Autumn walk

While much of Northern Britain is submerged, it seemed almost criminal to be complaining about the heat on a brief Sunday walk.  Brief, because it was only to fill in the time between dropping TallGirl off at her riding school, and her jumping competition starting.

Mr B had, obviously, taken a bottle of fizz with him, expecting I think to find a nice picnic table to sit at.  However, our route was badly chosen and involved crossing the kind of farmyards where you fully expect to be set upon by rabid dogs, and also trespassing in the (nice) garden of a local chateau.

So, not a relaxing walk (especially not the bits involving pushing through thorny hedges) and the fizz remained firmly corked!

TallGirl's round was clear, of course, and was the usual careful and deliberate performance we expect from her.  She decided she didn't want to do any more, so we came home.  A brief sojourn on the terrace to enjoy the end of the sunshine, and then a barbecue, including a toast to the fine country that makes barbecues in December possible!  Marshmallows on the fire, Doctor Who, an unexpected interaction with a mouse, and now Strictly.

I'm not sure quite what to make of the kids coming in earlier talking about having driven a quad bike.  I thought a neighbour had given them a backie... but no, it was just handed over to all the kids for them to blast around.  No safety chat, no safety gear, no "go and check with your parents first".  Hmmm.