Catch-ups and cool downs

It’s been a slap on the sunscreen and put the parasols up kind of week. In my youth, I would have pulled the nearest sun lounger into the light and suffered the sweat for a decent tan but as one gets older (and a little wiser), the cool ombre is far more inviting. The pool of course has been a godsend although I have had to teach Arry not to join me as any attempt by me to do backstroke brings out the lifeguard in him. I didn’t think my swimming style was that bad. There is also the ongoing issue with his ears, apart from sticking up like radars, they have a habit of getting infections so filling them up with water doesn’t help. Mercifully, only Arry and Yogi like a doggy paddle and the latter’s legs are too short to reach the first step.

With the 4th anniversary of Tony’s death on Tuesday, I was beyond excited when Fran and Steve (Tony’s sister and her other half) arrived for a quick overnight visit on Friday. We haven’t seen each other for over 2 years so emotional hugs all round. After a grand tour of the property and a much-needed dip in said pool, we chatted long into the night over Mumo’s scrumptious coq au vin and several bottles of the red stuff. With their whistle stop tour of Southern Europe ongoing, the catch-up was all too short but our guests left with the promise they’d stay longer next trip.

Yesterday, and despite the heat, the lovely Lionel and darling Denis got the fencing up. The gates still have to be made so we have had to make temporary ones but for the most part, the garden is just about ready for the next load of summer visitors. The woofers are somewhat bemused about the sudden loss of gate-barking opportunities (although Sherman didn’t take long to find a gap to squeeze through) but I’m sure our neighbours will appreciate it. Mind you, they aren’t whizzing around as much as stretched out under various trees or in Alice’s case, under a poolside umbrella. I had a minor panic the other day when I found Gizmo lying flat out on my floor tiles with his legs stretched out in every direction, I thought he’d fallen off the sofa and couldn’t move. Poor little old man wasn’t happy when I started checking for injuries when all he wanted to do was keep cool. We are due for some rain and lower temperatures next week which should please both woofers and garden, I shall relish not having to drag the hose out every evening to dose the young trees and bushes. The reel and I have an ongoing battle, I drag its 50 metre length out, water everything and then spend several minutes swearing at the damn thing trying to wind it back in without half the hose coming off the reel. That and having to try and restrain Arry and Sherman from ‘eating’ the spray. Still, roll on summer and let the good times begin…Arry style….

“If you’re not barefoot, then you’re overdressed.” (unknown)