PHOTO PROMPT © Jilly Funell

“What’s the matter, son?” Jim asked as he slid the milkshake across the Formica-topped table.
“Autumn is sad, grandad; it’s horrible seeing all the trees cold and their leaves dead.”
“That’s just nature son. Everything has its time and then it all begins again shiny and new.”
“Do we have a time, grandad?”
Wheezing, Jim peered into the darkness of his coffee and saw only the black answer.
“Well that’s a deep, dark subject to consider over a milkshake, son, but either way, you’re the new and shiny, so how about we get on with buying those trainers you wanted?”

Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here

I’ve been away from FF for a while, mainly due to lots going on here and not having the time to reciprocate comments. The arrival of Freddie was one of the major distractions. He has been fun and so far taught me a lot, which I thought I’d share with you.

What I have learnt in six months since getting a new puppy:
1) There are far more dirty tissues and used baby wipes in the world than I’d ever imagined – because people are dirty.
2) A standard size cardboard box, when shredded correctly will comfortably cover the lawn of an average semi-detached house.
3) Puppies have two bladders. One for the normal everyday requirements and another to greet everyone they meet with their own personal little wee. This second bladder is inexhaustible.
4) A puppy thinks a cat is just another thing to be played with. (They only think this once)
5) Puppies don’t like untidiness and will remove any shoes, tools or other items left unattended for destruction and burial somewhere in the garden.
6) Puppies are useful for getting that ‘dog fur’ finish on any new gloss paint you’ve applied to stairs or skirting boards.
7) Puppies are happy to help you with any chores. At the slightest chink of a tool, your new best friend will be there to protect you from the hoover, climb in to check the dishwasher is safe and defend you from the lawn mower before it can do you harm.

One thing  that is worrying me though…he ain’t never caught a rabbit yet.