Charbonneau News

TRIP TO WALES & ENGLAND

We returned last Sunday from a great visit with Rodger and Nia in Swansea and the wedding of Karen Lee & Stephen Guilfoyle in Manchester. While in Swansea we visited the National Waterfront museum, a really wonderful museum that tells the story of innovation and industry in Wales over the last 300 years. One day we drove to Cardiff to visit the Welsh Heritage Museum - buildings and cottages were moved and rebuilt in this beautiful setting on the grounds of an old castle. Unfortunately, we did not take our camera that day - jet lag must have played into that.

Later in the week Nia took us to Carreg Cennen Castle in Carmarthenshire north of Swansea. We took the scenic route over the mountains with lots of "diversions". The drive up reminded me of driving half a century ago in the Blue Ridge mountains when there was little or no traffic and some roads unpaved. Carreg Cennen, one of the most spectacularly sited Welsh castles , sits atop a mountain with 360 degree views for miles. The castle remains that we see today date to the 13th century and the castle building efforts of King Edward 1st. The site was occupied earlier by Romans and prehistoric peoples.

Rodger and Nia drove us to Manchester on Friday. Their daughter, Lisa, and husband, Paul, recently bought a home in the Manchester area ( about 1/2 way between Liverpool and Manchester ). This was the Woods' first visit to see the children since their move from Bristol. We enjoyed seeing Lisa and having a tour of their lovely new home. After our quick visit with Lisa, the family drove us to catch the fast rail into Manchester City Center.

We spent Friday evening visiting with Karen Lee, the bride-to-be, Pete and Janet Lee, Hazel Lee, Karen's sister, and a few friends.

It had been 2 years since our last visit with the Lees - and it seemed we all talked at once trying to catch-up. The wedding of Karen and Steve was on Saturday afternoon at the Lowery Hotel in Manchester. Karen was a beautiful bride - Steve was a "glowing" bridegroom! The Lowery did an outstanding job with the wedding arrangements - and the photographer was a "hoot" as he marshaled the wedding party and guests into different poses. Pete and Janet - if you're reading this - you two looked great!

And one last note: The weather the whole time we were in the UK was beautiful -mostly sunny, no rain, and warm. We had a really great time!