Walking the Dog

Just a few snaps from my camera, taken this last week. Friday saw me meeting up with my friend, L,  for a dog walk - her dog, not mine. I do occasionally wonder about getting a dog. I think it would be a good routine to have to get out and about every day, whatever the weather, and go for a walk. There are 2 things that stop me: firstly, they are a bit of a bind when you want to go on holiday - our lovely neighbours are always happy to look after Hamish and the chucks, but I think they'd draw the line at a dog. That just leaves kennels as an option but then that's added expense. The second reason is Hamish himself. As a house rabbit, he probably wouldn't take too kindly to us introducing a dog and might just end up as a tasty snack. It's nice to wonder though. I could obviously just go for a walk every day, but without the dog I'm not forced to go and my natural indolence tends to take over. 

Anyway, our walk in the countryside around Inkpen was lovely. Not too hot, not rainy, just perfect walking temperature. A hare jumped out into our path. I don't think I've ever seen one close up before. He scampered away before the dog noticed him or I could get my camera out. I did take one of the sweet little Shetland pony though; he seemed a bit lonely. We walked for nearly 2 hours and didn't meet another soul; it was wonderful. Then, it was back to L's house for a restorative cup of tea and a slice of lemon cake ......... perfect.

There were 2 photos of flowers on my camera - the top ones were just a cheap bunch that I impulse bought at the supermarket on my weekly slog round. The second bunch are E's. They were given to her in assembly on her 'last' day of school and are sitting on her desk. She is now on study leave and, apart from exams and possibly going in for the last day of term (which isn't compulsory), that's it for her school days. She had a wonderful final day, with a picnic lunch and a BBQ after school, complete with bouncy castle and those funny Sumo suits to play with ........... before coming home and bursting into tears. I thought she would be relieved to leave but she was really upset. I think the thought of exams and then the prospect of leaving home and going to uni suddenly all seemed a bit much. It certainly is for me. She's fine now though and has a few weeks of keeping her head in the books before the exams start.

There's a  photo of me trying to do the weekly meal plan. The dining table was covered in revision books and notes and I had to perch on the edge to make my list. It was a bit of a challenge.

The final photo is one of my library books from this week. Why have I never read any of Bill Bryson's books before? It was hilarious; real laugh out loud funny - I can't remember when I last did that with a book. I have since returned it and borrowed 'Notes from a Small Island' which looks to be just as good.

Anyway, that's all for this week. Can I just take a moment to wish good luck to all those taking exams - it's a stressful time .......... and that's just for the mums! I think I'd better just pop and check on our stock of alcohol and chocolate. Wishing you all a good week.

Toodle Pip for now. x