[Carruthers]

I was, as per usual, wide awake in the still watches of the night so I decided to have a look out of the window to see what the outside world had to offer.

I have mowed the lawns twice this year but have had to leave a few patches uncut as wild flowers grow there. As I peered into the gloom, I was attempting to remember why I had left an unmown patch by a small tree. Further thoughts on the subject weren't required as the 'patch' started to move. I grabbed a torch and spotted the biggest Badger I have ever seen in my life. There isn't a shortage of Badgers in the country, quite the reverse, but most people will only ever see one dead at the side of the road. I've seen my fair share of live ones but they tend to be at a distance and rather fleeting, but this fellow was just feet away from me and completely unbothered by the light from my torch. He spent a couple of minutes nosing around the garden and then disappeared under the hedge to next door.

It made my sleeplessness worthwhile. Well, almost...