Feel the rain

Bert and I got very wet on our walk this morning. Now as a good equestrian, I have lots of wet weather gear. So you’d think I would be prepared. And I was! I put my Reincoat on as I thought it might rain. What I wasn’t prepared for was the torrential downpour.

I was laughing to myself as the rain dropped off my hood. While most of me was dry, my legs weren’t. It didn’t help that I stopped to chat to another dog walker. Because as she said, we weren’t getting any drier. Good to know that dog walkers have the same sense of humour as horse riders.

When we got home, my jeans and my puppy needed to go in the conservatory to dry out.

I love this quote. Today I was both of these…

Mini meadow

The owners of a house near me has planted their verge with meadow flowers. It looks so stunning. It looks like a mini meadow. I’ve driven past it many times, but today was the first time I walked past it.

It was smothered in bees. You could hear them buzzing in the sunshine.

They are going over, but it’s so effective. And really different. It makes me smile every time I go past. Isn’t it amazibg how something so simple can bring so much joy. I wish more people would embrace this look. I think I’m going to try it too.

Brown cow

‘How now brown cow’ was the mantra for today’s walk. They’ve moved the cows back onto the fields round the back of my close. Normally I have no issue walking through them. But this was the first time Bert had come across so many. And a rather large bull. So we used it as a training session instead.

I walked Bert up to the cows and away. He barked a few times, so kept it all low key. The cows weren’t the least bit bothered by him. He was very interested in them. I think he thouhght they were big dogs. Though some of the calves were tiny.

The cows soon got bored and moved away after a while. Bert sat patiently and watched them go.

I love the fact I live so close to these cows. It reminds me of listening to the cows lowing at night when I was a kid. I grew up near a cattle market so it was a weekly sound. Such a soothing sound…

Toasty

Blimey, it has been unseasonably warm today! Luckily, I got to spend the morning in a nice cool office. It was quite the topic of conversation at the Chiro’s.

Bert and I didn’t need any pursuading to get out for a walk when I was done that’s for sure.

It was utterly blissful. Not a soul in sight. I love moments like that…

Wild wee

As Bert is getting older, we can go a bit further on our walks. Today we went for a long one. For the first time, I got caught short. Well I guess it was going to happen one day…

My Dad was a Scout Leader when I was a growing up, so I’m no stranger to going alfresco or ‘wild weeing’ as it’s called nowadays. Honestly, we do love to brand everything, don’t we?! Says the woman who works in Marketing. I know, I know.

Anyway, I digress. Picture the scene. I find a secluded spot. I stand on Bert’s long line so he won’t go far. I drop my trousers and do a number one as quickly as I can.

All is good. Till I stand up and see a sign that says I’m being watched. Trust me…

Outta proportion

Bert found a stick today on our walk. He was very happy with himself. Until he tried to bring it along…

It was at least three Baby Sprockers long (the new stick measuring scale I have adopted).

Bert loves a stick. He doesn’t chew them. He kinda shreds them. He’s worked out which size he can get through the cat flap. My office looked like Edward Scissorhands had been in there after he’s brought in a particularly old one!

Then he went mad trying to eat the dustpan and brush. He does make me laugh. Even if he does mean that things take bit longer to do.

Cerulean

What a blissful way to start the day. Just me, my Baby Sprocker and Mother Nature at her finest.

It’s been a glorious day. One where I seemed to have been in my own strip poker game judging by the number of layers I removed. I even took off my over-trousers and fleece. Yes it was that warm!! It’s March, right?!

I love days like this. Blue skies, bird song, fresh air in my lung, the sun on my skin, a full heart and an empty mind. It makes me rather sad that people have to be told about the benefits of being out in nature.

And the constant threat of destruction for housing, solar farms and all manner of other stuff. It makes no sense to me. With one hand there a programme to rewild and plant trees, while there’s another to destroy it.

If it was down to me, we would protect the great outdoors at all costs. The Countryside is in my heart. Always will be…

Sunbather

So it seems Bert is a bit of a sun worshipper too. He and the kittens have been laid out sunbathing today.

He was a rather hot pupster after our walk this morning. But insisted on a bit more sunbathing over lunch. We met a lovely couple on our walk today. The wife was gardening and Bert wanted to say hello. Ended up talking to her and her husband for a long time. She even got Bert a bowl of water while we chatted. They were telling me some of the history of Strumpshaw village. They’ve both lived there all their lives. In fact the husband was born in the house they live in. 81 years ago. She was born down the lane.

I love it when I have random meetings like that. It’s really cool to find out stuff about the area I live in.

Babysitter

I got to have cuddles with this little cherub today. He’s 14 weeks old and scrumptious. I was babysitting while his Mum was being adjusted. A lovely little perk to peopling on a Monday.

Babies have a certain smell. My Mum loved babies. She always used to comment on their smell. I get what she meant.

I’ve had people assume that I don’t like children because I didn’t have them. It’s not true. I like other people’s. Just never wanted them myself. I’m much happier having animals instead.

Bert came with me today as I was doing a longer day. He was very content sleeping in the sunshine. We went for a little walk at lunchtime. The crocuses were in full bloom in the nearby churchyard. So pretty. I love crosses. They’re such happy flowers.

Lustre

Oh my goodness, what a difference a bit of sunshine makes! It’s been a beautiful day. So I wanted to enjoy it as much as I could.

First I took Bert out for his Sunday long walk. He loves having a run around the fields. His recall is getting so good now. There were lots of runners around today. So perfect opportunity to work on keeping him focussed on me. And not jumping at them.

Then it was Buddy’s turn for his Sunday long walk. He loves having a run around the fields too. My Oversized Labrador and my Baby Sprocker are quite similar in that respect.

Buddy and I were out for nearly 1.5 hours. Bert can’t do that much yet, won’t be long before he can! I may need more hours in the day. Thank goodness the days are drawing out. And I love being outdoors.