How things change

 When the Gorse Fox got up this morning, he commented to Ellie what a lovely sunny start we had for the day. Well, that didn't last. 

By the time the others emerged, it had started to rain. Then it started to rain heavier... and heavier. Animals had started to line up two-by-two in the space across the road and Noah phoned to ask if we had room for an ark.

Urban-Cub had to take Ellie across to Pistol Pete for the weekend, the Silver Vixen settled down with some sewing, and the Gorse Fox spent some time climbing the family tree as the rain battered the house.

By early afternoon, the rain had stopped and soon the clouds were blown away and we had bright sunshine. It really is amazing how quickly things change. The Gorse Fox decided that he needed some exercise so set off for a walk. A playlist of great music from Santana, The Moody Blues, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd drowned out the sound of the traffic for the first part of the Shripney loop(*).

Once on the old highway he could turn the volume right down. All the background noise had gone. It was beautifully peaceful. He slowed his pace to make the most of the silence. As he turned back towards Bersted, the low autumn sun reflected off the wet ground and the huge puddles. It was quite blinding at times.

Once you get off the main roads, it really is very nice round here. The walk only took about an hour, but it was nice to stretch the legs.

Since getting back we have had several groups of kids coming on a pumpkin hunt. We have put artificial pumpkins in the windows and a bowl of sweets in the porch for them to help themselves. It seems to have been quite popular so far. Let's hope the sweets last.

(*) The Shripney loop is a route from Bersted across to the A29, then up the A29 to Shripney and then back along the old 14th Century highway between the villages. It's one about 5.5km, but a good stroll.