Zella, my partner Sarah’s adorable German Shepherd, looks back forlornly at me as I crank up todays creative literary engine. I’ve gotta say, I’m unsure why the sable haired beauty looks so despondent. After all, she’s had a walk, during which she enjoyed herself chasing and retrieving sticks; the furry canine’s also had her morning constitutional and recently downed a couple of dog treats.
I’m no animal psychologist but I’d posit such a start to the day would ordinarily be classed as tantamount to living the doggy dream… Well, perhaps that’s over-egging the utopian levels of Zells current existence, but it’d be a very severe judge who’d direct his jury to deem her treatment as cruel.
Sure she might not have the luxury movie star life of Lassie, Rin Tin Tin or Toto, but I’d venture her treatment is a millions miles from that cruelty dished out to Old Shep’s by his dogicidal maniac neighbour.
Perhaps the old girl (Zells is 12, which is something like 412 in canine years) is not in the throes of a depressive episode; maybe the enchanting creature is merely tired after the exertions of this morning’s enthusiastic branch retrievals on Gawthorpe Green.
Anyhow, I cannot criticise the beautiful hound. After all, although not tired after this early morning dog walk, I probably looked miserable myself upon returning to Sarah’s home. A consequence of meandering the green in extremely cold temperatures.
Zella and my half an hour stroll undertaken in a bracing Ossett breeze. A chill zephyr which indicated there’s something behind recent meteorological forecasts predicting we’ll shortly see snow in parts of Blighty.
Predictions of sub-zero overnight temperatures around Tuesday/Wednesday have put pay to my plans of a scheduled midweek campervan visit to Settle.
Some may deem I am being a bit of a fanny by re-scheduling the trip due to forecasts of low overnight temperatures. My accusers perhaps pointing out camping is all about slumming it sometimes. Adding that suffering some discomfort or hardship on these odysseys is all part of the outdoor experience.
All valid observations when taken without context. However, with my previous cardiac event and my buddy (accompanying me on this journey) having his own health issues we decided camping in sub-zero temps was too risky when there is an option to re-schedule.
Instead, my buddy is venturing from the north east of England to stop at mine for a couple of days. time when I’ll get my West Yorkshire tourist guide hat on and show him the wonders of Wakefield, Ossett and Barnsley… And after that half hour’s over, we’ll go to the pub for two days.
Only kidding! There is plenty to do and see in reasonably close proximity to my apartment; some of which are very nearly interesting. Attractions such as the Hepworth art museum, the National Coal Mining Museum, Pugney’s Country Park and Old Harry’s Pickle Jar in Horbury.
The latter reputed to be occupied by a genie who can grant the person who affords him liberty any wish they so desire… With a caveat they don’t sue him if they doesn’t come true… Which they rarely do… When I say rarely I, of course, mean never… As the fact I’ve still got hemorrhoids confirms!
As my buddy and me both used to work at the National Coal Board offices in Gateshead, perhaps he might fancy a visit to the National Coal Mining Museum. Although, the fact we were white collar workers in the mining industry doesn’t necessarily mean he’d want to visit a mining museum… After all my partner Sarah used to have a horse but that doesn’t automatically mean she’d want to visit Horse Manure World… If such an attraction existed, of course.
As he supports Sunderland football club, I guess that Gary (my visiting mate) will be pretty indifferent about a tour of Leeds United’s football ground.
As a real ale fan who ranks Ossett Brewery’s White Rat ale amongst his favourite tipples, perhaps Garfield (as no one calls him) and I could have a visit to the brewery. He may appreciate a wander of the rooms and corridors of the building where his much loved beer is brewed… Hmmm, I’ll do some research on whether they facilitate tours after I finish this.
Right, I need to bring this to a close as I’ve just had an email from Horse Manure World advertising a 25% discount on tickets this week… Looks like we’ve got this Wednesday covered now, Gary!
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