2020 June – Miss & Mr June, Lake, Hyperthermia, Not Going Out, The Love and the Claws Run Deep, Splish Splash, Gales

Miss & Mr June

This is a picture of me having a rest in the daisies.

 

This is a picture of Kobe having a rest in his daisies.

These could very well be our June calendar pictures.  Only because we’re both looking lovely.

If I say so myself.

 

Lake

This is a picture of the lake at the end of our road this morning taken by offspring #4 who escaped early without me.

Isn’t it lovely and calm and peaceful?

I wasn’t there because there are too many dogs and runners and cyclists out at that time of day.  If I had been there, then this lovely calm scene probably wouldn’t be for very long.

It is what it is.

I am what I am.

I think Gloria Gaynor had a song called this.  Yes she did.

I am what I am.   And what I am needs no excuses…

Nicely put Gloria

 

 

Hyperthermia

This is a picture of me out on my walk.

It is still hot, so I’m taking Mum out fairly early these days.  She isn’t good in the heat.   It makes her a bit tetchy.  She says she can’t focus when it’s hot.

To be honest, she can’t focus at the best of times, so you can just imagine what she’s like in the heat.

(Not so) fun facts:  Hyperthermia can kill and heat waves in the UK are often followed by an increase in death rates amongst the very young, elderly and infirm.    So, it can be a real medical emergency.   Sweating is one of the main ways humans keep cool but please remember that not all animals can do this.  It may be worth remembering to check in on your dogs, hippos and pigs….

….and Prince Andrew of course.

 

Not Going Out

The weather has gone mad.  Boiling hot to pouring rain.  This is a picture of me looking at Mum because it’s raining and I don’t want to go out.

It didn’t make any difference.

Mum still made me go out.

She doesn’t look very tough at any level whatsoever, but just occasionally she seems to summon a little something from somewhere and she can be really quite stern.

I did need to go out.

But don’t tell her that.

 

The Love and the Claws run deep

This is a picture of me reaching out to offspring #4.

Apparently I have left my mark.

I didn’t mean to.

Sorry.

 

Splish Splash

…and this is how to deal with customers who are of the opinion that they want their stuff turned around in under 12 hours…

I’m pretty sure it’s a message they will treasure forever.

Mum says this is definitely one way of dealing with the situation, however it might depend on whether you actually want any of your treasured customers to come back….or not

 

 

Gales

This is a picture of me safe and sound inside.

It is a howling gale outside.  I am definitely not going out in that.

Not a chance.

No matter how stern Mum is.

I reckon she’s got the message.

 

 

Saffron’s recommendations this month:

Music:  We’re opting for the Prince of Motown, Mr Marvin Gaye.  Some amazing tracks from the 60’s.  Reckon these have stood the test of time.  But what do YOU think?

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (with Tammi Terrell)

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Let’s Get it On

Mercy, Mercy Me

How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you)

It Takes Two (with Tammi Terrell)

Stop Look Listen (to your heart) (with Diana Ross)

You’re All I Need to Get By (with Tammi Terrell)    …lovely…

Inner City Blues (make me wanna holler) – maybe also watch the video that accompanies this for a glimpse into a very different way of life…

 

Reading: Luna by Ian McDonald, published by Orion Books.  Corporations run and rule the moon. The environment is harsh but you stay because the moon can make you rich. A great piece of sci fi writing – see if you agree.

 

Film:  The Shawshank Redemption starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.  Bet you were wondering when this film was going to appear as a recommendation.   Poor box office to start with (up against Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump) but nominated for many, many awards.  I’m not going over the plot – this is a must watch film.

‘Fear can hold you prisoner.  Hope can set you free.’

 

In the news:

 Transport Sec, Grant Shapps announces that wearing face coverings will be made compulsory on public transport in England.  …seems a very late call that one….?

A statue of 17th century merchant, slave trader, MP and philanthropist Edward Colston is pulled down by anti-racism protesters in Bristol.

Following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Leicester, the UK’s first full local lockdown is introduced in the city

Liverpool FC are confirmed as champions of 2019–20 Premier League. It is their first League Title for 30 years and first Premier League title.

A major incident is declared by Bournemouth Council after thousands of people arrive on beaches and other stretches of the Dorset coast, ignoring requests to stay away

The UK experiences its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching as high as 33.3 °C