Two ducks. Instead of four dogs.

What an exhausting morning! I was watching people running a marathon from the comfort of my sofa. I think people who torture themselves run like that are marvellous. London looked great. I'm always in awe of the organisation of such big events. And hopefully we'll all be in awe of the organisation for the Olympics, too.

Took a wee wander over to the duck pond at Blackford Hill. I've always called it the 'Duck Pond' but there was a decided lack of ducks there today. A couple of swans had commandeered the wee island. There were a few duck couples around the edge, and the rest were seagulls, squabbling over the bread being thrown for ducks, who didn't seem interested.

There was a family shouting and pointing at something. My luck was in - something really exciting to blip. It was a rat. Hmm.

I was disappointed not to see any wee ducks goslings ducklings. I've seen loads of blips recently with wee cute newly hatched birds. Are they earlier here? Later? Will have to consult my Uncle A - he's an expert.

My blip is of one of the few duck couples. Mr Duck's lovely head colours are a bit dark, though. But they make a fine couple. Do they look like prospective parents?

On Blackford Hill there was a marvellous view of the city. What could be better?

Then along came not one, not two, not three but FOUR dalmatians! What are the chances of that?

What a blip! Four frolicking dalmations in the foreground. The yellow gorse just behind them. The castle and the city in the sun in the background. Fluffy white clouds. Blue sky. I was so excited I nearly dropped my camera. But I had plenty of time to get the speed set, ready for the action shot. And it's not often I can say that.

I used all my specially honed physic powers to WILL the owners to walk down my way.

The dogs were charging about, playing with each other, looking gloriously spotty. Some were black spotted, some were brown spotted. (It just gets better and better, doesn't it?)

Getting nearer...

... and then they turned off on the other path. :-(

Two disappointments! I had to go home and have a Magnum Classic to console myself. It didn't really work. Maybe the large bag of Maltesers I have just found will do the trick!