And supplies them.........

But first a recap on some more enjoyed recently.

Another trip down to Wales. It was Easter, the time of renewal but with precious few signs of Spring. Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf were snow capped

....but we all enjoyed a scramble on the Castle Meadows.

 

Easter Monday saw us spring clearing. That was a bittersweet task, but necessary. The next day Starkes set off in different directions and on new journeys.

Mr Starke and I took the scenic route, which was particularly scenic. The sun came out and it stayed with us for the rest of our break. We headed west. Brecon, Llandovery, names familiar from childhood and then a stop at Llandeilo, somewhere never on the 1970s itineraries. I don't know why; it's a pretty little town, seemingly keeping its head above the recession. The high street was busy with a good mix of independent shops selling enticing luxuries and every day basics. I made some purchases at the gorgeous Seren Luxe (@SerenLuxe). You can decide for yourself which category it's in.

Shopping works up an appetite so we delighted to find the Angel which was happy to welcome Dogstarke. We had a great lunch which was also great value.( Welsh Angels seem to look kindly on dogs, see also @LovetheAngel Abergavenny.

After lunch we continued west, to our destination, Newport, Pembrokeshire and the welcoming Llys Meddyg @llysmeddyg.

 

We all needed to stretch our legs so headed out on the coastal path..

 

....and even enjoyed a paddle.

 

Although this was more enjoyable for the humans.

 

Inspired by our surroundings, the next day we headed to Melin Tregwynt.(@eifiongriffiths)

 

But made amends for our service of mammon by making a pilgrimage to St David's and St Non's

Followed by another bracing paddle, this time at Whitesands Bay.

 

Please note the bare legs, those surfers are wearing wetsuits.

We explored the coastal path heading north before it was time to leave Newport ...

.... and then squeezed in a visit to a chilly Cilgerran castle before heading for the motorways and another stay at the Bear's Paw (@The_Bear's_Paw).

This time we did manage to visit just a little bit of Cheshire, Dogstarke had a wonderful time at Tatton Park, and was really excited when she found a mole. Nature lovers worry not, we made sure she didn't harm it and judging by the number of molehills thereabouts they're pretty sturdy wee creatures. To be honest I was as excited as Dogstarke, I'd never seen a real love mole before.

Our final stay was at the George and Dragon, Clifton where we found probably the best dinner and breakfast of our holiday and a goody bag for Dogstarke. Our room was small but had a good bed and some pretty furniture.

So now, to providing sheets. Our itinerary was partially decided by others holiday plans. It was bookended by welcoming our first and second guests of the year and a frenzy of dusting and ironing. Now we're back and doing more laundry, thankful that the weather has improved overnight. It's still very windy but all the better for drying and the sun is shining. Mr Starke is out in the garden and I think I might just join him.

 

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And enjoyed some recently

April may be the cruellest month but February ran it close. February is also according to The Guardian Weatherwatch, the cruellest for weather, often heralding the coldest days. So through rain, snow and the occasional sunshine I've been up and down the M6 motorway and along the trunk roads of Wales. Travelling. And not with hope. But in amongst the sad times there have been bright spots and friendly faces, sometimes on strangers. And when you feel sad it's good to gather together, share food and remember the good times. Revisiting sites of happy memories, making new discoveries and taking comfort from small pleasures. A lovely bowl of parsnip soup, or poached egg on toast, homely comforts from The Hours cafe and bookshop in Brecon @TheHoursBrecon; a Ploughman's from the FelinFach Griffin @Felinfachgriff and a pint in the warmth of the Angel, Abergavenny @LovetheAngel.

 

Ploughman's lunch at the FelinFach Griffin

 

 

Places which made Dogstarke welcome were very important, as was Dogstarke, in her new role as "Assistance Dog" - assisting us in feeling better

One of our new favourite places was the Bear's Paw in Cheshire, @The_Bears_Paw. First discovered as an alternative to a soulless service station for a M6 lunch stop and later as a very comfortable overnight stay, where the staff made sure that hungry travellers arriving late didn't go to bed without their supper.

Bedroom at The Bear's Paw, rodent a toy! (Dogstarke is a terrier after all).

 

Ready for their close up, Dogstarke and Ratty.

And no worries if you're not a pet lover, cleaning standards are excellent, no traces of previous pooches; those sheets were certainly clean.

And lastly for this post, a birthday which needed celebration, one guest sadly missing. The Hardwick,@The_Hardwick, near Abergavenny, where the fantastic food and atmosphere helped us remember the good times.

 

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And is looking forward to a long hot bath and some home cooking

The overnight trip to Glasgow was a lovely end to the holiday season and then "boof" on the 7th January it was hello work, goodbye kitchen. Instead of clean sheets it's been dust sheets for the past couple of weeks as kitchen and a bathroom get a makeover. All, the work is coming together now and both rooms are shaping up nicely but with most of our kitchenware packed up in boxes we've been eating out rather more than normal. Actually it's been eating out and ordering in. For the latter we've had the traditional favourite, fish suppers, which to non Scots means battered fish and chips, from our local "chippie" The Concord, more pizza than is healthy and delicious Malaysian food from Kampung Ali, for once eschewing my favourite Chao Toay Keow for equally scrumptious spicy Malaysian aubergine.

Eating out has stretched our resources, logistical, as well as financial, working around Master Starke's social whirl to ensure company for Dogstarke because al fresco eating is just a little bit chilly at the moment and not everywhere welcomes dogs. We did manage coffee and cake outside at Woodside in the Borders although we were nicely heated up, after a brisk muddy walk.

On Monday it was hats off to Hemma, Edinburgh where we all enjoyed lunch after a bound around Holyrood Park.

 

Who could resist this face?

Not only do they welcome dogs but they supply water bowls too. Falko on Bruntsfield place is another cafe which welcomes dogs, with a water bowl outside (for non customers too), in fact Dogstarke expects to go in every time we walk past.

Dogstarke for her part has been enjoying the snow, eating it, chasing it and jumping on it. She's even developing a line of impersonations with it, Santa and "Scarface" Tony Montana to date. Though this latter has left Mr Starke looking like one of Tony's victims, after he made too close contact with the wall in his rush to let me see her.

We had a delicious dinner without Dogstarke at the ever welcoming Centotre, where I enjoyed a skewer of spicy sausages on lentils, perfect for a freezing night.

So to tonight which should be our penultimate with no cooker, the hob gets connected on Monday. We're going local, and getting to take Dogstarke. Hope they don't get scared off by Mr Starke's menacing appearance!

 

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