Ophelia

The sky is an ominous yellow, and the wind is getting up. The margins of Hurricane Ophelia are scraping past Suffolk, and it's definitely not an evening for a walk. Hard to believe that it was scorching in the garden yesterday, and sitting in my lounger reading the Sunday papers I actually got a touch of sunstroke, even with a hat on. I crawled into the summerhouse feeling sick, and slept for nearly two hours. It was glorious again today until the atmosphere suddenly changed. Skylarks soaring and dipping in amorous pairs filled the sky with song, and if they are low in numbers elsewhere in the UK they're not here. What ill luck, though, that I was at the lower end of the field when the grumpy farmer attacked the hedges again, including the field side of mine. I couldn't see if he was slicing back the top or not, but when I got back to the house it was clear that he was not. He had disappeared again, but none of the tops have been done so he will return. Maybe next time I can catch him and stick a tenner in his face.

I finally understand the whippet stare. It's what they do when they need a pee, or want feeding. Normal dogs would run to the door and whine or get excited when they need to go out, and circle their food bowl when they are hungry, but not whippets. They stand stock still in front of you and stare. They do this until you ask them what is wrong, and then try to second guess them since they won't show you. I used to be puzzled until I read I read about it. It's unsettling, the absolute concentration they focus on you, but I think it's rather superior way of communicating once you've found the translation. These breed characteristics are fascinating, and Hugo is typical in every way. I'm thinking of taking him to the agility classes run by my chiropractor. When he's at the bottom of the garden and I call him he's taken to flying over the lavender bed as he rushes to me. He's a natural leaper, and I think he'd enjoy being put through his paces. I'll stand in front of him in a minute and stare at him, see what he thinks. If he expects me to be telepathic, I'll see how good he is.