Planted two big bags of taffodils today at Tintern Abbey Cottage. It was warm and sunny ahead of the predicted rain tonight so they are off to a good start. Looking forward to seeing them again in Spring!

Weary today following the excitement of a houseful of hungry and rather mad rafters over the weekend. Need a relaxing break in our own cottages!

Betty competed in the Monmouth Raft Race again today raising substantial money for the excellent St Davids Hospice. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=234922&id=99092184627The crew endured rapids, rain and showed impressive paddling skills finishing 2nd in the mixed crews section and earning a smart slate plaque. Thank you to Token Laura (who has traded the elegance of a Cambs blue boat for Betty and a definitely more motley crew ) for making Betty eligible for this section. Betty is already being redesigned for 2011. God bless all who sail in her.

We have luxury November short breaks available for a party of between 2 and 6 at bargain rates
perfect for that indulgent treat

Monmouths wonderful raft Race will take place this Sunday. Do go and watch at High Noon from the riverbank in Monmouth ( ending at Whitebrook.) Mad people paddle home made boats down to the end, often in fancy dress and with the river low it will not be without shipwreck. Huge fun and all for charity. Give generously and enjoy!

An ancient oak tree fell in Monmouth this week. Not so exciting- until you think that it was a young sapling when Geoffrey of Monmouth was born in 1090 and already an old tree when Monmouths historic Bridge was built in the 13th Century and when Henry V was born in 1387.
It saw the Civil War and the Chartists, Henry Rolls ( Royce) and Nelsons visit to the town.
Hopefully something appropriate will happen to the wood.

spent a wonderful afternoon in really warm sunshine photographing Tintern Abbey- including pics which show how very near we are to it at the cottage!http://www.tinternabbeycottage.co.uk/ta

Newport Bank Holiday http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11133312

Tiger Woods slips back into the pack at the Barclays as Jason Day leads
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/aug/28/tiger-woods-the-barclays-new...

Pod fears for his place at the Ryder Cup http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12176_6346069,00.html