I successfully finished off preparing my best-ever efforts at a dummy pheasant and wood pigeon and used them later for Sam to do some trial retrieves.
I successfully finished off preparing my best-ever efforts at a dummy pheasant and wood pigeon and used them later for Sam to do some trial retrieves.

Celebrating my 48th Birthday at home with the family away from Wiggly and wondering about the passage of time and state of my relationships.

Appreciating some nice gifts and getting my present month's journal up to date.

Then sharing the afternoon between correspondence and some exercise and training for Sam.

It was with some circumspection that I approached my 48th birthday.

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 I suppose that I am just as concerned as many if not most about the passage of time and it may be just a symptom, or a cause, that I embarked upon a deep relationship with a young lover who is just half that age.

It was sad to be spending the day without her. Certainly, my life at the moment is fully occupied with my family, my lover, my shooting and the final training of my dog so that there is very little time for anything else.

It is a struggle to keep up with events for my journal and the day-to-day correspondence and money matters, let alone the task of producing my financial summary and tax return schedule that is getting overdue.

There again, should I not be the one leading my life rather than being led by it? A fairly good night in our huge bed and then down to breakfast to open my presents and cards. Daniel had forgotten to get me a card or present and was embarrassed, but I did not mind.

The girls got me their little, thoughtful presents; a cheap hair-brush set and screwdriver set from Debbie and a Mars bar, car air freshener and handkerchief from Della.

Diana excelled herself with three boat welcome mats, a large game bag and belt carrier ready for when my shooting exploits become productive!

A short run with Sam before resting from the physical exertion of yesterday when I seemed to be standing up for almost the entire day. At least whilst in my office I got my present month's journal up to date and let Sam get more socialised by sleeping his blanket there.

Diana was out but then back for lunch after which I shared the afternoon between correspondence and some exercise and training for Sam. Another host of letters dealing with my latest problems.

I successfully finished off preparing my best-ever efforts at a dummy pheasant and wood pigeon and used them later for Sam to do some trial retrieves. He handled them fine, and this restored my faith in him.

I ended up with the whole pigeon and a pheasant breast for the larder and, the family not being interested, I will grill and eat them tomorrow in Norfolk. A birthday tea and cake with four candles to blow out but Debbie had to misbehave and spoil things for me.

Then some time in the garage sorting out my shooting things and time cleaning my shotgun after its recent use and also a call to Wiggly who was in a cheeky mood and good spirits looking forward to our weekend together.