January 18 Botanic Garden of Wales and Antiques Fair January 18, 2012

Over the weekend we went to the Botanic Gardens and their Antique Fair. Maybe it was the bright, sunny frosty day or  the free entry that brought hordes of visitors to this beautiful gardens….we were lucky enough to sneak through the traffic jam easily and shnuck into a hidden parking space quickly and quietly before anyone saw it! 

The walk through the gardens was wonderful…. the drifts of snopwdrops were delightful  and the borders all look spruced up ready and tidy for the spring flowering that’s sure to come.

Drifts of snowdrops following the path

 

Inside the dome where the antique fair was held

The antique fair was held inside the dome……an inspirational place to visit but enhanced by the treat of antiques on show!

 Jim bought a micrometer and I purchased two cushions made with Laura Ashley pink hyacinth material……so we were both happy!

 

Many stunning plants were in flower

 

On the way out we went into the Tropical House- which has really developed. Many varieties of exotic plants are on display....trouble is my glasses steam up with the heat and spray!

 

The Gardens  have free entry all through January and next weekend there is a Food Fair- again with free entry….sounds too good to miss!

 

 

 

January 17 Walk round Llansadwrn January 17, 2012

Such a lovely, frosty  and bright day we went off for a walk before house cleaning, fire making and odd jobs got in the way!  We went up the hill towards Llansadwrn and turned off to Felindre where we had a long conversation with a  householder  who has just had  their garden hedge laid….it all looked very neat and professionally completed. We continued onwards until we came to a friend’s house….they were busy too…watching some of their trees being pruned…as the branches were causing too many shadows across their newly installed solar panels. We took the name of the tree surgeons as we need  a branch of our  yew tree pruning….another job!! We followed the footpath through our friend’s garden which led us to the top of  a local hill which had marvellous views over the countryside with Pen Y Fan in the far distance.

Rose flowering in friend's garden January 2012

 

View over the Brecon Beacons towards Pen Y Fan

 

We followed the footpath passing a line of wonderful mature oak trees and then descended a hill towards another friend’s farm….and meeting their alpacas, who are kept for their wool for spinning / weaving classes held in the village. What fun and excitement they were turning their best sides to be photographed and jumping , turning and following us down the hill towards the farmhouse.

 

'appy alpacas!

 

Jim in meaningful conversation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving the farm we  continued on down the lane to the site of an old historic chapel- Libanus. The chapel is in the process of being carefully restored and looked after.

 

Libanus chapel surrounded by magnificent monkey puzzle trees

 

We followed the road back through Llansadwrn, past the church  and the school and back down the hill  until we reached home after a good two hour walk around the neighbourhood.

 

 

January 3 Happy New Year-A walk in Mumbles January 3, 2012

Happy New Year to you all. Hope all your celebrations went off well and you had a great festive season.

 I expect everyone is just like me- trying to sort out the house after all the Christmas activities and trying to make decisions about the Christmas decorations…..should I take them down now and  drag the Christmas tree through the house spreading needles everywhere or should I leave them up for a few more days  collecting dust!  As I’ve had a bug this last week I’m going to leave them up until I have more energy!

Feeling rather wan and in need of a walk we decided to go to the Mumbles- pity about the wind, rain and cold but it was very exhilarating   and I do love the seaside- whatever the weather!

Anyone for a swim?

 

After our walk alongside the sea on  the site of the old Mumbles Railway we went back into the village and enjoyed a delicious Leek and Potato soup in Treasure ( brilliant shop ). My day was complete after looking in all the new shops that have opened in Mumbles over the last year- it was all very busy as the sales were on.

 I just had to have a quick look in the new Joules and luckily I had my Christmas voucher with me from my son and daughter-in -law- so I was able to buy some brilliant items at half price on the sale….just what I needed to make me feel better!

A perfect ending to a lovely day out at the Mumbles and a perfect beginning to a New Year!

 

December 20 Christmas Greetings December 20, 2011

It’s been great this week to catch up with many of the visitors who have stayed in Lletty Cottage throughout this year. We have received some brilliant emails and some wonderful photos and heard lots of news. That’s the best thing about having a holiday cottage you make loads of new friends.

Giny and Dirk sent their greetings in Dutch:

PRETTIGE KERSTDAGEN

&

GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR

and they sent some brilliant photos taken whilst staying here:

Front of house taken by Dirk and Giny

 

 

Front of house taken by Dirk and Giny

 

 

 

 

 

Klaas & Betsy sent us seasonal  greetings too and a photograph:

Photo from Klaas and Betsy

 Terry and Liz sent us all their news from Canada and great photos of their trains…one of them bought whilst on holiday here…Jim was so envious!

 

 

Flying Scotsman

 

Caradoc

Thank you to everyone for sending us your news and Christmas greetings.

 

 We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and wealthy 2012.

 

December 7 Dinner at Castle Hotel Llandovery December 7, 2011

Dining area decked out for Christmas

 

We had a delicious dinner out yesterday at the Castle Hotel  Llandovery. It is under new ownership ( a family run business called ‘Taste Inn Wales’) and has been completely renovated over the last year.

Roaring fire and comfy sofas and yummy food...heaven!

Their phone number : 01550 720343

 

December 7 Aberglasney Winter Fair December 7, 2011

Sweeties for sale

Well it’s come and gone… and it was the most wonderful occasion. Fantastic craft  and food stalls, poeple wearing costumes, choirs singing, mulled wine, mince pies,  hot food , Christmas plants, good cheer all round  and even dry weather (after the downpour on Friday night!) – a brilliant way to start the festive season.

Christmas cheer!

 

 

 

 

 

A happy bunch!

 

 

Christmas tree in mansion

 

 

 

 

November 29 Visit to Talgarth Mill November 29, 2011

Jim listening to the guide describing the workings of the mill

Another day, another visit out!  This time a 55 minute drive in the opposite direction to our visit to Picton Castle- through lovely wintry scenery past Brecon and onto Talgarth. We were attending a Brecon Beacons Tourism meeting which was being held in the mill.

Taken from their website www.talgarthmill.com

The Talgarth Mill story aired on BBC1’s Village SOS series on August 10th 2011.

Opening Times
1st May to 30th September Daily 10:00am – 4:00pm
1st October to 30th April Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm (in Winter, first Mill tour 11 a.m.)
Please note: Cafe closed on Mondays throughout the year.

 

We enjoyed a talk about the b-bug initiative in the Brecon Beacons- more can be found here:http://beaconsbuggy.wordpress.com/

A b-bug hiding from the rain!

After the meeting we went to the cafe and had a delicious lunch then we enjoyed a walk around Talgarth even though it was raining! We went in the Tourist Centre and found some very interesting booklets on walks around the town and area. We shall definitely return to Talgarth in the summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 28 Picton Castle Winter Fair November 28, 2011

At the weekend we had a visit to Picton Castle to their Winter Fair. Picton Castle is just a 55 minute drive away from Lletty Cottage. It is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year but especially at Christmas!

It was a wonderful occasion with lots of stalls  to buy all those extra special Christmas presents. We saw Jayne Russell on her stall with all her great paintings and  many products for sale : www.jaynerussellart.co.uk  

We   went on   into the castle which was breathtaking. The  decorated Christmas trees in many rooms were stunning and to add even more glamour to the already beautiful surroundings there were many costumes from the Royal Ballet Company on display too.

One of the beautiful ballet costumes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

November 28 Aberglasney Winter Fair / Ffair Aeaf November 28, 2011

Busy, busy, busy….everyone at Aberglasney Gardens is busy getting everything ship shape for the Winter Fair. Last year’s event was cancelled due to the wintry conditions: snow, ice and freezing cold! So this year everyone wants to enjoy themselves and make it  the best Winter Fair ever!

Cleaning every nook and cranny

 

Sparkling shiny places

 

The decorated Christmas tree in the mansion

 

Taken from Aberglasney website Date: 02 Dec 2011

Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm

PREVIEW EVENING FOR SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY
“Dewch if Ffair Traddodiadol Aberglasne” Experience the excitment and unique atmosphere at the Winter Fair. Wander through the Mansion and grounds with over fifty stalls selling crafts, gifts, Welsh food and drink and lots, lots more.

To add to the atmosphere all staff will be in traditional costume with entertainment from Pibau Planed throughout the evening.

Every visitor will be welcomed with free mulled wine and a mince pie to help them get into the festive spirit!

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a wonderful weekend.

Croeso Cynnes i Pawb/A Warm Welcome to you all

 

EVERYONE WELCOME ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 3rd and 4th 2011

Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm

To add to the atmosphere all staff will be in traditional costume with entertainment from local choirs, bell ringers, wandering minstrels, a silver band and dancers.

Performances are as follows:
2nd Dec
- Pibau Planed (6:30pm) – Preview Evening for Season Ticket Holders

3rd Dec
- Court Henry School (11:00am)
- Cor Merched Tybie (11:45am)
- The Water Wheel Choir Aberdulais National Trust (12:30pm)
- Cor Merched Tybie (1:30pm)
- Baggywrinkle and Friends (2:15pm)
- Skewen Tonmawr Ladies Choir (3:15pm)

4th Dec
- Crwbin Silver Band (11:00am)
- Baglan Handbells (12:15pm)
- Crwbin Silver Band (1:30pm)
- Dawnswyr Llanarthne (1:45pm)
- Baglan Handbells (2:45pm)

Every visitor will be welcomed with free mulled wine and a mince pie to help them get into the festive spirit!

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a wonderful weekend. Normal admission rates apply.
Croeso Cynnes i Pawb/A Warm Welcome to you all

 

Hope to see you all there!

November 13 Carmarthenshire Tourism Awards 2011 Lletty Cottage November 13, 2011

We were thrilled to be short listed  as a finalist for this year’s Carmarthenshire Tourism Awards.  We welcomed the three judges to look around the  cottage a few weeks ago and on Thursday 10th November …all dressed up in black tie  etc. we arrived at Stradey Park Hotel Llanelli  for the award ceremony.

It was a glittering affair with lots of  delicious food, presentations and performances. Only Boys Aloud (Cross Hands branch) entertained the gathering with some outstanding singing..which all set the mood for the award presentations.

Only Boys Aloud performance

Our category Small Self Catering Accommodation finally arrived and with a drum roll we were awarded  with   BRONZE .

 

This is a magnificent achievement for us and we are as pleased as punch!