Daily life over the garden fence chat.

[Lex]

The stratford Canal tow path is in generally good condition, although there are a couple of stretches where you can get ankle deep in mud, even if there hasn't been any rain for a few days.

[rebbonk]

Well, he got me up before 8 this morning and wanted taking out. We got soaked! still, I'll not shrink and now he's had his breakfast he's spark out on the living-room floor. He does smell damp though, despite a good towelling down. - I bet Mrs Rebbonk gives me grief when she eventually surfaces.

[Margaret]

Is anyone still hearing fireworks around them?
I'm sitting here still listening to banger, rockets, crackles, sonic booms, and gawd knows what else.
I've had enough now. I think people must have too much money to burn.
Maybe they should all go down to Parliament and do the job properly.
Getting old.

[rebbonk]

We had a few on the 5th, the odd one or two last night and not many tonight. I was beginning to think people were feeling the pinch a little.

Of course, we've got Diwali just around the corner, so I guess we can expect a few then.

I'm of the mind that fireworks ought be like they were in the 60s. One night only unless you had a special permit, and never on Sunday!

[Lex]

There were a few round my way. on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. thankfully, they weren't going off late enough to keep me awake.

[Lex]

Well, I was on an evening walk by the river in Alcester earlier, and just happened to glance to my left and - much to my amazement - I saw the back end of a grass snake disappear into the undergrowth! A very exciting (and slightly scary!) sight - that was the 1st time I'd ever seen one.

[rebbonk]

We get all sorts along the canal Lex. I've not seen adders, but apparently they are there. I often talk to fishermen and they see some quite rare animals when they're sitting quiet.

Can't say I like snakes, in fact, they scare me rigid!

[Lex]

I was glad it was slithering away from me; even though grass snakes are harmless, it would've made me feel very uncomfortable if it was heading towards me!

[Shizara]

Years ago, I walked a bit into the Blue Mountains in Australia with some family who were living there. I was apprehensive knowing Australia's track record for snakes and other creepy things. Whilst it was an experience in itself I was still like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for a snake to come slithering out. I am pleased to say I didn't see any although it doesn't mean they weren't there.

[Lex]

Is it me, or is autumn starting to creep up on us? Over the last few days, I've seen a few leaves starting to turn brown on trees, and more being blown about on roads & paths.

[rebbonk]

I've noticed the nights drawing in very rapidly.

[Finebyme]

Yes , and I'll be another year older soon. Time goes by too quickly.

[Lex]

Yes, it does - I've already started my Christmas shopping!

[rebbonk]

Christmas shopping? What is that? I send money in cards these days

[Lex]

What's everyone up to this weekend? For me, it's the usual round of housework & food shopping, and maybe a cheeky trip to the pub!

[rebbonk]

I still have a heater to break up (it'll take me about 6 months!), but other than that I'm walking the dog, having a few pints and likely sleeping a lot. - Tough being retired isn't it?