More weather

Finally got dogs out for their first walk at 12ish when the rain eased for a while. Got soaked on the way back home. Had chicken and chips from last night for dinner and watched some TV. Got dogs out about 3 and then crashed out til 6.15. Took dogs out til just after 7 and watched Corrie when got back. Ang rang at 8ish and I went over and helped her over with her stuff after the dogs had finished eating. Buster was quiet while I was over Ang’s. Maybe he’s growing up and can be left for a while. Mind you I didn’t lock the front door when I left.
Ang crashed out in the chair about 9.30 and I chatted to a friend on messenger for a while then did this post. I managed to pass the charity link onto him and asked him to pass it on. I’m going to take the dogs out for their last wee about 11 and hopefully get some of the results of the MP Survey ready for publishing in the next few days. Be glad when I’ve finished that and can get onto the next project. Drew 2 images that have been haunting me for a while now and might send them to the BBC. Hope they are not true.

Weather

Got up 7.15ish and got soaked taking dogs out for a wee. Dainty wouldn’t eat her breakfast when I fed them. Ang came over about 8.45 and stayed a short while. She left just before 9 and a visitor turned up about 9.05. They stayed 20 minutes then I got dogs out for a poo. Got soaked again. Will get dogs out as soon as rain eases off for a while.
Was listening to 2CR when visitor arrived and we talked about Scotland where she grew up. Sounds like a really beautiful place. I’ve never been. Only other country I’ve visited is Wales. I’ve kept my traveling carbon footprint really low during my life. I used to live near where I worked and always took holidays on the British Isles. If I took a holiday at all. TV has allowed me to travel the globe every year. I always used to travel by public transport or hitch-hiked. Didn’t own a car for over 3 years in the last 30. Maybe that’s the way car ownership should go. You get 1 year for every 10 of your life. So at twenty you can own a car for 2 years. Car ownership and the western lifestyle are unsustainable and are detrimental to most sustainable lifestyles.

Teenage kicks

Got woke at 7 by Ang. She stopped a few minutes then went back home. Sorted dogs out and got them on their first walk about 8.15. Got back and had fried egg toast sandwich and orange juice for breakfast. Watched some TV and went on computer for a while. Haven’t had any MP emails for a few days now. Have to sort out results soon as deadline for replies is the 1st of next month.
Took dogs for second walk quite late at about 12. Went to the Backwaters again but via the hill. Met a teenage lad with two dogs and talked about dogs for a while. Got back and crashed til nearly 4. Got dogs out on green for 10 minutes and then watched some TV. Ordered some food about 5 and watched TV til it arrived. Took dogs to the Backwaters again at about 7. Heard some young teenagers I’d seen letting off some sort of explosives on the skateboard park. On the way back home got talking to someone taking their neighbours 2 springers for a walk. Got home and fed dogs then watched TV for a while. Managed to catch an episode of Dr Who with Rose in it and the Wire. Afterwards I wrote this post.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday

Saturday we continued the cleaning we’ve been able to fit in since Thursday. Most of the day was taken up with it and the dogs then we settled down to the TV. We had a pizza and salad for dinner. We watched Dr Who together this week and Ang quite enjoyed it.
Sunday morning we got up about 7.15 and then sorted dogs out. I finished kitchen by mopping it and then we took dogs to shops and got soaked. Some friends arrived at about 11 and we watched music videos on TV and talked. We watched Pop Musik by M, Madonna’s American Pie, Dear Jessie, Frozen, Like a Prayer and La Isla Bonita, They Might Be Giants Birdhouse in your Soul, Texas Black eyed Boy, No Doubt Don’t Speak and It’s my Life, Allanah Myles Black Velvet, Paula Cole Where have all the Cowboys gone, Natalie Imbruglia Torn, Oasis Don’t look back in Anger and Wonderwall, REM Losing my Religion and the Sidewinder sleeps Tonight(?), Fat Les Vindaloo, Artic Monkeys View from the Afternoon, Dido Sand in my Shoes, Marvin Gaye Sexual Healing, Mel & Kim Respectable, Moby Porcelain and Nick Cave and Kylies Where the wild Roses grow. After quite a while we took the dogs out onto the green and played ball with them. The rain had eased and we came in, had another hot drink and then went for a walk with the dogs. When we came back our friends left and we decided to have scampi and salad which Ang had got up the Co-op earlier when her friend ran her up.
Finished Sunday in front of the TV. I went to bed about 11 and Ang came later.
Monday morning we woke about 7.15 and sorted dogs out and went on their first walk about 10.00. We had beans and poached egg on toast for breakfast. Got back about 11 and watched videos again before they ran out. Had a milky drink then took dogs out to the Backwaters again. Ang went on computer and I watched Saturdays Dr Who again. Ang decided to go home after a while and I carried on watching TV. Finally got dogs out about 6.15 and got back about 7. Finished last two days posts and fed dogs about 8. Hopefully will get an early night tonight as fed up with today. Weather has been really crap til dogs last walk. Really windy, cold and rain. Ang has gone home and all our groceries weren’t delivered this morning by the milkman. Can’t do anything about it til Wednesday now. Maybe Ang will cheer up and come back tomorrow. Buster cried for a while when she left. He kept staring over at her flat and wittering.

Poole

Yesterday we woke at 7.45 and got the dogs sorted out by 9.30. I then went to my Doctors appointment. Got more anti-inflammatory drugs and advice on exercise for my arm. Rest of the day was usual except that Ang went into Poole to get some shopping. She easily saved her train fare by what she saved on what she brought. We watched the soaps on the evening after 7.30 and got to bed about 11.
This morning we woke 7ish and sorted the dogs out. At 8.15 we took them for a walk to the Backwaters. It was sunny bit a little chilly in my denim jacket. We called at the post-office on the way back so Ang could get some money as she spent all hers yesterday. When we got back we had a milky drink with 2 apples, a banana and a lump of cucumber plus the usual nuts and seeds. We were going to get some cereal from the shop but had been closed earlier.

Horse Whisperer

Got up late again at about 7.30. Sorted dogs out and visitor arrived at 8.45ish. Dogs went mad as postman had just been and they were still excited. Ang went to do some cleaning at hers while my visitor was here. When they left I waited for Ang to finish in her flat and then we took the dogs to the Backwaters via the church. We called in the shops on the way back to get a few things.
When we got home Ang had spaghetti on toast and I had fried egg and tinned tomatoes on toast. After breakfast we finished filing last of photo’s and then I did a backup onto my second hard-drive on my computer. Only got back-ups of Angela’s computer and mine to Angela’s left to do tomorrow to have computers up to date. Shouldn’t have left so long but using free time to get painting done up to now. Might get some painting done tomorrow. Got to wash all bedding as well but drying rack full at minute with clothes I did earlier.
After we’d finished photo’s Ang played Troll and I listened to radio for a while then we took the dogs to he picnic bench for a walk. When we got back I ran a bath. It takes ages but eventually had a nice soak. I got dressed and then mopped the bathroom and hall with some bleached bathwater. After they had dried I cleaned the bath out so Ang can have a bath and wash her hair later. I tidied up a little and then we waited til about 6 and then took the dogs for their lat walk.
We went to Mucky Pond for their last walk and stayed by the first beach for about 20 minutes. Dainty went off onto the salt-marsh and after a while Buster had a funny five minutes where he started racing around til he wore himself out and sat down by us panting. The tide was in and it was pleasantly warm. We walked back via the shops and got home about 7.20.
At about 8.05 I left Ang watching the Horse Whisperer and went to bed for a nap. Ang woke me at 9.15 and no sooner was I awake than the dogs decided to have a scrap in the bedroom. I yelled Ang and she helped me split them up. I got bit on the left ankle though and it certainly wasn’t nice to wake up to that. I watched the end of the film with Ang and then we flipped channels until we found Newsnight. Apparently McDonalds is good for people. “A good career” a representative said. Consumption of large amounts of red meat is killing America and just about every western country. Rainforests are cut for beef production and they discourage unions.

Using CCTV

Ang came rushing in 5 minutes after she left for the doctors. She’d found an injured pigeon and wanted me to come and get it. I walked up the road with her and brought it back and shoved it in a box in the bedroom. Ang called a taxi so she could make her appointment in time and I phoned the RSPCA. They gave me the number of our vets and I asked a neighbour to run me up. The vet took it in and we’ve to ring back in a couple of days. I think I’ll try in the morning though as I think it had a broken wing so will have prolly been put to sleep.
When Ang got back I told her what had happened and then we took the dogs out to the Boat Beach. The dogs went mad chasing each other on the sand and playing in the sea. We stayed about 15 minutes and then walked back through the estate past the CCTV camera on massive steel pole. No more an intrusive eyesore could a thing be. We had chicken in breadcrumbs with sauté potatoes and a salad to eat. Later we watched Eastenders and bits of Holby Blue and Whistleblowers. Not looking forward to shopping at Sainsbury's next. Feel like only buying canned goods and fresh fruit and veg. Mind you you don’t know if they’ve been imported from Chernobyl or what they’ve been sprayed with. I’ve ordered some things off the milkman for Monday so will have to do less shopping at Sainsbury's when I do it. I think the CCTV should be in the food areas so people can see what’s happening all the time. It’s a thought anyway.

Fair trade goods

Had bit of a lay in today and got up about 7. Got dogs out for a wee and fed them at 8ish. Took them out for a poo and only Dainty went. Checked all email accounts and tried to do charity clicks but the site is down. Will try later. Had some cold toast from yesterday and took tablet. Have to get dogs out soon as Buster needs to poo. Hopefully finish yellow in bedroom today after first walk with dogs. Nothing much on news today. Garden doesn’t need watering as it’s rained overnight and more predicted for today. Hopefully we’ll still be able to get the dogs out without getting soaked. Waiting for milkman so we can take milk in before we go out. I remember the days when the milkman came really early in the morning every day. Ours delivers late and only 3 days a week. They can’t compete with supermarkets on price because the supermarkets pay such a low price for their milk. Electric delivery vehicles. Re-using bottles. Milkmen have been green for a long time and really deserve support. Not only abroad but we also need to support British fair trade goods and businesses that are green.

A good day

Got an early night last night after an easy day. Managed to get some photo’s and videos sorted out and named. Woke this morning just before 6. Got dogs sorted and out for first walk about 8. We took them to the Backwaters for a while via the church and came back via the shops. We called in and got some bread, milk, bananas and an apple. When we got home I made a milky drink and then carried on sorting photo’s and videos. I started watching the Heaven and Earth show when it came on but got bored with it so we took the dogs out again. We went to the Backwaters and took them to the water by the bird hide and stayed for about half an hour. Dainty encouraged Buster to search the reeds by the edge of the water. It was quite warm and we got them to both go in before we left to keep them cool on the way home.
When we got back we both started looking through the videos and filing them according to what was on them. It tired us both out after about 2 hours so we decided to make some tuna sandwiches and take the dogs out again. We went to the Backwaters and food a quiet stop off the middle field on the opposite side of the water to the picnic bench. We sat a while and I had a sandwich and Ang had a few nice biscuits. The dogs were playing in the reeds and then Dainty went off on her own. We heard her in water and I got the camcorder out and called her back. On the video I shot she appears out the reeds covered in brown mud from nose to tail and all over her back. We let them play for a while longer and then walked around to the picnic bench and tried to get Dainty clean in the water there. We had no luck and went home when both started barking at an old man that turned up.
We got Dainty back and I took Buster in and collected a watering can full of warm water. We cleaned most of the mud off Dainty and then let her in. Later on Ang decided to have a bath and I named some videos ready for filing. Afterwards I started a back-up of all my computer files onto Ang’s computer. Once I’d done that I fed the dogs and took them out for a wee. The back-up finally finished about 9.55. We’re both ready for bed and will be going as soon as I’ve finished this.

Price of a ticket

Woke just after 6 and got dogs out for a wee. Made myself a coffee and Ang a cup of tea. Ang had hers in bed and then got up. Fed the dogs just after 7 and took them out for a poo about 7.30. Checked ARK emails and had another in from a Labour MP. Responded to it with a thank you email. Almost reached 2% of responses to my emails now. Almost double that which I was hoping for. Majority still Labour MP’s that have responded.
I feel a lot better today after getting a good nights sleep. Ang has decided to do the washing up and I need something to eat so I can have one of my tablets for my shoulder that I picked up yesterday. I have to have 1 three times a day with or after food. They can mess your guts up if you take them on an empty stomach.
Got 2CR on at the minute as Saturday TV rubbish usually. They going on about the cost of things at Wembley. I expect they’ll charge similar inflated prices at the Olympics in 2012. It’s shameful. There is no way they can justify the charges. Over £120, 000, 000 in charity money was diverted to help in its construction. Why? How much income will it now generate for charity on a regular basis? Maybe in years to come this sort of use of charity money will be considered misappropriation of funds. Mind you the Lottery is a rubbish way of giving to charity as only 28% of the money goes to charity and you can’t choose who gets your money.

Slept in

Slept in late today. Got woke by Buster just before 8. Ang turned up moments later and I staggered to open the door half awake. Got dogs out for wee and fed them 8.30ish. Took them to the green behind Ang’s for a poo about 9. Waited for doctor to ring and then went to picnic bench with them about 11.45 and got back about 12.30. Had cream cheese on toast and a few chips for breakfast/dinner. Felt really tired so crashed out about 1.30.
When I woke about 3 I took the dogs to the Backwaters. More work was being done on the new path. Came back via the shops. Ang’s friend rang just after 4 and arranged to meet Ang in Bournemouth tomorrow to go to a show they’ve got tickets to. At about 4.15 I went to get Ang weekly prescription and one for myself. When I got back I took dogs out to the green for a wee. I was really tired still so didn’t manage a 3rd proper walk for the dogs. I played ball in the house with them instead until Ang went to bed and I had to stop. I fed them just before 8 and took them out for a wee again. I plan on an early night tonight as need to recharge batteries. Don’t like getting up late during summer. Maybe get some painting done tomorrow.

Panorama

Got to bed about 10.30 last night. Managed to watch Panorama about Scientologists that I’d taped before bed. Didn’t go much on it but Scientologists seem to be a bunch of dangerous pillocks. Got up about 7 today and usual routine of sorting dogs out. Spent most of the day going down shops for me or Ang and taking dogs for a walk. Had to go to Wareham as well but just took Buster. Dainty is allowed longer walks now as vet phoned this morning and he’s said gradually increase her exercise. She went crazy when I let her off on her first walk. They’ve been to the Backwaters 3 times today. The second time I sat in the middle of one of the fields and let them mooch around for a while. Dainty was rushing about hunting in the grass at the edge of the field and found herself a tennis ball. After a while I had to walk them home as Dainty was getting very hot in the sun.
I had a vindaloo last night and saved half for today so had chicken vindaloo, pilaw rice Bombay potatoes and chapattis for dinner. I’ve saved the yoghurt sauce to go with some Pollock tonight. After dinner I crashed out for a few hours and woke just as Deal or No Deal was getting going. After it finished I took dogs for their 3rd walk to the Backwaters. My shoulder is playing up terrible from carrying shopping for Ang earlier. Hopefully will remember to ring my doctor tomorrow at 8.30ish. Haven’t managed to remember up to now. If don’t ring early enough won’t manage to get on list for phone-call.
No new emails today but Covenant page has had 54 hits now.

Who cares?

Ang came over about 4.45 to see Buster. She stayed for a while and fussed Buster. After about 20 minutes she left and I took the dogs for a walk to the Backwaters. I let Buster off and he met another Springer. We came back via the church and I watched CNN for a while. I did myself a tuna sandwich with 2 large spring onions and some chips. When I’d finished I checked emails and replied to any that had come in. I’m averaging 3 a day at the minute. I had a written reply come in the post this morning as well. I replied to that by email earlier today along with an email response I’d had. I’m over 1% responded now. Well chuffed. Might make 10% yet. I imagine the responses will tail off soon although they might pick up again towards the deadline date. Time will tell. As I emailed one MP today and said “Labour MP’s have been the most responsive so far”.

Busters first time

Got up just after 7. Ang arrived about 7.10 but didn’t stop long. Got dogs out for a wee when I got up and then made a coffee. Fed them about 7.45 then took them out for a poo. Neither went so brought them back in after a while. Watched BBC news til 10 then took dogs to the Backwaters. As Dainty had got to stay on the lead I kept Buster on as well. I walked then round and came back via the church. I listened to 2CR til 12 and got a phone call from dog-sitter to say he would be roughly half an hour. I took the dogs out onto the green behind Ang’s and came back in after about 10 minutes.
When the dog-sitter arrived Buster settled much sooner and didn’t have to go in the bedroom while I let him in. I suggested he took him straight away and Buster put his lead on as soon as the guy held it out. He got excited and was happy to go. I watched CNN til my taxi arrived at 1.15. I got to my appointment 25 minutes early and the person I was to meet was 8 minutes late. I got to look at some interesting photographs and pieces of artwork while I was waiting though and chatted to a few people I’d met before.
The appointment over my return taxi arrived quickly and headed home. Coming through Poole was a nightmare and the driver had to take a non-direct route to avoid a hold-up. Even with this I got back quickly and Dainty was all over me as soon as I walked in the door. It took her a good 5 minutes to calm down and then I took her out to see if she needed a wee. She mooched around a bit, ate some grass and then headed in. I phoned the dog-sitter to let him know I was back. He told me Buster had been fine but kept licking his ear. I told him Buster usually finds injuries and then fusses over them. He said maybe he’d cut his ear shaving. He’s going to bring him back some time after 4. Ang came over and fussed Dainty for a bit and asked about Buster. I told her he should be back 4.30ish.
Buster arrived home at 4.20 and Dainty started growling at him when he came in so she got shoved in the bedroom. After I’d paid and tipped the dog-sitter he left and I let Dainty out. Buster was really thirsty and nicked Dainty’s chew while she was in the bedroom. Apparently Buster met a Jack Russell while he was at the dog-sitters. He didn’t like it but luckily I’d warned the dog-sitter he hates Jack Russells. Maybe Ang and I will be able to go out without the dogs now I’ve found a somewhere for Buster to go. It’s been over 3 years now since we did.

First contact

Got dogs out for a walk and got soaked. When I got back Ang came over. She’s gone down shops and I rang dog-sitter and arranged for him to come on a visit today. He arrived about 4 and I introduced him to Dainty and Buster. Dainty was easy but Buster barked loads. Eventually I gave the guy his lead and got him to tell Buster to put his choke chain on. Success. The guy held it out for Buster and he put his head through. Buster just wanted to go for a walk. He got all waggy tailed. Now he likes the bloke. Have arranged for Buster to be collected at 12ish. Hope nothing goes wrong. Be glad when my appointment is over and he comes back home. Am going to take them on the green in a bit as don’t want Dainty walking much more today. Got to ring vets and cancel Daintys appointment on Thursday as no dog-sitter for then. Pretty sure he would give the all clear. Will book her in to get spayed later this year and so long as hip doesn’t play her up before I’ll get x-rays done at the same time just to make sure nothing bad going on. That’s going to be expensive. It’s £175 just to get her spayed.

Cheaper technology

After washing up finished I took both dogs to the green behind Ang’s and let Dainty off. Neither went for a poo but they munched grass for a bit and Buster had lots of wees like a dog needs. Maximum they ever spend in is 4 hours. I work on 3 normally. It will be interesting to see what effect it has on their health and longevity. The sire was liver and white and the mother was black and white. Buster had the sex of the father and the colour of the mother so prolly best mix and why I choose him. Dainty was prolly mainly mum. She was quite ill when she was young as well so results from her will be difficult to interpret. Longevity of Springers varies but an article says 10 to 12 years. I will have to see if I can get above 13. I also checked up Busters separation anxiety here and feel there may be hope for him. I can’t leave the house unlocked though and it’s when I leave and lock the front door. Maybe 3 weeks of ignoring him indoors might work. He’s just too attached to me. He’s got very protective since I was beaten up. I heard him barking and scrambling to get out the front door while I was being punched by it. When I got back in the flat he was all over me licking my injuries. He always does that. Any little cut or graze he sniffs it out. Wonder if he could be trained for cancer detection.

Washing up

Still raining so decided to do washing up. Takes about 5 minutes to fill the bowl with hot water because the tap is so slow. Leave first lot in soak and have a coffee. After coffee just able to get hands in water to do cups and glass in soak. Wash any sharp knifes now. Really easy to wash as been in very hot water for 10 minutes. Next soak plates and sweep up dogs crap from postman. They get to rip envelopes and junk mail so long as no staples in it. Finish plates and put anything else in soak. Listen to Radio while last lot in soak. Finish washing up after about 45 minutes to an hour depending on whether 1 or 2 days since it was done. Sometimes there is a small amount of washing up liquid and water in the bowl if I’ve needed to wash my hands during the day with washing up liquid.
Over the 30 years I’ve done this I’ve saved so much detergent and water. All it’s cost me is a little time and thought. Not cos I’m mean. Cause of the pictures I saw as a child of women washing pots with ashes in the river. What right did I have to be so privileged? These things were a luxury. I treat them so. Water I make sure is filthy when I’ve finished with it. Now I have an 8 foot square piece of land to use while I live where I live I don’t even have to waste some of my dirty water. During the winter when I have a bath I leave the water in the bath until it goes cold before I let it out. It’s like having a moist radiator for a while. Usually don’t need water for the garden in the winter though. If the floors need mopping though I use it for that. It’s a pain. You have a bath and then have to mop the floors while water is still hot. I can’t mop floors at minute cos of bad shoulder.
Today I’ve managed to get washing up done in two lots. Had a few takeaway plastic containers to wash up as well. Use them to heat things in microwave. Freeze things in. Even to grow seedlings in. Lids seem to not last long as they go brittle after a while. Think it’s the freezing that makes them go brittle.

Going up

Got woke at 4.30ish when Ang came over for something. Managed to get back to sleep and woke again at 7.20ish. Got dogs out and watched BBC news. Fed dogs at 8ish and then took them out for a poo. Neither went and Dainty went in after only a few minutes. She hates the rain. Both had a poo late last night though so they prolly not need one yet. I’ll give them a chance in about an hour and a half. Hopefully the rain will have eased a bit by then. Can’t get an answer from Ang on phone this morning. She’s prolly still in bed. Had an email from her friend this morning which I’ve replied to. Had a few emails from MP’s yesterday and replied to the ones that needed a reply. The Covenant of ARK page has had 44 separate computers hits on it now. Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey. Wonder if I’ll get over 100. That would be brilliant from this batch of emails. Over 540 were sent. A 10% response should get me over 50 new hits. That’s being really optimistic though. Looking forward to Panorama as soon as got time today.

Timing

Decided to go over to see a friend in Westbourne after I’d fed the dogs. Haven’t been out that late since had them. Buster goes scatty at night. Barks at anyone that comes too close. The journey there was marred by the guard making me pick up the cards I left in one carriage. He said it was litter. Bloody jobsworth. The train was going to London as well. Good chance of them getting picked up. C’est la vie.
Got off at Branksome and started the walk to my friends. Managed to arrive at the right time to help an elderly lady struggling to cross the road. Carried on to the block of flats he lives at and rang the buzzer twice. He didn’t speak over the intercom so I phoned him on my mobile I’d thankfully taken. He came down and we sat a chatted on the bench at the bottom of the flats. After a while someone he knew arrived and the dogs barked like mad. After I calmed them down my friend introduced me and I went to shake hands. Buster went mad when the bloke reached out to grasp my hand. We just managed to shake and then I settled Buster down again.
I had to leave after about another 10 minutes to catch the last train back or so I thought. I got back to Branksome in time to catch an earlier train to Poole. I got off and crossed platforms and walked down the platform. I got 2 thirds down and then looked out towards the sea in time to see a car at the lights making a terrible racket and belching plumes of dark smoke from it’s exhaust. It managed to drive away but engulfed an oriental girl in a cloud that drifted towards me. It stank. I made a comment to the girl and she laughed and said something I couldn’t catch. After about 2 or 3 minutes two railway workers came onto the platform. By what they were saying to each other I realized they were trying to find the source of the smell. I told them what had happened and they thanked me and went back to the other platform where they had come from.
Eventually the train arrived and we all got home safely. I switched the video off I’d started before I went out after the end of the comedy programme that was on BBC1. Hopefully I’ve recorded Panorama as that’s what I put it on for. Don’t think I’ll watch it tonight as quite tired.

Wash day

Finally managed to get Buster out for a long walk and some training. Got back about 12. Had spaghetti and fried egg on toast for breakfast. Decided to forget painting and do as much cleaning as my shoulder can manage and then have a bath and get washing on. Still haven’t managed to get hold of Ang. Got sweeping done in lounge and hall but had to stop when shoulder started hurting again. Can’t get to see doctor so am ringing him on Wednesday when he’s next available to take calls. Apparently he only does 6 a day and isn’t on duty tomorrow. Rang too late today. Modern NHS practices and methods suck. Ran bath and gave shoulder a good soak in really hot water. That made it feel better.
Got Dainty out for a walk to green behind Ang’s flat after bath. When I got back 5 minutes later Buster was howling the place down. Told him off then took him out for a walk and training. Got back about 30 minutes later. Managed to get Ang on phone and she asked me to get a couple of things down the shops for her. I took Buster over to hers while I quickly went down shops. When I got back I dropped her shopping off and picked up Buster. We spoke briefly and decided I should follow up the dog warden from yesterday. I contacted them and should get a phone-call later today or tomorrow from the woman dealing with it. Tried to let Ang know but she’s not answering her phone now.

Dog-sitter

Woke 7ish and took dogs out for a wee. Fed them 7.45ish and then took them out for a poo. Only Dainty went. Tried Ang at 7.30 and 8.30. No reply so had to arrange a dog-sitter for Wednesday afternoon as got an appointment. First quote was £30 an hour. I don’t want to pay that much so tried a friend and they are free that day. Buster and Dainty know them well also. Hopefully Ang will get in contact before then so won’t need sitter. I’ve got to be prepared if she’s not around though. Just wish Buster could be left on his own like Dainty. Most he can last is about 20 minutes before he starts howling he place down.
Got Buster out for a poo and he had a bark at some council contractors that are repairing a broken fence of a house that backs onto the green. Took him in after he’d pooed and went and tried Ang again. Bit worried as she’s normally up by 7.30 at the latest although she doesn’t answer the door sometimes if she’s not well. She’s got her phone switched off as well. Need to get Buster out for a decent walk soon but want something to eat as have only had a coffee so far shortly after I got up.

Sunday dinner

Managed to get Ang on the phone when her friend called. She’s said she was going back to bed when she’d finished on phone with Helen. I took the dogs out for a wee onto the green. Dainty didn’t go and wanted to come back in almost straight away. I watched some TV and ended up engrossed in a programme about food in Chernobyl and Tonga. It was fascinating. Didn’t feed dogs til it had finished. Straight after took them onto the green behind Ang’s flat and let Dainty off the lead for a while. Finally she had her second poo of the day. Afterwards she went along the fence eating the tasty bits of long grass. She loves daisies as well and will eat 20 or 30 at a sitting. Buster started munching daisies as well this spring but Dainty’s always done it. The green by my flat was covered in them before the council contractors cut it recently.
After I brought them in I put a piece of Pollock in the oven. I sorted out some salad left over from the takeaway and some left over sweet potato mash. I warmed the mash in the microwave and cooked a few chunky chips. It was a massive meal and I couldn’t finish it all. I left a small bit of the mash and gave some of the fish to the dogs after taking the batter off it. Think I’ll aim to get to bed before midnight tonight as it was well past 1.30 last night. I got engrossed in a late comedy film with Paul Hogan starring as an outlaw with a mute sidekick. Very easy to watch. Looking forward to tomorrow as might get some more replies to my MP Survey and Ang might be feeling better and come back over. Didn’t get any painting done today but not in a hurry any more. Starting to come to ends of many cans and need to assess what colours left to do designs with. Hope I don’t need to buy much more. Will be able to clean all the large brushes out soon as will be working with just the detail brushes. All the backgrounds and posts are nearly finished.

Wet nappies

Went to bed this afternoon and woke 3.30ish with bit of a headache. Took dogs out on lead to green for a wee. There was the stink of what smelled like burning soiled nappies coming from a neighbours bonfire. It spoiled the lovely sunshine that was now happening. Seemed like a different day from this morning. I took the dogs in and tried Ang on the phone but couldn’t get her. Hopefully she will put her phone back on soon. She said she would when she woke up. I don’t want to leave Dainty on her own while I take Buster for a long walk. If she isn’t awake by 5 I’ll have to so Buster can get at least one long walk today. Unlike Buster Dainty can be left without howling the place down.
I couldn’t find the aspirins earlier so had to have paracetamol. Hope headache clears soon as I’d like a coffee. Got 2CR on at minute. They seem to be playing more of a selection the last few days. Wish they didn’t have adverts though. They spoil most good things. (Thinks….Maybe I ought to take out an advert!). I’ve well in advance o my completion date of September 2009. Parts of my website have been up since 2004. There’s only one more document that has to be completed and I have over 2 years to meet the deadline I wish to keep. Hopefully nothing will prevent me from completing it. I’ll be glad to finish and get back to doing something creative again.

Lazy Sunday

Got woke at 6.30ish by Ang coming over for some milk. Got dogs out for a wee and put BBC news on TV. Fed dogs at 7.30ish and took them out for a poo afterwards. Thankfully they both went. Ang came over and we took them for a walk to the shops in the rain. Dogs were soaked when I got back in so I toweled them down. I’d put heating on earlier because my knees were aching in the cold moist air inside the flat. Got phone-call from woman at Poole Council and told her about last night. She agreed to contact Jenny, possibly today, and would tell me of the outcome. Next I did the washing up between watching bits of Heaven and Earth show. Afterwards I watched countryfile and then checked emails. Nothing new in today. After that I made myself a milky drink and took dogs out for a wee. I’m keeping them both on the lead until I know what’s about now. Dainty will poo quicker off the lead so when I know the green is empty I let her off. When they’d both had a wee we came in out the rain. I toweled them down and then started this post. Don’t feel like painting today but may be best to do it while Ang not here. She’s got terrible back ache today and has gone to bed over hers. She’s suffered from almost continual pain ever since she was beaten by a boyfriend years ago. I’m in a similar boat now as am having persistent pain in my neck and left shoulder. Hopefully I will get an appointment with my doctor early next week and see whether it needs more than the rest I am giving it. I’m having to only use my right arm for everything at the minute. Normally I use both for controlling the dogs. It was 3 days before I realized my shoulder was a problem after I got beat up. I was hurting more elsewhere and until those injuries faded the shoulder pain didn’t kick in. Roll on seeing the doctor to get a trained opinion.

Bloody Jack Russells

Today got worse as it passed. After a bit of TV and radio I took Buster to the chemist and got there just before it opened. 5 minutes after opening time they tried to raise the shutter on the chemists and couldn’t. A lady who works there came out and took everyone waiting in the back door so they could be served. Buster started howling after I’d been in the shop a short while and I rushed to get back to him. Normally he’s ok when I leave him outside but I suppose he couldn’t understand where I’d gone when I went around the back of the chemists. Halfway home I realized I’d forgotten Ang’s facial wipes. I rang her and she said don’t go back she’d get them next time she went to Poole. I got back and we cooked chicken and chips with green beans. Ang had gravy as well. Listened to radio for a while then got a phone-call from my friend and arranged to meet at 3.45. Roughly 3.30 I took Buster to catch the train and Ang took Dainty out on the green. I got back at 4.15 and managed to leave lots of cards on the trains I caught.
We listened to radio and watched some TV and I replied to emails that had come in from MP’s. Most so far say they don’t do surveys. Hits on Covenant page are up to 42 now. Wonder what will happen Monday when people back in their offices and start going through emails. All we sent went out late Friday.
We took the dogs out to the green about 6 and then I fed them about 7.30. After they had been fed I muzzled Dainty and put Buster on the lead to take them out on the green. Told Dainty “Green” and she ran out towards the green. I followed with Buster. As soon as he came out all hell broke loose. He started barking and straining at the lead. Then I heard growling coming from the green. Dainty was on the green with Jenny’s puppy coming over to her and Bubs running at her. Bubs ran in and stood over her growling. Then he attacked. Dainty let out terrible squeals and Dean, who was in charge of the two Jack Russels, didn’t pull him off. I frantically screamed Dainty to come and she partly got to me but was pursued by Bubs. I ran forward with Buster and he saw him off. I told Dainty to get in and she headed straight for the door. Bubs had circled around a parked car and went for her again but I let Buster intercept him. Dainty couldn’t push the door open as I’d fully closed it on the way out. Normally I leave it slightly open so she can let herself in. I got them both in past Ang who was on the way out to see what the hell was going on. I checked all around Dainty’s neck for injuries but thankfully couldn’t find any. After fussing Dainty for a while I took them out again and she had a poo and Buster lots of wees. On the way back in Dean started giving me grief. I told him he shouldn’t have been in charge of them so drunk. He’d been more interested in not dropping his can of lager than pulling Bubs off Dainty. I was furious with him. Jenny got him to go in and I apologized to her for using Buster to see off Bubs.
Angela got furious when I told her what happened. We decided to contact the police and were informed the police don’t deal with dog attacks by a woman. The woman said it was the dog warden. I now don’t understand why the police came to me when Dainty nipped a woman who came up behind me if the police don’t deal with these things. Finally contacted council and left a message for dog warden. Hopefully get a call after 9 tomorrow. This will be the second time Bubs has attacked one of our dogs. The first time he bit Buster on the belly which resulted in Buster hating all Jack Russells. We reported him then to the dog warden. Ang got so upset and angry she ended up having to go home. Buster is really upset as well now because Ang has gone. Pretty lousy end to the day. Roll on tomorrow. Just have to get dogs out once more then bed.

First replies

Got Buster out for his last long walk yesterday. I took him to the Boat Beach and around to the Backwaters. By the time we got back we were both soaked from the rain. I spent the rest of the evening watching TV with Ang. Fed dogs 7.30ish and took them for a wee. Roughly 11 took them out for last wee and went to bed.
At about 4 in the morning we were woken twice by slamming doors and shouting from my next door neighbour. We managed to get off to sleep again but were woken again just after 6 by more noise. We decided to get up and start the day.
I sorted the dogs out and Ang made a coffee. We watched a bit of BBC news and then I fed the dogs just after 7. At about 8 we took them both out on the green for a poo but neither went. Dainty seems much better on her leg today. Hopefully the improvements will continue. I needed some money from post office so we decided to let Dainty have a short walk as well and took them both to the shops. On the way there Dainty decided to roll in an old yoghurt carton and got yoghurt smeared all over her right shoulder. Thankfully they both had a poo on the way back so I don’t need to take them out for a while now.
When we got back we talked about last night and decided to go and speak to the girl next door. I went round and she came to the door. She looked terrible. Her knuckle was swollen and she was really upset. Her girlfriend had attacked her last night. She said things like that always happened when she’d been drinking. I felt really sorry for her as she’s only a tiny girl and her girlfriend is a really big woman. She apologized about last night and was nearly in tears and scared we’d report her to the council. I reassured her we had no intention of doing that.
When I came back in I checked the Covenant page and it’s now had 38 hits. I then checked the ARK emails and had received 2 replies so far. One was a request for more information which I replied to and the other was a nice email declining to take part which I thanked the MP for. I was really surprised I’d received any responses so soon. It wasn’t a complete waste of effort then. All I can do now is wait to see what happens between now and the end of the month as that’s the deadline I gave people to respond by.
I’ve got to collect Ang’s prescription today and might possibly go and visit a friend. Don’t want to make house smelly with paint as Ang not feeling good from lack of sleep last night. Actually we are both quite irritable. I made breakfast earlier and that seems to have perked Ang up a bit. She had spaghetti on toast and I had beans on toast. She still can’t face eggs because of the news item of a schoolboy hatching a free range egg he bought at the supermarket. That’s why I used to buy battery eggs cause you don’t get that problem with them. Just wish the free range people would isolate the cockerels from the hens.

MP Survey

Managed painting and had beans on toast for breakfast. Ang had a poached egg as well which I had most of because she kept thinking of the lad who hatched a free range egg and it put her off. Afterwards I took Buster for a walk to the Backwaters and did some training with him. When I got back I composed the following :-
Dear Sir/Madam
I am compiling a list of responses to the Covenant of ARK and would appreciate your reply which may be made public in the near future.
Your response would be appreciated as soon as possible before June 1st 2007.
Yours.
Colin Dilley.
I titled it “MP Survey”. Ang and I then proceeded to begin sending it to all MP’s listed here that had email addresses. After a while of doing this we had a break and took the dogs out again. I took Buster to the Backwaters for some more training and Ang took Dainty out on the green for a walk round and a wee.
When I got back Ang was carrying on and I joined her. We completed the list at 4.45ish and I ordered Scampi and chips and salad to eat. While waiting for it to arrive we took the dogs out for a wee on the green. After we’d eaten Ang went on her computer and played Troll. I started this post and as soon as I’m finished I’ve got to get Buster out for a walk.

Milo

Got up 6.15ish and took dogs out for a wee. Dainty pooed and then took herself in. Ang made coffees and we watched BBC news. We saw the story about Milo and the wonderful job he does. Seems like the minimum wage for a dog is food and board. Reminds me of the story Bicentennial Man.
At roughly 7.30 I fed the dogs and Dainty had her medication. Afterwards we took them out on the green to have a poo. Dainty already seems much better today. She wanted to play so she had to go on the lead like Buster. Buster pooed after a while and then they both headed in. Ang did the washing up and I put radio on 828 and booted computers up. We both did all our charity clicking at this site and checked our emails. After that I did this post and have got about an hour to have breakfast and touch up yellow where first coat hasn’t covered well before I do second coat tomorrow or later today if time.

Family squabble

I took Buster out for a walk to the Backwaters and he seemed lost on his own. It was drizzling so we didn’t stay out too long. When we got back I took Dainty out for a wee but she wanted to come back in almost straight away. Ang spent the afternoon on her computer and we had toffee cake and ice-cream while listening to 2CR Classic Gold. We prefer that station as they don’t repeat songs as much as 2CR do.
Ang went back on her computer and I watched some news til got bored with it. I took Buster for a final walk about 5 to the Backwaters and then took Dainty out for a wee. This time she went before she ran in out the rain. Later Ang watched Eastenders and I fed the dogs. Afterwards I took them both out to the toilet and Dainty finally had her second poo of the day. When they came back in all hell broke loose.
Buster had left his chew on the beanbag and Dainty ran straight to it when she came in. It ended up with a fight. Luckily Buster wears his collar all the time so I had something to grab and Ang pulled Dainty away. Dainty ended up with a small cut on her nose from Busters teeth and Ang ended up in tears.
Ang settled after a while and we watched Catherine Tate and Graham Norton. I then did this post and have got to get the dogs out soon for their last wee. Hopefully tomorrow will be better for us. Maybe Dainty will be walking better.

Vets

Woke 6.30ish and took dogs out for wee. Ang made a coffee and we watched a bit of news on BBC. Fed dogs at 7.45ish and then took them out for a poo. Neither wanted to go so brought them in and watched ITV news for 20 minutes. We then took them for a walk to the Backwaters. For the 4th day Dainty had a problem with her right hind leg. Today it lasted for about 5 minutes where she didn’t want to walk on it. It seemed like she didn’t like putting it on the ground. As soon as we got home after a short walk I phoned the vet and got a 10.20 appointment. I rang a taxi for 10.10 and listened to 2CR while I waited.
The taxi arrived at 10 and I got to the vets at 10.10. We didn’t get seen til nearly 10.35 but Dainty didn’t mind waiting. I told the vet she’d been having a problem in the mornings for a few minutes but today it was really bad. He got me to put her on the table and he checked her over and manipulated her knee and hip. At that point she nearly flew off the table and I struggled to hold her. It was her hip. The vet decided that he’d try her on a week of rest and a daily dose of Meloxicam. I left with her medication and an appointment for in a week to check her progress. If she’s no better she’ll have to be put under and her hip x-rayed. So far it’s only cost £40 with the taxis but the x-rays will be £100 to £150. Hopefully it’s some sort of injury rather than arthritis which will be for life and require dietary supplements.
When I got her home I gave her her first dose of medication on top of a scrambled egg I made in the microwave. Buster had a little of the egg to stop him being jealous. Tomorrow I’ll mix it with her breakfast so she has it early in the day. Fingers crossed she won’t need the x-rays and any long term treatment. She’ll be miserable only going out to the toilet as she loves her walks and is the most active out of the 2 of them.
After Dainty was sorted out I took Buster out to do a little training and have a wee. I came back in and listened to 2CR for a while then took Buster to the shops to get some potatoes. When I got back Ang had taken Dainty out for a wee. I started the yellow in the bedroom and Ang started to cook roast chicken, roast potatoes,yorkshire puddings, sweet potato mash and green beans.
When I’d finished the painting I made the gravy for Ang and we had dinner. I then did this post and have to get Buster out for a decent walk as soon as I’m finished.

Black and white

We had spaghetti on toast for breakfast after we got back from the shops. I finished the white post on the bedroom wall and also the final black coat. Ang gave me hand doing the fades on the bathroom panel and the last piece of wall. I watched some news and Ang played a game on her computer. After a while we took the dogs to the Backwaters again went over by the bird hide. We circled around and came back via the church.
When we got home I peeled some potatoes and Ang did some chicken breast in breadcrumbs with sauté potatoes and a salad. After the meal Ang went back on her computer and I listened to 2CR and watched some TV. At about 5 we took the dogs to the Backwaters and they played in the water for about 10 minutes. The wind was quite cold and we came back via the shops.
I fed the dogs about 7.45 while Ang was watching Corrie. Nothing I’m interested in on TV so decided to do this post. Am going to go to bed soon as got a migraine and aspirin not working so far.

Sandy and Whiskey

Got up 6ish and got dogs out for a wee and TV booted by 6.06. Ang came over 6.20ish and we had a coffee. Fed dogs about 7.15 and took them out for a poo about 8. We sat and watched BBC news 24 until it started repeating itself. Visitor arrived just before 9 and Ang went to do some washing in her flat. Straight after visitor had gone Ang came back and we took the dogs to the Backwaters. They met their best friend Sandy on the way out. He’s 8 but still get playful when he meets our 2. Everywhere was wet and looking very green. We came back via the shops and Ang went in the post office and got a delivery of some heavy things from the local grocery store. Afterwards we walked back through the estate and the dogs said hello to Whiskey a small white terrier they know. Dainty’s besotted by him but he grumbles at Buster so Buster keeps a bit of distance between himself and Whiskey.

Abandoned

Got an early night last night after I’d fed the dogs. Ang woke me later to take them out for last wee. Got up this morning at 6.15ish. Took dogs out then had coffee. Fed dogs then went for walk to Backwaters. Came back via shops and got some money out post office for both of us. Got back and had poached egg and beans on toast.
After breakfast I watched the news a bit and we talked about the 3 year old missing in Portugal. We both think the parents never should have left the child alone. We spoke to a lady we know slightly yesterday and she thought the same. I know it’s a crime to leave a 3 year old unsupervised in the UK. We had Pollock, mash and peas for dinner.
Next walk for the dogs was to the Boat Beach via the path next to the railway track. We walked around to the backwaters and back via the church. When we got back I watched a bit of news and then took Buster to Wareham to meet a friend and see his new pickup. Ang took Dainty out for a little walk while I was gone. I caught to 15.59 train back and spent to journey putting loadsa cards on the train. Got back home and then took dogs out for little walk with Ang. We went to the Backwaters via the church and came back via the shops. We called in at the Chinese and Ang got chicken in black bean sauce. I had chicken curry and we shared a rice.
Ang has just had a bath and is watching Eastenders and I’m about to use her bathwater. Don’t look like we need to save water for the garden though as there have been a few showers today. We got caught in one when we went to the Boat Beach earlier.

Dr Who again

We took dogs to the Backwaters for their first walk. Wandered around the fields and came back via the church. Got home and did fried egg and tomatoes on toast for breakfast. Afterwards I did some more painting in the bedroom.
I’ve finished one white post and started the second. Saturday I finished the ceiling ready to do second post. Running out of white but hopefully get second post finished before I run out. Be glad to get yellow done when second post finished. Got black to finish around door. I’m leaving fades til finished black as might need to get another tin of black. Ang going to help me do panel in bathroom as easier with two people. That will bring bathroom up to maximum covered area and should align waste to best possible with current design.
I watched Dr Who again from Saturday. We took dogs to the Boat Beach after I’d finished and we’d listened to some more of videos I purchased. We walked around to the backwaters and came back via the church. We got back and Ang is surfing while I do this post. Have had 29 hits on Covenant page now.

Lazy days

Had lazy night Saturday and enjoyed Dr Who. Can’t wait for next weeks episode. Went to bed about 8.30 and Ang woke me about 11 to take dogs out for last wee. Got up Sunday 7ish and took dogs out. Had poached egg and tinned tomatoes on toast for breakfast after fed dogs and took them out for a poo.
First walk for dogs was to Backwaters. I watched Heaven and Earth show and enjoyed the panel more this week. Ang played on her computer. Afterwards watched some of Countryfile then took dogs on a walk to Ham Common.
We walked to the beach at the far side of the lake then along to the car park. We then walked up the hill past the SSSI sign to the path down to the lake. There were a few other dogs. A Lab, a Dalmatian and a little terrier. We sat for a while and the dogs played. Dainty went in for a swim and washed the salt off her she’d got going in the sea when we were walking along the beach. After about 15 minutes we walked home.
When we got home I cooked some chicken pieces and we had roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing, mixed veg and gravy. While it was cooking I searched all music on TV and purchased California Dreaming(Mamas and Papas), Come as you are(Nirvana), Dear Jessie, Frozen (Madonna), Don’t Speak(No Doubt), Good Tradition(Tanita Tikaram), I still haven’t found what I’m looking for(U2), Little Toy Soldiers(Eminem), Spirit in the Sky(Gareth Gates), Sultans of Swing(Dire Straits), Power of Love(Frankie goes to Hollywood) and Torn(Natalie Imbruglia). That occupied the wait for the meal and then we took the dogs out again to the field behind the railway track and played ball for 30 minutes.
After we got home we watched some TV then I fed the dogs. Once fed we walked to the garage to get some milk and give the dogs another walk. Ended up having to walk round to shops as garage had no milk. Watched some more first episode of Vicar of Dibley when got home then I went to bed for a while. Ang woke me later and I took dogs out for last wee.
We woke today 7ish and I took dogs out for a wee. Fed dogs 7.45 and took them out for a poo. We’ve got Gareth Gates on again at the minute. Not as good as the original which was very serious. Only got about 4 hours left on the songs so listening to them again.

Backwaters

Got up 6.30ish and got dogs out. Had coffee and listened to 2CR. Fed dogs and took them out for a poo. Had spaghetti on toast for breakfast and then waited til after nine to ring local hardware store. Ordered paint and then phoned a taxi. Taxi arrived 15 minutes late but got to shop about 10.15. Ang wanted a maximum and minimum thermometer so I chose one and got back really quickly. Gave taxi driver a card. As soon as I was back we got dogs out for a walk to the recreation grounds. Known as the “Backwaters” locally. We came home and I fell asleep in the chair with Ang playing a computer game.
Ang woke me gently with the surprise of breaded chicken breast with salad and sauté potatoes. It was lovely. Afterwards we took the dogs to the private field behind the railway track and played ball for a while. We lay in the sun and the dogs sat in the shade. We stayed there quite a while then walked home. When we got back we finished off the chocolate ice-cream and I went to lie down. After a while Ang came and said she’d got the internet working so I got up. I cancelled engineer I’d phoned earlier when we couldn’t get online this morning and then started this post. We’ve got to get dogs out and be back for 7 for Dr Who tonight. I want something else to eat as well. Ang isn’t hungry at minute.

Curry and Pollock

Ang got back from Poole really quickly and hopefully has sorted out the problem. I had curry that was left from last night then we went out with the dogs. We took them to the picnic bench first via the recreation grounds. Got Dainty to go in the water and then carried on to Mucky pond. When we got there we headed for the shore and sat on the grass. The tide was on the way out so we only stayed about 15 minutes. We then walked around to the next bit of shore and then back through the woods. Dainty went in a waterlogged area with tree stumps in it. This is the area that we gave it its name from. The water is full of dead leaves and plants.
When we got home Ang had her curry she had left from last night and I downloaded all the videos and pictures from camcorder. We listened to 2CR and checked emails. Still only 27 hits on Covenant page. I sorted some of pictures out and then Ang took a taxi to chemists to get her prescription. When she got back we took the dogs to Ham Common lake and they had a good swim. We stayed about half an hour and then came home.
Ang made a salad and she had a pizza and I had some Pollock in batter. I cooked a few chips as well. Ang tried the Pollock and liked it. Afterwards I watched CH4 news and then Ang watched the soaps.
I need to get some more paint tomorrow so I can continue in bedroom with more over bank holiday. Didn’t manage to get any done today as Ang got back so quick. Was still messing on computer when she turned up. Am going to look at keralaarticles blog again tonight.

Elections should be over

Woke 6.15ish and took dogs out for a wee. Watched some news and had coffee as Ang got up as well. Put 2CR on as news was boring. Loads about elections. I didn’t vote as there isn’t a box for “none of the above”. Definitely don’t want any party that wants to allow planning of new store locally as it will destroy the trade of the local shop. They would not be able to compete with the prices of a multi-national chain. The local shop is one of those few shops that still exist that run a credit system for locals. If this was lost the community would suffer in the long run. Democracy is a system that only works when the majority is right. This is not always the case. The green party is a minority yet their views and opinions are some of the most valid around and should have been adopted years ago. Politics cannot respond at the speed the world changes today. It is constantly trying to catch up with scientific and economic change. Political systems need updating and revolutionizing using modern technology.
Fed dogs and then took them out for a poo. Only Dainty been so far so will have to get them out for a proper walk soon. Ang got to go to Poole today to sort out letter she had earlier in the week. Hopefully it will go well. Ang wants a milky drink for breakfast so will do that soon and then get dogs out. Will hopefully get some more painting done while she’s in Poole. She’s got to get some more treats for the dogs training while she’s there as well. I’ve only got unsigned cards left so will give her a few to leave on the trains she has to catch.

Indian

Went out with dogs to Ham Common lake. The swan hassled us so we went to the far side and the dogs had a really good swim. After about 20 minutes we walked slowly back home. We did some more cleaning in the house and listened to 2CR. About 6 we took dogs for a final walk to the picnic bench on the edge of Lychett Bay. On the way back we met loadsa dogs and came back via the shops.
Once home I fed the dogs and we ordered an Indian. It arrived about 30 minutes later. Ang had a chicken bhuna and I had a chicken vindaloo. We had Bombay potatoes and rice as well. I had some chapattis but Ang doesn’t like them. We’ve saved half for tomorrow some time. Watched some more TV and then did this post after visiting keralaarticles blog. Haven’t posted a comment yet. Am waiting for the right post by Biby. Plan to go to bed at 11.30ish instead of tomorrow.

Again

After our meal yesterday we got a phone-call and ended up going to see a friend with the dogs. Afterwards we went on to the Boat Beach and walked around the bay and came back via the shops. I fed them and we watched a bit of news and then I had a mini pizza and shared some filo prawns with Ang. Flipping the channels I found a program about Hawaii on and we watched that. Half way through I fell asleep and woke about an hour after it had finished. Ang was upset and told me there had been some really horrible scenes of animals suffering from pollution in it. We talked for a while and she seemed to cheer up again. We watched some more TV and got dogs out for last wee then went to bed.
Today we woke 6.15ish and I took dogs out. We had poached egg and baked beans on toast for breakfast and then took dogs for a walk to the field behind the railway track. I tried to start painting but had to clean bedroom and move mattresses around. By the time we’d finished all the little jobs and I’d sanded walls down we decided to take dogs out for another walk. For this one we went to the recreation grounds and circled back via the shops to get some milk and money for Ang.
I got the painting done and have started the 3rd wall in the bedroom. I’ve also finished off some pieces of the 1st and 2nd wall. Each wall takes about 6 sessions to finish just the background colours. Be glad when all the background finished as want to get onto the detail. Great music on 2CR today. We’re just having a quick snack as we want an Indian tonight.

Fresh water

Got dogs out to the Ham Common lake after had milky drink. Stayed there about 40 minutes. There were some people in a tent again and some others with a small spaniel and a dinghy. The swan was milling around but not getting aggressive today. We walked back slowly and got home at just after 3. We decided to spoil ourselves with some ice-cream. Ang had Raspberry Pavlova and I had Triple Chocolate. Next I started the bedroom wall after sweeping bedroom floor. Had a smoke halfway through then went back in and finished off. Can’t let dogs in til it dry now so can’t go to bed til then.
We then made an aubergine bake and put in oven. Next job was cleaning the hall wall where the dogs rub against it going in and out the front door. I used the bowl of water I used to clean my hands in after painting. While I was doing the wall Ang took Dainty out for some training. I finished it just before Ang came back in and got ready to take Buster out for his session. Bad news was that two young girls were now out sitting on the green so I couldn’t let him off the lead. He’d start barking at them. I walked him around for a few wees and then took him back in. Decided to post while waiting for meal to cook. As soon as it’s ready and we’ve eaten we’re going to take dogs to Mucky Pond. It should be a bit cooler for Dainty then as it’s quite a long walk.

The Boat Beach

Visitor arrived and brought another person with them. Spent some time talking to them and was left with the feeling they had listened to my views. Afterwards got dogs out for a long walk. We took them along a piece of land that runs with the railway line to a small beach on the edge of Lychett Bay. We call it the Boat Beach. The dogs played in the water and we watched boats on the water. After a while we took a path around the shoreline until we reached a point you can’t cross unless you have wellies and the tide is out. We slowly walked back watching Dainty bouncing around in the saltwater marsh. Buster stays close usually. When we got back to the Beach one of the boats was coming in to land. It’s a shame the place has so much litter. I wonder if there are any restrictions on the amount of fishing done in the bay.
We walked home and had spaghetti on toast for breakfast which perked Ang up. She had woken a bit upset over a bad dream about the letter she had yesterday. I tried to pay some bills but was told to ring back in half an hour. Decided to get panel in bathroom ready for painting. Had to scrape up all the old carpet tape stuck to the tiles of the floor. Swept the mess up and the bleached it. Feel happy to paint it now. Didn’t want to be crawling around the floor with that crap on it. I hate disturbing things that have been there years. I got hepatitis cleaning a flat once. That was unpleasant. After I’d finished I phoned bank again and succeeded in paying all bills I’ve got so far this month. Decided to use hour left before dogs next walk to post this and have a milky drink. Ang playing game she likes now waiting for me to make drink.

Blue or red

Woke at 6.30ish and had TV booted by 6.33 after taking dogs out for wee. Watched BBC news for half an hour then turned to CNN. Was caught by story on BBC that fence material is in short supply. Two lines of my poem on 28th April post come to mind.
4 days hence
Near a blue fence.
This gives a precise date. Today. Blue in temperature is negative. Negative is less than needed. I could have said a red fence as well. Near it was because it was written in the present. Very good prediction when you know how to interpret the words. I’ve found this phenomenon in my free writing for years. I try not to do it too often for it concerns me for things I write scare me. Many years ago I wrote a poem called The passing of 2.58. I was horrified when shortly afterwards 258 people died in a plane tragedy and it was the newspaper headlines.
Have got to wait in for a visitor today. Should be here between 9 and 9.30. Will be glad to get dogs out as neither have had a poo yet today. Buster went 4 times yesterday though and Dainty went 3 times. Both of them once more than normal. Ang is watering garden with bathwater and checking what’s going on. We think we’ve got some tomatoes showing. Will know for sure in a few more days when second leaves appear. Spuds are doing really well. At least 8 good plants now. We’re waiting for milkman so we can make a milky drink as both of us have only had a coffee so far today. Ang usually has a vitamin C tablet in the morning as well. Prolly a good idea as she is a smoker. I prefer getting mine from orange juice and fruit.
Spent most of last night talking to Ang and watching TV. We got to bed about midnight after watching a program about animal fanatics. Had to turn over several times when they showed the cruelty that some of the people had done to the animals in their care. We both had great respect for a man, will illness himself, who rescued and cared for owls. His was a marvellous story.

Back to Wareham

Got dogs out to the recreation grounds for a short walk. Was too hot for Dainty so we sat in the shade by the edge of the bay. After about ten minutes of Dainty playing in the reeds we decided to take her home. When we called her back she appeared with mud three quarters up her leg. Looked like she had grey leggings on.
We walked back across the fields towards the shops and got the fright of our lives. Buster was ahead and suddenly squealed and held his left front paw in the air. We rushed over and got him to roll on his back so I could check his pads. I couldn’t find anything stuck in them or between them. It was obviously hurting him to let me look as well. Ang had to hold his head still for me. We got him to get up but he couldn’t put his paw on the ground. I got him to roll over again and checked once more. Nothing. I said to Ang “I can’t carry him far cause he’s too heavy. We’ve got to get him to the vets somehow”. Just as I was about to ring a taxi he started gingerly walking on it. I got him to walk in a semicircle and he seemed not too bad. I put his lead on and we headed for home. After a few yards he seemed ok again. Suppose he must have just twisted it or something. When we got him home I checked his leg again and he was ok letting me do it. Didn’t seem to be bothering him at all.
After we’d been home a short while my friend phoned and asked me to meet him so I got the next train to Wareham. I handed a card to someone waiting at the station and left loads on the train. Met my friend and chatted for a while and then caught a train back. Left loads more cards on train on the way back. I phoned Ang from the train and told her I’d be back in about 10 minutes. When I got off the train I walked halfway home and then rang Ang again and told her I’d missed my stop. I kept her on the phone telling her I’d been daydreaming and was now on the way to Poole. She told me I was an idiot and how long before I’d be home. I told her I didn’t know when the train from Poole was. I said to her on the phone “I could be lying though” then opened the front door and was greeted with a shocked Angela and the words “I believed you”. Made her smile anyway.
Ang had made a lovely salad and the chicken was in the oven. I cooked a few chips and we had a lovely meal. Had some filtered water with it straight from the fridge. Watched a bit of CNN afterwards and then started this. Have got to take dogs out again in about 15 minutes. Hopefully it will have cooled down a bit by then and we can be out longer with them and not have to stay near water.

Wareham

Caught train to Wareham and Ang left some cards on it. When we arrived we walked to the Quay and then headed along the path by the river. We took some photos of cows in a field and then carried on to the slipway. We sat there for about 20 minutes and the dogs ran about and played in the river. I took some video and pictures. We then walked back to the Quay but it was too early to get a meal so we walked back through the town. Ang bought a pair of flip-flops and we got some salad things for tea tonight from a little greengrocers. Got to the station and walked straight onto a train home. Ang left the last of the cards we took on the train.
When we got home at just after 11 we got some chicken fillets out the freezer to have with the salad. We were both hungry and I made some cheese on toast with tomato. I’ve put the Neil Young concert on TV for something to do. Ang opened a letter she received a few days ago and it was some bad news so both of us are a bit fed up now. Won’t know if we can sort it out til Friday.
Need to get dogs out again soon but it’s really hot again. Hopefully get wall painted afterwards but might have to go out again about 4. Had phone call with friend and might have to go and see him later. Means another train journey to Wareham as he lives in that direction. Won’t know til ring him later.

A lucky time

Woke early again. Eventually got up at 5.20. Took dogs out for wee. Powered up TV and selected some music. TV played up and had to reboot 4 times before could get working. Eventually managed to purchase A good year for the Roses, American pie, Like a prayer, Torn. Iron Lion Zion and the concert Rust never sleeps. Listened to a few of them and then Ang got up about 6 and made a coffee.
After coffee we took dogs out onto green for a poo. Came back in and made us poached egg on toast. Afterwards booted computers up and put 2CR on. Started blog listening to music. Looking forward to Wareham. Hopefully will be on train soon but need to check times.
We planned and early night last night but didn’t get to bed til nearly midnight. First train we can catch now is the 9.04. Next is 9.29. Ang wants to get 9.04. I like the time of that one as well. Got nearly an hour to kill and not much to do. Ang is going to wear a flower in her hair today. Such a lovely tradition.