...for Charles to get back from the match.
The puppies have been in bed since 9.30. They are a bit restless in their sleep tonight and it won't take much to disturb them, so you'd better tiptoe Charles!!
They've been really lovely today! That's not to say they're not usually lovely - they are! - but today they've just been really biddable and affectionate. Even their daily crazy time was less frenetic than usual.
The only bad bit was the fartfest earlier this evening, when I came close to being driven from my own home. But, having talked to my sister Helen, she says it could be the rawhide chews as they have the same effect on her dogs - Digby and Tex. This is a shame, because I honestly believe that these chews are partly responsible for the pups being easier to manage at the moment. They don't chew stuff around the house because they've got the sticks and they seem to settle down more quickly as well. So for now, we'll just have to put up with the pong!
Tomorrow will bring the delights of the puppy party - providing it's not cancelled again. I hope the girls remember how brave they were last time. Gosh - if my two have grown so much in a fortnight, I wonder how big Milo the black labrador puppy is?
Of course, the pups will be able to travel in style in their new car. I hope they like it a bit more than they did on Monday - you've never heard such a racket!!
LILY & ROSE
Here are some photos of Lily & Rose. There are a few from the first time we saw them when they were just 4 weeks old. They would fit on your hand at this age and didn't look much like westies!
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
TOON V QPR
7 minutes gone and we're one down already!
C'mon the TOON!!!!
Oh no, now we've missed a penalty!
40 mins - still a goal down. COME ON!!!
70 mins - GOAL!! - Marlon Harewood
FULL TIME 1 - 1
3 POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP - COULD BE WORSE±
C'mon the TOON!!!!
Oh no, now we've missed a penalty!
40 mins - still a goal down. COME ON!!!
70 mins - GOAL!! - Marlon Harewood
FULL TIME 1 - 1
3 POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP - COULD BE WORSE±
FOOLISHLY...
...I've just done my nails!
Not the best timing because the puppies have both decided they're ready for a cuddle! It's funny how they both seem to have the same idea at the same time, or more likely, one does something and the other doesn't want to miss out.
It's particularly noticeable when it comes to cuddles and tummy rubs.
LILY IS ALWAYS FIRST FOR A CUDDLE! She never misses an opportunity to get up on someone's knee and will snuggle right up into your neck throwing in a little bit of ear nibbling to show that affection isn't just one way!
Rose does love cuddles, but tends to wait to be invited. (She has just proved me totally wrong, however, by scrabbling at my leg to be picked up, and when that didn't get a response she tried in vain to jump up! In the end, after she had sat quietly for a minute, I picked her up and we've just had a lovely cuddle - until Lily noticed!
Lily has got to learn that she doesn't have the monopoly on cuddles and that her sister is entitled to just as much affection as SHE is!
TUMMY RUBS ARE BLISS! Well that's what Lily and Rose think anyway. They will lie there for ages, totally relaxed and obviously in puppy heaven!
There, we've finished the cuddles (with the nail varnish unsmeared!) and now the pups are at the patio door where something has attracted their attention. Lily is patrolling the door and giving little growly barks every now and again. Rose is hanging back a little as she usually does. She lets Lily see what's going on first - and if it's okay with Lily, Rose gets stuck in too.
Okay! Whatever it was must have gone now because I've opened the door and both puppies are lying dozily on their tummies, with their chins hanging over the thresh.
AARGH! NOW I KNOW WHY!!!
THE PHANTOM PUPPY FARTERS ARE BACK!
Oh girls, this is REALLY BAD! No wonder you've left your bottoms inside the house and stuck your noses in the fresh air!
I just wish you'd warned ME!!
'Scuse me - must get the air freshener and a peg for my nose!
( Or I could always invest in some of those anti-swine flu face masks.)
Not the best timing because the puppies have both decided they're ready for a cuddle! It's funny how they both seem to have the same idea at the same time, or more likely, one does something and the other doesn't want to miss out.
It's particularly noticeable when it comes to cuddles and tummy rubs.
LILY IS ALWAYS FIRST FOR A CUDDLE! She never misses an opportunity to get up on someone's knee and will snuggle right up into your neck throwing in a little bit of ear nibbling to show that affection isn't just one way!
Rose does love cuddles, but tends to wait to be invited. (She has just proved me totally wrong, however, by scrabbling at my leg to be picked up, and when that didn't get a response she tried in vain to jump up! In the end, after she had sat quietly for a minute, I picked her up and we've just had a lovely cuddle - until Lily noticed!
Lily has got to learn that she doesn't have the monopoly on cuddles and that her sister is entitled to just as much affection as SHE is!
TUMMY RUBS ARE BLISS! Well that's what Lily and Rose think anyway. They will lie there for ages, totally relaxed and obviously in puppy heaven!
There, we've finished the cuddles (with the nail varnish unsmeared!) and now the pups are at the patio door where something has attracted their attention. Lily is patrolling the door and giving little growly barks every now and again. Rose is hanging back a little as she usually does. She lets Lily see what's going on first - and if it's okay with Lily, Rose gets stuck in too.
Okay! Whatever it was must have gone now because I've opened the door and both puppies are lying dozily on their tummies, with their chins hanging over the thresh.
AARGH! NOW I KNOW WHY!!!
THE PHANTOM PUPPY FARTERS ARE BACK!
Oh girls, this is REALLY BAD! No wonder you've left your bottoms inside the house and stuck your noses in the fresh air!
I just wish you'd warned ME!!
'Scuse me - must get the air freshener and a peg for my nose!
( Or I could always invest in some of those anti-swine flu face masks.)
LILY AND ROSE LEARN TO SWIM!
Well not quite - but they're certainly not afraid of having a good old paddle in water that almost reaches their tummies.
We have a little problem with standing water on the drive when there is excessive rain, as there has been this morning. Actually, I'm being stoic here - it's absolutely NOT a little problem and necessitates the wearing of wellies to get from the house to the car in really wet weather.
Charles - you said you knew someone who could sort this out. Well it needs sorting NOW before the wet weather really sets in.
I have two little puppies here who will happily go and splash around in their new paddling pool, but won't go for a pee in it!
We also now have that very distinctive wet dog smell! I've towelled them both off as best I can, but, as they're warming up in the house, they are becoming less fragrant by the minute! (All we need now is for the farting to start and I'll be moving out!!)
We have a little problem with standing water on the drive when there is excessive rain, as there has been this morning. Actually, I'm being stoic here - it's absolutely NOT a little problem and necessitates the wearing of wellies to get from the house to the car in really wet weather.
Charles - you said you knew someone who could sort this out. Well it needs sorting NOW before the wet weather really sets in.
I have two little puppies here who will happily go and splash around in their new paddling pool, but won't go for a pee in it!
We also now have that very distinctive wet dog smell! I've towelled them both off as best I can, but, as they're warming up in the house, they are becoming less fragrant by the minute! (All we need now is for the farting to start and I'll be moving out!!)
BIG SLEEPS TODAY!
Obviously this is one of their sleepy days - either that or they are bored senseless.
Both puppies have slept through the arrival of the Ringtons man (teabags, lemon shortbread and caramel wafers), the Postman (nothing interesting there) and even Christina, who didn't stay long because I made her be silent and wouldn't let her into the kitchen in case she woke them up. Being silent doesn't come easily to Christina, and she only lasted ten minutes which is however, about 9 minutes and 59 seconds longer than usual!
Both puppies have slept through the arrival of the Ringtons man (teabags, lemon shortbread and caramel wafers), the Postman (nothing interesting there) and even Christina, who didn't stay long because I made her be silent and wouldn't let her into the kitchen in case she woke them up. Being silent doesn't come easily to Christina, and she only lasted ten minutes which is however, about 9 minutes and 59 seconds longer than usual!
HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD OFF!
BY MY SON!
Apparently I make it sound on my blog as if I am badly done to! According to James I make out that I miss out on stuff (like the footie tonight) but it is always my decision not to go! And also, he thinks I didn't read Dannymatts comment about which car I should get, properly!
Right - where do I start with this one?
Firstly - It's MY blog! If I want people to think I'm being a martyr - I WILL!
Secondly - I KNOW I could have gone to the match tonight - but I was thinking of you and your dad - AND THE PUPS. If it wasn't for the puppies I would have been going myself AND YOU WOULDN'T - but I thought it was the easiest solution all round.
Thirdly - Considering the only excitement I will get this evening (despite being blonde) is the arrival of your laundry bag - I would be careful what you say, if I was you!
Fourthly - Okay, Dannymatt DID suggest an Audi, but he also reckoned I need a BMW, hence my comment - so I DID read his comment, I just chose to ignore the Audi bit cos I thought he was just being silly!!
So JIM - DON'T HAVE A GO AT YOUR MUM IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
And anyway:
I AM going to the game on Saturday with you and have NO INTENTION of missing it, OR the pre-match meal at the Spice Cube, OR the chance to do a bit of shopping while we're in town!
I AM NOT going to be a martyr on Saturday - YOUR DAD IS!!
Apparently I make it sound on my blog as if I am badly done to! According to James I make out that I miss out on stuff (like the footie tonight) but it is always my decision not to go! And also, he thinks I didn't read Dannymatts comment about which car I should get, properly!
Right - where do I start with this one?
Firstly - It's MY blog! If I want people to think I'm being a martyr - I WILL!
Secondly - I KNOW I could have gone to the match tonight - but I was thinking of you and your dad - AND THE PUPS. If it wasn't for the puppies I would have been going myself AND YOU WOULDN'T - but I thought it was the easiest solution all round.
Thirdly - Considering the only excitement I will get this evening (despite being blonde) is the arrival of your laundry bag - I would be careful what you say, if I was you!
Fourthly - Okay, Dannymatt DID suggest an Audi, but he also reckoned I need a BMW, hence my comment - so I DID read his comment, I just chose to ignore the Audi bit cos I thought he was just being silly!!
So JIM - DON'T HAVE A GO AT YOUR MUM IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
And anyway:
I AM going to the game on Saturday with you and have NO INTENTION of missing it, OR the pre-match meal at the Spice Cube, OR the chance to do a bit of shopping while we're in town!
I AM NOT going to be a martyr on Saturday - YOUR DAD IS!!
I CAN'T WAIT...
...to be able to take the puppies out!
They have their next injection next Tuesday and then we have to wait another ten days, but after that we will be able to go out properly. By my reckoning that will be about 16th October. (When is the October half term holiday? At one time I would have known this and the date would be in my diary, underlined frantically in red!)
I'm thinking about the holiday, because it will be very helpful to be taking the puppies out with Charles so that, to begin with, we can walk one pup each. (We still get into an awful tangle with two leads and two puppies who are each determined to go their own way!)
I think I'm feeling a bit housebound this morning. Not that I want to go anywhere in particular, but it would just be nice to get out for a while. I could pop down to Heighley Gate later I suppose, but I will only do that when I know the puppies are settled for their long afternoon sleep. I must get them to realise that they have to cope on their own at times. I do know this, but I also know how much they wind each other up when they're unhappy, so try to avoid it as much as possible. On the other hand, I hope I'm not making a rod for my own back!
Heighley Gate has a really good pet department and I could be there and back within an hour AND have time for a coffee. So that might be my treat for this afternoon.
Charles won't be home until late tonight because he's off to the match. If kick off is 7.45 I reckon he won't get back until 10.00 at the earliest. He has been warned to tiptoe into the house to avoid waking the puppies who will have settled for the night by then. In fact, I won't want them to even open an eye and catch sight of him at all otherwise mayhem will break out!
They get really excited when they know that Charles is home - and cry in the morning when he's leaving! The crying doesn't last long though and they can quickly be distracted from their place by the patio doors.
Talking of the patio doors - I DID clean them this morning, but really don't know why I bothered because they are as bad as ever already! Two little pups scrabbling to get inside aren't conducive to clean windows!
They have their next injection next Tuesday and then we have to wait another ten days, but after that we will be able to go out properly. By my reckoning that will be about 16th October. (When is the October half term holiday? At one time I would have known this and the date would be in my diary, underlined frantically in red!)
I'm thinking about the holiday, because it will be very helpful to be taking the puppies out with Charles so that, to begin with, we can walk one pup each. (We still get into an awful tangle with two leads and two puppies who are each determined to go their own way!)
I think I'm feeling a bit housebound this morning. Not that I want to go anywhere in particular, but it would just be nice to get out for a while. I could pop down to Heighley Gate later I suppose, but I will only do that when I know the puppies are settled for their long afternoon sleep. I must get them to realise that they have to cope on their own at times. I do know this, but I also know how much they wind each other up when they're unhappy, so try to avoid it as much as possible. On the other hand, I hope I'm not making a rod for my own back!
Heighley Gate has a really good pet department and I could be there and back within an hour AND have time for a coffee. So that might be my treat for this afternoon.
Charles won't be home until late tonight because he's off to the match. If kick off is 7.45 I reckon he won't get back until 10.00 at the earliest. He has been warned to tiptoe into the house to avoid waking the puppies who will have settled for the night by then. In fact, I won't want them to even open an eye and catch sight of him at all otherwise mayhem will break out!
They get really excited when they know that Charles is home - and cry in the morning when he's leaving! The crying doesn't last long though and they can quickly be distracted from their place by the patio doors.
Talking of the patio doors - I DID clean them this morning, but really don't know why I bothered because they are as bad as ever already! Two little pups scrabbling to get inside aren't conducive to clean windows!
WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS...
...how are Charles and James BOTH ON FACEBOOK at 9 o'clock IN THE MORNING when they SHOULD BE WORKING???
I DON'T WANT A SENSIBLE CAR!!!
This post is specifically targeted at Dannymatt and Richard who, with the best intentions I'm sure, are both making 'helpful' suggestions about my next car.
Richard - I really appreciate the time and effort you are putting in to searching for a vehicle on my behalf, but neither a Cleo nor a Yaris are doing it for me!
Dannymatt - BMWs are absolutely no good AT ALL for me because I CAN'T REACH THE PEDALS! (Although I DID try to pretend that I COULD reach them when I tried out a little BMW 2 seater a while ago!)
BOTH OF YOU - I DO NOT WANT A SENSIBLE, FUEL EFFICIENT, NONDESCRIPT, MIDDLE-AGED PERSONS, SILVER, RED, ORANGE, PALE BLUE, GOLD OR YELLOW CAR!
I DON'T WANT A SKODA, RENAULT, CITROEN OR FIAT (UNLESS IT'S A 500)
What I want is a fun and funky car that doesn't look like every other car in Morrison's car park. I want to drive something that says 'there's life in the old girl yet!'
Yes - it needs to be suitable for two little Westies but that doesn't mean it has to be tasteless and boring.
BASICALLY - I WANT A CAR WITH ATTITUDE!!!
Richard - I really appreciate the time and effort you are putting in to searching for a vehicle on my behalf, but neither a Cleo nor a Yaris are doing it for me!
Dannymatt - BMWs are absolutely no good AT ALL for me because I CAN'T REACH THE PEDALS! (Although I DID try to pretend that I COULD reach them when I tried out a little BMW 2 seater a while ago!)
BOTH OF YOU - I DO NOT WANT A SENSIBLE, FUEL EFFICIENT, NONDESCRIPT, MIDDLE-AGED PERSONS, SILVER, RED, ORANGE, PALE BLUE, GOLD OR YELLOW CAR!
I DON'T WANT A SKODA, RENAULT, CITROEN OR FIAT (UNLESS IT'S A 500)
What I want is a fun and funky car that doesn't look like every other car in Morrison's car park. I want to drive something that says 'there's life in the old girl yet!'
Yes - it needs to be suitable for two little Westies but that doesn't mean it has to be tasteless and boring.
BASICALLY - I WANT A CAR WITH ATTITUDE!!!
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
WET WEATHER
Hmm, we don't like it when it's raining all the time, do we Puppies?
To be honest the pups didn't mind the rain too much during the day, in fact, they positively enjoyed being outside earlier, but this evening hasn't been so much fun. They have spent all evening inside, with just brief visits outside for wees. Their play has been totally different from what they're used to, much quieter and far less energetic interspersed with little dozy sessions. They have got used to letting off steam in the early evening, so this must feel a bit strange to them.
Charles and I took them through to the sunroom earlier (it didn't live up to its name!) and gave them a really good grooming session. They love having a good rub down and brush up and now look very fluffy and gorgeous. They smell a lot better too!
During the past few days the pups have really enjoyed a selection of puppy chews - the usual rawhide ones AND some vegetarian ones as well. I'm amazed at how long they will just lie there chewing away happily! At the moment they are both lying on a big towel surrounded by toys and chews and just having a lovely relaxed time!
Well it looks as though I was right about who gets to go to the match tomorrow, and, as predicted - it ain't me! Charles will go straight off after work to meet James and they will make an evening of it! Lucky them!
I've been thinking during the past few days about changing my MG. I know you'll probably think that I'm only doing this because Charles has just changed his and I don't want to be left out (He's got a new car and I WANT ONE TOO! Stamps foot!) - but it's really a case of having to be practical and find something that I'm going to be able take the dogs out in. The trouble is, I don't really know what I want, although one thing's for certain, whatever I get IT WON'T BE SILVER!
To be honest the pups didn't mind the rain too much during the day, in fact, they positively enjoyed being outside earlier, but this evening hasn't been so much fun. They have spent all evening inside, with just brief visits outside for wees. Their play has been totally different from what they're used to, much quieter and far less energetic interspersed with little dozy sessions. They have got used to letting off steam in the early evening, so this must feel a bit strange to them.
Charles and I took them through to the sunroom earlier (it didn't live up to its name!) and gave them a really good grooming session. They love having a good rub down and brush up and now look very fluffy and gorgeous. They smell a lot better too!
During the past few days the pups have really enjoyed a selection of puppy chews - the usual rawhide ones AND some vegetarian ones as well. I'm amazed at how long they will just lie there chewing away happily! At the moment they are both lying on a big towel surrounded by toys and chews and just having a lovely relaxed time!
Well it looks as though I was right about who gets to go to the match tomorrow, and, as predicted - it ain't me! Charles will go straight off after work to meet James and they will make an evening of it! Lucky them!
I've been thinking during the past few days about changing my MG. I know you'll probably think that I'm only doing this because Charles has just changed his and I don't want to be left out (He's got a new car and I WANT ONE TOO! Stamps foot!) - but it's really a case of having to be practical and find something that I'm going to be able take the dogs out in. The trouble is, I don't really know what I want, although one thing's for certain, whatever I get IT WON'T BE SILVER!
VERY STRANGE BEHAVIOUR
I've been sitting here for ages now, just watching the puppies on the step. They've been absolutely motionless, sitting up alert and upright and appear to be acutely aware of something that I can neither hear nor see.
The strangest thing is that normally when I open the door, they leap straight in (or scrabble in Rose's case) but this time they didn't move! Even when I called to them, they didn't change their position. Nor did they move when it began to pour with rain.
I lifted them in in the end, and even then, Lily dashed straight back out again! (Yes! Lily! For those of you who don't actually know the pups - Lily usually takes a fair bit of coaxing to go outside at all, so this was particularly peculiar!)
I still don't know what it was, but even now, Lily is wanting to be outside. Not like her at all!
The strangest thing is that normally when I open the door, they leap straight in (or scrabble in Rose's case) but this time they didn't move! Even when I called to them, they didn't change their position. Nor did they move when it began to pour with rain.
I lifted them in in the end, and even then, Lily dashed straight back out again! (Yes! Lily! For those of you who don't actually know the pups - Lily usually takes a fair bit of coaxing to go outside at all, so this was particularly peculiar!)
I still don't know what it was, but even now, Lily is wanting to be outside. Not like her at all!
WHAT A PANIC!
I couldn't imagine what on earth had happened to cause an outburst of panicky barking from the puppies a minute ago.
I had literally been out of sight for a minute, while I zapped some chicken breast in the microwave for their tea later. Suddenly there was the most horrendous din! It couldn't have been the postman - he's been already AND brought my Grazia, so I'm just waiting for the girls to go to sleep than I'm going to flick through it. It couldn't have been Christina as I hadn't heard her high heels clicking up the drive - although she could have come in her spurious (I love that word. It means 'faux' you know!) Westie slippers, in which case I probably wouldn't have heard her, but in any case the barking was different from when the pups greet her, it was kind of anxious somehow. Of course, it didn't take as long to think these thoughts as it does to write them down, so I very rapidly left the chicken and rushed to see what the problem was.
I had propped a fairly heavy rubber doormat up against the fence in a place where I thought there might be a gap big enough for little puppy heads to fit through. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't dangerously heavy and wouldn't cause any damage to the puppies if it fell over - which is obviously what had happened. There it was flat on the ground with two angry little pups barking at it for all they're worth. I'm guessing they were having a bit of a chew on it when it fell and gave them the shock of their lives.
As you can imagine they are now keeping well away from that part of the patio, in fact they're both on the breakfast room step getting themselves psyched up, or probably down, for the afternoon nap.
I had literally been out of sight for a minute, while I zapped some chicken breast in the microwave for their tea later. Suddenly there was the most horrendous din! It couldn't have been the postman - he's been already AND brought my Grazia, so I'm just waiting for the girls to go to sleep than I'm going to flick through it. It couldn't have been Christina as I hadn't heard her high heels clicking up the drive - although she could have come in her spurious (I love that word. It means 'faux' you know!) Westie slippers, in which case I probably wouldn't have heard her, but in any case the barking was different from when the pups greet her, it was kind of anxious somehow. Of course, it didn't take as long to think these thoughts as it does to write them down, so I very rapidly left the chicken and rushed to see what the problem was.
I had propped a fairly heavy rubber doormat up against the fence in a place where I thought there might be a gap big enough for little puppy heads to fit through. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't dangerously heavy and wouldn't cause any damage to the puppies if it fell over - which is obviously what had happened. There it was flat on the ground with two angry little pups barking at it for all they're worth. I'm guessing they were having a bit of a chew on it when it fell and gave them the shock of their lives.
As you can imagine they are now keeping well away from that part of the patio, in fact they're both on the breakfast room step getting themselves psyched up, or probably down, for the afternoon nap.
YAWN, STAGGER AND FLOP
The puppies have been asleep for about an hour now and are just getting to that stage where they are almost ready to wake up, but want a bit more of a lie in.
This is when they do the YAWN, STAGGER AND FLOP ROUTINE.
A sleepy yawn, followed by a bit of a shuffly stagger to another part of the crate and then an exhausted flop down again is all part of the waking ritual.
Rose is a bit ahead of Lily in this today - but then she often is; I think Lily would happily sleep all day if we left her to it. Rose has just had a little look round to see where Lily is, has registered that she is still asleep so that's okay because it means she's not getting up to any fun on her own, has flopped down again and is now making those funny little yipping noises in her sleep. Lily remains totally oblivious!
Good! I'll get the kettle on. I might just get another five minutes before we race outside for pees and poops.
(Just thinking - if you had three puppies you could call them Yawn, Stagger and Flop couldn't you? Which is better than the names Paul told us about: some well known author (well not that well known because I've completely forgotten who it was!) called his puppies 'Piddle' and 'Puke'. At least I THINK that's what Paul said!
We could have called our two - 'Poop' and 'Pee' I suppose.
This is when they do the YAWN, STAGGER AND FLOP ROUTINE.
A sleepy yawn, followed by a bit of a shuffly stagger to another part of the crate and then an exhausted flop down again is all part of the waking ritual.
Rose is a bit ahead of Lily in this today - but then she often is; I think Lily would happily sleep all day if we left her to it. Rose has just had a little look round to see where Lily is, has registered that she is still asleep so that's okay because it means she's not getting up to any fun on her own, has flopped down again and is now making those funny little yipping noises in her sleep. Lily remains totally oblivious!
Good! I'll get the kettle on. I might just get another five minutes before we race outside for pees and poops.
(Just thinking - if you had three puppies you could call them Yawn, Stagger and Flop couldn't you? Which is better than the names Paul told us about: some well known author (well not that well known because I've completely forgotten who it was!) called his puppies 'Piddle' and 'Puke'. At least I THINK that's what Paul said!
We could have called our two - 'Poop' and 'Pee' I suppose.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FOOTIE
And the question is - who's going to the game?
I have a horrible feeling that it won't be me, because I can't really leave the puppies for that long.
It will probably mean that James has my ticket and goes with his dad. So it must be my turn on Saturday afternoon (we HAVE got a home game then haven't we?) and Charles can take his turn at looking after the girls.
I love match days. We usually get to town really early and seem to have got into the habit of going for an Indian meal before getting to SJP about an hour before kick off. I love the whole build up to the game, so I'M the one who likes to be in the ground at that ridiculous time - plus it is something of an advantage to me NOT to be making my way into the ground along with 40,000 (ish) fans who ARE ALL TALLER THAN ME! I really do hate that LAND OF THE GIANTS feeling I get in large crowds - (HELLO! Yes that's ME you're standing on; I'm down here!) Although I have to say that the worst place to be a short person is the Tube, especially during rush hour, when having my nose stuffed up against the armpits of total strangers is an unavoidable but deeply unpleasant and disturbing hazard.
I have a horrible feeling that it won't be me, because I can't really leave the puppies for that long.
It will probably mean that James has my ticket and goes with his dad. So it must be my turn on Saturday afternoon (we HAVE got a home game then haven't we?) and Charles can take his turn at looking after the girls.
I love match days. We usually get to town really early and seem to have got into the habit of going for an Indian meal before getting to SJP about an hour before kick off. I love the whole build up to the game, so I'M the one who likes to be in the ground at that ridiculous time - plus it is something of an advantage to me NOT to be making my way into the ground along with 40,000 (ish) fans who ARE ALL TALLER THAN ME! I really do hate that LAND OF THE GIANTS feeling I get in large crowds - (HELLO! Yes that's ME you're standing on; I'm down here!) Although I have to say that the worst place to be a short person is the Tube, especially during rush hour, when having my nose stuffed up against the armpits of total strangers is an unavoidable but deeply unpleasant and disturbing hazard.
I'M ONLY...
... going to tell you the story about the tumble dried frog if at least two more readers sign up!
Go on - you know you want to...
(It's a good story as well! But the one about the tumble dried pork chops is even better!!!!)
Go on - you know you want to...
(It's a good story as well! But the one about the tumble dried pork chops is even better!!!!)
AS MAD AS A BOX OF FROGS (NB This is NOT about the puppies!)
Good morning!
Tuesdays are funny old days aren't they - kind of nothing days I used to think when I was a working person. Not like the dreaded Monday, but not near enough the end of the week to be getting excited either.
I had a lovely member of staff at my last school - mad as a box of frogs, but then, who wasn't in THAT particular school? Anyway, she used to be almost incoherent with absolute glee and frivolity on WEDNESDAYS. I once asked her why she was always so happy on a Wednesday. 'Because it's nearly Friday', she replied. 'Good God, if she's like this on a Wednesday, what on earth is she going to be like on Thursday then?' I wondered.
Talking of frogs - which I wasn't but I can do now, I love that expression - MAD AS A BOX OF FROGS - don't you?
But I bet you've never actually SEEN a box of frogs; unlike me who has witnessed this rare phenomenon, in all its chaotic churning, at first hand.
Got you all agog now, haven't I?
Well, here goes!
Are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin...
...For many years we had a small garden pond in our, well in our garden of course. My brother, brother-in-law and Charles had dug this pond one very hot summers day. (You can tell how long ago this was because I honestly cannot recall ANY really hot summers days for the last ten years or so!) Anyway, take it from me, this was the sort of day where the heat met you at the door and instantly sapped your energy and yet I HAD DECIDED that I wanted a nice little pond to be dug THAT VERY DAY OR ELSE!
I was going to say, I vividly recall the day, but in all honesty my memories are a little hazy thanks to the vast amounts of lovely chilled white wine that my sister, sister-in-law and I were consuming in the kitchen where it was still relatively cool. I do, however, remember the boys' looks of frustration, resignation and then sheer fury as we blithely yelled at them to 'Dig deeper' and chuckled uproariously every time they passed the window with a wheelbarrow full of soil and rubble and stuff!
Eventually the pond was dug, lined and surrounded by rather nice but heavy stone slabs and all the surplus soil was disposed of and then the lads were able to relax. (I think I suggested that the grass could do with a trim as it was at least 2 centimetres long, but that was the point when my brother-in-law attempted to strangle me, so we just left it at that!)
Anyway, the point to all this preamble is, that we had a very nice garden pond for years. At one point it was well stocked with koi carp, goldfish and a manic little fish called a golden orf that was actually the fish equivalent of a cannibal as we discovered when it proceeded to eat the others. Not nice!
After a time we kind of forgot about the pond. The fish were all long gone and we just left it to look after itself in the way that ponds do.
Until, that is, we had two doggy related incidents. The first of these was when Dannymatt (The only person who has actually bothered to sign up to this blog!) when his westies came for a visit and one, Maggie Mae I think, ended up going for an impromptu paddle. The other occasion involved my brother's Samoyed, Kai. I was just saying, 'Don't let him go near the p...' when the loud splash and scrabbling yelping noise indicated that in fact my warning had come too late!
In the space of a few weeks we had two very soggy doggies to towel off, and in Kai's case, a good hose down as well.
So we came to the conclusion that the pond HAD TO GO before we got our own pups, as we didn't want to spend every waking hour fishing them out and drying them off. And this did indeed happen during the easter holidays this year, when Helen and Bill came to stay for a few days rest and relaxation. (They never learn!!)
And during the emptying of the pond we made two discoveries:
1) despite not having been fed by a human for at least fifteen years there was still a living fish down in the depths of the pond. However, this was not a happy day for him as, after being popped into a bucket (filled with pond water so as not to unsettle him) he proceeded to die of shock. Bit of a b****** that - living all that time, hapily undisturbed and then being rescued and snuffing it within 24 hours.
2) Our pond was literally stuffed full of the biggest frogs I had ever seen in my life. Bill, my brother-in-law would pick them out and hold them up to show Helen and I who had legged it back to the kitchen, and they must have been about ten inches long when their legs were stretched out. (Not that Bill was stretching them in a cruel way, it was just that when he held their bodies, their back legs kind of dangled uselessly and that's how we could see how huge they really are.)
Anyway we ended up with about twelve of these GIANT FROGS and had to decide what on earth we were going to do with them.
As an interim measure, Bill found a large plastic crate which he part filled with water and into this went the frogs. FROGS DO NOT LIKE BEING IN A BOX AND THAT IS WHY THEY GET MAD - HENCE THE SAYING!
Those frogs went ballistic in that box. It was like a whirling dervish in there!
But as a temporary measure the box at least contained the frogs. They could get no purchase against the steep sides of the crate, so they weren't going anywhere until we found another pond in which to rehome them.
Except we didnt get that far...
Bill, for all his other faults (!) is something of an animal lover. He has been known to give the kiss of life to a goldfish and we once watched in awe and wonder as he rescued a drowning sheep from the river and then proceeded to give it heart massage. So, he was not happy when he saw that the frogs weren't happy in their crate.
'What did he do?' you may well ask.
Well, he put a nice big rock very gently into the crate, being careful not to squash any of the frogs because squashed frog isn't pleasant (Neither is tumble dried frog - but that's another story!!) "Aaah, that's nice Bill', we said, 'Now they've got a nice little playground'.
And then we watched as the frogs lined up to take their turn on the rock and each one hopped nimbly over the side of the crate and away into the garden. 'My turn! My turn now! Away we go! One, two, three leap...'
Ah so that's what LEAPFROG is all about!!
Tuesdays are funny old days aren't they - kind of nothing days I used to think when I was a working person. Not like the dreaded Monday, but not near enough the end of the week to be getting excited either.
I had a lovely member of staff at my last school - mad as a box of frogs, but then, who wasn't in THAT particular school? Anyway, she used to be almost incoherent with absolute glee and frivolity on WEDNESDAYS. I once asked her why she was always so happy on a Wednesday. 'Because it's nearly Friday', she replied. 'Good God, if she's like this on a Wednesday, what on earth is she going to be like on Thursday then?' I wondered.
Talking of frogs - which I wasn't but I can do now, I love that expression - MAD AS A BOX OF FROGS - don't you?
But I bet you've never actually SEEN a box of frogs; unlike me who has witnessed this rare phenomenon, in all its chaotic churning, at first hand.
Got you all agog now, haven't I?
Well, here goes!
Are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin...
...For many years we had a small garden pond in our, well in our garden of course. My brother, brother-in-law and Charles had dug this pond one very hot summers day. (You can tell how long ago this was because I honestly cannot recall ANY really hot summers days for the last ten years or so!) Anyway, take it from me, this was the sort of day where the heat met you at the door and instantly sapped your energy and yet I HAD DECIDED that I wanted a nice little pond to be dug THAT VERY DAY OR ELSE!
I was going to say, I vividly recall the day, but in all honesty my memories are a little hazy thanks to the vast amounts of lovely chilled white wine that my sister, sister-in-law and I were consuming in the kitchen where it was still relatively cool. I do, however, remember the boys' looks of frustration, resignation and then sheer fury as we blithely yelled at them to 'Dig deeper' and chuckled uproariously every time they passed the window with a wheelbarrow full of soil and rubble and stuff!
Eventually the pond was dug, lined and surrounded by rather nice but heavy stone slabs and all the surplus soil was disposed of and then the lads were able to relax. (I think I suggested that the grass could do with a trim as it was at least 2 centimetres long, but that was the point when my brother-in-law attempted to strangle me, so we just left it at that!)
Anyway, the point to all this preamble is, that we had a very nice garden pond for years. At one point it was well stocked with koi carp, goldfish and a manic little fish called a golden orf that was actually the fish equivalent of a cannibal as we discovered when it proceeded to eat the others. Not nice!
After a time we kind of forgot about the pond. The fish were all long gone and we just left it to look after itself in the way that ponds do.
Until, that is, we had two doggy related incidents. The first of these was when Dannymatt (The only person who has actually bothered to sign up to this blog!) when his westies came for a visit and one, Maggie Mae I think, ended up going for an impromptu paddle. The other occasion involved my brother's Samoyed, Kai. I was just saying, 'Don't let him go near the p...' when the loud splash and scrabbling yelping noise indicated that in fact my warning had come too late!
In the space of a few weeks we had two very soggy doggies to towel off, and in Kai's case, a good hose down as well.
So we came to the conclusion that the pond HAD TO GO before we got our own pups, as we didn't want to spend every waking hour fishing them out and drying them off. And this did indeed happen during the easter holidays this year, when Helen and Bill came to stay for a few days rest and relaxation. (They never learn!!)
And during the emptying of the pond we made two discoveries:
1) despite not having been fed by a human for at least fifteen years there was still a living fish down in the depths of the pond. However, this was not a happy day for him as, after being popped into a bucket (filled with pond water so as not to unsettle him) he proceeded to die of shock. Bit of a b****** that - living all that time, hapily undisturbed and then being rescued and snuffing it within 24 hours.
2) Our pond was literally stuffed full of the biggest frogs I had ever seen in my life. Bill, my brother-in-law would pick them out and hold them up to show Helen and I who had legged it back to the kitchen, and they must have been about ten inches long when their legs were stretched out. (Not that Bill was stretching them in a cruel way, it was just that when he held their bodies, their back legs kind of dangled uselessly and that's how we could see how huge they really are.)
Anyway we ended up with about twelve of these GIANT FROGS and had to decide what on earth we were going to do with them.
As an interim measure, Bill found a large plastic crate which he part filled with water and into this went the frogs. FROGS DO NOT LIKE BEING IN A BOX AND THAT IS WHY THEY GET MAD - HENCE THE SAYING!
Those frogs went ballistic in that box. It was like a whirling dervish in there!
But as a temporary measure the box at least contained the frogs. They could get no purchase against the steep sides of the crate, so they weren't going anywhere until we found another pond in which to rehome them.
Except we didnt get that far...
Bill, for all his other faults (!) is something of an animal lover. He has been known to give the kiss of life to a goldfish and we once watched in awe and wonder as he rescued a drowning sheep from the river and then proceeded to give it heart massage. So, he was not happy when he saw that the frogs weren't happy in their crate.
'What did he do?' you may well ask.
Well, he put a nice big rock very gently into the crate, being careful not to squash any of the frogs because squashed frog isn't pleasant (Neither is tumble dried frog - but that's another story!!) "Aaah, that's nice Bill', we said, 'Now they've got a nice little playground'.
And then we watched as the frogs lined up to take their turn on the rock and each one hopped nimbly over the side of the crate and away into the garden. 'My turn! My turn now! Away we go! One, two, three leap...'
Ah so that's what LEAPFROG is all about!!
Monday, 28 September 2009
WHAT A LONG DAY!
It's 9.30 and the puppies are settled for the night. They have been really good about getting themselves to bed this evening and both decided, within minutes of each other, that it was time to get into the crate to curl up.
They've used up a lot of energy today. Their play is becoming much more physical and they enjoy challenging each other for supremacy in their games. They are actually pretty well matched which makes it more fun than if one was always winning and the other was more submissive.
They've been for a little drive in their new car (well, Charles drove obviously) - which they actually didn't like much - and we decided that we really need to try and take them out three or four times a week to get them used to it. I suppose once they've had all their injections and are able to go out properly, they might start to associate being in the car with going somewhere exciting instead of just to the vet's!!
Right - just watched the end of Waking the Dead and now I'm off to bed. Lily's making funny little noises in her sleep, so I'm getting out of here before she wakes Rose up! (Rose still looks like a cuddly toy, especially when she's asleep. Tonight she looks even more cute because she's got just the tip of her tongue sticking out!)
Sleep tight!
FULL OF BEANS!
That's my girls! Only figuratively of course. I think it would be extremely foolish to give the girls any real beans given their current farting levels. Pooh - the fartometer would go off the scale!
The point I am making is that the puppies are absolutely full of energy right now - all they want to do is play - and the rougher the better! The fact that Christina has just been round may have something to do with this. She has an uncanny knack of arriving in an evening, just as we're about to start the quiet games, and proceeding to get them so wound up they're almost on the ceiling then casually says, 'Goodnight' leaving us (well ME actually) to scrape them off it and get them to calm down.
Charles has clearly opted out of this part of the routine this evening. He obviously thinks that by joining Christina and I as we were lying around on the kitchen floor (don't worry - it's MY house so you just know it's going to be clean!) and lounging around a bit, giving half-hearted commands to the puppies and rolling their little blue ball occasionally, he has done his duty. Charles - you've only been at SCHOOL for goodness sake - you want to try being with these two since first thing this morning. Stamina is what is needed right now; that and giving Eastenders a miss for a night!
To top it all I've just been outside to tidy up the puppy playground and came back into the house WITH POOP ALL OVER MY BOOTS! Bad enough, but I had walked halfway across the kitchen before I spotted the poopy trail I was depositing behind me. I cleared that up with a floor wipe and the puppies immediately skidded across the wet bit leaving a nice smeary smear across the floor. Then I had to go out in the dark to try to locate what was obviously by now a very squashed pile of poop. Plus my boots have those really deep treads that poop can get stuck right into.
OH YUKKITY YUK!!
The point I am making is that the puppies are absolutely full of energy right now - all they want to do is play - and the rougher the better! The fact that Christina has just been round may have something to do with this. She has an uncanny knack of arriving in an evening, just as we're about to start the quiet games, and proceeding to get them so wound up they're almost on the ceiling then casually says, 'Goodnight' leaving us (well ME actually) to scrape them off it and get them to calm down.
Charles has clearly opted out of this part of the routine this evening. He obviously thinks that by joining Christina and I as we were lying around on the kitchen floor (don't worry - it's MY house so you just know it's going to be clean!) and lounging around a bit, giving half-hearted commands to the puppies and rolling their little blue ball occasionally, he has done his duty. Charles - you've only been at SCHOOL for goodness sake - you want to try being with these two since first thing this morning. Stamina is what is needed right now; that and giving Eastenders a miss for a night!
To top it all I've just been outside to tidy up the puppy playground and came back into the house WITH POOP ALL OVER MY BOOTS! Bad enough, but I had walked halfway across the kitchen before I spotted the poopy trail I was depositing behind me. I cleared that up with a floor wipe and the puppies immediately skidded across the wet bit leaving a nice smeary smear across the floor. Then I had to go out in the dark to try to locate what was obviously by now a very squashed pile of poop. Plus my boots have those really deep treads that poop can get stuck right into.
OH YUKKITY YUK!!
LILY - BLESS HER
You know how Rose was walking around earlier with the plant pot in her mouth?
Well, Lily's got it now and can't quite figure out why she can't walk very well when she's got her entire head AND her right front leg IN THE POT!!
Bless!!!
Well, Lily's got it now and can't quite figure out why she can't walk very well when she's got her entire head AND her right front leg IN THE POT!!
Bless!!!
SHOPPING LIST
Charles said he will stop off on his way home to do a little bit of shopping. Actually, he often does this and it's very helpful too!
His list goes something like this:
batteries for the flip camera (to take pics of pups)
2 new doormats to replace the ones the puppies have eaten over the weekend
An assortment of puppy chews
The largest pack of kitchen rolls you can find
Floor cleaning wipes
Pack frozen chicken portions
Daily Mail (for weeing on)
All of which are either for, or because of, the puppies!
I did think on Saturday, that we might have won the peeing on the floor battle, because there wasn't a single puddle all day. However, last nights fun and frolics were obviously too much for the puppies and, in their excitement, they forgot all about going outside for a wee. I still practically follow them around with a kitchen roll at the ready just in case, although I have to say that they ARE getting better, but absolutely not reliable enough to go into the rest of the house yet.
I managed to salvage a tiny bit of the liver I had cooked to death this morning. The rest went in the bin because I don't think charcoal would be particularly good for puppies. (Pregnant women sometimes eat charcoal, or is it coal? My mum ate coal when she was expecting me for goodness sake. Charles's mother used to drink cabbage water - or was it sprout water? - pretty yucky anyway! I didn't have any cravings when I was expecting James, but with Christina it was oranges and we used to joke that she would come out with Outspan stamped all over her!)
His list goes something like this:
batteries for the flip camera (to take pics of pups)
2 new doormats to replace the ones the puppies have eaten over the weekend
An assortment of puppy chews
The largest pack of kitchen rolls you can find
Floor cleaning wipes
Pack frozen chicken portions
Daily Mail (for weeing on)
All of which are either for, or because of, the puppies!
I did think on Saturday, that we might have won the peeing on the floor battle, because there wasn't a single puddle all day. However, last nights fun and frolics were obviously too much for the puppies and, in their excitement, they forgot all about going outside for a wee. I still practically follow them around with a kitchen roll at the ready just in case, although I have to say that they ARE getting better, but absolutely not reliable enough to go into the rest of the house yet.
I managed to salvage a tiny bit of the liver I had cooked to death this morning. The rest went in the bin because I don't think charcoal would be particularly good for puppies. (Pregnant women sometimes eat charcoal, or is it coal? My mum ate coal when she was expecting me for goodness sake. Charles's mother used to drink cabbage water - or was it sprout water? - pretty yucky anyway! I didn't have any cravings when I was expecting James, but with Christina it was oranges and we used to joke that she would come out with Outspan stamped all over her!)
PUPPY PLAYTIME
The girls are having a very noisy play outside. In fact I'm glad our neighbours are away because I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate it!
Lily has a squeaky purple ball which she is biting incessantly and the noise is beginning to get a little bit tortuous (squeak, squeak, SQUEEEEEEEAK) and Rose is wandering around with a plant pot firmly clamped between her teeth! It keeps dragging on the ground and she keeps tripping over it, but it is going everywhere with her at the moment. She clearly has no real idea of what to do with it but obviously has no intention of letting her sister walk around with it either!
Lily has a squeaky purple ball which she is biting incessantly and the noise is beginning to get a little bit tortuous (squeak, squeak, SQUEEEEEEEAK) and Rose is wandering around with a plant pot firmly clamped between her teeth! It keeps dragging on the ground and she keeps tripping over it, but it is going everywhere with her at the moment. She clearly has no real idea of what to do with it but obviously has no intention of letting her sister walk around with it either!
NOTE TO SELF
When you put liver into the oven to 'dry out' don't a) turn the oven up too high and b) leave it in there for an hour.
Incinerated liver is NOT a puppy treat and is only suited to use as a doorstop (except it smells awful!!)
Incinerated liver is NOT a puppy treat and is only suited to use as a doorstop (except it smells awful!!)
PROBLEM SOLVED!
As you know, the puppies have been trying to share one small puppy chew since yesterday. (Obviously they live in such an impoverished family that this is all we can afford!!)
But the solution to the problem has just presented itself! Now that they have made the chew go all soggy it is easy to CUT IN HALF!
I now have two contented pups chewing away furiously as if their lives depended on it!
I'm also drying out some lamb's liver in the oven. This needs to be cooked until really dry, then it can be cut into tiny pieces and stored to use as training treats.
As far as training is concerned, this week we are going to concentrate on 'stay', 'leave' and to learn the names of a toy so that we can say, 'Get the BALL.' We also need a lot more lead practice as the puppies have still not got the idea of walking close, so 'heel' is another command they need to learn.
I tell you what, it's not easy being a little puppy. Nor is it easy being a puppy owner!! There's always something to be learning - and that applies to all of us.
For example Charles learned this morning that just because a puppy was in one place a moment ago, they may not be there a second or two later, as he discovered when he caught Lily's paw in the gate when he was leaving for work. Like I said the other day - you need eyes in the front, back and sides of your head, especially when there are two pups to watch out for.
Aah - this is better! Lily and Rose are both asleep in their bed now. Neither of them had a good sleep earlier, so this might get them back on track.
I SHOULD HAVE NOTICED...
... that, when I put the puppies in their crate for their 8 o'clock sleep, the one remaining chewy bone was also in there.
Rose, unusually for her, didn't notice and went straight to sleep; Lily, on the other hand, has continued to chew on it right through the usual sleep time. Rose, who usually keeps a watchful eve on everything that's going on, even when she's asleep, has just woken up and realised her mistake! She is glaring at Lily, who is in chewing oblivion, but who is about to get a rude reminder any minute now that she has cheated Rose out of her share of the chewy delight. (personally I hate these things, (not that I chew them myself you understand), I just hate it when they go all soft and soggy and slimy)
Anyway, now we'll have an interesting scenario: a) Rose will need to separate Lily from the chew, thus gaining it for herself, b) Lily has missed out on her sleep and will be grumpy and tired, c) Rose, who HAS had a sleep will NOT be tired and will proceed to annoy Lily, who will be needing to catch up on her zzzzs, d) the usual sleep pattern where the puppies always go to bed at the same time, thus giving ME a bit of time to get on with STUFF, will now probably go out of the window!
Five minutes later:
As predicted - Rose now has the chew and Lily doesn't know where to put herself because she's too tired!
Rose, unusually for her, didn't notice and went straight to sleep; Lily, on the other hand, has continued to chew on it right through the usual sleep time. Rose, who usually keeps a watchful eve on everything that's going on, even when she's asleep, has just woken up and realised her mistake! She is glaring at Lily, who is in chewing oblivion, but who is about to get a rude reminder any minute now that she has cheated Rose out of her share of the chewy delight. (personally I hate these things, (not that I chew them myself you understand), I just hate it when they go all soft and soggy and slimy)
Anyway, now we'll have an interesting scenario: a) Rose will need to separate Lily from the chew, thus gaining it for herself, b) Lily has missed out on her sleep and will be grumpy and tired, c) Rose, who HAS had a sleep will NOT be tired and will proceed to annoy Lily, who will be needing to catch up on her zzzzs, d) the usual sleep pattern where the puppies always go to bed at the same time, thus giving ME a bit of time to get on with STUFF, will now probably go out of the window!
Five minutes later:
As predicted - Rose now has the chew and Lily doesn't know where to put herself because she's too tired!
A CAUTIONARY TALE
Last night, when everyone was settled down, I decided to turn in myself and went for my bedtime bath. (I love having a bath at bedtime and was really looking forward to it. Shower in the morning, bath in the evening.)
I was busy taking off my jeans, which you will recall were brand new, only purchased on Saturday from Dorothy Perkins.
Anyway as I looked down I thought, 'Hmmm, my legs look a bit dark, that sunshower that I had on Saturday must have been a bit strong'.
Then I looked again and thought, 'hang on a minute, those legs aren't brown at all! They're BLUE! And not just any old blue they're NAVY BLUE!'
At which point I began to panic. 'Aaaaargh! What's wrong with my legs? Have I got gangrene? Am I going to have to have them cut off. CHARLES, CALL AN AMBULANCE! MY LEGS HAVE GONE BAD!'
They were completely blue, apart from my feet and when I looked closely there was a quite distinct line where my ankle socks had been!
Bear in mind that it WAS quite late and I had had a long day with the puppies, and I WAS pretty tired and clearly not thinking straight, so it took me a few minutes before I realised that this wasn't in fact a life threatening (or leg threatening) medical condition but was actually THE DYE THAT HAD COME OFF THOSE £15 DOROTHY PERKINS JEANS!!
It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that the bath water turned dark blue as I scrubbed my legs clean - and it DID take some scrubbing! How can the dye come off the jeans so easily, but I need a Brillo pad to get it off my skin!
Eventually my legs were restored to normal (Although some would say that my legs have never been normal because they are not long enough - but those people need to watch out because NO ONE IS PERFECT!) and I was able to finish off the bedtime ablutions, but not before thinking, I MUST WARN PEOPLE ABOUT THIS IN THE MORNING.
So, if you were thinking of going to Dorothy Perkins to buy a pair of dark blue, skinny jeans for £15 - DON'T DO IT! Pay a bit more and keep your legs their normal colour. (Unless you like navy blue of course!)
I was busy taking off my jeans, which you will recall were brand new, only purchased on Saturday from Dorothy Perkins.
Anyway as I looked down I thought, 'Hmmm, my legs look a bit dark, that sunshower that I had on Saturday must have been a bit strong'.
Then I looked again and thought, 'hang on a minute, those legs aren't brown at all! They're BLUE! And not just any old blue they're NAVY BLUE!'
At which point I began to panic. 'Aaaaargh! What's wrong with my legs? Have I got gangrene? Am I going to have to have them cut off. CHARLES, CALL AN AMBULANCE! MY LEGS HAVE GONE BAD!'
They were completely blue, apart from my feet and when I looked closely there was a quite distinct line where my ankle socks had been!
Bear in mind that it WAS quite late and I had had a long day with the puppies, and I WAS pretty tired and clearly not thinking straight, so it took me a few minutes before I realised that this wasn't in fact a life threatening (or leg threatening) medical condition but was actually THE DYE THAT HAD COME OFF THOSE £15 DOROTHY PERKINS JEANS!!
It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that the bath water turned dark blue as I scrubbed my legs clean - and it DID take some scrubbing! How can the dye come off the jeans so easily, but I need a Brillo pad to get it off my skin!
Eventually my legs were restored to normal (Although some would say that my legs have never been normal because they are not long enough - but those people need to watch out because NO ONE IS PERFECT!) and I was able to finish off the bedtime ablutions, but not before thinking, I MUST WARN PEOPLE ABOUT THIS IN THE MORNING.
So, if you were thinking of going to Dorothy Perkins to buy a pair of dark blue, skinny jeans for £15 - DON'T DO IT! Pay a bit more and keep your legs their normal colour. (Unless you like navy blue of course!)
Sunday, 27 September 2009
WINDING DOWN
I love this time in the evening. The puppies have worn themselves out chasing each other liked crazed things, they've taken themselves outside for wees and poops and now they're enjoying the quiet mostly solitary play that precedes bedtime.
They had a bit of a fallout earlier when I could only find one chewy bone. I was hoping (silly me!) that they might take it in turns, but the girls haven't yet grasped the concept of sharing, so we had serious ructions for a while. They are, however, now passing the bone between them and also sharing a teether and are happily exchanging these, so maybe they have agreed to put their differences to one side for now. Although they are making these exchanges, they are still maintaining their distance from each other which has become part of the bedtime ritual.
It's funny watching their play slow down as they become more tired, until they get to the point where they just can't be bothered any more and give in to sleep.
Charles got home about two hours ago. The puppies went berserk when they saw him, but took no notice whatsoever of the new vehicle. He kept saying, 'But look, I've bought you a new car!' but they weren't at all impressed! (That's gratitude for you!) I've only had a quick look, but there seems to be masses of space and a dog guard as well, so we're good to go girls!!
They had a bit of a fallout earlier when I could only find one chewy bone. I was hoping (silly me!) that they might take it in turns, but the girls haven't yet grasped the concept of sharing, so we had serious ructions for a while. They are, however, now passing the bone between them and also sharing a teether and are happily exchanging these, so maybe they have agreed to put their differences to one side for now. Although they are making these exchanges, they are still maintaining their distance from each other which has become part of the bedtime ritual.
It's funny watching their play slow down as they become more tired, until they get to the point where they just can't be bothered any more and give in to sleep.
Charles got home about two hours ago. The puppies went berserk when they saw him, but took no notice whatsoever of the new vehicle. He kept saying, 'But look, I've bought you a new car!' but they weren't at all impressed! (That's gratitude for you!) I've only had a quick look, but there seems to be masses of space and a dog guard as well, so we're good to go girls!!
DEAR CHRISTINA
Dear Christina,
It was really nice to see you this afternoon and lovely to watch you and your brother playing with the puppies. I know that Lily and Rose love it when you come round and get them really hyper!
It's a pity they made such big puddles on the kitchen floor, but they're only young and obviously didn't want to miss a minute of the excitement by having to go outside. I was just a little bit upset that I sat in one of the puddles, but, hey ho, everything can go in the wash, so no harm done!
Now, please don't take this the wrong way but I would like to give you a little bit of motherly advice.
In my opinion (and it is ONLY my opinion; you may well disagree with it) it is probably NOT a good idea to wear your very beautiful but dangly, fringed and, oh so delicate, Louis Vuitton scarf when there are very young puppies around. Similarly you know those designer jeans with the zips all over them that you had on this afternoon? If you really like these, I wouldn't wear them round here for a while even though the puppies LOVED chewing those zippy bits. And that sheer blouse with the very nice frill down the front? Gosh doesn't that beautiful fabric tear easily?
I'm really sorry that the puppies attacked your feet with such vigour, but perhaps you might want to consider your choice of footwear a bit more carefully in future. I know you only live over the road and that wearing your slippers when you pop over here isn't normally a problem. They certainly lend a 'dressed down look' to your ensemble which is good when you are just relaxing at home. However, the choice of those particular slippers this afternoon was perhaps a little ill-advised, especially as they were your rather nice cream knitted ones. You know, the fluffy Arran ones with those lovely little cream pompoms that bobble about when you walk? In fact the ones that look just like a pair of Westie puppies! Isn't that a coincidence!
Anyway, it is hardly surprising that Lily and Rose developed more than a passing fancy for your footwear as they probably thought you were walking around in a pair of their distant cousins. By the way, I'm sure the pompoms could be sewn back on without too much difficulty!
You'll be pleased to know that I have managed to calm the puppies down at last. It has taken a while but they're asleep now, albeit a bit fitfully. I do hope they're not having nightmares about being made into a pair of slippers!
With lots of love
Mum xx
It was really nice to see you this afternoon and lovely to watch you and your brother playing with the puppies. I know that Lily and Rose love it when you come round and get them really hyper!
It's a pity they made such big puddles on the kitchen floor, but they're only young and obviously didn't want to miss a minute of the excitement by having to go outside. I was just a little bit upset that I sat in one of the puddles, but, hey ho, everything can go in the wash, so no harm done!
Now, please don't take this the wrong way but I would like to give you a little bit of motherly advice.
In my opinion (and it is ONLY my opinion; you may well disagree with it) it is probably NOT a good idea to wear your very beautiful but dangly, fringed and, oh so delicate, Louis Vuitton scarf when there are very young puppies around. Similarly you know those designer jeans with the zips all over them that you had on this afternoon? If you really like these, I wouldn't wear them round here for a while even though the puppies LOVED chewing those zippy bits. And that sheer blouse with the very nice frill down the front? Gosh doesn't that beautiful fabric tear easily?
I'm really sorry that the puppies attacked your feet with such vigour, but perhaps you might want to consider your choice of footwear a bit more carefully in future. I know you only live over the road and that wearing your slippers when you pop over here isn't normally a problem. They certainly lend a 'dressed down look' to your ensemble which is good when you are just relaxing at home. However, the choice of those particular slippers this afternoon was perhaps a little ill-advised, especially as they were your rather nice cream knitted ones. You know, the fluffy Arran ones with those lovely little cream pompoms that bobble about when you walk? In fact the ones that look just like a pair of Westie puppies! Isn't that a coincidence!
Anyway, it is hardly surprising that Lily and Rose developed more than a passing fancy for your footwear as they probably thought you were walking around in a pair of their distant cousins. By the way, I'm sure the pompoms could be sewn back on without too much difficulty!
You'll be pleased to know that I have managed to calm the puppies down at last. It has taken a while but they're asleep now, albeit a bit fitfully. I do hope they're not having nightmares about being made into a pair of slippers!
With lots of love
Mum xx
NEW CAR FOR THE PUPPIES!
Hey, how lucky are THEY!
Charles has rung to say that he and his brother have given the Mercedes estate a really good going over and Charles is driving it home as we speak.
Hooray - THE BMW IS NO MORE! I loathed that car with a passion, so I am thrilled to bits!
It'll be so much easier to transport the pups - as well as having lots more space for shopping and luggage. We won't have to be restricted to a carrier bag each when we go on the boat next year!!!
Only drawback - guess what colour it is!
Yeah - boring old silver again!
Charles has rung to say that he and his brother have given the Mercedes estate a really good going over and Charles is driving it home as we speak.
Hooray - THE BMW IS NO MORE! I loathed that car with a passion, so I am thrilled to bits!
It'll be so much easier to transport the pups - as well as having lots more space for shopping and luggage. We won't have to be restricted to a carrier bag each when we go on the boat next year!!!
Only drawback - guess what colour it is!
Yeah - boring old silver again!
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
What is it about Sunday afternoons? Maybe it's the bigger than usual lunch, or the chance to catch up on a few zzzzzzs before the start of the working week (he he!), or the fact that anything on the telly is so mind-blowingly boring or indeed the combination of all these, that makes it almost compulsory to have to have an afternoon nap?
James is flat out on the sofa in the sunroom, the puppies are well away and I have to admit to struggling with the old eyelids myself!
I can vividly remember the same soporific state from when we were kids when, after Sunday lunch, the family would all settle down to watch the afternoon film and invariably everyone would fall asleep before the end. (Actually the Sunday afternoon film was usually something like 'Lassie Come Home' and I'm GLAD I fell asleep before the end because LASSIE FILMS ALWAYS MADE ME CRY!)
Anyway, I'm going to get my book and have a little lie down in the living room, where I shall undoubtedly nod off only to be disturbed by the phone ringing and Charles telling me he either has or hasn't done the deal on the car!
James is flat out on the sofa in the sunroom, the puppies are well away and I have to admit to struggling with the old eyelids myself!
I can vividly remember the same soporific state from when we were kids when, after Sunday lunch, the family would all settle down to watch the afternoon film and invariably everyone would fall asleep before the end. (Actually the Sunday afternoon film was usually something like 'Lassie Come Home' and I'm GLAD I fell asleep before the end because LASSIE FILMS ALWAYS MADE ME CRY!)
Anyway, I'm going to get my book and have a little lie down in the living room, where I shall undoubtedly nod off only to be disturbed by the phone ringing and Charles telling me he either has or hasn't done the deal on the car!
DO APRICOT CROISSANTS...
...count as one of my five a day in the same way that chocolate does?
'How does chocolate count?' you may well ask.
Well if you think about it, chocolate is made from cocoa beans, beans are vegetables, ergo chocolate IS A VEGETABLE!!!
Simple, eh (read this in meerkat voice, with a wink and little slurpy noise at the end!)
'How does chocolate count?' you may well ask.
Well if you think about it, chocolate is made from cocoa beans, beans are vegetables, ergo chocolate IS A VEGETABLE!!!
Simple, eh (read this in meerkat voice, with a wink and little slurpy noise at the end!)
NEW VIDEO
I know I promised new video clips this weekend, but now that Charles has disappeared to Birmingham this will have to wait, as he is the genius who uploads all the clips and does clever things with music and stuff.
So you will need to keep checking back because you really must see how much bigger the puppies have got during the last week. Lily now weighs about the same as Rose. I can't be totally accurate about this because we didn't have them weighed at the puppy party this week, but when we put them in the washing up bowl (This doubles as their bath and is NOT the same as the one I use for our dishes, although most of those go in the dishwasher anyway, but you know what I mean.) on top of the kitchen scales we reckoned, in the split second we had to read the weight before they leapt out, that both girls weigh around 2.30kg. I think this is a pretty healthy weight gain, but haven't got a clue about whether it is too much, too little or just about right. I'll ask at the vets next week - if the puppy party is on this time. Lily still resembles a cross between a meerkat/joey/guineapig, but Rose is very definitely a miniature Westie!
Well, it's approaching 8.45. Charles's brother Richard rang a while ago to say that he will also be in Birmingham today and will have a look at the car with Charles if that would be helpful. I'm sure Charles will appreciate a second opinion.
As for me - I've done all the housework and the washing is just about ready to iron. James will be round shortly for his pre-match visit and that will be followed by his post-match visit, which usually involves a shower. Both visits, strangely, will involve washing!
But until he arrives, I'm going to make the most of puppy nap time and treat myself to a coffee and an apricot croissant. Yum!
So you will need to keep checking back because you really must see how much bigger the puppies have got during the last week. Lily now weighs about the same as Rose. I can't be totally accurate about this because we didn't have them weighed at the puppy party this week, but when we put them in the washing up bowl (This doubles as their bath and is NOT the same as the one I use for our dishes, although most of those go in the dishwasher anyway, but you know what I mean.) on top of the kitchen scales we reckoned, in the split second we had to read the weight before they leapt out, that both girls weigh around 2.30kg. I think this is a pretty healthy weight gain, but haven't got a clue about whether it is too much, too little or just about right. I'll ask at the vets next week - if the puppy party is on this time. Lily still resembles a cross between a meerkat/joey/guineapig, but Rose is very definitely a miniature Westie!
Well, it's approaching 8.45. Charles's brother Richard rang a while ago to say that he will also be in Birmingham today and will have a look at the car with Charles if that would be helpful. I'm sure Charles will appreciate a second opinion.
As for me - I've done all the housework and the washing is just about ready to iron. James will be round shortly for his pre-match visit and that will be followed by his post-match visit, which usually involves a shower. Both visits, strangely, will involve washing!
But until he arrives, I'm going to make the most of puppy nap time and treat myself to a coffee and an apricot croissant. Yum!
CHARLES HAS GONE TO BRUM!!
After much deliberation which was still going on at 6 o'clock this morning, he has set off in search of a 'better car for the puppies'(!!!)
Which just goes to show how these little things have wormed their way into his heart because I've whinged about how much I hate the BMW for ages AND HE'S NEVER CHANGED IT FOR ME!!!
Which just goes to show how these little things have wormed their way into his heart because I've whinged about how much I hate the BMW for ages AND HE'S NEVER CHANGED IT FOR ME!!!
IT MUST HAVE RAINED LAST NIGHT
And I know this because...
...after sitting outside with the puppies, wearing my new jeans, I came to the uncomfortable realisation that I had a very soggy bottom because the seat pad on the garden chair was wet through.
Hmmm I HOPE it rained last night!
...after sitting outside with the puppies, wearing my new jeans, I came to the uncomfortable realisation that I had a very soggy bottom because the seat pad on the garden chair was wet through.
Hmmm I HOPE it rained last night!
Saturday, 26 September 2009
MIGHT WATCH THE MATCH AGAIN!
Sad I know, but now that I know the result I can enjoy watching the game. It's good to know that we are top of the league, even if it is the wrong one!
The puppies have been settled for a while now. They've been absolutely lovely today and we spent the hour before their bedtime playing games with their new toys on the kitchen floor.
Just as I was writing this Christina came through to say she was going home. She had been warned to whisper as the puppies were asleep - and in fairness she did - but with their acute hearing they still heard her and are currently sitting bolt upright looking anything but sleepy! I have shooed Christina out in the hope that they might settle again but Rose is now busy pestering Lily, who DOES seem to want to go back to sleep and absolutely does NOT want to have her back leg chewed.
So Rose is now in the forbidden living room on Charles knee (well to be honest she's lying across his stomach) and hopefully little Lily will get back to sleep undisturbed.
However, Lily is now farting in her drowsy stupor and the smell is so awful that she will either be woken by the shock of the stink or else she will be gassed senseless. I'm guessing it'll be the latter and that I'll probably suffer the same fate. In fact I think I'll just go outside for some fresh air as there's a limit to how long I can hold my breath!
Back again! Still smells evil in here, but have brought Rose in with me and she appears to have succumbed to the foul fumes too and is once more asleep.
So as I was saying, maybe I'll go and watch the match again or, on the other hand, maybe I'll wait till tomorrow and just turn in myself. I always hate going to bed when I've had my hair done, because I'm such a restless sleeper that it always looks like a haystack in the morning. I do try to lie flat on my face so I don't disturb it, but that way lies suffocation and that is not a good thing. (although it would be an attractive alternative to the slow death I'm suffering from the fart fumes in here!)
You will recall (or maybe you won't) that the agreement was that I got up to do the early shift this morning and Charles was going to do the same tomorrow. However, he is considering driving to Birmingham to look at a car and will not only be getting up early but leaving the house too, so I'll STILL need to be up to be with the pups. He may, of course, change his mind in the cold light of day. It is, after all, a long way to drive there and back in the day - especially if the car, a mercedes estate, turns out to be rubbish.
Which reminds me of a friend at college who went to school with a boy whose father was a turnip farmer and drove a mercedes. (Thinking about it, he must have farmed more than turnips, because I can't imagine the return on turnips is great enough to afford a mercedes - but who knows? well turnip farmers obviously...) Anyway this boy's nickname at school was...
wait for it...
MERSWEDES (mer - swede -eez - geddit?)
The puppies have been settled for a while now. They've been absolutely lovely today and we spent the hour before their bedtime playing games with their new toys on the kitchen floor.
Just as I was writing this Christina came through to say she was going home. She had been warned to whisper as the puppies were asleep - and in fairness she did - but with their acute hearing they still heard her and are currently sitting bolt upright looking anything but sleepy! I have shooed Christina out in the hope that they might settle again but Rose is now busy pestering Lily, who DOES seem to want to go back to sleep and absolutely does NOT want to have her back leg chewed.
So Rose is now in the forbidden living room on Charles knee (well to be honest she's lying across his stomach) and hopefully little Lily will get back to sleep undisturbed.
However, Lily is now farting in her drowsy stupor and the smell is so awful that she will either be woken by the shock of the stink or else she will be gassed senseless. I'm guessing it'll be the latter and that I'll probably suffer the same fate. In fact I think I'll just go outside for some fresh air as there's a limit to how long I can hold my breath!
Back again! Still smells evil in here, but have brought Rose in with me and she appears to have succumbed to the foul fumes too and is once more asleep.
So as I was saying, maybe I'll go and watch the match again or, on the other hand, maybe I'll wait till tomorrow and just turn in myself. I always hate going to bed when I've had my hair done, because I'm such a restless sleeper that it always looks like a haystack in the morning. I do try to lie flat on my face so I don't disturb it, but that way lies suffocation and that is not a good thing. (although it would be an attractive alternative to the slow death I'm suffering from the fart fumes in here!)
You will recall (or maybe you won't) that the agreement was that I got up to do the early shift this morning and Charles was going to do the same tomorrow. However, he is considering driving to Birmingham to look at a car and will not only be getting up early but leaving the house too, so I'll STILL need to be up to be with the pups. He may, of course, change his mind in the cold light of day. It is, after all, a long way to drive there and back in the day - especially if the car, a mercedes estate, turns out to be rubbish.
Which reminds me of a friend at college who went to school with a boy whose father was a turnip farmer and drove a mercedes. (Thinking about it, he must have farmed more than turnips, because I can't imagine the return on turnips is great enough to afford a mercedes - but who knows? well turnip farmers obviously...) Anyway this boy's nickname at school was...
wait for it...
MERSWEDES (mer - swede -eez - geddit?)
HALF TIME
Just approaching half time and we are 3 - 0 UP!
Two from Kevin Nolan and the third from Ryan Taylor>
Howay the Lads!!!
We've got the game on in the puppies room, but they're not paying attention.
Charles is, however, watching in the living room , where he is providing a running commentary for the benefit of anyone in the village who doesn't have their own TV!
I suppose the puppies might pay attention if they didn't have quite the number of distractions that they have at the moment. They've had a lot of new toys today: two bobbly balls, a bone and a dumbell to help with their teeth and a tug which is basically a tennis ball attached to a length of rope which they have really enjoyed battling over. And what are they both playing with? The door mat - which isn't long for this world!
Ha ha! 4 - 0.
Roy Keane has a face like thunder!! (Shame!)
(Although has anyone ever seen Roy Keane smile? Ever?)
By the way the puppies have been chomping on a couple of little Chantenay carrots (organic, naturally) and I'm just wondering what it will do to their poop!
(Hey 'Organic? Naturally!' I should go into advertising!)
Two from Kevin Nolan and the third from Ryan Taylor>
Howay the Lads!!!
We've got the game on in the puppies room, but they're not paying attention.
Charles is, however, watching in the living room , where he is providing a running commentary for the benefit of anyone in the village who doesn't have their own TV!
I suppose the puppies might pay attention if they didn't have quite the number of distractions that they have at the moment. They've had a lot of new toys today: two bobbly balls, a bone and a dumbell to help with their teeth and a tug which is basically a tennis ball attached to a length of rope which they have really enjoyed battling over. And what are they both playing with? The door mat - which isn't long for this world!
Ha ha! 4 - 0.
Roy Keane has a face like thunder!! (Shame!)
(Although has anyone ever seen Roy Keane smile? Ever?)
By the way the puppies have been chomping on a couple of little Chantenay carrots (organic, naturally) and I'm just wondering what it will do to their poop!
(Hey 'Organic? Naturally!' I should go into advertising!)
NEWCASTLE V IPSWICH
Kicking off in 5 minutes.
An emotional and special day.
I hope it's a good game and one that Sir Bobby would have enjoyed.
An emotional and special day.
I hope it's a good game and one that Sir Bobby would have enjoyed.
WHERE'S ALL THE FUN THEN?
As allegedly blondes have more of it!
And now that I am very definitely a strawberry blonde I'm waiting in excited anticipation!!!
I have to say though, that there hasn't been a lot of it yet!
Anyway, what you're really interested in is - How did Charles cope with the puppies this morning? or even Did he cope at all?
And the honest answer from Charles himself was that it had been...
...FAB!
When I got home, after an absence of four hours, I found two contented little pups and Charles looking very pleased with himself and telling me all about their intensive training routine, all the details about their poops and feed and how long they had slept! They had been lovely apparently, with only one slight blip (which I could have predicted and should have included in my 'Things you need to know' list.) - Lily DOES fit under the fence in the back garden! A trifle foolishly Charles took the girls out into the back garden without their leads. This is not recommended, and I'm sure Charles appreciates why now. There are far too many hiding places for little puppies and, when they're off the lead they are guaranteed to go off in different directions necessitating some nifty catching techniques in order to bring them back into line. Sometimes. of course, it is good to learn from mistakes and fortunately there were no serious consequences to this little mishap!
So, the puppies are very happy and Charles is annoyingly smug!
I had a lovely few hours respite. First off I did a bit of shopping. I got some new toys for the pups and some more training treats. Then treated myself to a new pair of jeans - nothing expensive, just from Dorothy Perkins because we don't have many trendy shops in Morpeth. I could have gone to Rutherfords of course but a) I would have had to pay a small fortune for something that I only want to wear when I'm looking after the dogs and b) they would probably have had an elasticated waist which I would draw the line at even if only the puppies were going to see them. Anyway, I got a pair of very nice 'skinny' jeans for £15 which can't be bad.
After a quick look round the shops, I met James in Costa and in walked Adam, one of James's best friends who has recently left the North East to go and work in London. He was doing a surprise trip home and James had no idea he was coming up, so that was really nice.
Then we both went to SAKs. James's hair looks really smart and mine looks really blonde. he was finished long before me, and I had to listen to all the girls in SAKs telling me what a gorgeous boy James is!! (I KNOW HE'S GORGEOUS! I'M HIS MOTHER SO I AM WELL AWARE OF THIS! AND DON'T GET ANY IDEAS BECAUSE HE'S GOT A VERY NICE GIRLFRIEND. GET DOWN GIRLS, FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!)
And now that I am very definitely a strawberry blonde I'm waiting in excited anticipation!!!
I have to say though, that there hasn't been a lot of it yet!
Anyway, what you're really interested in is - How did Charles cope with the puppies this morning? or even Did he cope at all?
And the honest answer from Charles himself was that it had been...
...FAB!
When I got home, after an absence of four hours, I found two contented little pups and Charles looking very pleased with himself and telling me all about their intensive training routine, all the details about their poops and feed and how long they had slept! They had been lovely apparently, with only one slight blip (which I could have predicted and should have included in my 'Things you need to know' list.) - Lily DOES fit under the fence in the back garden! A trifle foolishly Charles took the girls out into the back garden without their leads. This is not recommended, and I'm sure Charles appreciates why now. There are far too many hiding places for little puppies and, when they're off the lead they are guaranteed to go off in different directions necessitating some nifty catching techniques in order to bring them back into line. Sometimes. of course, it is good to learn from mistakes and fortunately there were no serious consequences to this little mishap!
So, the puppies are very happy and Charles is annoyingly smug!
I had a lovely few hours respite. First off I did a bit of shopping. I got some new toys for the pups and some more training treats. Then treated myself to a new pair of jeans - nothing expensive, just from Dorothy Perkins because we don't have many trendy shops in Morpeth. I could have gone to Rutherfords of course but a) I would have had to pay a small fortune for something that I only want to wear when I'm looking after the dogs and b) they would probably have had an elasticated waist which I would draw the line at even if only the puppies were going to see them. Anyway, I got a pair of very nice 'skinny' jeans for £15 which can't be bad.
After a quick look round the shops, I met James in Costa and in walked Adam, one of James's best friends who has recently left the North East to go and work in London. He was doing a surprise trip home and James had no idea he was coming up, so that was really nice.
Then we both went to SAKs. James's hair looks really smart and mine looks really blonde. he was finished long before me, and I had to listen to all the girls in SAKs telling me what a gorgeous boy James is!! (I KNOW HE'S GORGEOUS! I'M HIS MOTHER SO I AM WELL AWARE OF THIS! AND DON'T GET ANY IDEAS BECAUSE HE'S GOT A VERY NICE GIRLFRIEND. GET DOWN GIRLS, FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!)
I'M GOING OUT NOW
And although I am really looking forward to a few hours to myself - I feel awful, because I don't want to leave the puppies!
Also I have to express slight concerns that Charles doesn't believe the full extent of his duty of care. I have already pleaded with him not to lose them, tread on them or in any way cause psychological damage to them.
I just hope they have a nice day together, although I have a sneaking suspicion that I may find Charles in a heap in the crate and the puppies running riot when I get back!
See you later!
Blondie xx
Also I have to express slight concerns that Charles doesn't believe the full extent of his duty of care. I have already pleaded with him not to lose them, tread on them or in any way cause psychological damage to them.
I just hope they have a nice day together, although I have a sneaking suspicion that I may find Charles in a heap in the crate and the puppies running riot when I get back!
See you later!
Blondie xx
FRAGRANT!
This is not a word I would use to describe the puppies this morning!
For the first time in days, there was poop in the crate when I got up - and it had been there for some time!!
Fortunately the pups had refrained from stepping in, rolling in or eating it and it looked relatively undisturbed. Which is more than can be said for Lily, who must have had an unpleasant night due to the poop being located in her preferred sleeping area ie the newspaper! Obviously the newspaper is intended for such little mishaps, but Lily has decided that this is where she wants to sleep and who am I to argue. Poor little thing must have had a terribly restless night sleeping on the lovely cosy blanket that is located in the bedroom end of the crate!
So, anyway, all the windows are flung open and the whole area has been cleaned with antibacterial wipes and then sprayed with that Oust odour neutraliser. I'm not convinced it works brilliantly but, combined with the two plug in air fresheners that are located close to the puppies crate, it has to be a little more pleasant in here than it was earlier.
We've pretty much stuck to the usual routine this morning and I even had time to wash my hair before going to the hairdressers later today! 'Why on earth have you washed your hair when you're going to the hairdressers and they'll be washing it as well - and at great expense too?' I hear you say. Well it's a question of pride really. I don't want to rock up to SAKs looking like the bag lady I feel I have become; I want to look as though I have made a BIT of an effort with my appearance, even if they do hold up locks of my hair and gaze at it questioningly as if they're wondering what I could possibly have been doing to get it into such a mess. (You try looking after two puppies who love to nuzzle your hair, then you'd understand why I usually look like a scarecrow!) Anyway, at least they can't do that old trick that hairdressers sometimes use to make you feel really bad - 'Goodness! WHO CUT THIS?' - because I always have my hair cut there, so they KNOW who cut it last - except they will notice that my fringe HAS had a slight trim since I last went to the salon a month ago and they will sniggeringly say, 'Ha ha - you've been chopping at your fringe again, haven't you Sue!' Okay, I admit it might be on a bit of a slant because it's not easy to cut your own fringe when you're working backwards in the mirror - plus I'm as blind as a bat without my glasses which obviously I have to take off when I do the fringe trim otherwise I would have a fringe that went round the top of my specs! But if I stand with my head slightly tilted to one side, maybe no one will notice the slant!
For the first time in days, there was poop in the crate when I got up - and it had been there for some time!!
Fortunately the pups had refrained from stepping in, rolling in or eating it and it looked relatively undisturbed. Which is more than can be said for Lily, who must have had an unpleasant night due to the poop being located in her preferred sleeping area ie the newspaper! Obviously the newspaper is intended for such little mishaps, but Lily has decided that this is where she wants to sleep and who am I to argue. Poor little thing must have had a terribly restless night sleeping on the lovely cosy blanket that is located in the bedroom end of the crate!
So, anyway, all the windows are flung open and the whole area has been cleaned with antibacterial wipes and then sprayed with that Oust odour neutraliser. I'm not convinced it works brilliantly but, combined with the two plug in air fresheners that are located close to the puppies crate, it has to be a little more pleasant in here than it was earlier.
We've pretty much stuck to the usual routine this morning and I even had time to wash my hair before going to the hairdressers later today! 'Why on earth have you washed your hair when you're going to the hairdressers and they'll be washing it as well - and at great expense too?' I hear you say. Well it's a question of pride really. I don't want to rock up to SAKs looking like the bag lady I feel I have become; I want to look as though I have made a BIT of an effort with my appearance, even if they do hold up locks of my hair and gaze at it questioningly as if they're wondering what I could possibly have been doing to get it into such a mess. (You try looking after two puppies who love to nuzzle your hair, then you'd understand why I usually look like a scarecrow!) Anyway, at least they can't do that old trick that hairdressers sometimes use to make you feel really bad - 'Goodness! WHO CUT THIS?' - because I always have my hair cut there, so they KNOW who cut it last - except they will notice that my fringe HAS had a slight trim since I last went to the salon a month ago and they will sniggeringly say, 'Ha ha - you've been chopping at your fringe again, haven't you Sue!' Okay, I admit it might be on a bit of a slant because it's not easy to cut your own fringe when you're working backwards in the mirror - plus I'm as blind as a bat without my glasses which obviously I have to take off when I do the fringe trim otherwise I would have a fringe that went round the top of my specs! But if I stand with my head slightly tilted to one side, maybe no one will notice the slant!
Friday, 25 September 2009
NINE O'CLOCK
And Charles has thrown in the towel and GONE TO BED already!
What? He's only been away for five days with the kids - and he's had help - it's not as though he's had them all to himself!
Good grief, if he's so tired today, what on earth will he be like tomorrow?
He says he's read the list of things to be aware of when puppy sitting and that he knows what to do! Well, we'll see!
I've said that I will do the early morning shift tomorrow, so long as he does Sunday's. That seems fair doesn't it?
Anyway, it's just me and the girls now. They are playing quite sociably on the mat by the door and it does seem to be the 'getting ready for bedtime' play - they are much quieter and more tolerant of each other than at their more energetic times.
Lily is now starting to doze by the door and Rose has taken herself to the crate, where she has had a drink of water and is beginning the process of settling down.
Five minutes later...
...Aaaah! Two sleepy puppies in their crate!
What? He's only been away for five days with the kids - and he's had help - it's not as though he's had them all to himself!
Good grief, if he's so tired today, what on earth will he be like tomorrow?
He says he's read the list of things to be aware of when puppy sitting and that he knows what to do! Well, we'll see!
I've said that I will do the early morning shift tomorrow, so long as he does Sunday's. That seems fair doesn't it?
Anyway, it's just me and the girls now. They are playing quite sociably on the mat by the door and it does seem to be the 'getting ready for bedtime' play - they are much quieter and more tolerant of each other than at their more energetic times.
Lily is now starting to doze by the door and Rose has taken herself to the crate, where she has had a drink of water and is beginning the process of settling down.
Five minutes later...
...Aaaah! Two sleepy puppies in their crate!
AND IF CHARLES THINKS...
...that looking after Lily and Rose while I have a few hours off tomorrow is going to be a doddle, he'd better think again!
You really do need eyes in the back of your head and you constantly have to try to keep one step ahead of the pups.
This is not easy Charles - you won't be able to spend the morning watching Soccer am or catching up on emails - I can guarantee that you will have found the week away with the kids easier than you will find a few hours with Lily and Rose!
Things to remember:
After they've eaten, they poop.
You need to get to the poop before they do.
They will try to eat the poop and the poopy tissue.
They attack from both sides, so avoid this by putting them into the little crate before you commence poop scooping.
Getting them into the little crate is a work of art - either throw in two of their treats or a couple of toys - then the puppies, only DON'T ACTUALLY THROW THEM IN.
Don't forget to let them out when you've cleaned up.
If it is a really messy poop, you will need to use the garden hose and the brush.
The puppies will attack the brush.
If you leave the french doors open they will be inside before you, even if they have poopy paws.
If they DO have poopy paws you need to mop the floor with the floor wipes that are under the sink.
The puppies will attack the mop.
If you need to regain your sanity, pop them into their big crate, but make sure the door is closed first or they will be out again.
They will attack the newspaper and tear it to shreds.
Then they will spill their water bowl.
When you let them out they will tear around the kitchen and breakfast room and possibly the utility room like crazed things.
DO NOT STEP ON THEM.
Their lunch will be ready for you just to add a little warm, not hot, water.
Make them sit and wait.
Rose will try to eat Lily's lunch. Don't let her.
They will have fat tummies. be careful how you pick them up!
The postman will come at some time during the morning - the puppies like the postman very much - and will try to go with him.
You need to watch out for the postman to avoid losing the pups and when he approaches the gate you must grab them and hold them until he has gone.
Don't grab then too hard. This will hurt them.
They will try to dig and eat the stones by the fence. Don't let them, they could choke.
If they go quiet - WORRY!
Don't imagine that one poop each is all they do - be on the look out for sneaky, unexpected poop.
They may want a sleep - THIS IS GOOD!
Wait until they are both drowsy before putting them in the big crate. Do not let them sleep out of the crate in case you go into the sitting room and fall asleep and forget about them.
If they DO go to sleep, you can breath a sigh of relief and sit down with a cuppa!
When they wake up they WILL NEED A WEE IMMEDIATELY.
Put them outside straightaway.
They may need to be coaxed out, especially Lily who will spend ten minutes yawning and will have wee-ed in the house by then.
To coax them out, use their treatbox which is on the wrought iron table. Give it a little shake so they know what's going to happen, take two tiny treats, show these to the pups and say, 'Come' then 'Sit'.
Make a dash for the door while they are chewing.
After they've slept they poop.
Return to the second item in the list and REPEAT THE WHOLE LOT.
You really do need eyes in the back of your head and you constantly have to try to keep one step ahead of the pups.
This is not easy Charles - you won't be able to spend the morning watching Soccer am or catching up on emails - I can guarantee that you will have found the week away with the kids easier than you will find a few hours with Lily and Rose!
Things to remember:
After they've eaten, they poop.
You need to get to the poop before they do.
They will try to eat the poop and the poopy tissue.
They attack from both sides, so avoid this by putting them into the little crate before you commence poop scooping.
Getting them into the little crate is a work of art - either throw in two of their treats or a couple of toys - then the puppies, only DON'T ACTUALLY THROW THEM IN.
Don't forget to let them out when you've cleaned up.
If it is a really messy poop, you will need to use the garden hose and the brush.
The puppies will attack the brush.
If you leave the french doors open they will be inside before you, even if they have poopy paws.
If they DO have poopy paws you need to mop the floor with the floor wipes that are under the sink.
The puppies will attack the mop.
If you need to regain your sanity, pop them into their big crate, but make sure the door is closed first or they will be out again.
They will attack the newspaper and tear it to shreds.
Then they will spill their water bowl.
When you let them out they will tear around the kitchen and breakfast room and possibly the utility room like crazed things.
DO NOT STEP ON THEM.
Their lunch will be ready for you just to add a little warm, not hot, water.
Make them sit and wait.
Rose will try to eat Lily's lunch. Don't let her.
They will have fat tummies. be careful how you pick them up!
The postman will come at some time during the morning - the puppies like the postman very much - and will try to go with him.
You need to watch out for the postman to avoid losing the pups and when he approaches the gate you must grab them and hold them until he has gone.
Don't grab then too hard. This will hurt them.
They will try to dig and eat the stones by the fence. Don't let them, they could choke.
If they go quiet - WORRY!
Don't imagine that one poop each is all they do - be on the look out for sneaky, unexpected poop.
They may want a sleep - THIS IS GOOD!
Wait until they are both drowsy before putting them in the big crate. Do not let them sleep out of the crate in case you go into the sitting room and fall asleep and forget about them.
If they DO go to sleep, you can breath a sigh of relief and sit down with a cuppa!
When they wake up they WILL NEED A WEE IMMEDIATELY.
Put them outside straightaway.
They may need to be coaxed out, especially Lily who will spend ten minutes yawning and will have wee-ed in the house by then.
To coax them out, use their treatbox which is on the wrought iron table. Give it a little shake so they know what's going to happen, take two tiny treats, show these to the pups and say, 'Come' then 'Sit'.
Make a dash for the door while they are chewing.
After they've slept they poop.
Return to the second item in the list and REPEAT THE WHOLE LOT.
CHARLES IS HOME!
And so is his washing!
Seriously, the puppies were beside themselves when they realised who was walking up the drive. He found it very difficult to put one foot in front of the other as he had a puppy on each - like fluffy white slippers!!
Talking of slippers - The puppies have missed out on these for a few days but have certainly made up for it since Charles returned. They've been quite content lying under the table, chewing away!
The slippers were, of course, attached to his feet. I would like to say that I was waiting at the door with them, along with his pipe, but he gave the pipe up donkey's years ago and anyway, I simply wasn't!
Have I talked to him non-stop about my week with the girls? have I bored him senseless with my ramblings about their escapades? No I haven't.
'Why on earth not?' you may ask.
Simply because the minute he got in, after saying hello to the puppies and then wearing them on his feet, he sat down and read all the posts from this blog since Monday. So I haven't needed to say a word!
Which is actually a bit frustrating!!!
Seriously, the puppies were beside themselves when they realised who was walking up the drive. He found it very difficult to put one foot in front of the other as he had a puppy on each - like fluffy white slippers!!
Talking of slippers - The puppies have missed out on these for a few days but have certainly made up for it since Charles returned. They've been quite content lying under the table, chewing away!
The slippers were, of course, attached to his feet. I would like to say that I was waiting at the door with them, along with his pipe, but he gave the pipe up donkey's years ago and anyway, I simply wasn't!
Have I talked to him non-stop about my week with the girls? have I bored him senseless with my ramblings about their escapades? No I haven't.
'Why on earth not?' you may ask.
Simply because the minute he got in, after saying hello to the puppies and then wearing them on his feet, he sat down and read all the posts from this blog since Monday. So I haven't needed to say a word!
Which is actually a bit frustrating!!!
WHAT A FUSS!
I decided to do the old Domestic Goddess thing this morning and started to make the filling for a chicken and vegetable pie which we will have at the weekend.
It should be a very nice pie because it contains chicken (obviously), shallots, leeks, courgettes, fine beans and peas, all in a creamy sauce (Own recipe - bit of an experiment! I haven't decided whether to give it a puff pastry, cheesy crumble or mashed potato topping yet - what do you reckon?)
While I was busy browning the chicken, the puppies, who had previously been playing quite happily in their crate, suddenly perked up and, with twitching noses, started up a chorus of pathetic mewling. Then it occurred to me that they probably think that chicken is just for puppies and they haven't realised that human beings can eat it as well. So the pups were not best pleased when I had to tell them that it wasn't THEIR dinner and, anyway, 11 o'clock was far too early to be feeling hungry again.
As for you two, Lily and Rose, you should be ashamed of yourselves for making a noise like that. It sounded like a couple of strangled cats! Where's your self-respect?
It should be a very nice pie because it contains chicken (obviously), shallots, leeks, courgettes, fine beans and peas, all in a creamy sauce (Own recipe - bit of an experiment! I haven't decided whether to give it a puff pastry, cheesy crumble or mashed potato topping yet - what do you reckon?)
While I was busy browning the chicken, the puppies, who had previously been playing quite happily in their crate, suddenly perked up and, with twitching noses, started up a chorus of pathetic mewling. Then it occurred to me that they probably think that chicken is just for puppies and they haven't realised that human beings can eat it as well. So the pups were not best pleased when I had to tell them that it wasn't THEIR dinner and, anyway, 11 o'clock was far too early to be feeling hungry again.
As for you two, Lily and Rose, you should be ashamed of yourselves for making a noise like that. It sounded like a couple of strangled cats! Where's your self-respect?
CASH IN THE ATTIC
Isn't Cash in the Attic the most annoying programme ever. I mean I know all daytime telly is pretty rubbish and the only reason I've got it on is to give the puppies a bit of background noise when I'm trying to get on with stuff, but honestly...
...If you can afford to live in a HOUSE THAT HAS AN ATTIC and that is stuffed full of tasteless but undoubtedly VALUABLE ITEMS, why on earth do you need to go on a naff television programme, where you are giving all the burglars in your area a really good tour of your property and it's contents, JUST TO RAISE £500 TO TAKE THE GRANDKIDS TO DISNEYLAND? LOOK IN THE BANK - I BET YOU'LL FIND IT THERE!
...If you can afford to live in a HOUSE THAT HAS AN ATTIC and that is stuffed full of tasteless but undoubtedly VALUABLE ITEMS, why on earth do you need to go on a naff television programme, where you are giving all the burglars in your area a really good tour of your property and it's contents, JUST TO RAISE £500 TO TAKE THE GRANDKIDS TO DISNEYLAND? LOOK IN THE BANK - I BET YOU'LL FIND IT THERE!
FRIDAY NIGHT INDIAN TAKEOUT
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE HAVING TONIGHT!
And we will get it from the Morpeth Tandoori - which is quite possibly the best takeaway ever.
If you haven't tried it, you don't know what you're missing. Obviously this only applies to people who live within, say, a ten mile radius of Morpeth. (Although anyone who comes to visit us for a weekend minibreak is usually able to sample the delights during their stay. So in theory, even if you live hundreds of miles away you could give it a try - providing we know you and like you enough to invite you to stay at our house, that is!)
James's flat is just across the road from the Indian and I'm sure that, if the windows are open, the smell would drive me mad! I'd be permanently hungry!
Actually James's flat is in the best location I can imagine for two young men (he shares with his mate Dunc as well as various other mates who drop in and hang around for days - and nights - eh TOM!)
It's a top floor flat - WITH BALCONY! - overlooking the main street in Morpeth. All the boys needs are catered for within walking distance, or even staggering distance as their local is literally next door! They can roll out of bed and get their morning brekkie at Costa, have Subway (or Greggs if they're short of dosh) for lunch followed by a milkshake from the new milkshake bar, eat Chinese, Italian, Indian or pub food at night. In fact they would never need to cook if they didn't want to, but they are actually pretty good about catering for themselves and their culinary skills are really improving.
So I think they really landed on their feet when they found that place.
Now, I wonder where the nearest launderette is???
(Oh yeah! That would be in Longframlington! Silly me!)
And we will get it from the Morpeth Tandoori - which is quite possibly the best takeaway ever.
If you haven't tried it, you don't know what you're missing. Obviously this only applies to people who live within, say, a ten mile radius of Morpeth. (Although anyone who comes to visit us for a weekend minibreak is usually able to sample the delights during their stay. So in theory, even if you live hundreds of miles away you could give it a try - providing we know you and like you enough to invite you to stay at our house, that is!)
James's flat is just across the road from the Indian and I'm sure that, if the windows are open, the smell would drive me mad! I'd be permanently hungry!
Actually James's flat is in the best location I can imagine for two young men (he shares with his mate Dunc as well as various other mates who drop in and hang around for days - and nights - eh TOM!)
It's a top floor flat - WITH BALCONY! - overlooking the main street in Morpeth. All the boys needs are catered for within walking distance, or even staggering distance as their local is literally next door! They can roll out of bed and get their morning brekkie at Costa, have Subway (or Greggs if they're short of dosh) for lunch followed by a milkshake from the new milkshake bar, eat Chinese, Italian, Indian or pub food at night. In fact they would never need to cook if they didn't want to, but they are actually pretty good about catering for themselves and their culinary skills are really improving.
So I think they really landed on their feet when they found that place.
Now, I wonder where the nearest launderette is???
(Oh yeah! That would be in Longframlington! Silly me!)
LILY'S BARKING
IN HER SLEEP!
How weird! Lily hasn't really got the hang of barking in real life yet and when she does give it a try it comes out as a sort of high pitched squeal. She makes a lot of funny little noises does Lily, especially when she's yawning! Each huge yawn is accompanied by a little screech.
When James came round last night I observed that Lily can at times resemble a) a meerkat when she's asleep b) a baby kangaroo when she's jumping around and c) a guinea pig when she's chasing around. Now I don't really know much about guinea pigs and I have absolutely no idea if they race around much, but when she puts her ears back and gets even lower to the ground than usual, with her coat being smoothed back due to the whiplash speed with which she runs, she DOES resemble one!
Of the two puppies, Lily has the thinner, more pointed face. Rose is just an overall fluffball and is certainly the pretty one of the two. But Lily is the cuddliest. For all that she is a fiesty little thing she will always be the first to want a cuddle and she will scrabble at my leg to let me know that it's time to come up and have a love - and within minutes she is usually asleep!
Anyway, the point is that in her sleep Lily CAN INDEED bark - and quite respectably as well!
Must be a good dream Lil !
How weird! Lily hasn't really got the hang of barking in real life yet and when she does give it a try it comes out as a sort of high pitched squeal. She makes a lot of funny little noises does Lily, especially when she's yawning! Each huge yawn is accompanied by a little screech.
When James came round last night I observed that Lily can at times resemble a) a meerkat when she's asleep b) a baby kangaroo when she's jumping around and c) a guinea pig when she's chasing around. Now I don't really know much about guinea pigs and I have absolutely no idea if they race around much, but when she puts her ears back and gets even lower to the ground than usual, with her coat being smoothed back due to the whiplash speed with which she runs, she DOES resemble one!
Of the two puppies, Lily has the thinner, more pointed face. Rose is just an overall fluffball and is certainly the pretty one of the two. But Lily is the cuddliest. For all that she is a fiesty little thing she will always be the first to want a cuddle and she will scrabble at my leg to let me know that it's time to come up and have a love - and within minutes she is usually asleep!
Anyway, the point is that in her sleep Lily CAN INDEED bark - and quite respectably as well!
Must be a good dream Lil !
TGIF
Never thought I'd say that now I'm retired, but I really AM glad it's Friday today because it means Charles comes home - and I get some help with the little monsters!!
I've just glanced out of the window and can see the middle and high school kids making their way to the bus stop. (The children in Longframlington have to leave the village for school from being four years old. The first school children head north-east to Swarland, the middle school kids go west to Rothbury and the sophisticated (?) high school students go south to Morpeth.) Anyway it can't have been one of the first school children because their parents take them to the bus stop at about 8.30, but there was one smallish boy SKIPPING to the bus stop this morning! I'm guessing he's only in the first year at middle school and hasn't quite realised that it is SERIOUSLY UNCOOL to skip to school! What a shame! You just stay as uncool as you like for as long as you can, mate!
Talking about the school bus, reminds me of when James started school. The bus stop is perhaps twenty yards from our house, so was really handy on those mornings when we had a bit of a rush on. Anyway, he went on the bus from Day One. And he loved going on the bus on Day One. His little legs couldn't get him up the steps fast enough and all his friends from playgroup were there, so he was happy. He had a lovely first day at school and came home on the bus without a problem. Day Two was a different matter! 'I don't want to go. I went YESTERDAY!' he cried. And for the one and only time in his school career I had to cajole, drag, carry and forcibly sit him down on the bus, ignoring his screams...
...and then I came back home and sobbed my heart out!
I've just glanced out of the window and can see the middle and high school kids making their way to the bus stop. (The children in Longframlington have to leave the village for school from being four years old. The first school children head north-east to Swarland, the middle school kids go west to Rothbury and the sophisticated (?) high school students go south to Morpeth.) Anyway it can't have been one of the first school children because their parents take them to the bus stop at about 8.30, but there was one smallish boy SKIPPING to the bus stop this morning! I'm guessing he's only in the first year at middle school and hasn't quite realised that it is SERIOUSLY UNCOOL to skip to school! What a shame! You just stay as uncool as you like for as long as you can, mate!
Talking about the school bus, reminds me of when James started school. The bus stop is perhaps twenty yards from our house, so was really handy on those mornings when we had a bit of a rush on. Anyway, he went on the bus from Day One. And he loved going on the bus on Day One. His little legs couldn't get him up the steps fast enough and all his friends from playgroup were there, so he was happy. He had a lovely first day at school and came home on the bus without a problem. Day Two was a different matter! 'I don't want to go. I went YESTERDAY!' he cried. And for the one and only time in his school career I had to cajole, drag, carry and forcibly sit him down on the bus, ignoring his screams...
...and then I came back home and sobbed my heart out!
Thursday, 24 September 2009
I THINK THEY'VE SETTLED!
Please read the title of this post in a little whispery voice!
With any luck they're off for the night - and so am I!
Night night
Shhhhh
With any luck they're off for the night - and so am I!
Night night
Shhhhh
ONE DOWN
One to go.
For anyone who has met the puppies it will come as no surprise to know that it is Rose who's still wide awake! Although looking at her I can see signs that she is struggling now. She has just abandoned the toy she was chewing and has flopped down on the mat by the door. (Oh, spoke too soon, she only flopped down so she could chew it better!)
SPOKE FAR TOO SOON - LILY'S ONLY PRETENDING!
Okay, they're outside together now - at least they shouldn't have their legs crossed in the morning!
At this rate it'll be ME who's first asleep
For anyone who has met the puppies it will come as no surprise to know that it is Rose who's still wide awake! Although looking at her I can see signs that she is struggling now. She has just abandoned the toy she was chewing and has flopped down on the mat by the door. (Oh, spoke too soon, she only flopped down so she could chew it better!)
SPOKE FAR TOO SOON - LILY'S ONLY PRETENDING!
Okay, they're outside together now - at least they shouldn't have their legs crossed in the morning!
At this rate it'll be ME who's first asleep
THE PUPPIES KNOW IT'S NIGHT TIME!
Well obviously because it's dark, but it is also dark when they get up, so that doesn't really have any bearing on it.
It's like when we were kids and we were up late as a treat, maybe there were visitors, and we really wanted to be there in case we missed anything, but we were also desperate to get to sleep.
Well that's how it seems to be for the puppies tonight.
They are really struggling to stay awake - and they haven't made a single sound since they woke up! Both of them are playing quiet, solitary games as though they really can't be bothered with each other but need to keep themselves occupied. Perhaps it's the puppy version of reading in bed.
Or maybe, they think that if they keep really quiet I won't notice them and they'll get to stay up really late - just like kids again! (Just as long as they don't start fancying a midnight feast!)
It's like when we were kids and we were up late as a treat, maybe there were visitors, and we really wanted to be there in case we missed anything, but we were also desperate to get to sleep.
Well that's how it seems to be for the puppies tonight.
They are really struggling to stay awake - and they haven't made a single sound since they woke up! Both of them are playing quiet, solitary games as though they really can't be bothered with each other but need to keep themselves occupied. Perhaps it's the puppy version of reading in bed.
Or maybe, they think that if they keep really quiet I won't notice them and they'll get to stay up really late - just like kids again! (Just as long as they don't start fancying a midnight feast!)
OKAY. I GOT IT WRONG!
During one of Roses's restless moments I lifted her and took her out for a wee - which she clearly needed! I then popped her back with her sleepy sister, but unfortunately, by now she was wide awake (bright eyed and bushy tailed in fact!) and proceeded to play 'There were ten (two in this case) in the bed' - you know the one, where they all 'roll over, roll over.' Unfortunately, she was rolling over Lily, who was less than impressed and by the time Rose had started nibbling her ears she had really had enough and was also wide awake!
So now I have two wide awake puppies, who really want to be asleep! Does that make sense?
So now I have two wide awake puppies, who really want to be asleep! Does that make sense?
DOES ANYONE KNOW...
...how much sleep 11 week old Westie puppies need?
I'm asking because Lily and Rose seem to have been asleep for hours today and, at 7.45 they put themselves to bed. I've tried to clatter around in an attempt to wake them, but they're not having any of it. They've got up and had a drink and then gone straight back to sleep.
During the day they must have had at least six hours sleep, which means they've only been awake for about seven. I tried everything I could think of to keep them awake this evening, but they were nearly out on their feet. IS THIS NORMAL? SHOULD I BE WORRIED?
Of course it could just be that the excited anticipation about the party, coupled with the disappointment of it being cancelled, has just proved too much and they've gone to bed in a sulk!
I'm asking because Lily and Rose seem to have been asleep for hours today and, at 7.45 they put themselves to bed. I've tried to clatter around in an attempt to wake them, but they're not having any of it. They've got up and had a drink and then gone straight back to sleep.
During the day they must have had at least six hours sleep, which means they've only been awake for about seven. I tried everything I could think of to keep them awake this evening, but they were nearly out on their feet. IS THIS NORMAL? SHOULD I BE WORRIED?
Of course it could just be that the excited anticipation about the party, coupled with the disappointment of it being cancelled, has just proved too much and they've gone to bed in a sulk!
OH NO!
THE PARTIES BEEN CANCELLED!
Judith, the very nice party organiser, has just rung to say that there is 'the possibility of infection at the vets surgery' (I would have thought that was always a distinct possibility. It's where you take sick animals!) and the party wasn't going to be on tonight!
Needless to say we are devastated because we're all brushed and perfumed and were really looking to knocking seven bells out of Milo Schmilo and impressing him with our new barking skills, and now we can't do it until next week!
So, in a fit of pique, we'll just stay in our crate and shred the contents of the Daily Mail after jumping in our water bowl and getting ourselves soaked. So now we are covered in water and newsprint - AND OUR MUM NEEDN'T HAVE BOTHERED GIVING US A WASH AND BRUSH UP AT ALL!
Judith, the very nice party organiser, has just rung to say that there is 'the possibility of infection at the vets surgery' (I would have thought that was always a distinct possibility. It's where you take sick animals!) and the party wasn't going to be on tonight!
Needless to say we are devastated because we're all brushed and perfumed and were really looking to knocking seven bells out of Milo Schmilo and impressing him with our new barking skills, and now we can't do it until next week!
So, in a fit of pique, we'll just stay in our crate and shred the contents of the Daily Mail after jumping in our water bowl and getting ourselves soaked. So now we are covered in water and newsprint - AND OUR MUM NEEDN'T HAVE BOTHERED GIVING US A WASH AND BRUSH UP AT ALL!
ALL CLEANED UP
Right, both puppies have had a lovely rub down and and good brush. They actually like this, apart from having their faces and bottoms done - unfortunately the two places that need the most attention. They look (ed) very fluffy and smell much nicer. You may wonder why the past tense there. That's because as soon as I finished them both, they started this mad wrestling game resulting in coats that makes them look as if they've had an electric shock! I suppose it's the canine equivalent of us going to have our hair done and walking out into a howling gale! (Don't you just HATE that?)
WHY, OH WHY...
Do puppies like eating poop? I turn my back for a second and there they are, nose deep in the stuff devouring it like it's some gourmet delicacy!
It cannot be because they're hungry, because they're eating really well and they never ask for food. in between meals
I've just looked outside and they are merrily digging all the gravel up from the side of the block paving. In fact thy are absolutely filthy! They'd already got their dinner (and poop probably) all around their faces, but that has now been joined by sand and soil. How lovely you look girls - and just before your puppy party as well. Oh well, it looks like the wet wipes for you two!
It cannot be because they're hungry, because they're eating really well and they never ask for food. in between meals
I've just looked outside and they are merrily digging all the gravel up from the side of the block paving. In fact thy are absolutely filthy! They'd already got their dinner (and poop probably) all around their faces, but that has now been joined by sand and soil. How lovely you look girls - and just before your puppy party as well. Oh well, it looks like the wet wipes for you two!
BEAUTY SLEEP
That must be what the girls are having!
This is their third sleep of the day - and it's been a long one. They look so cute: Rose is lying on her side and Lily, who's on her tummy, has her chin resting on Rose's neck.
I swear one of them is snoring!!
While they've been asleep I've been catching up on a few chores and have got their party things ready: leads, treats and wipes and we're good to go. Not that we are going anywhere YET, the party doesn't start till 6.30!
I wonder how the puppies will react when Charles comes home tomorrow? They'll either be beside themselves with excitement, or will snub him for having left them. I bet he notices a change in them, even after four days. In fact I'll be interested to see what they weigh tonight, because I have a sneaky feeling that Lily has caught up with Rose, or possibly even surpassed her!
They were 1.90 (Rose) and 1.70 (Lily) last week, so look out later for the new revised weights.
James is coming to meet us at the vet's. The puppies will love that!
This is their third sleep of the day - and it's been a long one. They look so cute: Rose is lying on her side and Lily, who's on her tummy, has her chin resting on Rose's neck.
I swear one of them is snoring!!
While they've been asleep I've been catching up on a few chores and have got their party things ready: leads, treats and wipes and we're good to go. Not that we are going anywhere YET, the party doesn't start till 6.30!
I wonder how the puppies will react when Charles comes home tomorrow? They'll either be beside themselves with excitement, or will snub him for having left them. I bet he notices a change in them, even after four days. In fact I'll be interested to see what they weigh tonight, because I have a sneaky feeling that Lily has caught up with Rose, or possibly even surpassed her!
They were 1.90 (Rose) and 1.70 (Lily) last week, so look out later for the new revised weights.
James is coming to meet us at the vet's. The puppies will love that!
DECISION!
I went for the toast and marmite option in the end, thinking that I could always have the apricot danish with a coffee later on this afternoon - you know, at that time when your energy level drops and you need a sugar boost. That time for me always coincides with the puppies mad time so I think I can justify the calories!
The puppies are now well and truly awake and Rose is practicing her new barking skills! She's barked at the postman (postal worker), the bin men (refuse collectors - garden waste division), the big brush in the corner, anything that moves in fact. (Clearly this doesn't apply to the big brush in the corner which is currently keeping perfectly still, although it CAN move and does so with regular monotony as it sweeps away all evidence of puppy mess.)
Lily can only look on in awe and wonder at her big sisters amazing vocal talent! Meanwhile I dread the day that Lily finds HER bark as well!
The puppies had a really good sleep this morning and managed to completely miss out on the comings and goings of the tesco MAN. I even had time to get everything put away, had a cup of tea with the aforementioned toast and marmite and read the paper before they decided to get out of their pit!
I had to chuckle when I was getting their lunch ready. Christina had popped round and the puppies were really torn between playing with her and watching me sort their lunch out. When it is just myself and the pups they sit and wait perfectly patiently until I put the bowls down. But today was a bit of a trial and I have to say they played the game brilliantly! Every time I looked down at them they were sitting beautifully looking me straight in the eyes, but the next time I looked they MAY have still been sitting, but they were definitely nearer to Christina AND still looking at me innocently. In the end they ended up right next to her - and I never saw them move once!!!
The puppies are now well and truly awake and Rose is practicing her new barking skills! She's barked at the postman (postal worker), the bin men (refuse collectors - garden waste division), the big brush in the corner, anything that moves in fact. (Clearly this doesn't apply to the big brush in the corner which is currently keeping perfectly still, although it CAN move and does so with regular monotony as it sweeps away all evidence of puppy mess.)
Lily can only look on in awe and wonder at her big sisters amazing vocal talent! Meanwhile I dread the day that Lily finds HER bark as well!
The puppies had a really good sleep this morning and managed to completely miss out on the comings and goings of the tesco MAN. I even had time to get everything put away, had a cup of tea with the aforementioned toast and marmite and read the paper before they decided to get out of their pit!
I had to chuckle when I was getting their lunch ready. Christina had popped round and the puppies were really torn between playing with her and watching me sort their lunch out. When it is just myself and the pups they sit and wait perfectly patiently until I put the bowls down. But today was a bit of a trial and I have to say they played the game brilliantly! Every time I looked down at them they were sitting beautifully looking me straight in the eyes, but the next time I looked they MAY have still been sitting, but they were definitely nearer to Christina AND still looking at me innocently. In the end they ended up right next to her - and I never saw them move once!!!
QUESTIONS
How long can I remain in this room with two puppies who are farting for England in their sleep?
Also, do I get a refund if the tesco delivery doesn't come before the end of my 'slot'?
Ah ha! It's here and guess what it's a delivery MAN!! That was close - just five minutes before the delivery deadline!
Bye for now gotta go and unpack!!
And eat! Yum yum!
Also, do I get a refund if the tesco delivery doesn't come before the end of my 'slot'?
Ah ha! It's here and guess what it's a delivery MAN!! That was close - just five minutes before the delivery deadline!
Bye for now gotta go and unpack!!
And eat! Yum yum!
UNUSUALLY...
...it's Rose who seems to be really sleepy now and Lily who can't settle. Rose is doing her best to catch up on the sleep she missed out on earlier because she woke up too soon and, although Lily is being very good and quiet she's finding it difficult to keep still and keeps rousing Rose from her slumber.
(I've just leaned over and given Lily a little stroke and she seems to be more settled and is looking drowsy now.)
And then, Sod's law and as sure as eggs is eggs - the tesco man (person) will turn up and disturb them again! (Forget the intentions of increasing the puppies socialisation scores - when they're asleep I like them to stay that way. In fact, let sleeping dogs lie, I say!)
(I've just leaned over and given Lily a little stroke and she seems to be more settled and is looking drowsy now.)
And then, Sod's law and as sure as eggs is eggs - the tesco man (person) will turn up and disturb them again! (Forget the intentions of increasing the puppies socialisation scores - when they're asleep I like them to stay that way. In fact, let sleeping dogs lie, I say!)
ROSE HAS LEARNED TO...
BARK!!
Oh the joy!
A few minutes ago while unloading the dishwasher, I could hear a loud barking coming from outside. "Hmmm, someone's dog's making a bit of a racket!" I thought
And then I looked out of the window and discovered it was MINE!
Actually Rose has a really devilish look about her this morning and seems to be getting into everything she shouldn't be in! Obviously we have done everything we possibly can to keep the puppies save AND to minimise opportunities for chewing in the house, but they still manage to find things we hadn't thought about.
The pups woke early from their 8 o'clock sleep and seem to be a bit out of sorts at the moment. Quite argumentative with each other, in fact! They are now playing inside their crate. The door to the crate is open so they can come and go as they please. Gradually they are dragging more and more toys in there, but as soon as they get them in they abandon them and start having a go at each other, although just as I wrote that they both seemed to decide they'd had enough of tormenting one another and are now playing with one toy each. They both seem to be choosing the chewable toys today, so maybe their teeth are bothering them a bit.
Anyway, they're calm at the moment, so I'm going to go and have a cup of tea and a piece of toast.
Five minutes later and I'm just having the cup of tea because the bread's gone mouldy! (Where's the tesco delivery - I'm starving!!)
Oh the joy!
A few minutes ago while unloading the dishwasher, I could hear a loud barking coming from outside. "Hmmm, someone's dog's making a bit of a racket!" I thought
And then I looked out of the window and discovered it was MINE!
Actually Rose has a really devilish look about her this morning and seems to be getting into everything she shouldn't be in! Obviously we have done everything we possibly can to keep the puppies save AND to minimise opportunities for chewing in the house, but they still manage to find things we hadn't thought about.
The pups woke early from their 8 o'clock sleep and seem to be a bit out of sorts at the moment. Quite argumentative with each other, in fact! They are now playing inside their crate. The door to the crate is open so they can come and go as they please. Gradually they are dragging more and more toys in there, but as soon as they get them in they abandon them and start having a go at each other, although just as I wrote that they both seemed to decide they'd had enough of tormenting one another and are now playing with one toy each. They both seem to be choosing the chewable toys today, so maybe their teeth are bothering them a bit.
Anyway, they're calm at the moment, so I'm going to go and have a cup of tea and a piece of toast.
Five minutes later and I'm just having the cup of tea because the bread's gone mouldy! (Where's the tesco delivery - I'm starving!!)
COME ON MUM - WE'RE BURSTING!
And so they should be!!!
Lily and Rose slept from 8.25 to 6.00 this morning WITHOUT weeing in their crate!!
Mind you, the morning cuddle was cut short a bit by Rose who was caught short before she reached the door! Never mind Rose - that was a VERY long time to wait and I am proud of you both!
We've had a lovely start to the day so far. The routine is well established and the puppies are showing that they can 'sit,' 'come' and 'wait' on command. I think that's pretty good in just under three weeks. (Gosh, is that ALL it is? It really does seem a lot longer!)
As it's Thursday, we have the joys of the puppy party to look forward to. Of course Charles won't be here to help out because he's still away (and SORE apparently this morning, having been horse riding yesterday - Must have been a big horse!!!) but James is going to meet us at the party, so that'll be good. My main concern is having to take the girls in my MG which they really don't like. I wonder if it's too noisy for them compared with Charles's car. Anyway, they've got to get used to it so we'll give it a go. I could take them in Charles's BMW as he's left it at home this week, but unfortunately I cant reach the pedals, so it's probably wise not to!
If the party is anything like as successful as last week we will all come home happy. (I'm still worried about the possibility of that enormous deerhound pup coming along though!)
Before then we will have the tesco delivery which is booked for between 9.00 and 11.00. I tried to time it round the puppies usual sleep pattern and there is a good chance that they may be awake then, so they can get to meet a delivery man (or perhaps I should be politically correct and say 'delivery PERSON' as I am only assuming that it will be a man!) What's so important about that, you may well ask? Well, we were given a checklist of people, places and experiences that puppies should have as part of the socialisation programme - and delivery people are on that list along with people in uniform, people in wheelchairs, children, old people, postal workers (note how I so easily slipped into PC mode there), people from different ethnic backgrounds... etc etc.
So anyway, I'll be able to cross another one off the list which is good because we're not doing THAT well so far although the space next to 'postman' (sorry 'postal worker') already has a lot of ticks!
Lily and Rose slept from 8.25 to 6.00 this morning WITHOUT weeing in their crate!!
Mind you, the morning cuddle was cut short a bit by Rose who was caught short before she reached the door! Never mind Rose - that was a VERY long time to wait and I am proud of you both!
We've had a lovely start to the day so far. The routine is well established and the puppies are showing that they can 'sit,' 'come' and 'wait' on command. I think that's pretty good in just under three weeks. (Gosh, is that ALL it is? It really does seem a lot longer!)
As it's Thursday, we have the joys of the puppy party to look forward to. Of course Charles won't be here to help out because he's still away (and SORE apparently this morning, having been horse riding yesterday - Must have been a big horse!!!) but James is going to meet us at the party, so that'll be good. My main concern is having to take the girls in my MG which they really don't like. I wonder if it's too noisy for them compared with Charles's car. Anyway, they've got to get used to it so we'll give it a go. I could take them in Charles's BMW as he's left it at home this week, but unfortunately I cant reach the pedals, so it's probably wise not to!
If the party is anything like as successful as last week we will all come home happy. (I'm still worried about the possibility of that enormous deerhound pup coming along though!)
Before then we will have the tesco delivery which is booked for between 9.00 and 11.00. I tried to time it round the puppies usual sleep pattern and there is a good chance that they may be awake then, so they can get to meet a delivery man (or perhaps I should be politically correct and say 'delivery PERSON' as I am only assuming that it will be a man!) What's so important about that, you may well ask? Well, we were given a checklist of people, places and experiences that puppies should have as part of the socialisation programme - and delivery people are on that list along with people in uniform, people in wheelchairs, children, old people, postal workers (note how I so easily slipped into PC mode there), people from different ethnic backgrounds... etc etc.
So anyway, I'll be able to cross another one off the list which is good because we're not doing THAT well so far although the space next to 'postman' (sorry 'postal worker') already has a lot of ticks!
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
I ONLY HOPE...
...that none of the wives and families of the soldiers who are currently serving in Afghanistan are watching the documentary 'Wounded' that is being shown by the BBC this evening.
I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering that these young men and their families are going through. I know how upset I was when I saw Christina the other day after her accident - I don't want her to be hurting - but her injuries are nothing compared with the injuries sustained by these soldiers which are so severe and terrible it must break the hearts of their parents.
OH DEAR!
It is not quite 8.30 and the puppies have already decided that they have had enough for one day and have turned in.
I know them well enough by now to know that this is IT for the night, but I'm undecided about whether to wake them for a wee in about an hour or to leave them and hope they don't make too much mess in the night.
When they go to bed at about 10.00 they are usually dry in the morning. Any earlier to bed and they will struggle. But I always think it's a bit of a setback to their housetraining when they have to go in the house.
Having said that the puppy training books all seem to stress that puppies have no control until they are about 16 weeks and that it can take until they are 6 - 7 months old before they are fully reliable.
I think the girls are doing really well. They are having less 'accidents' each day and Rose took herself outside for a wee this afternoon without having to be reminded. (She found it much easier to get out quickly now that the duckboard is there to help her.)
During their bonkers time earlier, Christina came round and gave me a hand. It really is so much easier when there are two puppies, if there are two humans to play with them. Also, when it comes to calming down time, each puppy can be brushed or fussed gently until they settle again.
During the very short and clearly, to her, disappointing, conversation I had with my mum this afternoon she asked me if I was glad that I had got the puppies. I replied a million times 'yes' because they are both such lovely characters and are just a joy to be around. (Obviously I didn't really say 'yes' a million times because a) I'd still be saying it now, b) I'd lose count and have to start again and c) she would have put the phone down on me long ago just in case she missed the call she was really waiting for FROM MY BROTHER!)
I tell you what, I really hope he HAS rung her, because, if he hasn't she'll be beside herself by now!
I know them well enough by now to know that this is IT for the night, but I'm undecided about whether to wake them for a wee in about an hour or to leave them and hope they don't make too much mess in the night.
When they go to bed at about 10.00 they are usually dry in the morning. Any earlier to bed and they will struggle. But I always think it's a bit of a setback to their housetraining when they have to go in the house.
Having said that the puppy training books all seem to stress that puppies have no control until they are about 16 weeks and that it can take until they are 6 - 7 months old before they are fully reliable.
I think the girls are doing really well. They are having less 'accidents' each day and Rose took herself outside for a wee this afternoon without having to be reminded. (She found it much easier to get out quickly now that the duckboard is there to help her.)
During their bonkers time earlier, Christina came round and gave me a hand. It really is so much easier when there are two puppies, if there are two humans to play with them. Also, when it comes to calming down time, each puppy can be brushed or fussed gently until they settle again.
During the very short and clearly, to her, disappointing, conversation I had with my mum this afternoon she asked me if I was glad that I had got the puppies. I replied a million times 'yes' because they are both such lovely characters and are just a joy to be around. (Obviously I didn't really say 'yes' a million times because a) I'd still be saying it now, b) I'd lose count and have to start again and c) she would have put the phone down on me long ago just in case she missed the call she was really waiting for FROM MY BROTHER!)
I tell you what, I really hope he HAS rung her, because, if he hasn't she'll be beside herself by now!
1000!!!!!
I've just noticed the number of visitors to the blog has hit the magic 1000!
How good is that Puppies?
How good is that Puppies?
LIVING IN A WAR ZONE!
That's not a reflection on the puppies, although it does feel like it in an evening sometimes when they are having their mad time.
No. I've just been outside and can clearly hear the heavy thuds of the big guns up at Otterburn.
Closer to home, judging by the loud cracks there is obviously someone in the fields nearby shooting rabbits. (Poor little things!)
A few months ago we had a little visiting rabbit. it was only young, so I don't know where it's mother was, but it would sit on our back lawn for hours - just munching away. I thought it was dead cute, until Charles reminded me that it would eat all our plants! Anyway, one day it just didn't come back.
Sad really.
The puppies are asleep again, having just had a crazy time with Christina. We were sitting on the step outside and all of us were feeling a bit drowsy. Lily had done her usual trick of forcing herself onto my knee and spreading out, and Rose was snuggled up next to me, when suddenly their ears pricked up and Christina's car pulled onto the drive.
They were up and at the gate in a flash and could hardly contain their excitement!
So that was the end of drowsiness for a while 'cos they had to have a good chew of her shoes, (not a good idea to wear bright red satin stilettos round here Christina) toes, fingers and ears (mind her face, she's sore!) Then they had to play a game of hide and seek, although they're not good at this because they keep forgetting what they're supposed to be seeking! And eventually, with Christina and I sitting on the kitchen floor cuddling a puppy each, we got them calmed down and ready for the afternoon nap.
No. I've just been outside and can clearly hear the heavy thuds of the big guns up at Otterburn.
Closer to home, judging by the loud cracks there is obviously someone in the fields nearby shooting rabbits. (Poor little things!)
A few months ago we had a little visiting rabbit. it was only young, so I don't know where it's mother was, but it would sit on our back lawn for hours - just munching away. I thought it was dead cute, until Charles reminded me that it would eat all our plants! Anyway, one day it just didn't come back.
Sad really.
The puppies are asleep again, having just had a crazy time with Christina. We were sitting on the step outside and all of us were feeling a bit drowsy. Lily had done her usual trick of forcing herself onto my knee and spreading out, and Rose was snuggled up next to me, when suddenly their ears pricked up and Christina's car pulled onto the drive.
They were up and at the gate in a flash and could hardly contain their excitement!
So that was the end of drowsiness for a while 'cos they had to have a good chew of her shoes, (not a good idea to wear bright red satin stilettos round here Christina) toes, fingers and ears (mind her face, she's sore!) Then they had to play a game of hide and seek, although they're not good at this because they keep forgetting what they're supposed to be seeking! And eventually, with Christina and I sitting on the kitchen floor cuddling a puppy each, we got them calmed down and ready for the afternoon nap.
JUST PHONED MY MUM
I thought I would give my mum a surprise by ringing her during the day. It normally takes her a while to get to the phone before she answers and then she has to turn the volume up because she doesn't hear very well, so you can usually be making a cup of tea in between dialling and actually hearing her speak. When she does answer, it's always a bit tentative as though she's not sure she really wants to have this conversation or she suspects you of being some telemarketing person from a call centre in India.
Anyway today was different! The phone was answered immediately and there was Mum's cheery little voice saying, 'Hello there!' in a sort of, "I'm really pleased to be speaking to you,' sort of bubbly sort of way.
'Hello Mum, how are you?' I said in a similar cheery voice.
'Oh it's YOU!' she replied, clearly devastated, 'I thought it was going to be your brother! BUT NEVER MIND.'
WELL, THANKS A LOT MUM!
(And she couldn't get rid of me quick enough just in case HE was trying to ring while she was being forced against her will to speak to her eldest daughter!)
(Oh, AND she called me 'Helen' just for good measure!)
Grrrrrrrrrr!!
Anyway today was different! The phone was answered immediately and there was Mum's cheery little voice saying, 'Hello there!' in a sort of, "I'm really pleased to be speaking to you,' sort of bubbly sort of way.
'Hello Mum, how are you?' I said in a similar cheery voice.
'Oh it's YOU!' she replied, clearly devastated, 'I thought it was going to be your brother! BUT NEVER MIND.'
WELL, THANKS A LOT MUM!
(And she couldn't get rid of me quick enough just in case HE was trying to ring while she was being forced against her will to speak to her eldest daughter!)
(Oh, AND she called me 'Helen' just for good measure!)
Grrrrrrrrrr!!
FAIRWEATHER GIRLS
It's amazing what a difference a bit of sunshine makes to the puppies!
They are loving being outside today and manage to find the sunniest spots to play in, or just to laze around on.
They've just woken up after a very long morning sleep. They've had a light lunch (!) and are letting it settle with a bit of gentle and quite restrained play.
They just make me smile whenever I look at them - well apart from when they're covered in poop!
While they've been asleep I've been doing the Tesco order online. It'll be much easier to have the shopping delivered this week while Charles is away. The only problem with it is that I am sometimes a bit careless when it comes to quantities, especially with fruit and veg. There was an occasion last year - in fact it may well have been the 'Big Christmas Shop' - when I wanted a bag of brussels sprouts and ended up with ONE SOLITARY SPROUT because I thought I was ordering a bag of sprouts, but had in fact ordered the LOOSE sprouts and hadn't checked the weight. Why would the Tesco person doing the order put ONE SPROUT in anyway. Nobody would ever want ONE SPROUT! (Unless they didn't like sprouts very much.) That sprout looked very sad all alone in it's plastic bag!!
They are loving being outside today and manage to find the sunniest spots to play in, or just to laze around on.
They've just woken up after a very long morning sleep. They've had a light lunch (!) and are letting it settle with a bit of gentle and quite restrained play.
They just make me smile whenever I look at them - well apart from when they're covered in poop!
While they've been asleep I've been doing the Tesco order online. It'll be much easier to have the shopping delivered this week while Charles is away. The only problem with it is that I am sometimes a bit careless when it comes to quantities, especially with fruit and veg. There was an occasion last year - in fact it may well have been the 'Big Christmas Shop' - when I wanted a bag of brussels sprouts and ended up with ONE SOLITARY SPROUT because I thought I was ordering a bag of sprouts, but had in fact ordered the LOOSE sprouts and hadn't checked the weight. Why would the Tesco person doing the order put ONE SPROUT in anyway. Nobody would ever want ONE SPROUT! (Unless they didn't like sprouts very much.) That sprout looked very sad all alone in it's plastic bag!!
I FFEL REALLY SORRY FOR...
...Christina, who has just popped round before going to see a client.
She looks really smart and business like until you look at her poor face which is such a mess after her weekend accident.
She has actually bitten through both lips and, although they are starting to heal, are still really swollen and scabby. I made her a cup of tea, which she was only able to sip gently through one side of her mouth after it had cooled down. Both eyes are now looking bruised and black - but she is literally putting on a brave face and just getting on with her life. If it was me, I would be hiding away until it was healed up!
She looks really smart and business like until you look at her poor face which is such a mess after her weekend accident.
She has actually bitten through both lips and, although they are starting to heal, are still really swollen and scabby. I made her a cup of tea, which she was only able to sip gently through one side of her mouth after it had cooled down. Both eyes are now looking bruised and black - but she is literally putting on a brave face and just getting on with her life. If it was me, I would be hiding away until it was healed up!
THE COUPLE OVER THE ROAD
I don't know if I've mentioned them before, but during the past few weeks I've noticed that they do EVERYTHING together! They've lived here longer than we have, and yet we hardly ever speak to them. That's not because we're unfriendly, more a case of not having time to get to know people when we're working. And anyway, they 'keep themselves to themselves' as the saying goes.
From my observation post in the breakfast room I can tell you that they shop together, do the gardening together and even put the bins out together (one opens the gate and the other wheels the bin!) You never see one without the other and it's not as if they're really frail and have to be there in case the other keels over; they're pretty active really.
It's actually quite sweet. But the reason that I'm mentioning them this morning is that for the third day in a row they are out at the front of their house - gardening again. Okay, you might say, what's wrong with that? Well, what puzzles me a bit, is what they can possibly be doing. They have a tiny lawn with a narrow little border (literally no more than ten inches) around two sides and yet this border has kept them occupied for three days! Intriguing!! (Perhaps, when they've finished there, they could go to the house next door to them because nothing EVER gets done in THAT garden!)
From my observation post in the breakfast room I can tell you that they shop together, do the gardening together and even put the bins out together (one opens the gate and the other wheels the bin!) You never see one without the other and it's not as if they're really frail and have to be there in case the other keels over; they're pretty active really.
It's actually quite sweet. But the reason that I'm mentioning them this morning is that for the third day in a row they are out at the front of their house - gardening again. Okay, you might say, what's wrong with that? Well, what puzzles me a bit, is what they can possibly be doing. They have a tiny lawn with a narrow little border (literally no more than ten inches) around two sides and yet this border has kept them occupied for three days! Intriguing!! (Perhaps, when they've finished there, they could go to the house next door to them because nothing EVER gets done in THAT garden!)
OH RATS!
Have just done a load of washing. Nothing unusual in that I know, except that I put in the black jeans I was wearing yesterday, along with my black and white spotty pjs and a pretty white vest top that I really love. Of course, these are now a dirty shade of grey. You'd really think that after all these years of washing, I would have learned by now!
Actually, since the puppies arrived, the amount of washing seems to have increased dramatically. Mostly it's bedding and mats and stuff, but they do seem to generate quite a bit of laundry - even more than my son!!
Talking of my son - I wonder when he'll be bringing up HIS next bag of washing? The puppies had an anxious moment yesterday when they wandered through to the utility room and came face to face with the large Morrisons 'Bag for Life' that James uses to transport his laundry. They didn't like this bag at all and had a good old yappy bark at it, with their heads down and backing away from it just in case it suddenly came to life. I DON'T LIKE THE BAG MUCH EITHER as it usually contains lots of work shirts, or even worse, those expensive designer shirts with lots of fiddly bits that take forever to iron.
Actually, since the puppies arrived, the amount of washing seems to have increased dramatically. Mostly it's bedding and mats and stuff, but they do seem to generate quite a bit of laundry - even more than my son!!
Talking of my son - I wonder when he'll be bringing up HIS next bag of washing? The puppies had an anxious moment yesterday when they wandered through to the utility room and came face to face with the large Morrisons 'Bag for Life' that James uses to transport his laundry. They didn't like this bag at all and had a good old yappy bark at it, with their heads down and backing away from it just in case it suddenly came to life. I DON'T LIKE THE BAG MUCH EITHER as it usually contains lots of work shirts, or even worse, those expensive designer shirts with lots of fiddly bits that take forever to iron.
IS IT REALLY WEDNESDAY ALREADY?
Time flies, does it not?
Especially the time when you are asleep!
I have to admit to getting up half an hour later than usual. We are really lucky that the puppies never make a sound in the night, or even when they wake in the morning - until one of us goes through to their room of course! They HAD used the paper in their crate for a wee during the night, but thankfully, nothing more than that!
Both pups really seem to understand that, once we have all made a quick fuss of each other, it's time to go straight outside for morning ablutions. This is great, except they still have a bit of difficulty getting over the thresh to get OUT of the breakfast room when they are in a hurry, so I've found a duckboard that we keep in the shower room but don't really use and I've put that next to the door to give them a bit of a lift. It will be much better if they can be totally independent when they want to be outside, instead of relying on someone to give them a lift out.
Well, I wonder what today will bring?
If the puppies are as good as they were yesterday I shall be very happy. Apart from the madness at the end of the day - they were just lovely!
They're having a little play in the breakfast room now. Both pups have thoroughly investigated the duckboard and it does seem to help them to get outside more easily. Of course, Westie pups DO have very short legs (a problem that I share and so I can understand their frustration) so they need all the help they can get and, short of stilts or little puppy platform soles, this seems the best solution.
Lily has played her usual game of 'Top Dog' in the comfy bed that we keep next to the window. She really does seem to see this as HER property, mostly as I said in an earlier post, because of the height advantage it gives her. I made a lovely little video clip of her last night, just before bedtime, when she was in the bed absolutely surrounded by cuddly toys. Look out at the weekend when we will put up the new pics and clips.
I should point out that there is another identical comfy bed for Rose, but for some reason, she doesn't share Lily's attachment to hers.
Both puppies are already starting to look a bit sleepy and will soon be ready to settle down for the post-breakfast nap. A good indicator of their readiness for bed is that they settle down to play a quiet game without feeling the need, or having the energy, to compete with one another and, at the moment, they are lying side by side chewing a cuddly cow that they would usually be fighting over!
There - Rose has already put herself into bed and I've just lifted Lily in as well. She had fallen asleep by the door, but I like to have them contained in their crate just so I know exactly where they are if I happen to have to leave them for any reason.
Great - now for a much needed cappuccino!
Especially the time when you are asleep!
I have to admit to getting up half an hour later than usual. We are really lucky that the puppies never make a sound in the night, or even when they wake in the morning - until one of us goes through to their room of course! They HAD used the paper in their crate for a wee during the night, but thankfully, nothing more than that!
Both pups really seem to understand that, once we have all made a quick fuss of each other, it's time to go straight outside for morning ablutions. This is great, except they still have a bit of difficulty getting over the thresh to get OUT of the breakfast room when they are in a hurry, so I've found a duckboard that we keep in the shower room but don't really use and I've put that next to the door to give them a bit of a lift. It will be much better if they can be totally independent when they want to be outside, instead of relying on someone to give them a lift out.
Well, I wonder what today will bring?
If the puppies are as good as they were yesterday I shall be very happy. Apart from the madness at the end of the day - they were just lovely!
They're having a little play in the breakfast room now. Both pups have thoroughly investigated the duckboard and it does seem to help them to get outside more easily. Of course, Westie pups DO have very short legs (a problem that I share and so I can understand their frustration) so they need all the help they can get and, short of stilts or little puppy platform soles, this seems the best solution.
Lily has played her usual game of 'Top Dog' in the comfy bed that we keep next to the window. She really does seem to see this as HER property, mostly as I said in an earlier post, because of the height advantage it gives her. I made a lovely little video clip of her last night, just before bedtime, when she was in the bed absolutely surrounded by cuddly toys. Look out at the weekend when we will put up the new pics and clips.
I should point out that there is another identical comfy bed for Rose, but for some reason, she doesn't share Lily's attachment to hers.
Both puppies are already starting to look a bit sleepy and will soon be ready to settle down for the post-breakfast nap. A good indicator of their readiness for bed is that they settle down to play a quiet game without feeling the need, or having the energy, to compete with one another and, at the moment, they are lying side by side chewing a cuddly cow that they would usually be fighting over!
There - Rose has already put herself into bed and I've just lifted Lily in as well. She had fallen asleep by the door, but I like to have them contained in their crate just so I know exactly where they are if I happen to have to leave them for any reason.
Great - now for a much needed cappuccino!
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
YELLOW CARD FOR LILY!
And she's lucky it's not a red!
It is still mad hour (this is a misnomer as it can actually last between 1 and 3 hours and it looks like we're in for the long haul tonight) and the puppies have had a tug of war game with one of their toys that has lasted for about twenty minutes. Rose usually wins, but Lily keeps doggedly (!) going back for more. However, she DID have to spoil it by resorting to underhand tactics when she made a dive for the tug then swerved at the last minute and bit Rose firmly on the nose.
Time out Lily!
It is still mad hour (this is a misnomer as it can actually last between 1 and 3 hours and it looks like we're in for the long haul tonight) and the puppies have had a tug of war game with one of their toys that has lasted for about twenty minutes. Rose usually wins, but Lily keeps doggedly (!) going back for more. However, she DID have to spoil it by resorting to underhand tactics when she made a dive for the tug then swerved at the last minute and bit Rose firmly on the nose.
Time out Lily!
LILY - WHAT A MESSER
Why did I do that post about the puppies eating poop?
As if to prove the point, Lily decided to do a nosedive into a pile of fresh poop and emerged absolutely covered!
Unfortunately she then proceeded to high tail it into the house and smear it across as many different surfaces as she could find, before I eventually got hold of her. No way was she prepared to have the wet cotton wool ball treatment, so in the end, I used one of those magic lavender wet wipes and bribed her with treats while I got her restored to some semblance of cleanliness. (I do like those wipes and must ask Chris where he got them from as they were part of his amazing goodie bag)
The puppies have obviously reached the manic point of the day a little later than usual. In fact, they were going so crazy in the house that I have had to put them outside again where they are happily running circuits around the puppy playground.
Keep going girls - you've had lots of sleep today so you need to burn off some energy before bedtime!
As if to prove the point, Lily decided to do a nosedive into a pile of fresh poop and emerged absolutely covered!
Unfortunately she then proceeded to high tail it into the house and smear it across as many different surfaces as she could find, before I eventually got hold of her. No way was she prepared to have the wet cotton wool ball treatment, so in the end, I used one of those magic lavender wet wipes and bribed her with treats while I got her restored to some semblance of cleanliness. (I do like those wipes and must ask Chris where he got them from as they were part of his amazing goodie bag)
The puppies have obviously reached the manic point of the day a little later than usual. In fact, they were going so crazy in the house that I have had to put them outside again where they are happily running circuits around the puppy playground.
Keep going girls - you've had lots of sleep today so you need to burn off some energy before bedtime!
ROSE
Rose is farting in her sleep. Clearly she can't stand the smell herself, because she's lying flat on her back, stretched out, with her hind legs crossed (presumably in an attempt to lessen the smell) with her head tipped back and her nose as far away from her bottom as is (I was going to say 'humanly') caninely possible! On the other hand it could just be her way of saying, 'It wasn't ME!!'
GOING DARK!
No, that's nothing to do with my hair appointment on Saturday. I'M not going dark, probably lighter if anything. No I was referring to the fact that at only 6.15 it is already going dark. As James said yesterday, 'it's a bit rubbish,' isn't it?
I think there's something almost sad about this time of the year, with summer (?) well and truly gone and winter approaching rapidly. I really do detest the dark mornings and afternoons, although it will be marginally better this year when I don't have to go out in the cold at the crack of dawn.
(Hang on a minute, I DO have to go out at the crack of dawn for puppy wee time. Maybe in a couple of months I'll just be able to open the door and shoo them out without actually going out on poop watch. Why are the puppies so fascinated with their poop? Is this normal? If they're not walking in it, they're sniffing it and, even worse, EATING IT. WHY?? Do other puppies do this? Does it not make them ill?
I try so hard to keep everything clean for them, using antibac as if it's going out of fashion,and they go and EAT EACH OTHER'S POOP!)
5 minutes later: I've just been outside and it's not so dark now! It was a big black cloud, which has moved on now and is being followed by blueish sky, so it's not a 'rubbish' as I thought it was.
I think there's something almost sad about this time of the year, with summer (?) well and truly gone and winter approaching rapidly. I really do detest the dark mornings and afternoons, although it will be marginally better this year when I don't have to go out in the cold at the crack of dawn.
(Hang on a minute, I DO have to go out at the crack of dawn for puppy wee time. Maybe in a couple of months I'll just be able to open the door and shoo them out without actually going out on poop watch. Why are the puppies so fascinated with their poop? Is this normal? If they're not walking in it, they're sniffing it and, even worse, EATING IT. WHY?? Do other puppies do this? Does it not make them ill?
I try so hard to keep everything clean for them, using antibac as if it's going out of fashion,and they go and EAT EACH OTHER'S POOP!)
5 minutes later: I've just been outside and it's not so dark now! It was a big black cloud, which has moved on now and is being followed by blueish sky, so it's not a 'rubbish' as I thought it was.
THE PUPPIES HAVE BEEN LOVELY TODAY!
So far anyway!!
They've played together really nicely and have actually managed to share their toys a bit better than usual.
Lily and Rose are outside having a bit of rough and tumble and I'm trying to decide whether I should eat now while they're happily occupied or leave it a bit until I'm really ready.
From the step where they are sitting at the moment they have a really good view of the road in front of the house and they seem to enjoy watching what's going on. Occasionally something really attracts their attention and they have a try at barking, although the noise that they actually produce isn't going to frighten anything off yet!!
Charles has rung again. It would appear that the bomb disposal people messed them about this afternoon, telling them that they would be able to leave the island at 2.30, but actually closing the causeway before that. However, the kids have seen helicopters landing and taking off and were able to watch the explosion (from a safe place of course) plus, they were able to see the tide coming in and the island actually being separated from the mainland which is something they probably haven't seen before. It did mean that the planned activity for the afternoon didn't happen but I'm sure the kids have still had a really good learning experience regardless.
I really want to bring the puppies in for a play, but they seem so content outside I shall leave them and have something to eat. There, decision made!
They've played together really nicely and have actually managed to share their toys a bit better than usual.
Lily and Rose are outside having a bit of rough and tumble and I'm trying to decide whether I should eat now while they're happily occupied or leave it a bit until I'm really ready.
From the step where they are sitting at the moment they have a really good view of the road in front of the house and they seem to enjoy watching what's going on. Occasionally something really attracts their attention and they have a try at barking, although the noise that they actually produce isn't going to frighten anything off yet!!
Charles has rung again. It would appear that the bomb disposal people messed them about this afternoon, telling them that they would be able to leave the island at 2.30, but actually closing the causeway before that. However, the kids have seen helicopters landing and taking off and were able to watch the explosion (from a safe place of course) plus, they were able to see the tide coming in and the island actually being separated from the mainland which is something they probably haven't seen before. It did mean that the planned activity for the afternoon didn't happen but I'm sure the kids have still had a really good learning experience regardless.
I really want to bring the puppies in for a play, but they seem so content outside I shall leave them and have something to eat. There, decision made!
I'M HAVING MY HAIR DONE!
Charles doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be puppy sitting for a few hours on Saturday because I'M GOING TO THE HAIRDRESSERS - YIPPEE!
I honestly can't wait, as much as anything just to have a couple of hours TO MYSELF. Coincidentally, James is having his hair cut in the same place at the same time, so that'll be a bit weird, but we're going to go for a coffee first and I might have a bit of a look around the shops as well. I might also have ten minutes on the sunshower as I feel a bit pale after having a bit of a summer glow for a few weeks.
(Oh, Lily's just woken up with a massive yawn and then flopped straight down again. When she yawns she makes a noise just like a miaow!! Anyway, the miaow woke Rose up for a moment, but she just looked at her sister and she too went back to sleep! They're so funny to watch when they're getting to the point of almost waking up but not really wanting to. They both move around the crate, get comfy again and grab a few more minutes. I suppose it's a bit like us when we hit the 'snooze' button!)
I honestly can't wait, as much as anything just to have a couple of hours TO MYSELF. Coincidentally, James is having his hair cut in the same place at the same time, so that'll be a bit weird, but we're going to go for a coffee first and I might have a bit of a look around the shops as well. I might also have ten minutes on the sunshower as I feel a bit pale after having a bit of a summer glow for a few weeks.
(Oh, Lily's just woken up with a massive yawn and then flopped straight down again. When she yawns she makes a noise just like a miaow!! Anyway, the miaow woke Rose up for a moment, but she just looked at her sister and she too went back to sleep! They're so funny to watch when they're getting to the point of almost waking up but not really wanting to. They both move around the crate, get comfy again and grab a few more minutes. I suppose it's a bit like us when we hit the 'snooze' button!)
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