The Busy Month Of May
Just like that, or so it seems, it’s May. When I was last here blogging we were sharing quality time with family. The dogs were enjoying the company of cousin Chester. The weather was chilly, log fires needed lighting most days and summer seemed distant. Four weeks on and I’m writing this sat sheltering in a shrinking spot of shade in the garden. I should probably go indoors, but it’s too nice an afternoon to do that. I’ll shift the parasol and hope to stay a little longer.
Early summer here is glorious. It’s begun sooner than we’d normally expect. The garden is well and truly alive, all danger of frost is over according to the forecast. Last year our tender plants were nipped and some didn’t recover from their dismal, damp start. Not this year, they’re racing away, zippy and happy to be alive.
Our morning walks are getting earlier. If I leave it too late by the time we head home there’s a hint of toast hovering around the dogs’ warm bodies. This morning Michel stayed at home to plant his beans. There’s much to do in the garden and not enough cool hours in the day. His broccoli is flowering and needs lifting but the bees were busy and needy and he left the plants for now. The aubergines will have to wait their turn. The bees needs take priority.
On the way to the pond the dogs stopped by to say hello to Nemo. After a race around his garden and quick wrestle with Albert Claude we continued on.
The long grass is almost out of hand on the path beside the pond. It’s always the same this time of year. I stride through each day, hoping it’s been cut just enough to keep it passable. Albert Claude leaps over and through, unperturbed, his long legs cutting a lengthy stride. Angel on the other hand, is up to her ears in damp grass. Susie-Belle used to refuse to walk. She wouldn’t even try. She knew I’d carry her across to the other side. Where the stony path up through the woods is steep but welcomingly shady.
May is a definitely month of activity, not just in the garden and insect world. On the first of the month Schnauzerfest launched its latest walking challenge. Aimed at encouraging people to share their daily dog walks on social media, to highlight the happiness we get being outside and walking. Something far too many dogs never enjoy.
For 26 years I’ve walked almost every day and with at least one dog keeping me company. Or rather I them. It’s a routine that brings me much pleasure. Adopting dogs from the breeding industry taught me the value to dogs of giving them this daily routine. Mine have always been happiest when walking.
This is the basis on which I started Schnauzerfest, when it was a fundraiser. It’s now a registered charity, an organisation which like any has a good share of tedious tasks and onerous responsibilities attached. But nothing ever overshadows what it’s based upon – walking with our best friends.
If you’d like to find out how to support Schnauzerfest’s May Walking Challenge you can read more here.
And I’m doing a bit of fundraising along the way, donations are very welcome.
