Another day, another outing with the dog. This time I did muster the energy to go to Hampstead Heath, and Olga -- of course -- was practically exploding with energy. So we had fun.
(I don't know what's up with my health lately. I've been feeling very dragged-out and have a dry cough and some chest tightness. It's persisted at least since my cold from several weeks ago. I don't have a fever so I've been on the fence about whether to see the doctor -- I made an appointment and then cancelled it, and then made another. I might keep this one. I suppose chest ailments deserve attention, though I think it may just be congestion from the dry heat in our flat. I used to get that when I lived in New York, too.)
Anyway, on Sandy Heath Olga and I encountered a mob of people with their dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes! We didn't hang around to watch -- and I didn't have my camera so I didn't try to take any pictures -- but I belatedly realized it was the annual Halloween walk sponsored by All Dogs Matter. That's the organization where we adopted Olga, almost five years ago! If I'd realized that right away, I probably would have joined in, or at least talked to someone there to show them how well Olga's getting on.
I've never understood people who carve names or messages into trees. I don't think it happens often these days, and this looks like a pretty old carving. Do you think it's a reference to Lulu of "To Sir, With Love" fame?
Back home again, Dave and I Skyped with our friend David in New York, which was great because we hadn't talked to him in almost a year. (Time flies!) He's been thinking about going to Italy, and Dave and I have been talking about the same thing, so we toyed with the idea of a coordinated trip sometime next year. It might never happen but it would be fun if we can pull it off.
We finished the day by watching "The Shining" and an episode from the new season of "Stranger Things" -- appropriately Halloween-ish!
(Top photo: Some collapsing advertising posters on a message board around the corner from our flat.)
Perhaps Sidney Poitier carved that. Didn't you watch the amazing Blue Planet II?
ReplyDeleteI wonder who the first person was to coin the word "spooktacular"?
ReplyDeletenext year you'll have to get Olga a costume and join in.
ReplyDeleteFunny that you would mention Lulu of "To Sir with Love" fame. I was thinking the same thing when I saw the picture. Italy is so worth a trip....go!
ReplyDeleteGood to know you were up for taking a walk with Olga. I haven't been out of the house for days because of some kind of virus. Ugh. Italy and a rendezvous with an old friend sounds delightful. Take care there.
ReplyDeleteI've never understood the upsurge in participation in Halloween, akin to Christmas in the lavishness of decorations. It seems to have come into vogue while I was out of the country for several years back in the 80's. Coincidentally, the BRD and her Beau Jack are currently in Puerto Vallarta and she reported that the city is awash in Day of the Dead paper skeletons and candy skulls.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking of that song by Lulu a couple of days ago! I saw the movie with my parents and another couple they knew - the only time I ever went to a theatre movie with my folks, although we saw a few together at the drive-in theatre. The movie made a huge impression on me; I was about ten at the time. And I loved the title song.
ReplyDeleteWe don't do anything for Halloween except hand out treats and then eat the rest of the treats later :)
P. S. Meant to say the posters in the picture look like they are melting!
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you feel better soon. It's a bit scary when things hang on. A doctor visit can't hurt.
Get off the fence. Get to the doctors. Get this malaise sorted.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much interested in Halloween with all its witches and spiders and creepies.
I'd rather just boss people about.... :=)
Alphie
I have a friend who was just warning us all about walking pneumonia - perhaps that's what's going on with you.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, we are a bit bonkers over Halloween here. My dad & his wife are coming over for dinner tonight. I might even dress up! Or at least wear pumpkin earrings. Ha!
Go see the doctor my friend. I’m wondering if I just plumb missed the time change here. Did my husband change all the clocks and say nothing? Gotta check when it is/ was.
ReplyDelete