Lunch with a Kestrel's View

The carpenter couldn't make it today to finish off the conservatory, fit the skirts and window ledges etc, so we were able to enjoy our first lunch with a view. Steak and ale pie fresh out of our butcher's oven from across the viaduct in Maesycwymmer. I know, what a lovely spelling.  I did check it on Maps Google.  Chris is a butcher but does his own chutney and even cakes, which are delicious. Chalked up in the shop are the names of the farms he sourced the meat he is selling that day.  Tesco's he isn't.

Finally, the BIG Paint Brushes are Out

 Three days ago I started to lay the flooring with the plaster drying around me,

 Today, Gek prepared,

and then started to paint.  And what was the first tube to be opened?  Why, Green of course.

The arts.

 Our first ripening strawberry.  The art of gardening.

A room of Renoir paintings in miniature.  The art of forging.  There are also rooms for Turner, Monet and Degas in miniature.

Millenium Centre

Collecting tickets for a June concert as well as look at possible venues to show Gek's artwork.

Drive to the Coast

Ten years ago this month, I brought Gek here on our first ever day out together, Ogmore by Sea. That day was memorable because the wind almost blew Gek away, sunny but very windy it was.

Today, a little brisk with layered clouds and sea reflections.

Across the bay, Porthcawl.

Ready, Steady, Go Paint

 Friday lunch, Chris and Wayne had just left with mortar still drying,

Gek moved in and set up to paint.  Electrics and plaster work still to do over the next ten days or so.

Ross-on-Wye, 1939 - 2016

 My Granddad Wilson's 1939 photograph.

Mine, taken today.

 1939

2016

 1939

2016

Hardwick Hall

A free day on Sunday during a trip to West Bridgford saw us at the Hall.  A very unusual building dating from 1590.  From Wiki, 

"Bess of Hardwick was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth 1 and her house was conceived to be a conspicuous statement of her wealth and power. The windows are exceptionally large and numerous at a time when glass was a luxury, leading to the saying, "Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall." The Hall's chimneys are built into the internal walls of the structure, in order to give more scope for huge windows without weakening the exterior walls."

Conservatory Build Day 3

Almost instant conservatory.  Roof  and glass in the frames next.