A Welsh Birthday

I recently had a magic 4 day 80th birthday.

The day itself was spent travelling from Chester to Brecon and a magic self-catering barn conversion. We took our time and it was a lovely drive.

Shortly after we got there A, V, C and M plus a grandson and his friend arrived. It was a pleasant surprise when my eldest brother and wife turned up, bringing "the friend's" grandmother who was to stay with us - a brilliant surprise for her as she did not know that H was to be there.

The next day was my niece's wedding - a very happy celebration. Bless them, during speeches they congratulated me on my birthday and gave me a bouquet. On Sunday, my youngest brother (Father of the Bride) gave a lunch party for his brothers, sister (me) children, grandchild, numerous nephews and nieces and some friends. Later most of us drove off to a place on the River Usk that is a known swimming place. After a bit of a hike along the bank amongst the trees, we reached the place and most people swam while the rest watched. Later still we went back to the house for a peaceful end to the day.

Monday, the intention was for us to climb Pen y fan, the highest of the Brecon Beacons, so although it can be reached from the house, by a route to the right of the picture, we went off by car to the Story Arms, where we met up with more of the family. And so we started up the first bit of the climb. It was pretty testing to those over 70 - not just me! At about half way, we stopped to eat our sarnies, sitting among the blaeberries in the sun. By then I had come to the conclusion that even if I could make the top, I would not be able to get down again!! This was some relief to the 70 and overs, who didn't think they could either.

On the way down we saw these Welsh ponies. When I was a child I had one which I loved dearly.

We all ended up at the house - the climbers came down the direct way and the first to arrive was the 9 year old, followed by my 16 year old grandson who was very peeved to have been beaten by G. After tea and more gossip, we said our farewells to all who were not staying. I did not notice the winks and nudges that were going on. Shortly before we were to have dinner, cooked by C, I turned round and there were 2 brothers and their wives - a complete surprise. A happy evening was spent by all.

I thought you might like to see some of my cards

especially the one below - the creation of my Dil. They had to google to get cruciverbalist.

To end, here is a picture of the third peak, taken as I was out for a walk. The other is the view from the barn, towards the Black Mountains.

It was not the end of the holiday. My lot left on Tuesday and the step family arrived (not enough beds to have them all at the same time) We had a happy 3 more days, which would make another story, before coming home.