Saturday Morning

scrumped plums

The skies looked threatening early this morning when I took Rick out so I took my waterproof jacket rolled up into my small rucksack.  I didn’t need it after all but my bag came in handy to carry all the plums I managed to scrump from Monsieur Escalier’s trees. When we got home Paul was dressed up (clean shorts and t-shirt) and ready to drive off to market.  As soon as Rick saw the shopping basket he raced over to the car and wagged his tail.

“I thought I’d leave him here at home with you.”

“You can’t disappoint him now.”

“We can’t let this dog rule the household,” Paul said sternly and went over to the car to send Rick indoors.  Rick jumped up and hugged Paul with his paws. Rick went shopping.

I decided to go with them and take Rick for a walk down by the fishing lake in town while Paul got a few things from the market.  I looked a horror as I’d just pulled dog walking clothes on straight after breakfast, unbrushed hair, muddy shoes – you know the look.  Rick and I sat by the lake and all was quiet and peaceful until the Plump Power Walking Family went by.  Mum strode by first, earphones, bottle of water, nose in the air, arms swinging, short sturdy legs.  Rick went berserk. Young daughter, a smaller version of mum, trotted along behind. Rick barked.  Dad was a long way behind in his vest and shorts trying to keep up.  Rick just looked at him in disgust.  They were clearly going to do several circuits of the lake so Rick and I walked up the hill to the public swimming pool (closed in the mornings) and I showed him where the girls used to swim when they were young.  When we walked back down the hill the power walkers were still striding round the lake.