Barbecue!

I took Archie out early (8.30am) and we went quite a long walk down to the Links (not just round the block). I wanted to go further, but very soon I got tired and sore, and just wanted to come home. Sorry, Arch.

I then went to the shop to pick up vinegar to clean the coffee machine and I spent quite a while fiddling around flushing it out (the coffee machine, not the shop). Though we have very soft water, it shouldn’t need de-scaling. Also, I ordered more coffee (from a new, much cheaper supplier), arranged a boiler inspection and obtained another 8 weeks for £1 of the Times/Sunday Times online.

I bought a baguette at the shop, and we made a modest picnic to take with us to the Hermitage. We all drove down to the duck pond and parked this time, it being so hot. And in fact, JR and Archie opted to drive home after the walk. Sensible.

We walked along the top track and came down to the Big House. There was a handy bit for Archie to go down and stand in the river (for ages), and a bench for us to sit on to picnic, though it was in the full sun, so we couldn’t hang about too long. 

We walked back round the Duck Pond. Archie always stops at the gate and refuses to walk on by. He loves going round that way.  It would be nice to think he likes to see the cygnets, but actually it’s because he once found a whole lot of bread and gobbled it up. There are signs around asking people NOT to feed bread to the ducks, but evidently people can’t read. Drove home, for which we were all thankful. (10,932 steps).

I got inspired to get the barbecue out for the first time. Yes, I did have a new gas canister, and yes, we had some frozen vege patties, JR threw a salad together, so hey presto - an easy tea. 

The wee girls from upstairs came out when they knew Archie was there. He barked. They laughed. They then went through all his tricks. Poor Archie, they tend to crowd round him and shout instructions at him all at once. The only reason he doesn’t run away inside is because they have treats!

After they’d gone in, it was the most perfect evening - still over 20°, and much more bearable. As we were finishing our G&T, Lynn from upstairs came down to hang washing, and in her bag she happened to have a bottle of chilled rosé (as you do) with three glasses, so we joined her. A most pleasant evening. 

This hot weather has been super, a real moral booster after all the misery of lockdown, but the yobs are out in force. I’ve heard so many stories of hordes of (mainly) young folk drinking, brawling, not observing social distancing, leaving rubbish in the parks again. What is wrong with people??

The hedge is growing fast. All the neighbours have done theirs. We’re working up to do ours. Maybe tomorrow...