The best laid plans

Well, 2010 is drawing to a close and I've been looking back through our ideas and plans for Plas y Nant during this past year. Some have been altered dramatically whilst others have just had a few slight tweaks. The quotes are now all back from the builders and our QS is studying these in great detail - maybe a few more tweaks will be required, my calculator is certainly being put to good use!

More questions than answers

Last weekend I decided I would have a day of complete rest and relaxation. What did you do, I hear some of you ask, did you go to a spa for some pampering or spend the day having a bit of retail therapy? No, I decided to try and uncover a little bit more of Plas y Nant's history.

It's a small world

A few weeks ago I was chatting with someone who couldn't see the point of this blog and blogs in general. Occasionally they would read a few of my posts but couldn't understand why I wanted to tell people what was going on up at Plas y Nant and didn't think that people would be interested in knowing. However, I decided to persevere as I had received positive comments and e-mails and I am of the belief that you can't please everybody all the time.

The problem with having a butterfly mind

From the day we heard our planning application was finally approved my life has been hurtling along in a bit of a blur with so many decisions to make that I haven't been able to update this blog or even get on Twitter! However, I've decided to take time out, make a panad and firstly thank all the people who have posted comments and sent e-mails, your support and interest in the redevelopment of Plas y Nant is very much appreciated. Secondly, I thought it was about time I gave you a quick update on where we're at and what we're doing.

Alfie's spitting feathers.

This post carries a warning for anyone who keep hens - you might not want to read on!

The man from Snowdonia ....

.... he say YES!

I'm going to pick more daisies

Whilst catching up with the latest happenings on Twitter this morning I read a tweet from one of my 'imaginary friends' about her Gran's birthday which got me thinking about both my Grandmothers, but my maternal Grandmother in particular who we called Nanan. 

Never underestimate the power of the Plasites!

Once I returned to my desk after our wander round the grounds I realised from the e-mails that started arriving that a few of you were interested in finding out more about our railway Halt. You are probably gathering now from my posts that it doesn't take much to distract me from whatever I'm meant to be doing and so I did a quick search on Google and found a few references to the Plas y Nant Halt. As I've mentioned previously, I don't know how I'd cope without Google for finding things out, "I'll Google it" has become my catchphrase. In fact I think I might hire myself out as a researcher, if any of you want to know anything about absolutely anything just let me know and I'll Google it for you! Anyway, here I am getting distracted now about Google and not getting to the point of this post.

Grab your boots we're going for a wander!

This morning I've been at my desk for a good few hours supposedly getting on with some paperwork. However, I received a couple of e-mails and a few tweets on Twitter that resulted in me opening up my photo file to check a few things out. Being easily distracted I then decided to share with you, especially those of you who have not yet been to Plas y Nant, a few of my favourite photos taken in and around the grounds. So, lace up your walking boots - we're off for a wander.

How I manage to stay sane

Whilst I'm waiting patiently for the planning approval and slowly working through the ever increasing list of things to do before Plas y Nant opens I thought I'd let you in on the secret as to how I'm managing to save my sanity. Three secrets actually - Pops, Smidge and Alfie.

What did we do before the internet?

Sorry I haven't been on here for a while - I had hoped that my next post would be along the lines of "Yippee we've got planning permission!" but unfortunately my planner, like a lot of people at this time of year, has decided to go on holiday before finalising our application. Not very impressed - but never mind, all good things come to those who wait apparently - and I'm definitely waiting.

Yet another hidden treasure

I sat down this afternoon with every good intention of doing the accounts when my inbox beeped at me and I discovered an e-mail from a Plasite.  I must first of all thank those of you who e-mailed and commented with information about the kitchen garden - I'm now gradually able to piece together the fascinating history of Plas y Nant and thought I'd share with those of you don't know it a little bit more. 

The Secret Garden

Life up at Plas y Nant is never short of surprises. It never ceases to amaze me as to what we find each time we set about doing anything, some findings are pleasant and others not so and I'm sure there's plenty more to come. However, one of the most memorable surprises for me was when we decided to take a walk past the chapel.

Plas y Nant as we found it!

I thought you might like to see inside Plas y Nant on the day we first saw it - just be grateful you can't smell it!

Are you ready? Here we go.

Old Photos of Plas y Nant

I'd been advised to conjure up through my blog the sights, smells and sounds of Plas y Nant in the hope that one day people might wish to stay here. Unfortunately my previous blog at mydeco.com/people/Mustbemad/blog might have done the opposite! However, we're fortunate to have a collection of old photos taken way before it's demise and I often look through these to remind myself of what a wonderful building it was and what great potential it has. These can be found here http://www.francisfrith.com/betws-garmon/photos/1/

For my new followers

I thought I'd give those fortunate souls who managed to miss my previous blog a brief outline of Plas y Nant as we know it.