CYMRU ANWYL A FFRINDIAU DA

eaving this place is always so hard. The pull of this land is powerful, but real life eventually calls us back. I need to keep working to finance these escapes—early retirement isn't looking particularly viable at the moment—so home we must eventually go. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, though, and I know I’ll never tire of this coast.

​Before we packed up and headed back, we still had the best part of the week ahead of us. Here’s how Wednesday through Saturday unfolded, right up to the journey home...

DOLPHINS, DRINKS, AND WELSH CAKES ON FAMILIAR SHORES

ei Newydd as I go on about regularly on about is my home within my soul. And our return although inevitable is so needed. A rest and cleanse is what we both need right now.

CURTAIN UP ON ANOTHER YEAR

irthdays are usually a personal affair—a time for others to celebrate you. Things are a bit different in our house, however, with Morticia’s birthday falling the day after mine. The beginning of May is entirely about "us": first me, then her. This year, there are no milestone birthdays to celebrate, and the plans are staying quite low-key.

MOTHERS: THE ARCHITECTS OF THE HEARTH

other’s Day is a sacred time, not a retail opportunity. Forget the hollow hype of the greetings card industry and the plastic tat that clutters the shelves. This day should be more than a commercial obligation; it is a moment to honour the architects of our lineage. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, I’m looking at the women who forged the foundation I stand on. Today, I’m honouring the mothers in my life.

JÓRVÍK: A VIKING PILGRIMAGE (Part 1)

ork is a remarkable city. While my soul is generally more at home in the rural coastal wilds of Cymru, Jórvík is the one urban landscape that calls to me. Driven by a fascination with our Viking heritage, we’ve set out on what has become an annual pilgrimage to Britain’s Norse capital to immerse ourselves in the Jórvík Viking Festival.

THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

ule is a special time, a moment of peace and reflection that transcends beliefs and means so much to so many. The world continues with its wars and the disasters continue it’s important to cherish the simple joys of life whilst the rich still seem bent on destruction for their own benefit.

So whilst the King is waffling on on the telly I get to deliver my message to the world.

2405.06 SHE'S FIFTY

The most important person in my life hits a milestone birthday this week and we celebrate with a special trip to our special place.

2404.27 BABIES, CARS AND HOSPITALS

Considering just how much has been going on recently you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking that I had plenty of excuses for posting a blog. Unfortunately all I've had on my plate has been a tad overwhelming. But here we are, or at least here I am.

2309.30 POSTCARD FROM CEI NEWYDD

I've done so many blog posts about my holidays and it could be said it's the same every year. I don't really care that we visit the same place every year. People might roll their eyes when we say we are going there but when you find a place which just resonates with you and makes you happy then why wouldn't we? This year, however, there is one significant difference... the dog, Magnus, came with us.

2205.24 HOME ALONE... AGAIN

It's been a while. Morticia has gone away on a gig tour for 10 days with her best friend. That means it's been just me and the dog, and fleeting encounters with the youngest daughter.

2012.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

This is probably the most difficult of seasonal messages I've had to deliver. The world in in the middle of a pandemic that that effected everyone in some way.

2002.24 RAIDING AND PILLAGING ANYONE?

Recently I started exploring some different music, something that's taken a back seat in my life for a while now. I'm having a bit of a renaissance with folk metal and some other Nordic and Pagan rock.

1812.29 CHRISTMAS SICKIE

I was going to call this post "Christmas Hangover" but circumstances have meant that has had to change. But first let's go back to the beginning.

1812.02 CHRISTMAS PRELUDE

Christmas has come around so quickly this year, my head is still spinning from the last on. Isn't it time Christmas was like the Olympics? Then we'd have a few extra years to catch up.

1809.18 NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT HER

It usually happens at least once a year and it usually means I get a taste of what it would mean to live a single life.

1801.06 BACK HOME ON MY OWN

Some couples are inseparable, others keep their distance. I like to think that we strike a healthily balance. We love to spend our time together but are free to pursue our separate interests.

1706.20 TEN YEARS LATER

Ten years ago today was the longest day of my life. It was a day of waiting... and waiting. A day of fear and did I mention waiting?

1703.29 A SINGLE MAN

Don't panic, Morticia hasn't left me, she is spending a few days in London with a friend so it's just Rags, me and the cat back home. Years ago this would have meant me taking loads of leave off work for childcare but now it's really just me and the cat. Rags is busy with her out of school activities and when she's home she's always in her room (as it should be). So I'm left living the single man life for a couple of days.

1701.20 BYE BYE GROSVENOR

Back in 1999 I married my Morticia. The day was perfect and as you may expect was one of the greatest days of my life (and I don't say that lightly). An important part of our day was the venues. Our reception venue was chosen after an intense search for a suitable place. 

1701.16 A NEW HOPE

It's not a Star Wars post before we begin.