First of all thanks to everyone who commented on and faved yesterday's shot. I was amazed at the response.
Had a stroll around the village this afternoon delivering some long overdue thank you cards for the presents I was given fro my 50th almost a month (!) ago - shame on me. Took my camera and new 50mm lens with me to get a bit more practice with it.
I spotted Barney sitting in his usual place on top of the dry stone wall that surrounds his garden. This gives him the perfect vantage point to keep an eye on all comings and goings in the surrounding area. As you can imagine, not many people walk past without going over to say hello to him.
I then spotted Barney's owner David doing some work in the garden. David is 84 and as fit as a fiddle. He told me that his wife was at their daughter's house helping her because she has recently moved. I suspected that she must be out and that David was taking advantage of that fact because she keeps quite a close eye on him and worries about him doing heavy work outside. His garden is always like something out of a magazine.
When I commented that Barney was looking particularly smart at the moment I was told that he had had a trip to the doggy hairdressers the previous day and that it wouldn't take him long to find something disgusting to roll in on one of his and David's frequent walks. Quite often when they are on these walks Barney gets fed up and heads towards home. He waits for David at the pub, where he knows that he will turn up eventually and treat him to a few of his favourite treats - pork scratchings.
I am really annoyed with myself that I didn't ask David if I could have had him in the shot too. I really want to get some practice in taking more people pictures. I did think about asking him, but bottled out - ridiculous, I know!
It's raining again.................. I am tempted to go back to bed.
I love your story and especially your shot. Barney looks a tad disdainful of having his photo taken. I was also annoyed with myself this morning - for not having my camera - when a chap, out with two springer spaniels, dropped their leads on the ground, said 'Stay' and walked over to the bin to deposit the bags. They just sat there, what a great shot it would have made. Still I did have a nice conversation with their owner.
Barney looks beautiful. I'm sure Roger would lie him too! Know what you mean about the people shots. I guess it comes with confidence. I'll build up to that!
Gorgeous shot! I like that you couldn't pluck up the courage to ask David for a photo - I'm exactly like that too. I've been wanting to ask our US postman for a shot - he's SO photogenic, but I just can't pluck up the courage. I even met him yesterday, when I had my camera round my neck, said hello, and still didn't find the courage. Ridiculous, really!
@lucypics@jantan It is very unlikely that anyone would turn either of you two down! Jan just give it a go, what's the worst that can happen, for every ten that I ask I perhaps get knocked back once.
You will see him again no doubt but it is annoying when you miss opportunities like that!!
Barney looks all crimped, shiny & styled from the top of his head to his tail end but could imagine he could soon look dishevelled!!
Well I have to fav the magnificent Barney - what a beauty. Cockers are good climbers it seems - Monty would be over the other side mind you. I'm finding myself with a string desire for a garden with a dry stone wall....
No, Barney only had eyes for David, they are inseperable. He was nosing at something going on down 'his' street.
Barney looks all crimped, shiny & styled from the top of his head to his tail end but could imagine he could soon look dishevelled!!