Cracker

I amused myself with a story from Cracker starring a particularly overweight and unwell-looking Robbie Coltrane as Dr Fitz who helps the police solve difficult crimes. This story consisted of several episodes stitched together totalling 2.5hrs!

I slept outside and my night was punctuated by some doggy outbursts however I wasn’t conscious enough to do much other than tell them to shut up!

At 04:00 I lay awake for twenty minutes then got up to welcome the day. It was cooler and a little breezy. I escorted Isabella and Obi to the field gate before returning to collect the others. I knew there was a tent near the north fence so tried to keep the noise to a minimum. Whether they heard anything I shall never know.

There were no cars in the car park and no visible FreeLoaders. Those from the weekend probably went back home to go to work. We completed our circuits then set off for the second walk. Only six dogs accompanied me as Charlie declined to join us. Probably due to Isabella’s excessive attentions recently. I made a point today of cautioning her regarding her somewhat enthusiastic playing techniques.

It was only just getting light as we walked along parallel to the beach so I kept Isabella close once we arrived at the beginning of the river access track. VGD was alert and sitting close to the fence but he said nothing as we passed.

We walked the same distance as yesterday but I noted that Luis and Fido were trailing and flagging a bit at times. Luis left us at one point when we descended onto the valley floor for the final part of the walk. With his little legs, he needed to find easier descent than the route I chose.

Some goats crossed our path at one point and there was interest however I called the dogs back and they responded without the need for any artificial persuasion. I thought I might make it back without pressing a button but needed to get Isabella’s attention a couple of times as she wandered amongst the parked vehicles and around the trees. I’m finding I sometimes have to increase the stimulation level to 4-5 as she is becoming blasé. I’ve adjusted her collar to the higher range so level 2 should now provide enough incentive making her more attentive to my voice.

It became progressively windier as we walked so I was wondering about the state of the sea. The direction was generally northerly in contrast to the previous day. However, I swam for nearly twenty minutes as I knew I wouldn’t be going on my bike. From the beach, I had a hot shower then started with some work.

Some of the planned work for the weekend had spilled over into Monday so I needed to get as much done as I could as I was pretty sure Louise would be needing help during the morning to finish off her computer.

Even so, I managed to get enough done and my breakfast on so I could eat it at a reasonable time. Most of the morning and the first part of the afternoon were taken up by IT tasks of one kind or another so the day has been busy.

I took down the SunBlocker as it was getting even windier and the next couple of days will be the same. I’m not a big fan of wind, especially in winter however it has some advantages in summer. It keeps the heat down and also provides a little ‘cover’ when moving around first thing in the morning. It was very quiet this morning so it was even possible to hear a cicada fart!

I noticed a rather negative review from one of the customers so emailed it to Maria for an urgent response which it duly received. Most recent ratings have been four or five stars although few are prepared to leave a written review. It would seem that this year’s policy is to respond only to negative reviews.

The Elephants, assisted by Obi are playing fairly quietly and ‘gently’ on the decking. I moved the SunBlocker guy lines from the decking to the fence as these were being regularly broken.

I’ve been revisiting the matter of not having Skinny perpetually on a long line. I’m coming to the conclusion that an electric fence might make a flexible and more effective solution but will require more effort to install and maintain. There may come a time when Isabella decides she might like to go walkabout so the fence might be the best course of action.

I rescued the potatoes which have now been cooked with a little more beetroot.

I might need to put on a shirt!