Aaanndd we're back in Wales

We've been here just over a week now and are adjusting quickly to country life. Within moments of arriving in the Black Mountains, my sequined Toms were off, my green wellies were on and I was on baby alpaca feeding duty! Which was a little unexpected.

So where are we? Well, we are staying with alpaca.farmer for a month or so before we move into slightly more permanent accommodation. And as the alpaca farmers are currently on holiday, we are on animal duty - 29 alpacas, nearly 50 chickens, 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs. We have divided up responsiblities so I am handling the alpacas (feeding one 3 times a day and just checking the others are all present and active), Lottie has taken on the chickens (she LOVES them), Millie takes care of the cats, and Tom got the guinea pigs (not hugely enthusiastic about that, I must say).

Meanwhile, we are also trying to get set up for real life back in the UK. So far we are in the process of looking for a car which is an essential here in rural Wales. We are about 20 minutes from the school by car, and will be a lot closer but not able to walk as the road is fast and there are no pavements. Our days of Zipcar only are over.

And the girls and I stocked up on school uniform ready for their return to their old primary school on Tuesday. We have also bought new wellies and fleeces and raincoats - it has rained a bit every day since we got here. This is normal. And actually I don't seem to mind much at the moment. I guess the novelty of having a bit of cooler weather and wet hasn't worn off yet after that scorching summer on the east coast.

And the other part of life has been reconnecting with family and friends. The girls had a playdate with friends yesterday, we saw my cousins and family for Emilia's birthday earlier this week, and last Sunday we spent the day in Hay-on-Wye with Tom's parents. So while just as when we moved to SF, we had a lot of sorting out today and buying of dull stuff like hair dryers, this time we also know people and they appear to be pleased to see us again which is lovely.