Walking With A Friend

“When I’m in turmoil, when I can’t think
when I’m exhausted and afraid
and feeling very, very alone, I go for walks.
It’s just one of those things I do.”
― Jim Butcher,  American author. 1971 –

I am enjoying one of those weekends with Daisydog.  For those new to this blog, or those who may have forgotten, Daisydog is my No 1 grandson’s dog.  As is so often the case, James moved on, Daisydog stayed with his parents.  And now I have the pleasure of spending occasional weekends minding her when my son and daughter-in-law are away.

Daisydog is getting old and she quite likes walking with me because we walk at the same pace – two elderly ladies out keeping each other company. As soon as I mention the word she takes off to get her collar from the handle of the drawer.

Yesterday, yet another beautiful autumn day, 20℃ we went for a walk along the river bank.  Even on such a lovely day, the pathway was almost deserted.  

Where was everybody?  Inside watching TV, sleeping in or maybe shopping.  In any event, we enjoyed our time meandering along, watching the pukeko family busily foraging for food.  We met a stray dog who took one look at Daisydog and decided to take off and find someone younger with whom to play.

By the time we had walked a km or about 1,500  Steps she was exhausted – as an older dog, she suffers from arthritis in a hip and so we don’t go on the long rambles we did even a year ago.  So I took her home and she settled into one of the many beds she has around the house.

As Tom T Hall sang “aint but three things in life worth a solitary dime, but old dogs and children and watermelon wine”

I continued my walk after she was settled down. But I miss those long walks we used to have.

My almost walking day

was rounded off by early drinks with new friends followed by dinner with old friends.

JB 05.01.22

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