Dale, Pembrokeshire

Dale is an unspoilt village in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The traditional activities of agriculture and fishing still take place and have been joined by tourism as a major aspect of the area. ~ Yesterday (Valentine's Day) our U3A Walking Group set off in some rather misty weather! ~

Our walk is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast path and took us up to the headland

looking towards Milford Haven docks where vast tankers load up

with LPG and oil.

~

The coastal fields are already ploughed, ready for some spring planting (don't know what in this exposed place) and the soil is looking rich, dark and healthy.

~

When we reached the halfway point our romantic leader produced a heart-shaped box of chocolates for everyone to share (bless!)

Naturally no-one refused!

We all had a jolly, happy walk and ended with drinks and lunch at ...

The Griffin Inn, on the harbour front in Dale Village.

~

Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day.

~

Ann x

(if you click on the photos you will get a larger, better image)

New Laptop ...

Just making sure that I can still upload pics to blogger.

Still learning to use my new 'wonder' laptop with Windows 7 and Office 2010.

Although I have used computers for years (over 20!), then I knew what I was doing, now I am miles behind, so have been trying to understand the many tutorials.

I try to keep up with modern technology, but don't have close access to a 10 year old!

My young grandsons don't live nearby unfortunately!

Can you keep up with it all?

~

Gratefuls:

1. Internet tutorials

2. Long-suffering Other Half.

3. Faster internet speed!

~

P.S. Just burnt the top of the apple crumble and set the smoke alarm off!

Popped it under the grill to brown up the top and spent too long on the tutorials!

~

Oh well! Ann x

Disruptions!

Arrgh!! They're back again.

The road/traffic disruptions.

Digging up roads and pavements, wielding loud, vibrating, pneumatic drills.

Bending your ears with noise and filling your eyes with dust!

~

Does it happen in your town?

There was so much going on I turned it into a photographic session!

~

The more it goes on, the worse it gets!

~

I'll be glad when they've used up their Council quota and got it all finished!

~

Ann x

~

Gratefuls :

1. Lunch in front of afternoon TV bowls!

2. Getting rid of frustration to my lovely bloggers!

3. Camomile tea!

Remember Warmer Days!

As its only -1 degrees here, I thought it would be nice to remember

some sunnier and warmer days!

~

Coffee and brandy by Fuerteventura Harbour

~

Can't get much fresher fish!

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Lobos Island

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Happy holiday memories.

~

Gratefuls:

1. Cinema trip with friends (War Horse)

2. Central heating

3. Homemade soup

~

Ann x

Out of Pembrokeshire!

We have been visiting the very Victorian Llandrindod Wells,

Builth Wells and Elan Valley in Powys,

come with us .....

~

We stayed in the Hotel Metropole, Llandrindod Wells,

rather faded, plush, Victorian (part updated) and very comfortable

~

Lots of interesting buildings

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Holy Trinity Church

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Town Centre shops

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Down a side street

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Victorian columns

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Row of Victorian houses

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This vine had completely engulfed the railings outside the hotel.

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Elan Village, Elan Valley, Powys

A wonderful walk up to the snow line.

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The snow line

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Above the snow line in the hills

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Moss struggling through the snow.

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Builth Wells, Powys (formerly Brecknockshire)

On the lovely River Wye

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An unusual memorial bench - dragon included!

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Lovely avenues of trees

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Power blasting the all-weather pitch after the footballers had gone!

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Still quite a lot of snow about.

~

Hope you have had a good few days and are not suffering from the cold too much.

~

Gratefuls :

1. Special hotel offers

2. Lovely sunny weather (but cold)

3. Cosy bed and duvets

4. Warm partner

~

Ann x

Before The Rain!

It has been raining solidly all day,

so here are a few memories of the days before :

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St Mary's Church, Carew Cheriton

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Wiseman's Bridge panorama.

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A sunny trot along Saundersfoot beach.

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Walking from Wiseman's Bridge via Colby Woods.

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In Colby Woods.

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Checking the route.

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We had a beautiful walk and were grateful for the warm sunshine, not seen for a few days, and for the sauna that we had afterwards.

~

Good memories to keep us warm and happy today.

~

P.S. Did you watch the phenomenal Australian tennis semi-final and Final?

Where do they get their energy from? - Wonderful!

~

Ann x

Today's Gratefuls ...

~

Read Lou's post here and you will understand what I am writing about.

It is good to make you think about what you should be grateful for.

I will try to do it often. I hesitate to say 'every day' because I don't think I would manage it.

My Gratefuls today :

1. That first cup of tea in the morning.

2. Meeting with good friends and having a happy time.

3. Having such a wonderful Other Half.

What are your gratefuls?

~

Ann x

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know its very late, but Happy New Year to all you lovely bloggers.

I have been trying to catch up now we are home again.

A great holiday, but back to normality now.

Loads of washing done. Loads of ironing done.

Loads of memories to look back on. Here are a few

~

Cocktail anyone?

~

A desert friend. Part of the King's Day celebrations in Corralejo on 5 January.

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Yellow buoys in New Harbour, El Cotillo.

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Surf line at El Toston, El Cotillo.

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"I told you the tide was coming in!"

(Bit of a disaster in Corralejo!)

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More later

~

Ann x