Busy times in Coastal Cottages

It's all go here in Coastal Cottages this week - our most exciting news is that Gemma had a baby girl last Friday so we all send our very best wishes and congratulations to Gemma and family! And on a sadder note, tonight is Ann C's retirement party in Wolfscastle; Ann has retired from the company after 22 years so plans are afoot to give her a send-off to be remembered! Ann will be sadly missed and we hope she will find the time to come and visit us here in the office.


It's a busy time of year, with Mothers Day on Sunday and Easter drawing ever nearer - the weeks are flying. Ruby is off on a short break holiday near Newgale next week, Sadie is moving house and in a few days time I am off to a friend's wedding in Japan. I have been stocking up on presents and souvenirs from Pembrokeshire - (my suitcase is already way over my baggage allowance; those Welsh cakes certainly are loaded with fruit.) And for the perfect wedding present what could be more fitting than a traditional Welsh lovespoon (there is a great selection to choose from in various shops in Solva, St. Davids and Narberth) and a beautiful Welsh woollen throw from Melin Tregwynt, near Abermawr.

Finally we all wish Ann C a very happy retirement - we're sorry to see you go and hope you find the time in between all the things you have got planned to come and see us all!

Happy St. David's Day!

Tomorrow of course is 1st March, St. David's Day. Celebrations in honour of our patron saint are going on all over Wales this weekend but there is surely no better place to celebrate than in St. Davids itself, with the magnificent cathedral (which stands on the site of the monastery founded by St. David himself and once a popular place of pilgrimage) and nearby St. Non's chapel where St. David is reputed to have been born circa 500AD.

There is plenty going on all over the county, including a cawl cooking championship and food and craft festival in Saundersfoot. Local pubs and restaurants have mouth-watering menus in honour of all things Welsh - Ruby will be dining on roast Welsh lamb with Pembrokeshire new potatoes tomorrow, and I need to stock up on tasty local leeks (Gate to Plate farm shop at Freystrop, near Haverfordwest, is my favourite.) Welsh cakes and bara brith will be doing the rounds too I hope! Little Welsh ladies will be out in force but i'm not so sure about Welsh rugby shirts after Friday night's performance against France.

Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd (Do the little things in life: Saint David.)

Dydd gwyl Dewi hapus - Happy St. David's Day!

Spring has sprung!

What a match last Saturday - Shane Williams we adore you! We're all still smiling and hope Wales are on to a winning streak.


Spring has finally sprung at last - the first snowdrops have appeared, daffodils are pushing their cheerful heads out and the first lambs are in the fields (waking me up with their bleating and "maah maaah.")


This weekend both Sadie and Kelly are off on Pembrokeshire mini breaks (not together!) Sadie will be exploring Abermawr and Kelly will be spending time in Solva - so i'm sure they will both have all sorts of stories and tips for us next week! Tomorrow I have a lunch date in Haverfordwest and then an evening with the YFC in Fishguard (so watch out Fishguard!) I will also be taking my pup for a walk at Port Lion, her favourite walk of this week and perfect for exploring the shoreline, woods and then up through the fields to take in the gorgeous views over the River Cleddau and towards the north and the Preseli Mountains (that view is of course more for my benefit than hers.) Meanwhile Ann B will be spending time in Llanrhian and Jan is heading to St. Ishmaels to the wonderfully well stocked garden centre, which has reminded me that I also need to go. We're all making the most of the warmer weather (slightly warmer anyway) and the wonderful optimistic feeling that comes with the start of Spring!

Second match lucky?

I'm not even going to mention last week's rugby match between Wales and England, and don't get Sarah started on the subject! Fingers are again crossed for the match between Wales and Scotland this afternoon. Sarah is sporting her Welsh socks (and everything else) again today and will be cheering our boys on in Haverfordwest - she has just swept out of the office in a little whirlwind of excitement. Ruby and I will be straining to hear the game on the radio here in the office whilst Linda and Alison are living it up at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff - here's hoping they will prove to be lucky charms.

Tomorrow of course is St. Valentines Day and Ann is planning on a walk on the beach at Abercastle followed by dinner near Solva whilst Ruby will be releasing a beautiful paper lantern from the top of Plumstone Mountain, near Hayscastle. Kelly is planning on a stroll along Newgale and I have been dropping hints about being taken out for dinner all week as there are some mouth-watering Valentines menus in various local restaurants - i'll have to wait and see but will also be walking my busy Beagle at Marloes Sands as a long trek along the spectacular beach is the best way to tire her out!

In the meantime though, come on Wales!

Come on Wales!!!

Yes it's the time of year that Sarah saves all of her annual leave for - the 6 Nations kicks off this afternoon! She is kitted out in her Welsh rugby shirt and socks (and pants too.) We're all feeling very optimistic and are warming up ready to sing "Bread of Heaven" and our national anthem when Wales V England kicks off at 5pm (even one of the puppies in puppy class was sporting a Welsh dragon on his tiny jacket this morning.) Local pubs are all showing the games - Sarah and Leanne will be watching in Haverfordwest, I will be in Little Haven, Ruby will be watching in Fishguard and Sadie will be in the pub in Clarbeston Road. So come on boys, don't let us down!

Be My Valentine?

Here in the office we were all thrilled to receive a visit from Emma and her beautiful baby Tommy yesterday, who cut a dash in his tiger suit and clearly enjoyed having all of the ladies here cooing and clucking over him!


We're all busy making plans for the approaching Valentines Day and half term. Sue has spotted some delicious looking heart-themed treats in Lollies traditional sweet shop in Tenby (hint hint.) Sadie is off on a romantic break for two at Abermawr (will he or won't he? We can't help but wonder here in the office!) Jan is planning a romantic walk along the coastal path to Druidston (here's hoping she'll be treated to lunch afterwards!) And Ruby is being treated to either horse riding or quad biking. Sarah T meanwhile will no doubt be inundated with flowers and chocolates.

Picton Castle are hosting a 'Signs of Spring' walk over half term, a perfect opportunity to see the first stirrings of Spring in the beautiful grounds. There are also 'Wake up to Wildlife' activity days going on at Colby Woodland Gardens, near Amroth. Jan is planning on taking her grand-daughters to Folly Farm and Ruby is hoping to take her nephew crabbing in Fishguard. I'm just looking forward to Spring - bring on the daffodils!

Getting through January

We have thawed out a bit here at last - I have been enjoying walking my puppy on the beach now that she is less likely to catch a chill on her bald tummy, followed by the best hot chocolate to be had at Newgale in the Sands cafe. Sadie meanwhile would recommend The Moon and Sixpence in Haverfordwest for a sweet treat to warm up and she is also busy making plans for the Welsh Valentine's Day, St Dwynwen's Day, coming up on 25th January. There certainly seems to be something in the air as three of my friends have become engaged in the last three weeks - all that snow seems to have spurred the gentlemen into action at last! Ann B meanwhile recommends the Indian restaurant in The Ship in Solva as an ideal way to beat the cold. Last week we all enjoyed a delicious and calorific slice of Jan's speciality chocolate cake - she battled through the elements to bring it into the office and fortunately both Jan and the enormous cake made it in one piece. Now we're all tucking in to chocolate birthday cake brought in by Mickey, who tried to get away with not telling anyone that it was his birthday yesterday - one really can't get away with that sort of thing in this office! I know it sounds like all we ever talk about here is food (with chocolate being a recurring theme) but that's not really the case!

Last Saturday was the Hunt Ball (Sarah T is off today recovering!) and next Saturday is the Snow Ball in Little Haven, in aid of local charity Adam's Bucketful of Hope; a great cause and a good way to beat the January blues.