Summer’s swan song

Picture the scene. The writer sips her morning coffee whilst looking out at the view provided by the retracted patio doors, a calm breeze ruffling the ends of her hair as she listens to the waves lapping gently at the white sand whilst a soaring eagle glides effortlessly across the cerulean sky….Sorry, got carried away for a minute there thinking about that house in the film ‘Sleeping with the Enemy’ . Yet there is something romantic about the end of the summer. In the next week or so, social media will be full of pictures of fading sunsets, white washed beaches with a footprint or two, bronzed bodies and selfies with sunglasses. The reality of endless English rain, bored kids and sunburnt pupils (hence the need for Ray bans) is forgotten as they reminisce about the wonderful summer of 2019. Except me. This summer has been financially and mentally exhausting looking after everyone’s dogs whist they have a holiday or three.

Tony used to call me a reptile, he meant it fondly I’d like to reassure you all. I am a Scorpio after all. He was remarking on my love of the sun and my ability to completely relax under the scorching rays, he couldn’t bear it and would be most likely to be found in a pool unlike his lounger loving wife. Give me a book, a glass of something cold and these days, a sun hat, and I’m happy. It will come as no surprise therefore, that I haven’t been all that upset at the English weather over the last month, who relaxes with 101 canines underfoot? Without sounding self-pitying, I would like to offer an invitation to stay to all those who send me Facebook memes of how wonderful life is when you are knee deep in dog. Still, mustn’t grumble. As the summer finally draws it’s last few breaths, the sun has decided it’s time to shine just as all the boarders start to go home. Maybe Tony has had a word with Him (or Her) up there.

On the plus side Callum is home and sorted for college and Kate is still here. I’m enjoying the company to be honest especially as I have finally finished the up cycling of our infamous dining table (Tony loved it, I hated it) so we can eat dinner together. I haven’t done much in the way of dating recently but to be honest, I’ve lost any enthusiasm for it. My mum, whose advice I always ask for but rarely follow, told me that it was far to early to think about another relationship anyway. Having humans to share the evening with is a novelty I’m happy to live with at the moment, especially if I can sit overlooking a sun-drenched garden with a chilled glass of wine and the gentle sounds of yapping canines…

” If you want the best seat in the house, move the dog” (Anon)