Alex and I took Mum on a shopping trip today, to spend all her money! We got the wheelchair into several shops, and she had a good look round. We were so long in town, we should have had lunch, not coffee! And we bought so much that we rewlly needed Sherpas to help carry it all.... read more

We walked along the disused railway line today, down the estuary to Barmouth, a glorious walk of 7 miles. We started at a toll bridge near Dolgellau, walked along the southern side of the river to the mouth, where there's a railway bridge (with footpath included) over the river into town. There we feasted ourselves on fish and chips on the prom, before catching a bus back along the other side of the river. Just had to walk across the toll bridge, and there we were. A lovely day. Dog didn't like it much, too many aeroplanes whizzing about, so her favourite part was jumping into the car at the end. Well .... she quite liked the bus!!!!... read more

Kate and I met in the small village of Selattyn, about half way between our homes, for a walk up to Selattyn tower and along Offa's dyke. It was a lovely day, and we went off for lunch afterwards to a garden centre, where I bought some bulbs and some luttuce plants, which I planted as soon as I got back home. A good day. ... read more

After they'd been shut in a few days, I let them out an hour before dusk. They weren't a bit nervous, and bustled about, scratching the ground and looking dead busy. One is named "Explorer" as she finds her way all over the place .......and luckily home again too. Another is Droopy, as she has a droopy wing. Since the first evening they've been out all the time, and they range pretty freely. Though I think there'll be a fence once they find my veg patch! Luckily we don't have insulation handy for them to get at Uncle George. ... read more

In the end it was a race against time. After lots of phone calls to locate some battery hens we could rescue, Joan yesterday found a farm who were emptying their cages this morning. So we sprang into action. Roger and Alex levelled the plot and got the slabs down, Joan and the boys went off to fetch the hens in cat baskets (doubtless more room than they've ever known before), and Alex and I went to Llanfair for chicken food. Of course the poor things are a bit nervous, but they'll soon settle in. And they've been made really welcome by Sasha and Theo - who unfortunately will be off back to Belgium on Tuesday. ... read more