spandit

Didn't I make that joke already?

I was going to but it said it was running low on battery. When I get round to changing the batteries or making a connection for a motorcycle battery then I'll switch it to video,

I'd have to sell one of my other Aston Martins to afford it. I'll wait until the Aston Martin Two Four Three comes out

After seeing eyes in the darkness (with a lamp!) I invested in a trail camera. I got some nice pictures of the dogs and a few rabbits but last night got these: Looks like a pair at least, unless it was stalking a cat (the photos are 4 seconds apart, the next one is blank)?

For all that you're suggesting, a compact may not be up to the job. Will look in interest at what you buy as would like one myself

You might have kinked the chain if it's getting that hot

Because everyone is so kind and non-judgemental... :o

Tried that initially but there's so much tree cover you can't see where it goes. I initially assumed the drive was straight but it's not. Anyway, I know which one is which now so I might drop her a note to calm the waters

Is that a euphemism? Only seen her by torchlight and it wasn't pretty then...

a) my fence b) not a reason for FAC grant, they just have a 5 acre paddock (which is the other side of the property, I literally walked only over about 5m of verge to get onto the drive) I do take the point that people don't want others trampling over their land but it was only to invite them to a party as otherwise I didn't know which house they lived in (their drive is on a different road). When I mentioned my dog had been over the fence it was said in an apologetic manner, I was trying to be humorous with her but sadly it wasn't taken in the way in which it was intended. Personally, if a strange dog came onto my land I'd try to work out who owned it and where it was getting through rather than try to hurt it, which is what she implied. I thought it a bit strange that she was so blunt but perhaps I'm just a friendlier person than some and that maybe causes some boundary issues Her loss, really, the other neighbours had a great time at the party and one of them gave me permission to shoot in his woods anyway (which the FEO has cleared)

Fence was saggy before I came along I wasn't expecting sympathy, I was expecting a torrent of abuse and conflicting opinion... Bingo!

She'd dig under but you're right, I'd hop over They sometimes fly over my land, I wouldn't sneak in and blast them off the water... then again, if anyone has a punt gun they can lend me...

PM me your address, I've got a gap on my Christmas card list...

They're wild ducks that sometimes land on her pond. She expressed concern that my dog might worry them, which she's never done - she just likes exploring. You obviously don't get my sense of humour regarding shooting them Some other neighbours climbed over our fence recently to retrieve an errant dog. We helped them look for it and never threatened to harm it. It never crossed my mind to be an **** about it

I did apologise, I'm sorry for not recording the conversation but I take your point. I went over their fence once to post a Christmas card, not "when I feel like it". As mentioned, their drive is a mile away and until tonight I didn't know the name of their house so didn't know which one it was anyway. I look forward to seeing you on Crufts if you're not at the Vatican receiving your sainthood

Just unfriended someone on Facebook for claiming he'd kill my dog if she chased his ducks. I don't think it's legal to shoot a dog if it's not worrying livestock

I'm guessing it's more the latter than the former. I've no wish to claim a right of way to their front door. Just venting at the moment, I'll calm down in a day or two

I don't think she's been in there more than two or three times. I have patched the fence up but it's quite long and old so she does keep finding new holes. It was more the tone she used that ****** me off. Perhaps I thought as a new neighbour she might at least welcome me. I hope she likes the smell of pig **** as there are a lot of brambles up there that need clearing

A few months ago, before I'd even got my FAC, I met one of our new neighbours. He seemed pleasant enough and we chatted over the fence at the top of our paddock. He said that I could shoot on his field once I got my licence. As a result, just before Christmas, I hopped over the fence to put a card through their door with an invitation to a "meet the new neighbours" party. We never got an RSVP and they didn't show up. This evening, as I was walking the dogs by torchlight, I stopped to clear some brambles that had been setting off my new trail camera, when a voice said "Hello" from the other side of the fence. I quickly established it was the young lad who lived there and despite him making it a bit more complicated than it ought to have been, I ascertained that he lived there with his mother and her partner, who was the chap I'd already met. There were two other torches behind him and presently one came forward. Didn't introduce herself but it was apparent she was the mother of said lad (and partner of said chap). One of my dogs, who is a very friendly and non-threatening sprocker bitch, poked her nose through the stock fencing to extend a greeting. I remarked that she was well acquainted with there land as she had been under the fence a few times, being an escapologist. The woman then proceeded to tell me that if she caught her over there again she'd be "left in no doubt she wasn't allowed in there". I didn't really like the tone and she muttered something about my dog going in the water and chasing the ducks (which is why I need a new shotgun as mine isn't steel proofed ). She then said that I wasn't to climb over the fence again (it's a sagging stock fence, not some tall wooden structure) but if I wanted to contact them again, to go to the gate and ring the bell. Now, to hope over the fence takes about 5 minutes. To walk around to their gate is a mile. I appreciate that they don't want hordes of people flooding over the fence but an immediate neighbour delivering a Christmas greeting? Suffice to say, I didn't warm to the ghastly old harridan and won't be sending any more cards/invitations their way. I think my chances of securing a permission in their field is now pretty slim, although it was the convenience that attracted me, I'm not going to walk a mile with a rifle to do them a favour. If I could afford it, I'd erect the tallest, ugliest fence along that border that I could... :D

Can I have the other 8?

Just tie a bowline in a piece of string

Sorry to hear your news. Dogs are tough and don't suffer pain like we do but you'll know when the time is right to take further action. Give him plenty of love and even if he doesn't last too long, at least you'll know he was happy at the end

Doesn't look so big now it's mounted... Looking forward to the first live shots!

Not yet, but just ordered one!

Is it for sale, then?