Walking my dog, Bobby, is always something that makes me happy. We live deep in the countryside in a cottage you access by one of the many singletrack roads in my area. It’s a peaceful, chilled existence.
You might imagine that taking Bobby out along the road is easy, but I always have to be aware that a car might be coming round the next corner, hidden by the high hedges that line the road. Worse still, it might by a cyclist -usually a middle aged man or two wrapped in unfortunately figure-hugging clothing – approaching a bend at the same time we are. At least with car you can usually hear the engine. Bikes on the other hand are practically silent.
Like I said, walking Bobby is a joy, but I can never let my guard down.
One day a few weeks ago we were out for the usual stroll, an hour of happiness before I needed to get home and start work. It was warm for the time of year where I live, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, Bobby was wagging his tail, and my world was pretty much perfect.