House of Cats Continued …

Now have Richie S. Peeps – all black, and whilst a bit more timid than the other two, he’s just as inquisitive.

Isn't he lovely!

Les X

Houses of Commons, Lords, and Cats!

This blog is a bit late for the end of November, but who’s counting … Jeff & I had a very interesting trip to the Houses of Parliament early November, as lunch guests of our MP, Geraint Davies. We then went into the public gallery in the House of Commons, where the MPs were discussing various issues concerning the Welsh Government. We also managed a visit to the House of lords, to hear the tail end of a debate about TV advertising. I was surprised how interesting I found it, but it probably helped that I could relate to both matters. And the Lords still has some great traditions like the speaker sitting on the Woolsack, and at the end of the session proceeding out behind the mace. Well worth a visit if you are that way inclined.

Before we came back to Swansea we had a chance to take in Westminster at night, and took some pics of each other, as well as other views when we took a leisurely stroll over Westminster Bridge & back,
including the London Eye.

That’s the ‘dry’ bit over & done with, now for the fun, as we have two, soon to be three, new additions to the household : Gabriela Matilda, Monica Blaze, and Richie Peeps (no, the Peeps wasn’t our idea!) : Two girls and a boy all around about 6 months old, not related but the girls are very similar, both black & white.

So far the girls appear to be settling in well, that is if the fact that they have knocked over a vase of flowers, broken a plate, tried to get in the fridge amongst other things, is anything to go by! The names? Well, they had already been given Matilda, Blaze & Peeps, but when we went to choose them the girls were being very cheeky so you can probably work out the rest. On the other hand Richie is partly after Dad but not really sure why I thought of it. He’s all black and sadly lost an eye during a very severe bout of cat flu, but he’s still cute and gets on well with the girls. And as there are three of us, one cat each!

Les X

Autumn Break

Just a few days away over half term break and yet again in Mid Wales but with a difference … we stayed in Barmouth, not Tywyn. Had a pleasant drive, and found a road we’ve never been on before from Brecon up to Newbridge-on-Wye. Finally over Nat y Moch Reservoirs with its fine views of Cardigan Bay in the distance as you drive down the other side.

Our lovely guest house was just round the corner from the harbour. (And better still, less than 10 minutes walk from the best pub! First evening was open mike night and as it happened the co-owner was playing his sax, and persuaded me to sing. Did Fever which went down very well despite, or possibly because of, all the interesting words I made up!)

One slight disappointment was that the train line was closed as they were doing repairs to the bridge over the Mawddach Estuary which put paid to our planned ride round the coastline. But we actually managed to do a bit of walking instead (“surely not?” you all cry in unison!) Firstly just round Barmouth, with a ferry trip over to & back from Penryn Point. And the next day we used a book from the B&B and picked a walk which was, needless to say, one of the shor test, easiest, and all on the flat, but with the possibilities for seeing birds - we were lucky enough to see some Jays, and more unusually Reed Bunting in winter plumage.

On the way ho me we went via Penmaenpool, a good vantage point for birds on the river where it is still tidal, which was very evident and we’d certainly never seen the banks so flooded before. And of course we dropped in on the Talyllyn Railway, Wharf Station to be precise. Saw Edward Thomas pull in whilst we sipped coffee, sitting on the platform in the sunshine.

Les X

PS Because of Jeff’s late start and working til 9 in the evening, we tend not to get up too early, so it was quite a shock to the system having to get up each morning so as not to miss breakfast. I need another holiday to get over it!

... and a Peacock!

Sunday was as usual wonderfully restful with a great breakfast cooked by Harry (who, and quite rightly, ate a lot of it too but apparently not as much as his Dad!) But the highlight without a doubt was a visit by the Glover's new ‘pet’ who over recent weeks has taken a shine not only to the garden but also likes to go and sit on the kitchen floor - well, whatever turns you on! Les X

A Party ...

Another lovely weekend in Leicester, this time to celebrate both Rich & Ros’ 60th birthdays.

The ‘surprise ’ party on Saturday wasn’t exactly, as they both knew there was something on, but they didn’t know what, or who had been invited. Son Harry kept them in suspense a while longer by taking them on a circular tour lasting about 20 minutes when the direct route would have taken about 3! So I know they were both pleased (and probably a bit relieved!) to find many family & friends waiting to congratulate them, and a great evening of food, drink, chatter - and skittles! - was had by all. Les X

August Break – 1 party and a wedding

We had a very enjoyable few days over the third weekend in August, as usual packing in as much as possible …

To Swindon on the Thursday, stopping at the Travelodge. Visited the Beehive for old times sake – dead! Well, we did at least bump into someone we’ve not seen for years, but it was very quiet in there (and awfully expensive!) Went shopping in town on the Friday and managed to get everything we wanted, including 2 pillows and a doublesheet!!

Party Friday night – Lynda’s 50th. Had a good natter with Ged, Sean & Mickey, and a few words with Lynda but she was busy circulating. Even had a dance – our ‘usual’ Dance the Night Away by the Mavericks (did they do anything else?!) Didn’t stay too late as had an early start.

Saturday up at 7 – yes, you read it right, Lesley up that early and I must admit I find it hard to believe myself! But needed to get to Leicester by 10.45, and actually made it in time for a quick coffee before setting off for the venue, to enjoy one of the loveliest weddings I have ever been to. The day finished with a ceilidh, and Jeff persuaded me to dance more than once. On the final one he managed to trip me up (not difficult as this was copious amounts of wine and lager later!) Still got the bruises to prove it!

Leisurely Sunday and the usual wonderful breakfast-cum-lunch with Rich & Ros. Pleasant drive to a Travelodge half way between Leominster & Ludlow, with a short stop at the churhc in Tenbury Wells where Mum & Dad were married. It promised a pub opposite, unfortunately yet another casualty in the long line of pub closures, so it was the Little Chef instead but with a very passable bottle of red wine so not all bad. Monday, home via Ludlow for a coffee stop & a walk round, and a short stop off at the church in then a quick visit to Cherry in Gloucester, long enough for Jeff to set up her ‘new’ PC and printer. And finally home, phew!

Les

Annual BBQ - Apres le deluge

Took ages to clear up - lost count how many loads of washing up! - but great barbie. Fine night, loads of good food, music and conversation. Must do it again next year!

Les X

Annual BBQ – The Preparations

The invites were sent out a while ago, some by e-mail, some by post, some by hand. Over the last few years you may have noticed that I use a picture of a flower – usually one taken in our garden – for the invitations.

It might be a slightly quieter affair this year as quite a few of our friends are on holiday. On the other hand it could well be noisier as there might be more singing and playing as it can be easier to arrange when there’s fewer people.

Jeff as usual has been an absolute gem – through his efforts the garden looks lovely, he’s done most of the shopping, and will do the rest tomorrow.

He made a very pertinent comment this morning when he said putting on a BBQ makes us pay more attention to the house & garden – just a shame about the rest of the year!

Les X

Ian & Karl's Big Day

Jeff & I went to Ian & Karls Civil Ceremony on June 25th - please click on the attached link for my account of the day

http://www.lesleywaltonpolitics.blogspot.com/

Les X

One Wonderful Week in Wales

There are some holidays that are average, and some that are a downright disaster from start to finish, but fortunately last week we had the one that was mostly magic.

“Where did you go?” you ask.
“Tywyn” I answer.
“Haven’t you been there loads of times before?” you ask.
“Yes” I answer.
“So why keep going there?” you ask.
“Because it’s worth it.”

I’ve been going there since 1969 (no don’t count the years - it’s too frightening!) so there is obviously something that keeps luring me back. If for no other reason I now find it a great place to chill out & relax. We’ve done B&B, hotels, camping, but over the last few years we’ve hired a caravan at the same site at Rhydyronen right next to the Talyllyn Railway, so we even have steam trains to enjoy – now what more can you ask!

So if you have never been to mid and north west Wales I strongly recommend that you do. True, it’s not as spectacular or magnificent as the Swiss Alps or Rockies, but it is just simply beautiful. And yes, it does rain a lot (and there’s nothing worse than a day of fine drizzle with low mountain cloud obliterating the scenery!) but the rain just makes the scenery that more green & lush, and when the sun does come out it’s really worth the wait. And as well as the scenery (and no I'm not being paid by the Welsh Tourist Board, honest!) you have castles & gardens, sheep & cattle, birds & wild flowers ...

And maybe it was the way the weather panned out that made this week one of the best – started a bit chilly and a lot overcast, but gradually the rain and high winds went away and our last day was bathed in sunshine with a truly amazing sunset, which we watched overlooking Cardigan Bay at Barmouth.

What a way to finish a holiday!

Les X

Jeff & Les’s London Adventure – Birthday Blog Special!

Jeff has now reached the age when he can get his bus pass so to celebrate we went to London for a few days, where we sightsee’d & photo’d, ate & drank, all to full capacity.

A few highlights in words & pics …

We managed to get there in time to see the later runners in the London Marathon and as a one-off experience crossed over Tower Bridge when it was closed to traffic. Found an interesting bar south of the river – The Draft Inn – serving up some unusual beers, got talking with a friendly couple (who for some reason had an inflatable kangaroo!) and after eating strolled back and took some fine evening shots of the bridge, and Tower of London. Finally back to the Minories, a pub just a few yards from our Travelodge.

Monday had fun travelling on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to East London – found the house I shared with four fellow university students in 1973/4 – and Greenwich where we ‘did’ the Maritime Museum etc, and took various silly shots of us straddling the Meridian Line. On the way back did a bit more of DLR, passing the partially built Olympic Stadium on the way to Stratford & back – Jeff has put in a number of bids from synchronised diving to archery, and the opening / closing ceremonies. We stopped off at Canary Wharf, had a meal - nice bar, shame abut the food! - then went to Bank station near Threadneedle Street, and walked back to the Minories and a relatively early night.

Tuesday was the Eurostar to Brussels experience, beginning with St Pancras Station – has to be said they have done a really good job of it. Caught train OK – plus side? comfortable and fast; minus side? it almost immediately goes underground more or less all the way to south of the river, and of course under the channel, and even overground it’s not exactly the most exciting journey. The Midi station in Brussels is quite a way to the main square, so we taxied there to save a bit of time (also very warm). Very pretty architecture and pleasant strolling round, managing to squeeze in a couple of beers, of course. Walked back – interestingly the boulevard near the station almost all Moroccan men outside their bars & shops. One final drink opposite the station, and an uneventful trip back. Before it got dark, back in London for one last bit of sightseeing. We found Florin Court which is used in Poirot series as the block of flats where he lives, and a quick beer in the pub, Sutton Arms, round the corner. Back to Tower Hill to another pub, The Cheshire Cheese, that we had passed the previous night, for some beers and a late snack – they were actually civilised enough to be serving food til 10!

Final day, a bit of fag having to dump luggage at Liverpool Street station, but once done had lovely trip on the river. We then finished off our trip with the most expensive lager of the trip – £5.40 for a fairly weak & tasteless pint! But fortunately it was made worthwhile by the most delicious pizza we’ve had in a long time in a little Italian restaurant on Whitehall.

Les X

PS Would definitely recommend the Travelodge we stayed at – basic but comfortable and not too noisy as long as you don’t mind hearing the odd mainline train going by. Slight downside – you can’t leave luggage there after you’ve checked out but numerous plus sides : within spitting distance from Tower Hill underground, and Gateway for the DLR; also Weatherspoons pub, Goodmans Yard, for a decent but inexpensive breakfast, and some good ales, with other bars within easy walking distance. And if that’s not all, just yards from the river for trips on the Thames, and both Tower of London and Tower Bridge. What more can you ask for!

Les' Laws

Just a quick blog as you've already had one this month (generous aren't I!)

Jeff & I have decided on a few laws we will introduce when we are running the country, so here's the first one : we are going to fine people who have signs up that are not true eg outside their pub or restaurant etc saying ‘Open All Day’ when it's not, or leaving a sign up after the event has gone (although it has to be said our local in Swindon wouldn't have been the same without all the out of date posters - some of them by years!)

As you can see this is a win-win situation - either we can trust signs or we get some cash every time they are false. Good wheeze, eh!

Les X

PS This has nothing to do with it being April 1st

Birthday Weekend

Just a quick extra blog about my birthday weekend …

Isn’t it lovely to sneak off some times, although Jeff & I are getting very predictable, as we went again to Tywyn. Daffodils, not all out but enough, and ‘little sheep’, with plenty of mums-to-be as well. The last lot were the funniest – they all came over to the gate where we had stopped as they obviously thought we were the farmer, come to dish out some nosh!

And birds too – a red kite flew just above the car as we were driving along, and a buzzard went for a walk in a field right next to us - no, I don’t know why they do this either! Plus in woodland one of my favourites,





the Treecreeper was doing it’s treecreeping right on cue just a few feet away, and on the coast another great fantastic sight watching Fulmars sweeping in & out of the cliffs.

Back last night – three such short but wonderful days.

Les X

‘Hold that note - forever!’

OK I’m exaggerating but the number of times I’ve heard conductors in the past go on, and on, and on … well you get the picture, about breathing, or rather not breathing. I have thought on many an occasion that this could be slightly counterproductive as the choir one by one drops to the floor through passing out, so I have come up with a simple (but probably totally frowned upon) solution – breath whenever and wherever you like!

This does come, however, with a couple of riders

• make sure it is not noticeable – no gasp, no obvious heaving of shoulders, not that you should breathe that way when you are singing, but sometimes old/bad habits die hard
• if possible try to avoid doing it at the same time as everyone else. OK, first rehearsal it’s quite likely that this will happen, so agree with your neighbour when's best for each of you – when you are singing one of Handel’s lovely but literally breathtaking runs, I defy anyone in the audience to notice if you each take a quick breath but in different places.

If you disagree or have any other thoughts, all gratefully received.

Les X

PS Shocked aren't you - I've managed to keep to my New Year's Resolution and do another blog entry! I bet you can't wait til end of March!!!

Happy New Year, and here’s the weather!

Well, yes this greeting is a bit late but just wanted to be different. And I thought I’d start (!) the year by commenting on the nation’s favourite topic – the weather. Generally speaking it is the opening gambit in many a conversation. But why?

For starters I think we talk about it so often because it is so unpredictable, and I suspect because of the geography and size of our British Isles it may well be the only place on earth with quite so varied weather patterns. So when we meet someone in the street we can say ‘it’s gone very cold again’, or ‘isn’t it mild for January’ and ‘great weather for ducks!’ I’m sure you can all think of plenty more stock phrases like these.

Then there are the unusual extremes of weather we can get. In 2010 we had two of the hardest winters probably ‘since records began’. (Have you noticed how news presenters love to say this!) This of course gives everyone plenty to talk about, or more like whinge about – ‘why there’s not enough salt, grit?’ etc etc. (I do think it’s a bit unreasonable when some people blithely quote ‘they have snow but manage to carry on as normal’ about other countries. Of course they do because they KNOW IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN so not surprisingly they can prepare for it and are used to it!)

Which leads neatly to my final thought on this subject (for today at least). Oh what fun we can have when the weather forecasters get it wrong. It’s more than 20 years ago but we still hark back to Michael Fish when he patronisingly assured a viewer that no hurricane was on its way. Since then he has tried to make out his words were taken out of context - apparently he was referring to Florida. Unfortunately for him it matters not if this is true because for Jill & Jo Public watching the forecast on TV he got it well & truly wrong!

Les X

PS This year’s resolution – to write something in this blog once a month. Don’t hold your breath!