Barking mad!

Hello,
Every morning I get up at the same time, it's an hour later than I used to rise when I worked. I could lie in bed until much later and some days - it would be very easy to do that but I choose not to. Why? Well I read an article that said going to bed and getting up at approximately the same time each day is good for you, it encourages better sleep patterns and kick starts your day. As a poor sleeper, I am willing to give anything a go and I have to admit that, although, when the alarm goes off, I give a huge sigh and try to bury myself under the duvet, most mornings I do actually feel much better once I've done it. I get up, go to the bathroom, get dressed, get my trainers on, have a cup of tea because that makes everything ok with the world, right? Grab a banana, bottle of water, ipod and make my way to our local country park. This is where I walk. There are lots of people going about their daily business either with dogs, on their way to work, jogging or just sitting and chatting with passers by. Its funny how you tend to see the same folk most days, and mentally conjure up nick names for them and reasons why they're there, or is that just me?  Occasionally, I may stop and have a quick chat with some people, I'm just drawn to them. Like the old man with a boisterous cocker spaniel which is far too lively for him (bless him) and the lady who always looks sad and lonely with the hesitant French Bulldog. I never speak to the dog walker with half a dozen unruly dogs, all off leads at the same time, that shoot off in every direction as she desperately tries to keep up with the pooper scooper and generally make a nuisance of themselves. I just tut and shake my head! The overweight lady who walks with her headphones in and who would never even give me eye contact until recently but now gives a smile and a cheery hello - good on her for getting out there and exercising!  There's a whole world that exists on my doorstep, before some people even get out of bed, that I never knew existed before I retired. We are so lucky in this country to have such fantastic parks and green spaces. On the whole the country park where we live is very well looked after as it is well used by all sectors of the community. Today though I was saddened to see an area that had been on fire, it wasn't there yesterday when I walked. Everywhere is so dry at the moment and the grass is like straw so it wouldn't take much to set it alight - a careless cigarette, glass bottle that magnified in the hot sun, a barbeque that got out of hand or, heaven forbid, arson! Dare I say it but we could do with some rain, just a little bit to look after the wildlife and gardens (and particularly for the man in the bungalow up the road who laid turf 3 weeks ago - schoolboy error!) We have been putting water out for the multitude of small animals and birds that arrive daily to our garden. Hopefully they will all be alright.
I can thoroughly recommend getting out for an early morning walk, it starts your day off in a positive way, goes a long way to getting your 10,000 steps, plus gives you chance to contemplate the day ahead. Its also free as opposed to a costly gym membership plus fuel to get there. Try listening to some podcasts while you walk, its a great way to relax and learn something new too and keep your mind stimulated.

How dry are these fields?

The scorched grass. Luckily it hasn't spread too far!

Thanks for reading
Until next time
Jules

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