Here I am again my new Kitchen friends, in a determined mood to lift high the banner of Wales..............rather than sink into misery thinking of Tuesday!!!
Music to my ears hearing your various comments about my homeland Wales.
Having been born and brought up in this tiny corner of the west, it always uplifts me on hearing others have visited ......whether to live or simply holiday.......and enjoyed it.
Like any place I guess it does have its “other side”......our roads and rail network are a disgrace.....and until fairly recently, whenever we needed most things, we had to travel further afield,a real pain in the neck.
Whilst although tourism has become almost the life blood of our county and we value our visitors year upon year, the roads on these Bank holidays, in particular, are indeed a nightmare!!
Shops overflowing too ..............so we locals have learnt the early bird catches the best trolley full....."where there`s a will there`s a way!!!"
We visit the stores...............rising with the proverbial lark!!!
Of course I was brought up in an era where there was much green space all around, room to breathe,crime rate low,and we could virtually take our pick of the glorious beaches...........all 60+ offering such peace and glorious panoramas.Every one quite different but each one stunning in their own individual way.
I lived my earlier years within the catchment of the beautiful St Davids Cathedral and the rugged western coastline, where I enjoyed life as a youngster.
Peace, clean air to breathe and beaches were uppermost.
Whilst both St Davids...... along with Tenby..... are now the noted Hot spots for property with prices rising ridiculously............and sadly far too many properties becoming second........and third......homes.
Thus presenting a real headache for our young folk trying to get on the property ladder.
In marriage we seem to have gone from one sea view to another, initially taking in St Brides Bay with all the bird sanctuaries of that coastline.................perfect peace prevailed back then.
The western coastline, even today, remains mainly un commercialised..........and has its own “following” offering a special rugged almost "untouched" atmosphere.
We then moved to Saundersfoot and stayed a wonderful 25 years, having found an idyllic cottage,..... which in time and with much hard work, we turned into our own little paradise.
We were simply a stones throw from a little beach that then in turn, joined the larger sandy main beach............and Village.......that most tourists know and enjoy.
To the other side of our lane we had the adjoining Pembrokeshire coastal path which has since been recognised all over the world,whilst to the left of us a delightful ancient bluebell wood.
It was a dog walking paradise for sure!!!
No dog lover would ever be lonely if walking their pooch in this part of the Village!!
Our dogs thoroughly loved "their patch".
We did our daily shopping,trip to the Surgery,H/D Bank or whatever by walking there via the beach...............surely very special?
As I write and read that back, I sincerely do wonder why,oh! why did we ever move?!
As the years went by, tourism well and truly took over more and more with the Hotels vastly increasing and many B & B`s and Guest houses sprouting up all around us.Caravan and camping sites "arriving" overnight out of almost every other garden!
Residents........ such as ourselves were leaving,and it changed.... but sadly,not for the better.
The peace that had been ours, began to be compromised and so we started getting itchy feet, resulting in us heading back to the western coast and a pastorial green setting of the countryside all around us............with the main town just miles away and a plethora of beaches again miles away ......but in the opposite direction.
Rather a case of best of both worlds I suppose.
We had so loved the South side of the County and our hearts remain there..........
Whilst in Saundersfoot our favourite places were Tenby,Caldey Island,Manorbier, and Colby Gardens.............whilst on Bank holidays, as the crowds drove in, we drove out................. and up to the comparative tranquillity........... found on the nearby Precelly mountains!!!
Just sheep for companionship!!
We learned to adapt and find the best of places to find that overwhelming tranquillity we so enjoyed.
When having my own fight with cancer I was on a special Bristol Cancer Diet and my DH bought watercress daily...........straight from Caldey Island........where else eh?..(as well as crates of organic veggies and fruit)
Tenby has a very special spot in our heart and it should have been our final home.We had opted for a Retirement apartment there overlooking the iconic North Bay,beach and picturesque harbour.
Sadly, just before Christmas our purchaser pulled out of the sale of this property................so we remain here for the time being.
Fingers well crossed may I say??!!
I find it very uplifting when I hear you folk talk about Wales and especially my home county,and indeed I would like nothing better than meeting with you....... if and when you next visit.
Thinking of all that found last night distressing with the awful weather conditions playing havoc with sleep,whilst my heart skips a beat on hearing of these little dear pets...........our soul mates.......that are such a source of comfort in times of stress especially.
Thinking especially of your Tara Charleygirl,they really do have this “sixth sense” and she is obviously very aware that her “mommy” is not her usual well self.
What a lovely blessing having such comforting and sensitive pets.
Having certainly written for Wales, I think it time I simply wished you all fellow kitcheners a very pleasant day, may those troubled find relief,and may there be blessings in abundance for you all.
) used to be able to sense a thunder storm coming about an hour before. She would head for the downstairs toilet and hide in there until it was all over. That was in France, where summer storms are common. 
.