A youthful addition

Dad was showing me the booklet containing information about activities for 'senior citizens' in his area.
"Well, there are two dance classes," I said, "and a keep-fit class."
"Yes, but it's all pensioners," he complained. (This is the 86 year old man who still sees himself as an 18 year old.)
"Well, maybe you should join then," I said, "and inject some youth into the group."

Caravan Heaven?

Today, everyone in the universe had decided to set off down the M5 in their caravans/campervans. The lorries, trucks and tankers, becoming impatient, relentlessly played their leapfrog game, thus continually clogging up the middle lane, which in turn meant that the outside lane was full of cars and everyone was fed up and wishing they had stayed at home.

Happy days!

Almost!

I came down this morning to let Paddy out to do what dogs have to do. These days I make sure I glance out of the windows to check if there are any cats or squirrels around before letting him loose, but this morning, I must have had my eyes closed. Almost before I had opened the door, he was at the bottom of the garden and a terrified, but very speedily reacting squirrel had leapt for safety onto the bottom fence and made a hasty exit. At the same time, an equally terrified wood pigeon, who had inadvertently been caught up in the whole episode, was quivering on the other fence, obviously wondering if the world had suddenly come to an end.

Deprived of his prey, Paddy then began jumping at the fence in an attempt to demolish it by sheer force, until I had legged it over the lawn, still in dressing gown, grabbed his collar and pushed him back into the house. At this point, reality must have dawned that he was 'In Trouble', so his attempt at damage limitation was to saunter nonchalantly into the living room, place his head on Keith's knee and look innocent.

"It wasn't me, gov, it was some other dog out there. Definitely not me - honest!"

Canada Geese

There were two Canada Geese on the lake when Paddy and I went for our walk this morning. Yes, I know it is not immediately obvious from the photo but, trust me, that's what they are - honest!

Squirrels!

I have found a way of providing fatballs for the birds, as you will see from this handy little container. However, the squirrels, never to be outdone, are on the case, no matter how many acrobatics it takes.

Back to the drawing board!

Service with a smile

Yesterday there was a Farmers' Market where Dad lives and I bought some apples and goat's cheese from one of the stalls. The man serving me urged me to come back soon and began to tell me where his farm and farm shop are.
"It might be a bit difficult," I said. "I live in North Wales, so it's a bit far to come."
"We deliver!" he said, without batting an eyelid.

All grown up

"Have you locked the back door?" asked Dad as we got ready to set off for his GP appointment.
"Yes," I said, "I've been running a home for a long time now, you know."
"Oh yes," he said apologetically. "It's just that when you're here, I forget you're grown up. I think you're still at school."
Still trying to work out whether to take that as a compliment or not...