I know that British people are famed for their ability to moan endlessly about the weather, but this unending rain is really getting me down.  Not so much because of it falling - I actually don't mind walking in the rain, find it quite romantic at times but because the ground is now beyond saturated.  Every walk means sliding on thick mud, all our clothes get filthy, the dogs get filthy, the car gets filthy and stinks of mud, and it all makes any form of cleaning feel self-defeating. To make a change, we've had some hail over the past two days but the rain is continuing tonight and we have more forecast tomorrow. 

Yesterday, I completed the annual RSPB Great Garden Birdwatch.  It was difficult to find a slot without rain, but eventually in the afternoon, it eased off for a bit, and the birds came out to visit the feeders.  We had our usual colony of house sparrows, blue tits, great tits, the wren and the blackbird.  Long tailed tits visit regularly but didn't make an appearance yesterday. 

Today's been a day of quiet routine.  We walked the dogs at Tredegar House this morning - waded may be a more accurate word.  Our walk was cut short though by an off lead Lab with no collar who was hurtling round the park knocking other dogs over like ninepins.  The owner was completely oblivious - I had words with her when she eventually returned. 

Two visits to the Post Office - lots of coats to send out, and the first batch of rosettes from the online dog show. 

More paperwork, accounts, and happily some time to have a cuddle with Callie.  We're also starting to get bookings for summer shows - it's nice to think about warm, sunny days and taking out the Tent of Destiny again.