In The Pink

I am sorting through old digital photos, as we have a new computer and organising them is long overdue, and I came across this taken in Wales a few years back.  We had gone for a dog walk along the cliff and I peered over the edge and caught this seal taking some time out on top of a pile of seaweed and rocks. Eventually he heard my camera after I had taken a few shots and looked straight at me. Feeling bad about disturbing him we moved on; no animals seem to like having their photo taken.  It was a wonderful moment to witness though and after our departure he returned to the business at hand, taking 5 and worshiping the sun.

We had a great trip to Conwy Castle yesterday, more images to follow, but something I particularly noticed was the use of red sand stone as a decorative feature on archways, doorways and around the fire places. This is something I had not noticed before at other castles of the time. The stone is softer and as such can be sculptured to greater effect and the colours and marble patterns through it are stunning. The designer of this castle was master castle builder James of St George who worked on many castles on behalf on the then King Edward I. We have visited serval of them and while they share attributes they all are all different places to experience.

Today is Day 1 of our weeks holiday. We are not going away as such but will be making the most of the amazing surroundings with a good few day trips as well as getting some jobs done around the home. This afternoon we are going here... the amazing Conwy Castle, although I don't think the weather is going to be like that. We will however enjoy exploring a new castle, and travelling the beautiful road through North Wales. I shall report back on our day later. Image Credit: Cadw

A lush, sub-tropical-style, oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland’s most popular botanical attractions. NTS  Inverewe Gardens & Estate We visited these gardens late September last year and I couldn't believe how many plants were in flower. The whole estate is somewhat sheltered supporting the many delicate blooms and sub-tropical plants that grow there. It was an amazing day out in yet another amazing part of Scotland.

One of our holiday highlights this year was taking the dogs canoeing for the first time. Given their size they need one each! So we headed out for the day to a still and quiet location to give it a go. I think you will agree with me that they enjoyed every moment! We probably wont be trying it on rivers or canals with busy tow paths but its good to know we can all have a day on the water in a nice quiet spot, and they get to join in with us, which to them is the most important thing.

Well our advent calendar is up! Now don't panic, we are not that Christmas mad! It is a calendar counting down to our Scottish Holiday for Christmas week, as seen here. When my sister and I were little we used to make count down calendars to all sorts of things, just to help us count the days down and somehow make them seem to go quicker. Well it was something Mr Dancin' and I took up a few years ago to count down to our summer holiday. We had a cover image like this, a map of the area we were going to, and then doors opening up each day onto pictures of things relevant to our holiday. The first attempt went a little wrong and each image behind the door was slightly out of shot but it made us giggle trying to guess/ remember what they were! Well today I decided to do another calendar counting down the 64 days until we head to Scotland! Again I have used a map of the area we are off to and each image behind the doors is something significant for us. We were discussin...

Last month we had our summer holiday planned for Wales and got the tent and camping kit out for our trip. Unfortunately on arrival in Wales one of the pups became unwell and we had to return home. (She is fine now, just an old lady.) So we put our efforts into planning events for our 'staycation' so that we still felt the benefits of a good break and didn't get caught up in home chores and I have to say I think we did a very good job of it! The following photos summarise the holiday and most of our activities. St Beuno's Church, Clynnog Fawr The pups enjoying a play on a beach between Beaumaris and Puffin Island on Anglesey.  Battle re-enactment at Rockingham Castle , Vikings vs Saxons, as performed by the Vikings of Middle England Rockingham Castle Gardens Biplane Flyby at Rockingham Mr Dancin at Rockingham The National Memorial...