Dog sitting for a friend this week means morning walks. Last night brought a heavy storm with thunder and lightning, but the temperature stayed quite mild. By the time we stepped out onto the fields today, the clouds were breaking up and the sun was just starting to poke through.
I expected the paths to be a total mud bath after all that midnight rain. Surprisingly, the ground held up well but it probably helped being so dry. The landscape has been parched lately, so the soil soaked up most of the water like a sponge. I was also really grateful there were no cows out in the field today.
The grass and trees look much greener and healthier for it. Early into the route, pooch spotted a lost ball hiding in the grass. That was the highlight of his day. He picked it up and insisted on carrying it around for the entire walk, proudly parading it through the fields and refusing to drop it even when he stopped to sniff around.
There was a tall patch of pink flowers growing thick along the hedge. I think the weed is called himalayan balsam. It spreads everywhere near the fields this time of year, but the bright pink pop of colour looked pretty. They are quite invasive, though.
It was a quiet, easy walk and a solid start to the day. Pooch got his exercise, the fields got some much needed rain, and I got a couple of photos to send to my friend so they know their dog is having a good time.
