Clairesallotment's Blog

Let’s just say that I’m no longer in my 30’s. I was getting a bit freaked out about no longer having a 3 at the beginning of my age, but now it’s turned into a 4, it’s not so bad. Mark whisked me away for the weekend (Thursday-Saturday), and spoilt me rotten. My parents were over, so they looked after the kids. We went to Anglesey, Wales, and stayed in a wonderful hotel called Tre-Ysgawen Hall, which had a Spa! It’s a long drive from where we live, 308 miles to be exact, but was well worth the drive. As soon as we arrived we had a cup of tea, then straight in the spa, making full use of the pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. After that long drive it was very relaxing. Then we had a lovely dinner in the hotel (to be honest the nearest restaurant would have been at least half and hours drive if not more). After a couple of glasses of cooled Prosecco (Mark had ordered this especially) it was time to go to sleep. When I woke the following morning it was my birthday, and Mark made me a cup of tea in bed, and I opened my card. I left all my other cards at home, and was going to open them when we got back on Saturday. For some reason we decided that the best way to start my birthday celebrations would be to go and “Play on the equipment” in the hotels gym. Mark goes to the gym 3 times a week, and this was, I believe, the first time I have ever set foot in one. I played on various things, including the big round ball, which I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do on them. After a lovely breakfast of a proper Welsh fry up which included: Bacon, Sausage, Fried bread, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Black pudding (it was the first time I’d tried that, and it was ok, but not something I’d write home about). I passed on the Egg, as they don’t agree with me now…it must be my age!! There was also cereal, toast, fruit, meats, and yoghurts. So after eating loads for breakfast, bearing in mind I usually only have Mini Wheats and a bit of dried fruit, we left to spend the day sight seeing. As we were leaving the lady on the front desk mentioned that there was a leak coming from either our bathroom or the room next door, so they would be moving us to another room. Not a problem, but we’d be upgraded apparently. So off we went on our day of fun. First we drove to PortMeirion, where they filmed The Prisoner. It’s a bizarre place, with buildings that don’t seem to go together, but some how work. It was rather windy, but we snuggled close to each other as we walked along the sea wall. If you’re ever in the North of Wales, go and visit, it really is a beautiful place. We then went to Caernarfon Castle, which is the place where Prince Charles became Prince of Wales. It’s again a very strange place, where parts of the castle have completely fallen down, and other parts that look very derelict. Mark and I climbed to the top of one of the towers, were Marks fear of heights kicked in, and I had to hold his hand. After leaving we went into the town and had lunch before we drove back to our hotel. When we arrived back at the hotel, we found that we had been up graded, oh boy had we. We now were the proud owners of a room with a massive Four Poster Bed!! It was then time to get back in the Spa, and I had a back massage booked for late afternoon. After that I managed to find my way back to our room, and finished off the rest of the Prosecco. I was a very relaxed, happy bunny. Dinner in the evening was a 5 course affair, which was wonderful. Having seen loads of little lambs bounding around in fields, we both had lamb for our main course. It was delicious, so I didn’t feel guilty at all. We had tea and coffee after our meal in the hotels Library, and were the only people in there. Then it was time for bed, and the end to a perfect birthday. On the Saturday after another lovely breakfast, I had smoked haddock with a welsh rarebit sauce on, a croissant, yoghurt and fruit. We popped down to the spa for the final time before checking out just before 11am. The staff were all amazing, and so friendly. I would go there again, if only it was closer. On our way home we stopped off at Little Moreton Hall to stretch our legs, have a cup of tea and a Scone (Mark and I say it differently. He says it like “Gone” and I say it like “Phone”). It’s a very rickety old place, very uneven, and started falling into the moat that surrounds it, but has been held together by steel bars. Then it was the final leg home, with a quick stop on the way to have another cup of tea and a visit to the loo. We arrived home about 6pm, and the kids came running down the stairs to hug us. I then opened all my pressies and cards. My dad had made a wonderful curry for us, and a couple of glasses of wine later I was asleep on the sofa. Perfect weekend, and such a perfect birthday. I’m pleased to now be 40!!! Thank you to my wonderful Husband Mark for making it oh so wonderful and special. I love you very much xxxx.