31 years ago today two 17 year-olds got together in a school dance.

They couldn’t have guessed then that 31 years later they would still be together.

And looking back on 31 years of happiness.

[Us on a bus - Barcelona, last year]

My father was taken in to hospital this evening. He’s 86 and very frail. He’s a diabetic but in the last couple of years the danger has been going hypo rather than hyper (ie his blood sugar level has gone too low). But suddenly his blood sugar level has shot up to a dangerous level so he had to be admitted to hospital. He seems reasonably well in himself so hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s home again.

And on a slightly different note, I have to take the dog to the vet tomorrow to have a growth removed from a very delicate (and private) area. He’ll need to have a general anaesthetic so I’ll have a very groggy dog to deal with tomorrow with a sore private part…

Four months ago today we moved to our new home in the seaside town of Barry. Compared to our previous home in the ‘posh’ town of Cowbridge a move to Barry was a step down. Barry is synonomous with run-down areas, crime and faded seaside glamour. At least that was the way that I saw it, in common, I’m sure, with most Cowbridge residents.

But what I hadn’t realised until about a year ago, is that there are actually some very attractive parts of Barry, such as the areas around Romily Park and The Knap. And, overall, once you get to know it, it’s not such a bad place.

And after four months I have to say that I love it here. To have a beautiful coastline and sandy beaches within walking distance of our home is wonderful. To be able to walk the dog on the beach is wonderful. I’ve always wanted to live by the sea, and now I do. Perhaps one day I’ll get blasé about it but at the moment it’s almost like being on an extended holiday.

These photos were taken walking the dog yesterday and today and, hopefully, you’ll see what I mean.

Yesterday evening we went to an Exhibition of GCSE and A Level Art and Textiles at Siân’s school. Siân had work exhibited in the art and textiles section.
(Click a photo to see the details.)

She’s a very talented artist and the dress she designed and made is stunning.
Needless to say we were very proud parents.