Is it autumn? Is it summer? Who knows anymore. The calendar insists it’s autumn, but someone forgot to tell summer she’s overstayed her welcome. She’s hanging around like a spoilt brat at a party, refusing to take the hint while Autumn, the gracious host, stands by the door, coat in hand, eager to tidy up the colourful mess and bring some order back to the place. It’s that awkward time of year when deciding what to wear becomes a game of weather roulette. One minute, there’s a crisp chill in the air; the next, the sun barges back in, turning your cosy jumper into a portable sauna with itch factor. Bring back the cotton!
It’s a perpetual state of confusion that plagues me through all the “ber” months.
Speaking of confusion, my morning walks with the wolfits offers no respite. As I trudged through the dewy field this very early morning, pondering the indecisive weather, I couldn’t help but think about how utterly incompetent my wolfit, Tex, must believe I am. You see, Tex doesn’t grasp that I, as the supposed pack leader, am intentionally ignoring his wilful antics to maintain some semblance of authority. It’s essential with dogs of his nature to remain the matriarch at all times.
But from Tex’s perspective, I must appear completely daft. Thick as pudding.
”Bloody hell,” I imagine him thinking,.”What is wrong with this HUMAN? Every day for the past five years I’ve had to spell out what I want. Every single day, she forgets!”
He begs, grabs my hands, whines, and whimpers, all for two breakfast treats he knows he’s going to get eventually, but only when he’s behaving and on my terms. But patience isn’t Tex’s strong suit.
“I have to show her how to stand up, that these things at the end if her arms take the treats, remind her that it’s time, and point out exactly where she keeps them by leaping up and nudging them with my snout. And then, as if once wasn’t enough, I have to ask again right after! For the love of harmony!”
The comedy doesn’t end there. On our walks, Tex feels the need to bark at precise moments—when it’s time to turn the corner in the car, when we’ve reached the usual spot to stop.
“I have to remind her of everything,” he thinks. “When it’s teatime, when it’s time for my meat, and yet she’s the one with the bloody clock! How on earth does this species consider themselves at the top of the food chain? We should have just eaten them.”
And as I stand there, watching him give me that all-knowing look, I can’t help but muse: perhaps in this topsy-turvy world where seasons refuse to change and dogs ponder existential hierarchies, the only constant is the absurdity of it all. Maybe it’s not about who’s leading who but about finding humour in the chaos, even if it comes from a wolfit who’s convinced he’s the brains of the operation.
Before you go, if you’re in the mood for a little less chaos and a bit more colour, feel free to wander over to my other new blog where I share some of my latest paintings. It’s a lot calmer over there—no wolfits, no weather confusion, just a splash of watercolour and maybe a cheeky bit of prose. Have a look around if you fancy staying friends. Click here and see what you think!
6 Comments on A Seasonal Struggle
LL
11th Sep, 2024 13:09
You need to leave a link to the new blog – and I’ll be there wearing a wolf mask.
As to Tex, it’s good that you have him to point things out to you. If you lose your mind one day, he will be able to mind-meld with you and — well, you’ll bark and look for a bush to do your business, but you’ll still have a — mind, right?
It’s still screaming hot in the Arizona desert but cool in the mountains, and the monsoon is slowing a bit. It doesn’t feel like autumn yet here, either, even though we’re knocking on October’s door.
Jules Smith
11th Sep, 2024 14:09
My link disappeared! What! I put it back. Now have a look, LL.
The thought of Tex taking control make sme… wait…I think he already has. He’s a tyrant in fur.
Same here. It’s very hot one day and a bit brrr the next. I feel an Indian summer has landed. We won’t see a chill until November 24th.
Al Kirk
11th Sep, 2024 14:09
Tex is just doing his best to keep you on target. Otherwise he’d miss out on a car ride and bacon.
I like the painting web site. Seeing them all together gives me a better grasp of the depth of your art work. Well done.
Jules Smith
12th Sep, 2024 09:09
That’s very true, Al. Plus he needs to make sure i get my bacon as well! Priorities!
Thank you! I’m happy you are having a look around. I’m adding more each week. The process of scanning and uploading is a massive time sink!
the late phoenix
11th Sep, 2024 19:09
it’s an Indian summer. I wish there was only one weather: Autumn in New York.
yeah Tex is like my cats, we’re into breakfast treats, too, I eat the cat biscuits and they eat the Rice Krispie Treats…
*)
Jules Smith
12th Sep, 2024 09:09
Autumn in New York is lovely. I do appreciate the sessions though. I wouldn’t be happy with just one weather.
To be honest, you’re probably going to get more nutrition from a cat treat than a rice Krispie! *)
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