely place and where we lit candles and said our prayers. I dragged John round a couple of antiques shops as well and bought us some wine glasses to replace all those we’ve broken over the years.

We came home feeling refreshed. Well, at least, I did. John was exhausted after all the walking and sightseeing. We came back on Saturday and John slept in the car all the way home, slept in his armchair when he got back all afternoon and then went to bed at 8.30 in the evening, having declined to join me in baby-sitting duties over at the Kenilworth Sleaths.

John rested for much of the day on Sunday, too, and stayed in bed while I went over to the Holy Trinity Church in Attleborough, Nuneaton, for baby Arthur’s christening. What a glorious service and how very warm and friendly everyone was. Arthur did the right thing and cried when the water was poured on his forehead, much to everyone’s amusement.

However, we had decided that with COVID being fairly rampant just now, we would forego the celebrations afterwards at the pub, which, by all accounts were well enjoyed by all the friends and relations who did go.

Here’s Arthur, looking cool and very proud of himself in his dickie bow…..

In the afternoon, I dropped John over at the Kenilworth Sleaths while I visited Mum to wish her a Happy Mothering Sunday before joining them myself for a Sunday Roast, too.

The visit to Mum was enjoyable for the most part; she was pleased the gifts I’d taken and the reading of more birthday cards that had arrived since her birthday last week – particularly delighted with a card from Graham and Gail. Unfortunately, the visit was relatively short as I needed to get back for 4 o’clock. Mum was disappointed that I was leaving ‘so soon’ and treated me to a little session of emotional blackmail – the likes of which she hasn’t done for a couple of years. Oh dear, it never feels nice. Ah well, one good thing is that she won’t remember, so hopefully she won’t dwell on it.

We had a lovely time at Paul and Harriet’s with all the family bar Catherine and Andrew. Andrew had hoped to come over but transport was going to be a problem and he’d been ‘pinged’ to say he’d been in contact with a COVID-ite, so he stayed in Cambridge but he phoned his best wishes through which was lovely.

No photos of the day as I enjoyed myself too much with an extremely tasty bottle of red and needed an Uber home, but Paul took a cracking photo of the boys in the bath….. they just melt my heart…….

Yesterday was another exciting day with a visit to Dawn’s in the morning. It was the final fitting of her wedding suit and, honestly, she looks absolutely stunning in it. The tailoress has done a wonderful job in the design and sewing of the suit and it fits beautifully. Dawn and I did a wonderful job, too, of choosing the colour of the suit which will be brilliant on the day. Great excitement all round. Just got to choose the accessories now!

And today we have had another great day, spending time with George and Sue, and Dave and Chris, at Brixworth Country Park. The weather wasn’t so great with fog, mist and drizzle, but the walk was good, the company the best and the food and drink delicious. Oh my, thank the Lord for good friends.

Take care everyone. God bless