Idle Chit Chat.

Don’t you just love it when some one read your archives?

On September 17^th 2006 I wrote:

When Kate first showed me a snap of Plas y Nant I knew it was going to be a special place. Betws Garmon is five miles SE of Caernarvan – an area of mountains, llyns, (lakes) waterfalls and glens. Plas itself was a rambling old building in grounds that begged to be explored and with a fantastic view of the Elephant and Llyn Quellyn. In February the Elephant – you can guess its shape - was diamond encrusted as a result of all the minute slivers of ice scattered over it.

Because of the time of year Kate and I were the only guests, with an influx of walkers at the week-end. This didn’t trouble us as we both needed respite and Lena, the manager made sure we got it. It was a Christian Fellowship Home and Kate was a bit worried about my finger nails. Off duty I wore Peggy Sage nail varnish and Kate thought Lena might be shocked. However since my break up with Jamie a bit of steel had entered my soul and I no longer felt obliged to try desperately to please everybody.

Lena was a gentle looking lady –slight, with fuzzy hair and large owlish glasses. She had complete control over all guests at all times, even the rowdy ones in the larger parties. We were privileged to have her undivided attention and I certainly found peace and tranquillity. One of the charming customs of the house – when it was occupied by men and women - was the evening ritual when the men would gather outside the conservatory and serenade the women with ‘Good Night Ladies.’ I can’t remember what we sang to them and neither can Kate.’

This week I received this e-mail:

“Hi Pat,

You might like to know that the song the girls sang to the boys in response to their "Goodnight Ladies" was as follows

sung to the tune "All through the Night"

Fondly then I dream of thee, love

All through the night

Waking still thy form I see, love

All through the night

When this mortal toil is over

May my gentle spirit hover

O'er the bed where sleeps my lover

All through the Night.

Hope I've got it right - I must have sung it many, many times over the years.

Try singing it, you will be reminded of that wonderful place Plas-y-Nant. I met my husband there in 1960.

Unfortunately it is now up for sale again but we have been fortunate to be able to have several years of re-unions with old friends there since 2000.

Best wishes

Plasite, Pam.”

Quit a few of us had a romance in Plas. I remember Gerhardt a young German boy – it was just after the war. Such gentle times – we were both strongly attracted to each other but we never kissed – just held hands and stared dreamily at each other. After all I was only 19.

Progress is being made; I collect my new specs today the pelvic floor exercises are proving successful and an op is no longer on the agenda. (Girls it’s never too early to tighten up. Read ‘Love your Gusset’ by Grace Dorey.)