Last full day in Mercia

We've been dog sitting today, since we're in the marina and it's Tuesday. Sally quickly settled back into boat life, and thoroughly enjoyed a charge about in one of the fields. A new throw toy we bought in Stone proves to be very successful. It's a miniature tyre, about five inches in diameter and of very solid rubber construction. Because it's actually shaped like a real tyre, it can be hung fetchingly on the lower front teeth after being caught.

The only downside is that since it's black and quite small, you have to watch Sal like a hawk whilst she's got it, or it gets dropped out of sight somewhere in a very big field of rough grass. Her other favourite ploy is to put it down by your feet. When you bend down to pick it up, she gives an ear shattering bark, grabs it and runs off, laughing. This is known as the Doberman sense of humour.

Whilst she and I were thus disporting ourselves, Sheila walked down to the village to get a paper and to see if she could get a hair appointment. She came back without one; one of the hairdressers was fully booked, and at the other, Guys and Dolls, you couldn't walk in, but had to ring a mobile number. Since Sheila had already tried this and not got an answer, this wasn't encouraging.

However, later in the morning, Sarah the hairdresser rang back. Sheila had gone up to the laundrette to start the latest batch of washing tumbling, but on her return and returning the call, she got an appointment for eleven. This meant that she had to set out almost at once, so Sally and I collected the laundry in due course.

Sally was very good, and sat outside the door, sort of, whilst I nipped in and grabbed the stuff. Fortunately, Sheila had used the machine nearest the door.

Just after lunch, Bluenote arrived in the space alongside. I popped out to welcome the new arrival, but it turned out to be Doug from the New and Used Boat Company temporarily parking the recently sold boat there pending survey. The brokerage moorings are quite full at the moment.

We've had a peaceful afternoon since, taking Sal for a stroll round the marina and then loafing in the boat. I put some chuck steak on to casserole just before typing this; I'd forgotten what it was like cooking under canine supervision, every scrap of food being followed from chopping board to pan with the look that says "you're not going to cook it all, are you?"

Tomorrow, we set off for Burton and my eye clinic appointment. The forecast is for heavy rain, naturally.

/floor