No sunshine but lots of lilies

I must begin today with an apology. 

After last week's post full of roses for our LLB Gang friend Rosy, I had promised that today I'd find some sunshine for her sister Sunny. 

Sadly I have failed. July has brought nothing but cloud and yet more cloud to NE Scotland...

While the humans have all been grumbling about the cool wet summer here in Scotland, it seems the conditions have suited the water lilies on Loch Kinord just fine. 

On Wednesday afternoon Gail stood on the loch shore taking photos but I opted for a closer look.

Yes they really are that pretty! 

Happy Nature Friday! And once again thanks to our lovely LLB Gang friends for hosting this our favourite blog hop.

Poetic musings beside Loch Kinord

Welcome to today's double header - a special post combining the LLB Gang's Nature Friday blog hop and YAM-aunty's Final Friday Feature. 

  The WFT and the Water Lilies

Pictured here, a terrier beside a loch,

A scene at once so tranquil and so not!

The lily dappled watery scene beguiles,

The WFT's brim full of wiry wiles.

What better time to plot some devilry,

Than when one's human's lost in reverie?

Reflecting on reflections, she neglects

To pay attention to her naughty pet...

Don't be deceived by such a pert wee rear,

Such pretty markings, cute and flappy ears.

He's thinking up some new and rascally moves

While she's distracted by the pure white blooms.

Will he escape into the trees to hide?

Perhaps locate a muddy ditch, and dive,

Emerging filthy and malodorous,

Then spy her angry face and wonder what's the fuss. 

One scene, experienced in different ways,

A lesson for us all, for all our days. 

How dull life would be, were it otherwise.

What joy to see things through another's eyes! 

Really rather a nice week (for Nobby)....

So I know that this virus Gail caught last week has been horrid for many, many humans, but I just want to let you know that I've had rather a nice week, keeping Gail company at home and taking her for gentle  walks in quiet places where I knew we wouldn't meet many other humans. 

For example, we went for a long leisurely amble around Loch Kinord on Wednesday. 

Well OK, I don't really do 'leisurely', or 'amble', but you get the picture.

We did encounter one lovely, friendly young lady. While Gail stood well back, I ran across and offered to check over her inflatable canoe. 

Having satisfied myself that the vessel was seaworthy, I moved further round the loch where I picked up some delightful aromas of left-over picnic while Gail was admiring the birch trees behind us.

All in all, a very satisfactory and Covid-safe outing.

I hope you have had a nice week too, virus or no virus! 

Happy Nature Friday! Do join in the fun with our friends the LLB Gang and their ever wonderful blog hop.