Hello, 

I have just been to see the puppy’s brother, identical apart from colouring.

It strikes me that there has been evolution happening over the years among the canines.

Years ago, it was thought that the dogs cocked their leg to wee to get their scent as high up as possible, to appear bigger?

To hope the scent has more chance of travelling on the wind.

For fun?

Who knows, and I am not sure any theory was conclusive.

The dogs we have had over the last 25 years have all seemed to prefer squatting to wee, and only occasionally cocking a leg.

Maybe this is a continental trait or laziness, or possibly just much more sensible?

I do find it fascinating as it is not just our dogs that do this, all of ours do, it seems a very modern approach to toileting.

This morning I noticed the first of the season’s chestnuts had fallen, early I think, but not totally surprised.

However, the chestnuts inside were the size of peas, so small I had to take a picture of them, not good for the squirrels that come to feast on them, it will be much effort for nothing.

As I sit writing this today there is a kite nearby squawking, it sounds like a defensive squawk, maybe it is a demanding youngster.

I can recognise their call, but am never too sure what it is about, but it is distinctive.

Our sincere apologies to everyone for the lack of menu this week and also the lack of notice!

I think I have been rather discombobulated by events and not realised we had another week of events that would clash with production of the food and also delivery, so our apologies if we have let anyone down.

Next week should be back to usual system and also see some game coming on to the horizon.

Hope your grass has turned green again, so comforting on the eye.

Enjoy the drizzle,

Best wishes,

Nick & Karen