ephemera

[llywela]

1. This is how Alfie feels about autumn setting in

He can sit like that for half an hour or more on a rainy day, holding the cat flap open and staring glumly out, waiting for it to dry up. Poppy isn't much better. They don't half mope when it is wet!

2. I'm looking into taking a night class this year - it's been ages since I did anything like that, and I miss the mental exercise (although have become so used to being lazy, I'm not sure I could get back into the swing of studying). I'm thinking maybe a refresher Welsh class, if I can find one that is a) the right level for me, b) in the right area, and c) slots into my limited available free time - at least I wouldn't have to worry about expense, as working for the university means I can enrol for free. Well, we'll see if anything comes of the idea, or if my natural apathy wins out!

...Meh, and my research shows that I would be at Foundation level, but the only classes available are on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Monday I absolutely can't do, and Wednesday would be awkward, so that could be that, alas, unless I can re-arrange my usual Wednesday commitment. Edit: and have now spoke to a course advisor, who recommends going for Intermediate, except that none of those classes are get-to-able, either! Ah well, it was a nice idea.

3. Of course, what I should do is pick up my driving lessons again, because it really would be useful to get that licence under my belt. My natural apathy is definitely winning on that front, however. It is the theory that is my big bugbear. I just can't make myself study it, and without that, there is no point pursuing the practical. Maybe one day...

4. The other day, I went with my friend Molly to sponsored walk being staged by candlelight at Dyffryn Gardens, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Now, neither of us had registered for the walk, nor collected any sponsors, but Moll had seen a small article about the walk in the newspaper and was keen to go and give a donation on the gate to take part, and since she is almost 70, increasingly scatty, and has survived cancer twice, I said I'd go with her. Now, I had just been to Dyffryn a couple of days earlier with the family (and will post pics if I ever remember to get my camera hooked up again) and paid entrance at the gate. This time, though, the main entrance was closed (because it was 8pm), while the side gate had been left open for participants...but with no one manning it. We went in. We found guides to point us in the right direction, but no one taking money. We did the walk, and I have to say that, as pretty as Dyffryn is by daylight, it was absolutely magical at dusk, lit by candlelight. There were small bands and singers at intervals around the course, just to add to the sense of occasion. It helped that it was such a lovely day, clear and dry. It was beautiful. But no one wanted to take our money! We could totally have had the evening for free, but instead went away and made a separate donation the next day, which was worth it for the experience. I hope they do it again next year!

5. Cuddly kitties.

Comments

[justwolf.livejournal.com]

My cats mope so much when it's wet or cold. They just lie around and refuse to open their eyes.

Night classes can be fun! Language classes are great because they're so social.

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

After I'd taken that photo, Alfie curled up to sleep alongside the cat flap! He and Poppy don't so much sleep when it rains - they wander around like little lost souls whinging to me about it!

I don't think I'm going to find a suitable Welsh class, I'm afraid - will have to explore other options.

[femsc.livejournal.com]

Wot? No lunchtime classes?

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Lunchtime classes are twice weekly - there's one that's just about get-to-able, but it's a big time commitment that I'd have to discuss with my line manager (getting there and back would exceed my lunch hour).

Also...they all seem to start the week I have sherrilina here visiting, which is awkward!

[femsc.livejournal.com]

You mean they have no lunchtime classes in Cathays Park? That sounds a tad silly when you consider that it's to everyone's advantage to encourage staff to be bilingual. Daft lot.

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I know! There aren't many lunchtime classes, and only one that's the right level for me - twice weekly at St David's Hall.

[femsc.livejournal.com]

They hire out a room in St David's Hall, when they've got buildings full of classrooms and lecture theatures?

[francy-m79.livejournal.com]

Awww...kitties!! <3

I need to find something to do as well, some class or some hobby. But yeah, apathy!

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Francy! You found your LJ password!

I'm having trouble find a suitable class. Typical! I finally feel motivated to actually commit myself to a course, and can't find one that's right for me!

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I don't think the class thing is going to work out. I spoke to a course advisor on the phone, and he felt I should go for Intermediate rather than Foundation...but the scheduling for those isn't any better! There is only one that is both the right level for me and get-to-able, and it is on Mondays, which I can't do. Bah!

Will have to look into something else instead. Maybe I'll do pottery...

[femsc.livejournal.com]

You did Welsh at school; therefore you're definitely not Sylfaen/Foundation. It's pretty basic.

I did Canolradd a few years back and it was about the right level for me with about three years of adult classes under my belt and no prior knowledge other than 'llwybr cyhoeddus', 'heddlu' and my children's school's answerphone message.
You'll find that all the Welsh you did at school will come back to you really quickly, although you may have to unlearn some 'proper' habits for ease of conversation.

If there aren't any get-to-able courses at the University, you could try the LEA's adult education brochure...

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I was thinking that being so rusty I'd need to start small and brush up from there, but the chap I spoke to thought I'd do better with Intermediate and he's probably right. If only there was a suitable course.

I really wanted to do one of the uni courses because I don't have to pay! But maybe it isn't to be. Maybe I'll do pottery up at Howardian instead...

[femsc.livejournal.com]

No, you'd never be as rusty as all that. Seriously, foundation level is way below your standard. Didn't you say you had Welsh A level? Canolradd (intermediate) is far more likely to be your level, and you might even find that you can manage the higher one.

Stuff I've got here that you'd be welcome to borrow if you want to study on your own or simply see what level you're at:
Now You're Talking - complete set of videos from 1991 or thereabouts
Dosbarth Nos - books 1 & 2
Of course, your ability to borrow depends entirely on my ability to find...

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the guy seemed to think I was underestimating how quickly it would all come back to me, and you're both probably right! What I really need is just a refresher course, short and sweet to help me see where I really am. They don't seem to exist, though, so maybe I should just figure out what channel Virgin Media has got S4C on and start watching that and studying in my own time!

The books would be great, if you can find them and are willing to loan them. Videos, though, not so much, as I no longer possess a functional player.

[femsc.livejournal.com]

I'll have a look in the most likely places, and see what I can find.

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

They hire out a room in St David's Hall, when they've got buildings full of classrooms and lecture theatures?
Don't ask me to explain it!

I think this class idea is definitely not going to work out. I shall have to brush up on my own, if I can make myself do the work...

[siluria]

Alfie is so cure with the cat flap!!! Bless :)

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

He sits like that whenever it is wet, watching the rain, moping!

[catsdownunder.livejournal.com]

Absolutely love Alfie holding open the cat flap. The fresh breeze would be nice on his face too. Cats are not dumb.

The bottom 2 photos are very comforting.

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

He just has to watch the rain in hopes that it will stop!

[catsdownunder.livejournal.com]

Come to my place Alfie ... a little bit of rain, but mostly sunshine.

[kelzies.livejournal.com]

Poor ickle cats. Hope the weather is now fine enough from them to actually go out the cat flap! And cute cuddles ^^

A night course sounds good. Good way to get the brain active and learn something new. Or a refresher, in that case. Good luck with finding one that's on during your free time :D

[llywela13.livejournal.com]

I don't think I'm going to find a suitable class, alas. I shall have to find some other way to keep my brain active!