Monday 23 June 2014

Welsh Sunshine



We both needed a break from the relentless avalanche of correspondence we are having to deal with re my mum leaving her own home and going into a residential care home, and selling her home. Every day now for about three weeks we have had a pile of letters from estate agents, solicitors, utilities companies and pensions agencies and local council. Everyone wanted a certified copy - not photocopy - of my Power of Attorney, several of them had more than one department who didn't communicate with each other. The estate agency's solicitors sent me a contract which stated that my mother was deceased - where they got that from is nobodies business, certainly not from me! It was quite distressing I can tell you. So we thought we would go and chill out at the caravan.

It was the best idea. Sunshine from sunrise to sunset. The top photo is the view which greeted us early each morning. We put up the awning - I shall draw a veil over that experience! - sat in the sunshine, had a day out in Brecon, Jim went fishing, I had a wander round Llangattock, and caught up on some stitching, and we went out for a couple of dinners with friends. No broadband, no phone calls, no television - bliss!


I had a tramp around Llangattock, the little village where we keep the caravan. No shops or anything else, really, but I found this little gem of a hotel hidden away. We enjoyed a very pleasant evening meal  there on Tuesday.


Jim heading into dinner


The little marina at Brecon




We walked along the tow path in the bright sunshine, for three miles. The round trip was about five and a half miles longer than I would normally walk, so I was quite pleased with myself - every step counts, as they say!


We rather thought we'd like to live in this house - except when the river floods, of course, as it has  once or twice.


A nod to the mining industry in the area, now no more, for better or worse depending on your view-point.


We were hailed by this lucky couple, chugging along sedately in the sunshine. A quick wave, then they were gone.


We dined overlooking the River Usk, watching the evening rise


Jim at the entrance to the Llanwenarth Hotel where we dined with friends on Wednesday. 

The peace and quiet of the four days away was just what we both needed. We are getting to know our way round a little more now, and have plans for our return later in the summer.

24 comments:

  1. Sounds lovely! Sometimes one just needs to escape - a sort of "stop the world I want to get off" and this sounds like just the job to refresh and revitalise so you can return and continue with the everlasting problems of 21st century living! Glad you had a peaceful time and how lovely that it's all there if you feel like running away again later.

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    1. It is truly a lovely bolt-hole. We do have a portable TV but keep forgetting to bring a digital aerial! We don't care. Thanks for popping by! Lxx

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  2. it all looks wonderful. Our week in Wales in May, was cold, wet and windy. If only we had some sunshine.
    I'm glad you enjoyed the break from such a frustrating and wearisome business.

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    1. Oooooh, Kath, and we had such a lovely May in Norfolk! Yes, it would NOT be quite the same experience in prolonged wet weather I have to say, though we have been there when it rained one day and I didn't mind at all, just read and sewed - I think Jim had gone rising - and he didn't mind either! Lx

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  3. Beautiful area isn't it. We went there last year whilst doing some family history. Know what you mean by the paperwork, I know they have to get things right but is it often too overwhelming for words. Take care, plough on but remember to take time out.

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    1. Hi Dc, yes, the paperwork is exhausting, particularly when they don't listen to you! But we have time-out planned here and there, and hopefully the house sale should be over and done with . Lx

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  4. sounds like you've had a lovely break to recharge your batteries - sorry to hear about your woes with the paperwork - it must be awful for you and you must get tired out but hope your mum is happily settled - are you an only child? it has occurred to me that you may be and that means that it all falls on your shoulders and that's quite a responsibility!!! take it easy when you can - loving this weather at the moment!!! xx

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    1. Hi Lynne, yes, I am now an only child, my 'big sister' Diana dies three years ago this September just before her 68th birthday, and we had been sharing mum's care, so it is all down to me now - thank goodness for Jim, he picks up the letters calmly, toddles upstairs and comes down with answers in triplicate for me to sign. And the sunshine did me the world of good, thank you! Lxx

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    2. so sorry to hear about your sister - that is so very sad - for everyone! but very glad that jim is so good at helping you out - sounds just like my husband - what would we do without them and what would they do without us!!! we are off to glastonbury this weekend - i never thought i would say that!!!! - please let it be dry!!!!!! xx

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    3. Oh my goodness! How wonderful I hope the rain holds off and you have a great time - but let's face it, it wouldn't be Glasto with a bit of mud!! Lxx

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  5. That trip looks like perfect bliss and every moment was well deserved by you. I hope when you returned home that "things" slotted into place and will soon be completed.
    Jo x

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    1. More of the same, unfortunately, Jo, but another few weeks and we should be there. Those four days were really great.Lxxxx

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  6. It sounds gorgeous Lynne, and a very well deserved rest for you both. I hope that you manage to wade through to the end of the paperwork involving your Mum, my Dad and his sister have been doing the same thing and it was quite traumatic. Official departments never seem to communicate with each other and it was made more difficult with Gran moving from Devon to Suffolk and Dad living in Wales! Sending you hugs x

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    1. I find the relentlessness and often incompetence of these departments (some of them) quite mind boggling. Never mind, we will get there. Hugs much appreciated!! Lxx

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  7. I wondered when you would find the time for a much-needed break away, so pleased you have had a chance to unwind and recharge the old batteries. I'd like to live in that pink house too, and the narrow boat holiday looks so peaceful and charming and basic if you know what I mean. No hassle from traffic, peace and quiet most of the time, getting back to nature in a way. Why people would choose to go to Ibiza and sit barbecuing themselves in the hot sun is beyond me!

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    1. I do enjoy the sunshine, Edwina, but I prefer it with the green leafiness of the British countryside than sandy beaches. I have several friends, mostly from my musical exploits, who live part time and full time on narrow boats, much envied by me, as you might imagine. Lxxx

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  8. Your few days seem to have gone well, next time you come across let me know and I will come and find you. I have been to Brecon for an afternoon and loved it, minmd you I have not been anywhere that I did not like yet. Apart from the BHS loo.

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    1. Hi Pam, yes, I haven't been anywhere in Wales that I haven't liked - mind you, we are pretty choosey! I love the bit about BHS loos! We are a few miles away from Abergavenny - don't know if that is a feasible drive for you? Would be lovely to meet up. Lxx

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  9. I am glad you have managed to get some quality time away from the ever increasing paperwork. Your batteries no doubt have been recharged and will able to tackle things a lot more easily now. Take care xx

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    1. Hi Chel, yes, it was a good break away and we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Lxx

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  10. Sounds blissful and well deserved. Went to that area years ago when the children were small and stayed on a farm which they loved.Fabulous scenery.
    Gillx

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    1. Hi Gill, the scenery is wonderful and we were so lucky with the weather. I am getting very fond of the area though my preference is for north Wales. Lxx

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  11. Oh Lynne, hope you're ok. Mum didn't have a home or any savings but I still found the whole process of her transition from her own home into care difficult. Such an emotional time....hope you're relaxed now :) x

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    1. Getting there, Ada, a painful process but we are getting there! Lxxx

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