Sorry for my absence. We have had a difficult week, and it is hard to pick out many positives. Keith had to have a blood test to check his thyroid levels. At least we managed to get to the surgery, though I had to use a wheelchair to get him from the kitchen to the car and of course, from the car to the surgery. We will be able to phone up for the results tomorrow or Tuesday. That said, he has been getting to teatime too tired to even eat, so I have insisted whatever the blood test says, he doesn't have his medication reduced. In fact, when the GP heard how exhausted he was, she actually upped the meds again. (This is the same Dr who kept him barely alive on 25mg a day for a YEAR). They take a while to kick in though, and every backward step seems almost impossible to get back from where his walking is concerned.I went out for a drive last week, exploring up around Maesmynis. There was a + on the map - indicating a church or chapel but when I got there I was in for a disappointment as it was no longer standing. Just the footings, and the graveyard. The minute I undid the gate to go in, there was a beep-beep - you wouldn't think by parking in the parking area I was blocking anyone, but it was opposite the gateway to a field where our next-door neighbour farmers were busy baling silage, and needed that space to turn!
This is the back of the hill just along from our house - I threatened to climb up there when we first arrived, but lack the motivation now Tam's not here. Plus, I am not fit enough for its steepness!
Looking back towards Llanelwedd Quarry (edge of town)
I believe these are the remains of the Salem Chapel, built in 1826, and rebuilt in 1873. A photo I found from 15 years ago (on t'internet) shows it still standing.
The last fields of summer. Leaves are already beginning to turn, and I haven't seen my Swallows recently, so imagine they have either Left Early or are out feeding and getting the youngsters fitter for their epic journey back to Africa.
The Eppynt ranges in the distance.
The view from Tam's bedroom window. I am off out shortly, once I've got Keith settled in the living room. I need a few bits from Aldi, and will then go blackberrying at Rhayader. I need some me-time. I was going to go to Wigmore Castle, but had a bad bout of IBS last night and still don't want to be too far from home or "facilities". Update: Plan B, after walking round Tesco's, I came straight home!Some positives from the past week - Keith managed to get up to bed without having to use the wheelchair from room to room yesterday. In one postal delivery, I got a further £15 voucher from Tesco, (I'd already been given £5) because a pack of their Pastrami which I bought, had blue plastic in it!) Also a voucher for £10 for filling in a shopping questionnaire on line. I had to go to Brecon on Friday to B&M Bargains for cat food etc, and so I walked up from Aldi and went to W H Smith, which was one of the few places I could spend it round here. I bought a fabulous gardening magazine, and a family history one, which have both cheered me up. I've also done some positive improvements in the garden and am checking out greenhouses, now I have worked out where I can "plant" one.
Off to Llandod, and then Rhayader with my foraging basket.
