Monday, June 12, 2017

Camo Dog and a Lost Hat


I know this looks like about a million other photos I've posted of Olga on Hampstead Heath. But check out how well she blends into that sun-dappled forest floor! Now I understand why dogs evolved with spots, and preserved them through all their hybridizing. Camouflage!

We had a long, thorough walk yesterday, which we enjoyed, even though we're both apparently showing our age. I could barely keep my eyes open after I got home, and I had to take an aspirin for back pain from walking so long with my camera bag. And Olga, well, she went practically unconscious for the duration of the day.

It somehow never occurred to me, while walking the dog on the Heath these past few years, that a day might come when we can no longer do it comfortably. Gather ye rosebuds!


The "David Bowie" beetles are back again. This one looks like he/she lost an antenna.

Olga took a few mudbaths during her walk, as usual, but by the time we began heading home she was pretty much white again. I was so happy that I wouldn't have to bathe her, and I deliberately steered clear of a few rivulets and puddles so she wouldn't be tempted. And then...


...she found a hidden bog I didn't even know about. Bath required!

Regarding yesterday's post, I think I gave the impression that summer vacation has started for us. But no -- we still have another week of school. The seniors are finished, and many Middle Schoolers are on field trips this week, but technically we still have students through Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are faculty/staff work days. Then we're done.

As one of my helpful commenters pointed out, even then we're not entirely on vacation. Well, I am, but Dave spends a lot of his time in the summer planning and developing music for the coming year.

Apropos of nothing, I also have to say a quick RIP for my Human Rights Campaign hat, which I bought in Provincetown back in 2010. It was an olive green ball cap with the blue-and-yellow "equal" sign on the front, aimed at the question of marriage equality. (I was wearing it here during my selfie with Olga.) Now that issue has been decided and my hat, alas, is no more. It blew off my head on Saturday as I crossed a bridge over the Thameslink tracks in West Hampstead, sailing over the railing and into the void below. I'm sure it's still lying down there, somewhere, but I'm not risking being hit by a train to retrieve it...and it was worn out anyway. Life goes on!

11 comments:

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Oh dear! So sorry to learn that you have lost your cap - like losing an old friend. You will need a replacement cap of course. I think a Hull City AFC cap will suit you fine. You can order one directly from the club shop. Go here:-
http://www.tigerleisure.com/accessories/caps/1779_khaki-distressed-cap.html

e said...

Sorry about the cap, and your back, though I don't blame the dog for finding a lovely bog to squirrel away in...Have a good week!

Ms. Moon said...

Look at that grin on Olga's face! If that's not a happy dog, then I've never seen one.

Red said...

Yes, I remember putting in time at school during the break. It paid off be by being organized for the year. Out here if your hat lows off, you just have to run fast and you'll catch it!

Cheryl West said...

Maybe take a couple of Motrin before you set off for your longer walks. Sorry about your cap, it is always a bit sad to lose a favorite. Buy one that will shade your ears more. My first basal cell ca was in my ear.
Have a good last week of school.

Sharon said...

Olga does blend in that first photo. You can hardly see her. I bet you are looking forward to being off work. I would be. In fact, I'm trying to put together a little northern Arizona road trip probably in July and I'm looking forward to that. I'll need a little break for the heat by then.

Anonymous said...

I like seeing Olga in the heath there. She's very cute and she does blend in quite well. We often fantasize about getting a dog, and we pet every dog we see out on our walks. I'm hoping our aging bodies age better with walks than without them!

jenny_o said...

Oh, Olga! What a goof! Love the happy face she is making :)

I don't like losing or discarding comfortable old clothing; it's like losing a friend!

The Bug said...

Mike has a couple of caps that I would like for him to lose - heh.

LOVE that last picture of Olga!

John Going Gently said...

I love that photo of olga.....why dont you enter it in the flower show's photo comp? Its intitled " pets"

Alphie Soup said...

Another day, another bog,

Makes for a very happy dog.

Alphie