Since we lost Mavis just over a week ago we have both been trying to do all the walks that meant so much to both us and her. Alan took her on long rambles all around town, so he keeps disappearing for an hour or so re-tracing their steps. But as I can only manage short distances, and when Mavis was getting unwell and her breathing wouldn't allow her the long walks, I took her on what we called the 'short canal walk'.
It was so hard to do this for the first time on my own ... but I did it.
There was a boater to say hello to as he 'sped' past me at three miles an hour.
There were ripples to watch dissipate as he carried on ahead of me.
There was the lovely old bridge to go under, before climbing the old stone steps back to the road.
But there was no dog to chatter to, no dog to wait for while she had a good sniff around and no need to bend down 'poo-bag' at the ready.
A walk is a different thing altogether without a dog.
When I got home I got stuck in to making my breakfast, I didn't want to allow time for thoughts.
Every time I make a meal I am chopping up all the vegetables used in the preparation of that meal to save time preparing future meals. This time it was the turn of the courgette and red onions. Now they are safely bagged up and in the freezer. Next time it will be chopped white onions and celery.
My omelette was delicious and very filling and garlicky too.
Lonely walks and omelettes not to bad a start to the day.
Sue xx
What a beautiful day for your canal walk but sad it was without your little shadow. Your omelette looked tasty and hope you enjoyed it. Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt was dullish, but then again it was early and the muted early morning light suited my mood perfectly. It was good to have a tasty breakfast on my return.
DeletePre-prepping is such a timesaver. If I'm cooking potatoes, I always do a double portion and fridge or freeze them to use later.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am well into the habit now of always making at least twice as much mashed potato as I need. It's so handy to have part of the next days meal prepped isn't it.
DeleteGrieving a beloved dog or cat is real. I’m so sorry for your loss of Mavis and throughout the years, we too have walked those lonely walks without our dog. My dog is 12 this year.
ReplyDeleteOnce they get past ten, if they are lucky enough to even get that far of course, it starts to get a little worrying doesn't it. We just have to make their little lives so special while they are with us.
DeleteI do feel for you both, Sue, life without a beloved animal companion is unthinkable. I cannot imagine what I'd do without Betty, although it's on my mind increasingly as she's nearly 8 1/2 and her breed/s don't generally have long lives. It's such a good idea to do pre-prep, saves so much time and energy. I love omelettes.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every moment of her whilst she is still with you. She is a beautiful dog. xx
DeleteIt's so hard at first isn't it? I think as time goes by the grief just softens a little and we can cope better. In memory they are always with us. Your omelette looks delicious and you have plenty of chopped veg for further meals, a win win in my book.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that my freezer is filling up with lots of prepped foods, I hope I can make the best use of them in the coming weeks. :-)
DeleteYour breakfast omelette makes my toast and marmalade seem positively boring!
ReplyDeleteIt must be so odd and sad walking without Mavis.
It's funny I'm having a bit of a toastless few weeks at the moment, I was really enjoying it before as well. It may be something to do with Aldi no longer selling the Ancient Grains loaves, now they were my favourite for toast. It is very strange to be out walking when you are dog-less, hopefully I will get used to it.
DeleteYou are so brave and strong. 💚 🐾
ReplyDeleteThere are walks I found I could not return to, just too painful on my own. I still bawl my eyes out if I go to Crummock so I just stopped going, I am fortunate there are plenty of other lovely places to visit.
We both need to do as many 'Mavis walks' as we can before they become no-go areas. We did go to Morecambe at the weekend, but we turned in the opposite direction along the prom and walked a route we hadn't for a long time.
DeleteSo sorry, I know I'll be bereft when I lose Beano.
ReplyDeleteAww, it will be so difficult for you when Beano goes. Enjoy every moment of him and your outings while you can. xx
DeleteI am so sorry to hear that you have lost Mavis, and you must be absolutely heartbroken, especially as it isn't that long ago that your darling Suki went over Rainbow Bridge. You gave them both a wonderful life and a gentle death, and what more could any animal ask? Sending (((HUGS))), Jennie xx
ReplyDeleteIt really has rocked us both. Losing Suky and Mavis so closely together is tough. Ginger is a lost pussycat at the moment, although he seemed to understand how poorly Mavis was and isn't looking for her the way he looked out for Suky for so long after her death.
DeleteLosing beloved animals is so hard...Sending hugs and hopes that your rambles get easier. I hope you enjoyed the gorgeous breakfast.
ReplyDeleteYes, it really is hard, but we are coping and Ginger is getting lots of attention.
DeleteIt's a sad business, losing a loved companion. I hope going on those walks is helping you through the grief.
ReplyDeleteIt helps, I was doing great until I bumped into Paddy and his owner right outside our house as I arrived home. Paddy and Mavis were good friends. :-)
DeleteI remember all the pictures of you and Mavis on that walk. Following the footsteps must be hard for you and Alan but I do hope as they continue they bring you some peace.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I'm glad that I got the walk done, now I don't have to avoid it. Some things can build up out of all sense of proportion if you don't just get on and do them don't they.
DeleteIt must be so hard walking alone now but I bet you have some wonderful memories to cherish.
ReplyDeleteI've started pre-prepping too and freezing stuff to pull out of the freezer at a moments notice when I don't have the energy to cook. I was lucky enough to get a bag of fresh leeks for 10p last week and intend to chop and freeze them for soups and stews etc Your omelette looked delicious.
Angie x
We have lots of lovely memories, I just have to get her final few hours out of my mind.
DeleteIt must have been very difficult to go on that walk, alone. But, I'm sure Mavis and Suky, too, were with you in spirit.
ReplyDeleteI hope they were, it was a walk they both loved. xx
DeleteI'm so very sorry to read about dear Mavis, Sue. Sending you, Alan and Ginger lots of love. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you Vix. xx
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. Sending love
ReplyDeleteThanks Lesley. xx
DeleteSuch a lovely walk and fond memories too. Sending love. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Joy. xx
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