A Change In The Weather

The weather has changed considerably over the last few days. This morning (Saturday) it was quite chilly when I took Alfie out around 6.20. I have started wearing my chinos, having spent more or less the entire summer in shorts. A big difference felt.

(Wednesday) Well, excitement at the moment as I've had news from one of my film/television agencies that I might have work as a double on a film being made at Pinewood Studios. Can't reveal any more at the moment, but will probably have to go for a costume fitting if all goes according to plan.

(Friday) Well, I've been off this blog as you may have realised if you're a regular reader. I decided that my posts were becoming more and more repetitive as there simply wasn't much to report. Well, I'm back. Not exactly with a bang, but nevertheless, back.

The weather is currently warm and relatively sunny. Early mornings a chilly, not frosty (as yet) but I'm not in my shorts that early, but wear them occasionally. I don't think I have ever spent a summer almost entirely wearing shorts. 

Google has seen fit to mess around with Blogger. I don't like it. The same with Facebook. They fiddle with these sites at their peril. Too much change all at once. Why don't they consult the users of their software/sites and then get feedback? Surely not asking much.

(Sunday) Bright and sunny at the moment (8.53a.m) but it's chilly at 6.15 when I take Alfie out. He has a doggy friend, called Toto (I know you're going to say 'Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!' the line from 'The Wizard of Oz.') I keep on meeting him and his owner whenever we go out for a walk across Oldbrook Green. Yesterday they were on the opposite side when we arrived mid-morning and I could see them on the path. We approached and Toto, who was off his lead, ran to meet Alfie and was excited when they greeted each other. He is a shitsu, which was part of what Poppy was (crossed with a West Highland Terrier. I think she was more shitsu than Westie. I think Toto has many of Poppy's characteristics, such as being stubborn when called. He is a lighter colour than Poppy, with a beautiful fluffy pom-pom-like tail.

(Monday) A really unseasonably warm day. I went for a walk with my friend Mike from church. We walk from his flat in Downhead Park to the rather nice cafe in Willen and walk along the canal path. There is a family of swans on the canal. The parents and no less than seven signets. I wanted to photograph them and last week took my Canon digital camera with me, but there was absolutely no sign of the swans. But this week- of course- they showed up! I did attempt to take some shots with my iPhone, but they weren't very good and certainly not as good as I might have got if I'd had the digital camera with it's telephoto lens. Just they way things turn out, but I might probably have another go at a later date.

(Thursday) Yesterday there were council workmen trimming the hedges near the children's playground on Oldbrook Green. It now looks considerably tidier, except it appears they have not done all of the hedges as there's a lot more to trim going towards Fishermead. Perhaps they will return at a later date to finish the job.

Wednesday) I know I haven't posted anything for a while, but thought I'd add something to this post which has been waiting to be completed for quite a while. It's getting very autumnal and early mornings are darker when I go out with Alfie. The past few days there has been a mist over Oldbrook Green as I walk with him along Strudwick Drive. Quite a few leaves have fallen and the weather is definitely changing. 

Good Friday Sunshine

It is cold, but at least the sun came out! Poppy had a bath. The excitement is intense. And a haircut. So now she can see where she's going. Her fringe had got so bad she could barely see out. Then we decided to take the dogs for a walk. Alfie goes mad as soon as you show him the lead and it takes some time to get both dogs on their leads and out of the house, but as soon as we get onto the Redway we let them off. We walk along the Redway towards Woughton village and then along the path next to the Grand Union Canal. There was ice on the canal, which I've never seen before. I don't think it was very thick, but it seemed odd to see it all so still and silent. Alfie stops to wee against every tree and lamp post he can see and what's with this growling and kicking up the dust with his back legs-business? I think it's just the sheer joy of being out in the open air, and not shut up in the house as they have been for most of the winter. Both dogs pick up bits of twig on their coats and drag them along behind them. Alfie has to stop and pick it out with his mouth, while I have to stand on the twig that Poppy has to get it removed from her coat. I remember when Alfie was a puppy and we took him to Stockgrove Country Park. It was autumn, and as he walked along he got bits of twig and leaf in his coat and he kept stopping to remove it. He didn't seem to like it and got quite cross with the additional vegetation he was carrying!

There is still some snow laying on the ground, but most of it has fortunately melted, but there is still a definite chill in the air. Just hope that the weather begins to improve so that we can get out  a bit more while Carol is on holiday from the Academy