Posts that Didn't Happen: November 2025

And finally November (after which normal service shall resume!)

Another month of rather mixed weather, so nothing really happened Van-wise (every time we thought of doing something it would start pouring with rain!).  Although we did have at least one rather gorgeous sunset down on the prom:

In other news, I may have overdone it on the Lego - had already indulged in the Christmas Alpine Lodge set (which I'd had my eye on for a while, as an addition to last year's Holiday Main Street), then talked myself into the LOTR Rivendell too.  

(And of course then I saw some other Lego sets I'd been looking at on sale, and the rest is history!)

Life otherwise just pottered along . . .

. . . did a bit of 'work', sorted some stuff for charity / sale online, gave blood, ordered new glasses, participated in an ONS survey (vouchers for which mostly funded the Lego Santa's Sleigh!)   . . . and completed my Rivendell mega-build.

Later in the month, there was the usual trip across country to visit / stay with family, this time with some added dog-sitting for one night.  She was very good, spending most of the time asleep, as she's a bit of an old lady now.  Although she still managed to take us on a nice long woodland walk!

Diverted to Stratford-upon-Avon on the trip home, got to admire the Christmas lights, enjoy an evening out, and a bit of shopping.  Then home again to think about putting up our own Christmas decorations.

Posts that Didn't Happen: January 2025

And on to January 'proper' . . .

After our festive wanderings, it was home again, home again on New Year's Day - welcomed back by a (possible) view of the Northern Lights.  See picture of 'reddish' glow!

Within the week the weather began to turn really cold, and we even had a smattering of snow - which morphed into ice on our country roads, keeping us home for a couple of days or so.

Van 'planning' continued despite the weather, with various plumbing bits being ordered, kitchen units measured up for, and electrical work actually underway.  Here's a view of the 'in progress' electric control cupboard.

Later in the month we were heading back across country again, fitting in a birthday visit to Stratford-upon-Avon along the way.  A few days with family, sorting out medical appointments and other bits and pieces, and enjoying some Moo time (not sure she appreciated her Dad's attempt at hair dressing!). 

Home again to yet more stormy weather - although 'Eowyn' was far less destructive in our neck of the woods than 'Darragh', and our new prom lights made it through unscathed:

By the end of the month, there were even signs that Spring was on its way, with some early daffodils appearing in a sheltered spot down the road from us.   

Looking forward to some warmer days ahead . . .

Through Hell and High Water

Well 'hell' might be a slight exaggeration, but there was certainly high water!

On the way to Stratford (en route to pick up the parents for Christmas) - water, water, everywhere - driving through rivers of it.


Got to Stratford safely in the end, and had a nice evening, admiring the lights, drinking cider, and eating curry!








On to Cambridgeshire - more Christmas lights, and time to catch-up with family before the journey back to Wales.


Food, wine and chat - watched by one very hungry little dog . . .

September Meanderings

September is holiday time too, and in between chopping, grating, stewing and boiling things from the garden, we managed a few days away visiting family.

First stop Stratford (this time with the full wheel) - a wander round town, a few pints, a curry, and some shopping.








On the way there we revisited Coughton Court - a beautiful tudor house and gardens - and what would have been a lovely cream tea, but for the hordes of hovering wasps!

Moved on to Cambridge on the next day - stopping in Coventry Ikea along the way for a free cup of tea, cake, some excellent views from the cafe - and (from Martin's perspective) too much shopping!







Nice evening in Cambridge - including a drink in the pub opposite my old place of work at Shire Hall. 

In those days we'd go out for a lunchtime pint (although I was usually on the 'snowballs') - how times have changed!

Next morning it was wedding business with my sister (trying on her dress - no pictures allowed!) before heading on to March for the main family visit (and to meet up again with Martin - for some reason he wasn't interested in wedding dresses).


Visit to Peckover House with the folks - lovely house as ever, beautiful gardens / greenhouses . . .









. . . and some fantastic book / paper sculptures on exhibit . . .

The hotel we were staying in was another blast from the past as well - overlooking my old infant / junior school.

All in all a nice few days - time to go home again . . .

Not the Full Wheel

Another trip across country to visit family, stopping off in Stratford along the way to break the journey.


Walked round by the river, where they were busily putting together the ferris wheel (presumably for the summer season) . . .





. . . had a few pints, and polished off a curry!

Moved on the next morning for a couple of days with the folks - more sorting through cupboards, clearing out things from the garage, enjoying time with family - before heading back to Wales again.

Days in the Sun!

Last few days of our holiday, and we were off to visit family - with a stopover in Stratford on the way.

The weather was still beautiful, and the drive through the Welsh countryside was stunning.

Along the way we also took the opportunity to revisit Brockhampton Estate - just as picturesque as we remembered, but so hot!

It felt even hotter when we got to Stratford - and our Travelodge was baking (no air-conditioning), although they'd done their best to keep the room as cool as possible.

At least by the evening it was a bit fresher outside, and we had a nice walk along the river - enjoying some the cooler air before we had to return to our Travelodge oven!


The next day we were moving on to visit family, where (thankfully) our room in the local Wetherspoons had air conditioning!


Wandered round the old home town (a walk or two might have taken place during World Cup football matches!).

Also took the folks for a sunny day out to the Suffolk village of Lavenham - very picturesque with its half-timbered medieval cottages and historic Guildhall:

All in all a nice (if rather hot) end to the holiday . . .

On Safari

Well maybe not quite a 'Safari', but an overland trip round the country for work and leisure, encountering a variety of (almost) wildlife along the way.

Here we have Lego beasts in Cardiff Bay . . .

. . . an upturned 'crane' near Llandrindod Wells . . . .

. . . and a 'Dirty Duck' by the river in Stratford-upon-Avon

Concluding with swans on the Nene in Cambridgeshire (they are there, you can just see the wake!):

Did actually get some work done, enjoy a few sights, and meet up with family too!