tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50304323578267074382024-03-08T21:17:46.135+00:00Bouncing Bertie's BlogWFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.comBlogger1516125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-24365563488551705442022-03-23T06:00:00.001+00:002022-03-23T06:00:00.245+00:00New dog, new blog! <p>Bertie's successor Nobby has arrived and wants to meet you. He hope's you'll read his blog, which can be found at<a href="https://nicenobbynaughtynobby.blogspot.com/"> https://nicenobbynaughtynobby.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>Please spread the word! </p>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-57171883927295444092022-03-14T06:00:00.047+00:002022-03-14T21:35:13.165+00:00Bouncing Bertie, 18 Feb 2010 - 11 March 2022<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk2ckNWwmvCTn5OlKEWxdMvTb5xm9ZhA0mCkIVVEjaqsMbPZKtyKcEcZycXqPdRP2Z3Lih0bW6R-K_sqkTesXf89uNev6arxtXc0oXdshlUxx-A5Pv5q7whQq1bg9vqcYrLVAyiXVbBWi_AcXGZLSvZHwv3LWYkAwfkwsPjbwdgs7TADGparY_JMhZ=s4027" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="4027" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk2ckNWwmvCTn5OlKEWxdMvTb5xm9ZhA0mCkIVVEjaqsMbPZKtyKcEcZycXqPdRP2Z3Lih0bW6R-K_sqkTesXf89uNev6arxtXc0oXdshlUxx-A5Pv5q7whQq1bg9vqcYrLVAyiXVbBWi_AcXGZLSvZHwv3LWYkAwfkwsPjbwdgs7TADGparY_JMhZ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bertie 11 March 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gail here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you friends for all your lovely comments on Friday's difficult post. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh how grateful I am to have enjoyed over twelve years of companionship and fun with my darling little Bertie. His presence steadied me through many major life events - the final illnesses and deaths of both my parents, retirement, the Covid pandemic and so much more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I were to ask him to list his highlights, I'm sure he would remind us of the time he slipped his collar, jumped off a just about to depart train and made a break for freedom, <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2013/07/an-incident-at-newcastle-station-its.html">sprinting down the platform at Newcastle railway station</a> with panicking owner in hot pursuit... Or the more recent episode in Glen Mark, when a solitary mountain biker with a broken chain inadvertently <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-laid-plans.html">donated to Bertie his last chicken sandwich</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bertie would also probably tell you about his exciting <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2020/12/do-dogs-have-conscience.html">Christmas Day 2020 incursion into a care facility kitchen</a> where the staff had to lure him outside again with a slice of turkey off some unfortunate resident's dinner plate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For me, among so many wonderful memories, standouts include our two trips abroad by train and ferry, first to Switzerland in 2016 to see his beloved <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2016/10/a-romantic-castk.html">Doggy Godmother Tootsie</a> (and her family Renée and Daniele), and then to Germany in 2019 to stay with dear friends <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2019/10/vertigo.html">Renate and Michael</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCIN8MnKmfzwNOQ5Fm0I_qXIlj2HBwXh-Ysj9xJ0gL5CAuvmQvvQ2ec_AY-j-n2lQA1ZOtyEEcVY_nLmD8phTShrJjgB7egujCnhOXn2FKPsF2JnJwRYLsdAAmk-kdTV5BWjEjrjcLGOzxBoeOVNaTIUKDU1gzvcY9zdUYzgMklh5nYmOe_XPCYnBX=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCIN8MnKmfzwNOQ5Fm0I_qXIlj2HBwXh-Ysj9xJ0gL5CAuvmQvvQ2ec_AY-j-n2lQA1ZOtyEEcVY_nLmD8phTShrJjgB7egujCnhOXn2FKPsF2JnJwRYLsdAAmk-kdTV5BWjEjrjcLGOzxBoeOVNaTIUKDU1gzvcY9zdUYzgMklh5nYmOe_XPCYnBX=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ec6wUbAu_it8C8gRNAm6xuUWoNgiDApyEVHO4-EQVXoga5YY1D-Nww6MCdqwlgrQhe45ny5R4Qp8PHtFRzpSIMcmL6mlDEVPGODPP7xQ5opvk_siyRcsUgfdPj5YI0xUuw_alZIxGz0QZcshjE8CFOLcGnwxnP5tZFHnzlHxnTgwyHTy4c-i7GBV=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ec6wUbAu_it8C8gRNAm6xuUWoNgiDApyEVHO4-EQVXoga5YY1D-Nww6MCdqwlgrQhe45ny5R4Qp8PHtFRzpSIMcmL6mlDEVPGODPP7xQ5opvk_siyRcsUgfdPj5YI0xUuw_alZIxGz0QZcshjE8CFOLcGnwxnP5tZFHnzlHxnTgwyHTy4c-i7GBV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there were visits closer to home, notably with our wonderfully welcoming blogging friend <a href="https://inimaynaelcammeno.blogspot.com/">YAM-Aunty</a> in <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2019/07/only-second-wettest.html">Dunoon</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSdOlbFVLod3RRkTXTLKQndka4DcCN7E6LdHiQ7FvVYM9-xprR82HjA4Q3YyvvD0jZqySOE0wmfXwVKfCk06m2dNQnY8ItLAGmRkhGXsUzTqRDnjKD_vvmjaiWcnvz2e42MiTSoM1sepQJCQThesRVhRsuHTNFjOShe9JSeXvNp-Wu9NCvgqg2oaQl=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSdOlbFVLod3RRkTXTLKQndka4DcCN7E6LdHiQ7FvVYM9-xprR82HjA4Q3YyvvD0jZqySOE0wmfXwVKfCk06m2dNQnY8ItLAGmRkhGXsUzTqRDnjKD_vvmjaiWcnvz2e42MiTSoM1sepQJCQThesRVhRsuHTNFjOShe9JSeXvNp-Wu9NCvgqg2oaQl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When travelling further afield was not possible due to Covid, Bertie always loved exploring new places around and about Aberdeen, especially when <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-perfectly-placed-log.html">accompanied by M and J</a>, whose generous treat supply never ran dry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUT-QTwM0YfzvpUdJGH2tF6wPJgxz3o3MA-Myd4rb3aUO-MXgwMkWUhXmROG3FSdrmPh21cqV4KVd-o-VcYPige9wPd2ojh0Ue3ROLtv5-mL_ikpWm4fEXJbrDukEe4qGjLdbKkOmXP5IGb22erQEn2e1TOpGvQPK8MrWAeZLscZFmxTqtUe-aDfIr=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUT-QTwM0YfzvpUdJGH2tF6wPJgxz3o3MA-Myd4rb3aUO-MXgwMkWUhXmROG3FSdrmPh21cqV4KVd-o-VcYPige9wPd2ojh0Ue3ROLtv5-mL_ikpWm4fEXJbrDukEe4qGjLdbKkOmXP5IGb22erQEn2e1TOpGvQPK8MrWAeZLscZFmxTqtUe-aDfIr=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are so many poignant memories of trips to Nottingham to see my <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2014/04/why-i-loved-my-hgd.html">father (Human Grandad - HGD)</a> and <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2012/09/in-praise-of-human-granny_8.html">mother (Human Granny - HGY)</a>. Wee Bertie's presence never failed to lighten some dreadfully difficult times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmTJHNaKH3OsiEM2A6WfogBWf2X2sk1Xvo_J7k4oDfjujNuhBJKNMKJvtDI0K8fca4hp5UHigi9zdVng9c1q-typLeZ6xYDLdptQKMH8im5UnH19H-zD1VhZwfxJsDSPMqwiQKZM4TF_hkGm-9NYvUZ2SFysOetCdzObz-2wxrWq9yzeKRiZrksP7p=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmTJHNaKH3OsiEM2A6WfogBWf2X2sk1Xvo_J7k4oDfjujNuhBJKNMKJvtDI0K8fca4hp5UHigi9zdVng9c1q-typLeZ6xYDLdptQKMH8im5UnH19H-zD1VhZwfxJsDSPMqwiQKZM4TF_hkGm-9NYvUZ2SFysOetCdzObz-2wxrWq9yzeKRiZrksP7p=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking back to the earlier years, what joys we had with Blogville friends. In 2012 Bertie wooed his <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2012/02/all-guns-blazing-for-valentine-party.html">Valentine date Addi</a> with the aid of a tank, and their virtual romance lasted longer than any I have ever sustained in real life! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXPzfFV5Py3ap8R3XyMRvU-LVDr0QpUETGblza2kXJu_zO-XWPqZ7TLtMXQ4ZmXLAM1FlbPqUM90GTNfn7IE6wnMwh6FxCaBE8v_rFzTJ9HGyaaIIwpEJXBsoll1fuqvX3ay-aiJcKcvIgYkNbeL9k_t1qJboBquJnMnJUMBc5RDmrq4XLlvjpNe_C=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="800" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXPzfFV5Py3ap8R3XyMRvU-LVDr0QpUETGblza2kXJu_zO-XWPqZ7TLtMXQ4ZmXLAM1FlbPqUM90GTNfn7IE6wnMwh6FxCaBE8v_rFzTJ9HGyaaIIwpEJXBsoll1fuqvX3ay-aiJcKcvIgYkNbeL9k_t1qJboBquJnMnJUMBc5RDmrq4XLlvjpNe_C=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then there was the time he took all his Blogville friends on a <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2010/10/scotch-on-rocks-geology-as-never-before.html">Geology Field Trip in Scotland</a>...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Being shortlisted for the role of <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2016/05/ambassadog-result-one-lovestruck-fox.html">Ambassadog for Scotland</a> in May 2016 was perhaps Bertie's great honour, and I believe to this day that he was only pipped at the post by winner George the golden retriever due to my all too not-Scottish accent! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyPuaMP-ST69zqEqS9OuRArxJtel8vhsSptgfD4bF4lZQ37P-Gq1zOjnM41dQDs8JP_CkYQjbVIO3wIjIZNVOcP9DS00GcBf1gbbLe43FQR3PpOpp_x1gweX0YiO4LyrF4FEKOHRPDo906C6wur0IZeD8whCRj_U4GSeKObCkfX9kPSxsxGKW9LbyL=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyPuaMP-ST69zqEqS9OuRArxJtel8vhsSptgfD4bF4lZQ37P-Gq1zOjnM41dQDs8JP_CkYQjbVIO3wIjIZNVOcP9DS00GcBf1gbbLe43FQR3PpOpp_x1gweX0YiO4LyrF4FEKOHRPDo906C6wur0IZeD8whCRj_U4GSeKObCkfX9kPSxsxGKW9LbyL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bertie was diagnosed with an incurable cancer of the bladder in September 2020, and lived at least a year longer than was predicted. His whole life is recorded in this blog. Every minute was precious. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So to end, here's Bertie as I most want to remember him, out and about enjoying the freedom and beauty of the Scottish hills, the perfect companion in good times and bad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrYMlgF0jpb2A-oBbkpX4IZHdPAW_WIdgXXhEzICp-cqi1voYDzu5oEkAiUMH0ktWvfdDVvOV-OgVvvo3gAly2QGtRFHoqTV6gSYQsSqpJyCcPpMMSvLPcDhT7eFtOAAFN1EDRhYVgfif98ojT4qj2Chzs7Tks0DYr1zW-SSxC45FPl37IfAmLqQMV=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrYMlgF0jpb2A-oBbkpX4IZHdPAW_WIdgXXhEzICp-cqi1voYDzu5oEkAiUMH0ktWvfdDVvOV-OgVvvo3gAly2QGtRFHoqTV6gSYQsSqpJyCcPpMMSvLPcDhT7eFtOAAFN1EDRhYVgfif98ojT4qj2Chzs7Tks0DYr1zW-SSxC45FPl37IfAmLqQMV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif6Rbn5_PuyRMm84zFv5dnLAJ6XRqgGV2SUa46OSetFgEUvrP46IiZIWOVaAPh4q9vT2kx90rGsx_NNE0O8RiXeOQQ6z5EE6TFEOLYhuoR3Ue7hjgG2tqEfQuhDrvHugc2Jw0HercFO5Rwss25rjXG7fOwMCMz7kCkqqzJZFINhqWUvUHMuHkJtC8k=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEif6Rbn5_PuyRMm84zFv5dnLAJ6XRqgGV2SUa46OSetFgEUvrP46IiZIWOVaAPh4q9vT2kx90rGsx_NNE0O8RiXeOQQ6z5EE6TFEOLYhuoR3Ue7hjgG2tqEfQuhDrvHugc2Jw0HercFO5Rwss25rjXG7fOwMCMz7kCkqqzJZFINhqWUvUHMuHkJtC8k=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>PS I now plan to take a short break from blogging but, rest assured, a new blog featuring Bertie's successor Nobby will appear before too long and I'll let you know where you can find it.</i></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-53698266168296935832022-03-11T06:00:00.013+00:002022-03-11T06:00:00.215+00:00Going gently...<div style="text-align: left;">Gail here again:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to so many readers for your kind and thoughtful comments on Wednesday's post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After reviewing Bertie's condition with the vet yesterday afternoon, the sad news is that I've made the achingly difficult decision to have Bertie 'put to sleep' later today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With his bladder cancer symptoms apparently causing more pain, on top of his deafness, poor eyesight and signs of confusion, he has lost so much of his former vitality and I didn't want to wait for his suffering to get worse. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bertie has been such a splendid companion over the years, and especially during the long periods of Covid lockdown. I just feel numb right now and can't find the words, but a proper tribute will follow when I'm ready. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, here's a photo of Bertie on a walk in the woods with wee Ella earlier this week, his tail alert and happy, like it always used to be. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_TgWxns3dqdw9ig7_L8u93EObTBrGVxvSg7evzMfrYiTak1r9aL4Tknoo8zEqnzI3ihDmsfOJrzxIB-GZIuIB7NRpqh3AP7yAw65UEaWyZtD-ylrRbJE-gtt5THtS4DoCurc9xkXCEdUepi6I4hIcXz5hCPlPVcQ4gsjjgSp8_koOIQVkAweXXCG_=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_TgWxns3dqdw9ig7_L8u93EObTBrGVxvSg7evzMfrYiTak1r9aL4Tknoo8zEqnzI3ihDmsfOJrzxIB-GZIuIB7NRpqh3AP7yAw65UEaWyZtD-ylrRbJE-gtt5THtS4DoCurc9xkXCEdUepi6I4hIcXz5hCPlPVcQ4gsjjgSp8_koOIQVkAweXXCG_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-46786883693566634342022-03-09T06:00:00.049+00:002022-03-09T08:36:56.690+00:00A turn for the worse?<div style="text-align: left;">Gail here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At times like these, ordinary domestic troubles can seem trivial compared with dreadful events reshaping our geopolitics, but small sadnesses at home are still all too real. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Behaviour changes observed in twelve year old dog, deaf and living with bladder cance</i>r" is never going to make the headlines anywhere but this blog. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So what's been happening with Bertie? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First and most noticeable - during our morning walks in Duthie Park he often now seems disorientated - running off in random directions where formerly he would, more or less, follow a set circuit around the park perimeter. Also, he occasionally bumps into things, and I suspect that his eyesight, which long has been weak, has deteriorated further. But I also wonder what's happening in Bertie's brain. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the house, especially towards the end of the day, Bertie can be unsettled, agitated, often just standing there, head and tail drooping, looking unhappy. Last night, while I was preparing supper I heard Bertie barking in the study (unusual in itself) and found him yapping at the empty armchair, as if I was sat there and he wanted something. When Bertie lies down, he manoeuvres himself into position very, very tentatively, as if to avoid pain in his abdomen. He rarely seems relaxed in the car nowadays - I think the vibration causes him discomfort. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Occasionally, when trying to pee, and at other times, a tremor in his rear legs starts up and persists for a minute or two. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bertie is still eating well, digesting his food and maintaining his weight. He's also still keen to go out for walks, and at night, wearing his 'male dog belly band' he sleeps peacefully on my bed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What best to do for my dear wee chap? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJTdCf0lOalzX4zuT6JWfY0CxYhltPCwbQ2y6qDbB_M0A2XUR2-tplz0y4wV62oaLmpfkdrIVdwXW0zgbpwQfclJfLFgQcYOwtnRUj5ewaKzfIpBhsZdggHusVToV1JxjLn0bNu_moxW63DWzAtOyD-uapnuQyq1o9PijqfCRgyPalkNvDUGZoDBxy=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJTdCf0lOalzX4zuT6JWfY0CxYhltPCwbQ2y6qDbB_M0A2XUR2-tplz0y4wV62oaLmpfkdrIVdwXW0zgbpwQfclJfLFgQcYOwtnRUj5ewaKzfIpBhsZdggHusVToV1JxjLn0bNu_moxW63DWzAtOyD-uapnuQyq1o9PijqfCRgyPalkNvDUGZoDBxy=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-28165483198515993962022-03-07T06:00:00.060+00:002022-03-07T11:01:55.261+00:00Patiently waiting - and a message of hope<div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday morning, Gail and I met our friends M and J in Duthie Park. Dogs are not allowed in the park café and so I was left outside and told to wait patiently and quietly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNYSWf0yAttcgtlSfkQjhL6w3D6CYCIGoeDRNJzCSON8c9yw6_Fbquvw73HbpiWhOfvj3t1KKtu8xko-8f1VZbiPZJBtK374JDTydbeMNfr05R8ZF_zlI5fJV-E_303x43pxtg0CYikKfR4y_7YKN-fJjmBT_l1uWPLUDUPaNlSWGirnA5uYDyGswU=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNYSWf0yAttcgtlSfkQjhL6w3D6CYCIGoeDRNJzCSON8c9yw6_Fbquvw73HbpiWhOfvj3t1KKtu8xko-8f1VZbiPZJBtK374JDTydbeMNfr05R8ZF_zlI5fJV-E_303x43pxtg0CYikKfR4y_7YKN-fJjmBT_l1uWPLUDUPaNlSWGirnA5uYDyGswU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Which I did, because I am a Good Boy. Through the window I could see Gail and her friends deep in conversation over their coffee and scones (or in Gail's case a croissant, score 7/10). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You would never guess this from the pictures you've seen of M and J, and all you've heard about their intrepid exploits, but they are both quite a bit older even than Gail. The three humans were rather a long time in the café and later Gail explained that M, who is originally from Germany, had been talking of her experiences at the close of WW2 and how the appalling news from Ukraine had this week been prompting flashbacks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">M and her Austrian mother had spent most of the war sheltering at her grandparents' remote mountain farm in Austria. As the Red Army approached, and tales of atrocities inflicted on the defeated civilian population spread, nine year old M and her mother fled west through an area of active conflict, eventually reaching the relatively safety of the American controlled part of southern Germany. There were no German men of military age to be seen. It was all women, children and old folk left to fend for themselves. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This particular story has a happy ending as M saw peace return to her homeland. Later she moved to Scotland, enjoyed a fulfilling career lecturing at the University of Aberdeen, met and married a nice Scottish lecturer, J, and raised a lovely, talented daughter. Now there are two fine grandsons too. And M and J still have loads of energy for accompanying Gail and me on our weekly walks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gail and I hope against hope that all those traumatised women and children currently fleeing from the Russian onslaught in Ukraine will likewise live to see happier days. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-75787471661081527272022-03-04T06:00:00.027+00:002022-03-04T13:30:45.240+00:00Walkies and puppies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You will I am sure be pleased to hear that, on our one day of nice weather this week, Gail decided to prioritise my need for an outing over her desire to meet up with her cycling pals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to an old favourite, <a href="https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/aberdeenshire/millstone-hill.shtml">Millstone Hill</a>, a place whose tranquil beauty never grows stale. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In common with most of our forested areas right now following the recent storms, the first part of the walk was something of an obstacle course.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQAUnPencUihurJR_PjVsjdGbWLaSt2_vKLicBkTBXl5ldIUiRXA7AI1mtqlHjRV6l89x2c4OZ914NwJzuk2_m7HbCHap_5ge6U8MC-XmJQPRIlLHqgonB_6j_W2mZ1p5C5gPOEDQMIzHuoTE43_0JgtSk2MVca_jABF87lCf1vaH3P9LcWsuxu0hk=s2873" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="2873" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQAUnPencUihurJR_PjVsjdGbWLaSt2_vKLicBkTBXl5ldIUiRXA7AI1mtqlHjRV6l89x2c4OZ914NwJzuk2_m7HbCHap_5ge6U8MC-XmJQPRIlLHqgonB_6j_W2mZ1p5C5gPOEDQMIzHuoTE43_0JgtSk2MVca_jABF87lCf1vaH3P9LcWsuxu0hk=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoYSHivUfB8PvKMMhqTlWXyvl6CbQ-FzlSALPXJSH5ZHdyY46s23FOUdoY3lkdAeoin3aFON3WWBmFdZfWAJ0eQHU0nuWn_q_yX8F9Ocxg88ZH8d6twvN6uO116zUkCQLLFSFSQR3EfICLpqJNLbdpHTP2j5_qCIZfS61wVDzewX9FJsf0VsIui_wh=s2305" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="2305" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoYSHivUfB8PvKMMhqTlWXyvl6CbQ-FzlSALPXJSH5ZHdyY46s23FOUdoY3lkdAeoin3aFON3WWBmFdZfWAJ0eQHU0nuWn_q_yX8F9Ocxg88ZH8d6twvN6uO116zUkCQLLFSFSQR3EfICLpqJNLbdpHTP2j5_qCIZfS61wVDzewX9FJsf0VsIui_wh=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And if these days I stop more often as I ascend the Hill, let me assure you it is only so Gail has time to take in the lovely scenery on the way up and nothing whatsoever to do with what she sometimes calls my 'not as bouncy as they used to be' four legs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_a1f5nNrJiLFCAkb2wxCeX2wyug2H_WAMreodFVZFe3cQOx2-iKo0ZmlNhHWtbb23yziAv-l7QHMxbDY3_9MrltZ64qop5FXkG_pNPLaHcwCI3cvhhixHHyuj94h1l5LAbLrAx8BnB_Wd6BvsjqMV41K-PFNVz2SkhOnF5eOuNAgodXT1bqOwde1L=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_a1f5nNrJiLFCAkb2wxCeX2wyug2H_WAMreodFVZFe3cQOx2-iKo0ZmlNhHWtbb23yziAv-l7QHMxbDY3_9MrltZ64qop5FXkG_pNPLaHcwCI3cvhhixHHyuj94h1l5LAbLrAx8BnB_Wd6BvsjqMV41K-PFNVz2SkhOnF5eOuNAgodXT1bqOwde1L=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYPzGLybBAT70ReMu5TrMVYKH2C8iEuZhvzUEB2fCbpATseRVEenPmp5xnSoX4QvNpaXClBUlqZkdWHUsxb0ZpxEIG2_jB_kC1A1ZjL9nOnnzHgZ5yEBkKFtA9gin3OZqX2a9-7xZcu1WNLTEhEDxGB67PFwUtLSao_cVG6ikKjCTytyx_-v4WwtoK=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYPzGLybBAT70ReMu5TrMVYKH2C8iEuZhvzUEB2fCbpATseRVEenPmp5xnSoX4QvNpaXClBUlqZkdWHUsxb0ZpxEIG2_jB_kC1A1ZjL9nOnnzHgZ5yEBkKFtA9gin3OZqX2a9-7xZcu1WNLTEhEDxGB67PFwUtLSao_cVG6ikKjCTytyx_-v4WwtoK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKxrPs37ieWx8f816Q2w08L_Nmvwg_XARG0bbW_pqVk3S8GC0FPcs_n88v09LXl6fauiU3E5hfVi0SCBeYy92bsPgxW8kvhUiZowWOA69gIjs_FUSe1lv9qROjyAYVHFwgc8aoJHM58tAf8Y2cN5nfseI0yqkWr_1xHSn55nUDtsjwt0nzo_VFRbwE=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKxrPs37ieWx8f816Q2w08L_Nmvwg_XARG0bbW_pqVk3S8GC0FPcs_n88v09LXl6fauiU3E5hfVi0SCBeYy92bsPgxW8kvhUiZowWOA69gIjs_FUSe1lv9qROjyAYVHFwgc8aoJHM58tAf8Y2cN5nfseI0yqkWr_1xHSn55nUDtsjwt0nzo_VFRbwE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFtk5FptFCGaiAh9DryhCoBCFjymMUk0V9oGKDx4nWvXHslNDeRVbatdtDugOE4ltoKUr6hcVKH3ibDrEuOm1dO7JVjoN9eiq6qTxadwB-QofPKZqmpGZx3yykmI7M1GzL9TaGw2CgDODB_5JnzeHACxGPvKZ8oXtaYDgmXitEldZM17mS0CoSl9OO=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFtk5FptFCGaiAh9DryhCoBCFjymMUk0V9oGKDx4nWvXHslNDeRVbatdtDugOE4ltoKUr6hcVKH3ibDrEuOm1dO7JVjoN9eiq6qTxadwB-QofPKZqmpGZx3yykmI7M1GzL9TaGw2CgDODB_5JnzeHACxGPvKZ8oXtaYDgmXitEldZM17mS0CoSl9OO=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is no holding me back on the descent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdlNtYKseS8f632kEi9CFVk4vDjQhG47scRprhdnLGHho5FhVDFUTcQJG6xEFu4QCT-hb6lr9rcVdywjhxtGkbhyf28GtCxMGxIoA3C86uNTNL3LAzDLlRKEuh3hZf0vxEtNBp38CLvQxm_lLZIKOEDJH6cmqvjJg0d8TEZO5vtMQSqfU1BbS4o5Sb=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdlNtYKseS8f632kEi9CFVk4vDjQhG47scRprhdnLGHho5FhVDFUTcQJG6xEFu4QCT-hb6lr9rcVdywjhxtGkbhyf28GtCxMGxIoA3C86uNTNL3LAzDLlRKEuh3hZf0vxEtNBp38CLvQxm_lLZIKOEDJH6cmqvjJg0d8TEZO5vtMQSqfU1BbS4o5Sb=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was a bit surprised that when we got back to the car Gail didn't head straight home but instead drove a few miles further west and up a farm track. She then parked in the farm yard and instructed me to stay in the car and enjoy the view across the fields to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardmore_distillery">Ardmore whisky distillery</a>, while she disappeared into one of the farm buildings to "spend a bit of time with Nobby"...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir8s7xS-iWUgIvM5Rs31IS20wh2aw90wVxUu-xIIYmIOdgEFb_Gf9BpGExpW6TlToX0y8pUG-8f8LL8pvZ8do9vkUvDTnW5oATd8yNPMwy_Nim1bDwaAgcY3uc1Nu2MhUFUv9KhzzfjBVbdZV7AkV-NCXkCNtrgNkxQjaV1uI9cqJSgajkWt3mz_l4=s4402" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3301" data-original-width="4402" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir8s7xS-iWUgIvM5Rs31IS20wh2aw90wVxUu-xIIYmIOdgEFb_Gf9BpGExpW6TlToX0y8pUG-8f8LL8pvZ8do9vkUvDTnW5oATd8yNPMwy_Nim1bDwaAgcY3uc1Nu2MhUFUv9KhzzfjBVbdZV7AkV-NCXkCNtrgNkxQjaV1uI9cqJSgajkWt3mz_l4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpPHZVACZUmInyU86pyxhKvCGMzQDwTRk80j-6gdIEUaxw-BfsLAtA0dzU3BAZYh0SWH3YtYvFrJeZrskdIK9KsQvebtvpJODrL6XYwQW29V0bjb-O7f4zpoLtlVbdT3eY0xwbOXU9m2gNImgcH7XsyXcDnVRAg_giyQ3J8paBduA-4w0O1ihx2Wdm=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpPHZVACZUmInyU86pyxhKvCGMzQDwTRk80j-6gdIEUaxw-BfsLAtA0dzU3BAZYh0SWH3YtYvFrJeZrskdIK9KsQvebtvpJODrL6XYwQW29V0bjb-O7f4zpoLtlVbdT3eY0xwbOXU9m2gNImgcH7XsyXcDnVRAg_giyQ3J8paBduA-4w0O1ihx2Wdm=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh and finally, by the way, here's a photo Gail took on her bike ride this week. Shame it wasn't sunny for them that day...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOXPBBdmXaDW0emxrQQz_xMqnA0lI7gZeTvRz0pkjizKfCaHUlwTzaqz3FV5Rve19KzQ0fFp4wXns1AZ4cEayEFbNexMqV5yNf-uLWGfEDO7QodP8SVAkvuuDn2groRgbmucRvjn7I2RQ5XA7Zf6hQP-eHAT8w8VDYXowe7lBz1tHdKxyGLa8_90g1=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOXPBBdmXaDW0emxrQQz_xMqnA0lI7gZeTvRz0pkjizKfCaHUlwTzaqz3FV5Rve19KzQ0fFp4wXns1AZ4cEayEFbNexMqV5yNf-uLWGfEDO7QodP8SVAkvuuDn2groRgbmucRvjn7I2RQ5XA7Zf6hQP-eHAT8w8VDYXowe7lBz1tHdKxyGLa8_90g1=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Nature Friday to all our friends. Especially the <a href="https://llbinourbackyard.blogspot.com/">LLB Gang</a> of course. I hope you all have been making good use of any nice weather that came your way this week!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<!--start LinkyTools script--><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=306517" type="text/javascript"></script><!--end LinkyTools script-->WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-67394742567529251032022-03-02T06:00:00.001+00:002022-03-02T06:39:34.742+00:00Walks good, bike rides bad....<div style="text-align: left;"> Some days promise well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp5J5gJTzMzC6Of3Yar6VF1XAjnXQQwbLdbxZWU2YhvUeyyW1BFUkSPa1JSdwsnjwETyQtxvRysMCj2W3GNJBz186xiybx1fVCTvIYzpWgT4ti_7cRL_5gOG1t23Pcin9dHqc29aTRYJWetI3mgBPGcJLlnUejYOaymdEppcMuZrTWtrMmng5zR0yQ=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp5J5gJTzMzC6Of3Yar6VF1XAjnXQQwbLdbxZWU2YhvUeyyW1BFUkSPa1JSdwsnjwETyQtxvRysMCj2W3GNJBz186xiybx1fVCTvIYzpWgT4ti_7cRL_5gOG1t23Pcin9dHqc29aTRYJWetI3mgBPGcJLlnUejYOaymdEppcMuZrTWtrMmng5zR0yQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Others not so much....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVH9BxfQpHQqTb7Z6ZHBwwITWKJ-h9QyfNCe0XdYf4sb0sqkTFeepENW6X995SwTYdToQoKjEFA4zMKrHnsYnYwJQsx8r6i17lvXyhaxxai8ZHYm3kt30T5jZiKgViAVZNldzes32oeeboZnW6hefu2fInlIJCCVu98fG90JNCV-aLAoV0U9Qu-tqS=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVH9BxfQpHQqTb7Z6ZHBwwITWKJ-h9QyfNCe0XdYf4sb0sqkTFeepENW6X995SwTYdToQoKjEFA4zMKrHnsYnYwJQsx8r6i17lvXyhaxxai8ZHYm3kt30T5jZiKgViAVZNldzes32oeeboZnW6hefu2fInlIJCCVu98fG90JNCV-aLAoV0U9Qu-tqS=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-68192302414359927942022-02-28T06:00:00.015+00:002022-02-28T06:00:00.235+00:00Weekend afternoon, Scotland, late February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuaw_QCG0xKQ20egaMNIsJM6k6tgU6AkrDU2HwxymGC2X4MR2Qp2Jn-zFdxBQyD79Qz1X7ATNtK4liQMbihpl9tVYG35xboA90AyOBI9EQRAtbAC4stB4EqYiguVZrocE-UsO3KSRsEJWZQNODC-8jR6tKJD9CN7seLfiSEFvb8HLA2BclApU23V1w=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuaw_QCG0xKQ20egaMNIsJM6k6tgU6AkrDU2HwxymGC2X4MR2Qp2Jn-zFdxBQyD79Qz1X7ATNtK4liQMbihpl9tVYG35xboA90AyOBI9EQRAtbAC4stB4EqYiguVZrocE-UsO3KSRsEJWZQNODC-8jR6tKJD9CN7seLfiSEFvb8HLA2BclApU23V1w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't want to watch the rugby, I just want a cuddle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb1UHdte23apqFxjZhM7IfZQhA_FB4X11IS_KfTc8xf5HsKzWDpS8poNjVxFUdK3CQbiEH3EzAZT1sl4rc7UPQ82pShsiqBIeYwaoaX7iTDJciCvzG3HgA4Is7vGg60tFslqlLymgxCc0RITH9tBYC15JqyxqMrMWyYuipLgiBIKRLiZL_Hgik7JT3=s2556" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2556" data-original-width="1921" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb1UHdte23apqFxjZhM7IfZQhA_FB4X11IS_KfTc8xf5HsKzWDpS8poNjVxFUdK3CQbiEH3EzAZT1sl4rc7UPQ82pShsiqBIeYwaoaX7iTDJciCvzG3HgA4Is7vGg60tFslqlLymgxCc0RITH9tBYC15JqyxqMrMWyYuipLgiBIKRLiZL_Hgik7JT3=w301-h400" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, fellow pups, please be careful whom you cuddle. Not all humans are deserving of your affection...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-uV_kTFQtB7XDn_EqI_71mTX0wr_h00QtBv1XXTyLsFRfIf7NcH7Z3_okXlb5E4k2VjSWovRe7_qVyXUc6-EWs-V7t4-GdqOizqVe0LIrR6j0X0gLetfNRUyEmb9vW9BRgHvc9au_DKLuGX6_KBkdzsSC0m4Ul61-rtx98wV0g5l0eA9_fGuMUs0=s775" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="775" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1-uV_kTFQtB7XDn_EqI_71mTX0wr_h00QtBv1XXTyLsFRfIf7NcH7Z3_okXlb5E4k2VjSWovRe7_qVyXUc6-EWs-V7t4-GdqOizqVe0LIrR6j0X0gLetfNRUyEmb9vW9BRgHvc9au_DKLuGX6_KBkdzsSC0m4Ul61-rtx98wV0g5l0eA9_fGuMUs0=w400-h290" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-82031101753344094852022-02-25T09:03:00.003+00:002022-02-25T09:51:58.070+00:00New beginnings!<div style="text-align: left;">Gosh, there's been so much excitement this week in the Bertie and Gail household and I almost forgot about Nature Friday. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happily, our newly blooming Duthie Park crocuses have come to the rescue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpGkBXvFmS-FGKpYNaNiPy_g9Z_j1HTkBoF-vQh5YdbGFCrv3opdY0Y82eLsMWRgdz9QD1bu9lJYRUJAgWKSyCMqzdQChL0R4HEKi12dLP8pbAR_eh2PIHzPCzugJd2x9TOCpSzAb_XtW82wyCm3XsFHN_Ob59R4QUt9h4oZqUdF3F_lR6aaqBzT8C=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpGkBXvFmS-FGKpYNaNiPy_g9Z_j1HTkBoF-vQh5YdbGFCrv3opdY0Y82eLsMWRgdz9QD1bu9lJYRUJAgWKSyCMqzdQChL0R4HEKi12dLP8pbAR_eh2PIHzPCzugJd2x9TOCpSzAb_XtW82wyCm3XsFHN_Ob59R4QUt9h4oZqUdF3F_lR6aaqBzT8C=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCBfVnWFiJOeBkHwt1gPOZupJyyMdcbvmje6jmJQtKl_A5E-_bp4lIm44G_maWQMx-bQpOo4TcCQpmOZdnspNP5hBUeYuGOs97Pxl59wzz9Zhxk81TcHnLFhpf_9rQ0J54Ekljjnw3UO8kTMoWgImR0YLBsuYUMi745HDmjCKc5wm--xBVGvafpu3i=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCBfVnWFiJOeBkHwt1gPOZupJyyMdcbvmje6jmJQtKl_A5E-_bp4lIm44G_maWQMx-bQpOo4TcCQpmOZdnspNP5hBUeYuGOs97Pxl59wzz9Zhxk81TcHnLFhpf_9rQ0J54Ekljjnw3UO8kTMoWgImR0YLBsuYUMi745HDmjCKc5wm--xBVGvafpu3i=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Those of you who read Wednesday's post will have guessed the cause of the excitement. In less than four weeks time, all going well, this will be the Gail, Bertie and Nobby household.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, this is Nobby. Wire fox terrier, born 25th January. His 'official' name, for use when when being told off (which will likely happen quite often in his first few months...) is Craigmancie Norbert. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx7TRA6PpZcZWrgUYMP5pRV-GoH1wOb07jvQeBObbcvi5K7EntPlx1Tm9Zm-RIETwFNpaYIX7JX-p78hsQKMOyap399QG3IteQJEYs9JP24aIPaiZLbpwngkRSpMUUUgZxCsRLZG0lfeLnYSOsSZT8Buo1vOp-C4igwG6OXIV2I839U2NjOu7q9Zpb=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx7TRA6PpZcZWrgUYMP5pRV-GoH1wOb07jvQeBObbcvi5K7EntPlx1Tm9Zm-RIETwFNpaYIX7JX-p78hsQKMOyap399QG3IteQJEYs9JP24aIPaiZLbpwngkRSpMUUUgZxCsRLZG0lfeLnYSOsSZT8Buo1vOp-C4igwG6OXIV2I839U2NjOu7q9Zpb=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Happy Nature Friday and thanks to our ever wonderful friends in New Mexico, the <a href="https://llbinourbackyard.blogspot.com/">LLB Gang</a>!</div><div><br /></div></div>
<!--start LinkyTools script--><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=306424" type="text/javascript"></script><!--end LinkyTools script-->WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-55163367028440604832022-02-23T06:00:00.001+00:002022-02-23T06:00:00.233+00:00Uh oh.... something's up! <div style="text-align: left;">So tell me please, what do you make of this?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Gail disappeared for a few hours yesterday afternoon and returned with these photos on her phone....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5CbOCYDKfdfquAaThBAlqoOXfO4SyraU_cTiu5FtsrYuhG3UD5UUh1rNB4Bz7re2QH8VqMoHb5FMaChnbn1WeWu-Gwf0jzMmXjEVIbn5ICu83a_8-AtVPXGGTkDBJzdeTbYK-owV6IGhqIXbQcaKBitky9HpFs45hZxMzCCf8eEB4_JvDEuaCAtgN=s3608" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2706" data-original-width="3608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5CbOCYDKfdfquAaThBAlqoOXfO4SyraU_cTiu5FtsrYuhG3UD5UUh1rNB4Bz7re2QH8VqMoHb5FMaChnbn1WeWu-Gwf0jzMmXjEVIbn5ICu83a_8-AtVPXGGTkDBJzdeTbYK-owV6IGhqIXbQcaKBitky9HpFs45hZxMzCCf8eEB4_JvDEuaCAtgN=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdrczAgroO6m3RCpmQE1Lnz-zzumsTEwPzyinivEQ3lgwr3RmWopHqdHJpz9oxmSsGpWaoyYX9DvFahcb7JH227oWGV-aRtS-wgvNcyZqUcZygIEUjIi_1n2QHb01B83c5_PTI2ie2aXlwIaooB7IRpPPM1m-BEWhz6iYF8TeKkeToeDXH1UcmYB9I=s4493" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3301" data-original-width="4493" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdrczAgroO6m3RCpmQE1Lnz-zzumsTEwPzyinivEQ3lgwr3RmWopHqdHJpz9oxmSsGpWaoyYX9DvFahcb7JH227oWGV-aRtS-wgvNcyZqUcZygIEUjIi_1n2QHb01B83c5_PTI2ie2aXlwIaooB7IRpPPM1m-BEWhz6iYF8TeKkeToeDXH1UcmYB9I=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrIbf97xbuNHxD4AYJaJ9mSVrRyZVJ8j2p0Wq6HXHNGEJIV5hUqoU7HUleYU1esi8wS1MfmmNPXexEozXbq8dfXefGxp7sTaWChsf5eRj3ZZlg9bf_H107egYSU2yXTzNCb7M9_w5XZr6fpkel1We5BHqFqydHzHks1t0aXkv9PdJb1IYZ2gPIoQ9c=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrIbf97xbuNHxD4AYJaJ9mSVrRyZVJ8j2p0Wq6HXHNGEJIV5hUqoU7HUleYU1esi8wS1MfmmNPXexEozXbq8dfXefGxp7sTaWChsf5eRj3ZZlg9bf_H107egYSU2yXTzNCb7M9_w5XZr6fpkel1We5BHqFqydHzHks1t0aXkv9PdJb1IYZ2gPIoQ9c=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjakzBCFsc7xw7Iyh94HBMcx9FLrlbJ-_upNtyrVwZ3FuWKITMBNfRwHjThnX1uZ-n7jryaSWpf_tkq-7HNPVlHliz5rhEIgbkOfKZObN8D9_92fMdEAqrFTdgX-BrD4cjYmO7HNOY5AgI1gh_B-8tqEZ89Zb6wwGKRuZDP9Y2-nFlfIWGUH1gn9Eef=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjakzBCFsc7xw7Iyh94HBMcx9FLrlbJ-_upNtyrVwZ3FuWKITMBNfRwHjThnX1uZ-n7jryaSWpf_tkq-7HNPVlHliz5rhEIgbkOfKZObN8D9_92fMdEAqrFTdgX-BrD4cjYmO7HNOY5AgI1gh_B-8tqEZ89Zb6wwGKRuZDP9Y2-nFlfIWGUH1gn9Eef=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-57M7VsMAYUFa7ZMQOlNVUUCHI7HIaFJOio-GIAVl4w1sidJF45fmXDmc2J9CeeKBx9U3LDuc303OXyLBFJwGL77-4FfNj0ro961g5n2CFd7zD56Zujj5BB_m4ow6TifOmf-neTGkyIMyn35Ck20Y5aEpfpNR4KH-FsjtF2J0l8_zUIZerTgYwLAw=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-57M7VsMAYUFa7ZMQOlNVUUCHI7HIaFJOio-GIAVl4w1sidJF45fmXDmc2J9CeeKBx9U3LDuc303OXyLBFJwGL77-4FfNj0ro961g5n2CFd7zD56Zujj5BB_m4ow6TifOmf-neTGkyIMyn35Ck20Y5aEpfpNR4KH-FsjtF2J0l8_zUIZerTgYwLAw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-28243005708671044852022-02-21T06:00:00.108+00:002022-02-21T06:00:00.238+00:00An offaly good birthday weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you friends for all the lovely birthday greetings. Let me tell you about my weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was kidney with kibble for my dinner on Friday, then fried liver the day after! I bet you can't think of a tastier way for a chap to celebrate reaching the grand old age of twelve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRzIknURsvKBWs9pcp_ABF5wDcUtVXoW0UgnkNkfJI7MXHxN9v3ldzCgc9nnwUPY9ve2UGfim_o5Ju2QAixb9fjh8XC8ZMrBsjxHxQDO-zeCYoN7q5nkBI9ScwpGaFHuf3VpJ76v0Su0Jb49TQYFQw4zioQNcUyP_xGgdVLx0ft5_31KnGRjlUGIog=s1463" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1463" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRzIknURsvKBWs9pcp_ABF5wDcUtVXoW0UgnkNkfJI7MXHxN9v3ldzCgc9nnwUPY9ve2UGfim_o5Ju2QAixb9fjh8XC8ZMrBsjxHxQDO-zeCYoN7q5nkBI9ScwpGaFHuf3VpJ76v0Su0Jb49TQYFQw4zioQNcUyP_xGgdVLx0ft5_31KnGRjlUGIog=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Oh and we've had snow here these past few days. Just a sprinkling in the city, but in the forests inland the snow was in places a bit too deep for 'not as bouncy as they used to be' WFT limbs (but not so deep as to daunt this exceptionally game little terrier). <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbpfPAFJ6ziEDBiz25OCNQst3aJ1AG3e0Yaay32J0HTbKIYhU93C3Ul3XTMV8DXRWJl5vXl-h01X9PqKOj_oGLZRQg3kY7NtgdcZPahJVxq5fT-G2sr8aJ4B7mK9J2wy4QUCBpr3mNrUAq2BxSQ1JwtPcPgCVMP-r-_wY8AFdKOfA1B2tw6ec7ddoQ=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbpfPAFJ6ziEDBiz25OCNQst3aJ1AG3e0Yaay32J0HTbKIYhU93C3Ul3XTMV8DXRWJl5vXl-h01X9PqKOj_oGLZRQg3kY7NtgdcZPahJVxq5fT-G2sr8aJ4B7mK9J2wy4QUCBpr3mNrUAq2BxSQ1JwtPcPgCVMP-r-_wY8AFdKOfA1B2tw6ec7ddoQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz-3k_ji62VAlDvIrzZWwYJ3NcxjmD20wQgAj0hQvj0Gv7DnjXm5dSFgfg1im4BYiro4ryfrF_C5PJwtkmSAOQmPYbo-m92Z3Eq5SNK0ppUN_l-O6TWIrA_hs0eLBRO_-sB92-OdxW3b1_MuzbrEmpmm5Kb9cyRkapJ2Y9H_jpuThPARi9EfwXOf9c=s3107" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="3107" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz-3k_ji62VAlDvIrzZWwYJ3NcxjmD20wQgAj0hQvj0Gv7DnjXm5dSFgfg1im4BYiro4ryfrF_C5PJwtkmSAOQmPYbo-m92Z3Eq5SNK0ppUN_l-O6TWIrA_hs0eLBRO_-sB92-OdxW3b1_MuzbrEmpmm5Kb9cyRkapJ2Y9H_jpuThPARi9EfwXOf9c=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Y0Se5hlU7hZ7BxOVT6sP-oyXcJw8lMy6CG1sD4Gh1Ts379C7Dw2Re564o9N_1tNV5uzDGm4Co2RV_83XTJeUhYneKykRqr9b9lig7L9NsqeBzkP5zEtY9TNRHX3ZYsUk_YbUz-xVChMO8QBg6SJSpHdjlQfStN2XeGI0KysDoEqfWR_f7QdByEN5=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8Y0Se5hlU7hZ7BxOVT6sP-oyXcJw8lMy6CG1sD4Gh1Ts379C7Dw2Re564o9N_1tNV5uzDGm4Co2RV_83XTJeUhYneKykRqr9b9lig7L9NsqeBzkP5zEtY9TNRHX3ZYsUk_YbUz-xVChMO8QBg6SJSpHdjlQfStN2XeGI0KysDoEqfWR_f7QdByEN5=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifiWWSt0vcBJKbCNVZrgaQ3AFN6ZcZDncAp8W9Lz2RJoDNBYHMfGlLJcvQFt-yhHAQYQp3edcj5sbmWdi3LDezPF9N4ZRrTn4bWqFDoCN6vNdQHZlNjEQrCbxqbY0CM-0xGDNDDizff0AZi7VZ4jIKbrNPcEz78k1q8auEfk6G0O4X-7lB_npPUjB8=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifiWWSt0vcBJKbCNVZrgaQ3AFN6ZcZDncAp8W9Lz2RJoDNBYHMfGlLJcvQFt-yhHAQYQp3edcj5sbmWdi3LDezPF9N4ZRrTn4bWqFDoCN6vNdQHZlNjEQrCbxqbY0CM-0xGDNDDizff0AZi7VZ4jIKbrNPcEz78k1q8auEfk6G0O4X-7lB_npPUjB8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-6791522217275797212022-02-18T06:00:00.010+00:002022-02-18T09:42:10.213+00:00Nature Friday from the Birthday Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdueNicONWiVe_fQnfQCF_RyiLCaZyX04miKH0ssEJcg5nCYVInG7MamkXIpprQrh0cGxKQMWizNEkvTdmFT8Cz154F_GFNTmiLJWHPVNoe-02Qzfl5S0V-cHy2ZsPcS_iCd_eTsfMo4xMrVtUAF3XAqNRWDRlPxJJQeMrw6VY1KovpiUFfwOf8O3v=s3150" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3150" data-original-width="3150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdueNicONWiVe_fQnfQCF_RyiLCaZyX04miKH0ssEJcg5nCYVInG7MamkXIpprQrh0cGxKQMWizNEkvTdmFT8Cz154F_GFNTmiLJWHPVNoe-02Qzfl5S0V-cHy2ZsPcS_iCd_eTsfMo4xMrVtUAF3XAqNRWDRlPxJJQeMrw6VY1KovpiUFfwOf8O3v=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Er yes, since you ask, it is in fact my twelfth birthday today. Gail seems even more thrilled about this than I am, and rest assured, we'll be telling you all about my birthday celebrations in my next post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Meanwhile, I have some Nature Friday pictures to show you from last week's trip to Forvie Nature reserve.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPX5A4e6v2PRjm44dTg73OIfnLjRWdaiNzC0dXknHiiZlScXQoGh2yb7sEnnm2iHeXq6RMcJQap_BUBbsZZFOo0IoUHmWznR-RdxvXakkdEyc6lXhVn09YnsR-pO7qdqk7e5S_lNDcFkudjGr3DFZ_gtH2zGnv6j1bSYlo9_1t2hki0U73vhkp542Y=s2839" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2839" data-original-width="2839" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPX5A4e6v2PRjm44dTg73OIfnLjRWdaiNzC0dXknHiiZlScXQoGh2yb7sEnnm2iHeXq6RMcJQap_BUBbsZZFOo0IoUHmWznR-RdxvXakkdEyc6lXhVn09YnsR-pO7qdqk7e5S_lNDcFkudjGr3DFZ_gtH2zGnv6j1bSYlo9_1t2hki0U73vhkp542Y=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I expect you are wondering what the fluffy off-white stuff is between the clumps of heather in the picture above?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's have a closer look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwXQvn-5MqAAFmL0z5Fyc24zdroVv6aBDFlgXQ_uhKg_nzBXg6b5eUqUvuQPSYAgiTnh08wII8CbKH2nBfY9lvbPyP00e1rqtg-3IJK5KRK495sJUHKRVLENC7inYIVixS7fsrNZwF3oQCghOYuYdo2mWhvpf6tI5kC5noSK3npEvChPpDhvMpWM7M=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwXQvn-5MqAAFmL0z5Fyc24zdroVv6aBDFlgXQ_uhKg_nzBXg6b5eUqUvuQPSYAgiTnh08wII8CbKH2nBfY9lvbPyP00e1rqtg-3IJK5KRK495sJUHKRVLENC7inYIVixS7fsrNZwF3oQCghOYuYdo2mWhvpf6tI5kC5noSK3npEvChPpDhvMpWM7M=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYQwDY9QgSid02GyZpFqjNLwUF17kEFrWYvGFvCrh8R7LK2PeEpFx2jHknv7uFJr0SwUhuvDGBhIf83qVr55-EkP_D1FjyWK48UnQeYeB-_Ym6xu42Oc8_hoirfheksC_nWyMAMmFg9oX54n-Uyc15PRdOaYaAWRiMKTXswKcV0TWI2f3x6875q-ZL=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYQwDY9QgSid02GyZpFqjNLwUF17kEFrWYvGFvCrh8R7LK2PeEpFx2jHknv7uFJr0SwUhuvDGBhIf83qVr55-EkP_D1FjyWK48UnQeYeB-_Ym6xu42Oc8_hoirfheksC_nWyMAMmFg9oX54n-Uyc15PRdOaYaAWRiMKTXswKcV0TWI2f3x6875q-ZL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And even closer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgntJgwbPW41CCIfmfLRxyESZ-QrV7vEuUSSvnMAnWv-i60iUk6m6oqinTja8Y_ZjQLm0nz4ZQK1OFMOc4JrVwKLKwqbsVAyaku368WpK3Og68_gA0OzaSWGg6VIqorUJSLQHvwYShXGKutoQFUeQEwOkwngoCdpoyMRZmNHCrcZD8BwJd-7XPWLbVq=s2576" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgntJgwbPW41CCIfmfLRxyESZ-QrV7vEuUSSvnMAnWv-i60iUk6m6oqinTja8Y_ZjQLm0nz4ZQK1OFMOc4JrVwKLKwqbsVAyaku368WpK3Og68_gA0OzaSWGg6VIqorUJSLQHvwYShXGKutoQFUeQEwOkwngoCdpoyMRZmNHCrcZD8BwJd-7XPWLbVq=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cool, huh? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A google search suggested that this bleached green springy moss-like growth is in fact a lichen of the genus <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cladonia">Cladonia</a>. Further consultation with Gail's friend Carol confirmed this diagnosis and narrowed it down to the species <i><a href="http://www.lnhg.org.uk/species-of-mar-2018.htm">Cladonia portentosa</a></i>, common name reindeer lichen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are no reindeer to chomp away at the lichen in Forvie, but on the wildlife front I can offer you swans in the Sand Loch, noisily cackling geese overhead, wigeon on nearby tidal mudflats and evidence of an active mole population in a field just outside of the nature reserve boundary.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTV8j80yX3UaxZAgjbLm9svAcEC3I0HmHm6CE4BsQzh7DWxdvAx25hMzSxcytNDmQ8tsMQ9bwvMLU754WL6dNeZXf6CbwlAqH4iaUybm5TXq53U0XE3mrR4jjBmaXF7UyQI6cAw6c_32cSmqPIWiTGIvS5yRVvBng4U4K5ttMfnfw-yWjp2HIbLdOt=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTV8j80yX3UaxZAgjbLm9svAcEC3I0HmHm6CE4BsQzh7DWxdvAx25hMzSxcytNDmQ8tsMQ9bwvMLU754WL6dNeZXf6CbwlAqH4iaUybm5TXq53U0XE3mrR4jjBmaXF7UyQI6cAw6c_32cSmqPIWiTGIvS5yRVvBng4U4K5ttMfnfw-yWjp2HIbLdOt=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwUD74wOiHM6YIos0y_5sFRZdNtQxKs5CmcHHD9L_SYNdruJ-LZa_C8qwA36RvNuuLCkrSI_HgZM-thchshEgQ-a4MYyRvfxdicUUcpUayu9h1jgtWB_i-pgjWINT_h8Mlcp_Rgx1zmnQ_MgLPV3zoADyhpc2b_TTiQb8pdTqoUauLWP9fznQulXvy=s2474" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1855" data-original-width="2474" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwUD74wOiHM6YIos0y_5sFRZdNtQxKs5CmcHHD9L_SYNdruJ-LZa_C8qwA36RvNuuLCkrSI_HgZM-thchshEgQ-a4MYyRvfxdicUUcpUayu9h1jgtWB_i-pgjWINT_h8Mlcp_Rgx1zmnQ_MgLPV3zoADyhpc2b_TTiQb8pdTqoUauLWP9fznQulXvy=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0-kcaTSVCLu3bdBuLFOoYSXVPgV6Z1j0OrHU2D2Dfry4HcECYSww6XETSjs-1L3UZOB7fH_98lR3N_rbbXToRBrejWuJHkJKqUBkpM8RdQgRYtdvS85tCciav4cWWqwTTNoMmAJLFT8Yb_Brt4LP-GnTe1wdEWDa9BJxFLgh6CuQMOMlaxV58uNTj=s3135" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2350" data-original-width="3135" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0-kcaTSVCLu3bdBuLFOoYSXVPgV6Z1j0OrHU2D2Dfry4HcECYSww6XETSjs-1L3UZOB7fH_98lR3N_rbbXToRBrejWuJHkJKqUBkpM8RdQgRYtdvS85tCciav4cWWqwTTNoMmAJLFT8Yb_Brt4LP-GnTe1wdEWDa9BJxFLgh6CuQMOMlaxV58uNTj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpAmq74vMeTYzpGJpJfPwSMAHfpmVE4yHYT12TE7usVhOjPJ7x3kZo7j81Biqz5rFpDgjC_N-IRwdkEhrOmWEMiEWYgLoCDsQDmKL9ZHVxWBzUN-v7Jt6LpQe4zvilCPCewnrbkgJ4KIrmQJKGtJLJ284NYG1vJ5vI5cSaLVt-3FkecawwegVJKXoG=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpAmq74vMeTYzpGJpJfPwSMAHfpmVE4yHYT12TE7usVhOjPJ7x3kZo7j81Biqz5rFpDgjC_N-IRwdkEhrOmWEMiEWYgLoCDsQDmKL9ZHVxWBzUN-v7Jt6LpQe4zvilCPCewnrbkgJ4KIrmQJKGtJLJ284NYG1vJ5vI5cSaLVt-3FkecawwegVJKXoG=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, just in case you ever doubted the fact that Scotland's coastal areas can be a tad breezy...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh19-6H6p4dpwQMrf11j1zIR6E2dJYV0iY9_lE0VCzHzeZVKtjzXoDnSdKHc0-l6RM3HwiWC_f4Fcx1VbXopVR_tNTbLhYR9KwkIVXgvhSxt10KKnTtu4rdiD69xIMmS4kD6TWucSpMOSWngPsmrLUVSpwDkvlVPiOHhQb05MI1ox6FH_mD9MKcFFVH=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh19-6H6p4dpwQMrf11j1zIR6E2dJYV0iY9_lE0VCzHzeZVKtjzXoDnSdKHc0-l6RM3HwiWC_f4Fcx1VbXopVR_tNTbLhYR9KwkIVXgvhSxt10KKnTtu4rdiD69xIMmS4kD6TWucSpMOSWngPsmrLUVSpwDkvlVPiOHhQb05MI1ox6FH_mD9MKcFFVH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Nature Friday friends! Now I'm off to look for my birthday treats...</div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-70468186248020652012022-02-16T06:00:00.031+00:002022-02-16T07:40:43.462+00:00Delighted to help Charlie<div style="text-align: left;">Gail and I received a plea for help from a friend down in England a couple of weeks ago. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This friend has a 16 year old dog, Charlie, whom sadly I've never met. It turns out that Charlie, like me, is suffering from 'bladder issues' and, having seen a picture of my very smart 'male dog belly band', the friend wanted further details. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well we are happy to report that Charlie is now the proud owner of a <a href="https://glenndarcy.dog/products/black-watch-male-dog-belly-band?variant=40624199925960&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQiAu62QBhC7ARIsALXijXSFN_LuCLI7tjSwM853MscDiQ4J1jdazShFmyuuGfEzpKSXMNgESE4aAohiEALw_wcB">Black Watch tartan belly band</a> (all Gail's pals have excellent taste of course). This new accessory gave his humans confidence to take him away for a mini-break in a Peak District hotel, where a fine time was had by all. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And Charlie and I had a nice little chat afterwards, via WhatsApp. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvz4kxvW4mCwdmPwxcX3z-HXYSQ-yhXP17RXbY4MB0CRe7z5996-g0sDblvCGJL7b-vzS7e-r2DGyCyvRyzTkVZpFTqzAXG6cE3A5oo70FYA5gW5UuVHs6eOrbZwXLR_f7dYbM2KyoimPtKbDSyFMFZXwoMSlax3mGNAR2wnVS90HTkzbUF4LQmx7m=s1842" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1842" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvz4kxvW4mCwdmPwxcX3z-HXYSQ-yhXP17RXbY4MB0CRe7z5996-g0sDblvCGJL7b-vzS7e-r2DGyCyvRyzTkVZpFTqzAXG6cE3A5oo70FYA5gW5UuVHs6eOrbZwXLR_f7dYbM2KyoimPtKbDSyFMFZXwoMSlax3mGNAR2wnVS90HTkzbUF4LQmx7m=w376-h640" width="376" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaz78AVkP1nv_g26seyFra-PX1flAMmq0r1-VgT9eNYHaWGH0HHCQmFiZLFX9aJG-Row2C_E1k-WV24GXmxkDIrsWG7Nso31YTKePk4j40Z3D7ydHY_3da3jSI0aKdUBYimVQpM28JzVnIGPXwzs4T4DYSYYptU6kVTW8j1GZ6kVHQQ2Kn2MruWxjM=s1835" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaz78AVkP1nv_g26seyFra-PX1flAMmq0r1-VgT9eNYHaWGH0HHCQmFiZLFX9aJG-Row2C_E1k-WV24GXmxkDIrsWG7Nso31YTKePk4j40Z3D7ydHY_3da3jSI0aKdUBYimVQpM28JzVnIGPXwzs4T4DYSYYptU6kVTW8j1GZ6kVHQQ2Kn2MruWxjM=w376-h640" width="376" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They say us older chaps tend to be reluctant to discuss our health issues and our emotions. You know, it felt good to share my 'little secret' with Charlie.</div><p></p>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-75597289669584215112022-02-14T06:00:00.048+00:002022-02-14T19:17:39.624+00:00What, no logs?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrgf_aipedqVIfgrQa2TfYvDqFsUiTBNdRln146SGUCf_1azt62DIDyuT0qliBspofBA0XI3jiWCP9gLgLgW2cAeir8411qHAvRZzKBz01CLE8Xb5gaVxMjVI7rfekeoX1sOorPGEIPC8aw675YrvlsZmdQrtbpTvRDMXIjLy1GCj52qIIUBJA78q2=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrgf_aipedqVIfgrQa2TfYvDqFsUiTBNdRln146SGUCf_1azt62DIDyuT0qliBspofBA0XI3jiWCP9gLgLgW2cAeir8411qHAvRZzKBz01CLE8Xb5gaVxMjVI7rfekeoX1sOorPGEIPC8aw675YrvlsZmdQrtbpTvRDMXIjLy1GCj52qIIUBJA78q2=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just because it's a dreary day, that doesn't mean one has to stay indoors does it?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Gail and I were thrilled to once again join our friends M and J for a walk on Sunday. We went to the <a href="https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/forvie-national-nature-reserve">Forvie National Nature Reserve</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I did have one moment of panic, when Gail made me stop and pose for some photos and I feared we might lose sight of M and J. Past experience has taught me that it is important in particular to keep track of the pink jacket, one pocket of which often contains generously sized dog treats...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Wp2UWuMaOcgrBD3DMBABI3ey5JMsnLGE9kqI4iD4oofgMOZm6Lf1SULRunaxMNYbUbo4EAcLHQsyxjX0SJLawO2_Y1sXw5plKa69btl96W5TEOWkWH0ozFHeN5RPZ1C6IVKR2Zzbn_W23QYLpxYhnQF2D4CQQQskyTQkz7TNcQYVz9GkAP1kE71L=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Wp2UWuMaOcgrBD3DMBABI3ey5JMsnLGE9kqI4iD4oofgMOZm6Lf1SULRunaxMNYbUbo4EAcLHQsyxjX0SJLawO2_Y1sXw5plKa69btl96W5TEOWkWH0ozFHeN5RPZ1C6IVKR2Zzbn_W23QYLpxYhnQF2D4CQQQskyTQkz7TNcQYVz9GkAP1kE71L=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Ma9Cc4chY6xAWBXzY7EcfSkjjWUl-l0GduI2NzY9yZ2iuD98w892yMfXCMx402zivkCpBw-bHF3TPIgoUeShIpez8uJonzG4D0GW19R7CwMESJVyo-v6dNN92Uo83x1rheo9AGibehfsy6clmGHCIEDCZlzzNexDiC3oc4dA7se0_g4Q0qNuJ0_8=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Ma9Cc4chY6xAWBXzY7EcfSkjjWUl-l0GduI2NzY9yZ2iuD98w892yMfXCMx402zivkCpBw-bHF3TPIgoUeShIpez8uJonzG4D0GW19R7CwMESJVyo-v6dNN92Uo83x1rheo9AGibehfsy6clmGHCIEDCZlzzNexDiC3oc4dA7se0_g4Q0qNuJ0_8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBT1w8bGxPGWtz5vCd8E75MUTrPdnpGCh-epIpBfVUluAeCeKvRgGdPgUPGn2rlX7zTrSv7O6aJT-MxO8H1UdT4_4UtbXfsB6vDZJeTxxVLwoKWBfeOn-5Gs7SOwI_OGHFSCKtRNmWj0r12rDvP_hMjdvi5egLWIjHMEEySMJIp6pc1JoRa8wL7hxS=s2680" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="2680" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBT1w8bGxPGWtz5vCd8E75MUTrPdnpGCh-epIpBfVUluAeCeKvRgGdPgUPGn2rlX7zTrSv7O6aJT-MxO8H1UdT4_4UtbXfsB6vDZJeTxxVLwoKWBfeOn-5Gs7SOwI_OGHFSCKtRNmWj0r12rDvP_hMjdvi5egLWIjHMEEySMJIp6pc1JoRa8wL7hxS=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Oh. Gail is questioning my commitment to staying with our little group, noting how at one point in the walk I set off at pace down a different track in pursuit of a lone jogger. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Obviously, I only did this in my capacity as Gail's personal trainer, making sure her teenage sprinting skills had not been totally forgotten*. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I'm afraid we didn't manage to add to the 'M and J sitting on a log' series on this particular walk, as the Nature Reserve is by the sea and comprises dunes and coastal heathland, with only a few low shrubs scattered thereabouts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br />But I can offer some pictures of the coastline, dramatic even in the dull February weather.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikcoLa0r5dAl0tLJb0tS5BdyrDAfndz_4yVXec3yCW5-gmJZM_FWmeH4W2cQ9TeXNF21_Y-smcTRXr9vEKNJ51RaakK4dYPA1dk-QhAGJhDaSKdgl9yy0qoxpOYCMOONPa0MCIlf0zdqGBpfk-RzAPf7Wf5_MaTSjZa9VS-QTea-bjX3rSgwpJRkqv=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikcoLa0r5dAl0tLJb0tS5BdyrDAfndz_4yVXec3yCW5-gmJZM_FWmeH4W2cQ9TeXNF21_Y-smcTRXr9vEKNJ51RaakK4dYPA1dk-QhAGJhDaSKdgl9yy0qoxpOYCMOONPa0MCIlf0zdqGBpfk-RzAPf7Wf5_MaTSjZa9VS-QTea-bjX3rSgwpJRkqv=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEienvc-dIe9-sDMkQFxB0cX36d-oBtIT5r3t5sm0bva4js4jYCKjEUmZe1378y3mfBDp6FxWZbldV4m500fwhxmxx6ch1HdvkmYonNFXL7mdyTms1AA9w9PrURa6959BFCCzo5-Csk4XdXWNysQDTnY3aCQjf7QeNFGgyveA2kkk040w4ozONGffo2w=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEienvc-dIe9-sDMkQFxB0cX36d-oBtIT5r3t5sm0bva4js4jYCKjEUmZe1378y3mfBDp6FxWZbldV4m500fwhxmxx6ch1HdvkmYonNFXL7mdyTms1AA9w9PrURa6959BFCCzo5-Csk4XdXWNysQDTnY3aCQjf7QeNFGgyveA2kkk040w4ozONGffo2w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuZL444XJB7HivgXfGwFBUZXINHrDjq_0mxeHT3CGDvm2o2MtIU-VnBOpgeMqfAkNALdJvIzUd36sfPj7PMMPviby9pl2Ry-7xOrcWa7tZUIoucG2IDw8OQRlCLK2AFr-R2XFGTAKNUcyy8lbsKuGwTd1hHfCgSnGZQR_P5xFpdz6Z1MpN0SGcqb51=s3512" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2635" data-original-width="3512" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuZL444XJB7HivgXfGwFBUZXINHrDjq_0mxeHT3CGDvm2o2MtIU-VnBOpgeMqfAkNALdJvIzUd36sfPj7PMMPviby9pl2Ry-7xOrcWa7tZUIoucG2IDw8OQRlCLK2AFr-R2XFGTAKNUcyy8lbsKuGwTd1hHfCgSnGZQR_P5xFpdz6Z1MpN0SGcqb51=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. For those of you who can access BBC iPlayer, the Forvie Nature Reserve, long a favourite place of ours, features in this episode of Michael Portillo's <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0013x3j/great-coastal-railway-journeys-series-1-5-forvie-to-peterhead">'Great Coastal Railway Journeys'</a>.</div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><br /></div><i>*Gail notes: Bertie still has a mind of his own, but as he is now completely deaf</i><i>, shouting is pointless and the only way I can retrieve him is to give chase! </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-86340582786062990832022-02-11T06:00:00.070+00:002022-02-11T11:49:33.762+00:00Identity crisis. What am I here for?<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLKGPsSvbfXh8-ibeXfljzGWJQfVaneBh2Gu4k1dl4uGOEK_9SuBk89cEvtRJbb9GXCgYsTL903LT2QaDV4HdkUUTqRX4WXe7LY301cHvZ83ktgiFtbb1pVzufwjzi_IYv_SoiyDjwV7stCrYSYn1X8HTJ5Re6W5qpYo6jSST2gxne5zPMS4lMmfDG=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLKGPsSvbfXh8-ibeXfljzGWJQfVaneBh2Gu4k1dl4uGOEK_9SuBk89cEvtRJbb9GXCgYsTL903LT2QaDV4HdkUUTqRX4WXe7LY301cHvZ83ktgiFtbb1pVzufwjzi_IYv_SoiyDjwV7stCrYSYn1X8HTJ5Re6W5qpYo6jSST2gxne5zPMS4lMmfDG=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">What does it mean to be a fox terrier in 2022? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This important issue has been a subject of much debate in the Gail and Bertie household all week, prompted by the fact that a fox appears to have taken up residence in our inner city neighbourhood in Aberdeen. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have seen the fox a couple of times on our walks, and Gail even managed to catch it on camera on Tuesday evening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK4KZV8JLp7BXKcNIAad_BB21t0IZBXlastoC2Gh48ydVs0aXiwGmt0ceJRGWdS8IWR2M62aRxK1RDznHaZV9d3i972ZokFvV9QwkQPIdydycPf_4rwnCazG2ndwkUQuQD7eo5q1myiPREO9S25OB2JBI-Ros9kxUbwFalZY989NdLAh0BvmgUQ-_j=s2163" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1610" data-original-width="2163" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK4KZV8JLp7BXKcNIAad_BB21t0IZBXlastoC2Gh48ydVs0aXiwGmt0ceJRGWdS8IWR2M62aRxK1RDznHaZV9d3i972ZokFvV9QwkQPIdydycPf_4rwnCazG2ndwkUQuQD7eo5q1myiPREO9S25OB2JBI-Ros9kxUbwFalZY989NdLAh0BvmgUQ-_j=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbsv1d6-sXX4dphB4fTKaIE6XAMdAwn7Ro0o4SYqno7mIlhp7HRtay5mkfBfdyNocCGTeXog35AyWfipj28_G6SiWIjpfhwq0u2oGSGLxqdLYLWW48VroPs79bIfNcT9coKAvFpL_Uo5mXhpEAdUsz1dikV32b1ZPxpua6jZ5yfop0HYo0yLvr8FyV=s2497" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="2497" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbsv1d6-sXX4dphB4fTKaIE6XAMdAwn7Ro0o4SYqno7mIlhp7HRtay5mkfBfdyNocCGTeXog35AyWfipj28_G6SiWIjpfhwq0u2oGSGLxqdLYLWW48VroPs79bIfNcT9coKAvFpL_Uo5mXhpEAdUsz1dikV32b1ZPxpua6jZ5yfop0HYo0yLvr8FyV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know if you are already aware, but us fox terriers were bred as working dogs, our role in fox hunting being to flush foxes from their earths, so that they could then be chased by humans on horses together with a pack of fox hounds, and torn to pieces by said hounds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So it is to my great disappointment that whenever we see our local fox, Gail grabs my lead extra tight to prevent me from following the fox to its earth and then obeying my natural instincts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoM8fubXyf7DZscXnnM_ffuoRe-bO-uI2DkgNDgSED8QEST4kYsDyPf-D2FybxBstNW3XBMOICeSc07Mb-7sJvyWUiVbIuSNR_MUQuMAlF2pH5or0kXh2JJMVHg6NgangGOflXbfxudoIgzFxe86CIDSzM3ql7m14g7s6ZW8Jtb4vbktFaG9ZvL8li=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoM8fubXyf7DZscXnnM_ffuoRe-bO-uI2DkgNDgSED8QEST4kYsDyPf-D2FybxBstNW3XBMOICeSc07Mb-7sJvyWUiVbIuSNR_MUQuMAlF2pH5or0kXh2JJMVHg6NgangGOflXbfxudoIgzFxe86CIDSzM3ql7m14g7s6ZW8Jtb4vbktFaG9ZvL8li=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gail's reasoning is that hunting foxes with hounds in the 'traditional' way is now illegal in the UK, and even if it were not, the horse riders and hounds would have a hard time chasing their prey through our city streets. So she says I have to accept that, as with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite">Luddites</a> and coal miners in the UK before me, my traditional occupation is now redundant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although I still find this hard to swallow, I am somewhat persuaded by the argument that my position as spoiled domestic pet, with lap, bed and treat privileges, frequent walks, and one-on-one attention to all my needs, is a more or less acceptable substitute...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Nature Friday friends! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6rbVD2zBpg8UxYWEM-EsHinKs4z0BmOT1JXenrsrIgQOKDtsVsPemmFaSLsrHFQtmZ30U9DwodO-CPgEWDmI0CUL4LYGH9WxEkRuR76kAejAB_fMZ2G3zWztJKbbYNlVc_E26EPQBHsfFkCCauiXRgSrWYFFfgDR_yb7sofq-Kew4gfSSIDLkjF_x=s3555" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="3555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6rbVD2zBpg8UxYWEM-EsHinKs4z0BmOT1JXenrsrIgQOKDtsVsPemmFaSLsrHFQtmZ30U9DwodO-CPgEWDmI0CUL4LYGH9WxEkRuR76kAejAB_fMZ2G3zWztJKbbYNlVc_E26EPQBHsfFkCCauiXRgSrWYFFfgDR_yb7sofq-Kew4gfSSIDLkjF_x=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://llbinourbackyard.blogspot.com/"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do join the ever wonderful <a href="https://llbinourbackyard.blogspot.com/">LLB Gang's</a> blog hop.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<!--start LinkyTools script--><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=306311" type="text/javascript"></script><!--end LinkyTools script-->WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-66432378912392558822022-02-09T06:00:00.001+00:002022-02-09T16:54:31.049+00:00Most improved? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am pleased to report that Gail appears to have learnt the error of her ways, and two days after the 'winter clothing left in cupboard' debacle we returned to more or less the same spot, this time with our friends M and J, and once again experienced adverse weather conditions, but here you see I was appropriately clad in my warmest outdoor jacket - cosily fleece-lined with a waterproof shell.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAml9lkcCEIbs-om2Hu3L95x5u29dEels0gxBkIUI8w57cK_s484mDZPB5d0rWDFHBWluxQvLxKgC6KlfhSqMQHYCtc1o-vfe4O1b6Ckrts0oRltSqxnV-NFCSszs39rdxWfBGB6wyN22lhCy4q4MBOyDqEPx-2aGk-_Q8bH2_icc_ZwLrqFjwtbZu/s1779/fullsizeoutput_427.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1779" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAml9lkcCEIbs-om2Hu3L95x5u29dEels0gxBkIUI8w57cK_s484mDZPB5d0rWDFHBWluxQvLxKgC6KlfhSqMQHYCtc1o-vfe4O1b6Ckrts0oRltSqxnV-NFCSszs39rdxWfBGB6wyN22lhCy4q4MBOyDqEPx-2aGk-_Q8bH2_icc_ZwLrqFjwtbZu/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_427.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At this point we must congratulate M, the only one brave enough to operate her camera, despite the fierce and bitterly cold wind driving snow across our faces. (I think the humans were a little envious of my protective facial fuzz during this part of the walk.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later on, the flurries of snow subsided, the sun emerged, and we found a sheltered spot down in the valley, so I am delighted to present you with the latest in a long line of 'M and J sitting on a log enjoying elevenses with Bertie' photos.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XrMo6RT86Jyi-ousW63THbrQKkH6qi6z9SbafMqk03L-t4R2N7AT-G9Uko5rTLKxPQRqpfY4tvAwlxfo4CeGlx1WubzOs_wyJGdMtDr2UvO-Y_ZPI_P63K3L33-jv47jeOR2igozHR-M7yCNX2etBgdi7X762ahRBTJeCBnMQVLyDWSba9LeTud2/s4624/20220206_105248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XrMo6RT86Jyi-ousW63THbrQKkH6qi6z9SbafMqk03L-t4R2N7AT-G9Uko5rTLKxPQRqpfY4tvAwlxfo4CeGlx1WubzOs_wyJGdMtDr2UvO-Y_ZPI_P63K3L33-jv47jeOR2igozHR-M7yCNX2etBgdi7X762ahRBTJeCBnMQVLyDWSba9LeTud2/w400-h300/20220206_105248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am confident that this 'Elevenses on a Log' series of pictures (see also <a href="https://bouncingbertie.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-perfectly-placed-log.html">post from 12 July 2021</a>) will be thought of in the same category as Monet's water lilies in years to come...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-54415420559555516702022-02-07T06:00:00.019+00:002022-02-07T08:14:12.524+00:00Performance rating: Unsatisfactory <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtZpFmOiKHNz0BYNz4Ij8g0tg-ULfkkjBvqTeRNaNRFYx9XSwsjTrEvi8HLzJtW2rHTQgJvdHuyX5zMqIhLZ81qU7SqRR-2mBs55boBMc1KYw3g3zwfwqwcT8Xc7npWVyCWBpe9XvMZM-xmo4iaQCRB1_b43NCDpYZ5qHrh8kvmOAl-2HOknuQ6v_U=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtZpFmOiKHNz0BYNz4Ij8g0tg-ULfkkjBvqTeRNaNRFYx9XSwsjTrEvi8HLzJtW2rHTQgJvdHuyX5zMqIhLZ81qU7SqRR-2mBs55boBMc1KYw3g3zwfwqwcT8Xc7npWVyCWBpe9XvMZM-xmo4iaQCRB1_b43NCDpYZ5qHrh8kvmOAl-2HOknuQ6v_U=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is no excuse to say "well Bertie it was sunny when we set out".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIbnt0QTxVYva1ZAKmG0j6eOBZn8NtpfYUJ_x1VMDeulABaJEWmEWW1f_d5sDjjwI_PcVWRLgLlFMoeW0WOX8k2cbDlvlCC-43kQ28xzAda9mNNzYQX4axY1BI-SY_xYuJJiIO190x0tw3yBeQQ0ahis2bpHypzEfObXv8Pv-32REYlWMC2TEa25JO=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIbnt0QTxVYva1ZAKmG0j6eOBZn8NtpfYUJ_x1VMDeulABaJEWmEWW1f_d5sDjjwI_PcVWRLgLlFMoeW0WOX8k2cbDlvlCC-43kQ28xzAda9mNNzYQX4axY1BI-SY_xYuJJiIO190x0tw3yBeQQ0ahis2bpHypzEfObXv8Pv-32REYlWMC2TEa25JO=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Neither will the line "I was too busy trying to figure out a path that wouldn't be blocked by fallen trees" quite do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBY404s_PeWwofg3w3vV18eA0Hfi-FvFGZ2JSmOsT3VE1xYP7YQUJ7hL1pajl_SGujj2Otizg1AjdVTiydVr5RP808iRSVi8OxNptRQZ99ZBBY4aNwzOvloP6XgzqC_8M9xxQ1V07KQeopt9F3AIgKkVEen-Yed3wjHYljUeu6nF8DaxNAM-E1CW07=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBY404s_PeWwofg3w3vV18eA0Hfi-FvFGZ2JSmOsT3VE1xYP7YQUJ7hL1pajl_SGujj2Otizg1AjdVTiydVr5RP808iRSVi8OxNptRQZ99ZBBY4aNwzOvloP6XgzqC_8M9xxQ1V07KQeopt9F3AIgKkVEen-Yed3wjHYljUeu6nF8DaxNAM-E1CW07=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a cupboard back at home I have two winter coats and four hand-knitted sweaters, all capable of conferring useful protection against the worst of the Aberdeenshire weather.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although not so capable if left in cupboard when we are out walking and the snow arrives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjej_vYUxx_IotWESeNW8tGpcIm9PVPWjl_bRNZqmvmRwO09-xguIwZGYd3p-fwX4Y3jfXDhCuc-MqZ4T9U4gLPDF_ToSY2x4X3ER-mk4N1vO_UDUa8c8FgpLE9L0zD8H9x9c0HaNdAH2zFctLzgurUmJitH6tiB-ZQ22TodE7Qd2EXUOKqyQoLJBCU=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjej_vYUxx_IotWESeNW8tGpcIm9PVPWjl_bRNZqmvmRwO09-xguIwZGYd3p-fwX4Y3jfXDhCuc-MqZ4T9U4gLPDF_ToSY2x4X3ER-mk4N1vO_UDUa8c8FgpLE9L0zD8H9x9c0HaNdAH2zFctLzgurUmJitH6tiB-ZQ22TodE7Qd2EXUOKqyQoLJBCU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOEHZKSDGAZ_xmgjIlBRSJnWCbVhvmIFa0c1ampcMQLFxJZ1E1X7hRCIoUZh3IYEAyzNQfQjD41kApSm5NXBMKak11f8NG333lWDSuRvz1qoVvqh_qhduYcks7EwiUBLrNI2UFaKunCSOuTKX-KN0zzXA6xgV_Sov0irLP32neWk0RUmrG7HYiQXNY=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOEHZKSDGAZ_xmgjIlBRSJnWCbVhvmIFa0c1ampcMQLFxJZ1E1X7hRCIoUZh3IYEAyzNQfQjD41kApSm5NXBMKak11f8NG333lWDSuRvz1qoVvqh_qhduYcks7EwiUBLrNI2UFaKunCSOuTKX-KN0zzXA6xgV_Sov0irLP32neWk0RUmrG7HYiQXNY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And it's not even as if Gail succeeded in finding a route that wasn't an obstacle course. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUqR2MNR-deGZEBkyCOwjFee0vmdY4rzTxUoVEQjwBIW8R6hgMgIP18mEB5rj58WwheZ_V6MeBz786Wqy4K2nH6W1BbgOQyFAXu9Ha11bhOWXq5f3UQ0PigKXGbynk5s4ZhDW6QbOjpwjXilqnbYzBzpJRXMZiKHhjG7Z0G7yH04RHl9MoP570kZlA=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUqR2MNR-deGZEBkyCOwjFee0vmdY4rzTxUoVEQjwBIW8R6hgMgIP18mEB5rj58WwheZ_V6MeBz786Wqy4K2nH6W1BbgOQyFAXu9Ha11bhOWXq5f3UQ0PigKXGbynk5s4ZhDW6QbOjpwjXilqnbYzBzpJRXMZiKHhjG7Z0G7yH04RHl9MoP570kZlA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL67_JtaIgg4Alh4PmgZnIxWUC9yy8aHPQQFZmgC630ZbH2zr-89tVUTwG58p1h3vXFnz6nBNjAzUIPvZhc8aEUvBw1kEvWPmZ9ciKvAbTPiNU8H7ynVaur2vpcWYD1MFO8uBibjoCmUZ4U5v7w8Xm73G-CyVru6VSqCkgzuvuggl0JJrEakfpqBpX=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL67_JtaIgg4Alh4PmgZnIxWUC9yy8aHPQQFZmgC630ZbH2zr-89tVUTwG58p1h3vXFnz6nBNjAzUIPvZhc8aEUvBw1kEvWPmZ9ciKvAbTPiNU8H7ynVaur2vpcWYD1MFO8uBibjoCmUZ4U5v7w8Xm73G-CyVru6VSqCkgzuvuggl0JJrEakfpqBpX=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh well. I guess it's a bit late in the day to trade her in for a more satisfactory model. Sigh...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-11634963929600713622022-02-04T06:00:00.021+00:002022-02-04T09:05:03.440+00:00Simply snowdrops<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbBmBoB-9JiTp9-dEXKVL7oK2Wjg_0Ym_vHKvlSaCbZpsSLw7_PPbqXCLVcVcksKSKevV9Nug2HMH8AyWAsO1VXipU9TKF_runiClVr5ZbM-W2TEVrKyQ8cXcbapdSCZIaVueGmanP7F0UZDWK6jG4kstsENlk7CaSc16ZhL-TPHSZCXVz2IToRJl=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbBmBoB-9JiTp9-dEXKVL7oK2Wjg_0Ym_vHKvlSaCbZpsSLw7_PPbqXCLVcVcksKSKevV9Nug2HMH8AyWAsO1VXipU9TKF_runiClVr5ZbM-W2TEVrKyQ8cXcbapdSCZIaVueGmanP7F0UZDWK6jG4kstsENlk7CaSc16ZhL-TPHSZCXVz2IToRJl=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPWhvw54UkTEvq4ln7VOLOwolcfC7zaEEF_q_agdFYgl77fkJggM8keexa5eAeRLy8nqRQFIXXkDigohC9lzh1KJY5gRZN7vwYjBvqCcVqh69K8tdnyro-m2xREmX84aL2p0cny1_DU0dIqR0Aci2JuJXksyUZMTMbQdNTQfl736ep461F--p89lWj=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPWhvw54UkTEvq4ln7VOLOwolcfC7zaEEF_q_agdFYgl77fkJggM8keexa5eAeRLy8nqRQFIXXkDigohC9lzh1KJY5gRZN7vwYjBvqCcVqh69K8tdnyro-m2xREmX84aL2p0cny1_DU0dIqR0Aci2JuJXksyUZMTMbQdNTQfl736ep461F--p89lWj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmnV4cVVXn-Kq4UjQGfgsJGEsXQN2E7twAXSZVj5rWgBf_7VcnDslYT4FVFIqS66jBCnY8QaIurNcPKqPtNczNhMGYjbOstrHexji1oYtmdkRwA_yTzTU8bYvEwa_Qde6FNKfigqHo0FMTaCq7UvqYIW0kXiXqUaXOhgfbVJt8stE1wJcFAjbP8whZ=s2576" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmnV4cVVXn-Kq4UjQGfgsJGEsXQN2E7twAXSZVj5rWgBf_7VcnDslYT4FVFIqS66jBCnY8QaIurNcPKqPtNczNhMGYjbOstrHexji1oYtmdkRwA_yTzTU8bYvEwa_Qde6FNKfigqHo0FMTaCq7UvqYIW0kXiXqUaXOhgfbVJt8stE1wJcFAjbP8whZ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5hz0PG6Bnpbx2rnfjee66A8pC84CDXYUxnp6J4lKZu5yQQ-tMsBxNB6FwerixedWVCNxGuV6Ucsn9feD5vfqzNiw4bZLx6kqGNu__0XosZerUSUQjFXWoXD8GrFvDxA6U7q8zXXn12fv62TEt51E0V41ddYyzStG-oo2mSOkHvEOmTaMWwIJmiLwa=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5hz0PG6Bnpbx2rnfjee66A8pC84CDXYUxnp6J4lKZu5yQQ-tMsBxNB6FwerixedWVCNxGuV6Ucsn9feD5vfqzNiw4bZLx6kqGNu__0XosZerUSUQjFXWoXD8GrFvDxA6U7q8zXXn12fv62TEt51E0V41ddYyzStG-oo2mSOkHvEOmTaMWwIJmiLwa=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To brighten</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And delight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One's twilight days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Nature Friday to all my dear friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<!--start LinkyTools script--><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=306236" type="text/javascript"></script><!--end LinkyTools script-->WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-30993294008179087612022-02-02T06:00:00.029+00:002022-02-02T16:01:12.178+00:00A change of scene!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gosh it's fun to have a change of scene, isn't it? </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I won't be lying if I tell you it's especially fun if that change of scene involves a visit to our favourite and most hospitable friend <a href="https://inimaynaelcammeno.blogspot.com/">YAM-aunty</a>, who lives in Dunoon, and cooks yummy pancakes for breakfast, and always has a treat ready for me too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1ntQm46AY3k6AxSJzDfCtJi2jJAszijunbg-_3jaioI-dTK9pLW_rCjHrkjqASIuwJTTU65Yif9Tl__X_HjjFWQy_VbjpaBrTeFDPU3MRy7Pf0yhxitMa-3B6AI09AO-NNbJZdhlEU-Qx8GwqyOIMSOc5w7kwIhg1r-Ssx-EQrJj96cmWboN6OOeX=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1ntQm46AY3k6AxSJzDfCtJi2jJAszijunbg-_3jaioI-dTK9pLW_rCjHrkjqASIuwJTTU65Yif9Tl__X_HjjFWQy_VbjpaBrTeFDPU3MRy7Pf0yhxitMa-3B6AI09AO-NNbJZdhlEU-Qx8GwqyOIMSOc5w7kwIhg1r-Ssx-EQrJj96cmWboN6OOeX=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She also has a comfy sofa where I can relax while Gail attends to important affairs. (In this picture she is typing a comment on <a href="https://fourpawsetc.blogspot.com/">Beau's blog</a>).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNtBu8Wz9uN8Flu97Bzm4ZOHpBP2_snBXlcApRBEwlavjOl73hw8mHE7we5Jud479FqTUDuuSe10Li9-9p3W7pApBswrrsXNooxq2XjrNcZQUCxN8nYCFvGMDVvW79wzkUnWGlS3xmsK6h4O7OiqF5ikP26Q6M5qgbDjXiimmWJRr9S4yD4z6XBCYb=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNtBu8Wz9uN8Flu97Bzm4ZOHpBP2_snBXlcApRBEwlavjOl73hw8mHE7we5Jud479FqTUDuuSe10Li9-9p3W7pApBswrrsXNooxq2XjrNcZQUCxN8nYCFvGMDVvW79wzkUnWGlS3xmsK6h4O7OiqF5ikP26Q6M5qgbDjXiimmWJRr9S4yD4z6XBCYb=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And of course I get to explore the environment around the 'Hutch'.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVOkWKLw9EH4s321-0qDOK2aV7dD5IYK1681kgygHJWuP8lXSpRrMXyTpgminMCIqSSBI-wYveMq_1SN0d0iHQ7o0vqJGmxmVo45U05TfQurPrAJd0us9towPkHUZ2NIhBb0bsAMnRFSuuW8J-qSZ00RPbxbocOKo0nx_iMwugvu0uUNXIr2PI7wBp=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVOkWKLw9EH4s321-0qDOK2aV7dD5IYK1681kgygHJWuP8lXSpRrMXyTpgminMCIqSSBI-wYveMq_1SN0d0iHQ7o0vqJGmxmVo45U05TfQurPrAJd0us9towPkHUZ2NIhBb0bsAMnRFSuuW8J-qSZ00RPbxbocOKo0nx_iMwugvu0uUNXIr2PI7wBp=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now as you might already be aware, weather in the Dunoon area is nothing if not 'changeable'. So I'm pleased to report we did see a few patches of blue sky and even sunshine from time to time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSR3KnZXEsroa1wObXX0T8zQ0JI2TREW4yYh-NX4MU75nIiyjESBH3ngNb2_-6V05zGt0VdKHYANQNZZ6LFvMU9DZ5mGwTKzPtxcsYtwNC9jENMnbKELJenAXH3YLdaZ4XKLrSaOM_YPDBv7ySFe4-WGcypicl6IceuyVDM1ZAwjAE6NSA2kB32e_0=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSR3KnZXEsroa1wObXX0T8zQ0JI2TREW4yYh-NX4MU75nIiyjESBH3ngNb2_-6V05zGt0VdKHYANQNZZ6LFvMU9DZ5mGwTKzPtxcsYtwNC9jENMnbKELJenAXH3YLdaZ4XKLrSaOM_YPDBv7ySFe4-WGcypicl6IceuyVDM1ZAwjAE6NSA2kB32e_0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a walk along the promenade Gail and I headed into the town centre.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW67glTcEcYHdl4LbQZd0V4kG74fPCwtQ7q1yK0254ApzM-iQ_ld4_BxtlLT028OYkQu_OOPyniLEouAhC8jSNZ4BAnso1PBfBUjCZhj9_Jxnlo6Mp2e9qAH2ZXTQ7SxrFX5ZuWzIPtkTgsFXnv-RRNskf4Qat6SlGjMiiYIJI6wRo--NwdVVX858B=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW67glTcEcYHdl4LbQZd0V4kG74fPCwtQ7q1yK0254ApzM-iQ_ld4_BxtlLT028OYkQu_OOPyniLEouAhC8jSNZ4BAnso1PBfBUjCZhj9_Jxnlo6Mp2e9qAH2ZXTQ7SxrFX5ZuWzIPtkTgsFXnv-RRNskf4Qat6SlGjMiiYIJI6wRo--NwdVVX858B=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I checked out the forthcoming entertainment options,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRQW3Tloug2FhD_lCvDVltnv1oWnNO1lOVVFmNjWzY6m_DrV_QYMqVXBuHJpfTs5VZW7O-iTi8xo9xt5Hv7QdSN6kqzsN4eMa6mVwi1PHWugzBYYDwkDLqTEplpdjh0rvRXNQttgC5ZtS7P9ea6scFEZ6iFPf_Qzdw2VWdXQxnLnHFJSVA6KP-UylD=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRQW3Tloug2FhD_lCvDVltnv1oWnNO1lOVVFmNjWzY6m_DrV_QYMqVXBuHJpfTs5VZW7O-iTi8xo9xt5Hv7QdSN6kqzsN4eMa6mVwi1PHWugzBYYDwkDLqTEplpdjh0rvRXNQttgC5ZtS7P9ea6scFEZ6iFPf_Qzdw2VWdXQxnLnHFJSVA6KP-UylD=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And paused to admire the local street art.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRoS33KqZVpjTqAAeAM1rnPA1Us7KhMWbU65RWNVwjjI9iQ4OB3v9gI4vbw599AEPmB82EEhApkuE_nYwg-Dx8lvSdzQrvn0f0agxvaWYh8X15rxxyPj6C2_CtxwxDA8THamoV0114br41wGxPFJVt-R-Sg5iVlT-5YCpCGIKZuOMwi57gIifbRF7K=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRoS33KqZVpjTqAAeAM1rnPA1Us7KhMWbU65RWNVwjjI9iQ4OB3v9gI4vbw599AEPmB82EEhApkuE_nYwg-Dx8lvSdzQrvn0f0agxvaWYh8X15rxxyPj6C2_CtxwxDA8THamoV0114br41wGxPFJVt-R-Sg5iVlT-5YCpCGIKZuOMwi57gIifbRF7K=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can you believe that Gail couldn't identify the flag pictured below? She had to look it up later. But really, she should have known that it's the flag of the International Brigade from the Spanish Civil War, don't you think? (And yes, we too are wondering why this might be flying from a drainpipe on the side of some council house in a small west of Scotland town in 2022.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLXAgvHG09eITHD6umkxIq-xflvXjVtCi9nCVrpYmnLaRATKfqqzJUJpXG851en-6OJhT1oPuUqeHb4O9W3WMExrAG_TN8x1oGsF2DcA3JuoPDgKK4DmTw98o8Gkl_vyGZGSbZDo6YsDb9rDZgI9ecdT1OU66wX3O0ZEcw-dz0n3dQeVXHWIEfkXOG=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLXAgvHG09eITHD6umkxIq-xflvXjVtCi9nCVrpYmnLaRATKfqqzJUJpXG851en-6OJhT1oPuUqeHb4O9W3WMExrAG_TN8x1oGsF2DcA3JuoPDgKK4DmTw98o8Gkl_vyGZGSbZDo6YsDb9rDZgI9ecdT1OU66wX3O0ZEcw-dz0n3dQeVXHWIEfkXOG=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally we ascended the small mound beside the Castle Museum, and Gail nearly got her comeuppance for making me pose facing into the full force of the nor'westerly gale, when a sharp gust just about knocked her off her feet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggGx1XXObWOjcaKpt1zRc_naPNGDFiH9OE8Rfxggrdx_5Gz_Zsf2dVKxxK9YqCpfqEOYUf4zXicWnEsmXmQrNHtIeD19fIF4LtUS8pnTNtntDpgjUtn-rN-LWXfRrreeL2URH5zKxZoHPrnWNDfVMF8x6RVtQzbgSPJtlrAIpDHib3g8wj5qMEKj9R=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggGx1XXObWOjcaKpt1zRc_naPNGDFiH9OE8Rfxggrdx_5Gz_Zsf2dVKxxK9YqCpfqEOYUf4zXicWnEsmXmQrNHtIeD19fIF4LtUS8pnTNtntDpgjUtn-rN-LWXfRrreeL2URH5zKxZoHPrnWNDfVMF8x6RVtQzbgSPJtlrAIpDHib3g8wj5qMEKj9R=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thankfully we both made it back to safety, and were able to continue enjoying our little holiday chez YAM-aunty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjobaEitcbHhqBe-OIuyfjcDirZS2ZvqmPJl5eyLtwn9G26nmyQW-Psal4eBGh4GQYFEpvD2xXTjLqVNYFU-k1kYq13rCyypqcNFfR8Qo_zvqpFI5Liq8Y_YLq2Pn6D8tf7OjCUXIm6vLWR4E7YriEuhh0VV_3milYTTjSqMSo9cay5ayYpeRRMR97i=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjobaEitcbHhqBe-OIuyfjcDirZS2ZvqmPJl5eyLtwn9G26nmyQW-Psal4eBGh4GQYFEpvD2xXTjLqVNYFU-k1kYq13rCyypqcNFfR8Qo_zvqpFI5Liq8Y_YLq2Pn6D8tf7OjCUXIm6vLWR4E7YriEuhh0VV_3milYTTjSqMSo9cay5ayYpeRRMR97i=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-68329756982664841462022-01-31T06:00:00.006+00:002022-01-31T06:00:00.224+00:00The Usurper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As anyone can see from my blog header, my rightful place is on Gail's lap. This is especially so when she is relaxing in the study on her pre-historic (and very comfortable) reclining chair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently not all guests understand this.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My wee poodle neighbour Ella came to visit on Saturday afternoon. I sensed from the off that she had her eyes on the prize.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghbHLxiu4aZ6K3Qle_0f3wAC_6h9vJ4RYyYPEswQJYOZmwwUIRc2OhCRxyZlepqX5--BDJxe551E3oL3Rg7KJESmZdCZSlGzLKBU_0wP8MIQ4msfItGJR7lGy4tjDqgCXh_yHukmt9OswBo138tR5q7Fsz4Ahuzvyhk6DbITQSTR0MHeCbDW-iPP2i=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghbHLxiu4aZ6K3Qle_0f3wAC_6h9vJ4RYyYPEswQJYOZmwwUIRc2OhCRxyZlepqX5--BDJxe551E3oL3Rg7KJESmZdCZSlGzLKBU_0wP8MIQ4msfItGJR7lGy4tjDqgCXh_yHukmt9OswBo138tR5q7Fsz4Ahuzvyhk6DbITQSTR0MHeCbDW-iPP2i=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wasn't too happy when she edged herself closer to the launch position but, being the perfect gent, I stood aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZjAhVRxJivZgbgrS6HO6wrHlyWDoFSvrM39Hv6j6ptHIqWgHNg2KjViibJ2CvfWq3MfI2-sDVnD6cLYVYv-gaQSf0jL2bqBY1ErK4kJm4ak2eE2jSUPByfYR2EJcAZV_HEx2zuKFQpQlHwro3EljFnY1GfGQTnk85Z4OVG2_ZB4NCXCvD70mYWlIQ=s3469" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3469" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZjAhVRxJivZgbgrS6HO6wrHlyWDoFSvrM39Hv6j6ptHIqWgHNg2KjViibJ2CvfWq3MfI2-sDVnD6cLYVYv-gaQSf0jL2bqBY1ErK4kJm4ak2eE2jSUPByfYR2EJcAZV_HEx2zuKFQpQlHwro3EljFnY1GfGQTnk85Z4OVG2_ZB4NCXCvD70mYWlIQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I pretended I didn't care (although Gail says my tail angle tells another story).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB_7cRiRVQptGka3f3Di68llpwaqoK-Wb76zEpVEl15H2uFC9AZNEL2AZDamNswDufimRa554L1yRaet8yKzbHtWV-AWaMBDn0nIMD_tBe4vhXnf9qHRA726dXM9fTqoHBaxxD_0YQAW9tf19vkofjmNoMN7x87U9zQ9QShjyWHxFzVkC_X5lBImze=s3231" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2425" data-original-width="3231" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB_7cRiRVQptGka3f3Di68llpwaqoK-Wb76zEpVEl15H2uFC9AZNEL2AZDamNswDufimRa554L1yRaet8yKzbHtWV-AWaMBDn0nIMD_tBe4vhXnf9qHRA726dXM9fTqoHBaxxD_0YQAW9tf19vkofjmNoMN7x87U9zQ9QShjyWHxFzVkC_X5lBImze=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before you could say "cheeky wee poodle" she was up there on Gail's knee, looking ever so slightly smug.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVWWFZn3rlPG0OI5RdX1-VqV8pbo4f1niy5KIQmONeo4vDHWGjKw8HdVcquIssC51XBTLaDWv91EYzXu3y9PZfeuANW03P9J1KUviZPpzqJZniICbYM-4tcapxDNt9d_vC3n7ZZbUUH3kL0dymlIKPWbzg3oXSkTROZ5agOu3iQRDwT5tZ3mFAyteH=s3467" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3467" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVWWFZn3rlPG0OI5RdX1-VqV8pbo4f1niy5KIQmONeo4vDHWGjKw8HdVcquIssC51XBTLaDWv91EYzXu3y9PZfeuANW03P9J1KUviZPpzqJZniICbYM-4tcapxDNt9d_vC3n7ZZbUUH3kL0dymlIKPWbzg3oXSkTROZ5agOu3iQRDwT5tZ3mFAyteH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes a chap has to recognise that girls rule!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEqFZM3ijjOly2JuSKorrCDC336xe-fELfG2nvCpHxHCTpSOpSBWoy14SB6Ij0apBs19turgYglNVbd-9v6T0U0b2K1r0nnvhiK39TchaZufO1sKKTelMW3RpqqsZF1o6B68B33qT0oruL_ZiFUIyGSKhRLN5mQXBHdig8S6urAlD2u9hzaUi-WOLJ=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEqFZM3ijjOly2JuSKorrCDC336xe-fELfG2nvCpHxHCTpSOpSBWoy14SB6Ij0apBs19turgYglNVbd-9v6T0U0b2K1r0nnvhiK39TchaZufO1sKKTelMW3RpqqsZF1o6B68B33qT0oruL_ZiFUIyGSKhRLN5mQXBHdig8S6urAlD2u9hzaUi-WOLJ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later, when Ella pulled the same stunt a second time, I made sure she understood I had better things to do...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bgFiny2vnLA" title="YouTube video player" width="440"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/bgFiny2vnLA">https://youtu.be/bgFiny2vnLA</a></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-19838154999844952572022-01-28T06:00:00.103+00:002022-01-28T09:55:41.625+00:00A watery week<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well it's Nature Friday again, and truth to tell, I've been struggling a bit this week to come up with a coherent post, as we've been here, there and everywhere, including a quick trip over to Torridon to deal with a (Gail says) boring cottage maintenance issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking at the various photos taken over the week, a common theme did emerge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Water! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something we are never short of in this part of the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here I am by the River Dee on a peaceful Sunday walk with our friends M, J and K (photo taken by M).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwiqNpTqokDHiRCS4EEVrXKerqjwNbkvgAuOuFA6_-2w6EhxzsqUIBLpki5QcZh8UI-w9bmUJdg4dqW96t_AIxdoML21wlLJauOA6UKrpMXVMc2tpKAmWdw9V_yNpcNLrYcOCvHMA3FBO0_B1QzZRsjI5aL26toOIIb8uHCA8Zbn4_vuuJxAHzChYP=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwiqNpTqokDHiRCS4EEVrXKerqjwNbkvgAuOuFA6_-2w6EhxzsqUIBLpki5QcZh8UI-w9bmUJdg4dqW96t_AIxdoML21wlLJauOA6UKrpMXVMc2tpKAmWdw9V_yNpcNLrYcOCvHMA3FBO0_B1QzZRsjI5aL26toOIIb8uHCA8Zbn4_vuuJxAHzChYP=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then a day later, on the Nairn beach, favourite stop en route to Torridon. (These days I'm let out of the car after an hour of driving, or maximum an hour and a half, which means lots of nice little walks.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio7BjnHzbqHUrvB5sFDzOIUVT9XYzZxvYqSA5Mfj-xIqhUXMVZjqpM7NVJfaAdcU8g0FVI6fYYi73U9V0stUWEYuNpHjH1IkVVVs5lBJTUrrcb4mIaelzMEj39EHoikfEJc-GLoosGNo-rKldYAgU8ktPsQnKHtWx1-8NATl95tb7ZqqcJs0FqiD4N=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio7BjnHzbqHUrvB5sFDzOIUVT9XYzZxvYqSA5Mfj-xIqhUXMVZjqpM7NVJfaAdcU8g0FVI6fYYi73U9V0stUWEYuNpHjH1IkVVVs5lBJTUrrcb4mIaelzMEj39EHoikfEJc-GLoosGNo-rKldYAgU8ktPsQnKHtWx1-8NATl95tb7ZqqcJs0FqiD4N=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a watery scene when we reached Loch Torridon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaVBsYa8mP7vatm9j7WCFiU3maIuGjPyKm79fwQRZIo10ltNwNGg--KqzO30Efn-XHO8PVWqry3tqE_ZWXufuv4aSuKrlkZbjLP7iFgx2OrjQcqYR0JFDqWcIU-LCFiGKBln-dUXz00eIp1n1Vtw_WCwKKfrotxPaI1VSWeiedfINfGXAm9E2C3_PS=s4539" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3405" data-original-width="4539" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaVBsYa8mP7vatm9j7WCFiU3maIuGjPyKm79fwQRZIo10ltNwNGg--KqzO30Efn-XHO8PVWqry3tqE_ZWXufuv4aSuKrlkZbjLP7iFgx2OrjQcqYR0JFDqWcIU-LCFiGKBln-dUXz00eIp1n1Vtw_WCwKKfrotxPaI1VSWeiedfINfGXAm9E2C3_PS=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">See the puddles outside the front gate to the cottage just after dawn on Wednesday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi708eE5V-VrmbVWhS-Hjkfh4e8AHki1CupZ35wMi2Fha1VRvnyYQgpriCyPEOmNLZcIdV4iTxDQDs4Tmccom32qrZHXuhh9bfbzN-fHVGY9ACQDe6Z9r0IkWI8TlBueWDlXQfI0iLVxNuQRmCQfAagNxF95uBETMjFn_sPw93B7re3Px4IKhpF9Paj=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi708eE5V-VrmbVWhS-Hjkfh4e8AHki1CupZ35wMi2Fha1VRvnyYQgpriCyPEOmNLZcIdV4iTxDQDs4Tmccom32qrZHXuhh9bfbzN-fHVGY9ACQDe6Z9r0IkWI8TlBueWDlXQfI0iLVxNuQRmCQfAagNxF95uBETMjFn_sPw93B7re3Px4IKhpF9Paj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A bit later that morning I enjoyed the tranquil scene by the loch, for a few minutes anyway, before the wind got up and more rain swept in.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKBv2CJ5UmGzGzrgS9B4-GcWERkNGIYrtW1bDaaej0ylF29lPSukgLJQkimS-YwleI93unBjxhWl-V6F7i7oxmYNY4IU_SOpq2ySfofqaKveYkZZjt-Wt2cM0a5r5vPvWcaBWaBcaZ4-LAsJSd5Vt7PdPdd6U0tUN0oBdpks4kHRWofcL0aGUXr5Yx=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKBv2CJ5UmGzGzrgS9B4-GcWERkNGIYrtW1bDaaej0ylF29lPSukgLJQkimS-YwleI93unBjxhWl-V6F7i7oxmYNY4IU_SOpq2ySfofqaKveYkZZjt-Wt2cM0a5r5vPvWcaBWaBcaZ4-LAsJSd5Vt7PdPdd6U0tUN0oBdpks4kHRWofcL0aGUXr5Yx=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At least the waterfalls never run dry in this part of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT6v06AP-FuZpsdRwoTZ4vxW-jJ4ZQdldOy7fD9bnsjqAYvh5KkXWlneEt2xdH1I4sJPHB0eASZiwkwKEIb-t52ZKb3z8zpuN9MnxAHbsY4n-8ScOL4XiAxn_RpoKIzZgcgpHzIjAvkQg0gC08ubSG0--liAaI12Ql2A_MrW3hn-mPXayr5w1q1BTF=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT6v06AP-FuZpsdRwoTZ4vxW-jJ4ZQdldOy7fD9bnsjqAYvh5KkXWlneEt2xdH1I4sJPHB0eASZiwkwKEIb-t52ZKb3z8zpuN9MnxAHbsY4n-8ScOL4XiAxn_RpoKIzZgcgpHzIjAvkQg0gC08ubSG0--liAaI12Ql2A_MrW3hn-mPXayr5w1q1BTF=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Can you see me here, showing great bravery crossing a stream in the woods at the base of Beinn Eighe, a final walk on the western side of Scotland before we set off back to the relative dryness of the north east.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGtaLD1tXPsc982wI04oWvWs0gqVkB47BvMRyFNMIZz56Rb7vIXEUVyQfD5zwOu7oII-qFjN3MfjR0Jw8g-RRW8J8VVcnpf7p1fIxdniHUzaRBsg3xW4Hq3aZVbmdXWsK1CoVoVloB6wVhE3MGBtBKzo1ZMd2_a6IOja1UMj2KtAKDQkHr73-nEmIg=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGtaLD1tXPsc982wI04oWvWs0gqVkB47BvMRyFNMIZz56Rb7vIXEUVyQfD5zwOu7oII-qFjN3MfjR0Jw8g-RRW8J8VVcnpf7p1fIxdniHUzaRBsg3xW4Hq3aZVbmdXWsK1CoVoVloB6wVhE3MGBtBKzo1ZMd2_a6IOja1UMj2KtAKDQkHr73-nEmIg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a> </div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Look! There are actual patches of sunshine on the slopes of Slioch. After our walk in the forest, Gail wanted me to wash my paws with a paddle in the clear, clean waters of Loch Maree before I got back into the car, but I did not co-operate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzBI7UUhuUZteVgP_o-mL4XMApTPJsP7MGK8TJIn-8G2b0AaGpUERJlyvdcjw58vsPYXVyTX5AqXGXi9P_DYAB-4M7FBj9h4zhf7ZZ_79AfGoEf7YZnqWJpAgkClACAkdjzxV1uci5HfvWuFcxWQ9uxBMy38IUGFLHYa3wSG8wdkdbEW2qLgyv5yRx=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzBI7UUhuUZteVgP_o-mL4XMApTPJsP7MGK8TJIn-8G2b0AaGpUERJlyvdcjw58vsPYXVyTX5AqXGXi9P_DYAB-4M7FBj9h4zhf7ZZ_79AfGoEf7YZnqWJpAgkClACAkdjzxV1uci5HfvWuFcxWQ9uxBMy38IUGFLHYa3wSG8wdkdbEW2qLgyv5yRx=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Happy Nature Friday friends. Was your week a wet or a dry one?<p></p><div><br /></div>
<!--start LinkyTools script--><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=306141" type="text/javascript"></script><!--end LinkyTools script-->WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-29397378139017847802022-01-25T06:00:00.075+00:002022-01-25T06:36:37.269+00:00The best laid plans...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8ZI0sUFT5joJ4-JhiiPfEEZKwMy0V4L-6AXT5lQ79ANCuRy2DWT0FkhCKkUby1xFyiLYCquQIc-1j9iM0c2GMDDc6H6Fr3fSW5inl9fmNi2HJLpe5zvYrRSQ7_wG7ptZdXIfxPnJy8XpSp_JMSYonvnEHzAq1Zqu0L745yNxsVJanRxXoMJbaUcuW=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8ZI0sUFT5joJ4-JhiiPfEEZKwMy0V4L-6AXT5lQ79ANCuRy2DWT0FkhCKkUby1xFyiLYCquQIc-1j9iM0c2GMDDc6H6Fr3fSW5inl9fmNi2HJLpe5zvYrRSQ7_wG7ptZdXIfxPnJy8XpSp_JMSYonvnEHzAq1Zqu0L745yNxsVJanRxXoMJbaUcuW=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSdHUn3Zcv6LibAXsS9LpuPU2dPdWVNSkBJtoOCvND3xFRmAOsDDSj5ulBMun9bRpJK6V-HMhzlObzJrzRa29xXNYteQOb6k4JgtgCUQUtaspiniRlDGOuM6mxaJfwNpIG8FNDcI3pbAltUyOckDFoBEmMH6wIhWtPk3cK0Gsgb3CQQxjeyvXZQpra=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSdHUn3Zcv6LibAXsS9LpuPU2dPdWVNSkBJtoOCvND3xFRmAOsDDSj5ulBMun9bRpJK6V-HMhzlObzJrzRa29xXNYteQOb6k4JgtgCUQUtaspiniRlDGOuM6mxaJfwNpIG8FNDcI3pbAltUyOckDFoBEmMH6wIhWtPk3cK0Gsgb3CQQxjeyvXZQpra=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4AW3fmC76ys6-Myyq2BZkJmFu-xJXtl6ZdJxTTkmPTnRWH2vKGFnIn7nYhFNvETrg6MSDPnjHGJYuNUixc3GevgekeO4FvK1p1KMi_odHYffvCVZplwPsLcAjDV0ZERkYAUUEtcE64EqeyGzL90v8pmNvuJR25tyoOCCETGC4A-FlfnLd7EK7KTln=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4AW3fmC76ys6-Myyq2BZkJmFu-xJXtl6ZdJxTTkmPTnRWH2vKGFnIn7nYhFNvETrg6MSDPnjHGJYuNUixc3GevgekeO4FvK1p1KMi_odHYffvCVZplwPsLcAjDV0ZERkYAUUEtcE64EqeyGzL90v8pmNvuJR25tyoOCCETGC4A-FlfnLd7EK7KTln=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5BzohL-nkCsblPnSlaTJ7LAH11bGKj_UFrr4eIylJldLdBU5yEYlaNDfTvRTZjfiTn2X1eJuL_3Kq5LxuLvJmlWanlr0FVeAEm-EfOZJ3uBm3vigdi4kpIBzgyZwJBkbp-I1H9ifnoCOybSotmhaEthY4DpNkkDiYT-dl1lugnqmYc3u6NdLl-BGu=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5BzohL-nkCsblPnSlaTJ7LAH11bGKj_UFrr4eIylJldLdBU5yEYlaNDfTvRTZjfiTn2X1eJuL_3Kq5LxuLvJmlWanlr0FVeAEm-EfOZJ3uBm3vigdi4kpIBzgyZwJBkbp-I1H9ifnoCOybSotmhaEthY4DpNkkDiYT-dl1lugnqmYc3u6NdLl-BGu=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiufarmeYSk6crH6JRI555XvSZPEzOdU_lwir40NFJVBThtAJ1alHPbpN6BB37Ksm5xKka7-bmJfcnr-xjq844EuHtqC5yXq-ite9S7bCCc8VQNfEnJIdlfu78SPN6H7xEkZpfDA9A9s2y58GRLyhqX5qo8ZMnX4jf1w36oRjpMgdPqOwoNBbP-CkBs=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiufarmeYSk6crH6JRI555XvSZPEzOdU_lwir40NFJVBThtAJ1alHPbpN6BB37Ksm5xKka7-bmJfcnr-xjq844EuHtqC5yXq-ite9S7bCCc8VQNfEnJIdlfu78SPN6H7xEkZpfDA9A9s2y58GRLyhqX5qo8ZMnX4jf1w36oRjpMgdPqOwoNBbP-CkBs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8q7EbkuRYsLbl7qSoCkJQRNv1Evq4eVKOrf6TesatkMVP6wlLBBN7feoNv5io3deZZCbb1tI25_q1ylLE_jijrR-thew5LZ9S5-NZ2cIPu8WxFQADqICDjmjuixlIe-elLFuQmFgIyM3JLJjNjO-2DkibMK-ZjeCVkYF7z7otar3VAv-BXz_doIcG=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8q7EbkuRYsLbl7qSoCkJQRNv1Evq4eVKOrf6TesatkMVP6wlLBBN7feoNv5io3deZZCbb1tI25_q1ylLE_jijrR-thew5LZ9S5-NZ2cIPu8WxFQADqICDjmjuixlIe-elLFuQmFgIyM3JLJjNjO-2DkibMK-ZjeCVkYF7z7otar3VAv-BXz_doIcG=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently I am in disgrace.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had hoped I could get away simply with showing you some photos from last Friday's walk up to the <a href="https://visitangus.com/queens-well/">Queen's Well in Glen Mark</a>, and thus make the lovely weather and glorious scenery the focus of this post. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But Gail, who (unlike the UK's current Prime Minister) lays great stock on being honest and open at all times, insists that I also tell you about our encounter with the solitary mountain biker.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well this is my version. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">About a mile up the glen from the car park we came across a youngish chap sitting disconsolately by the side of the track, his mountain bike on the ground beside him. He was holding a two ends of a broken chain in his oily hands. Gail, who will never learn that young men generally don't appreciate older women offering to assist them with bicycle repairs, said "oh dear, maybe I can help, I'm a cyclist myself, shall I have a look?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, I had noticed a half eaten pack of chicken sandwiches beside the bicycle. Don't you just hate food going to waste? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Really, why Gail was so cross with me when she turned around and saw the remains of the sandwich clamped firmly between my jaws, is something of a mystery. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was unceremoniously dragged away in haste, Gail muttering profuse apologies (unnecessary, to my mind) as we left a forlorn mountain biker alone in the wilderness with broken bicycle and no lunch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Gail says: Oh dear! Trying to do someone a good turn does not always work out as one intended. In the immortal words of Scotland's greatest poet, whose memory we celebrate today: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span> </span>Gang aft agley,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span> </span>For promis'd joy!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(from To a Mouse, by Robert Burns)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-45942763203537105692022-01-21T06:00:00.017+00:002022-01-21T08:13:36.216+00:00Bertie the barometer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_5weNecpc33ENluTWiV3uMYuzp7vVdm-DlL5mqsa2er312j5kg0qgFDjeyY3wrT3hUng6fThonwK8KRFjGtYR4BWP-meBdEVCkvglGW2cxzVZeaOyHBKSZao2D5yykB6t_SvPLSdGKz6tbAbgg9N63rTMzgCKTbO6trDlsG3HXyTQwrYQ_5t31DRb=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_5weNecpc33ENluTWiV3uMYuzp7vVdm-DlL5mqsa2er312j5kg0qgFDjeyY3wrT3hUng6fThonwK8KRFjGtYR4BWP-meBdEVCkvglGW2cxzVZeaOyHBKSZao2D5yykB6t_SvPLSdGKz6tbAbgg9N63rTMzgCKTbO6trDlsG3HXyTQwrYQ_5t31DRb=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I like to think that when Gail stops to take my photo on our early morning walks around Duthie Park, it is because she is overcome anew with wonder at my continuing handsomeness and wishes to have this on record and perhaps post the picture on my blog.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It turns out this is not the whole story. At least once a week the photo taken on my dawn outings apparently becomes a key element in decisions about the conduct of Gail and her friends' Thursday morning bike ride.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I only discovered this by chance, when I happened to glance the messages on Gail's phone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcLMcslEyOf6klrbD3iPiCfpMYb44uKwP8VExsYmIAXrOnx-CMx-uO6u2F5_B2GY5hhjqFYWg63q60sie9Ev4zhzLHt7sN4kG7FF4dqCqVeRDOdAkDyK23PDD9JgTUR6ja2N9VZJVeUvSan1hJN6P7wabH9VoybbF7myetAFGFjhzxjH4uheE41AcV=s1125" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="508" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcLMcslEyOf6klrbD3iPiCfpMYb44uKwP8VExsYmIAXrOnx-CMx-uO6u2F5_B2GY5hhjqFYWg63q60sie9Ev4zhzLHt7sN4kG7FF4dqCqVeRDOdAkDyK23PDD9JgTUR6ja2N9VZJVeUvSan1hJN6P7wabH9VoybbF7myetAFGFjhzxjH4uheE41AcV=w288-h640" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And yes, the WhatsApp group is called 'Scones R Us'...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you think I should charge for my services to safe bicycle ride planning? Or at least insist they bring me back a cheese scone. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS Gail is not sure this post qualifies for the <a href="https://llbinourbackyard.blogspot.com/">LLB Gang's Nature Friday</a>, but as it's (albeit indirectly) about our Scottish weather I, Bertie, believe it counts! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<!--start LinkyTools script--><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=306083" type="text/javascript"></script><!--end LinkyTools script-->WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-56763507674206790392022-01-20T06:00:00.038+00:002022-01-20T06:00:00.229+00:00Walkies time - which do you prefer?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-G8Y0FI7OXfYgKHY-m8DBgZX3uy96UAjAknC9Jsa1C9vCnonE2CNsdZ-BAw7Vsf0y7l3BMfC_dIgUw-W4OHRUzYHNrfXHN-xFbENAZADUGoND4QWUH7AvGcKTQ_grTABkxDwEhOl1ght-wG3hobYJFd2uHcYCPUwdDeK5p6Hs5hpiFDIVgtGgxiUM=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-G8Y0FI7OXfYgKHY-m8DBgZX3uy96UAjAknC9Jsa1C9vCnonE2CNsdZ-BAw7Vsf0y7l3BMfC_dIgUw-W4OHRUzYHNrfXHN-xFbENAZADUGoND4QWUH7AvGcKTQ_grTABkxDwEhOl1ght-wG3hobYJFd2uHcYCPUwdDeK5p6Hs5hpiFDIVgtGgxiUM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To be early up and about, and catch first light on a crisp frosty morning?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYdGN0Yz0oQjZmqibq_61cN8QQ-_oSpTgMRvif-PrppdwmAyK1rZA0EQSIbga1NFpff2Urg-Ft3trbk1YuWzWsuQb_viyU5k1tkHshMME3PLb_Kg0C6TyiLHoUSjo_gHBpgd1_xn7sBM0hTWst4wJOTR3CnKglimGVlERXXk7SWlalAU5X3jRTeKkD=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYdGN0Yz0oQjZmqibq_61cN8QQ-_oSpTgMRvif-PrppdwmAyK1rZA0EQSIbga1NFpff2Urg-Ft3trbk1YuWzWsuQb_viyU5k1tkHshMME3PLb_Kg0C6TyiLHoUSjo_gHBpgd1_xn7sBM0hTWst4wJOTR3CnKglimGVlERXXk7SWlalAU5X3jRTeKkD=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF839Kxo7LK-Lz75Pzbd9CCuWDbD_yeYmEUuqdI9Bmn6DznY0nL98NUp_2EM-CJFWYhfn6jOH__AoOB54veoO3LBxBthQ-sWzYjQxLcws5Qh4q923yZWmI9KkivE6z4A-bBUtX-dA5bOHSI5cF22drltAn23OquLCleoVUHW1zb2mHpuCImp8rVrf_=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF839Kxo7LK-Lz75Pzbd9CCuWDbD_yeYmEUuqdI9Bmn6DznY0nL98NUp_2EM-CJFWYhfn6jOH__AoOB54veoO3LBxBthQ-sWzYjQxLcws5Qh4q923yZWmI9KkivE6z4A-bBUtX-dA5bOHSI5cF22drltAn23OquLCleoVUHW1zb2mHpuCImp8rVrf_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Or to wait for the gentle glow of the late afternoon sun? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhssKnmu2vFB3FFmkfJ03EgPKWXEwO8xVdk3IavrAAHIZwWZ1E3duUy4q_xasJFQyC7ZlCg699sE14CVhl9BYrireIUnRiZgPQYcv97lj5f9Ju4_ettB8V5n7-TwjXj8TdFjvdbviZqfnDiU_VvrOdNF67H_uZBMedlf_KVjlPjmBXrImzfHbEUlfQc=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhssKnmu2vFB3FFmkfJ03EgPKWXEwO8xVdk3IavrAAHIZwWZ1E3duUy4q_xasJFQyC7ZlCg699sE14CVhl9BYrireIUnRiZgPQYcv97lj5f9Ju4_ettB8V5n7-TwjXj8TdFjvdbviZqfnDiU_VvrOdNF67H_uZBMedlf_KVjlPjmBXrImzfHbEUlfQc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvEJkFxQSQoQDOGQLzF5di6pJn1JsPu2KTpyKow6xnCjibj6VKfjpJjGUvJO9vgDSgc8L8HaxBlVKKZa93Ajz945zmQ8ENLLjDPgDBkj92e-GEAhgZBtUojLNMPHGB13DfLGUc12PXXMEeXWG1nsZ5i5T3bjmA-dlvu1ZyGnxMunu8SRTimKhAtK2N=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvEJkFxQSQoQDOGQLzF5di6pJn1JsPu2KTpyKow6xnCjibj6VKfjpJjGUvJO9vgDSgc8L8HaxBlVKKZa93Ajz945zmQ8ENLLjDPgDBkj92e-GEAhgZBtUojLNMPHGB13DfLGUc12PXXMEeXWG1nsZ5i5T3bjmA-dlvu1ZyGnxMunu8SRTimKhAtK2N=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju0m9upHbDcjsOxE_kZYnHzeM0rNXAVEeoWloS8hHq-q9y-nCGXCOf5liGQ9NCDX2X5UTh1li90-fR18s_WGjtXkrTI-WVHqvrXrzUoXt4jQdl624GJcEII5dkC5qxdZ1V__e356lnml3XXcLVbi2mX8_RVbuHoOYC4bhw1MEWlWuR4dZmIk_9MarQ=s4624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju0m9upHbDcjsOxE_kZYnHzeM0rNXAVEeoWloS8hHq-q9y-nCGXCOf5liGQ9NCDX2X5UTh1li90-fR18s_WGjtXkrTI-WVHqvrXrzUoXt4jQdl624GJcEII5dkC5qxdZ1V__e356lnml3XXcLVbi2mX8_RVbuHoOYC4bhw1MEWlWuR4dZmIk_9MarQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It might not come as a surprise to you that my preference is for both! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030432357826707438.post-35483825010156090302022-01-17T06:00:00.069+00:002022-01-17T17:00:33.547+00:00To Dilyn - an offer of respite care <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To: Dilyn the Downing Street Dog,</div><div style="text-align: left;">10 Downing Street (aka 'The Party House')</div><div style="text-align: left;">London SW1.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">16th January, 2022.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear Dilyn,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There has, as you probably know by now, been much in the press lately about 'goings on' in your adoptive home, 10 Downing Street. All this must be most distressing for you and so I am writing today, terrier to terrier, to let you know how much I feel for your predicament, and to offer help as far as I am able. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When, some two years ago, you were adopted by a certain then unmarried couple you no doubt had high hopes, like any dog who has endured a shaky start in life, of a peaceful and loving home with unselfish, considerate and empathetic humans.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, it was not to be. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You may by now have twigged that, with your cutely scruffy looks, you were brought into the household principally as a distraction from habitually disgraceful behaviour of your new owner, the (for now) UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who cynically uses photos of you on his Christmas cards to promote the image of a regular, straight up and down honest family man.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicKbSJRZcghivbRhm3sOAf83kxU8DoAhhiBeipgHJgBrLdzMZZOtJbxuq8lAU3D1ZVqca9O9ERD2ocWSGGDFIDOXnS2nbqfKuopLWWEhGN7t72CE5abXmC1RNSL90yKh5tczsF6qeMNrM7vV_P1KDIg_LLqbQcpM_rFDpLj6kHLdzWCFLrYQcOXNp3=s602" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="602" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicKbSJRZcghivbRhm3sOAf83kxU8DoAhhiBeipgHJgBrLdzMZZOtJbxuq8lAU3D1ZVqca9O9ERD2ocWSGGDFIDOXnS2nbqfKuopLWWEhGN7t72CE5abXmC1RNSL90yKh5tczsF6qeMNrM7vV_P1KDIg_LLqbQcpM_rFDpLj6kHLdzWCFLrYQcOXNp3=w400-h241" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">You maybe hoped that someone who had already lost count of how many children he had fathered (was it five, six, seven?) would be happy to focus his limited spare time on your good self, rather than in short order to bring a couple more squealing infants into the world. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dilyn, it seems to me particularly unfair that it was you who was recently castrated to cure your reported 'urges', when the far more obvious candidate for neutering remains scarily 'intact' in 10 Downing Street.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now we learn that over the past two years, you have had to put up with constant disturbance in the form of noisy 'Bring Your Own Booze' parties and other alcohol-fuelled so-called 'work events' attended by a stream of morally bankrupt individuals, all in your own back garden. How you must have envied those pups whose owners thought it right to obey public health measures and restrict their socialising to meeting one other person and taking their dog for a walk.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well Dilyn, I am wondering if you would like to come to visit me in Scotland for a few weeks, while your humans contemplate their uncertain future in Downing Street? We do still have a few Covid-related rules here but I am happy to say that there are no limits now on when, where and how often a dog can be exercised in our beautiful countryside. I would only advise that, when out and about, you might avoid mentioning the name of your owner too often as he has few fans, human or canine, north of the border....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's all for now. Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Toodle pip!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bertie.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Aberdeen, Scotland.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>WFT Nobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14315143664245246248noreply@blogger.com14