Today was a bright and sunny day in Beetley. A clear night, resulting in a sharp frost, and a seasonal drop in temperature. I decided to take Ollie for a walk earlier than usual, to make the most of the excellent light. The ground was harder than usual, except for those areas still muddy and waterlogged, as a result of the recent light flooding from the nearby river. Ollie discovered ice for the first time. Crisp, caramel-thin sheets on standing water. He was unsure, and waited for me to break through in my wellingtons, before charging on.

He has got to chase a lot of wildlife lately. Rabbits, most days, and yesterday, a large grey heron, flushed from a riverbank perch in the reeds. Today, he was interested in the robins, which seemed to be everywhere, small red chests like knitted pullovers. They come close to the paths, and are unafraid of walkers, so potentially good for Ollie to chase. He means no harm of course, he just believes that everything wants to play with him, and loves a chase as much as he does.

Later, we were joined by familiar dogs, and their walkers. These dogs form a regular group, that Ollie seems to regard as his ‘gang’. There is Buddy, the tiny terrier, ball-mad, and obsessed with retrieving. Toby, a Jack Russel, also keen to chase anything, preferably balls, or sticks. Bracken and Barley, two spaniels who have no interest whatsoever in Ollie and his antics, though he seems unaware of their dislike for him. Then Giggsy arrived, a black Labrador, who will run and tumble with Ollie, so he was finally content.

The high river levels of recent weeks have now subsided, and the meadows are once again a pleasant place to walk. With the grasses flattened, and the whole area bathed in wonderful light, dogs chasing around happily, it is easy to stay out longer than intended. Before I had realised, I was out for almost three hours, and getting cold, as the sun had begun to set. Time to walk home, get back into the warm, and think about cooking the duck, for dinner later this evening.

No shops, no pubs, no need to use the car. Good exercise, fresh air, and a happy dog. A pretty good Sunday.