WELSH WEDDING

We're all back in Cardiff now, after a lovely time in Portmerion (North Wales).  We travelled up on Thursday.  I took my car (with Shirley and Tom) while Ceri took Shirley's dad and his wife.  Tom got very adventurous and took us on a beautiful (if somewhat tortuous) route - though even he got a little confused at one point, telling us we needed to turn around (on a very narrow country road) ... only to tell us to turn around again, once we'd obeyed.

Portmeirion is hard to describe, but the photos (if I manage!) will be self-explanatory.  It was started by one man and his family and is a little village all on its own, completely owned by the family.  It's a cross between italian and spanish and is an extremely popular tourist resort.  Evidently they hold an average of 350 weddings there every year.  Ceri and Shirley (and family) love it there - and it is the "home" of Portmeirion pottery.

The wedding was most enjoyable - about 60 family and friends all of whom had travelled some distance to attend.  Steve's speech was a riot - despite him being very nervous about that part of the proceedings.  And of course, Kate looked beautiful.

We stayed there two nights, returning on Saturday - this time with Kate's friend and Tom in my car.  Again Tom treated us to a unique tour but in the end, we beat Ceri and his carload by about half an hour ... possibly something with them stopping for an hour's lunch break, and a cuppa upon dropping off Shirley's folks.

I refuse to be disloyal to my very good friend - despite scolding remarks to Tom from both Shirley AND Sarah ... and much rudeness from (cousin) Ceri about his eccentricities.   He always gets me where I need to go, with unstinting certainty and excellent manners - it would be churlish to make any comments to the contrary.

It's been a lovely weekend - with yet another day tomorrow (Bank Holiday).  We're all pretty tired, but agree it was worth every moment and a great time was had by all.

PERHAPS, some photos may follow... specially for you, Karen!

The shower (over the bath) - pretty tidy work!

Shirley and Ceri in their room - after arriving - the day before the wedding

Who on EARTH is that fat woman with Ceri and Shirley - note the background architecture

Marion, Lenka, Evie (in arms) Mia in front of Simon, Ceri, Shirley and Don (Isabella in Pram) - 4 generations in one photo.

Who can the excellent photographer be - classy stuff, eh?

Oh - and again - such ability ... greatly helped by magnificent scenery all around

The gorgeous mother of the bride - Shirley

Bride and groom - just after becoming Mr and Mrs

Shirley, Steve, Kate, Ceri - with Enfyss, their daughter

Evie and Mia

Kate

Lenka

Steve's speech

Ceri was NOT leaping for joy at having gained a son - merely sitting on the fence - action photography now ... whatever next!

Mother and daughter

Tom's excellent navigation took us through some fabulous scenery - though hardly motorway traffic!

Who could argue with Tom when he takes you through this sort of countryside???  Not me!

Land of my Fathers ...

Left Reading about 1130 a.m. after getting the car washed and filled, and arrived in Whitchurch around 1.45 pm.  A very pleasant journey with not too much traffic on the roads, a radio that now works (thanks Ray!) and lovely sunny weather.  Sunny, that is, until I crossed the Severn Bridge (5 pounds 40 toll!! - doubled for NZ equivalent) and it hasn't really stopped since.

I walked into the village and an elderly gentleman called to me across the road "have you got an umbrella" and then suggested that if  I'd had one I could have lent it to him!  Thereupon he crossed the road and we stood talking for about 5 minutes then departed, firm friends - David and me - with two kisses on the cheek and a farewell welsh greeting.   I must still have "it" !!!!  Quite brightened my day.

Shirley and Kate (the bride to be) run a homestay for dogs.  The dogs stay in the house and get taken for 2 x 2 hour walks each day.  Usually they have about 8 dogs staying at any one time, but this time there are only 2 who go home first thing tomorrow morning, just before we leave for Port Merion (the wedding venue) in North Wales.  They also have a small cattery attached to the house and a dear little white kitten (Suzie) arrived today for a 10 day sojourn.  Poor little thing was so traumatised by the two big cats in the adjoining room that she growled and trembled her way through the evening, until I took pity on her and suggested she be allowed to sleep with me tonight.  She's presently impersonating a bedside lamp, on the table beside the bed (peering out between the tassles of the shade) but at least she's relaxed and settled for tonight, anyway.

There will doubtless be countless wedding photos upon my return.  Don't go expecting any of me. I'll be the poor relation - trousers and floaty top - no hat, but high heels.  The others seem to be in dresses (as does everyone over here it seems - hope THAT'S not a trend that gets to NZ) and hats.  But at least I'll be comfortable.

There's to be a posh dinner tomorrow night before the wedding on Friday.  Any thoughts of having a slimmer waist upon my return are a figment of my imagination ... but at least it's because I'm enjoying much excellent hospitality now - and not the comfort eating of the past 11 months!

I won't take my computer with me to Port Merion so probably won't be back in touch until about Sunday or Monday.  I'm sure you'll cope!

Nos da x

 Uncle Will running aside Emilia who proved the saying "it's like riding a bike - you never forget" is a fallacy.  Will spent ages helping her to regain her confidence and be ready to face her newer, larger bike.

 Uncle Dean taking Alice for a spin on Nye's bike (in expedition mode).  We met up with the intrepid cyclists (in late 30s temperatures) and had ices and lemonades together.  Great Aunt paid - 8 icecreams, 6 lemonades/oranginas - 42 Euros thanks ... that's almost $100 in REAL money!!!

 Posh nosh - L to R - James, Alice, Philip, Idris, Rosemary, Hannah, Emilia, Luke - the others were at the swings etc

Idris - what can I add???  Same posh nosh.

 Henry enjoying his own sun umbrella

 Family picnic chaos ... on a scorching hot day - preparing for swimming in the lake and pedalos.

 Grandpa (Philip) about to be strangled by Kitty - in the pool at the house in Real

 Uno challenge at the Casbar - Georgia, Emilia and Alice.  Despite having to teach the younger ones the game, I rarely won!!

View out of the sliding doors - across to another small village on the hill.

 Entering the train to go under the channel, to Calais at the beginning of our Franch adventure.

 Four hours later, near Charles de Gaulle airport, we stayed at a Novotel Hotel.  Georgia, Will and Luke beside the FREEZING pool after breakfast.

 Pistols at dawn - James in hot pursuit of one of his nephews at the house.  We were all drenched by the end of the fight - 5 water pistols in play.

James - the budding George Fornby!  The ukeleli was confiscated soon after

Au Revoir France

Today I flew back from Toulousse and arrived at Steph's at about 2.45 pm.  The only disappointing thing about being in Real (pronounced re-arl) was the lack of internet continuity. Poor old James had to write up a legal report and send it back to his office in London causing much consternation because it simply wouldn't go through.

The temperatures were debilitating - over 40 degrees on the hottest day, but each evening we ate outside (about 9.30 pm) to enjoy the 'cool' of the evening.  It was a bit of a rude awakening today, to arrive back at Heathrow to drizzly rain and 14 degrees.  It doesn't auger well for the wedding in Wales on Friday, either.

It's been a super 12 days with the family - I realise at times like this just how much I miss having family around ... but friends are equally important, and when I'm over here I miss everyone back at home.  There just seems to be no solution.

As I mentioned in my first blog from France the wildlife was astonishing.  Thankfully I didn't meet up with, nor hear mention of anyone else doing so, any snakes;  however there were hornets, wasps, bees, spiders, lizards and goodness knows what else  The hornets are becoming a problem over there and can be quite dangerous causing anafalactic (well, how would YOU spell it?) shock - evidently they simply don't know when to stop stinging - and as we all know, three bee stings in Wales were quite sufficient for me.  The wasps around the pool were prolific and Hannah received three wasp stings one afternoon.

And one morning I awoke and saw about 20 guinea fowl pecking away on the patio area.  As soon as they saw me, they jumped up on to the brick wall and one by one darted away through a bush - only to emerge in 3s and 4s - scurrying over behind a tree to await the arrival of the next three of four.  Once enough had gathered, they repeated the action to the next tree and when all were gathered, the whole lot shot off (on foot) towards the swimming pool.  Sadly my camera battery chose that moment to go flat, so I can't show you that.

We had some lovely day trips out, en masse.  Our little village had about 6-10 houses and one church in it (which didn't open) ... there were a number of other villages dotted around the hills - none with much more to show for themselves.  But we found a lovely water park where we picnicked one day - the others went swimming and pedalo riding (boats with pedals, Mama Mia style) but the heat was intense and Rosemary and I felt we should stay under the shade to look after Henry (4 months).

Another day Philip and Rosemary took us all out to a very nice mid-day meal - again al fresco but fortunately under a canopy.  I was amazed how much I have retained of my schoolgirl french when reading the menu and roadsigns, but had no hope of keeping up with actual conversation.  Fortunately Gabriel is very accomplished and did most of our translating..  I could always understand "ma tante" but lost it after that!!!  She could have been offering me for sale for all I know, but always re-assured me afterwards that no mushrooms were involved.

On yet another day we went into a little township (a Bastille - one of 5 in the area, where fortifications were still obvious, in case of attack) because it was market day.  I'd forgotten of course, that there would be live rabbits and chickens in cages etc. but managed to move away in time!

And yesterday, Gabriel, Dean, the two little boys and I went to Albi - home of Henri Toulesse le Trec, the painter.  We had another al fresco meal by the river where I ordered 'un petit peut de glace' which seemed to achieve its required effect, when one scoop of icecream in a glass appeared.  However Nye (aged 2) order his 'crepe chocolat' equally successfully, so it rather burst my bubble!!!

After a full midday meal, we shipped the males off on a canal boat ride (hope you picked up that little pun) while Gabriel and I went to visit the museum showing several dozen of Toulousse's (first names now) painting.  Funny little man he was.

There was an onsite manager at the 'house' who came over daily to empty the dishwashers, check that we didn't need anything and make suggestions of where we could go.  She also cooked two evening meals - the last one, last night, in recognition of my 'last day'.  She made beautiful meals, but I've got to say that each of my three nieces are extremely competent 'chefs' in their own rights and each day we were treated to croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin fresh from the bakery each morning (thanks to Will) and top class lunches and evening meals (9.30/10.00 pmish - after the children had gone to bed).

I'm sure there's lots more I haven't recorded - but all in all, it's been a great 12 days - initially marred only by my constant migraines, but in retrospect I think it was just the conclusion of what's been a pretty rough spin of poor health over the past 5 weeks.

Tomorrow I leave for the wedding in Wales.  Who knows what the internet reception will be like.
Time will tell!!

Vive la France - but perhaps not QUITE the temperatures there!

x

I can't believe it's Friday

 Leaving New Mills and en route for that awful motorway - only because of 3 sets of roadworks - enjoy motorway driving apart from that

One of the signs - many said "for a reason" instead of "for your safety"

ENTENTE CORDIAL

I managed the trip back to Reading and arrived, eventually, in London around 6.00 pm.  Hannah was looking after four extra children, so my arrival was heralded with much joy.  Not because she hadn't seen me for two years, nor because she particularly needed help with the increased brood, but solely because she had decided she had to wait for company before opening the first bottle of wine.  I only just made it in time.

Will arrived the following afternoon - 3.30 pm - to start our trip down to Real (near Toulousse).  We picked up his children Georgia and Luke and there followed a trip across the channel (well, UNDER) on the train, in the car, with a further 4 hour drive to just north of Charles de Gaulle airport before stopping at a Novotel overnight.   It took another 8 hours of driving on the wrong side the next day, to eventually find our destination.  I'd forgotten the joys of entertaining young people for such an extended period - but proved my incompetence at 'eye spy' and similar games, to their great joy.

The house and belfry accommodation are superb.  Very spacious - every bedroom with its own en suite.  I'm in the Casba - once used to house animals I believe - a few steps away from the main house, with its own bathroom under the same roof.  The Manager (who lives on site) told me that it isn't used much, and then usually by the au paire or the nanny - as an explanation why the shower had no hot water for the first two days.  I braved a cold shower the first day, but used a bathroom in the house the following day.

I can't seem to shake off a migraine which is hanging around in the background - so have spent two afternoons lying in my room.  (if I'm honest, it's far too hot to be outside, anyway).

It has been four days since I have had access to the internet, and even so it is extremely slow.  I was greeted by about 20 emails.  I did write about 3 replies, but none appeared to get sent so I'm sorry if you're being personally ignored right now.  I do appreciate all the contact though.

Glad to hear that the earthquakes, at least, have slowed down a little but sorry to hear that the snow has more than made its presence felt.  

It's fun being with the family en masse - rather a shock to the system at times, being so used to a quiet house with only one body in it.   There are 9 adults here and 9 children - most of whom are under 6!  I wouldn't want to miss a moment of it - and know I'll miss it all dreadfully when I get home - but sometimes I find myself totally incapable of tuning in to any one conversation.  So what's new, I hear you ask!

I've resisted all suggestions that a 'nice swim' would be a good idea.  No costume makes the decision a lot easier.  But I've sat around the poolside watching the lizards run in and out of the decking in much the same way as spiders do at home - and at night, the bats dive bombing amongst the trees in the darkened sky.  The donkeys serenade us in the morning, the dogs during the night and there's a semi-tame hare which hops about amongst the shrubbery early morning and evening.  We've been advised to avoid long grass because of the possibility of snakes ... I'm quite happy to avoid the recently mown lawn too, if that's a possibility.

Wish you were with me?  Me too!  

Last day in New Mills

This past week has flown by - it's been great catching up with Gabriel and Dean, and making friends with my great nephews.  I'm even understanding a few words that Idris says ... he gets so frustrated when we don't!

We went into Stockport today and were very aware of a police presence ... Manchester was "hit" by rioters (about 16 miles from here) and it was very evident that they were keeping an eye on things today.  A few of the shops had closed and put up barricades, so we didn't hang about too long.  It all seems unreal - kids as old as 11 armed and rioting.  It is, of course, the summer school holidays - our kids do grafitti, which is annoying enough.

Tomorrow I travel down to Reading and then catch the train into London to stay with Hannah overnight.  All so that on  Friday, I can catch up with Will (Rachel's husband) and travel down to Real (Near Toulousse) in France to meet up with the family for two weeks together.

If at all possible, I'll continue the blog during that time - but that will all depend on the dongle and/or wireless connection down there.  Let's hope for warmer weather than we're getting here!

I do hope there aren't any escargo in the jardin ... or any of Kermit's mates.

A few 'early' photos - out of chronological order ... but while I've got Dean at hand ...!

 1998 Ford Mondeo - Tom's and my travelling companion for the next six months.

 Rachel and Henry - the day we met up in London for lunch - the same day I organised my Senior Rail Pass for just such occasions.

Ella outside Ascot on Family Day (Ray's birthday, coincidentally) - the Queen wasn't there ... too busy getting over THE wedding.

 Steph greeting the Duke of Edinburgh with a much younger QEII shunning the occasion ... in Ascot grounds

 A few more of the gentry.

 The stands ... one way

 Kathleen in Singapore, getting fresh with a statue, on the night we arrived.  Note the bottle of water - it was VERY hot out there!

 Yes, we braved it - great views but I wasn't too keen when it kept stopping while we were at the top.

 We did a road trip around in this amphibean ... covering the areas that Bob Chen hadn't during our time with him.  We were so lucky!   See one of the very early blogs.

Especially for you Tracey - the butterfly house at Singapore Airport

 Celebrating my birthday belatedly with Keith, Ray, Gina, superannuitant, Glyn, Rose and Steph

Chai - poorly at the time - but much improved now.

Some photos - and if you're really good, there might even be some more shortly!!!

Our hero, Dean (Gabriel's husband) has helped me to get a few photos on here - they may well be out of chronological order - don't dare complain!!!

 

En route from Reading - via Cirencester - to Wales.  A short break, feeding the swans - (from left) Nye, Kitty, Philip, Idris and Gabriel.

Same park, same people ... Rosemary, Rachel and Henry were back at the house, tidying up after lunch.

 

Idris - he can do ANYTHING his big brother can do ... well, almost!

At cousin Ceri and Shirley's - just out of Cardiff.  Ceri about to be attacked by grandchildren Mia and William.

One of the better photos available ... conjuctivitis ... 3 days in.  Love the hairdo.

In the hot tub - with fountains ... Evie, Enfys, Shirley, Mia and Lenka.  No - I didn't break a habit of a lifetime and join them.

Enfys - welsh for Rainbow.  Now aged 2, she attends a welsh speaking nursery so is already bilingual!

Pimms o'clock - Ceri keeping up his fluids after several lengths of the pool and preparing to enter the hot tub.

On to New Mills, Derbyshire - the Reading Chair - Gabriel with Idris and Nye

Daddy (Dean) and his boys.

At Buxton (Philip's birthplace) on the miniature train with Idris and Nye.  Twice round the circuit.

Nye - aged four - a totally competent bike rider ... skids and all ... in full control.  As I add these to the blog, his mummy is doing her  (weekly) 2 hour fitness bike ride with a friend.  They didn't get it from ME!

Nye waiting for Blue Ted and Purple Ted to finish having their swim.  It is a puzzle how they got there.  

I knitted all the great nieces and nephews Teddy Bears a couple of years ago - Nye is never far away from his!!!  Today, for the first time ever, Nye managed two widths of the pool at his lesson without any floats.