More Colorful Leaves

Lots of walking yesterday, which felt good. I've been stuck at home with Bailey as she recovers from her surgery, hesitant to leave her alone lest she get crazy, jump around and bust her stitches. But yesterday, after her morning outing, I decided to risk it and take a long walk by myself, working my way through some podcast episodes.

As you can see, it wasn't especially sunny, but the autumn leaves were still colorful. I walked north from our flat almost to Brent Cross and then back down through Cricklewood. I polished off two episodes of "Raising Hell," the podcast I've been listening to about a child sex ring that may or may not have operated in Omaha back in the '80s. Some people say it's a hoax, as both state and federal investigators concluded, but others suggest it really happened. So far I'm leaning toward hoax, with possible grains of truth embedded. From a reporting perspective it's an interesting tale, with lessons on sorting reality from fiction.

Remember the Cricklewood elephant? Well, it MOVES! I'd never seen it in animatronic mode, but it's pretty realistic! According to the sign hanging around its neck, its name is Duke. I still don't know where it came from or why it's there.

On the way home I stopped in to a charity shop where I'd seen some nice wine glasses in the window. There were only three of them, but I thought they exactly matched the ones we already have, so I bought them. When I brought them home I found that in fact they don't match at all. Oh well. My goal was four matching glasses, which we do not have. I guess I could always buy new ones, but it's not that important.

Then, of course, I had to walk the dog -- so after lunch I set out with her. She has pretty much returned entirely to normal. She's up for longer walks and she gives hell to the squirrels.

The rowan trees are burdened with berries that practically glow among the bright yellow foliage.

Finally, last night, Dave and I went upstairs for dinner with our neighbor, Ian. His wife and daughter are out of town so I think he was eager for some company. He roasted a chicken and we talked about how they found the apartment, how they're settling in and other things. I was just amazed I convinced Dave to socialize on a weeknight -- the fact that we didn't have to leave our building was a major incentive!