Some country air

 . . . . and heavy rain, and hail, and a thunderstorm hereabouts, but I went for a New Year's Day walk anyway.  Not far, just down the bridleway, and up into the woods and across the fields on the footpath across the hill towards the church. I was soaked after the first five minutes!  My walking boots were necessary as it was pretty wet and boggy in parts, but it was good just to get out and get some fresh air, and notice that the catkins won't be long in spring into bloom.  In fact, on my way to Brecon last week there was one Hazel tree beside the A470 which was covered in golden tassles.  It made me smile.  I wish I could have gotten a photo but nowhere to pull over along there.

The little river at the bottom of the dingle.

A very dead tree . . .

A blush of maroon colour from the twigs on the Silver Birches.

The footpath goes across this field.

Pinky catkins on the Alders.

Oak moss is everywhere in this part of Wales, so much on some trees it gives them a winter "foliage".

Above and below: the trackway which borders our bit of woodland (about half an acre of so) on the slope beside the track.

Finally, Little Whale, licking his lips in appreciation of the Bank Vole he had just scoffed.  He brought it back for the babies, yowling to announce his prowess, but they didn't understand what he wanted them to do with it!

HERE is a link to a lovely article about the Gwaun Valley in Pembrokeshire, which is like stepping back in time.  Do sit down and have a read.

    I have had a busy morning so far.  I helped Keith get dressed earlier on, though it takes him about an hour from waking to get his ablutions done and finally downstairs for breakfast.  Yesterday I shaved him, cut his hair and his toenails.  We know how to have fun!!

    It's bin day, so I had to take the rest of the paper and cardboard out to the blue box, top up the red one with hard plastics/tins etc and take them up the lane.  Then come back for the very full wheelybin (they get emptied every three weeks).

    I've done two lots of washing, organized a Careline panic alarm for Keith, so I have peace of mind if I am out somewhere (and it means I can actually have the occasional morning or afternoon out), and am just filling in the form for it.

    The last decorations are coming down - I got the wreath down and will strip it later.  Only one decoration survived the weather so I will have to use plastic baubles next year.  

    I brought home a couple of read-once books from the Tesco book-rehoming shelves - both by Ken Follett (Pillars of the Earth and World Without End).  I first read them so many years ago it will be like reading them afresh.

    Now we are off for fresh blood-tests for Keith.  I have put his wheelchair in the car as the walk to and from the Dr's last week has made him totally without energy.  So much for the 1/2 a steroid working . . .