The 'why am I doing this' virus and some random stuff from Wales

You might be thinking "what is she on about?" but I promise you there is a link between these two themes. There does seem to be a virus infecting a number of blogs recently which causes their authors to wonder why they blog at all, or in my case to wonder am I crap and does anybody really like what I write. Unlike my blogging pals, I know that I can't do heartwarming posts, barbed humour, serious campaigning or entertainingly insightful analysis....takes very deep breath....so where is my blogging niche? Petunia said recently that she'd "struggled lately to blog, really struggled trying to think of something to write about and the realisation hit me that this was because I had started to write for the reader, rather than for myself." I think I have been guilty of the same thing. But at the same time I don't want to bore the pants of all the people who've made the effort to follow this blog. I sort of get the impression that you like my stories about the kids and sometimes mad tales about the stuff that I have done. So I will carry on with those.

But there are two other things, I was having an on-line conversation with Hammie the other day about the lack of blogs, in Ireland anyway, covering special needs other than autism. And I suddenly realised that really I ought to do something about that, so there will be more posts with stories and information on disability and special needs....see below!!! And the other thing is that because I am single I have no-one to tell stuff to**. Well Angel gets told stuff sometimes, but she tends to just look at me with that amused teen face and shake her head. She doesn't need to even say "Oh Mum!" anymore... So I'm telling the world instead.

** This is a very small price to pay for the freedom I have now.

Anyway back to the holiday. I just have to pass on these finds from across the Irish Sea:

Alcoholic Ginger Beer. Yes really!! Now I don't think many people in Ireland like Ginger Beer as it is not even sold in supermarkets and RH used to have to make special trips to get it when I was pregnant and the only thing that stopped me from throwing up. But I have always liked it and even used to brew it in a little Still in the larder when I was growing up, cos of course all real ginger beer has a very small amount of alcohol in it. But this new stuff that my wonderful SIL introduced me to is 4% proof and absolutely delicious! Just as well I'm not planning to get pregnant again.... Feel should not reveal manufacturer here in case anyone thinks I got free samples. Well I did.....but from SIL.

I nearly called this post 'show me the way to Ruthin'. Cos one of the best days of the holiday was when I left CD with his Grandad and me, Angel and Smiley headed to the sleepy Welsh town of Ruthin over the Horseshoe Pass, an absolutely spectacular drive over the mountains, not for bad weather, vertigo sufferers, old cars or anyone of a nervous disposition. I only went that way as is was recommended by AA routefinder - apparently you need to tell the site you want the safest, not necessarily the most direct route lol.

So why were we there? Well I'm car-hunting again cos with the Irish motor disability scheme it makes sense to change your car every two years and I came across this new place in Ruthin that deals exclusively in second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVS). And the company has an Irish agent. Definitely worth checking out if this is something that you need or pass on the information. They had a great selection, including MPVs and the only ever converted 220bhp Zafira (ie fast!) Oh I was so tempted, but Angel said "Mum. No." So that was it lol, she's much more sensible than me sometimes.

More hunting followed, this time to find somewhere Smiley-friendly to eat. Hotels are usually a safe bet so we were delighted when we spotted the historic Castle Hotel on the main town square. It was a great choice. The bar had lovely views of the mountains, and a £5 lunch menu! The food was delicious :) Sadly we were the only customers, so that's partly why I wanted to write about it - apparently there has been an inn on this site for 800 years, and it would just be so sad if it closed down through lack of custom now.

Finally just have to give a mention to Radio One. Last time I tuned in it was all yoofs, lads and ladettes, but it seems to have had a makeover. Now it just sounds, young, vibrant and entertaining! Very impressed...