October 25th – Passing New Barns Farm at Footherley, I stopped to greet some cows waiting at the gate to go off for milking.

I love these huge,, but gently nosey animals. I noticed they were all wearing radio tags so the milking equipment could trace their statistic and wellbeing. Farming’s come a long way technologically in the last decade or so.

Always nice to say hello to the coos.

October 18th – Stripes here is cross because on the way to work, I disturbed his hunting activities, and scared off the blackbird he was painstakingly stalking in Pleck.

Bless him, he was so very cross with me. But oh, hasn’t he got a wonderful ‘tache!

A lovely cat. But I’m glad the blackbird was spared for another day, at least.

October 3rd – Spinning through north Walsall on the way home, I was held up by this little thing peering up the road. Tiny, but with enough cute for several litters of kittens, she was apparently waiting for her owner who she’d spotted up the road.

The joy at the reunited pals, separated by a day at work, was beautiful and infectious.

A gorgeous little young cat, brimming with charm and life.

September 24th – Heading for Chasewater from Brownhills along the canal, my recovery ride was slow and plodding, but if it had not been, I might not have looked right down the Spot Path on Clayhanger Common and seen the old dog fox annoyed at my disturbing his duck hunting activities.

One ear flat in irritation and an expression of utter contempt, that fox never changes and we’re old familiars. 

Rare to be able to catch a photo – despite his age he’s nimble and still quick on his feet.

August 23rd – Like an idiot, I left home without my camera today, but on a midday train journey to Telford, I met this lovely old lass off on holiday to Wales with her dad.

Apparently Jess likes a swim in the sea, a bit of seaside fish from the chip shop, and a little beer in her bowl of an evening. And long walks in the hills.

I hope Jess and her dad have a lovely holiday. She surely is a gorgeous dog.

August 12th – Escape in the afternoon for a 72 mile ride around the top of Burton and back via Melbourne – a fine ride, but the southwesterly on my return was punishing.

Up through Lichfield and Barton, a great stop for tea and cake, then up through Shobnall to Willington, where I note the disused cooling towers are finally due for demolition. Over the Swarkestone Bridge to Melbourne, then back through Woodvellie and Lullington.

At least I found out what bored farmers do for entertainment…

I really enjoyed the ride, but I do hope the wind clears off soon.

July 17th – A very hot day with no little wind, and I set off on a ride cursed by mechanical problems, but I still got 57 miles in which was well worth it and very enjoyable. What was noticeable with the sudden arrival of summer was the active animal life. The deer were still showing well at Home Farm, and a rather hung-over looking heron was preening and looking a little mad near Wharf Lane. In between the two, a cat with remarkable whiskers was languidly patrolling his canalside patch.

June 24th – A shellshocked day, really, and the nation was politically in turmoil following the EU Referendum result. A Prime Minister resigned. Disarray in the opposition. Uncertainty about the future.

In Tipton, dodging the rain on an errand, I spotted this. Sometimes the most British answers are the best ones.

A Cuppa Tay is always best.

June 21st – On the way to work, a short drama. In Biirchills, just near the flats, two familiars square off. There is not outright hostility; but much ground-standing and unwavering stance. This was clearly a pair of old adversaries, neither giving ground, butt with a kind of mutual respect.

Sadly, someone appeared and they both scarpered before I could take a close up of the black cat, but they were both lovely; particularly the stocky, older looking ginger cat who seemed like he was half teddy-bear.

I get the feeling this show plays itself out several times a week.