He has not been the same since hearing on the T.V. that the President-elect of the USA was looking for a dog to fit into the White House for the delectation of his daughters. Murphy has selflessly put himself forward for this position.

He and the President-elect have so much in common, Murphy half dachshund and half labrador, Obama half Kenyan and half American. With very little effort Murphy could assume a canine presidential presence.

It's the back end of November and its cold, in fact very cold. We went out Saturday morning in glorious sunshine. The intention was to cast a line. Having set up a rod, line and fly - decided that sitting in the sun was a better proposition. It was glorious. Then in a space of 10 minutes, all was gone. A bank of fog rolled in and it was "good night Vienna." Got back home to watch the rugby, Wales beat the Australians. Soccer at Saltergate was abandoned.

Next morning, beautiful sunny but frosty, I was out with Murphy and as we got surveying the frost enhanced landscape, there was a terrible clattering in the sky as some insensitive soul in a "paraffin budgie" ruined the whole scene.

This last week has been very depressing weather and news wise. Cold foggy and damp. Then Mumbai, don't start me on that.

Murphy did one of his vanishing tricks earlier in the week. Managed to find his way home leaving yours truly searching for a dark brown dog on a dark brown night. She who must be obeyed, had to come and find me, so he was in trouble on both fronts, not that it bothered him!

A visit to Bakewell
We had a really great day out - Bakewell. SWMBO went shopping. I went trout spotting in the Woe. Each to his own. Then fish and chips by the river, a lap full of warm vinegar and chip fat takes your mind off the cold. Travelled down to Rowsley then, to the flour mill, my good lady indulged herself in various flours. I can report that they beat Tesco's finest into the ground.

Returning home we had to cross the moors. I have noticed various "twitchers" there on many previous occasions. None today, but what were they missing. A big raptor making its way across the heather. No idea what it was but very regal and so impressive. Consulting the bird book back at base, I decided it must have been a Hen Harrier. It was a great sight but the newly cooked bread is much better and it has great smell.

See You

Buggy Man.