Here we go, I'm finally having a go at a proper entry to this new Blog.

I've had a nightmare signing into here but I think I have it sorted now. I've been trying to keep up with my favourite Blogs but I've fallen by the wayside there too. Bloody AOL, I can't forgive them for writing us off like that.

Working from home for Mike has been far more time consuming than I imagined but it's been worth it. I love having my time at home and not wasting 40 minutes every morning travelling the four miles to school. Not to mention the Road Rage, the swearing, finger gesturing and horn blowing it was a disgrace and I think the citizens of Worcester will be glad I'm not doing it anymore!

To be able to roll out of bed at 8am, grab a coffee and catch up with the Breakfast news, followed by a shower and pull some clothes on while the computer warms up and then pop out to the chickens, or feed the cats, or set dinner on to cook inbetween work is just bliss. Although it probably doesn't help to make me any more organised, the reverse is probably the case.

Isabella is growing fast and has developed into a very amusing child, given to the odd tantrum. She started pre-school today and had a small paddy at break time when the children went to the table for their milk and biscuits. She didn't know what was happening and her mentor had just taken another child to the loo. So she started crying and refused to be consolled and wouldn't touch her milk and biscuits. When Mummy collected her, the first thing she said was , "IIII, dddddidn't hhhhave any milk. Sniff! Bless.




Mike and I were enjoying our first day off for two weeks and had a trip to the Snowdonia National Park. I'd discovered on the Internet that I'd never been to Blaenau Ffestiniog, if you mention it to almost anyone, they seem to know it has a Light Railway. Even my daughter knew that, which astounded me. Mike and I have been to places nearby and because the name was so familiar, we thought we'd been there also. Only when I saw photos I knew we certainly hadn't.

On the way we stopped for a coffee and to do some shopping at Harry Tuffins, his supermarkets are legendary in the Welsh Marches. If you've never been to one, well, how can I describe it. Like a warehouse that has all the shops you'd find in a town, only it's under one roof, they aren't all as big as the one at ChurchStoke but, honestly, we nearly didn't go any further, we could have walked round there all day. There are so many things you didn't know you hadn't got! LOL We had the oddest feeling of having been dropped in a parrallel universe!

If you ever have the chance, the road from Dollgellau to Blaenau Ffestiniog, is stunning. We've done other Welsh Mountain roads that have been beautiful but they have been, on the map, the white, unclassified roads. This road is a green road, the A470, I think. so it's an easy drive and the views make you breathless. Cader Idris was wrapped around in a white mist, in the most brooding way, whilst all the other smaller mountains were bathed in glorious sunshine, backed by a clear blue sky.

When we reached Blaenau Ffestiniog, we were a bit concerned that we may not find lunch. It's a place that has suffered an enonomic downturn but there are still several shops there and we were delighted to find the Bistro, which was modern, clean, inviting, with lovely Welsh speaking ladies, who DIDN'T try to make us feel uncomfortable as English speakers. We had a gorgeous lunch of traditional Welsh Rarebit, with salad. Mike had a glass of red wine and I had a Coffee Mocha, with a very large brandy, all for around £15.

We then had a walk around the town. Where can you be in the middle of a town and see scenes like this?


I thought there was a black splodge on the photo and then realised it was a couple of birds flying over.

The town developed through the slate quarrying, which is so evident today and still continues on a much smaller scale.

On the way home way stopped to see the Aqueduct, just outside Llangollen. I walked across to take photos, it was a very odd experience. Mike stayed at the edge, he and heights don't mix! LOL.





This last shot is looking down to the valley of the River Dee, a very long way below!

I've been busy with my Black Country Website http://www.blackcountrygob.com/portal.php
The Gallery, which is my special interest now has nearly 700 photos in it, dating back to the 1850's and up to the present day. I'm trying to photograph as many old Black Country buildings before they are demolished. http://www.blackcountrygob.com/Photogallery/

I'm glad I don't go out to work now but there still aren't enough hours in the day. Hope all the old AOL Bloggers are well and I shall try to catch up and post comments over the weekend.

Linda xx.