2010:365:56 D is for Dilemma

"The Dog and Duck" - not a new pub on the Lisburn Road (though I suppose it would have to be a wine bar anyhow) but the dilemma I faced this morning!  I've been planning the ducks with the cheerful colour; but how could I overlook the dog.  Okay, he could have his picture tomorrow under E is for Eliot, but the compromise presented itself when the ducks came downstairs for the photo shoot.  Put them together!

It is little wonder that Eliot eyed the set-up with suspicion.

He wasn't at all sure about sharing the limelight and the various pictures of him pushing them off would have made it into the blog if they'd not been blurred.

I did take some of the ducks on their own because they always remind me of a friend who often speaks about "getting her ducks in a row".  I'd never heard the phrase until I met her and wonder if perhaps it is an American import.  The idea appeals to me although, what happens when  all the ducks are in a row? Do you shoot them?  That's not nice!! These four little fellows sit on the bathroom windowsill most of the time although they're now on top of the piano as Eliot was rather too interested in giving them a bit of a licking.  (Hopefully they'll return to their 'home' in the not too distant future.)  The next stage after licking would be a good chew; and if it is bad to shoot ducks in a row then I imagine to be chewed to death would be even worse!

This was a snowy day but the "Ladies who Lunch" had arranged a rendezvous and we were not going to be stopped if at all possible.







When I arrived in Magherally there certainly was snow - lots of it.  The Parish Church of Saint John the Evangelist looked as magnificent as it always does.  No matter how many photographs of it you have another one is always welcome.  (Clicking on the photograph will give a much larger image.)  This picture was taken in a bit of a hurry and might have been composed better if I'd just taken a little more time.  However we were heading off for coffee in the company of two beautiful dogs and two incredibly beautiful cats.  I didn't manage dog pictures (remiss, I know) but the cats were quite happy to pose, and pose, and then to pose some more!  They do make a lovely picture and again I should have taken a bit more time and care to find the nearly "perfect" shot of them.

However, the "Ladies who Lunch" were keen to go to a nearby restaurant where we managed to make lunch last for over three hours!  It was good, and Eliot has indeed enjoyed some liver and garlic potatoes.  The desserts sounded tempting and, although it is Lent, two of us indulged.  Actually they weren't all that good and the one who resisted "chose the better part"!  This was the banoffee pie - a tad sickly and not nearly as good as one that I sampled in Belfast last week.  

So that was today.  A lovely mixture of snow, Holy Communion, warm friendship, good food (on the whole) and relaxation.  When a Day Off is used in a positive way it works very well.  Some TV will fill part of the evening and then an early night.  

O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people;
in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion
upon us and all who turn to you for help;
for you are gracious, O lover of souls,
and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.  Amen. 

Book of Common Prayer