The last day of a sad year

 2024 was a very stressful year for all of us, with Keith's steadily worsening health and subsequent death.  The birth of Rosie was about the only positive thing to have happened. I can only hope that 2025 brings some happiness back into my life .  

Looking back towards Aberedw Hill.

I felt that I needed to start my only New Year's Resolution (to walk more, and walk further) a day early - indeed, heavy rain is forecast for the morrow.  Today it was just very windy.  I only did a short walk yesterday, up to my friend's house, but today set off resolutely up the long and steeeeeeep hill which will lead you to the Epynt range or you can turn down through the woodland bridleway onto the bottom lane.  I did about a mile uphill and managed it better than I thought, though I did stop and take a few photographs.  It was good to end the old year with a brisk walk.

This, believe it or not, is the roof that covers our water reservoir. . . .  No comment.  No wonder the previous owners never took a photo for us before selling us the house!  All I can say is, thank heavens for the UV filter.

A neighbour's farm.  Fairly typical of the ones in Wales. An old farmhouse, range of old but useful outbuildings, and some more modern barns.

A glimpse through the sheep wire at one of their trees brought down by Storm Darragh, and providing firewood for their wood burning stove.

Looking along the line of the hill where the sweep of Aberedw continues above the River Wye.

Moelfre hill.

Looking in the direction of Rhayader - with a goodly few hills inbetween us and the Elan valley.  You can just make out a climpse of white van which is on A483 road heading into Builth.  It's 1/3 way into the photo from the left.

Where it's been mild, you can just make out the first heart-shaped Celendine leaves.  Indeed, whilst Tam and I were heading towards the Old Railway Line Garden Centre this week, there were Hazel catkins out in their full yellow lamb's tail glory.

Plenty of clusters of Cow Parsley to be found as well.  Let's hope spring comes early this year.

I was idly looking up x-stitch patterns today and saw something on Etsy which I instantly thought, oh that's gorgeous!  The pattern was reduced and downloadable, but then I found another in the same range and couldn't chose between them.  Oh dear . . .

They cost less than £4 the pair, BUT oh my goodness, VERY detailed charts and one by the time I've taped it together, is going to be the size of a double quilt!  A bit too daunting perhaps . . .

You can see why I was drawn to them, I'm sure.

I intend to start the first block of my Heirloom quilt tomorrow.  However, I do need to get 2 metres of cream fabric, so I will have to go to Doughtys in Hereford for that, and some Liberty fabric for a little frock for Rosie . . .  Their New Year sale  will be on . . .  I am going to use a little frock Rosie had for Christmas to draw the pattern from and see how I get on.  They should be open again on 2nd January.

First though, I have just found I have to deal with abscesses on both the boys - Alfie on his face by his ear, and L. Whale at the base of his tail.  I saw ginger and white fluff outside and saw there had been a dust up this week . . .  Blardy farm tom cats that will be.

Back to mydoable x-stitch now . . .