An odd day today. First of all I had to take the puppies to Frensham Kennels. It had occurred to me to walk there. It’s only 5.5 miles but the first 2 miles is along busy roads which I wasn’t that keen on. So, instead, I ordered a taxi to take us all to Frensham Little Pond. The taxi driver told me how he’s been given leave to live and work in Australia but is waiting for the dollar to pound exchange rate to improve. His dog died in January but it had lived to 16 and had a lovely life running all over Frensham.
It was lovely today. The sky so blue, the temperature warm. The puppies loved it. It’s the first time I’ve been there alone as Mirinda usually drives. I walked around the pond and up to the bronze age burial mounds. Took some photos then kept walking along the ridge.
Frensham Kennels is by the big pond so I was heading, roughly, in that direction. Halfway down the hill I found a memorial I’d never seen before. It’s sat alone on the hill side, over looking the big pond. It reads:
“Frensham Common was bequeathed to the National Trust by WA Robertson in memory of his brothers Norman Cairns Robertson, Cptn, 2nd Batt, Hampshire Regiment who died 20th June 1917 at Hanover, Germany and of Laurance Grant Robertson, 2nd Lieut, 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who was killed in action in France during the battle of the Somme, in or near Delville Wood on 30th July 1916.”
I didn’t know that. I thought Frensham Ponds was always owned by the Bishop of Winchester. Maybe it was sold off by the crown after the dissolution. Anyway, it’s a striking monument, all lychen covered and stark.
From the memorial, it’s just a short stroll down to the main road, across it and along the rim of the big pond. I arrived at the kennel and the puppies were not happy about being fooled. They enjoyed the walk so much, I don’t think they knew where we were going until it was too late. Day-z was happy enough to go but Carmen kept looking at me as if to say “Don’t leave me here. Please?”
Too bad, Carmy, I said, and left. I had decided to get a bus back so I walked back to the middle of the road between the ponds and waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually a bus appeared and I made my way back into Farnham.
I forgot to mention that the other day I was in Starbucks and one of the Baristas knew my name. I don’t know how. She said, as she started to prepare my usual “Are you drinking in today, Gary?” I just said yes, automatically. A little later it struck me that she knew my name. Freaky.
And finally back to a very quiet house. It’s odd when the puppies aren’t here. I keep expecting them to bark or jump on me or lick me and it never happens. I miss them. Though I did get to have all the roast beef on my rolls for lunch rather than sharing with them.
After lunch, I mowed the lawn…again. Damned thing. Just keeps growing. It’s always that first mow. Once you start…
I had an email from mum this morning asking if I could strip the sound off a video she’d sent me of dad (and others) singing and burn it onto a CD. It took me most of the afternoon and evening but I managed it. I amaze myself sometimes.
I haven’t heard from my dear wife today so I have to assume she’s having too good a time without me. I’ll see her tomorrow and give her a piece of my mind!
