‘So,’ says Ma, ‘are you any closer to the shops?’ There’s a petrol station about a mile and a half away and we’re fifteen minutes closer to Carmarthen which is still some twenty-six miles away. Ma, who’s still recovering from her accident, adores shopping, but will have to be content with her next-greatest passion, gardening, when she comes to stay with us in few weeks time.
Fortunately with Lily and Russ living at Cardiff Bay we have the perfect excuse for a city break. Last weekend we stopped off for a quick fix of shopping at the retail outlet at Sarn Park before catching up with Lily and Russ in Cardiff. We were there for our Christmas present from Lily and Russ, a trip to the Millennium Centre to see the Welsh National Opera’s staging of Puccini’s Turandot. Okay, so three hours of Puccini isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this was a stonking production and I had a brilliant time and a very good ice cream. Thank you Lily and Russ for looking after us so well.
Comments
Having written the above, I admit I am curious about how you all manage to keep milk, and other staples in the house. Is there any sort of delivery service or bus service that links your area to the city 26 miles away? Do folks ride bicycles?
Aren't I nosy? xo
But then of course Carmarthen is a bit like the sound barrier. Press through that barrier of the ruins of endless dairy farms and quota-derived heartache and you're through into the sunshine again. Pembrokeshire, the Ceredigion coast, Aberystwyth are all quite fun. I spent many happy hours in Pembroke once and even have a signed photograph of the castle to prove it. I have even travelled by tug up the Cleddau estuary and back. So I am sure you are living in the sunny uplands of a blessed spot but long may your remain your 26 miles from Carmarthen.
Incidentally your spell check says 'ainglued' - the sort of thing you might find written on the back of an Aberdeen envelope, perhaps?
Your latest blog sounds like my idea of heaven - as a previous person commented - who needs shopping centres or malls when you can shop on-line and the main staples of life - as long as you have a big freezer and store cupboard I would be fine - every day staples - bread could be made or bought and put in the freezer - milk too I believe can be put in the freezer these days too if not buy the cartons of Longlife milk which has a long shelf life of about 4 months....so no probs in the food dept from what I can see...
Green with envy...Diane xxx
How fabulous to see Turandot too. What a lovely present. It's a bit of a blood-thirsty opera, but there's some great tunes.
But what's all this anti-Carmarthen thing from Fennie? Carmarthen's lovely. The BEST car park in the world (last time I was there I parked between an Aston Martin DB9 and a Porsche). And it's got a lovely new shopping area now. Don't anyone listen to Fennie, Carmarthen's great!
Frances, Ma's going to love the garden and I'll be glad to have the benefit of her considerable knowledge. The petrol station sells basics and there's a small town about 9 miles away from us, but it's easier to just travel and stock up. Saves on petrol too. You need good strong legs to ride a bike round here - it's very hilly - and the last time I rode my bike in public some lorry drivers shouted ' a bit wobbly, love' at me which put me off a bit!
Debs, I've never been to Jersey, although we sailed to Alderney so I had a glimpse of the Channel Isles. Hopefully, I'll see more one day.
Helen, thank you. Just hope I'm not sounding smug - I'm just happy here.
Diane, hello, lovely to see you! For now, it's glorious living somewhere so peaceful, what I've been looking for. I can see there will be a time when I'll need to move closer to a city, but right now it's brilliant. Thanks for your comment.
Mags, you'll have to come over and see, please? Yes, Turandot is very blood-thirsty! 'Nessun dorma' isn't quite so romantic-sounding when you put it in context and the first act of this production was particularly chilling. it was a great evening, but, yes, as you say, quite strong stuff!