Winter is Back

Winter is back or so it seems! The last day of March has been a memorable one, snow on the hills, sleet and snow here and freezing gales. I turned Cola out into his paddock but was worried sick about him. I needn't have been because when I went to check on him mid day he didnt want to come in and he was warm and dry under his rugs.

I had my 9th dose of herceptin today so I am officially half way through, only another 9 to go - yipee!

I was a tad fed up with my body and the weather though because my plans to ride and/or swim were scuppered by both - typical.

Off to the dentist tomorrow to get my front tooth sorted out and made to look pretty. I should have had it done last year but my cancer treatment delayed things slightly!

Our Weekend Break

We travelled 150 miles to Winfield Centre Parks in Cumbria. Cumbria has been hit by the worst flooding in years with bridges being swept away and two lives lost, one of those being a Police Constable. We were amazed that the centre remained open and even more amazed that despite staff shortages due to the extreme conditions, we were hardly affected and the staff moral was amazing. The picture above is of the "village" centre which is surrounded by the lake. The lake was lit up with the most spectacular lights. They even used fake snow and decorated all of the log cabins with Christmas wreaths.

All around the centre were lit up and sparkling reindeers in various poses. This particular reindeer being hugged by Harry was on the way back from the village to our log cabin.

The bridge over the river was decorated, Harry, Chloe and Joe are ready for fun!

I loved the swan on the lake the best especially as the wind bobbed it around. It was spectacular.

Our first meal out was at a resteraunt called Hucks. The staff were excellant as were the conditions for the children. They provided a childrens buffet which they could help themselves too. It included pasta, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, beans, chips, nachos plus other things. There was also a play area for children which kept them entertained. From right to left we have Harry, my husband Jason, me, Jan, Joe and Chloe.

I was like a child on Christmas day all weekend.... I saw the first red squirrel in 25 years! They are endangered in this country and far, far prettier than the grey squirrel. We also saw a woodpecker right outside our door, grouse, and even a Hare! Seeing such wildlife brought me so much joy.

The next morning brought a visit to Santas grotto followed by abseiling....... I will tell you more tomorrow.

Flood Warnings

"Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink" (unknown) - my Nain taught me that saying

Britain has flood alerts, mainly in the southern part of England and Wales. The rain is pouring down really hard and everywhere is damp and soggy.

Nine years ago, the River Alyn burst its banks and the village was flooded. They have since carried out extensive works to the river to prevent such a thing happening. Water damage is so destructive and the germs, smell, decay, damp - not healthy at all. So I feel really sorry for those under threat of flooding this weekend.

A year or so ago, a chap was walking his young dog, a golden retriever by the River Clywedog in Bersham which runs at the back of my mums house. The dog jumped into the river but the current, caused by the heavy rains dragged the dog under and despite a frantic rescue attempt, the dog died.

We also have to be careful of mass erosion around river banks, with edgeways disintegrating into the river, one could lose ones footing very easily.

I am in my home, drying off having been soaked whilst tending to my animals. Poor things had wet homes too so I have been busy replacing bedding, and fortifying their homes against further dampness. I owe this to my animals because I have the freedom and ability to care for myself whereas they do not. Animals come first!

My husband and number one son have gone horse riding! The lessons were cancelled due to the muddy and dangerous field conditions so they were offered a hack out. The price went up of course so we had to decide who would ride and who would not because it is an expensive business. Harry decided he wanted to stay home with me and look after me...... his friend called around and now he has deserted me for him - children!


Ah..... these newcomers into horse riding! I grew up riding, mucking out, standing on the muck heap to warm my frozen feet, riding in the rain and getting chilled to the bone! I have the benefit of alot of experience and I wouldnt go out riding in this weather!