Spotted on my walk with Bailey yesterday up to Child's Hill Park. I'm glad someone is still thinking about Ukraine (aside from the ever-conscientious Boud). It sometimes seems like that whole conflict has been lost amid the insanity of the Trump administration and the world's other wild vacillations.
We had a good walk, although I could not get Bailey interested in chasing her tennis ball. She'll do it at home, but often when we're out at a park she'd rather smell the smells and explore the new territory. I briefly put her on the long lead to no apparent benefit, before switching back to the short one.
On the way home, Bailey took a moment to watch a Cricket game on the playing fields near the cemetery. She must wonder what's going on out there. The sign on her lead says, "No Dogs -- I Like People." I got it from Amazon at the suggestion of the shelter, but I've debated whether to continue using it. I think most people miss the second part and assume she's just a savage ravening terror. Besides, I steer her around other dogs long before their owners get close enough to benefit from reading it.
Here's what our dry, dry garden looks like. I really think we've lost that buddleia at right, which is a shame. And our wallflower, which is barely visible lower right, is dead as a doornail. I went back to look at pictures of the August garden in recent years and even in dry ones it's never looked this bad. Here it is in 2025, 2024 (so green!), 2023 (CRAZY green!), 2022 (also very green) and 2021 (look at the buddleia then, at right behind the yellow Inulas).
I know I keep moaning about this drought but it feels oppressive. Everything seems dusty and exhausted. I swear I haven't seen a snail all year, and normally I'd celebrate that fact, but it just seems wrong.
Dave is off to school this morning for his first day of work. There are meetings and I AM SO GLAD I'M NOT GOING!
Instead, think I'll get my ears pierced -- seriously. I've always wanted both ears pierced and I've never done it, and if not now, when? I used to have my left ear pierced (twice!) but I haven't worn earrings in at least 25 years so those holes have long closed. I'm pretty much starting fresh.
Today's Jarmanism, written after gossiping with his friends about figures in the London gay community: "Leigh Bowery -- much loved, and it just goes to show, if you wear silly clothes round Soho for long enough you'll get to be famous."
Having fake grass has kept our garden looking good, and unlike comments often made, the children have played on ours all summer, with the right foundations it does not get too hot. As for the plants, its a case of waiting to see what returns next year.
ReplyDeleteThe gardens around my neighbourhood look very much like yours, Steve.
ReplyDeleteWe're supposed to get a bit of rain this week, starting around lunch time today, but we'll see how much it's actually going to be - what we really need is a fortnight of constant, gentle rain, and that's not to be expected anytime soon.
I can imagine how glad you are that you're not returning to work this week (or ever)!
Any ideas what you'll want to wear on your earlobes? Studs? Small creoles? Pearls or something sparkly? The same on both sides? I don't feel "complete" without earrings, similar to many women who feel "naked" without make-up (which I don't use except for a dash of lipstick every now and then).