Almost like a Loch Ness monster

Dovestone Reservoir is an amazing place for a day outdoor. 

The weather is not spoiling us this year, so every time I have a chance (read: when I am not working) to go somewhere nice and the weather is good (read: can be windy and cold but not raining much), I do. I pack Poppy's outdoor bag (food, bowl, poo bags, water in a bottle, towel and some toys), get us on a bus and go for the unknown. Well, this time, for known, as we have already visited Dovestone before, but this time with extra, bonus time in water (Poppy obviously, I did not dare).

So, my dog loves water. She does not exactly like being bathed, but wild water, in fact any water anywhere is a source of real excitement. As we took her from dog's home when she was almost a year old, I assume that she has never been let to swim before, nor she has been near any water at all.

It was purely amazing to see her curiosity and bravery. At first she was a bit nervous, scared of water and waves, but step by step, paw after paw, she got more and more confident. To a point. She does not swim, so the farthest she goes, is as long as her paws touch the ground. It is an adorable picture, Poppy crying and squeaking at ducks flowing just in front of her nose, but not close enough to be reached. What a shame. The most enjoyed activity was standing in the water. Standing still. Why? Nobody knew the reason and Poppy did not explain. For me she is the cutest, smallest Loch Ness monster there could ever be!

We both enjoyed time together, quiet surroundings, no city sounds, water and hills, contact with nature. A great get away from the city. Obviously, only for those, who like to leave the city sometimes.

Shadow in the sun

Shadow is a young, happy dog. 

Always full of energy, ready to play and run, just as every young dog should be. Shadow is a part of Poppy's park pack. Poppy met Shadow when he was almost her size, now even that he is few times bigger they still enjoy a good tease and run around the park now and then.

Vera, the German Shepard

No two dogs are the same.

This furious, strong and vicious dog is a beloved home pet. 
 Vera, 7 year old German Shepard.

Stevenson's story

This is a sad story, but with a happy ending.
While visiting Poland, at my Grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary party, after hours spent at the table, we went for a walk into the nearby forest .
My grandparents live in a small village, far away from everything.
Suddenly, the beloved dog of my grandma, Sonia, started sniffing and barking suspiciously into the bushes.

MEET MY FRIENDS

When you walk your dog often in the same park, you make friends. And your dog makes new friends too.

Meet Poppy`s current playgroup, all dogs different breeds, ages and temperaments. All of them, despite differences are very smart, friendly and loyal companions. 

PARK STORIES #2.1

Having many responsibilities in your life does not leave you much time for pleasures.

I have been recently very, very busy and I did not have time to take any new photos. Poppy is obviously very disappointed by the fact that I will post today another load of photos from Heaton Park. Actually, while writing this note, she is gazing at me in disrespect and swivelling her eyes.

Heaton Park, as I wrote previously, is a great place for everyone. Cyclists, families, dogs lovers, joggers all come here the enjoy the green trees, quietness and I believe, generally out-of-big-town atmosphere. The only thing I can and will complain at is every sunny weekend day when literally EVERYONE comes to the park it becomes as busy as the very centre of Manchester. But, as we all know, if you can not have what you dream about you should enjoy what you have been given.

In the meantime, together with my not very skilled in crafts dog, we have helped and worked on my mum's small business, Qaffka Crafts. We, well ... mostly my mum, makes knitted and crochet headbands, hats, scarf and Chrsitams decorations. As it is a very new thing for all of us, we are looking for ideas, places to sell, trying to reach more customers while enjoying what we are doing. 

We have visited few small Christmas Markets, talked to other traders, got inspired, sold few items and got feedback from our customers. We have decided to take our small business further, work on it, develop it and be proud of it. All of this obviously takes time. And that is mostly why, I have not had time for Poppy 90's Pop stars themed photo-shoot. I am joking obviously, Poppy is defo not into 90's.

 We had lots of fun in the park.

 Poppy met a dog.

 The dog has no interest in Poppy. Not very friendly.

 Bazinga. Poppy was tricked. Had to run away fast to protect the biggest treasure - stinky, wet stick.

 We met more dogs.

 Some of them were very gracious, No wonder Poppy did not want to pose with this one. Competition.

 Some were very playful.

...and courious...

 Really very playful and courios...

 The view.

 Poppy enjoying historic surroundings.

 Poppy contemplating the lost stick in the historic surroundings.

 Historic surroundings.

 Small, funny train on wheels.

 There were more dogs that really wanted to play with Poppy.

 But Poppy had to be somewhere else...

 We travelled by bus. Did you know you have to pay 50 pence on First to travel with a dog? And did you know there is no dog's daily tickets? It's a scandal.

Despite few lost sticks and omnipresent cold we have really enjoyed it.

PARK STORIES #2

Last Sunday we have visited Heaton Park, the biggest park in Manchester.

Amazing place to spend a Sunday afternoon, everyone can find something for themselves. Poppy enjoyed the visit very much, running like crazy around, sniffing every tree and chasing every dog met.