Quiet Times at Ty Derw

Well I think we can all agree it’s been a strange few months for all of us. Here at Ty Derw we are very lucky to have so much indoor and outdoor space and lots to keep us occupied. We are very aware that a lot of people are suffering very badly in this crisis and we are  lucky not to have been affected, apart from having to close our doors to guests of course. Our lane is on the daily exercise route for many locals so we are able to have socially distanced chats over the garden fence. The community here as in many areas have really come together to support our most vulnerable residents and to cheer on the key workers every Thursday. It’s heartwarming to see how kind people can be in the hardest of times.

We are missing the company of our guests over breakfast and the house is very quiet. Jason is missing the chance to give his suggestions and guidance for days out and things to see and do. He has been seen in the guest lounge on the odd occasion giving directions to Harry the dog on how to have an enjoyable day!

Luckily our wisteria and azalea haven’t heard about lockdown and have put on a fabulous display this year, it’s just a shame that we haven’t had guests here to enjoy them at their best.

We’ve spent some of our time decorating and doing odd jobs that we wouldn’t have time to do ordinarily at this time of year, as well as working in the garden and giving the outer doors a lick of paint so that we will be looking good for when our guests can return.

In a seldom seen show of good timing the weather in our part of Wales has been beautiful. Lack of rain has meant that the river Dyfi is very low which has allowed Jason to get into it to take a picture of Pen-Y-Bont bridge!

The low water level has also made it easier to spot our local dippers feeding their young. On the subject of birds it is lovely to see the migrant birds return. We have swallows, house martins, swifts and fly catchers here making good use of the garden and local area to raise their families.

As you can see Jason has been making good use of his daily exercise, he never goes out without his camera attached to his hip. The hike up the very steep path to the top of the hill behind us leads to the old quarry reservoir, at a height of 1549 feet its a lovely walk if you don’t mind a few achy thigh muscles!

Due to lockdown the Welsh hills are very quiet but the low level flight training has been continuing at a reduced level. As we are on the flight path we are able to enjoy the sight of some of the aircraft still flying over the garden.

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

As many of you know our little dog Harry is part of the Ty Derw family and is very popular with many of our guests. We were absolutely over the moon to receive in the post this beautiful painting that our lovely friends Vicky and Roger Bartlett had commissioned for us. We think it captures him perfectly and will find the best spot to hang it to show him at his regal best! Thank you so much Roger and Vicky, we look forward to seeing as soon as we are back to some kind of normality.

 

We are thinking of all of our guests at this time and sending warmest wishes to all. Depending on the latest advice stay safe or stay alert….you can make your own minds up 😁

 

Gill and Jason