Posts that Didn't Happen: June 2025

And so to June - unfortunately the first half of the month was not so great in the end - I had some back pain for a few days (to the point where I invested in a heated gilet thing), then I got a cold, and then Martin caught it too.

We eventually concluded that I'd probably picked up Covid from somewhere, as we were both completely wiped out - kept having to go back to bed we were so tired - and it certainly lingered for a good few weeks after. 

On a positive note, we had some lovely weather, and inbetween naps managed a bit of garden pruning, and some slow walks on the prom.

And - drum roll please - the water lily in our garden pond, finally decided to flower, after nearly four years of leaves.

By the middle of the month we just about had enough energy for a trip to Aberaeron / Llanerchaeron - had a wander in the sun, a spot of lunch, and checked on progress with the sea defences (still not finished!).

There was another 'birthday' celebration and catch up with old colleagues - this time a 60th for the Department of Information Studies at the University.  

Then towards the end of the month, we took the Van across country again to see family - helping out with shopping and appointments etc., although we wilted a bit in the English heat.

Did enjoy a very pleasant visit to the Elgood's Brewery Gardens, where Martin found enough energy to steer Mum's wheelchair at speed round the maze, before we had a cooling drink in their rather swish on-site bar.

With all this going on not that much of any note happened with the Van, Martin tinkered with the electrics, I made some cloth covers for one set of overhead cabinets, and we pondered next steps . . .

Walking in Sunshine

A couple of days in Cardiff - arrived mid-afternoon and decided to take advantage of some actual sunshine, and go for a walk round the Bay and over the barrage to Penarth.

On the other side we enjoyed a drink sitting on the terrace of a rather posh eaterie looking out over the Bay before making the return journey.

The next day wasn't quite so nice weather-wise, but I had work things to do in the morning, and we did a bit of shopping - and by the afternoon the weather had picked up a bit.

Nice to see Ianto's Shrine still going strong down on Mermaid Quay, and the Bay looked lovely in the evening light:

Time on our last day for a visit to Ikea to buy some bits and pieces for the Van Project, and of course indulge in a plate of Swedish meatballs!

Then on the way home we got to see a bit more sunshine at Aberaeron - where work on the sea defences is still in full swing, much to the detriment of their tourist season.

Sunshine and Sea Defences

With the sun shining, it seemed like a day to do something, so we loaded ourselves in the car and headed off to take a look at what is happening in Aberaeron.

Unfortunately it was a bit on the cold side walking around, and a lot of the shops - and our other 'go-to' location, Llanerchaeron - were shut.  

We had a bit of a wander though, taking in the views, e.g. scenic bits of 'tree', and checking out the ongoing work on new sea defences, which had closed off a lot of the harbour side:

The harbour itself was also quite empty this early in the year - although we did spot some young seagulls taking it easy on an inflatable dinghy!

In the end it wasn't a long trip out, and we were back home for a late lunch - hopefully they'll get the work round the harbour done before the summer season kicks in.

Playing Ball

I could probably have titled this 'Autumn Sunshine' as that was really what it was about - a lovely sunny Sunday, and a trip out to Aberaeron and Llanerchaeron to take advantage of same.

But then in Aberaeron, there was this dog on the beach enjoying life with a ball . . .  although it (the ball that is) did look a tad deflated!

And at Llanerchaeron, the current generation of boisterous young pigs - no piglets today - were busy nosing a ball around their pen.

All in all it was a beautiful day, and Llanerchaeron was looking lovely in its autumn colours, with the ancient apple trees, covered in moss and bracken, glowing green in the afternoon sunshine.

Hafod and Family

End of May family visit, and not the best few days weather-wise, although we did get to see some sunshine on a trip out to Aberaeron . . . 

. . . where we spotted this cormorant stretching its wings.

Of course, on the day our visitors went home the sun came out properly, and on the bank holiday we had a beautiful day out round Hafod, enjoying the sunshine.

The light through the trees was really something to see:

Birthday Visit

With lockdown finally relaxing, and visitors to Wales now 'legal' - time for a family visit to celebrate another 'special birthday' . . .

The weather could have been kinder perhaps (managed to rain on us more than we would have liked) but we did have one sunny-ish trip to Aberaeron - spookily found pictured (well the Harbourmaster anyway) on one of Dad's birthday cards . . .

At least the sun shone for the birthday celebrations (barbecue in the garden), and we got out and about a bit despite the rain.

And wasn't he a cute baby!

Last Day Before Lockdown

Well now we're supposed to be "socially distancing" - limited trips out and about, pubs and restaurants closed, even the leisure centre has shut its doors (no more swimming for the time being).  The prom was very quiet yesterday on a sunny Sunday, although elsewhere people hadn't really taken the concept on board, with  'unprecedented crowds' visiting some areas of Wales!

Today (one of my non-working days) was just as nice, so with Martin needing to pick up a work vehicle in Aberaeron, I went along for the ride (and to drive our own car back).

Had time for a short wander round a largely deserted harbour - except for a man and his two dogs, who were enjoying the water - and the local jackdaw population squabbling over scraps . . .

Back home again, and tonight Boris was announcing a 'lockdown' - now we have to stay at home and can only go out for essential shopping and a single solo exercise session.  At least we have the garden, and some rural country lanes for our daily wander . . .

Mae hi'n heulog . . .

Last day of the holidays (bar the weekend), sun shining, and a lunchtime trip to Aberaeron, for chips (and ice cream) . . .




Took a few photos - mostly following this heron around seeing who could get the best shot (I'll give that one to Martin).




Finished the day with a sunset walk along our own prom (my shot!)  . . .