17th March 2025
There is something satisfying about clearing brambles. The cutting of the stalks, the excitement of filling the bags give an unbelievable sense of achievement.
“Well that’s sad” I hear you say “is that the best use of your time?” The answer is, for me, it’s a job that needs to be done, and I’m prepared to do it. I have to be busy, if I’m not, I feel I am wasting my time. There have been instances when it’s raining, curtailing any outside work, I am desperate for something to do, it’s a nightmare. So the hours mindlessly clipping is my therapy, but part of me wants to get back to Kelli and work on the pieces of shit that she has acquired. She has done a brilliant job keeping the business going. I have listened to her frustration, trying to give advice, but it’s not the same as getting your hands on a problem.
Recently the mornings start with the dog walk, they know the moment I pick up the leads. Bobby, starts barking, and jumping, his lead has to go over his head, easier said than done. There is a technique that I have learned, after endless attempts, firstly he tries to eat it, but it’s down to distraction. Once he has been harnessed he continues to bark loudly, in my ear, as I turn my attention to Dexter.
His lead is a lot more simple, but finding the buckle in amongst his long hair is the hardest part. I swear, when his kicks the bucket I want a wig made from his long flowing locks, I would look like Tina Turner.
When all that rigmarole is finished, it off on the walk. Both pull me along, Bobby, although short and low to the ground, is immensely strong, and could pull a battleship.
As soon as reach the old golf course, I let them loose, it is that “Born Free” moment.
It’s an exhilarating stroll, colder than I thought, but they are a lot more docile after their work out, then it’s back to the cottage for breakfast and more bramble cutting.
Another Lifetime to go 