My new Theoben Rapid 7 air rifle
My new Theoben Rapid 7 air rifle

Up earlier than the family on a much milder day than the recent wind and cold, taking Sam for the first of three walks after he had messed his run and, later, himself as well; tracking grey squirrel as well as even more muntjac deer.

With my new air rifle, making an impression on the local starling population and allowing the smaller and shyer birds to come to the bird table. Della seemed much more relaxed today

I had to get myself up this morning as the family were having a lay in and then took the dog out for a walk. I was only a few minutes later than usual attending to him but this was enough for him to have done his business in his run and start whining. This was a pity as he had been able to keep his run clear for three days until then. A long walk with the dog and spotted a grey squirrel as well as even more muntjac deer tracks than normal. The much milder weather seems to have got the animal kingdom moving again.

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Back rather late and then had to do, not only the regular chores with fish and doves, but also had to give Sam a bath as he had chosen to roll in some dog's mess this morning and was looking and smelling awful. I had got him to walk alongside and behind me at heel for a while without use of the lead which is a great step forward. A couple longer walks with him today and was greatly tired by them after having had an unsettled night so that I needed periods of pure rest and relaxation during which I finished reading Alan's splendid book, "Goose Fever". But still I finished the urgent administrative items of paperwork concerning my investment affairs and the children's trusts.

I also stole a little time to bag a few birds with my air rifle. I am making quite an impression on the local starling population and allowing the smaller and shyer birds to come to the bird table. We have recently had blue, great and long-tailed tits, house and hedge Sparrows, robins, chaffinches and greenfinches not to mention the kestrel that followed down and pounced on a falling starling. Della seemed much more relaxed today, but we shall have to see about school tomorrow. Another mild day which continues to be a pleasure after so much wind and cold before that.