There was rain forecast for the following morning which arrived earlier than expected. The original plan was for it to rain in the early hours which I didn’t really want. As it happened, the rain came in the evening which was much more convenient. It turned out to amount to only 1mm which fell over a period of around one hour.
My plan was to run but we walked instead. At least, Isabella, Skinny and I did. I’ve not been taking Skinny running as I could see it wouldn’t work out with Isabella present as they fool around. Keeping Skinny focussed is bad enough anyway so having Isabella present is a bridge too far. We went back after the first couple of circuits to drop off the others then went out again just to walk and walk. Skinny seemed up for it so we continued walking rather than take him back and go for a run. There was a thunderstorm in the distance as the sky was periodically lit up by the flashes. In all, we covered exactly 9km. We set off at 04:45 and were back just after 07:00. I let the others out a little later and was amazed to find Skinny and Isabella charging about like made things. The other dogs, quite sensibly, kept out of range whilst this was going on. Fortunately, the decking is solidly constructed.
The day improved and became warmer but also windier. The dogs seem to have spent much of their time out on the decking loafing in the sun. I spent most of my time doing things on my laptop including fiddling with servers which is always a great way to devour time. The Seaford server failed to start yesterday so I asked if someone could go in to give it a push. It came back to life later on as Nick went in to have words with it. He only lives nearby so I am lead to believe. Life must be pretty hectic is DownTown Seaford during a Global Pandemic.
I went for a series of little walks so as not to spend too much time sitting down. These walks were mostly out into the field where I often ended up petting the pussies who seemed to be enjoying lying in the sun. The animals here endure a hard life.
Isabella and Skinny are playing together under the awning. They were both outside last night: naturally, Skinny was on his line. There was an unexciting booklet which I should imagine Isabella found in the wastepaper basket. It was shredded when I came out in the morning. The previous evening, I could hear that something was going on but didn’t have the desire to extract myself from my pit to find out. Most valuable or attractive items have been put into the dog crate which was Isabella’s initial resting place. She can still just about get in there but she would be very uncomfortable for a long period.
I lost a virtually new sock which was stolen from inside one of my boots. By the time I realised, there was no point in attempting to rescue it. They are enjoying playing with the bedraggled remains so its demise was not for nothing.
I entertained myself with S01E01 of Sherlock last night. I’ve seen it before but ages ago so it was still entertaining. I have the remainder of them to watch over time. I’m quite happy to watch things I’ve seen before. Some turn out to be disappointing as we’ve moved on and have higher expectations.
Luis has been sleeping next to me most of the day as he was annoyingly barky as I was preparing my breakfast. I tied him to the kitchen unit to stop him getting into mischief. All of the dogs are currently exercising themselves noisily and energetically. I’m the only one here so it matters not. We can’t go out for a walk so they might as well tire themselves out fighting and running about. I’ll feed them once they decide to calm down.
I didn’t see Xanthippos today cut then I wasn’t looking out for him. He usually comes to see if I’m alive so I guess he didn’t come in today. The dogs have stopped chasing about so I’d better get their food ready.
My battery bank is still running everything and has been going for four days and nights so far. It is programmed to charge up to around 80% then discharge down to about 3v per cell which leaves about 20%. These batteries can be completely discharged but they last much longer if you’re kind to them. I originally designed the system to provide three days autonomy so four is better than expected. Under normal circumstances, the solar panels would charge the battery bank each day and the autonomy period is intended for winter weather when it’s cold and cloudy.
The dogs are quiet so I will feed them.
I went out to the storeroom in case I needed more meat for the dogs to discover the nursing mother hanging around yet again for food. I’d not seen her kittens as they were initially right at the top of the stack of palm leaves which are used to thatch the shadings of the tents. I know there are at least three kittens as they are becoming braver and starting to explore. It won’t be much longer and they will be able to eat solid food. Despite being more mouths to feed, they are cute…
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