So last weekend off we went. Christmas shopping list, MP3 player, camera and map on Dot's lap - I don't do satnav, it seems to dislocate a vital part of the brain...
Machynlleth offered up it's multicoloured treats, and presents were bought (but no Welshcakes this time, unfortunately.)
A tasty bacon buttie lunch, and off again, heading for Aberystwyth, with the promise of a view of the massed starlings performing their dance of the dusk at the end of the pier (one of many venues around the UK for this phenomenal display of late afternoon congregation.)
On the way, a little diversion to Borth, across the estuary from Aberdovey, and where, a couple of years ago I encountered a group of orthodox Jews on a day out, picnicking between the groynes, gently strolling and contemplating the whatever, while the RAF performed aerial acrobatics in the blue sky above. A bit like Jack Vettriano with added sky detail..
But no Jews or jets today. Just a sunset, and a mild query about where Muriel Delahaye the artist might live. We spotted some dark painted houses, and naturally assumed that was her home/studio.
This is one of Muriel's paintings, black, Welsh and spot on.
A drive through the late afternoon light brought us to Aberystwyth, but the starlings had already arrived and settled, so that's one to go for again in the New Year.
However, the town was poppin' with Christmas lights, students, Lottery hopefuls and folk like myself, a random assortment of expectants and passers through, fuelled by that strange tinge of optimism that radiates from Christmas deccies.
And Aberystwyth is one of those good looking towns, with a prom, a milk bar, a pier, a cliff railway, and if you're very lucky, sunshine.
The promenade, Aberystwyth
And then on the way home, one of my all time favourites - driving through the night, listening to Beth Orton, David Byrne & Talking Heads, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Tom Waits and Joanna Newsom. Magic.
Phil
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