It's been a while since I posted - mainly due to being very busy with the new business.  I'm seriously considering stopping the blog as I tweet and FB as well, and find those useful for keeping in touch with people.  The only things that are making me dither are that the blog allows a longer, more discursive format, and a variety of photos.  I can be a bit more "specialised" - FB posts and tweets tend to be a bit more general.  Also, the blog has been going a long time - part of me feels it would be a shame to let it go.  It's gone through various evolutions and changes but then my life has changed enormously since it started, and it forms a useful reflection of that.  

I'd welcome comments and thoughts - both on my own blog specifically but also on the wider value of blogs generally.  I find blogs can be enormously useful, interesting and in some cases have led me to make friends with people on different continents, a wonderful bonus and a fascinating glimpse into other cultures.  

We're having a wonderful Christmas so far.  On Christmas Eve we popped down to Swansea to see Hilary and exchanged gifts.  Hil had also made some of her rightly famous mince pies (home made mincemeat too).  Came back home and had our annual ritual of watching Muppet Christmas Carol while eating a seafood feast.  We started with scallops and samphire, then some garlic prawns.  This was followed by blini which Andrew had made with buckwheat flour and topped with fresh crab and fish roe, with sour cream and herbs.  Delicious, and washed down with a gorgeous bottle of prosecco, thanks to a festive delivery from Dr. Laithwaites.  While we were eating, the turkey was cooking (another Christmas Eve custom) and the house was filled with delicious smells.  We loved watching the film and sung along loudly and tunelessly in all the right places.  Eventually, it was time for bed - four happy sleepy hounds and two happy excited humans.  

In the morning, Father Christmas had visited and left filled stockings for Andrew and me.  We had coffee in bed, then opened them, watched eagerly by the hounds.  Sara loved playing with the discarded wrapping paper.  Although the weather was wet (for a change!) we went out for a walk.  We headed up the A470 to Garwnant and headed up into the forestry above the Llwynonn reservoir.  It was beautiful, though muddy and we saw a rainbow and lots of birds.  Came home, fed the dogs and had some scrambled eggs.  Peaceful afternoon - did some kitchen prep then opened presents while the tree sparkled warmly.  Eventually had dinner around 6 - roast turkey with cranberry sauce, home made stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts and carrots.  Pulled crackers, toasted and enjoyed, with a bottle of Italian white.  Afterwards we watched Doctor Who (a huge improvement on last year, and much better), then a bit later Downton.  Unfortunately both Andrew and I burst into peals of laughter at the end - not perhaps the reaction wanted but it was a bit ludicrous.  

Today has been another peaceful day - a muddy paddle with the dogs followed by a turkey sandwich and a day of gently pottering.  

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my blog readers a very happy Christmas and a new year filled with peace, health and happiness.  

 

I thought that tonight I would write about Lance Armstrong.  Before I had cancer, I knew virtually nothing about either Lance Armstrong or professional bike racing.  Then, while I was ill, my then GP, a really excellent doctor, suggested I might like to read one of his books.  She also suggested several others, including the wonderful John Diamond.  With some trepidation I bought "It's not about the bike" and devoured it.  To my surprise I found it utterly gripping and the following summer for the first time I watched the Tour.  I was completely hooked and since then have been a devoted lover of the Tour, and pro bike racing in general.  Most sports leave me utterly cold, but bike racing, especially the Grand Tours has so many layers of complexity, that it is addictive to watch, study and analyse.  

In the following years, I went on to read "Every Second Counts" and I also bought the excellent Daniel Coyle book "Tour de Force" which gives an informed and at times very funny insight into the world of bike racing.  

I've been very inspired in particular by Lance Armstrong's cancer campaigning, and have been a proud wearer of the Livestrong armband for a number of years.  God knows, especially considering my previous post, cancer is a horrible disease and there are many charities campaigning and fundraising for different aspects of prevention, drug research, patient care and support.  

What I especially liked about the Livestrong campaign is that it is aimed especially at supporting cancer survivors - it has really done so much to raise the profile of survivors.  Lance in particular has also rewritten the cancer rulebook.  Typically, and this is still the case, when a person gets cancer, there is a sort of narrative that people use.  For a start, they use words like battle, fight, war, as though the cancer were an actual enemy.  Cancer patients also get told they are "brave" - no, we are not brave, we have no choice in the matter.  And once you are in that box marked "brave cancer patient" there is a dreadful unwitting patronage going on.  

Lance took this, shook it out, kicked it and spat in its face.  He basically said "Yes, I've had cancer, but don't you dare feel sorry for me, and by the way, I'm the best bike rider on the fucking planet."  Pink ribbons, this is not. 

Over the years, the drugs allegations have swirled around - nothing new there.  Earlier this year, when I read the initial USADA case, I just thought "More of the same".  I discussed it with Andrew, and said to him at a very early stage that I didn't regard Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton as being entirely credible but the key figure for me was George Hincapie.  Ironically, George retired at the end of this season, after a phenomenally successful biking career, much of it in Armstrong's Tour-winning team as one of his trusted super-domestiques.  George for me was pivotal, since he has never had a public falling out with Armstrong, had been close to him for many, many years  and was now retiring so had nothing to lose or gain by telling the truth.  

Anyway, first came the news that Armstrong was not fighting the USADA any more, and then they released the evidence dossier, and one night, I sat up late into the night, glued to the computer, reading it.  Having now read it, only an idiot would believe Lance didn't dope.  Crucially, Hincapie has testified saying not only that he himself took drugs, but that he saw Lance taking them many times.  

Since then, I've read Tyler Hamilton's book, Secret Race, co-written with Daniel Coyle again, and that is even more damning.  The book is remarkably detailed and gives a very credible account of the doping culture inside the peloton.  In particular, Hamilton details that far from being a short cut, doping is actually expensive, time consuming and a constant worry for those doing it, and also still has to be only part of what is a hellishly rigorous training, exercise and diet schedule.  What both the book and the USADA report illustrate in jaw dropping style in particular was just how easy the pro riders found the evasion and cheating of the testing regime, with all sorts of neat workarounds.  

Now the news has come in that Armstrong has been officially stripped of his titles.  Firstly, I'm not really sure this will work - practically every other top rider in the peloton at the time was doping (many have been caught at some point) and I don't think it's helpful to engage in too much historical revision.  The past really is another country.  

I do think he should be banned from competing in the future, and from having anything to do with the training or development of young riders.  The testing authorities really need to get their shit together in regard to the testing programme.  

On a personal level, as just one of many cancer survivors around the world, who had been inspired by his story, I still am, to an extent but simply feel sad and let down that Armstrong lied for so long. He could have done so much to change the climate in the peloton around the issue of drugs and doping.  In the future, his lying and cheating will also deprive him of a future role in shaping and fighting for cancer survivors, and possibly into politics.  He is a talented, gifted, hard working, smart man, and it's genuinely disappointing that potential has now been spoiled.  

It's eight years this week since my life was changed by my cancer diagnosis.  I am grateful for every single day I've had since then, for the very precious gift of life.  I will always be grateful to Lance for helping me through some very dark times afterwards, but so sorry that his flaws have prevented him from enjoying the full fruits of his labours. 

I'm sorry to write that my uncle Peter, one of Dad's brothers passed away yesterday afternoon. Peter was the second eldest of the seven siblings, and was closest in both appearance and character to my father.  Like Dad, he had a laid back style.  He and his wife Francoise lived in Newark where they raised their three children, my cousins Sian, Rhiannon and Guillame.  

He was diagnosed with bladder cancer a couple of years ago, and initially we thought he was recovering but sadly it came back.  Pete dealt with it in a typically low key style, and with his customary humour. 

Pete's passing is almost a year to the day after Dad's birthday and the anniversary of his funeral.  It still seems very sudden. 

Rest in peace, uncle Peter.  

Lots to write about.  Firstly, young Murgatroyd is continuing to make excellent progress.  She went for her post operative check up and the vet was delighted with her, and that she had put on over a kilo in weight.  She's now looking slightly less bony but still thinner than I'd like - though with good feeding and care, I'm sure that will come right in time.  The dogs' owner continues to be unwell and is likely to be so for some considerable time so it looks as though the two dogs will be with us at least until Christmas and potentially even longer. Scarily, though, the festive season is only around twelve weeks away and seems to be flying towards us with increasing rapidity.  

The main element of this post though will be about a project I've been hatching this year, and which is now up and running - my new business, Milgi Coats.  I've set up a business selling beautiful fleece housecoats, walking out coats and bandanas for greyhounds, lurchers and whippets.  The business runs online from our website which has a fully functioning online shop which accepts credit and debit cards.  We also accept card payments by phone, postal payments by cheque and attend events with our stall.  We've deliberately purchased a card machine that works in a mobile setting which is perfect for these sorts of events.  

Our first outing with the business was for the South West Greyhound Gathering down in Upottery, near Honiton back in August.  That was quite a small event but still very useful as it gave us some great feedback from customers, including a request for whippet sized bandanas.  Since then, we've tested and developed these and had a batch made for our next outing which was on Saturday to the Great Greyhound Gathering in Nottingham at the racecourse.  This was a much bigger logistical exercise - we decided not to take all four hounds and Andrew's parents very kindly agreed to come over and dog sit for us.  They arrived on the Friday night and we had dinner and an early night.  Then on Saturday, we left the house at 5 a.m.  (not a time I'm normally awake) with Murgatroyd in the boot along with our kit.  We arrived safely and set up our lovely tent and bunting which I made.  In time I will get some bespoke feather flags made, in time for next year's appearances, but we can't do everything at once.  Lots of lovely merchandise and then after a slow start, the day hotted up, literally and metaphorically.  

The sun shone brightly and the racecourse gradually filled up with hundreds of greyhounds, whippets, lurchers, deerhounds, Salukis, and even a few non-pointies.  The atmosphere was wonderful - so happy and friendly, with masses of gorgeous hounds everywhere you looked.   The organisation ran very smoothly and the venue was great.  I entered Callie in a couple of greyhound classes, and sadly she wasn't placed, but the competition was pretty stiff and there were some stunning hounds on display.  

One particularly lovely feature of the day was meeting up with an online friend who I know from another internet forum.  She was attending with her greyhound Sprocket, who is coincidentally Andy's half brother (both by Brett Lee, a very well known and prolific greyhound sire).  I was thrilled to see her, and even more excited when Sprocket was placed in one of the greyhound classes.  She'd also very kindly brought us a wonderful tent warming present - online I'd been jokingly referring to it as the "Tent of Destiny" and she'd had a little plaque made with the words "Tent of Destiny" engraved to hang up in the awning.  Brilliant! We loved it, and she'd even brought some chicken's feet for the dogs too.  What a star.  

The stall did a roaring trade, with sell outs of some fabric and a lot of interest in the whippet bandanas (definitely a good idea) and even in our Christmas fabric range which I'd tentatively taken along.  Lots of people also took cards with our info on for future reference, so I was delighted with the way it went.  Eventually it was time to pack up and make our weary way back to Wales - we were both shattered.  A late dinner and then almost immediately to bed, after greeting the hounds and much needed glass of red wine.  

On Sunday, we all went over to the greyhound field.  Rita and Roger hadn't seen all four hounds hurtling round together - it's quite a sight so joined us before making their way back home. Then we headed back home for a very quiet afternoon of recuperation and relaxation.  

Today's been surprisingly busy, there's been a little flurry of orders coming in after the show which is great. 

I've attached some pics from the weekend. 

Last Friday, as discussed in my previous blog post we travelled down to a quiet part of Carmarthenshire and picked up Callie and Mick.  To us, she is always Murgatroyd, or Murgy so that's how I'll write about her.  We took Andy and Sara with us to allow for introductions.  I was very pleased that Andy simply sniffed bottoms and seemed quite relaxed and Sara was very happy to make some new greyhound friends.  

One thing that greatly concerned us though was Murgy's condition.  She had lost weight and her mouth was stinking - a vile stench of rotting and decay.  Her teeth were mostly black - it was clear she was in desperately urgent need of a veterinary appointment.  In the car going back up the M4, the traffic was awful (Bank Holiday weekend) and we had several cloudbursts that reduced visibility, but we phoned the vet and were able to get a 6.30 pm appointment.  I rushed her in, and sure enough, it was not good news.  Not only did she have severe tooth decay and an infected mouth, this had in turn given her a sore throat and greatly enlarged lymph nodes in her neck as her poor system desperately tried to fight the infection.  She was booked in for a dental on the following Wednesday and given antibiotics to start work on the infection.  Apparently her vaccination was overdue, (the kennel had mislaid her paperwork) so we arranged for her to have that plus wormer and flea/tick treatment.  

Over the weekend, we made sure she was given plenty of soft food and she was eating like a horse - she had been unable to eat the hard food in the boarding kennel.  On the Saturday we took her to the greyhound field and it was lovely to see all four hounds running around and having such a lovely time.  Afterwards we went over to Bristol to the fabric shop then came home.  

On the Bank Holiday Monday, we went over to Rogerstone for the Village Festival and Dog Show, organised by Greyhound Welfare.  We particularly wanted to take Sara, as I knew her previous foster mum, Sian would be in attendance and was dying to know how she was getting on.  We also decided to take Mick and leave Callie and Andy at home.  It was dry as we travelled, but very grey and it began raining shortly after we arrived, with the weather steadily worsening through the afternoon.  Sadly, this affected the attendance, which was quite low for the dog show.  The ground was a slippery quagmire of mud.  Sian was thrilled to see Sara and it was lovely to see Sara snuggling up to her for a cuddle. We took them in a couple of classes, and we were delighted when Mick came home with a 2nd rosette for Best Veteran, and Sara came home with three rosettes from her classes, a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th.  It was also great to see all the people from Greyhound Welfare and we had a nice chat/catch up.  Then home, to get dry and enjoy a gin.  

On the Tuesday, we travelled down with Murgy and Mick to see Rhian in hospital.  The ward allowed us to take the dogs through the ward foyer and out into the hospital garden - a quiet spot where we could sit and chat.  I was amazed by the reactions to the dogs, both by staff and other patients.  They brought so many people over for a chat, a cuddle and made so many smile - it was astonishing and wonderful.  Rhian was thrilled to see them.  We sat and chatted and the time flew by, then it was time to come home.  We made sure Mick was wearing his rosette when we arrived, and Rhian has kept it near her bed, to help encourage thoughts of recovery and good times ahead.  

We had a quiet evening at home and Andrew had a lovely long bath in a sea of lavender bubbles.  On Wednesday, he was back on the road, back down to Brighton and it was Murgatroyd's big day.  I took her in and felt quite bereft as she was led away from me by the nurse, even though I knew she needed the operation.  I also took Mick in for a check up and for his vaccinations, wormer etc.  As expected the vet was very happy with him, and said he seems fit and healthy.  The day passed and I phoned during the afternoon to check on progress.  Eventually I picked her up around 6.30 and she came out, looking very woozy still.  The vet had had to remove virtually all of her teeth - all that was left were the canines at the front.  I was given more antibiotics, painkillers for her and then took her home.  

Not surprisingly, she spent a quiet night, very sleepy and woozy, then to my amazement, the following day, she seemed as bright as a button.  I kept her at home, and made sure she had her tablets.  She devoured soft food, woofing down pilchards and minced rabbit. Yesterday, she was also very perky and today again she's been amazingly bouncy.  We took them this morning to the greyhound field and she was sprinting round like greased lightning - a joy to see.  She's had no bleeding in the mouth, and best of all, the vile, horrible stench has now gone. 

She is making such an excellent recovery that we are seriously considering taking her tomorrow to the Animal Lifeline Wales charity dog show at Pembrey Country Park.  I've been involved in helping a bit with this, (my friend Penny is chair of the charity), and have done things like organising the printing of the schedules, getting the rosettes etc.  Confession time here - we get the rosettes from Celebration Rosettes in Port Talbot - run by a lovely lady called Heather, herself a keen dog owner with two gorgeous beagles.  I get the most terrific buzz from ordering and picking up the rosettes - it probably dates back to my childhood/teenage years of Pony Club gymkhanas, when coming home with a rosette was a huge and special achievement.  Heather makes the most wonderful creations, and it's fun to look at the different options for ribbons, points, frills, metallics, colour etc.  We've got some gorgeous ones for the various classes and awards and I'm also thrilled that we've got plenty of "Well Done" ones - these help to ensure children don't go home empty handed and are great where there are lots of deserving entrants (like Best Rescue).  

I'll conclude by adding a few pics of the new arrivals taken at the greyhound field. 

Long term readers will recall that back in April 2009, Andrew and I fostered a greyhound bitch.  At the time we were living in Builth Wells and we christened her Murgatroyd.  She stayed with us until July 2009, when she was adopted and renamed Callie.  She was an utterly adorable girl, and we were both delighted to keep in touch with the lady who adopted her, and who also went on to adopt a second greyhound, called Mick.  

The lady who adopted her lived down in Burry Port, near Pembrey Country Park and we would regularly go down with our hounds and meet up for a walk in the Park.  It was lovely to see little Callie so happy and settled and being cared for by an owner who clearly adored them both.   

Sadly, in recent times, their owner has not been in the best of health.  We'd been aware of this, but then matters took a more serious turn.  Just two days after Sara arrived with us, we had a phone call from Callie and Mick's owner, saying that her health was deteriorating and that a hospital visit was quite likely to be imminent, and could we help to care for the dogs?  

Since then, Rhian has been in hospital, and we've been rather stuck, as Sara almost immediately came into season, something which made introducing other dogs impossible.  Then we had Boola's tragic passing.  During this time, the dogs have been staying at a kennel in Carmarthenshire, being very well looked after.  I have been visiting them regularly, taking pics of them and then seeing Rhian in hospital to give her updates - she has been very concerned about them.  It has become clear that Rhian is very seriously ill, and we had several discussions about the dogs.  Eventually, we've agreed that we will foster the dogs while she is unwell though with the support of a local charity - they will help with vets bills and provide extra support if anything happens to me or Andrew.  

We are collecting the dogs on Friday afternoon, and it seems amazing to think that three years on our little Murgatroyd will be coming home to us, albeit on a temporary basis, though probably for quite a while, along with her lovely brother Mick.  We will be a four hound household - if Boola had survived, a five hound house.  Gulp.  I feel a bit of trepidation, mixed with gladness that we can support Rhian, happiness to be seeing little Murgy again, and again sadness that Boola and Booty aren't here to greet their foster sister once more.  It's been a worrying time, but I'm hopeful we can get things resolved and help both Rhian and the dogs get through a difficult patch.  In particular, although this kennel is very good and offers exemplary care, we would not have wanted this as a long term option for the two dogs, especially going into the winter months.  I'm also very pleased that we've been able to visit Rhian in hospital, not as often as I'd like, since she's down in Carmarthenshire, but at least it's a cheery face occasionally, and we've been able to bring her a few small necessities like toiletries, books etc.  

Please keep everything crossed for a smooth settling in period and a speedy recovery for Rhian.  I've attached some pics - of Callie and Mick in the kennels, and some older ones of them. 

It's difficult to know where to begin.

Just two weekends ago, Alex and James, our nephews came over for a lovely weekend.  We had a marvellous time with the boys, and as usual, we incorporated a visit to a local dog show with Boola.  To our delight, Boola won the Best Veteran Class and the boys came home with their first trophy. 

On the Monday, Claire came over to collect them and stayed for lunch.  Later in the week, I came down with raging tonsillitis and noticed also that Boola was limping slightly on his front leg.  As I was so unwell, the dogs were not walked, and I felt that for Boola this would be fine if it was a simple muscle strain. I managed to get to see the GP and got some antibiotics, which began working very quickly.  By Saturday, I felt a little better and we had a booking at the greyhound field.  Once we were there, it became clear that Boola was not at all happy.  He was refusing to run round, and looked uncomfortable, preferring to lie down.  We were desperately concerned, and managed to find out that our vet had a Saturday afternoon clinic at their sister branch in Barry.  Andrew took him over and the vet couldn't find anything specific, but gave him an anti inflammatory injection.  

That night, he was clearly uncomfortable and in pain, and we brought him onto our bed to sleep - we were both desperately worried and by about 7 the next morning, we were both awake and decided to take him to the emergency vets.  They were lovely, and gave Boola a pain killing injection and some Tramadol tablets.  Brought him home but during the morning, he went downhill very fast, becoming distressed and agitated.  We took him back to the EV at lunchtime and he was given some methadone, and the vet took blood for tests.  He became a bit more comfortable in the back of the car and we waited for the results.  All these came back as normal, and the vet offered us an X ray.  We declined - to us, by that point, it seemed simply cruel to prolong Boola's suffering for a moment more than necessary.  The vet explained that the only remaining step for pain relief was for him to be admitted and be given IV ketamine while more investigations were carried out but this was not something we wanted for him.  

As he was comfortable in the back of the car, the vet made the arrangements and he passed away peacefully with us holding him that afternoon.  

Just a week after the lovely weekend with the boys, our gorgeous blonde boy was gone.  We are still reeling.  Boola has been cremated privately and the ashes returned to us - we will scatter these when we are ready.  Coming so soon after losing Booty, this has hit us very, very hard.  I am still at the stage of finding his hair on clothes, and expecting to see him when I walk into rooms.  All I can say is that he was a joy to be with, and brought us so much love and happiness in the time we shared with him.  I am also glad for his sake that he did not have a lengthy illness and that he passed so peacefully.  I must pay tribute to the EV staff, who were all flawlessly professional, kind, calm, and made a horrendous weekend a bit more bearable.  

It has been very hard for Andy who was still a bit vulnerable after losing Booty - thank goodness we've had Sara here - she has been a lifesaver.  Her season has now finished, and we are back to walking them together, but even there, it feels so odd not to see Boola's familiar lope, his funny bounces and that wonderful smile of his.  

Since then a lot more has happened and I am feeling like I live in a tumble dryer.  I think it best if I do separate blog posts for the various strands. 

Regular readers will know not to expect much activity from me at this time of the year.  The Tour grips me in its embrace, and I am willingly enfolded for three glorious weeks of emotion and spectacle. 

This year, we've experienced some diversionary activity that I wanted to share.  

After we lost Booty,  Andrew and I had lengthy discussions about the way forward.  Should we have another greyhound?  If so what age or sex?  Should we foster or adopt?  Eventually, after exploring the many options, we decided that we'd like another female, age irrelevant, and we were interested in exploring long term fostering.  In particular, as a loving, experienced greyhound home, we felt we could offer a long term placement for a dog that would otherwise struggle to be adopted.  

So after we returned from holiday, I gave a call to Paula, the local rep and friend, from Greyhound Welfare.  Paula already knew of our loss and had sent us a lovely email when we lost Booty, so our call wasn't a surprise.  We discussed our situation, and Paula confirmed that there were lots of dogs needing exactly what we were offering, a long term foster placement.  After a discussion of some of the candidates, Paula felt that we would probably be ideally suited to meeting Sara, a bitch currently placed with Sian, one of Paula's main short term/emergency foster carers.  We discussed her background and history, and Paula sent us some photos, with the advisory that as they were taken when she came into the care of the charity, she was severely underweight and therefore not looking her best. 

We agreed to take Boola and Andy along to meet her last Saturday, where she was taking part in a store collection at Caerphilly Garden Centre.  We went along feeling very nervous, but needn't have worried.  Practically as soon as we got out of the car, Andy was sniffing her with great interest and excitement and wagging his tail.  Boola was also very keen.  So we took the three hounds for an experimental walk around the car park of the garden centre, attracting some bemused glances as we went.  Clearly all three got on, which was our main concern.  We agreed to take her home, and shortly afterwards, were driving home with a third greyhound in the  boot.   

Here she is, a beautiful eight year old brindle girl.  She is a joy to have around, she is gentle, very affectionate, a devilish food thief and counter surfer, and a tail that is a lethal weapon - it wags at 100 mph.  

Having her round has been joyous.  We still miss Booty terribly, and Sara will never be a replacement for her.  Taking on another dog, and particularly giving a home to a dog that would otherwise struggle to find one, seemed to us, to be honouring Booty's memory.  

One of the reasons why she couldn't be adopted, was there was uncertainty over whether she had been spayed or not.   Funnily enough, as often happens when bitches move home, she came into season on Friday.  We noticed a few drops of blood around the place. Otherwise, she's been fine, but it means that we will have to restrict her public movements for around three weeks.  She'll be spayed now, in around three months.  

Yesterday, we took her and the two boys to the greyhound field where they could run about securely off lead, safely away from other dogs.  We had a wonderful time and it was lovely to experience some sunshine.  

It's been a very social week.  Last Thursday, we were delighted to be invited to my uncle Steve's wedding.  Steve is a geology professor in the University of Waterloo, Ontario, but his many field trips and globetrotting mean that we in Wales see him regularly.  Nancy, his fiance/wife is based in Stratford, Ontario but has family in the UK.  You can see Steve's academic profile here.  

The wedding took place at Clyne Chapel, Swansea, just at the foot of Clyne Gardens.  The reason for selecting this venue was the connection to our family.  My grandfather, Steve's father, was curate here and several members of the family including at least three of my brother's siblings were christened here.  As a result, it is held in great affection as well as being a very beautiful little place of worship. 

Steve has been married before and has two children, my cousins Sarah and Matthew, now both grown up and in their thirties.  Unfortunately, they weren't able to come over for the wedding but there will be a another Canadian celebration when the couple return.  My uncle David was best man, and it was great to see Hilary, my aunt and lots of other family members.  The service was beautiful and my uncle Philip videorecorded it for those (such as my uncle Richard in New Zealand) who couldn't be there. 

Nancy looked stunning. Marrying as a more mature lady and looking both bridal and elegant is a challenge that she pulled off beautifully.  She wore an ivory dress with an old gold lace shrug, and carried an elegant and simple bouquet.   Like many family members we reflected on the fact that it was the first major Evans family gathering without my father there.  

After taking the pictures,we returned down the hill to the Woodman just a few minutes away, for drinks and the reception.  We'd pre-ordered our food and the reception went beautifully, with lovely friendly staff in the pub, some great speeches, a very tasty meal and a champagne toast to the happy couple.  Rita and Roger had kindly agreed to come over and dog sit for us, so we weren't too constrained by the clock.  We eventually left around six after a thoroughly happy day to drive back up to Cardiff.  

 

On Sunday we had another family engagement, this time in Bath, for the fortieth birthday celebrations for Basil, Claire's husband.  Basil had bravely (considering the awful weather lately) decided to press ahead with a barbeque.  There was a gathering of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and it was great to catch up with Basil's brother Ambrose. We also were treated to a tour of the new attic bedroom by James - he was delighted to now have his own room, and not to be sharing with his brother.  The views from the roof were stunning, looking across to Solsbury Hill (yes, the one in the Genesis song).  

 

We had all contributed to Basil's gift - he is a keen cyclist so there was a very special new bike saddle and a pair of cycling shorts.  He was delighted.  Sadly, we couldn't stay so long this time since the dogs were at home, so we came home after another lovely afternoon.  Amazingly it stayed dry, but this week has been a continuation of the appalling weather.  The rain just seems interminable. 

This has been one of the wettest summers I can ever remember.  Shortly after Booty's passing, we had the bittersweet pleasure of a long booked holiday to look forward to, in Pembrokeshire.  As before, we headed off to Little Dumpledale, with the car fully packed and with Andy and Boola having their spotted hankies on a stick and armed with a bucket and spade.  Throughout the week, we had a wonderful time, but we were acutely aware of the absence at our side, and I know how much she would have enjoyed it.  

We had two dry days and other than that, it rained pretty much all week.  We were glad of the cottage's efficient central heating and just seemed to be in fleeces and waterproofs the whole week.  We'd accidentally timed our booking to coincide with Pembrokeshire Fish Week which was lovely and meant that lots of the pubs were running a range of fish specials.   

The week was a good combo - social but also very relaxed.  Just spending the week with Andrew and the hounds was enough of a treat for me.  On the Monday we went over to Newgale to meet Louise, a friend and her adorable whippet Silver.  

We went over to Broadhaven to see my uncle David and meet up for lunch in a nice pub (he lives not too far away, in western Carmarthenshire).  And on the Wednesday night, the owners of Little Dumpledale organised a night up in the local pub for all the people staying at the farm.  This was entirely optional but was a great opportunity to meet the other guests and have a relaxed, social evening.  

Other than that, our days were mostly spent in long, leisurely beach walks, mostly with beaches virtually to ourselves.  Partly due to the weather, partly due to it still being term time for schools, but also because Pembrokeshire just is blessed with so many gorgeous beaches.  

One day was spent in me enjoying my birthday present - a visit to Cross Patch and Polstitches up in the countryside round Newcastle Emlyn.  On my birthday, I asked Andrew to let me loose in in Cross Patch as my present and he was happy to agree.  So we had a lovely drive up there through lanes overflowing with foxgloves and honeysuckle and other wild flowers.   The farm is set in beautiful countryside, and then inside is a treasure trove of fabric, quilting accessories, buttons and all manner of loveliness.  I had no problem at all in selecting a gorgeous bag of goodies, including some new embroidery scissors, some Tilda charm squares and some utterly adorable wooden buttons featuring squirrels and other woodland creatures.    Then next door into Polstitches, another heavenly shop and I treated myself to some gorgeous dyed aida and hand dyed threads. Bliss!!

One of our beach walks was at Manorbier - a glorious Enid Blyton crescent of beach, with a ruined castle, tiny village and ancient church set in the hillside behind the bay.   

  One of the things that Andrew and I discussed during the week was the gap left by Booty.  We feel we'd like to have another greyhound.  In particular, we feel we can offer a home to a dog that may not be easily adoptable so we are considering offering ourselves as a long term foster home.  Rescues often need such homes for dogs that are elderly or have medical issues - this is something we'd be very happy to consider.  We'll start by having a chat to a few rescue people we know - somehow, I don't think our sofas will be empty for very long.  No other dog can ever replace our darling Booty, but it pains me to think of any dog being in kennels (especially one that is elderly or vulnerable) when we could offer them a loving and secure home.  Andrew also had a look on Black Beauties last night (site for sighthounds in need of adoption) and we both were smitten.  So watch this space.... 

 

After such a miserable time recently, both of us were really looking forward to the weekend.  We had a long standing arrangement for Leila to come and visit us for a couple of days.  I was very excited - I don't feel I see her enough and her visits are always fun.  

Before she arrived, I did a bit of sewing ( a bit predictable!).  I had picked up some really pretty fat quarters when in Hobbycraft getting some thread and decided to make up a few nice things.  So I ended up with a drawstring bag, an applique drawstring bag, a zipped make up purse and a tissue holder.  I made up her room and then carefully laid out the goodies, just adding in a couple of L'Occitane treats. 

She arrived on Thursday morning, and I made some cupcakes while we chatted companiably in the kitchen. 

After lunch, and tidying up, we went into town for a little stroll round the shops.  Plymouth doesn't have the range of shops that Cardiff does, especially now that St. Davids 2 is open.  In particular, she wanted to visit L'Occitane, and we spent a delightful time in there, sniffing, rubbing and squirting lots of things; always like the fact too that the assistants offer you a cup of fruit tea while you are browsing.  Even better they had a sale on so I picked up a couple of things.  Then we went over to Crabtree and Evelyn for more lovely smellies and then round to Cath Kidston (bliss).  After that we headed over to John Lewis and stopped by the Lancome counter as there was a free gift offer.  We wandered upstairs for a look in the bedding department (Leila is a bit of a sheet fetishist) and then I had a look at the Amy Butler fabrics in Haberdashery.  After all the excitement, we headed back home with our parcels, and had a nice cup of tea and more chat.  Picked up Andrew from the station then came home and had dinner together. 

On Friday, we headed off to Ikea, as Leila had never been round the shop properly before and wanted to.  So we enjoyed a leisurely stroll round, and paused for lunch in the restaurant before continuing through the Market Hall.  Home again, and time to recharge our batteries before the evening.  Whenever Leila comes up, we try hard to find a "concept" restaurant (a long standing joke between us).  Then Andrew came up with a brainwave.  On our way to Tredegar House every day, we pass a quiet rural spot with a sign for Seoul House - Korean and Japanese food.  We decided to give it a go, figuring that even if it was terrible or we hated the food, there's a perfectly good chip shop in St. Mellons.  Well, what a revelation.  

Seoul House is a lovely place, set just off the main road and is a lodge to one of the old local farms.  It does rooms as well as the restaurant.  When we got in, the restaurant was small and homely, feeling in a nice way that we were in someone's house.  There were a couple of other Japanese/Korean families there also eating.  The guy who served us (who I think was the proprietor) was very friendly and helpful and helped navigate us through the menu.  

To start with we had some appetisers - exquisite little dumplings, and little plates of pickled vegetables.  We also had some of the most delicious tempura vegetables - incredibly light, fluffy batter on delicate slices of vegetables.  Gorgeous.  

For our mains, the speciality of the restaurant is a table BBQ.  Actually set into each table is a high powered electric grill (a very whizzy piece of kit, to be honest) that got ferociously hot.  Cuts of marinaded meat and vegetables were brought out and then grilled in front of us.  The idea then is that you take a lettuce leaf, a dollop of rice, some amazing sauce and then a piece of meat, roll it up into a parcel and eat it with your fingers in a couple of mouthfuls.  It was a bit strange, but we were utterly bowled over - the meat was beautifully marinaded, sliced and cooked and the sauce was amazing.  Apparently it is  a traditional Korean recipe, based on bean curd, with all sorts of lovely things added, such as garlic, herbs etc providing a delicious savoury flavour utterly unlike anything I have tried before.  We also had a side dish of the wonderfully (and aptly) named "Yum Yum Chicken" - chicken marinaded in a sweet, sticky, spicy marinade.  Messy but delicious.  

I can honestly say it was one of the nicest meals out I've had in ages, quite different and really lovely.  I can strongly recommend the restaurant, and we also liked the relaxed, family feel of the place.  After our meal, we came home for coffee, and before long it was time for bed.  

On Saturday, Leila came with us to Tredegar House to walk the dogs, but as we got there the heavens opened and it poured down (just to make a change).  So Leila decided to head for home, stopping off to visit a friend in Bristol with a new baby, en route.  The trip had flown by and to be honest, it was a badly needed tonic for us.  

On Sunday, Andrew was racing in the Llanelli Coastal 10K, with its course goign along the Millennium Coastal Path, with amazing views over Gower.  It was the first time Andrew ran this race; he was due to run it last year, but of course his broken collar bone put paid to that.  Because of Booty's death, Andrew's training had gone all to pot.  Although the course was lovely and the views terrific, he didn't do a particularly good time and looked tired and miserable as he crossed the finishing line, quite unlike his normal race demeanour.  Both of us were philosophical - the race is a good one, and I'm sure Andrew will enjoy running it next year.  Amazingly it stayed dry, and the sun even shone.  After the race, Andrew was given a T shirt for finishing and then we came home to spend a relaxing day together.