SATURDAY

The day began early. Not that the puppies woke us, more like I was ready to get up and start getting things sorted for the weekend guests.
I love the early morning greeting from the pups - lick, lick, nibble, nibble then out for a wee and a poop! While they played in the dark - yes, the nights are cutting in now! - I managed a shower and hair wash, then funked my hair up so I wouldn't look too middle- aged, but probably only succeeded in looking like a middle-aged woman with funked up hair! I made the pups wait for breakfast until about 7.30, which they did reluctantly. They've got really good about knowing when I'm preparing their food and they sit quietly and watch the whole process, presumably checking that they're getting equal shares.
Anyway, by 9 o'clock all beds were changed, house cleaned, shopping done (our village shop opens early) and the puppies were enjoying the first sleep of the day.
They've had the added treat of having Charles at home today of course! As I was faffing around in the kitchen, he took the training session this morning and managed to give the girls a whole box of treats. He's much more generous than I am, they only get a few from me and they really have to work hard for those.
We've had another 'first' for the girls today. Phil and Leigh came for a quick visit, bringing with them their lovely little boy, Will, who is 18 months old. The puppies were really lovely and gentle with him, as if they knew that he might be a bit cautious in a strange house with two cute little fluff balls who like to nibble fingers and toes. It was really good to see them adapt their usually boisterous behaviour and Will seemed to enjoy being with them too.
After tea and cakes Phil and Leigh left and Charles set off to pick up James to get to St James park in time for the 3 o'clock kick off. I would normally have been going, but I magnanimously offered my ticket to James today so that I could stay at home with the puppies.
Later today we will be having more company and apparently James is staying over too (some complicated arrangement with his girlfriend), so we will have a full house tonight. Never mind, it just means more people to look after the puppies!
I hope you've had a look at the new video. Most of it was taken this week and you can see how big they are now compared with the previous one.
Right, I'm off to check the beef in red wine, which is very slowly cooking as we speak!