Gym Bunny

The weather has been kind the last few days and despite the dour warnings of the met office that we could expect at least a foot of snow, none of the white stuff has materialised. It has been cold, cold enough that we've actually been running the heating and that's something we just do not do without real provocation. Extra jumper and thicker socks, that's our mantra. The sun, however, has kept shining, so it's mostly been a pleasure to get out and about.

Our weekend walks tend to be longer, out across the fields, over stiles (and through mud holes if Monty has his way!) and the small person has been coping well with her latest excursions. A new hat - splendid in purple - was purchased on behalf of her ears, and a pink fluffy snowsuit keeps the rest of her cosy. Once Mummy or Daddy is harnessed up for walking, we set off.

One of the highlights for the canine members of the family, is rabbits! Ted is a born hunter, I'm afraid, and even though he is usually on the lead he is unstinting in his efforts to seek out the furry foe. Being part spaniel, he is nose driven and motors about at a frantic pace, head down, bum up, tail wagging when he catches the scent. As today's 'Ted shot' shows, he never fails to follow his quarry into the undergrowth, no matter how prickly and down any hole no matter how small. If he wasn't on the lead, I am sure we would have been stood for hours today while he invited himself further into the bunny abode.

The bunnies have been less apparent in the colder weather, mostly tucked up warm below ground, but we did spot a few today much to the delight of both dogs. Monty gave chase, bless him, as best he could. Despite being the son of a field trial champion, Monty has none of the smarts of his forbears. His main tactic, as far as we can see, is to hope that his chosen bunny will suffer a cardiac arrest en route back to it's hole. In effect, he is providing a service to the bunnies; whittling out the unfit and giving the others free cardio workouts in the process. He always seems happy with the thrill of the chase though, coming back with a big grin on his face. The only thing Monty has ever actually 'caught' was a pigeon he found sitting in a hedge....he duly 'retrieved' it for us only to panic when it flapped it's wings whereupon he immediately released it with look of pure horror that the thing he had thought was dead was in fact alive and what should he do now??!

So, walking and lots of it has been my main activity over the last few days. I seem to be managing with that part of the to-do list. Now I must turn my attention to the next part whilst keeping up the walking bit. Time to juggle with an extra ball, so to speak! I'll keep you posted.