Pembrey, South Wales

We have recently returned from a week staying in a beautiful cottage on the outskirts of Pembrey, South Wales.

It was wonderful even though the weather was a little 'Welsh'....dull, windy and damp at times.  There were several fantastic beaches to explore within a short distance of the cottage.  The best for us was the beach at Pembrey Country Park.  It was 7 miles long, with a huge expanse of clean, flat sand when the tide was out and a small strip of fine sand when the tide was in.   Lucy loved running up and down the beach searching for bits of seaweed to chew!

Richard, a long time friend, spent the first 2 nights with us.  He had travelled all the way down from Skye to see us and other friends and family.  It was great to catch up with him.

One day we went to see Dylan Thomas' house and stopped for a cream tea on the terrace.  Lovely (and sod the diet that day!).  On the subject of the diet, I have now lost 1 stone.  I have deliberately done this very slowly as I am not a fan of crash diets (in fact, I am not a fan of diets, full stop).

BBQ weather

Although it is raining today, I thought I would record the fact that we had a second BBQ of the year at the weekend. The main reason was that we had invited my step-mum over for lunch and she does like a BBQ.  It was warm enough when the sun was out but a little chilly when the clouds came over - hence the need for the cardigan.

Christine was looking forward to her feast but Lucy was looking on in eager anticipation!

The blackbirds are still nesting in the foliage behind Christine.  For the record, it is Euonymous that is growing up the fence.  It has been there for about 24 years and has made a brilliant covering for the fence.  Last year I put some manure under it and it has really taken off this year!

Garden wildlife

For the first time in a couple of years, we spotted a hedgehog in our back garden tonight.  
Nice to see it as they are so much in decline these days.  Also, our blackbirds are busy with their nest again so we are hoping to see a second brood of birds in the coming weeks.