On a bright and breezy day I took my camera over the fields aka Knowle Park, land which a local farmer generously gifted to the Parish Council a few years ago. It has been organized with paths, lots of seats, allotments, a vivarium and a skate park.
I had a good walk around and took some shots of the clouds, Buttercup Pond filled with water lilies, the large oak tree and the green scenery.
My new lens was on the camera as I was hoping to meet a stranger for a portrait and to try it out. But, in spite of a few dogwalkers who passed the time of day, it seemed this was not to be.
I was just approaching the little gate and exit between the trees when I saw a playful dog, a cockapoo I thought, coming towards me into the park on the other side of the gate. Seeing me approach the dog lay down in that sheepdog position, then decided I was friendly and bounded towards me and jumped up.
I think it was perhaps the young lady owner apologising which first started the conversation. I explained I have my own dog so no problems. (Sadly he is nearly 15 so does not make it over the fields any more.) I then thought to ask her for a portrait and she wanted to know the details so I explained.
And so I made the acquaintance of Annie and her cockapoo Amber, or maybe that should be Amber and her owner Annie.
We went just into the field to the shade of a tall hedge and I took a couple of photos of Annie. I fancied a shot of Amber but in spite of the treats which, like every owner, Annie had in her bag, I was somehow not quick enough to get a good shot. One or two other dogs off the lead proved also, naturally, to be interested in the treats. I did apologise at one point for causing confusion!
Next I asked Annie if I could have a shot of her with Amber. At first Amber looked everywhere but at the camera but then, I called her name just once, she looked at me and this turned out to be the shot.
Annie has been a nurse for many years, currently a public health nurse and before that, a children's nurse. She and her husband take turns to exercise Amber, who is primarily the pet of their 5 year-old son, George.
In response to my question about interests, Annie told me she likes family time, walking, baking, knitting and travelling.
I have her email address to send some photos and was very glad to meet her and Amber when I was on my way home.
see my post in 'The Human Family' - scroll down for more photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/36524762772
also posted here on 365 for 'stranger', Week 34 of the 52 week challenge
https://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/30247/52-week-challenge-week-34-august-21st-story-stranger
Issi, thank you!
Many thanks, Lynda and for the fav.