Rambling

Phoebe had two grandmothers to tend to her today so, feeling surplus to requirements, I persuaded Clint to take me over the hills to  Brierlow Bar south east of Buxton. There were a couple of ordnance survey squares I needed to bag.

In that limestone country there are a  few long clefts in the earth including Deep Dale, Horseshoe Dale and Back Dale. They are somewhat hidden from neighbouring roads. It would be easy to speed past them and not know they were there.

The aptly named Deep Dale appeared to be a haven for wildlife with unusual butterflies  dancing above undisturbed beds of nettles, thistles and wild grasses.. I climbed up to a cave and even went inside. I am not sure how natural it is for there is much evidence of historical lead mine working in north  Derbyshire. Later I discovered that it is called Thurst House Cave.

Christ Church, King Sterndale

At Christ Church in King Sterndale the grass cutting contractor was hard at work strimming the graves and we soon got talking. He had a bee in his bonnet about university education - suggesting that it isn't worth it for most people. You're better off doing something practical like plumbing, painting and decorating or presumably cutting grass in churchyards. I didn't have the heart to argue with him.

It wasn't the longest walk - no more than four miles. I didn't see another rambler and the paths I walked seemed little trodden. Where I parked at Brierlow Bar there is a bookshop and cafe. I had seen it but I had never ventured inside before. Considering how isolated it is - way out in the countryside - it was surprising to see what a wide range of books it sells - including  "How To Live Vegan" by Bosh!

Descent into Deep Dale and the cave entrance

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Roger Update

Roger is doing well 

Of course he is, he’s an affable fellow with no edge to him at all.

Within a day Albert and he had an understanding and apart from the occasional botty lick they have left each other alone. 

Mary as expected is his pal of sorts and has already “ taught” him to walk on a lead and feel relaxed in the car. They sleep together in the kitchen she on the reading chair, him in his crate.

I’ve had peaceful nights because of it.

Surprisingly, the Diva Dorothy has been patient so far. Lots of growls and moans when he comes too near but nothing followed through as Roger just doesn’t react to her warnings. 

He skips past her like a 50 s schoolgirl, gauche and a bit clumsy,

oblivious to any upset or slight he may of caused.

Think Joyce Grenfell in St Trinians 

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Friday

 Happy Friday

Smile wide

I’m alive

Off for some coffee

And a pastry too

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