On my daily commute there are many sheep which, given that I work in an area with a name that means 'sheep hills', is not overly surprising. Then again, Shepherd's Bush in London has a notable lack of shepherds and, take it from me, bush takes a lot of finding too.
There are also a few cows, although nowhere near enough for my liking. Make cows not war, as John Lennon would say. Well, perhaps.
One field though has both cows and sheep and this pleases me immensely. I can't really explain why, but I just like it when animals get mixed together.
The only problem is, there is some kind of apartheid deal going on. The sheep hang out together, the cows hang out together, but they don't mix. They don't even almost mix - opposite ends of the field usually. This field ain't big enough for the both of us.
Yesterday morning, much to my satisfaction, the respective groups were quite close, with the most easterly sheep being near to the most westerly cow. I sensed progress - a thawing of relations, an extended olive branch, a hoof of friendship.
And then this morning complete integration! I nearly left the road in my excitement. Cow sheep, sheep cow, passing round the canapes and ferrero rocher, discussing the weather and exchanging hair care tips. Marvellous.
This evening they were back to apartheid, but now they have managed it once I am convinced they can do it again. The dam has burst.
Next up, Christians and Lions.