Us with Billy in 1971

fly

very much a sedentary Bear these days.

in the first of the the new Dr. Who series he says he will be back in 5 mins, the little girl rushes away sling a few things in a small suitcase including a Bear. Puts on her wellies, a coat over her nightie and a hat on.

I wanted for us, her & me, to fly away, fly away to somewhere safe to indigo skies, therein to curl up.

very out of order indeed

Seemed to have missed out our birthday last May. Here I am by a stream with a furry friend. We had a lovely picnic.

away

It seems after having decided no big aways, no air travel etc that I am going.

Going that is to sunnier climes via Cardiff.

Will report back. hope the body/face hold out.

a bit out of order

been sorting out the photographs and find these. A little house sitting near the coast last NOVEMBER! A host of animal: chickens, dogs, cats, guinea pig, tortoise. And there was a brand new camera about...

really travelling isn't my thing these days a little on the fragile side. But did find myself stuffed in a plastic bag and lugged around on the bus this week. Not entirely dignified, but needs must.

Christmas

A Very Rare Thing: Christmas away from home. I found myself spending Christmas with my new friend in Dorset - with whom I had spent so much time with in the autumn. Oh yes she was there too, not gadding off to warmer climes like last time. It was delightful. The weather was bright and frosty. And we were not forgotten by Father Christmas.

travelling independently!

Two weeks after my arrival in Dorset, I find myself travelling with my new friend, to yet another familiar place from the far distant past - in fact the first place I ever holidayed when not even six months old!

Cornwall, right down at the far end just north of Penzance. Fine views and lovely flowers.

after having been down there very peacefully for a week, she turns up; after three weeks. The small friends appear to have been on travels through France and Spain with her.

early autumn, dorset

I find myself once again in a suitcase and hauled off in cars and trains. This time my first visit to Dorset in over 35 years (memories of dampness, tents and seaside fog, also people paddling in wellington boots).

I am introduced to another mature Bear.

Then she's off and leaves me there!

Then October comes......

spring visit to winter

Having been a bit quite thought there should be an update, as travels have occurred beyond the weekly commute.
A visit was made to north Wales, having not been there for some 36 years or more there was a little bit of excitement! She has been several times in recent years, alone. This trip was for a memorial and celebration of the life of someone close to the family.

Nant Ffrancon (above)

Cwm Idwal (above)

as usual it was a bit grey, though mainly, on the saturday the weather was dry if very very windy. Snow on the tops.

I didn't travel to the hight bits, above Cwm Idwal, where the ashes were scattered and the boots hung up to rest. Though some close friends did.....see below

Scattering of ashes (above) Friends (2 rabbits & a bear) (below)

Am pleased to report that the accomodation at Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel was very comfortable.

our stockings

rough times

Not an entirely an easy month or so. A sad time. Which inevitably leads to difficult nights. This Bear has been on the floor many times, flattened under pillows and generally hurtled about.

A holiday, imminent, is being planned, will I go?

Nanteos Mansion

a trip was made to Nanteos Mansion, near Aberystwyth. An elegant place most suitable for a Bear. I had borrowed from the public library Malcolm Pryce's third novel on Aberystwyth - The Unbearable lightness of Being in Aberystwyth, excellent reading. A delightful room, with extensive bathroom was found for me, but disapointed that no-one arrived to light the open fire. Ah well.


2 bathroom details below:



In the morning I wandered along the front of the house finding comfortable places to reside, and watched the sun coming up over the hill. A charming vista.




Beautiful old kitchens, though a distinct lack of servants - at least it was quiet.




Nanteos Masion website here

unthinkable

something quite unthinkable has happened: I have been left behind when I would usually go. I suspect that we are both a bit lonely. Ho hum.

afternoon tea

I sit in great expectations, I am at Fornum & Mason's about to take afternoon tea with friends. Even she is going to smile, I think, in pink; even though we both know that there is some one absent who may have enjoyed the event.

if you would like to see a large album of photogrpaphs of the event do take a look here

to london, to london: some new aquaintances

a multi-occupancy house



damp cat: Greg (with three legs)

more from Capel Crannog

there was a choir practice all day on saturday; she took part in a rather terrified state.



I stayed over at Lou's parent's place as buses don't happen north of Aberteifi on a sunday, and we didn't want to miss out on afternoon tea.



the vestry was decorated with flowers and a huge spread of tea appeared and was enjoyed by more than 30 people...and me.

Midsummer's day with Lou at Capel Crannog

I was invited to an afternoon tea celebrating the begining of a community art project at Capel Crannog in Llangrannog, Ceredigion. The artists creating and organising the project are Louise Laurens and Jacob Whittaker, together they form Gwrando

if the video doesn't play please click here

afternoon tea with french fancy

Dangerous Times

For probably a couple of months, or more, night times have not been restful or that safe for a Bear. She is unhappy and does not sleep well. I find myself squashed, upside down, bent double, under a pillow, tangled in bed clothes or even on the floor with no immediate retrieval. I am not such a young and fit Bear and it is wearing - probably literally to my stitching. Dangerous times indeed.

Brittany

A very pleasant trip to Britany was made in early May. Wonderful food and drink seemed to be in constant supply. Stayed in an early 17th century house, along with large puppy, 2 kittens and 2 cats. Holy wells visited.
A good time had by all.