Goodbye summer and farewell to a much loved pet

RHS Gardens, Wisley, Surrey

After one of the UK’s best summers in decades, it’s now the end of August – the new school term starts next week and before we know it, calendars and Christmas cards will be in the shops.

If you read this blog regularly, you’ll be aware that I’ve some unexpected challenges these last few months, what with my accident and changes to travel plans while I recovered and learned to walk again. For a travel writer – no trips in over four months means a severe case of itchy feet, so I’m hoping that we’ll make it down to Spain for a belated break next month. Just hope the Med will still be warm enough for a comfortable dip – some thalassotherapy would be most beneficial.

As I’m almost fully mobile again, we’ve had a few outings to local attractions, including  the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gardens at Wisley (just down the road) and to Hampton Court Palace and the Thames. Despite Wisley being practically on our doorstep, we haven’t been there in ages and I’d forgotten just what a fantastic place it is. We must become RHS members so that we can go for walks and enjoy garden inspiration on a more regular basis.

The month ended on a sad note –  we had to say goodbye to Murphy, our 18-year old cat, after his health suddenly and distressingly deteriorated.

Murphy snoozing in the sun

I stroked his dear head as he trustingly let the vet hold his paw and administer the lethal injection that would send him to sleep forever. It seemed such a terrible betrayal, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness and cried my eyes out – as did Alec. We took Murphy home and buried him next to Chester, his former playmate. We’re really going to miss him.