Archie turns over a new leaf...

An all-action day! Washing hung out and grass cut by 10.30am. I showered and drove down to the Duck Pond to meet up with Uncle A by 11am. This is an easy walk then bus ride for him, and it’s a familiar place, so I think he’ll do it again by himself. 

We had the hottest day! Uncle A was sitting in the sun when I got there at the appointed time (I think he’d been there a good hour beforehand, but plenty for him to look at). Only five cygnets now.

JR and Archie arrived, walking, a wee while later, and after we’d seen Uncle A back to the bus stop, we walked through the Hermitage. Actually, we found a new path on the way back - not the main one, so nobody on it. So gorgeous and peaceful. And shaded. We made it right to the cafe at other end, and I was very grateful for the excellent flat white white and sit down on the shady bridge. Oh, and a raspberry and white chocolate scone...

I was SOOOO thankful I’d brought the car down and didn’t need to walk up the looong road home. I whizzed home, windows down, with a very happy look on my face! (10,496 steps)

After a wee lie down on the sofa, we repaired to the newly  trimmed back green. We had a chat with the neighbours, who had been round the Hermitage too, and played tennis (it’s all free still) AND they usually do an evening walk there too. Respect! 

Hazel came over for a wee glass of wine and nibbles later, so it was great to catch up on her news, and our neighbour from upstairs came down and she’d been up the Pentlands - Respect! The sun had left us by about 7.30, but it was still so warm. What a day! 

Archie did NOT bark when Hazel came in the front door and through the house, as instructed, while we were out the back! And he didn’t bark when our upstairs neighbour arrived! In fact, she patted and played with him for the first time. See, Archie - people like doggies who DON’T BARK ALL THE TIME!