See the curtains hanging in the window,
In the evening on a Friday night
A little light shining through the window,
Let’s me know everything’s alright
Summer breeze, makes me feel fine,
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.
I’ve been humming this song for the last few weeks as the sun came out and there was better news about a family worry. It’s been a busy time with a lovely Walking Well Walk around Dinefwr. The day was none too bright but the company made up for that with sparkling chat and coffee and cake outside Newton House at the end of the walk.
The walkers met at the top of the entrance drive to Dinefwr and walked through the fields up to the castle where the views stretch out along the Towy Valley. In the distance the ruin of Dryslwyn Castle stands atop the next rocky hilltop.
After enjoying a walk from the castle through the woods and along the board walk we ended up near Newton House passing on our way a new garden enterprise set up in the old ticket office- more wonderful plants to tempt one!
Another long day’s drive took us through the beautiful heart of Wales, the centre of Manchester ( the satnav went wrong!!) and to our destination Oldham. We were collecting some car parts. We enjoy the visit as the workshop is packed full of old cars, machinery and everything old, however, the journey seems to take longer every time we go!
Finding a shorter journey for a day out we drove to the Hafod Estate, near Aberystwyth. Although it was a drizzly, damp day we had a wonderful visit.
‘The Hafod Estate was designed in the late eighteenth century by Thomas Johnes and it soon became an essential destination for visitors touring Wales in search of “wild nature”.
The area was all ‘ picturesque’ and quite beautiful. There were many walking trails but we chose ‘The Lady’s Walk’ as it passes waterfalls, fields, streams and it was the ‘less strenuous’. It was a great walk and most enjoyable, however, we should have noted that if we walked downhill to the river there was a possibility that somewhere along the line there would be an uphill stretch! We found it- right at the end! Jim’s knees were squealing!! However, after the climb back to the car, from the bottom of the ravine, and a chocolate and coffee from the flask, we both warmed up and started planning our next visit here!
I loved all the heather…can you tell!
I loved the church, the woods, the river, the sheep baaarring the way and the waterfalls too!
Of course, visits to Aberglasney must be included in my posts. The Gardens have looked stunning throughout the summer and amaze visitors with the colour and splendour of all the plants in the borders.
There are also added attractions as every Sunday the Bonsai Group meet in the Piggeries and share their knowledge with any interested visitor.
There are art and craft exhibitions held in the mansion throughout the summer. The latest exhibition is stunning…as always: Andrew Douglas-Forbes and Rhian Nest James
Back home the garden has run the rest of my life! So much to do, mowing the grass, cutting back, but most of all enjoying the summer breeze!
Speckled Wood on burdock plant 
The ‘fernery’ looks bright and colourful in the summer!
crab apple tree overloaded!
The Pond Field has become too overgrown and my lawn mower won’t cut it all as the buttercups have taken over! I’ve done the best that I can though!
Before cut 
Before cut 
After mow 
After mow
Lots more field to do and lots more garden to enjoy!
Hope your summer is breezing along happily too. Thank you for reading.
We followed the road around the perimeter of the common where all the sheep roam freely and passed through the village of Felindre into the fields beyond.
Lovely to see buildings like this alongside fields full of sheep and lambs and a grazing horse, who was not over impressed with seeing us all.
Never liking to waste a moment on our days out we stopped off on the train journey home at Shrewsbury to spend a couple of hours. Such a lovely town full of character and interesting shops!
Really enjoyed visiting Aberglasney to see David Cowdry’s new exhibition. It was wonderful as usual and there were many paintings that I just wanted to tuck under my arm and bring home!
Jim’s favourite painting.
I didn’t have a chance to photograph my favourite painting as David was busy chatting to friends in the doorway to the room where the beautiful woodland scene and owl was on display. Never mind , I’m going back to see the exhibition again before the end of the week as it’s too good to miss!
It’s Summer and that means getting out and about and enjoying all the events and visits before autumn creeps in!
My legs started to ache on the last hill up through Llandeilo!
Visiting another pal, Jayne Russell, at her wonderful exhibition in Aberglasney Gardens 
Unexpectedly, we discovered a Welsh chapel in the centre of Birmingham!
