Fortunate - Sue Moll

We are fortunate, indeed, to live in a truly beautiful country. The weather, which we so often

complain about, is key to the green and verdant countryside surrounding us. Here in the Vale

of Glamorgan we are especially blessed, it has to be one of the ideal places to live – we have

it all, beautiful countryside, a varied and spectacular coastline and the city close by, enabling

us to enjoy the advantages of culture and entertainment on our doorsteps.

With so much to enjoy in our own country, we should not really complain if this year we

have to plan so-called “Staycations”. After all millions of people from all over the world

come here as tourists, so why are so many people anxious to resume holidaying abroad.

The problem is that although our unpredictable weather creates our beautiful landscape, a

couple of weeks in the rain wherever you are does not lead to the most relaxing and

enjoyable holiday, and the prospect of two weeks in guaranteed sunshine does have its

appeal.

Let us hope and pray that wherever we plan to spend our holidays this year, the weather is

kind to us, the scenery is inspiring, and we will return refreshed and relaxed to our beautiful

homeland.

"What is a Staycation?

Simply put, staycation is a combination of the words stay and vacation and it means taking a holiday in your home country. Originally staycations involved a day out to a destination usually driving distance away and without an overnight stay, but nowadays it mostly refers to holidaying without flying to another country. Think of it as a stay-at-home vacation.

The term was coined in 2005 and has stuck to become part of travel enthusiast's lingo. And it's easy to see why! There are loads of benefits, such as the lower cost, less travelling involved, no language barrier, and of course the chance to discover the hidden gems of the UK. In the current climate, a staycation is the perfect option, so there's no better time for a holiday in the UK!"

Holidays

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The holiest of all holidays are those Kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart, When the full river of feeling overflows;-- The happy days unclouded to their close; The sudden joys that out of darkness start As flames from ashes; swift desires that dart Like swallows singing down each wind that blows! White as the gleam of a receding sail, White as a cloud that floats and fades in air, White as the whitest lily on a stream, These tender memories are;--a fairy tale Of some enchanted land we know not where, But lovely as a landscape in a dream.

Thank you Sue. I am sure we all will in time benefit from a staycation of some description. Thank you so much.