Let's face it. Sometimes walking the dogs is the last thing I feel like doing. Especially at this time of year. I suddenly find the light going, I'm not finished my work and the dogs are waiting at the front door, quietly needling each other to forget they need a wee. Yesterday was no different, except it was the shortest day of the year and I was determined not to be late.
We arrived at the same time as Charlie, a Basset hound, a very big and handsome boy. Charlie was in no hurry, and then Barney arrived so we left them to their dawdle and set off at our 20-minute mile pace.
It was a lovely afternoon, quite mild and not wet. The sky cleared and would you believe it, we saw a wonderful sunset. Mind you, blink and you miss it mid-Winter. Shackleford Heath is above the Village, and Peper Harow lies below on the other side, so the sunsets are particularly good here. Apart from the top car park at Puttenham Common I don't know of another place around here to experience such a splendid sunset.
And walking on the Farm* this morning, in the bright sunshine, I couldn't have been happier. I've spotted some holly still with berries (maybe a bit high up for me!), so will be taking a tall man on the walk tomorrow to collect it for my Christmas table.
*We are very fortunate to have well signposted public footpaths and bridleways in this part of Surrey and I'm sure the dogs prefer to 'off-road', but please take care when there is livestock around. The sheep around here are lovely but don't like being chased by dogs!