A Disgusting Practice

Having a dog can be life enhancing.

It is for me. 

All of my dogs

Ruby

Amber and Pearl
cuddling up in the Motorhome

have added a new dimension
to my life in so many ways.

There is a downside.

If you have a dog you have to clear up after them (an euphemism)

Pick Up Their Poo

Not a pleasant job.

The usual practice is to pick it up in a special bag,
tie the top;
take it with you to put in a bin.

Unfortunately this does not always happen.

Sometimes it is just not picked up.

But worse is when a full "poo" bag is left lying about.

Even worse when it is hung from the branch of a tree

This is an action of environmental vandalism. 

Who is going to collect the bags
and dispose of them in the proper manner .

It takes many many years for the plastic to decompose.

The contents only take a few weeks.      

This has become quite a problem in some places.

It has required a re-think.

The National Trust now recommends 

"Stick and Flick"

Find a stick and flick the poo into the bottom of a hedge;

then throw the stick away.

In a short time the mess will rot away.

Take the bag with you

Happy Birthday to Pearl's Second Litter

  Pearl had her second litter in 2018 on 9th November

2 boys and 5 girls

So this year they were 2 years old.

I am thrilled to say 6 of her seven offspring sent birthday photos

This is Harry

This is Ivy

This is Ruby

This is Denzil

This is Holly

This is Polly

Super Thursday (Part 5)

No Read of the Month, instead another "Super Thursday".

Super Thursday is the day in October when
publishers showcase their Christmas range.

My Super Thursdays feature the 3 books special to me.
Details of these can be found in other blog posts.

This final Super Thursday is more like the industry type. 

I have collated all the #Read of the Months.

The list is eclectic; all non-fiction bar one
all genres; past and present texts.

Hopefully one book will pique interest
even be a different Christmas present for someone.

List of books and details at

https://annachelmicka.me/read-of-the-month/

Support local business
(don't buy from Amazon)

Hibernation

Writing about "Motorhome Musings" at this time of year is difficult because.  All I really want to do is "hibernate".  Why?  Well:-

• 
  
  Now the clocks have gone back it gets dark so early.  I have to take Pearl out by 3.30 or 4pm if I want to walk her in the daylight.  Even then it is usually dark by the time I get home.  As we move towards the Winter Solstice this is only going to get worse.

• 
  The overcast sky and dark grey clouds I find inhibiting.  All I want to do is curl up on the sofa by a bright roaring fire.

• Too often the lowering clouds are spilling their wet load.  I do not enjoy walking in the rain.  Pearl doesn't mind.  She does not have to rub herself dry when we get home.

• Doing so little in my motorhome means there is little to report. This is especially so now that we are in another lockdown.

Is Hibernation a good idea.  Probably not. SO I'm going to

• Continue writing my second book
• Read
• Become more familiar with my new camera
• Plan my 2021 research trips. 

Lots to do.

What do you do during these cold, dismal and dark days?

Super Thursday (Part 4)

The final book in my small collection I consider to be a momentous achievement.

Why?

Because it was published by Hubble & Hattie a bone fide publishers. 

The company, based in Dorset, is small and part of Veloce, a larger publishing concern; "the home of fine automotive books"

The topics of the books Hubble & Hattie publish is animal related. 

It was because I was accompanied in my explorations by my dogs that Hubble & Hattie offered me a contract.
Their experience of camping is not nearly so extensive but I can fill that gap.

The book is 

"Wonderful Walks from Dog-friendly Campsites Throughout the UK"

I divided the country into 7 regions and Pearl and I visited 3 campsites in each region. We found 2 walks starting directly from each site;

• a short one of between 4-6 miles
• a long one of between 8 -10 miles.  This is supposed to take all day with a refreshment break at a pub or café.

Pearl has her own section in the book "Pearls of Wisdom" where she reviews the campsite for other 4-legged companions.

A note of caution; as there are over 48 counties just in England it is quite probable that Pearl and I have not visited your county. We had to miss some in order to have new places to visit for our second book due out in February 2022.

Whatever one may think of the content of my book there is absolutely no question that it "looks" fabulous. 
The editor certainly knows how to turn a boring manuscript into a attractive book. 

The book can be purchased from the usual outlets or from:

• Hubble & Hattie
  https://www.hubbleandhattie.com/shop/HH5045/
• Dog- Friendly                 
  https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/shop/product/wonderful-walks-from-dog-friendly-campsites-throughout-the-uk/ 
• Me 
  https://annachelmicka.me/writing/

Last Trip of 2020

What a year!  And it is only October.

Despite everything I did manage to research a few campsites for my next walking book

Devon

• 

  Lydford
  

  Lydford Caravan and Camping Park.  It was not on my list of campsites to visit as it was not next to a pub.                                 I I decided to visit for my first outing after lockdown because it sounded well organized and up to speed with Covid compliance regulations.  Also there was a pub just half a mile away in the village of Lydford.  As stated in a previous blog, I had a lovely time.

• 

  Me at Widgery Cross
  

  Fox and Hounds Hotel Campsite.  
• This was just outside of the village of Lydford.  It was on my list of campsites to visit for my next book. With no mention of Covid on the website and some poor reviews I did not feel confident staying here without a reconnoitre.  This I did on one of the walks from Lydford Campsite. It past muster so I booked in for a several days.  It was wonderful. A track led straight up onto Dartmoor.                                        
• 
  

 I climbed a tor to Widgery Cross

East Sussex

• Runt in Tun. Campsite behind so named pub. (On my list).  

  

  Runt in Tun
  

  
  A really wonderful site with fabulous walks in Sapperton Woods. Toilet and showers were poor; just portaloos. Pub was lovely.  Unfortunately when I got home I was informed the campsite was going to close permanently. So I had to find another campsite in East Sussex. Very difficult. After very careful consideration I went to a campsite very close to Runt in Tun.

• 

  Horam

  Horam Manor Country Park. This is situated on the outskirts of the village of Horam.  It is part of the Country Park complex which also comprises workshops, fishing lake, nature trail and Bistro.
  This is why I decided this campsite would be an interesting addition in the next book.  Whilst staying there I discovered there is a pub just across the playing fields. Maybe Covid is responsible for its lack of appeal.

Dorset

Bagwell

Bagwell Farm Touring Park.  This is located very close to the coast at Chesil Beach near Weymouth.  It is a very big campsite but the walks from it are fabulous. Again the pub just across a field from the campsite was closed when I visited. Maybe a victim of lockdown. 

Hampshire

Red Shoot Camping Park.  

Red Shoot

I had to revisit this campsite to clarify some notes
I made on my previous visit. I think this is a lovely campsite.  

A wonderful way to end 2020 camping outings.

With the probability of a second wave of Covid-19 during winter forcing us to stay indoors I have decided not to venture out again this year in my motorhome. 

I hope 2021 will be a better year for us all.

Happy Birthday to Pearl's first litter.

 Pearl had her first litter in 2017 on 10th October.
4 boys and 3 girls

So this year they were 3 years old.

I am thrilled to say 5 of her seven offspring sent birthday photos

This is Harley

This is Toby

                                                                                

                                                    

This is Maggie

This is Tarn Bear

This is Lexi

This is Ernie

Thank you for everyone who sent photos of their dogs.

I hope you all agree; A fabulous group of dogs.

Super Thursday (Part 3)

 My second book in this small collection is also special to me because:-

• It was the first book I wrote; a test case to ascertain whether or not I could actually write a book
• The subject was my first dog Ruby; a memoire of sorts. If I could not write about her then writing about anything would be hopeless.
• I self published this book; this is quicker than the usual route of using an agent then a publisher.
• This book (as well as my magazine articles) were hugely influential in finding a publisher for my subsequent books. 

The book is 

My Friend Ruby
by
Anna Chelmicka  

It recounts how a dog can change a life.

It is true dogs can be of great help during difficult times, which is why so many people now during these uncertain times are getting puppies.

I have personally experienced how a dog can help during distressing moments.

 

Ruby, my first dog was not only a comfort to me when I was ill but was also hugely instrumental in life after retirement.  It is because of her I now write and take photographs.  

It was only when she went that I fully realized just how special she was and thought writing about her would be a good idea. 

Because I self-published this book (an extremely interesting experience)
I have lots of copies available. 

Details of purchase can be found on my website https://annachelmicka.me/writing/

Super Thursday (Part 2)

 The first book I wish to promote is unusual because:-

• I did not write it.  Instead I am mentioned in it..
• It is about my father; (at least the second half)
• The book and the author were the impetus for me to start writing.
• It reawakened my desire to read but non-fiction rather than fiction.

The book is 

Quiet Heroes 

by 

Rita Cosby.

The author is a well known journalist in the States.  Her father is Ryszard Kossobudzki but changed his name when he came to the US. 

Rita Cosby unexpectedly discovered information about her father's wartime experiences in Poland, particularly during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. 

The book  recounts these and how it affected their relationship and why some people behave so extraordinarily. Hence the title.

My father was also involved in the Warsaw Uprising. His story is included because he became a close friend of Ryszard  when they met in a "hospital" during the Uprisings.  They became buddies doing everything together until peace-time.

I too knew little of my father's wartime experiences as he rarely spoke about them when he was alive so this book was a revelation to me. 

This book has not been published in the UK so is not available in the usual bookshops. 

The majority of the copies online are rather expensive as many of them originate in the USA. 

Fortunately I have a few copies, which are available from my website https://annachelmicka.me/writing/

 

Super Thursday (Part 1)

 Few people will have heard of Super Thursday unless like me you happened to see the item about it on BBC News in September.

It is a day (first Thursday in September) when publishers issue book titles specifically for the
Christmas market.

                                                                                                                                    
These are typically "coffee table" books such as 

• Antiques Roadshow: 40 Years of Great Finds by Paul Atterbury
• Classic FM's Big Book of Classical Music;  1000 years of music in 366 days by Darren Henley, Sam Jackson et al
• John Craven's Countryfile Handbook by John Craven

Then there are the plethora of books; both fiction and non-fiction by "celebrities".
Go into any bookshop and they are displayed at the entrance to entice you to buy one as a present or even for yourself.

Those pundits who say books are a thing of the past should visit

•  a bookshop 
• a book fair.

A little while ago I went to the London Book Fair. 
The number of stands and books was mind-blowing

For me Thursday 1st October 2020 is my Super Thursday.

This is the day I launch my campaign promoting my 3 books.
To sustain interest I am going to do this over 4 posts. (This is Part 1)
Each of the remaining parts will focus on just one book.

Like most people 2020 events where I was to promote my books were cancelled.
These were;

• 2 literary festivals
• a motorhome show 
• Countryfile Live

As a consequence I have several  boxes of books.
I can pop them in the post to any interested people. 

On the other hand you could purchase them from Amazon 

BUT 
I know many who would rather you did not.

Why?

You may not know but Amazon sell books as a lost leader 
(at a loss but to encourage you to purchase something far more profitable; 

for example Amazon Prime).
As a result authors get very very little for their books.
They only make money if they sell millions rather than a few thousands.
Authors get a better return if you purchase from elsewhere;

preferably a bookshop or even direct from the author or publisher.

If you cannot wait for Part 2, 3, and 4 to find out what selection of books I am offering

please go to my website https://annachelmicka.me/writing/

Prices quoted are special Christmas offers.