There's something very reassuring and traditional about Bank Holiday weekends. So far, our weekend has been a classic. Andrew finished work on Friday afternoon and we went to the garden centre (TRADITIONAL ACTIVITY NO 1) to select some bedding plants. Enjoyed ourselves and came home with a selection for our pots and tubs out the back. Dithered about the weather forecast (TA No 2) as it had been lovely all week but was apparently set to take a turn for the worse. Had a long debate about whether or when to have a BBQ (TA No 3) . Decided to sleep on it.

Saturday, decided to risk a BBQ and went to Tesco. Shelves stripped by locusts (TA No 4 - see also Christmas shopping requirements) especially meat aisles and any ingredients that could be used outdoors. Huge piles of charcoal being sold by door. At home neighbours clearly visible inspecting and cleaning BBZQ implements (TA No 5) - again, mostly men.

Saturday night enjoyed a lovely BBQ (although I was wrapped up warm in a jacket). Fantastic. No Bank Holiday weekend is complete with out one. Did sweet potatoes in the embers, and mackerel parcels grilled with lemon and rosemary. Also asparagus spears. Dogs were very wary of hot apparatus but enjoyed sniffing around us at the table.

Then rounded off the evening in style by watching Eurovision. Amazing. This year, we pressed the red button and were able to savour the song lyrics in all their glory. The weirdest ones were undoubtedly Bosnia Herzogivina which talked about "lying on our back, eating a banana - which made us sad". Finland's entry was impressive too - they went all out for a defiantly metal approach (lots of leather and studs) complete with manly pelvic thrusting, head banging and incomprehensible lyrics about being heroic where there are no room for sheep, yes really. I couldn't make this stuff up. Am pleased to say I voted for them..

Today another typical activity (No 6) - we went down to the Swansea Show although it was pouring down (TA No. 7). Both of us were wearing lots of layers, Andrew had gloves on and there were severe weather warnings on the BBC website. By the time we got to Swansea, it had stopped raining and was positively tropical such that I was able to unzip my coat for a bit. Sadly the show was very poorly attended, but we were able to secure ringside seats to enjoy the classes, and in particular the Knights of Arkley - a medieval re-enactment. Absolutely stunning horses and costumes and riding - loved it. Our friend Penny from GRW acts as Lady Penelope - the "ringmistress" for this and it was lovely to see her. After her bit, stayed to watch a few more showing classes and took a peek at the Working Hunter ponies. Popped down to the horseboxes to say Hi to Penny and then trundled home. Spent a relaxing afternoon on the sofa with the paper, except for a minor crisis when we realised we were out of gin.

Should finally add that Booty's new collar and lead arrived yesterday and it is beautiful - nearly as beautiful as she is. Have attached a few pics of the weekend (TA No 8).

Today's been a good day. We went down to Clyne Gardens in Swansea, which is famous for its rhododendrons and azeleas. We often went there when I was a child and a teenager and it is also very spectacular in the autumn. The gardens have wonderful views over the bay and back onto Clyne Castle, the home of the Heneage Vivian family until the early 1950s.

Today there was a rare plant fair, and later in the afternoon a band concert. We parked up on Mayals Road, so entering at the top of the garden and gently wandered over to the castle, through the plant fair, down the valley, stopped for a coffee at the bottom then wandered back up through the bog garden to the Japanese bridge and thence back to the car. It is difficult to pick a highlight as all of it was looking absolutely beautiful, although I am very fond of the giant gunnera. There were lots of people around, many buying plants and we stopped to chat to two lots of people about greyhounds. The weather was very pleasant, warm and sunny without being oppressively hot. We took lots of photos, many of which look gorgeous, so I attach a few to this entry.

The outing was ended in perfection by visiting Joe's icecream parlour. As usual there was a queue out the door, and again as usual, made up of everyone from tiny children to a large party of elderly ladies in front of us who were hitting the sundaes, as well as an assortment of teenagers, young couples and families. My chocolate marshmallow sundae was heavenly, and we decided to buy a cone for each of the dogs. We took the cones back to the car, which was parked by the Guildhall, they hopped out and looked very interested in the cones. I'd have liked to have photographed the occasion, but it was difficult to have enough hands to wrangle two greyhounds, two cones and two sundaes for us! Anyway, the cones were a huge success and disappeared with much happy slurping and crunching in about ten seconds. The greyhounds will now be as much a fan of Joe's as the rest of us. Dogs were replaced in the car, and Andrew and I sat on a bench eating our sundaes at a slightly slower speed. All around us we could see couples and families doing the same thing, which I found rather romantic and touching. Then drove home, all happy and tired. As I write, the young master is stuffing a chicken with herbs from the garden and it is about to go into the oven.

On Friday night I watched American Gangster, which was on Sky Box Office. It was excellent, with some stonking performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It only enhanced my view of Ridley Scott as a director, too, who was not afraid to make a long film that had the time to really let you soak up the atmosphere and the characters. I loved it. The only criticism, which is not unique to this film, was that there were very variable sound levels between the dialogue sections and the bits with music (a well chosen and atmospheric soundtrack, too) so that I found myself constantly fiddling with the remote control. Can't recall if the film did win any oscars, but I do remember it being nominated, and can now see why.

Have also recorded The Curse of the Golden Flower, which was on Sky Indie on Friday night. This was made by the same guy who made House of Flying Daggers which was beautiful, and has Chung Yow Fat (who was in Crouching Tiger, which made me cry at the end). The reviews seen so far indicate that it is as visually spectacular as HFD, but a bit slow on plot. This sort of film is ideal for watching at home, as with a comfy sofa, a good glass of wine and a snuggly greyhound, I'm happy to relax and let the spectacle wash over me, which I would be less happy about if out at the cinema. I will write more about this after I have seen it.

Lots to say. Andrew has been off this week which has been lovely. After the excitement of Monday, we had a very quiet day on Tuesday, as I was shattered. On Thursday, Andrew's parents, Rita and Roger visited with Sylvia, an old friend of theirs from their school days, who has been staying with them for a few days. It was lovely to see her, as she lives in East Sussex, so we don't cross paths very often. The weather this week has been good mostly and on Thursday it was hot and sunny, so we were able to put up the parasol on the outside table, lay out the cushions on the benches, and enjoy the garden. Andrew did some weeding on Wednesday and I must say it looked inviting and surprisingly mature especially as so many plants are currently growing like mad and/or bursting into flower. Most excitingly, the pond now has a large collection of wriggling tadpoles, which is wonderful.

We did a nice menu on Thursday. We started with Nigella's watermelon salad, with mint, feta and olives. Very refreshing and really scrumptious, definately one to repeat in summer weather. Followed this with Jamie's chicken caesar salad, which is gorgeous (we've had it before), made with home made bread and herbs from the garden. Dessert was passionfruit shortcakes, eaten outside. Bliss. Before lunch, we also had the first Pimms jug of the summer - what could be more evocative of sunny days?

Yesterday was astonishingly humid, and we had a spectacular thunderstorm and flash downpour late on Friday night. Today is sunny and hot again, but with more breeze, so more pleasant. Andrew has hung up some outside lights in the back garden - fairy lights shaped like dragonflies that twine artfully in and out of the climbing roses and the chocolate vine. They are on the same timer as the floor lights and look gorgeous. My next task is to persuade Andrew to enjoy a barbecue - he hates them and I love them. I understand his objections - nobody likes raw sausages, burnt to cinders on the outside, stinking of paraffin, but a well-done barbecue of beautifully marinated meat, lovingly cooked over proper charcoal to the right consistency is a joy, and I think there is something inherently festive and enjoyable about cooking and eating out of doors - I love picnics for the same reason.

Sadly, this week has flown past - it's always nice to have Andrew at home rather than hurtling round the country at high speed. Today, got down my summer clothes from the loft, and hoicked up my winter ones. Another marker for the progress of the seasons. It's lovely to say hello to my Birkenstocks again. I live in these during the summer. Like Barbour jackets, these age wonderfully, in fact are horrible when new, and become more tolerable as they acquire the worn comfort of age. A bit like marriage perhaps? The current Birkenstocks predate our marriage so are around 12 years old - if any readers can beat this I'd be interested. Of course in Barbour terms that's positively juvenile - a good waxed jacket can go on for 30 years.

Some photos attached of visitors and plants.

Another post as my earlier one was interrupted by our evening meal and a relaxed viewing of The Big Lebowski (well up to the Coen Brothers usual lunacy) followed by The Fifth Element, with Bruce Willis when he had hair. Accompanied by a frisky Sauvignon Blanc, this was a pleasant way to spend the evening.

On Thursday, Sarah came to stay. She is enjoying her college course and looking gloriously Gothic. We went into town together on Friday, for a stock up on essentials at Blue Banana (again, beautifully polite, cheerful and helpful shop assistants who are a model of excellent customer service). This was followed by a dip into Claire's Accessories, who now do lots of gothy stuff and a rewarding visit to Debenhams for some skin care. Contrary to popular belief, we always find the Lancome lady there phenomenally helpful and friendly, not at all snooty. She was showing Sarah some tips and techniques for exfoliating, moisturising and applying eye cream. Hopefully, these will stand her in good stead in years to come. She already does the two most important things - not smoking and avoiding too much sun.

We then went down to Mac as they do a black nail polish, and I needed a new foundation. Just as we were ready for Andrew to collect us, a huge crowd had gathered and the celebrity Gok was holding a roadshow. Sarah was delighted as he was wearing his trousers below his buttocks (admittedly very slender and snakelike). Unfortuately, I am too old for appreciating this and just think it looks silly, and spend my time waiting for the damn things to fall down. This did form an interesting finale to our little foray.

Saturday we went to a card making workshop in Inkspot. We both enjoyed it very much, and again it was a pleasure to learn some new hints and ideas for using paper punches. Doing card making is also phenomenally relaxing - I really enjoy it.

Yesterday we travelled over to Newport for the tattoo convention. I have to say that I have yet to see Newport in a good light. Every time I go there I think that maybe this time I'll see a nice bit, and every time I think it could be a wonderful lesson for architects on how not to do town centres. There is currently a bit of regeneration going on over there, but unfortunately it is at the stage of lots of piles of rubble and cranes on the skyline. Not yet very scenic. Anyway, Andrew was scoping out some ideas for some ink on his arms, and Sarah was hoping to get either a microdermal piercing, and/or a tat. In the event, she eventually emerged with a nose piercing, which looks great, although unlike nearly everyone else I know who's had it done, including myself, she's a bleeder, and spent the subsequent time with very vampiric streams of blood trickling down her face. Pics attached, of nose and new lip spike. Returned home happy and Andrew conjured his amazing sky high Yorkshires and roast beef.

Today was the annual GRW show, a major event in our calendar. We took Sarah back to her grandparents who live in Garnant, which is close to Pontardawe, the venue for the show. Iwas helping out with the registrations for classes, which meant I didn't get much of a chance to look round, but did have a nice view of the ring for the dog classes. It stayed dry all day and there was an excellent turnout. I attach a few pics, one of a supporter who entered the Dog Most Like its Owner class, and a couple of others. Returned home and have spent a peaceful evening as detailed above.

A lot has happened since I last wrote. Firstly, the local elections which produced fascinating results both locally and nationally, including London. It seems quite extraordinary to me that after having grown up and started work in a council that weighed rather than counted the Labour vote, the landscape has changed enormously and now there seem to be very few Labour controlled councils left. Both Plaid and the LDs seem to have made inroads into what was previously Labour territory and in some areas there has been a surprising resurgence of Tory fortunes. I really do get a sense of a long term sea-change in the political feel of Wales. Even ten years ago, certain political positions were taken for granted - now it seems that is no longer the case. I also wonder about the knock on impact on trade unions as traditionally they have been the L Party paymasters and acccordingly wielded their power. Neither Lib Dems nor Plaid have any historical or financial (as far as I know) tie, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Locally our ward is a microcosm of the changes, moving from being one of the safest Labour seats with 3 local Cllrs to reduced majorities for two of them and a new Lib Dem member. It will be fascinating to see the new authority in action.