The only way to describe Murphy, perched on my buggy. He looks like the figurehead on a Spanish ga
lleon, ears blowing in the wind, nose twitching like a jelly having epileptic fits. He doesn't just like riding on my buggy; he loves it!
We've had a rare treat this morning, a common buzzard was working the lee of a wood and to watch its progress was a study in energy conservation.
Barely a wing-beat was necessary to ensure his progress, as with great skill the wind was use to his total benefit.
If wind can power boats across the oceans of the world, with a buzzard at the helm one wonders what might be achieved.
Enough flights of fancy, back to reality…
A very proud Murphy emerged from a thicket carrying a rabbit. His tail was going like a windscreen wiper, his doggy grin was spoilt only by the rabbit he was carrying.
It was a 'Look what I've got Dad' moment. Then I realised that the rabbit had myxomatosis – a horrible viral disease that was endemic in the 60's and 70's, almost wiping out the rabbit populations. That's why Murphy managed to catch this one.
I hastily ensured an end to the rabbit's suffering and then buried it. Not good news for the other bunnies though, it's a slow, horrible demise.
We have been to the Opera House at Buxton this week. It is a fine example of how lottery money can be spent. The restoration within the theatre was fabulous, gold gilding and plaster decorations covered the walls and the ceiling had stunning murals of nymphs and things. Even to my Philistine mind this was beautiful and I couldn't help thinking – money spent here for all to see and appreciate is an investment in the infrastructure of our society. Not on some weird minority political or racial organisation. I'm getting political again – enough!
We went to see a lass call Claire Teap singing. We were not disappointed - she was fabulous. Her command and range of singing ability was awe-inspiring. However the best bit was a young lad from Mansfield playing the piano. Playing doesn't do justice to his treatment of the instrument. He cajoled, nursed and caressed and truly produced an amazing sound from his battered old Concert Grand, which hadn't had the benefit of a lottery improvement grant, but looked like it needed it.
A superb night - one to remember in the dark nights ahead.
See you
Buggy Man
