A Fresh Start

Thursday 11th - Cosmeston

We visited Cosmeston before the doctor’s appointment on Thursday morning. As we watched the birds, a school party appeared, led by one of the park guides. He was pointing out the various breeds on view - swans, gulls, etc.

“There are ducks here too. This one’s name starts with an M. Does anyone know his name?”

“Malcolm.”

We had to laugh. Above, then, is Malcolm, struggling with a rather large lump of bread. While I was scanning the birds on the lake one grabbed my attention - could it be?

Yes, it was one of the great crested grebe I’d spotted (in its winter plumage) back on Christmas Day. Isn’t it a beautiful bird?

By now the other birds were getting a little jealous of the attention the grebe was getting, so here are a couple of the other friendlier types - a coot and a tufted duck.

Friday 12th - Dad’s Garden

I had intended to rise with the lark on Friday morning and capture some early morning light somewhere or other (probably Lavernock Point). As it was, I slept through the alarm. Oh well.

Here, then, are a few snaps from around Dad’s garden for you.

Saturday 13th - Lavernock Point

I didn’t know it at the time (until now, in fact, when I googled the background), but I’d chosen a very appropriate date to visit Lavernock Point.

On May 13, 1897, Marconi transmitted the first wireless signals over water from Lavernock to Flatholm Island - BBC

Here you have the church near which Marconi’d set his transmitter and, below, Flat Holm island where the signals were received.

Sunday 14th - St Lythans

I had a date with a woman for brunch today but before I set off across Cardiff I popped up to the nearest neolithic burial chamber to my dad’s house at St Lythans.

From there it was on to my brunch date and an exceptionally tasty date and rhubarb loaf (of which more later). The felines were on form today and were seemingly happy to pose for photographs (even if KK was giving Ed a particularly hard time for no apparent reason).

It’s such a pity that bush was in the way in the last shot - otherwise you’d be gazing admiringly at a shot of two cats in classic “boxer” stance, upright with their arms poised to strike. Trust me on this (to quote last night’s Doctor Who).

My favourite of the lot, though, was this last one of Ed:

We enjoyed jam tarts, cheese scones and the excellent date and rhubarb loaf. As the rhubarb had come from dad’s garden I thought it only fair to ask for a slice for an expert appraisal.