Amroth Walk

Today we have been on a wonderful 5 mile walk starting at Amroth.

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Going up Factory Lane, we soon met a few curious by-standers!

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A few steps along the road - hardly any traffic.

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We came to the conclusion that this was in fact a pet rabbit from the

adjacent farm, as he just stood still to have his photograph taken.

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Number 525 just couldn't take his eyes off us.

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After going through the village of Llanteg we made our way down to

Ledgerland Woods, looking ethereal in the muted light.

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There are always ferocious winds causing destruction as they force their way up the valley.

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The pine woods looking mysterious.

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Lots of grassy, muddy paths to negotiate.

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None of us thought it was worth the risk to pick this for their tea!

Does anyone know what type of mushroom/toadstool this is? We would love to know.

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We came back along the road to be welcomed by the stupendous view over Amroth Beach.

The tide was out, there was no wind, the sea was flat and

a few hardy souls were even swimming.

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A wonderful walk, enjoyed by all and ended with a superb pub lunch at

The New Inn, Amroth - a pub worth visiting.

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Ann x

Teddy Bears .....

"If you went down to Begelly today you were in for a big surprise ..."

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St John's Bear here, (that's me on the left).

St Mary's Church, Begelly, were holding a Teddy Bear Exhibition and Parachute Drop!! and also an auction of donated teddies in aid of NSPCC.

Mum took us all there to have a look.

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Bishop Ted - the top one- he looked very important.

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These two above are the ones that walk in front of the church processions.

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We didn't know this chap from the Scout Group as we are too old to join now!

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The organist bear had been practicing very hard.

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The happy couple had their marriage certificate all made out and ready to sign.

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Some more happy bears. Even Pudsey was there. He will be collecting soon.

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These bears had come all the way from Australia. I hope they weren't too tired after their flight. I would have liked to see a surfing bear there actually!

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The choir were lovely, but unfortunately not singing when we were there.

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These other choir members were more senior I think.

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Wish we could have gone on the picnic, they had some yummy biscuits and honey for tea.

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This was our favourite bear. Watkins Bakery make the most scrummy cakes, pies and bread - fresh every day.

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I think the Verger was glad to have a sit down at the back of the church for once.

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I wondered what that sink was for. I hope baby bear didn't cry!

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This was Benjamin, our Mum's favourite bear. No reason, she just liked him best.

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We did not do the Parachute Drop. It was going to be from the top of the church tower and it is the tallest church tower in Pembrokeshire!! We were too frightened, but Mum says she will find out all about how much money they raised to repair it and also tell us about the auction. Koochie, a soft bear from our house, went in to the auction. He felt he would like to go to a new family as he had been left on a shelf for rather a long time on his own, so we hope he is now very happy in a new home.

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We all had a lovely time. Thanks Mum x

Blackheart

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If you have never heard of or seen this duo, then make it your business to do so.

They are brilliant. Very talented, very likeable, very approachable and friendly.

They gave a concert at a local hall in Llanteg, near Tenby last night and all those who did not attend missed a wonderful evening.

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'They' are Chrissy Mostyn and Richard Pilkington.

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"widely predicted to be 'One of the finds of the year Chrissy's voice soars with emotion while Richard's accomplished guitar playing creates the perfect backdrop on which their breathtaking and highly personal songs are painted."

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You can find out about them on their website at www.blackheartmusic.co.uk . They also have a short video on You Tube at youtube.com/blackheartvideo .

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They are shortly jetting off to tour in Australia and New Zealand where they have already found a very good following. We thoroughly enjoyed their music and songs - all written by themselves. Chrissy's voice is just mesmerising and quite unique and Richard's guitar playing is 'wow'.

Not to be missed if they come your way.

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Ann x

Out of Pembrokeshire!

Way back in June we took ourselves off for a few days to Gloucestershire.

Kept meaning to post and only just got around to it.

It was good to look back at the photographs and remember what a nice time we had.

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Gloucester Docks. Like a lot of similar docks many have been transformed into apartments and others are used as shops and museums.

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St Mary le Crypt Church

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"The Tailor of Gloucester" - one of many Beatrix Potter's characters.

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Gloucester Cathedral cloisters.

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One of the many, many beautiful stained glass windows.

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St Mary's Church, Painswick

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We also visited Painswick, a typical unspoilt Cotswold village at the midpoint of the Cotswold Way and also its Rococo Garden.

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Painswick Post Office

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Painswick Church and churchyard is surrounded by the legendary 99 yew trees set amongst its crafted tombs.

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One of the most spectacular features of the Rococo Garden occurs in early spring when snowdrops carpet the woodland floor, so it is well worth a visit at that time.

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"You are taken to a pompous and gilded building, consecrated to Venus for no other purpose or so it seemed that the squire riots here in vulgar love with a couple of orange wenches from the purlieus (surroundings) of the play-house".

So writes Francis Coventry in an essay in 1753 - a criticism aimed at the then owners of the garden who he thought self-opinionated. The gardens were havens of peace and tranquility, a place to stroll and soak up the ambience of the place whatever the time of year.

They still are.

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A garden worth visiting if you are ever in the area.

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Ann x

That's Better ...

Before

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and

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After

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Things did get a bit wet after being left uncovered all night in the rain, but thankfully not too much. All is now clean and tidy (well nearly) and now to get on with the kitchen floor!

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Ann x

Beans, beans, beans ...

We went away for a couple of days!

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Thought I would pick a few beans for our supper!

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Came back in with 4lbs of them!

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As we couldn't eat all of them, we gave lots away to friends.

Plan to freeze some as there really seems to be a glut.

We are practically overrun with them.

They are delicious.

What else can I do with them?

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Runner bean omelette anyone?

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Ann x

Out with the Old and in with the New ...

Yes, they're back again - this time to replace our old, ancient and disintegrating utility room!

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They started in the sunshine yesterday morning ...

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Getting on very well ...

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With a bit of checking-up now and again!

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At about 4.30 they were ready for the new stuff, but some measurements were not correct and the door was a different height to the windows!!! All had to be left. Open to the elements ...

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to be continued ...

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Ann x