#barrow close

July 31st - A good commute for cats. Remember the two sleepyheads I found in The Butts last week? Well, today they were up and about and feeling sociable.

The calico is a lot more elderly that I thought, but is a lovely-natured thing for sure, as is the younger black and white lad with almost red patches in his coat.

Pleased with my attention, he rolled, rubbed and purred his way into my heart.

The other black and white puss was a canal cat in the gardens of Barrow Close on the edge of the canalside at Walsall Wood. He seemed to be someone who knew what he was doing.

April 10th - I seem to be annoying the local cat population somewhat of late (and probably those who don’t like cats and read this journal) as I keep catching them going about their feline business and that’s clearly a bit rude.

I’m interested at the moment that canal cats seem to be returning to Walsall Wood and Brownhills - after a scant few years, it’s now getting quite common to see a waterside flaneur taking the air, hunting, having a drink or just watching things over the water. 

They often disapprove of the attention.

The garden panther here, told me off most vocally from behind the Maybrook Industrial Estate. 

The visibly irritated black and white chap was at the back of Barrow Close, and I’d ruined his quest for a little Moorhen.

May 18th - I spotted him sat on the decking on the canal bank by Barrow Close, Walsall Wood. The marmalade cat’s attention was so fixed, I couldn’t possibly distract him.

February 29th - On the return, I felt leaden. Clearly still not recovered, my stamina was non-existent and riding was hard, painful work. This cold has really got into my bones and joints and I ache.

Rounding the bend on the canal by Barrow Close in Walsall Wood I noted it was past 6pm and still not really dark, but the lights of the houses looked welcoming and warm in the half-light.

They made me want to be home and warm, and out of the cold and exertion - so I remounted and undertook the final slog home with grim, but renewed determination.