Quackers

A glorious sunrise but since then it has been a very grey day. Milder though.

After a late breakfast we walked to the pond and back.
Had a chat with a friend who was out walking the dogs. We often see him on our walks.

I was pleased to see 14 mallards on the pond.
However most of them were male, and so there were a few skirmishes going on.
This male had paired up with a female and so was quite content and both were having a snooze before I disturbed them.

We noticed a planning notice had gone up informing people about some alterations they were going to do to Tom’s house. It has been empty since he died, and looks in a sorry state.
However part of the plans were to build a garage in the adjacent field where he grew the tomatoes etc. May the the thin end of the wedge. If they get these plans passed the next thing will be to build in the rest of the field.
Unfortunately I think it is bound to happen sooner or later no matter how many objections there are.

After lunch I drove to the garden nursery, but it was closed. So decided to carry on to town.
Before Covid, Cleckheaton was just beginning to improve, with new shops opening, and the whole place livening up. Many of the shops have now closed, and there are so many signs up “ To Let”. The only shops which are thriving are barbers, hairdressers, and beauty parlours.
It makes me so sad.
However there is still a cobblers, and I am pleased to say he will repair my favourite shoes which have a hole in the heel.
So between us we will be doing our bit to “ save the planet “!