Wonderful Wales

Recently I travelled up to South Wales to stay with friends after a very long gap of time . The journey was planned to be easy with one change at Cardiff . Instead it changed because of a problem on the line there . A very kind guard advised getting off at Newport , South Wales where I have enjoyed many changes before . I explained I had a dodgy shoulder and had struggled with my luggage . He responded by explaining I would be met and helped. It was amazing , helped off the train and sent to Swansea where I was assisted on and off . By magic another lady helped me on to the next train to Carmarthen and both the guard and another person were there to help me disembark . I arrived fresh not frazzled and was at last reunited with my dear friend L . Feeling fit we enjoyed a lovely walk along the paths in the grounds of the Carmarthenshire museum . Beautifully sunny and brimming with colourful shrubbery and sadly a felled by the storm tree . There was a lovely cafe with tasty coffee , free tap water which energised us for the shopping we were going to do at a green grocery wholesalers . We went away with sweet potatoes , squash , cucumber , lettuce , avocado, courgettes and an abundance of fruit . I waved goodbye to potatoes, aubergines , peppers and tomatoes ready to embrace my introduction to AIP autoimmune(ity) protocol . Next we went to the supermarket made fascinating by the arrival of summer clothing. We just had to look !

My stay was blessed with some delicious meals eaten in good company . My friend L is an absolute whizz at turning meals into colourful and appetising creations . No starving was involved and I came home feeling lighter and my tummy calmed.

When we went out we enjoyed some treats , iced latte with white chocolate , a lemon sorbet and one day of a picnic from the supermarket where I said another goodbye to food I had craved for ages . I walked everyday and never felt tired out by it . We avoided hills and spent time mesmerised by stunning beauty . I hadn’t realised how much I had missed Wales , but I had missed my friends much much more . It didn’t take long until the committed non singer was full throttle and totally uninhabited on Saturday night . Something was in the air , as J , L’s husband was singing ABBA with enthusiasm . He was recorded for posterity . What joy it is to be with friends where you can totally be yourself !

I slept like a baby every night . L had set me up in a princess pad . I should have taken a photo before I slept in it . Within my room my bed was curtained off and I enjoyed a window seat to sit and daydream . However the smell of coffee soon lulled me downstairs . Some mornings I sat outside basking in the sun. I had been led to believe a few sunny days would come at the end of the week . I wore a hoodie once on a windy walk and along the beach front at Aberystwyth the next day . Most of the time I just wore summer dresses and slip on shoes . The sunshine was welcome and everything looked glorious , the trees fresh and the fields were an abundance of patchwork greens . The sea shone in an array of blues with turquoise tints . It was gorgeous , but even on the dullest days , Wales carries herself well and I always find it stunning up there .

L and I enjoy shopping . We don’t purchase excessively , sometimes not at all , but we love a good look . I came home with some new bedding , a duvet cover in beautiful shades of coral , pink , pale green with elephants and other animals . It is gorgeous and I found another white quilt cover with textured patterns all over it . I was thrilled to get something new . I had already started to plan my bedroom restoration , there is plastering to be done and new coats of paint waiting . I just have to confirm the colour and move the furniture out of the girl cave to stow . This will be on hold as I have my sister coming to stay . More time to confirm colour and to get my shoulder fit for decorating .

I now have the third diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder , after arthritis flare up and torn rotator cuff diagnosed previously . My X-rays have been lost since the walk in wounded appointment so I have a trip to Romsey with an expected follow up of cortisol injection. I am still doing my exercises so I am now optimistic that I will be a new woman soon . Fit and ready for decorating and soon back to my beloved Pilates and aqua .

Back to Wales we enjoyed a day in my favourite place called Aberaeron , a delightful town filled with coloured houses . It is wonderful and has a small harbour being fitted with flood defences so we missed out on the more investigative walks we do around there . I visited my favourite shops , the gift shop I can’t pronounce the name of and the jewrellry shop where I have purchased lovely earrings in the past . We went inside a bright ice cream parlour and sat inside for a coffee . We had a treat but were not temped by the double , triple scoops or lavish toppings . I had sorbet as I really do have to avoid dairy produce. A fun place . We had to take some selfies .

Aberaeron and a pretty valley outside

One of the loveliest adventure was Gwberg , we clambered down to a beach cove amongst three . It was enchanting . The tide was out and the sounds of the sea were invigorating we found a small cave . I am glad it was a dry day and my friend was with me as I could take her hand which was reassuring. After we sat in the sand looking out all around us before we had a drink on the very nice hotel manned by very kind and friendly people . Delicious days spent outside looking out at the sea . We saw a B&M and just had have a look . There was a wonderful olive tree and some very nice garden furniture , the basket chair that would swing if you were able to swing yourself or beg push . We resisted and went home .

Gwberg

At the weekend we set off passing Aberaeron towards Aberystwyth to walk around and enjoy stunning hills and the old tin mine . The roads were tight in places so care was needed to negotiate passing considerately . There were a troupe of bikers out enjoying the scenic route too . I loved the rivers surrounded by steep hills , the sheep out munching and the endless shades of green . We did find ourselves suddenly in a small town and thought how amazing to live so close to such countryside . In Wales, a car is a must as there are long distances between places but the main roads are smooth and in very good condition . On the whole drivers are very considerate and the views and space is spectacular .

Devil’s Bridge and surround

I had a gorgeous time away , sang my heart out , walked in magical bluebell woods and saw a heron twice , two partridges walking along the road , baby ducklings guided by a patient mother duck . The best part , winning tops, was seeing my dear friends again and that my friends is priceless .

Bluebell Woods , 2 partridges on the road dicing with death