Job done.

Things you learn over dinner in a small university town . The theme tune in the Czech composer Smetanas Ma Vlast symphony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcDzRjMIDvo&t=7s and the Israeli national anthem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGCfFv9YnY0  are both thought to be based on the same late16th century Italian madrigal.

The three seagull chicks are up early. I'd expect them to take their first flight any day now. Boy, they are growing quickly. Things will hopefully quieten down and our sleep patterns return to normal when they flee the nest. From the noise they're making I'd assume they are demanding their four thirty snack.

There's a brisk breeze from the west blowing out to sea. 'The Font' thinks this, coupled to a low tide, would be the perfect time to deal with Sophie's ashes. The tone of voice suggests that this isn't so much a suggestion as a decision. So it is that Angus finds himself up and about earlier than usual. In fact he's up and about much earlier than usual. We wander down through the back alleys to the car which is parked by the castle. The flower beds are now looking cheerfully spectacular in a riot of colour sort of  way.

At an hour that anyone in their right mind would think is ungodly a black Volvo and its two passengers can be seen driving along the road that runs parallel to the beach. This is a time of day that belongs to nefarious activity although being nefarious in a part of the world where it doesn't get dark must be difficult. 

At the vets, when we said au revoir to Sophie,  we had been given a variety of choices of which we chose  the 'biodegradable' and 'environmentally friendly' options. Three weeks later a 'tasteful' cardboard tube with a picture of a bluebell wood printed on it was delivered to us.

Sophie discovered water late in life. She was initially wary of it but by the end, when she was in her 'nothing troubles me' mindset, walking in the waves was a favoured pastime. The decision about where to scatter was therefore an easy one. So it is that we track our usual path through the dunes, across the sand and down to the empty waters edge.

Until now little thought had been given to the practicalities of ash scattering . Having a westerly wind blowing certainly helps matters. To ensure maximum dispersal Angus takes off his shoes and socks and rolls up his trousers. Running along the shoreline holding the biodegradable container aloft like the Olympic torch ensures a smooth, if theatrical, way of ensuring that the diva is gently borne on her way. Gulls, crows and oystercatchers wading along the waters edge sensibly take wing as this unusual ash spouting sight bears down on them. 

We both agree that this little private moment was a fitting, if slightly dippy, way of bidding a  fond farewell to an old family friend. We hurry back to the car as Angus wonders whether the North Sea chill has cut off the circulation to his toes and feet. There is much laughter - which is fitting. PON owners understand laughter .... and mischief .... and stubbornness.