Bailey Hates Her Harness

Here I am with Bailey, walking down Alvanley Gardens in the golden morning light of November. When it's sunny it's beautiful at this time of year, but it's rarely sunny. We've had two bright days and now we're in for a week of clouds and rain, starting today.

I found this tired-looking quilt folded over a railing on Finchley Road. It looks handmade, and I imagine someone put a lot of work into it. I didn't even consider trying to save it, though. It looks beyond saving, and besides, I have two family quilts of my own. Plus, used bedding -- blech.

I spent yesterday morning working on slides, and then took the dog to the cemetery in the afternoon.

Again, we had lots of dramatic light and shadow...

...including on the grave of Mordaunt Allen Gwynne, which is historically listed and one of the most beautiful in the cemetery. I've photographed it several times. It now has a small tree growing right next to it, which seems potentially destabilizing, but I guess that's not my concern.

Bailey has started rubbing her harness on walls as she walks past. I assume she's trying to get it off. She used to do this with her old harness, too, but since this one covers more of her body she's a little more vigorous about it. I'm trying to get her to stop because she's wearing it out! You can hear me say something to her at the beginning of the video -- it sounds Russian, but I don't know any Russian so I think it was actually "Crazy beast, stop."

Dave is starting to make noises about wanting to imminently retire. We had a conversation about it last night. I suspected this would happen if I retired. When he initially urged me to take the school's buyout deal, he said he wanted to work five more years -- but I guess going to work while I stay home is understandably no fun for him. Unfortunately, if he really wants to stop working, it will necessitate some major life changes -- we couldn't afford to stay in this apartment and, perhaps, not even in England. But at the same time, it's not exactly fair for me to demand that he keep working. It caused me enough anxiety to keep me awake for a good chunk of the night. Marriage means negotiation, and this will require negotiation!