We woke to sunshine on Wednesday though and we couldn't miss the opportunity to make the most of it so we headed off to Lotherton for a stroll through the woods.
I think Lotherton is Archie's favourite place. It's very close to home so we have an annual pass, it's very reasonable considering we visit so often.
Isn't it funny how a bit of sunshine puts everyone in a good mood? We passed lots of dog walkers and parents and grandparents on outings with their children and grandchildren and nearly all of them nodded good morning or stopped to give Archie a stroke and have a chat.
The storms have left their mark though, we passed a group of workmen clearing a fallen tree, and it's still very muddy everywhere even though we haven't had any rain for a good few days now.
It's nice to see signs of spring all around, the snowdrops are coming to an end and in no time at all the wild garlic will be flowering. The woodland floor is carpeted in their leaves just now.
It was quite mild on Wednesday, but it had been bitterly cold beforehand. The pond was still covered with sheets of ice and we could see the goldfish beneath. They weren't swimming around much, I think they were conserving their energy.
Archie will be ten in May and he's starting to slow down. He's got a heart murmur, that doesn't seem to be bothering him too much as yet but we can see that his joints are starting to get stiff. We're always mindful about how much we walk him now, too far and he suffers later on in the day, so frequent short walks seem better for him than one longer one. Lotherton ticks the box as a circular walk through the woods and round the formal gardens seems just right for him.
One lovely day can make it feel like spring is finally on the way, I hope it is, it can't come quickly enough for me.
So lovely to see Archie, Jo. I'd want to pet him too if I met you out with him! :o)
ReplyDeleteThe sunshine changes everything, it's sunny here today after yesterdays rain all day. Thinking of you whilst your dad is unwell.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you all got out in some sun whilst Mick is on holiday.
ReplyDeleteDaisy was the same from a similar age: 6 short ambles around the village spread through the day = at least 2 hours total walking time and she was very, very happy, one 50 minute walk around the fields and she was cream-crackered and did not move for the rest of the day.
Lovely post and pictures. I don't blame Archie dozing indoors when the weather's bad. I agree about hoping spring is on the way. xx
ReplyDeleteYou are so right- all it takes is one lovely day to make you feel like Spring is on its way. We are in the 20's today with high winds and snow on the ground. However, the sun did finally pop out so I am a happy girl! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWe had some sunny and cloudy days, but the rain seems to have ceased for the now. We're enjoying the warmth even if it's just sitting in the back room. Jane x
ReplyDeleteIs Archie a King Charles spaniel.My brother has one but she is deaf.She is a pedigree and should have been told she was deaf.A dodgy breeder methinks.It means they cannot let her off the lead.Sounds like a good place for a walk.
ReplyDeleteArchie's a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They're often referred to as King Charles Spaniels but there is in fact two different breeds. King Charles Spaniel's are usually smaller than Cavaliers and they have a flatter face, whereas Cavaliers have a muzzle. It's such a shame that your brother can't let his dog off her lead, Archie loves to run free, though he's rather deaf too now through old age.
DeleteArchie is too cute! I love all signs of spring by everyone in blog land. Most of our view is still somewhat snowy
ReplyDeleteSunshine does perk us up!!!!!! Here toooo!
ReplyDeleteWhen dogs or people get older, their routines have to change. I'm sure you are doing right, by your dear pet.
Your wild garlic is much further ahead than ours just now. It always feels good to get out in the fresh air having been cooped up indoors. X
ReplyDeleteOur old boy will be fourteen in August and shorter walks are better for him too.
ReplyDeleteps--thanks for leaving the comment on my blog~ xo xo xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful day and look at all that wild garlic! I hope your Dad is feeling better and back out of hospital again.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had the opportunity to go out for a walk in Lotherton and one which Archie enjoys and short enough so that he doesn't get too tired or suffer from aching joint afterwards. The woods look lovely as does the formal garden area. I think dog walkers are a friendly lot. The slower pace of walking a dog means there's usually a nod and a smile as we pass by even if we're not dog owners.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you were able to get out in the sunshine. It lifts your spirits no end doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see glimpses of sun again. My cats perform a similar manoeuvre to Archie at the cat flap. They poke their heads out, decide it's too awful out and retreat.
ReplyDeleteLotherton looks like a lovely place for a stroll.
xx
Archie is so adorable on his walks. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteI think we are enjoying milder temps here in Maine than you are there across the pond. No frozen ice, only at night. But we do have mud. It's sad to see our pets slow down and having to deal with discomfort. My Lucy loves to run but she pays for it afterwards. It's good that you can gauge how much is enough.💖
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Yumove for Archie’s joints - it worked wonders for Tivvy.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Yumove, I shall definitely look into it.
DeleteAmazon sell it at a more reasonable price than pet shops-. A friend recommended it after a friend of his told gin about it. We then recommended it to another friend. All said it really benefited their dogs. Yumove do several products so make sure you look for the joints one.
DeleteThanks, I'll take a look at it.
DeleteSuch a lovely post on Lotherton & brought back memories of last year. I've somehow or another got to get some mojo & catch up on a few of our outings last trip. Glad it is brightening up a bit for you & hopefully Spring is just around the corner. Cool here again today, more like the beginning of winter than autumn. Have a good week & take care.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to walk! Glad the weather cleared so you could take advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteYou have to make the most of the nicer days this month.
ReplyDeleteA lovely walk.
I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.
ReplyDeleteThe snowdrops looked very nice and Archie looks adorable.
All the best Jan
A wonderful walk in the woods.I put Sam on Yumove and Joint care bones, his back leg is now completely back to normal. I can hardly believe it.xxx
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