Convenient

The dog's lead duly turned up exactly where I was told it would be, hanging off the gate leading into the Woodland Trust walks. Oh ye of little faith. I'm very fond of this lead: it's soft and light and was very cheap, far superior to the leather and heavily woven fabric ones we also possess. We didn't walk there today though, but stuck to the large field behind the house. The lanes are icy and I don't fancy taking a tumble. The first part of the track is very wet and covered in ice again this morning after a night of heavy frost. It's also been pounded by the horses that take their exercise where we do, so the many little hoof-sized potholes around the boggy entrance are filled with icy water. Hugo immediately spotted a large black bird and started after it, but was not prepared for the ground to give way with a sharp crackle under his feet. Luckily he stopped before he got up any speed and turned back. I would hate one of those long slender legs to snap. Nikki told me how lucky I am to have a long-legged dog as her shaggy spaniel needs a bath after almost every walk. And last night Sophie bemoaned her two ground-hugging dachshunds who can't help slithering through the mud on even the most sedate of walks. Yes, long legs are good, as long as they don't get stuck in the ground mid-gallop.

We dined on Charlie Bigham last night thanks to Judy's temporary incapacity, and the conversation turned for a while to convenience foods. Sophie is partial to the designer  boxes ordered online and delivered to your door containing all the ingredients for a meal whose recipe is enclosed. Apparently they supply the lot, including, where appropriate, an onion and a clove of garlic, a trickle of vinegar in a small airtight bag. I had to chuckle. I'm sure it's very handy when you come home tired from work and don't have to think about what to cook. But this idea is surely having a laugh.

Sophie's sister Caroline is about to qualify as a personal shopper and is keen to try out her new skills on this mother of the bride. She would do it all apparently, dress or trousers, shoes, handbag, hat/fascinator, the lot. The idea is so tempting I'd love to surrender myself to her talents and knowledge of where to shop. I fear she'd find me a very reluctant client though, loathing clothes shopping as I do and exhausted usually after visiting just a couple of outlets. I think I may just continue hoping for a miracle and shove my head back in the sand.