We spent this weekend in Cardiff... and by ourselves .....which is almost a rarity these days. But it was very pleasant. On Friday night we went to Chapter, the arts centre at the end of the street for a story-telling evening. The stories were the original version of some of the Grimm brother's tales. We really enjoyed it and are thinking of going along to one of the regular sessions in a nearby pub on the first Sunday of every month. C is thinking of learning a Japanese story to tell. I think I'll listen for a while.

On Saturday we went in to town and got some things so that C could make pies. But we haven't came across any really good recipes yet. I'd really like to know some Square Pie company recipes but I bet they are too commercially sensitive:) I am looking forward to the pies a lot. 

That evening we popped across to a neighbour's housewarming party. One of the joys of this street is the sense of community. Then we went  called into Chapter again with J, our next door neighbour. She was very keen to go and see Edwyn Collins in a music festival in the studio on-site. But her 7 yearold daughter wasn't so keen so she had to go home. C thinks we might have to try and bring our children, if we are lucky enough to have them, up to want to see music. We'll see. I think J and her husband try pretty hard!!

We went to see him anyway. It was a short set, six songs, but it was remarkable. Collins suffered a major brain haemorrhage 2 years ago, in his early 40s.  He sat on the stage between 2 acoustic guitarists. It was obvious that his rigid right arm was paralysed. When he spoke to the audience it was clear that he had verbal dysphasia. His brain couldn't find the words he wanted. But when he was singing he had them. Yes, he sounded like a man who was recovering from a stroke, but he was magnificent.

Today, I have relaxed. C roasted a chicken. It was excellent. He gets better every time. I'm a lucky woman.