Hello Everyone,

Well I’d like to tell you that the weather is wonderful here at our seaside self-catering cottages in Amroth, Pembrokeshire but sadly it is pouring with rain today.  We had the most fantastic weather in June, day after day of glorious sunny still days but since 4th July the weather has been mixed.  We did desperately need the rain, as many of you in the south east of England still do,  but now I want the sun to return so that all our guests can enjoy the wonderful scenery and beaches that we have here in Pembrokeshire.

A couple of weeks ago I went on a trip to  the Nevern Castle in Pembrokeshire, where there is an archaeological dig taking place.  They have made several exciting discoveries and found remains from the 12th century but it is believed that the site has been occupied since the Iron Age. For me who had never been anywhere like this before, it was fascinating.  The guide, who told us all about the finds and the work that is being carried out,  was so enthusiastic that it made you want to discover more of the history and I can imagine how excited the archaeologists are when something new comes to light.  It is a shame in a way, but quite understandable, that after everything of the dig is recorded and saved or sent to museums, the site is then covered again in order to preserve the area.  They are doing guided tours on a Thursday at 2-3 pm. throughout July and August and for any of you interested in History, I thoroughly recommend a visit.

We then went to Nevern Chuch in the picturesque village and saw the ‘Bleeding Yew’ tree.  Legend has it that the yew will continue to bleed a red sap until a Welsh King is in residence at the Castle again.  (Highly unlikely as the castle is no longer there, but a fascinating tree and the only one in a group of yew trees standing next to each other that bleeds).   Also at the church is an outstanding carved Celtic Cross dating from the 11th century  and 2 huge Ogam inscribed stones dating from the late 5th – early 6th century.  The whole area is heavily steeped in history with Castell Henllys, the Iron Age Fort, also close by.  It was a really great day out.

News from the Farm

Well our hay fields haven’t been cut, as when it was hot their was not enough thick growth and since the rain there haven’t been enough dry consecutive days.  Still lets hope it improves soon and maybe they will manage to get some haylage off the fields.  However the butterflies and bees have been enjoying all the red and white clover, yellow rattle and blue thistles and daisies that grow in the grass.  My fields really are wild life and flower meadows like used to exist before all the intensive farming took over and I believe some of only the 3% of such meadows that are left in the British Isles.  The Honeysuckle in the hedges lining the fields has been wonderful this year and the perfume in the early morning or evening is delightful.

Jim, the pony, is well again although getting old and suffering from arthritis but Annie the other pony is still not fit after trapping a nerve and hurting a muscle in her neck, which I think she did either rolling or falling in the field. This has resulting in her losing her balance and walking as if she is drunk.  Dick and Harry, the goats, are in their house today as it’s raining and the sheep are sheltering under the hedge.  The cats are all holed up in the house and even I have been forced in!!

Actually, I’ve just looked up and the sun is shining and I can see Caldey Island again so I am off to check on the plants, garden and greenhouse.

Colby Gardens, the National Trust Gardens, begins its activities for children next week which are always excellent and well worth taking part in and there are numerous activites in the area.

Must away and I will be back again giving you an update on the area and the events taking place.

Enjoy your day and the sunshine if you are lucky enough to have it!!

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Hi Everyone,

What a fantastic morning it is again here at our self catering cottages in Amroth.  Overlooking the sea  is almost breath taking this morning.  The tide is out, I can see the sandy beach and the sea looks perfect, shimmering blue with silver swirls, no breeze and the birds twittering . GLORIOUS.  I can’t see any sailing boats yet but I am sure someone is out there on such a fabulous day.

Last week I went on the Head Gardeners Walk and talk at Colby Woodland Gardens in the valley ajoining our cottages and it was really informative.  Although I frequently walk in the woods there, it was interesting to hear more about the plants and the plans for the gardens.  It really is a beautiful spot and there are plans for a lot more planting now that so many areas have had to be cleared due to the virus (Sudden Oak Disease) that has affected the wild Rhodedendrons and some of the beautiful Peris.  We stood under the Japanese Redwood (the tallest species in the U.K.) and saw some beautiful Damoselles along the stream in the meadow.  The Walled Garden is beautiful and although mainly a flower garden now, it is hoped to devote some of it to growing vegetables, as was its use years ago.  There is so much history attached to the valley, as it was a great source for mining coal (high grade anthracite) in the 1800′s and the Cwms Cottage was once a mill powered by the stream that runs through the valley.

It was a lovely peaceful afternoon finishing with a wonderful cream tea at the Bothy Tea Rooms in the garden.  I recommend all of you to go, if you are on holiday in the area.  I’m sure you will not be disappointed.

Another great place to visit is Llangloffan Fen, a nature reserve managed by the South and West Wildlife Trust.  It is near Mathry and is so peaceful there, you can understand why the wildlife is so abundant.  There is a lovely boardwalk to follow to make sure the wildlife and flora is not spoilt, and there are plans to build a bird hide  and clear an overgrown water area to attact over wintering birds.  The Dragonflies and Black double winged Damoselles are abundant and the day I went the Yellow Flag Irises were just coming into flower and the Greater Tussock-sedge grasses are huge.  Otters can be seen along the stream, although they were hiding the day we were there.  If you love nature it is a lovely spot to visit, so very peaceful and away from the world.

Everything is getting geared up for Pembrokeshire Fish week beginning on Sat. 26th July.  This is a great event in the area with cookery demonstrations, outdoor activities, food tasting and with most of the restaurants and pubs putting on special events and evenings, it is good fun for children and adults.  It begins with a great day at Milford Haven Marina with lots of activities and food tastings or if you are near Saundersfoot come along to the Seaside barbeque with fresh fish straight off the harbour or buy some fresh fish to cook yourself from ‘Mark the Shark’  There is also a seashore safari to enjoy and learn more about underwater wildlife.  The event begins at 11.00a.m.

News from the Farm

Well the weather has been wonderful for the tubs and hanging baskets that I have outside all our self catering cottages here in Amroth.  They love the calm sunny days we have had and now seem to all have established themselves well.  Keeping up with the watering is hard though and I have virtually emptied my water butts, so then it will have to be mains water.  The redcurrants have been wonderful and I have picked a lot but decided to let the birds have the rest, as I have seen the Blackbirds gathering huge mouthfuls, as they are obviously feeding young.  They seem to be so tame this year, they  obviously don’t see me as a threat.!!  The vegetable garden is doing well with beans,( broad, french and runners), carrots and parsnips and peas all coming through.  The beetroot are not quite so good, so I might have to plant more.

The animals have had a few problems with Annie and Jim, the ponies, having to see the vet at different times.  However I hope they are now improving.  One of the Jacob sheep caught her horn on something which caused it to bleed, so I have treated that to prevent the flies getting to her and she also seems to be O.K. now.  Dick and Harry, the goats, have been limping with the long grass getting between their toes, but with spray and cream they are again fine.  The cats are fine and Charlie, the tabby, just loves sitting with me in the veg. patch, while Boots finds a spot to sleep in the sun, Hannah is off in the fields and Bodmin is on the sun lounger on our patio, but at 18/19, I think he is entitled to it!!!

Must away to do some work.  Have a good day everyone, enjoy the weather and if you are in our area in Pembrokeshire have a great holiday.

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Good Morning everyone and what a glorious morning it is!! 

We have had a lot of sea mist the last couple of days but this morning our guests at Amroth Cottages have woken up to clear skies and a beautiful view of the sea. 

As I sit here with a coffee, I can see a couple of dinghies on the sea, probably having sailed out of Tenby or Saundersfoot.  I can only imagine the exhilaration the yachtsmen feel as they sail across the sea on a morning like this when the forecast is for a wonderful day.  My nephew is a brilliant sailor, having won numerous trophies and competed in World Class events here and in Australia, so I understand a little of the thrill but I have never had the opportunity to sail myself  despite having a great love and respect for the sea.

I love the spring with its fresh cool air and all the wonderful colours in the hedgerows.  The lane that leads down to our self- catering holiday cottages overlooking the seaside in Amroth, is lined with bluebells, pink campions, cow’s parsley and another tiny white flower and with the fresh green young ferns and overhanging trees, it is a joy every time I go up or down it.  As I walked down for my paper this morning,  the village shop and the Pirate Cafe (which is so well liked by our guests for its excellent food and drinks) were opening up  and the calm sea lapping on the shore always reminds me how lucky I am to live so close to the sea.

Last night, I had a very interesting and informative trip with the Environmental Group to see the work that had gone into protecting the wildlife where the new road near Canaston Bridge/Roberston Wathen is being put in by Costain.  Their utmost concern about avoiding pollution to the streams and the Cleddau river is exemplary and it was wonderful to see how large ducts and cleaning pools have been put in to prevent any run off from the new road contaminating the fields and streams. Underpasses have been established for the Otters to cross the road and large ducts for the Greater Horseshoe Bat to follow the stream and their flight path without crashing into the traffic. The land here has been compulsary purchased and will be managed by the South Wales Wildlife Trust to ensure the animals survive.  10,000  trees are being planted, some hedges have been uprooted and replanted and they are doing well and new banks have been constructed. It is rewarding to think how far we have all come to protect our environment, as years ago I’m sure much of this was not considered so important. We were also told of the Archaeological finds, one being a Bronze Age Burning Mound and in another spot close to the river several Neolithic spear heads, which suggested a camp had been here.  It was all so fascinating and a great evening.

I was out with our Beach cleaning group last Sunday and it was rewarding to find so little litter, so hopefully again people are getting the message to take home their bottles etc. and save pollutting the seas.  Certainly we have noticed the decline in plastic bags, which is great as more and more people use cloth ones.

News from the Farm

Pleased to report all is well with the animals.  I have at last healed Harry’s (the goat)  foot, with the help of Sudocrem! and the sheep are happy now their fleeces are off. 

Annie and Jim, the ponies, will have a new Farrier next week as the previous one who I have had for years has sadly given up.

  The grass in the fields is beginning to grow, so the ponies are now restricted to small paddocks, while we hope to save the fields for hay but Mike cuts a path around them for our guests to enjoy the views and see all the wild flowers and butterflies that we have.

The Swallows and House Martins are busy flying around and establishing whether to nest with us again, I do hope so as I love to wake and see them all in the early morning sky.

The Currant bushes in the veg. patch have got a lot of fruit forming, let’s hope it all ripens.  I have started planting carrots, beetroot and peas and hope to do more today.   I have planted up the tubs in our area around the Hot-Tub and the other tubs are coming on well in the greenhouse but hopefully will come out next week and I will put them outside each cottage.

Must away and do some jobs.  Have a good day

Regards to you all

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Good Morning Everyone,

Well sadly I can’t rave about the sun on the sea this morning as it is raining ! but the sea still looks dramatic, as I look out of the window from our house where we have our self-catering cottages here in Amroth and we did need some rain, as the ground had become so dry, after the wonderful warm sunny days that we have had.

On Monday morning we left the mist here in Amroth and drove up to the National Botanic Gardens, just the other side of Carmarthen.  The weather was lovely and bright and we had a wonderful tour and talk about the garden, and its development since it opened 10 years ago.  Mike, my husband, and I  have been there a few times but we thought it looked better than ever on this visit. The plants have now all matured so much and everything was bursting into life with some wonderful cherry blossom. I also suggest everyone takes the little free train that takes you a tour round the lakes, the driver gave us some great information. We  learned a bit of the history of the first owners of the estate one being Middleton, who introduced the drinking system into London, the basis of which still remains today.  Another owner was Paxton, who introduced the first gas lights into London.  The Head gardener in the double walled garden gives a short talk every day about the plants in this area and he is well worth listening to. It was a fascinating day and I will recommend all our guests to go.

This weekend sees lots of events in Pembrokeshire and around Amroth.  On Sunday there is an Owl Prowl day at Colby Woodland Gardens, the National Trust property in the valley below Amroth Cottages.  Maria from Tinkers Hill, the Bird of Prey and Swan Sanctuary in Amroth will be there with her tame Barn Owl and Glantawe Hawking will be there with some of their owls and hawks.  It should be a great day for anyone in the area as there will be activities for children, information and you can also walk round the wonderful gardens.

Carew Castle has an Archery Event on Monday, there is an organised short (3mile) walk around the disused Iron Works in Stepaside, Amroth for anyone interested in the rich history of the area and there is a Welsh Food Festival at the National Botanic Gardens also on Monday.  The latter I went to last year and it was fantastic.

Some of our guests went to Skomer Island this week and saw hundreds of Puffins.  They came back with some wonderful photos.  This is a wonderful island to visit.  I have been there a couple of times and for nature and birds lovers it is a must to visit.

News from the Farm

Well the warm weather followed by gentle rain has made everything spring into life.  There is masses of Blackthorn blossom this year so there will be plenty of Sloes but there is very little damson blossom, so they may be in short supply .  The primroses and violets are still filling the banks in the lanes and our garden, here at Amroth Cottages and this week the bluebells have started to come out in the lane leading down to our self-catering cottages.

Annie and Jim, the ponies, now are restricted to just the 2 small fields as the grass will be too rich for them and the other fields are now shut off to grow our hay.  The 2 remaining hens occasionally lay me an egg, the Jacob sheep will be shorn before long and Dick and Harry, the goats still amuse everyone with their antics.  Harry still has a problem with his foot but hopefully it is on the mend.  Charlie, Boots, Bodmin and Hannah, the cats all enjoy the attention from our guests, although Hannah spends the majority of her time in the woods.

We have just looked after my nephew’s retriever, Twiggy, while they were on holiday.  What a wonderful dog she is and so like our beloved Wilson when he was young.  When she went back home I seemed to miss Wilson even more, hence I was looking at the Retriever Rescue site again!!!!  But no dog yet.

The garden has been looking good but with the rain I guess the snails will appear.  Much to my surprise several plants have survived the winter in my little greenhouse, but as it isn’t heated I have lost a few of them.  I will start work on the veg. plot next week and hopefully have some produce later in the year.

Well, I guess I may be stuck doing indoor jobs for part of today so hopefully I can get a bit straight with paper work and having recently been on a course regarding Social media I may try to get Amroth Cottages onto Facebook ,tumblr and twitter.  Will keep you posted but don’t hold your breath!!!!!!

Have a good weekend everyone

Regards

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Happy Easter Everyone,

I hope you have all had a good weekend and that the children have enjoyed their chocolate eggs.  The weather here at our self catering cottages, over looking the seaside at Amroth was fabulous on Saturday and Sunday, really warm and sunny.  We had a very windy but dry day on Monday but  an afternoon of rain on Tuesday.  Today the sun is out again so our guests in the cottages will be able to enjoy the wonderful beaches in Pembrokeshire or explore all we have to offer in the area.

The National Trust had several events over the weekend, both at Colby Woodland Gardens, just down the valley next to Amroth Cottages and the Tudor Merchants House in Tenby. All the attractions are now fully open and some of our guests have been to Folly Farm, Manor House Wildlife Park and Heatherton and had a great time. Battlefield Live ( a Laser Combat Adventure) is at Llanteg about 2 miles from us and is great for families to compete with each other in the open air without getting hurt, as can happen with paint-balling. 

 On Thursday evening, there is a Bat and Moth exploring evening at Castell Henllys, the Iron Age Fort about 45 minutes from here.  What a fascinating place this is to visit. The day I went it was freezing cold and as we stood in all our waterproofs and wind protection gear at the top of the hill, it made me think how tough our ancestors were, to be able to live in such harsh conditions.  The houses that have been constructed there on the original bases that have been discovered are wonderful and I recommend all visitors to the area to go and see them.

About 3 weeks ago, March 12th, the BBC weather man announced that between 7.25 and 7.30p.m. the International Space Station would be passing over Pembrokeshire, passing from west to east, with 5 astronauts on board.  He said it looked like a very bright star moving quite fast.  As it was a really clear night, Mike and I were out on the decking looking up at the sky and wow, there it was clearly making its way around our planet.  It was quite spectacular and once again makes you marvel at the technology we have developed since the Iron Age Fort days.

News from the Farm

Life does seem different without Wilson, our beautiful retriever, with us but the cats probably feel more relaxed as he is no longer there to ward them off his food dish and they can safely come through the cat-flap!!  Not that he ever did anything other than curl up his lip, but it was just a warning I suppose for them not to overstep the mark!!!

Annie and Jim, the ponies are fine.  They managed to have their coats off for a few days at the beginning of March but they are wearing them again due to the rain but I will probably take them off again today.  Dick and Harry, the goats are O.K. apart from a cut heal, which I am treating.  The sheep are great, as are the 2 hens.

The snowdrops in the garden and down the lane that leads to our self-catering cottages here in Amroth, have given way to the beautiful primroses and a few violets and the garden is a blaze of colour with the daffodils.  I have been doing a bit of tidying in the garden and listening to  the birds singing has been wonderful.  It is a real joy to be able to work in the garden again after such a cold winter and it is wonderful to see all the new life appearing in the plants and hedges. 

Well, I must away and do some work

Until the next post, enjoy the spring

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Good Morning Everyone,

Well, it looks like it is going to be another lovely day here.   It is wonderfully clear and I can see Lundy Island rising out of the sea in the far distance, as I look out of the window at the view from our self catering cottages here in Amroth.  Yesterday was fantastic here, really warm in the sun and  it twinkled on the sea so brightly, it was a wonderful sight.   Although the air was cold it was a great day for walking and our guests in 2 of our cottages enjoyed walks with their dogs on the beach.  Both dogs are young and their frolicking reminds me so much of Wilson in his puppy years, especially the one dog, as he is a whitish golden retriever like Wilson was.

Well as half-term approachs, several attractions in Pembrokeshire are getting ready to open for the visitors.  Colby Woodland Gardens has some Family Activities ‘Wake up to Wildlife’ on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday next week and these are always excellent.  The gardens open on Saturday and anyone who has been before will be amazed at the work that has gone on this winter.

Manor House Wild Life Park opens for the whole of the week and I can recommend families to go.  I had a wonderful day there with my grandchildren in the October half-term and will definitely revisit this year to see how Steve the Gibbon is getting used to his new surroundings.  You can read all about the place on their web-site .

Battlefield Live Pembrokeshire is another great adventure for children (and adults), boys especially, as my husband found out when he took our grandsons last year.   They are just up the road from us at Llanteg  and they have a web site you can visit.

Folly Farm are of course open and St. Davids Cathedral will be giving guided tours.  Heatherton has lots of activities for the whole family and then of course there is the wonderful beach in Amroth.  The Pirate Cafe will be open this week-end so you will be able to warm up with a Hot Chocolate after a walk on the beach.

News from the Farm

The bulbs are beginning to peep through and I have one or two snowdrops out, but when we drove up to Castell Henllys last week we saw a fantastic sight of a long bank of snowdrops.  They must have been really sheltered but it does make you think that Spring can’t be far away.   I think all the snow this winter has made us  think what a long winter it has been and we look forward to seeing  the new life appearing.   On the way into Tenby outside the farm shop, there is already a super display of early daffodils, I could hardly believe it when I saw them.

The animals are all enjoying the cold dry spell we have had the last few days and they love the sun on their backs.  Dick and Harry, the goats, have been lying against the stable wall in the sun and have been toasty warm.  Jim and Annie, the ponies are enjoying the freedom of all the fields at this time of year, as I don’t have to worry about them getting too much grass. Charlie, our tabby cat who likes to be in the hay barn has had a bad paw, so another expensive visit to the vet!!!   The hens, sheep and other cats are all fine.  People keep asking if we will have another dog, but at the moment losing Wilson is enough.  We are getting used to the empty space in the kitchen but thank you to all of you who have sent us messages, it was lovely to hear how each of you had remembered Wilson.

Well I must away to plant some polyanthus in the pots outside the self catering cottages and clean up behind Mike who has just finished decorating the main bedroom in our largest cottage.   The cottages are full next week for the half term, so let’s hope the weather stays fine and dry for our guests, but it is so beautiful here and I am sure they will find plenty to do.

Until next time, regards to you all

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Hi Everyone,

Well, it has taken me a fortnight to be able to write this and even now I don’t think I will be able to do justice to our beautiful retriever Wilson, who sadly died on Jan. 12th.

  I am sure all of you who met him will remember him at various stages of his life and for various reasons.  To us, he was a loyal constant companion seeing numerous ups and downs and changes in our lives over the 13 and 1/2 years of his life.

He was born and began his life on the Blackdown Hills, in Somerset, when he came to live with us as an 8 week old puppy with enormous paws , the reason Mike chose him!,  Mike called him Wilson, after his make of tennis racket, and over the years he grew into his name.  He was a bundle of mischievious fun but very defiant, and up until he was 0ne, I wondered if he would ever be trained. But then it just seemed like he got it,  and he proved to be the best dog we could have ever wanted.

His undying loyalty to Mike was incredible.  Even when he (Wilson) was struggling to walk, he would still try to follow Mike  to the garage or shed, to see what jobs had to be done. He would follow Mike everywhere from the very beginning, watch him painting the house, decorating the cottages, following him round as he cut the grass and of course he adored the beach and the wonderful walks in the woods around here that we all shared.

When we first came to live in Amroth he was 2 and his favourite activity was chasing seagulls or gulling, as we called it. He would plunge into the sea when they took flight and never gave up thinking he might catch one!!! I remember him once being fascinated by a shoal of fish in the shallow waters of the sea one day and he exhausted himself jumping up and down trying to pat one. He’d delight in finding a bucket lid on the shore line and Mike would throw it as a frizbee.

 He was rarely without a stick or a ball and I have, in the past, found numerous 1/2 balls in a bale of hay from our fields that Wilson had abandoned and they had been caught up in the cutter and baler, when our hay was made.

He absolutely adored the snow in his younger days, frolicing and rolling in it and chasing snowballs and it seems ironic that I think it was the snow and ice that brought him to his end. He had been struggling with his arthritis for quite a long time and the growth of the tumour on his back toe had begun to cause him pain for about a week beore he died, as he kept catching it on the ice and breaking the skin. When he fell over on the 11th and could not get up at all, Mike had to lift him and we knew it was time to let him go.

Any of you who have had to make this decision, know how hard it is, and at the moment I still have times when I question if we should have given him a bit longer.  It broke my heart to hold him as he slipped away, but he went with dignity as the beautiful dog he was. My friend with his digger came and dug a hole for me and Wilson is buried on his bed with his ball, over looking the sea, woods and coast path, that he so loved and where he had so many adventures. (Mike had to go out for the day, as he found the parting too hard)

If any of you have read Marley and Me you know how sad the ending is, and I knew that would always happen to us but I think we gave him a wonderful life and I hope he felt the same.  Someone in the village said they will always remember how majestically he walked with his beautiful white tail held high and one of our young guests referred to him  as the ‘polar bear’

So many wonderful memories.

Hopefully, my blog will be more cheerful next time but I couldn’t let his death go unmarked. He was too special to be forgotten and his life should be celebrated.

I am sure any of you visiting us this year will be sorry not to be greeted by him, he was a part of Amroth cottages.

Regards to you all

Ann (Amroth cottages)

Mike

Hello to Everyone from our snowy self catering cottages on the coast in Pembrokeshire.

Happy New Year. Well what a start!! The swim on January 1st from the beach in Amroth was a great occasion with several brave and hardy people taking part. Locals and visitors alike, some dressed in Elvis Presley costumes, ran over the sands, as the tide was out, to plunge into the icy water. It was a glorious sunny day and everyone seemed to have a great time. Mind you I wasn’t tempted as they looked so cold when they walked back up the beach. But it was a tremendous effort and a lot of money was raised for various charities.

It was the next day when the snow started to fall here and since then we have been pretty frozen up along with the rest of the country. However, it really is so beautiful looking out over the white fields from our self catering cottages to the sea, with the sun twinkling on the water and walking in Colby woods, the National Trust property next to our farm is magical. It is a shame in our busy lives that we don’t have more time to just enjoy the natural beauty around us but I know when everyone is battling with trying to get to work, get the children to school and all the other every day chores taking time out to just look can a luxury. I remember when we lived in Somerset on the Blackdown Hills and had a business in Taunton, travelling in bad weather was a nightmare for me, so I appreciate how many of you feel. However, those times are now over, and if  the roads are bad I either don’t go out or walk to the local Farm shop at Summerhill for essentials.

Some of our grandchildren live in Newcastle and of course they have had abundant snow. To begin with our daughter said they had a wonderful time playing in it, but now they are not bothered about being outside which is, I suppose, how children living in snowy countries feel.

News from the Farm

We have a wonderful variety of birds coming into the garden. Yesterday afternoon there were a pair of Lapwings on the big lawn in front of Granary Cottage and then a Sandpiper or Curlew with an enormous beak, was drilling down into the lawn. This morning there was a Redwing on the other lawn near Stables Cottage and we have more Mistle Thrushes this year than I have seen here in the past. Of course the huge variety of  Tits and Finches that we get, are enjoying the fat balls and seed and peanut caddies that we have hanging from the trees.

Well the animals are all keeping well, I am pleased to say. Jim, our little Welsh Mountain pony, has a new red winter coat and looks very smart in the field. He and Annie, our other pony, are both at this moment out in the field and I have been watching them this morning scrapping the snow away with their hooves to get to the grass. They do eat a lot more hay and haylage this weather, of course, as do the sheep and Dick and Harry, the goats. The ice on the troughs and water buckets is so thick in the morning and despite breaking it at 7.30 this morning it was iced over again at 10a.m., so I keep popping out to make sure all is O.K.

Charlie, our cat , who lives in the hay barn seems quite happy outside and despite Mike trying to bring him into the house several times, he is always so anxious to get out. Not like Bodmin, Boots and Hannah, who seems happy to stay holed up inside by the radiators.

Wilson, our dear old retriever, is struggling on the snow  as his legs keep giving way and then it is hard for him to get up on the ice. Such a shame as he used to love the snow and would chase snowballs and leap in the air to catch them and then roll in the snow with glee. Such wonderful memories. Still he is quite happy at the moment watching Mike paint in one of the cottages.

Well I must get back to my spring cleaning. My aim is to get all the cottages finished before our first guests of 2010 arrive on 15th January, so no time to waste!!!

Have a good day everyone and spring will soon be here. The snow can’t last forever!

Regards

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Hi Everyone and a very Merry Christmas,

Sorry I haven’t been keeping you up to date for the last month or so, everything has been so hectic , as I am sure it has been for a lot of you. Lately I have been decorating our self catering cottages here in Amroth in readiness for the guests that have now arrived. The homemade wreaths are on the doors, the Christmas trees are up and decorated in the living rooms and the greenery decorations are all in place. Mike has put up the fairy lights along the garage roof and on the Barbeque House, so everything looks very Christmasy and we have even had snow on the ground as if to order!!!  How has everyone managed in the snow. I know it has been very bad in parts, fortunately Amroth doesn’t get a lot of snow generally but we have had some very icy roads, which has made getting up the hill to Summerhill pretty tricky. Actually I am a real baby driving in icy conditions and would rather walk, but having lived in the country for a lot of my life, we always have plenty of stocks in for the animals and humans, so no need to venture out.

The sea views here have been glorious the last few days. The air has been so clear that Lundy Island has looked so close and we have been able to see Exmoor(where we once lived) and the North Devon Coast. The frost on the ground has made everywhere look superb and it has been wonderful weather for walking and thank goodness we are not ploughing through mud all the time in the fields.

Tenby has a big event on Boxing Day which always gathers a huge crowd. Several, NO  hundreds of people dress up in fancy dress and at the sound of a horn all race for the sea and plunge in. Some of them really do swim quite a distance but others get wet all over and then come out. It is all for charity and several thousand pounds is raised each year. It is a great event to watch but I have never been tempted to join in, the sea is FREEZING and if there is a wind!!!!! Gosh it is bad enough watching from the beach but the Mulled wine afterwards in the local cafe or the pub (The Amroth Arms in Amroth’s case) soon warms you up.

Following this event we have the New Years Day Swim in Saundersfoot at 11a.m., followed by a Big Swim in Amroth at 12 noon. Two of the ladies from Summerhill Farm Shop are going to do both swims to raise money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) so I have sponsored them and will be there to support them. All these events are real social occasions for the villages and I take my hat off to all those who brave the icy waters. I know that several swims occur around Pembrokeshire but I have only been to the local ones.

News from the Farm

Glad to report all the animals are fine. The ponies are glad of their rugs this weather and of course have the freedom of all the fields at this time of year and are brought in at night for their hay and feeds. Dick and Harry, the goats are tucking into the haylage we made from our fields and they quite enjoy this crisp, cold weather. It is the wind and rain that they hate as they have no lanolin in their coats. The Jacob sheep are fine in the cold as their fleeces are so thick, I never worry about them, but obviously they also eat the haylage when the ground is frozen. The cats are fine and dear old Wilson has had some days lately when he has been acting like a puppy again, bouncing around but then he sleeps for ages!!! I think it is a case if the mind being willing but the body being weak.

Well I must away, our daughter and grandchildren arrived last night for Christmas so it is all excitement in the house. We will be off for a walk on Amroth beach later which they love, as they come from the Midlands.

Hoping you all have a wonderful Christmas and wishing you health and happiness in 2010. I will be back in the New Year with an update

Regards

Ann (Amroth Cottages)

Hello Everyone,

Where has the time gone this month?!! Apologies for not blogging from our self-catering cottages in Pembrokeshire but I have been so busy this month trying to get the garden into some sort of shape before the weather changes.

This morning is fabulous. Can’t believe it is the end of October and the clocks have gone back an hour.  I do hate the dark appearing around 5p.m. as it means the animals all have to be fed earlier and it makes for a shorter day. Still this morning the sun is shining, the sea is twinkling there is no wind and the leaves that are left on the trees, after the last 2 windy days, are a super colour and the berries and hips on the trees this year are so plentiful. My Holly trees and bushes are laden with bright red berries but I bet by Christmas the birds will have stripped them clean, just when I would have liked a few for the decorations!!. 

I have just mucked out the stables and looking down on to the sea, I have just seen 2 kayaks paddling along the bay. It is wonderfully calm on the water today, so I guess they will be able to go all along the coast. There are quite a growing number of them in Pembrokeshire now as the coastline is so spectacular and several places will hire them out (one being ‘ Walk on Water’  in Saundersfoot – 4 miles from Amroth) or guests can try out the Activity Centre at Morfa Bay near Pendine or Pembrokeshire Activity Centre near Pembroke Dock or go over to  West Wales Watersports in Dale or Newgale  if they want instructional hours, all fantastic areas to explore.

On Monday we went on a Trade day to Pemberton’s Chocolate factory, a few miles from here. It was so interesting and the hand-made chocolates they produce are absolutely delicious. When  you realise all the processes that the cocoa bean has to go through before the actual chocolate is produced, you realise why high class chocolates are so expensive, and I will definitely savour the truffles they produce with respect!!! It is certainly well worth a visit for our guests.

This week is 1/2 term and we are fully booked. There are lots of activities in the area this week. Colby Gardens has a Spooky Halloween trail in the woods and also a workshop making Halloween items from things that can be gathered. If this is like the workshop they did at the end of the summer, it will be excellent. There are also events at the Tudor Merchants House (National Trust) in Tenby, Carew Castle and Picton Castle and of course Folly Farm will have it’s traditional Find the Pumkin trails. So there is lots to do very close by for our visitors with children. However the weather is so mild and calm today, rock pooling or building castles on Amroth beach and going for a walk won’t cost a penny and will be fabulous today, so let’s hope the weather stays good for the week.

Our younger daughter and grandchildren are arriving on Tuesday and Mike, my husband, is taking the boys for a treat to Pembrokeshire Battlefield Live, a new Laser Combat attraction that is in it’s first year at Llanteg about 2 miles from here. I know the boys will love it and I hope to go with our grandaughter and little grandson to Manor House Wildlife Park, to see the Gibbon Monkey Steve who has been given a new home, having been kept in a concrete enclosure all his life. They have made him an island with trees to climb and improved his environment, but of course at present he is very nervous of the changes.

News from the Farm

All is well with the animals, I am pleased to report. The ponies still haven’t got their winter rugs on permenantly yet, although when it was very wet on one day last week, I did put them on. Their natural coats are now very thick so they are quite warm.

Wilson, our beautiful retriever, is still plodding on and the guests this week are delighted to see him again, as when they left last year, they wondered if he would still be with us. He seems quite happy, it’s just that he hasn’t got the energy to go further than the goats field now and prefers to watch life, the beach and Mike from the grass outside the house.

I am doing my best to dig over the veg. patch for the winter. We are still pulling delicious carrots and I have a little beetroot  and chard left. The tomatoes in the greenhouse were great this year and the last of the green ones I have made into chutney. Now the greenhouse is clear and ready to house all the fuschias, begonias and geraniums that I try to keep through the winter, so the next job will be to take all the pots apart, which is quite a big job as I think I have about  30 – 35 outside the self catering cottages and the barbeque area.

Well I must away. Lots to do as usual

Regards to you all

Ann (Amroth Cottages)