Wet weather walks

We've had a week of cold, wet, cloudy weather and I've been told (warned) to expect this type of weather for much of the winter. I'm not getting as many miles in on our daily walks, but we still get out at least twice a day and Bailey seems satisfied by that. She's not keen on wet weather either, so she's content to wait for it to stop. 

The raincoat I ordered for her was too small so we sent it back and ordered a new one. She's really good about wearing it and has received several compliments from strangers whenever she's worn it. She is also really good about letting me wipe her feet and legs off with a towel when we get back home. It seems that rain is possible or even likely whenever it's cloudy even if rain is not in the forecast so it's best to be prepared. We have seen a bit of sun now and again, however, and we really appreciate it when it happens. Here's a few pictures from this week.

Our friend the grey heron.

On an evening walk.

My new orchid. I'm getting into houseplants for the first time in years.

Sunshine! On a very chilly morning.

That's the big playing field behind her. It was covered in mist and fog this morning.

The cold and wet grass didn't matter when she found a friend who wanted to play.

Another sunny moment crossing one of the pedestrian bridges over the canal.

We had dinner here with a couple of new friends one evening.

I haven't yet tired of this view.

She hopped up onto this stump as if asking me to take her picture.

This morning's walk was our longest in a while and we were both happy to meet this border collie who wanted to run and play.

The dog's owner spoke enough English that we were able to converse.

We both agreed that each other's dog was the best running companion we had found for our own.

Brrr!

It finally turned cooler this week. We had a freeze, though just barely, and even some snow (no accumulation). We've cranked up the radiators a bit in the apartment and have our winter wear clothes more or less in order. Walking Bailey is still a two or three time per day necessity, but some of them are shorter walks now, especially since it gets dark so much earlier. 

We had a very frosty walk Friday morning but she found a willing playmate in the big field and did a lot of off leash running. The other dog's owner remarked how happy she looked and that made me happy. 

The Lille Beer Festival was this weekend. Clay and I went on Saturday to drink and sample and he went back to volunteer at the event all day on Sunday. He will be very tired tomorrow. I did some cooking today and then I went out for a late afternoon walk through the Christmas market again to see the lights and other sights. Bailey and I did a short walk after dark just to take care of business. 

She was determined to play with this dog. He was willing, but she did most of the running.

This was her "catch me if you can" run. He couldn't. 

The beer festival was held in an old train station. It was a great, but chilly, space for it.

One of the beers. 

More pictures of the Christmas lights in Lille. 

Delerium Tremens has just opened a place in Lille.