Yesterday OH was unwell and unable to go beating. I have to book time off work if I want to go so I was determined to go on my own
. We have been going for a few years and I have been the only female( and over 50 years old to boot) on the shoot so it took a bit of courage
We take Gemma, but usually she is under OH's control. After much discussion I decided to take her with me, it was my chance to see if I could handle her in the field. I could always come home if it turned out to be a disaster
Well, we were a dream team
She answered my whistle and voice commands and quartered not too far in front. She pulls on the lead when we are out working ( does not during normal walks) so I had to have her off lead while walking across the ploughings but she stayed close ish as asked.
I think OH was expecting me home at dinner time but we turned up at 4pm, muddy, cold and kn******* but happy.
knew there was down side ( just remembered) One one drive I forgot that the drain could be crossed by a bridge so when I came across a part that was blocked by reeds I thought " this is a good place to cross". Well it was until I had to clamber up the other bank, stuck my hand on a nest of nettles. Have never known nettle stings to hurt some much, been over 24 hours now and my hand still tingles. If I did not know it was nettles I would have convinced myself it was a snake bite especially as the mark is not the normal nettle rash