To Wales and back ...

We went to Wales to meet up with PJs new sister........ over by Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire (the western tip on the south coast).

I haven't been to Wales for twenty odd years and, as we would be in the area we used to visit, was looking forward to seeing a few old towns.
We travelled along the Motorways, so there was no viewing of the old towns and cities until we reached Swansea, where we stopped for 'coffee and cake'.  A little further along the motorway and we branched off towards Carmarthen.  We passed the place where PJ caught the bull - a story for another time - and on into the Welsh countryside we drove.

Special cake

We reached the Church in the early afternoon, and found  L & R waiting for us inside with a welcome cup of coffee.  They were a very friendly couple and we spent a fascinating time chatting and looking through photos, some which L had made into a book, discussing how we had reached this point.

View from the Bathroom

L never knew she had other family so PJ explained how he had been searching for his birth Mother for several years, not knowing he had a sister.

They told us about the Church restoration, R cooked a beautiful Lasagne for tea and after some more chatting, we retired for the night.

Next morning we chatted more and then left just after lunch, having decided we would travel back along the B roads.




 We travelled at a gentle pace through the Welsh countryside, me taking photos and reminiscing, until we arrived close to Worcester.

We pulled over to call our friends N & E, who happened to be at home, and then stopped by to chat for a couple of hours.  By now it was dark so we came straight home.

BTW ......  did I tell you that there were two little dogs and I wanted to bring Tilly home but no-one would let me ......

Tilly

Twiggy

Boulevard Solitude - Welsh National Opera at Birmingham Hippodrome

Our first taste of proper Opera, at least that's what we thought!!
N and I had decided to find out what it is all about so off we went tonight.
We had a meal at our favourite watering hole -  Wetherspoons

It was chokka in there which was unusual for a Thursday, but then inside we found out that half of the ground floor is closed off for refurbishment!!!  The good news is that it was Curry Night!!!
We sat eating, talking and drinking when suddenly it was 19.45hrs and the show started at 20.00hrs. ....
We nipped across the road pretty sharpish, having to stop on the way to have a hug from the doorman - long story ....

Then inside into our seats, the couple sitting next to us were friendly and chatty while we waited for the show to start.

For a synopsis of the show go here otherwise here's a few piccies .....

Modern, full Orchestra and ...

Sex, Lies and Opera ..

Loved it!  Gotta go and see a classical one now - maybe next year ....

Colour Change

A new hairdo works wonders.  I always tell my hairdresser that she is a miracle worker .... changes PlainJanes into PrettyPricillas, but a change of colour makes for a new person ...
I have changed not just the style but the colour ....



If not now ....  then when?


I thought of Spring and all the different colour flowers ....


the need to brighten things up round here .....

It's a bit frightening .......

But good fun .....


Just love the colour and style ........






.... and it's only a £1 from Poundland!!  he! ho! he! ha! ha!  ROFL   he! he!

Birmingham Building Site

I haven't been into town for ages, the work on the new Metro line had just begun - the roads were closed off.

Now I learn that the buses have been completely re-routed, cars are not allowed in and well, it looks like general chaos!

This was the view alongside New Street Station.

 The view towards Colmore Row in Bull St.

 The view from the opposite direction.





The rails are going down, the Metro is coming to Birmingham for definite.



The view towards Colmore Row in Bull St as of today.

Ephemera - Crafting goodie alert (Look away now!)

Did I mention that when we went to Shilden we walked round the trade stands?  Well, when you've seen all that you want to see and there's another two and half hours to kill, trade stands can look interesting!!
On the Hornby stand I found a pack of Train Stuff.

Only £6 pound so I bought one, thinking cards.  While I was sitting down waiting for PJ, I opened up the packet and was amazed by the contents.

There were Cigarette cards .......

.... postcards ......

..... advertising material .....

.... maps with pictures ......

 ....  half size postcards ......

.... even a children's puzzle leaflet .... with answers on the back page! ....

.... and these are just a few!!!

Well, the more I thought about this pack and its contents, the more I wanted to send a note to the Company to tell him how pleased I was and also to suggest mentioning Mixed Media on his site.
So I did and while I was there .....
I ordered a few more!!!
It was a special offer!!

Sunderland .... and the trains...

We descended from the coach some ways back from the Museum but it was dry so the walk proved not to be a problem.

As we arrived at the trackside we noticed the photographer was all set up and then we heard the whistle  .........
 .... along the track came the Mallard, one of the engines we had come to see.

We could see the trains (The Great Gathering) as we approached the entrance all lined up outside.  Two of the engines were in steam which was a pleasant surprise!


We were allowed in through a side door so didn't have to queue, and we wandered round looking at all the displays.

Some were right old and in a clean but worn condition.

There were the usual trade stands, I bought some Ephemera and collected leaflets as usual.  PJ bought some badges and books.




There were some Royal carriages dating back to 1840.    It was fascinating to look inside, the tiny bed was a shock!  Every room was laid out as though waiting for someone to enter, even though it was all pretend.


I did like the fact that the Museum catered for the children, there were games to play, model railways on show, and even the wagons set up for the little ones.


We had something to eat outside at one of the caravans, they had a tent to one side for eating in and we sat there and enjoyed the most delicious Fish and Chips I have had in a long time.  I suggested they came home with us and taught our local fryers how to cook proper fish and chips!!!  We left after about four hours and wandered back to the coach.  The queue was enormous, at least an hour and a half waiting time long and there were still people coming down the walkway.

All the passengers arrived back at the coach and we left an hour early so that meant we would arrive back at the collection point earlier than planned.  The wonderful driver that we had made sure everyone was dropped down wherever they wanted which meant that the last two couples - us and another - were dropped at the railway station so we could catch our bus home.
What a fantastic weekend!