... has passed in a blur of activity - none of it on the blog however!
Following a trip to the garden centre we planted dozens of geraniums in the pots and tubs at the front of the house. We're going for the Mediterranean look this year as opposed to the usual bedding stuff. Simple and colourful, that's what we want.
Got those planted and tidied up the garden generally.
Did the usual chores.
Made lunch for Jim before he set off for Aberdeen - there were SIX on the plane tonight!! (Good job you've got priority boarding Jim!!)
Tried to do a Tesco order for tomorrow, but the site was playing up something chronic - just hope it goes through okay.
The pups have had some good walks today and a lovely play at the dog park. It's great to watch them chasing around, they really get some speed up. Anyway, they're pretty tired now so they'll probably have an early night. (I have noticed that they are certainly sleeping in longer in the mornings. Mind you, that has probably just put the kiss of death on it and we'll no doubt be up at the crack of sparrows tomorrow!)
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!
Monday, 31 May 2010
Sunday, 30 May 2010
YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE IT!
There I was this morning, trying to decide whether to watch 'Going Postal' or to go out and buy the book and I've just checked the Terry Pratchett section of the bookshelves only to discover that...
... I'VE ALREADY GOT A COPY!
How could this slip my attention?
Why haven't I read it?
I honestly don't recall acquiring it at all and can't imagine how it remains unread on the shelf.
So you know what I'll be doing for the next couple of days!
(Which actually throws up another dilemma! Do I finish the book I'm currently reading first, or abandon it for the time being, or read both concurrently?)
... I'VE ALREADY GOT A COPY!
How could this slip my attention?
Why haven't I read it?
I honestly don't recall acquiring it at all and can't imagine how it remains unread on the shelf.
So you know what I'll be doing for the next couple of days!
(Which actually throws up another dilemma! Do I finish the book I'm currently reading first, or abandon it for the time being, or read both concurrently?)
AND ENGLAND'S PERFORMANCE TODAY...
... was somewhat less than convincing I would say.
Talk about grinding out a result.
I thought they were playing for their places, or have I missed something?
Talk about grinding out a result.
I thought they were playing for their places, or have I missed something?
THE PUPS APPEAR TO BE...
... a bit subdued,almost as if they are pining for their Dad!
They've hardly made a sound this morning and haven't really wanted to eat their breakfast. They keep looking through the door to the hall (it's got glass panels, otherwise they wouldn't be able to see much), to see if there is any sign of him!
Unfortunately, it's going to be pretty late on today before he gets back as they are taking the kids sightseeing before they set off for home, so Lily and Rose will just have to be patient a bit longer.
It's a really disappointing day. Chilly, grey, drizzly and quite blustery. We've had a quick walk - although they weren't really enthusiastic about that and probably wondered why Charles wasn't taking them out for their first walk of the day which is what normally happens.
They've hardly made a sound this morning and haven't really wanted to eat their breakfast. They keep looking through the door to the hall (it's got glass panels, otherwise they wouldn't be able to see much), to see if there is any sign of him!
Unfortunately, it's going to be pretty late on today before he gets back as they are taking the kids sightseeing before they set off for home, so Lily and Rose will just have to be patient a bit longer.
It's a really disappointing day. Chilly, grey, drizzly and quite blustery. We've had a quick walk - although they weren't really enthusiastic about that and probably wondered why Charles wasn't taking them out for their first walk of the day which is what normally happens.
GOING POSTAL
Has anyone read it?
I've read most of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books - but must have missed this one.
It's been made into a film and is going to be shown on telly this week.
So, what do I do? Do I watch the film and then read the book at my leisure, or do I record the film and rush out to get the book?
Decisions, decisions!
I've read most of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books - but must have missed this one.
It's been made into a film and is going to be shown on telly this week.
So, what do I do? Do I watch the film and then read the book at my leisure, or do I record the film and rush out to get the book?
Decisions, decisions!
Saturday, 29 May 2010
IT'S RAINING
As could have been predicted once I'd watered the garden earlier today.
Unfortunately the pups are going demented inside and really need a good run out, but there's no way I'm taking them out in this.
They're engaging in very rough play in their little room, taking turns to jump on the chair giving themselves a position of power before leaping down and flattening the other one! This is of course accompanied by lots of barking as they egg each other on.
Hope it dries up soon, cos they're 'doing my head in'!
In the meantime, I'm trying to watch the rugby in the hope of catching a glimpse of Charles and the team.
Unfortunately the pups are going demented inside and really need a good run out, but there's no way I'm taking them out in this.
They're engaging in very rough play in their little room, taking turns to jump on the chair giving themselves a position of power before leaping down and flattening the other one! This is of course accompanied by lots of barking as they egg each other on.
Hope it dries up soon, cos they're 'doing my head in'!
In the meantime, I'm trying to watch the rugby in the hope of catching a glimpse of Charles and the team.
BET YOU'RE WONDERING...
... where I've been all morning!
No?
Well, I'll tell you anyway!
James stayed over last night (basically, I think, because he gave me his week's washing and then discovered he had no boxers for the morning!) and when he eventually emerged from his pit today, suggested that we might go into town for a bit of retail therapy.
So that is exactly what we did. We weren't there for long, just long enough to get a couple of things each and have a coffee (I made the big mistake, after weeks of only drinking skinny cappucinos with a sweetener instead of sugar, of having a white chocolate mocca with cream and marshmallows and a slice of lemon cheescake and now I feel very sick!) then home again, but it was nice to get out for a while.
He's now left, taking my mini for the weekend, as of course he has no car having flown down yesterday.
We had a laugh about his flight! First off, he had to take a photo of the plane to send to his mates because it was one of those tiny little boxes with wings that look like they're wound up with a rubber band and rattle unnervingly all the time.
When he checked in he was told he had a priority booking and would be abe to jump the queue - but as there were only FIVE people on the flight, that was a bit of a waste of time.
The flight attendant gave out boiled sweets before take off - do they still do that? - and one of the other passengers cheekily asked if it would be possible to change seats! 'Certainly Sir - stretch out over a few if you like!' (Except you can't stretch out on that plane can you? I reckon, if James lay down across the plane he still wouldn't have room to straighten up.)
Then James was asked if he would like a drink and he asked for coke (not diet) with ice but no lemon and he got diet coke with lemon - so clearly the staff were rushed off their feet.
He just had time to munch his complimentary packet of savoury snacks and he'd landed - 20 minutes early!
Anyway - we've had a lovely morning and now I'm going to go and try on my new lightweight combats and Yumi top!
Oh - don't forget to watch the rugby and look out for Charles and the kids at half time! What time's it on and which channel, does anyone know?)
No?
Well, I'll tell you anyway!
James stayed over last night (basically, I think, because he gave me his week's washing and then discovered he had no boxers for the morning!) and when he eventually emerged from his pit today, suggested that we might go into town for a bit of retail therapy.
So that is exactly what we did. We weren't there for long, just long enough to get a couple of things each and have a coffee (I made the big mistake, after weeks of only drinking skinny cappucinos with a sweetener instead of sugar, of having a white chocolate mocca with cream and marshmallows and a slice of lemon cheescake and now I feel very sick!) then home again, but it was nice to get out for a while.
He's now left, taking my mini for the weekend, as of course he has no car having flown down yesterday.
We had a laugh about his flight! First off, he had to take a photo of the plane to send to his mates because it was one of those tiny little boxes with wings that look like they're wound up with a rubber band and rattle unnervingly all the time.
When he checked in he was told he had a priority booking and would be abe to jump the queue - but as there were only FIVE people on the flight, that was a bit of a waste of time.
The flight attendant gave out boiled sweets before take off - do they still do that? - and one of the other passengers cheekily asked if it would be possible to change seats! 'Certainly Sir - stretch out over a few if you like!' (Except you can't stretch out on that plane can you? I reckon, if James lay down across the plane he still wouldn't have room to straighten up.)
Then James was asked if he would like a drink and he asked for coke (not diet) with ice but no lemon and he got diet coke with lemon - so clearly the staff were rushed off their feet.
He just had time to munch his complimentary packet of savoury snacks and he'd landed - 20 minutes early!
Anyway - we've had a lovely morning and now I'm going to go and try on my new lightweight combats and Yumi top!
Oh - don't forget to watch the rugby and look out for Charles and the kids at half time! What time's it on and which channel, does anyone know?)
Friday, 28 May 2010
JIM'S HOME...
... and he'd fixed the PC within 5 minutes of gettingin!
What did he do?
Switched it off and then on again!
But I tried that already and it didn't work!
What did he do?
Switched it off and then on again!
But I tried that already and it didn't work!
WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT!
Charles has only been gone a few hours - and already the PC is knackered!
I SWEAR I didn't do anything.
The only way I'm writing this post is because I'm using a tiny little notepad/book thing, with a screen so small I can barely see what I'm typing.
Rats!!
I SWEAR I didn't do anything.
The only way I'm writing this post is because I'm using a tiny little notepad/book thing, with a screen so small I can barely see what I'm typing.
Rats!!
TOO EARLY!
Well, Charles tried his best not to wake the pups at the ungodly hour of 5.30am - but it didn't work. Rose, with her Gizmo-esque ears picked up the sounds of tip-toeing though her radar - and so the day began for all of us! Lily probably wouldn't have been disturbed at all, had it not been for her sister, who was desperate to see what was going on and needed Lily to be fully awake and focused alongside her. Poor Lily - it must be hard work living with a sibling who always seems to sleep with one eye open just in case she misses anything.
By now Charles and the kids should be on their way to London. They were planning to leave school at 7am and are travelling in a very funky yellow school bus with specially printed 'We are playing at Twickenham' tee-shirts (also yellow!)
I've had the girls out for an early walk and, despite the blue sky and brilliant sunshine, discovered that it is actually so cold I had tears streaming down my face as we walked into the wind.
Had a long chat with James last night. He'll be home this evening and was expecting next week to be his last in Aberdeen, but he's been asked to stay on for a further week, so in fact he's only halfway through. I don't think he minds, although he's probably a bit fed up with staying in a Travelodge type hotel. He certainly seems to be fitting into the team up there though, and he's had few nights out (quiz, meal, football) so that will all help to pass the time and is certainly better than mooching around a hotel room all evening. (He had enough of that in New York!)
Okay - I'm going to have a cappucino and then...
... well I don't really know what comes after that, although it'll probably involve a walk with two pesky little pups!
By now Charles and the kids should be on their way to London. They were planning to leave school at 7am and are travelling in a very funky yellow school bus with specially printed 'We are playing at Twickenham' tee-shirts (also yellow!)
I've had the girls out for an early walk and, despite the blue sky and brilliant sunshine, discovered that it is actually so cold I had tears streaming down my face as we walked into the wind.
Had a long chat with James last night. He'll be home this evening and was expecting next week to be his last in Aberdeen, but he's been asked to stay on for a further week, so in fact he's only halfway through. I don't think he minds, although he's probably a bit fed up with staying in a Travelodge type hotel. He certainly seems to be fitting into the team up there though, and he's had few nights out (quiz, meal, football) so that will all help to pass the time and is certainly better than mooching around a hotel room all evening. (He had enough of that in New York!)
Okay - I'm going to have a cappucino and then...
... well I don't really know what comes after that, although it'll probably involve a walk with two pesky little pups!
Thursday, 27 May 2010
DIDN'T REALISE...
... that Charles would be leaving the house at 6:00 tomorrow morning! That means a very early start for all of us.
Not good!
Not good!
NEARLY HALF TERM!
Just for those of you who may be interested in such things!
I cannot believe how quickly this year is going. We'll soon be coming up to the anniversary of my retirement do!
It'll also be the pups first birthday in about five weeks time - and then I guess I really WILL have to stop referring to them as 'pups'!
Plans for half term are somewhat sketchy to say the least, although Charles is having a couple of days in London with a group of kids (and staff) who are going to Twickenham on Saturday having won through to the schools finals. Should be a great experience for them all, especially as they're going to be playing at half time! (He'll be coming back in the mini-bus tonight, ready for the long journey tomorrow - hope they're taking sick bags!! Other than that, we know we want to try to see or families at some point, but haven't worked out the logistics yet. (We're also hoping to see Dannymatt and co!)
Talking of logistics - James has just made his regular morning phone call from Aberdeen. Sounds like he had a good night out with the sales staff last night. I bet he's hoping for a quiet day in the office today!! It sounds as if he'll be going back from time to time once this stint is over, almost in a trouble-shooting capacity, which will be great experience for him.
He's flying home for the weekend and, of course, gets an extra day thanks to the bank holiday, although the rest of the staff up there won't be benefiting as Scotland have different holidays! After that he just has to see the week out before coming back to the Newcastle office.
The pups seem a little subdued this morning. I can't imagine they're tired because they slept most of yesterday, but neither of them really wanted breakfast (although after a bit of persuasion they did eat it, just not with the usual enthusiasm) and they are currently lazing around on the floor lapping up the warmth from the sun.
Just out of interest dannymatt - do your girls have two meals a day, or just one? I don't suppose it really matters, but I would be interested.
I cannot believe how quickly this year is going. We'll soon be coming up to the anniversary of my retirement do!
It'll also be the pups first birthday in about five weeks time - and then I guess I really WILL have to stop referring to them as 'pups'!
Plans for half term are somewhat sketchy to say the least, although Charles is having a couple of days in London with a group of kids (and staff) who are going to Twickenham on Saturday having won through to the schools finals. Should be a great experience for them all, especially as they're going to be playing at half time! (He'll be coming back in the mini-bus tonight, ready for the long journey tomorrow - hope they're taking sick bags!! Other than that, we know we want to try to see or families at some point, but haven't worked out the logistics yet. (We're also hoping to see Dannymatt and co!)
Talking of logistics - James has just made his regular morning phone call from Aberdeen. Sounds like he had a good night out with the sales staff last night. I bet he's hoping for a quiet day in the office today!! It sounds as if he'll be going back from time to time once this stint is over, almost in a trouble-shooting capacity, which will be great experience for him.
He's flying home for the weekend and, of course, gets an extra day thanks to the bank holiday, although the rest of the staff up there won't be benefiting as Scotland have different holidays! After that he just has to see the week out before coming back to the Newcastle office.
The pups seem a little subdued this morning. I can't imagine they're tired because they slept most of yesterday, but neither of them really wanted breakfast (although after a bit of persuasion they did eat it, just not with the usual enthusiasm) and they are currently lazing around on the floor lapping up the warmth from the sun.
Just out of interest dannymatt - do your girls have two meals a day, or just one? I don't suppose it really matters, but I would be interested.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
FINISHED MY BOOK...
... and now I have that sort of bereft feeling that comes over you when you've lived a story for the past couple of days. You know what I mean? You really what to know how everything is resolved and tied together, but don't actually want to let go of the characters.
Now I need to find more books by the same author John Hart.
Looks like another trip to Waterstones then!
Now I need to find more books by the same author John Hart.
Looks like another trip to Waterstones then!
RAINY DAY BUES
I think that's what the pups have got today!
Since we got back from our last walk it has rained pretty much constantly - not heavy, but as Peter Kay and his school dinner ladies would say, 'that fine rain that soaks you through.'
They've slept for ages, then disturbed briefly for a comfort break and a cuddle from Mum, then back to sleep again. Very quiet and peaceful.
This is all very wll now, but doesn't bode well for later in the day when they will need to let off pent up energy!
I'm taking full advantage however, and am continuing my latest read, 'The Last Child' by John Hart, an atmospheric, gripping thriller in which 'Huck Finn is channeled through Lord of the Flies.' Absolutely compelling, highly recommend it.
Go on girls, back to sleep - Mum's busy. Shhhhhhhhhhhh!
Since we got back from our last walk it has rained pretty much constantly - not heavy, but as Peter Kay and his school dinner ladies would say, 'that fine rain that soaks you through.'
They've slept for ages, then disturbed briefly for a comfort break and a cuddle from Mum, then back to sleep again. Very quiet and peaceful.
This is all very wll now, but doesn't bode well for later in the day when they will need to let off pent up energy!
I'm taking full advantage however, and am continuing my latest read, 'The Last Child' by John Hart, an atmospheric, gripping thriller in which 'Huck Finn is channeled through Lord of the Flies.' Absolutely compelling, highly recommend it.
Go on girls, back to sleep - Mum's busy. Shhhhhhhhhhhh!
AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT!
For the first time ever - I've had the window cleaners round!
Our next door neighbour put them on to us - maybe she thinks we (I?) don't do a very good job!
Why haven't I had them in before? For £7.50, they've done all the windows, patio doors and sills in the space of ten minutes and not a smear in sight. Quite literally brilliant!
Actually, say they do four houses in an hour - that's not a bad rate is it?
The pups found it quite fascinating having two strangers peeping through the windows all round the place and although they barked at first, they quickly stopped and watched with fascination.
Anyway - £7.50 well spent I think. And it seems a lot brighter in here!
The pups and I have just got back from their second walk this morning and they have come across a hare for the first time. I don't think they knew quite what to make of it. It appeared on the path in front of us, out of nowhere it seemed, made quick eye-contact with the girls and was off across the fields in a flash. The pups didn't even have time to respond! I don't think they've ever seen anything move so fast.
It reminded me of the time when I worked in Wiltshire and would drive across the Downs to get to school. Hares were often out and about on the road and would actually race alongside the car, which was somewhat disconcerting because they got so close up that I couldn't see where they were and was terrified of hitting them. I never did, but it was unnerving nevertheless.
So - window cleaners and hares all in one morning. Such a richness of life experiences girls!
Our next door neighbour put them on to us - maybe she thinks we (I?) don't do a very good job!
Why haven't I had them in before? For £7.50, they've done all the windows, patio doors and sills in the space of ten minutes and not a smear in sight. Quite literally brilliant!
Actually, say they do four houses in an hour - that's not a bad rate is it?
The pups found it quite fascinating having two strangers peeping through the windows all round the place and although they barked at first, they quickly stopped and watched with fascination.
Anyway - £7.50 well spent I think. And it seems a lot brighter in here!
The pups and I have just got back from their second walk this morning and they have come across a hare for the first time. I don't think they knew quite what to make of it. It appeared on the path in front of us, out of nowhere it seemed, made quick eye-contact with the girls and was off across the fields in a flash. The pups didn't even have time to respond! I don't think they've ever seen anything move so fast.
It reminded me of the time when I worked in Wiltshire and would drive across the Downs to get to school. Hares were often out and about on the road and would actually race alongside the car, which was somewhat disconcerting because they got so close up that I couldn't see where they were and was terrified of hitting them. I never did, but it was unnerving nevertheless.
So - window cleaners and hares all in one morning. Such a richness of life experiences girls!
MORNING ALL!
Middle of the week already! Only two more get ups for those of you who still have to go to work!
Charles is still here! he's got a little problem with his car and is going to take it round the corner to Dennis's garage (remember - Subawus and Isuzu Twoopers) to be fixed, so wll be taking MY car to school today.
This is fine as I wasn't planning to go anywhere - but I kind of feel a bit trapped, even though I wasn't planning on using it! Silly, eh?
Charles is still here! he's got a little problem with his car and is going to take it round the corner to Dennis's garage (remember - Subawus and Isuzu Twoopers) to be fixed, so wll be taking MY car to school today.
This is fine as I wasn't planning to go anywhere - but I kind of feel a bit trapped, even though I wasn't planning on using it! Silly, eh?
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
AT LAST!
Well done Charles. Success at last with the video.
Hope y'all enjoy it!
It may run a bit slowly at first, but if you let it run through once with a few irritating pauses, it should be fine after that.
Hope y'all enjoy it!
It may run a bit slowly at first, but if you let it run through once with a few irritating pauses, it should be fine after that.
CHARLES IS...
...home from work, sitting with the pups on his knee and I'm busy telling him that they've been little angels all day today.
As soon as I finish talking he says, 'So, how have the pups been today?'
As soon as I finish talking he says, 'So, how have the pups been today?'
Ha ha ha!!
I've just got the pups collars and harnesses on ready for a walk, went to get my coat and by the time I got back, they were asleep again!
CHANGED MY MIND!
And decided not to bake - as there's only Charles and I to eat stuff at the moment! Decided to change the beds instead. Much less fun but has got to be done, and is considerably less fattening!
Sorry Charles! Will bake at the weekend instead!
Sorry Charles! Will bake at the weekend instead!
NOW THAT I'VE GOT OVER...
... the shock of the weather and turned the heating up accordingly, it's time to think about the day ahead!
We've got the Tesco delivery coming later this morning, so need to fit our walks in with that. There'll be no stopping the girls today, they love it now it's cooler and fresher.
I may go down to Waterstones this afternoon, as they've got a special discount day for card holders. (Wish I'd known about that on Saturday when I bought a veritable armful of books from them. No one let on at that point!)
Actually, it's the sort of day when baking might be a therapeutic (and warm!) thing to do. Or maybe a big pan of soup could simmer on the hob, with homemade bread baking in the oven!
But, before any of that I'll get my coat and gloves (and the pups) for a quick trip down Villa Lane.
We've got the Tesco delivery coming later this morning, so need to fit our walks in with that. There'll be no stopping the girls today, they love it now it's cooler and fresher.
I may go down to Waterstones this afternoon, as they've got a special discount day for card holders. (Wish I'd known about that on Saturday when I bought a veritable armful of books from them. No one let on at that point!)
Actually, it's the sort of day when baking might be a therapeutic (and warm!) thing to do. Or maybe a big pan of soup could simmer on the hob, with homemade bread baking in the oven!
But, before any of that I'll get my coat and gloves (and the pups) for a quick trip down Villa Lane.
HOW CAN IT GO...
... from 26C to TEN DEGREES in the space of a couple of days?
Get back in the wardrobe all you pretty little vests and tee-shirts, take time-out you shorts and summer frocks; the jumpers and sweatshirts reign victorious!
Get back in the wardrobe all you pretty little vests and tee-shirts, take time-out you shorts and summer frocks; the jumpers and sweatshirts reign victorious!
Monday, 24 May 2010
AH BLESS
The football has just started (and we're all watching it, thanks to dannymatt!)
The pups are on Charles' knee.
And I've just heard him telling them that 'This is a football match and England are the team in white...'
Aaaaah!
Come on girls - get behind your national team!
The pups are on Charles' knee.
And I've just heard him telling them that 'This is a football match and England are the team in white...'
Aaaaah!
Come on girls - get behind your national team!
THE PUPS ARE...
... certainly a lot more lively now that the temperature has dropped about ten degrees since yesterday!
They've had a few days when they couldn't be bothered to play around and just wanted to find the shadiest place to lie in - but that's a dim memory now as they're busy knocking seven bells out of each other in a dispute over the two new toys I kindly bought them this morning. I don't know why I always buy two, when I know perfectly well that one will do, as they are always going to have to play with the same toy!
They've actually got both toys outside. But as soon as one pup chooses to play with one of the toys, the other pups has to join in as well and the second toys is abandoned, until one of them notices it lying there all forlorn and then they both have a go at that one. The idea of playing separately never seems to occur to them!
Must be time for a walk now - we've only had four today!! - but I can always tell when it's time as the girls start to get squabbly with each other - which is what is happening right now!
They've had a few days when they couldn't be bothered to play around and just wanted to find the shadiest place to lie in - but that's a dim memory now as they're busy knocking seven bells out of each other in a dispute over the two new toys I kindly bought them this morning. I don't know why I always buy two, when I know perfectly well that one will do, as they are always going to have to play with the same toy!
They've actually got both toys outside. But as soon as one pup chooses to play with one of the toys, the other pups has to join in as well and the second toys is abandoned, until one of them notices it lying there all forlorn and then they both have a go at that one. The idea of playing separately never seems to occur to them!
Must be time for a walk now - we've only had four today!! - but I can always tell when it's time as the girls start to get squabbly with each other - which is what is happening right now!
HELP NEEDED!
I think I've broken the telly. Not that I've done anything to it that I don't normally do, but that won't be the way Charles sees it and he will immediately want to know what I've done.
All I wanted to do was watch 'The Dog Whisperer' and that was fine, but when the adverts came on I tried to change channels - and nothing happened. The whole thing seems to have frozen - apart from the volume control which is fine. I've tried switching it off and on again, but still can't get the channel to change.
I need some help before Charles gets home! (Especially as there's an England game tonight - and he won't be watching it at this rate!)
All I wanted to do was watch 'The Dog Whisperer' and that was fine, but when the adverts came on I tried to change channels - and nothing happened. The whole thing seems to have frozen - apart from the volume control which is fine. I've tried switching it off and on again, but still can't get the channel to change.
I need some help before Charles gets home! (Especially as there's an England game tonight - and he won't be watching it at this rate!)
AH HA!
Now I've done a bit of research, I can see that Guy Ritchie's Sherlock is probably a pretty true reflection of Conan Doyle's character.
'Bohemian' with an 'ego bordering on arrogant' and 'an occasional user of cocaine, morphine and other addictive drugs' - yes that would match the Sherlock in the film. (Although how 'occasional' and 'addictive' work together, I've no idea? Surely if something is addictive, it becomes regular.
Okay, now I'll look at the film in a different light!
'Bohemian' with an 'ego bordering on arrogant' and 'an occasional user of cocaine, morphine and other addictive drugs' - yes that would match the Sherlock in the film. (Although how 'occasional' and 'addictive' work together, I've no idea? Surely if something is addictive, it becomes regular.
Okay, now I'll look at the film in a different light!
RICHARD...
... I promise you I didn't press the reject button on your comments - but yet again they have disappeared!
Just to summarise for those of you who are interested - Richard loves the video and is pleased I liked my birthday present!!
What a pain that video is though! Hopefully it can still be sorted so that we can view it on the blog without having to go to You Tube. Interestingly I had a look there yesterday at all the previous Lily and Rose vids and discovered that the Happy heart one has had more hits by a country mile than all the others put together. Must be something to do with the song. Probably people have put 'Happy Heart - Andy Williams' in as a search and they've come up with our two pups - not what they were expecting I guess!
(Just been outside in my tee-shirt - and have come back in for a jumper!!)
Just to summarise for those of you who are interested - Richard loves the video and is pleased I liked my birthday present!!
What a pain that video is though! Hopefully it can still be sorted so that we can view it on the blog without having to go to You Tube. Interestingly I had a look there yesterday at all the previous Lily and Rose vids and discovered that the Happy heart one has had more hits by a country mile than all the others put together. Must be something to do with the song. Probably people have put 'Happy Heart - Andy Williams' in as a search and they've come up with our two pups - not what they were expecting I guess!
(Just been outside in my tee-shirt - and have come back in for a jumper!!)
IT'S BEEN...
... a brilliant weekend.
It seems to have lasted for ages as well, probably because we did so much and the weather was so perfect.
This morning is dull and cooler - which the pups will certainly appreciate!
Charles has gone off to work really early today and won't be back till late as he has a governors meeting. Jim arrived in Aberdeen at about 9pm last night having had a reasonably good journey.
We started watching the new Sherlock Holmes film last night. Has anyone else seen it? I'm finding it really difficult to get my head round to be honest. Not the plot - that seems straight-forward enough, but the way the main characters are portrayed. Holmes in particular is a manic, frenzied, crazed eccentric who certainly appears to be smoking more than just tobacco in his pipe! Having said that, I have never read the book and can only base my perceptions on old, probably black and white, films I've seen of Sherlock in plus fours and a deer-stalker, so maybe this is how he was portrayed originally! It IS however, a typical Guy Ritchie film with lots of his trademark techniques in evidence. Only managed to watch 2/3rds of it, so will reserve final judgement until we've seen the whole thing.
It seems to have lasted for ages as well, probably because we did so much and the weather was so perfect.
This morning is dull and cooler - which the pups will certainly appreciate!
Charles has gone off to work really early today and won't be back till late as he has a governors meeting. Jim arrived in Aberdeen at about 9pm last night having had a reasonably good journey.
We started watching the new Sherlock Holmes film last night. Has anyone else seen it? I'm finding it really difficult to get my head round to be honest. Not the plot - that seems straight-forward enough, but the way the main characters are portrayed. Holmes in particular is a manic, frenzied, crazed eccentric who certainly appears to be smoking more than just tobacco in his pipe! Having said that, I have never read the book and can only base my perceptions on old, probably black and white, films I've seen of Sherlock in plus fours and a deer-stalker, so maybe this is how he was portrayed originally! It IS however, a typical Guy Ritchie film with lots of his trademark techniques in evidence. Only managed to watch 2/3rds of it, so will reserve final judgement until we've seen the whole thing.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
HAS ROSE...
... SHRUNK IN THE WASH?
She certainly appears to have done!
We absolutely were NOT intending to bath the pups this weekend - but the combination of fun on the beach with manic digging in the garden (the girls came out and kept us company while we were doing the proper gardening, and they obviously decided to do some of their own while we weren't looking!) meant that it was pretty much essential.
Now that they are both beautiful again Lily has fluffed up beautifully and Rose just looks like this tiny little scrap next to her!
We've had a great day today,lots of fun with the pups, but we've managed to do loads of stuff in the garden as well. Right now we're waiting for James to come for a late lunch before he sets off for Aberdeen again - bet he really feels like doing that!
She certainly appears to have done!
We absolutely were NOT intending to bath the pups this weekend - but the combination of fun on the beach with manic digging in the garden (the girls came out and kept us company while we were doing the proper gardening, and they obviously decided to do some of their own while we weren't looking!) meant that it was pretty much essential.
Now that they are both beautiful again Lily has fluffed up beautifully and Rose just looks like this tiny little scrap next to her!
We've had a great day today,lots of fun with the pups, but we've managed to do loads of stuff in the garden as well. Right now we're waiting for James to come for a late lunch before he sets off for Aberdeen again - bet he really feels like doing that!
WHAT A PAIN!
I think it's the first time we've had a video blocked on the blog because of the soundtrack.
Charles will try a different tune - or, if Dannymatt has any ideas about overcoming the WMG problem, perhaps he would let us know.
Just back fro the beach, where the pups had their first real taste of the sea. Lily decided she was going to set off to catch a fishing boat she could just about see on the horizon, and quickly realised that she was getting in a bit too deep! Not one to be daunted though, she played happily in the waves, while Rose looked on tentatively, only joining in the fun when she'd realised that her sister was coming to no harm. This, of course, is typical behaviour on both counts: Lily - straight in there, Rose always cautious, but gets there in the end.
Charles gave the grass a cut when we got back, then we left the pus for a sleep while we headed off to Heighley for masses of lavender and lupins!
Now it's time for a cuppa, then out into the garden for a spot of watering, weeding and planting. (Got to do the watering first, as the cround is like rock!)
Charles will try a different tune - or, if Dannymatt has any ideas about overcoming the WMG problem, perhaps he would let us know.
Just back fro the beach, where the pups had their first real taste of the sea. Lily decided she was going to set off to catch a fishing boat she could just about see on the horizon, and quickly realised that she was getting in a bit too deep! Not one to be daunted though, she played happily in the waves, while Rose looked on tentatively, only joining in the fun when she'd realised that her sister was coming to no harm. This, of course, is typical behaviour on both counts: Lily - straight in there, Rose always cautious, but gets there in the end.
Charles gave the grass a cut when we got back, then we left the pus for a sleep while we headed off to Heighley for masses of lavender and lupins!
Now it's time for a cuppa, then out into the garden for a spot of watering, weeding and planting. (Got to do the watering first, as the cround is like rock!)
Saturday, 22 May 2010
WELL DONE CHARLES
Brilliant video - and great choice of soundtrack!
(I should have left what ACTUALLY appeared on the screen just then. Thanks to Lily and Rose who decided to launch themselves at me and also the laptop (which was on my lap, strangely) and then proceed to walk across the keyboard, you would have read something like this...
=-0i illian[9t8;ifi bvid;iyvvv6s5d (!!!!)
(I should have left what ACTUALLY appeared on the screen just then. Thanks to Lily and Rose who decided to launch themselves at me and also the laptop (which was on my lap, strangely) and then proceed to walk across the keyboard, you would have read something like this...
=-0i illian[9t8;ifi bvid;iyvvv6s5d (!!!!)
GARDENING GLOVES!
Just want to say a HUGE thank you to Richard and Sarah for the birthday present. Gardening gloves AND a voucher to spend on garden stuff. What a brilliant present. Possibly the prettiest gardening gloves I've seen! Thank you very much.
We'd already planned a trip to Heighley Gate tomorrow morning as I received my £50 loyalty vouchers today as well. So I can go and have a really good spend now!
We'd already planned a trip to Heighley Gate tomorrow morning as I received my £50 loyalty vouchers today as well. So I can go and have a really good spend now!
TOOK THE PUPS...
... to the dog park earlier. They were the only ones there and had a great time racing around.
Christina came along and brought ice lollies, so we sat on the bench and cooled down while the girls got themselves hot and exhausted.
I'm wondering if they'd like to be hosed down a bit when it get's really hot. It might make them more comfortable. On the other hand they might hate it!
By the way - you'll notice the mouse score hasn't been put up for the last couple of days. That's because they appear to have departed for the time being. Thank God!
Christina came along and brought ice lollies, so we sat on the bench and cooled down while the girls got themselves hot and exhausted.
I'm wondering if they'd like to be hosed down a bit when it get's really hot. It might make them more comfortable. On the other hand they might hate it!
By the way - you'll notice the mouse score hasn't been put up for the last couple of days. That's because they appear to have departed for the time being. Thank God!
ANYONE WATCHING...
... the Playoff?
Really exciting game!
If I had to choose, would prefer Blackpool to win it.
Really exciting game!
If I had to choose, would prefer Blackpool to win it.
LOOK OUT FOR...
... the new video, which should be posted later today and goes under the title of 'Young at Heart!'
JUST BACK...
... from having my hair cut and the roots done. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I'm totally bewildered by how now that I'm blonde my roots are dark, but when I was dark they were coming through white. How does that happen?
Met Ji for a coffee, although we both agreed that we should have gone for a cold drink as it was so hot. Yes - HOT - even in Northumberland.
The girls just want to lie around and are trying to find the coolest places. In fact, Lily didn't even want her breakfast this morning. This isn't unusual as she seems to have gone back to the reluctance to eat breakfast that she had when she was little. More often than not, I can tempt her by giving her one or two bits from the bowl in my hand and then she'll eat the rest from the bowl - but this morning she wasn't interested in th bowl at all. There's never a problen at tea time, so maybe she's just not a morning pup!
Like yesterday, it seems to be clouding over a little and becoming a bit cooler now, so I'll try to persuade them that a walk would be a good idea - otherwise we'll pay the price later!
Met Ji for a coffee, although we both agreed that we should have gone for a cold drink as it was so hot. Yes - HOT - even in Northumberland.
The girls just want to lie around and are trying to find the coolest places. In fact, Lily didn't even want her breakfast this morning. This isn't unusual as she seems to have gone back to the reluctance to eat breakfast that she had when she was little. More often than not, I can tempt her by giving her one or two bits from the bowl in my hand and then she'll eat the rest from the bowl - but this morning she wasn't interested in th bowl at all. There's never a problen at tea time, so maybe she's just not a morning pup!
Like yesterday, it seems to be clouding over a little and becoming a bit cooler now, so I'll try to persuade them that a walk would be a good idea - otherwise we'll pay the price later!
Friday, 21 May 2010
JAMES HAS JUST RUNG...
... to say he's been on the road since 4.30 (over an hour ago) and he's managed to travel a grand total of TEN MILES!
Needless to say, he's pretty fed up and not expecting to get here until after ten.
At least next weekend he doesn't need to worry about the drive as his flights are booked - ash cloud permitting of course.
The pups are lying at the French windows in their room, willing their dad to return! They sometimes lie there for ages and are overjoyed when they see his car pull onto the drive. Little do they know that he's going shopping after work today and probably won't get home for a while, so they'll have a long wait!
Needless to say, he's pretty fed up and not expecting to get here until after ten.
At least next weekend he doesn't need to worry about the drive as his flights are booked - ash cloud permitting of course.
The pups are lying at the French windows in their room, willing their dad to return! They sometimes lie there for ages and are overjoyed when they see his car pull onto the drive. Little do they know that he's going shopping after work today and probably won't get home for a while, so they'll have a long wait!
WARM WEATHER...
... AND BLOGGING JUST DON'T MIX, I'VE DISCOVERED!!
Forgive me for not making more of an effort, but I've found it really difficult to be inside today!
First thing this morning was really hot and the pups were a little less than enthusiastic about their walk. Fortunately, thanks to a lovely cooling breeze, the afternoon was much more pleasant, and we romped down the lane - and back up again!
I've been sitting outside with a book for a couple of hours. Oh the luxury! This is what early retirement is all about!!
Forgive me for not making more of an effort, but I've found it really difficult to be inside today!
First thing this morning was really hot and the pups were a little less than enthusiastic about their walk. Fortunately, thanks to a lovely cooling breeze, the afternoon was much more pleasant, and we romped down the lane - and back up again!
I've been sitting outside with a book for a couple of hours. Oh the luxury! This is what early retirement is all about!!
START OF THE WEEKEND
And if the forecast is to be believed, it could well be a good one!
It's glorious again today. The pups are sitting outside enjoying the early sun and I'm busy making a couple of batches of cakes before it starts to get too hot to be in the kitchen. (A couple of weeks ago I never thought I'd be saying THAT!) House is cleaned and ironing done, so we're just about ready to enjoy the sun!!
It's so nice to be able to wear summer things at last In fact I almost put shorts on this morning, but then decided that the world probably isn't prepared for the sight of my white winter legs yet!
I'll probably take the girls out pretty soon as they really didn't appreciate the heat yesterday. Once it had cooled down a bit we took them to the dog park, where they met Bailey the black lab who is very tolerant of their exuberance. They had some more time off their leads and again came back when they were called, but as I was armed with little pieces of extra strong Cheddar, I can't take all the credit for that!
It's glorious again today. The pups are sitting outside enjoying the early sun and I'm busy making a couple of batches of cakes before it starts to get too hot to be in the kitchen. (A couple of weeks ago I never thought I'd be saying THAT!) House is cleaned and ironing done, so we're just about ready to enjoy the sun!!
It's so nice to be able to wear summer things at last In fact I almost put shorts on this morning, but then decided that the world probably isn't prepared for the sight of my white winter legs yet!
I'll probably take the girls out pretty soon as they really didn't appreciate the heat yesterday. Once it had cooled down a bit we took them to the dog park, where they met Bailey the black lab who is very tolerant of their exuberance. They had some more time off their leads and again came back when they were called, but as I was armed with little pieces of extra strong Cheddar, I can't take all the credit for that!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
OKAY OKAY!!
Following a number of requests (and even demands) - well 2 to be precise!! - Charles will be putting new a new video of the girls on the blog at the weekend.
HOT DOGS!!
And not the sort you eat in a bun either!
I don't think the girls have known such a warm day. They're not entirely sure how to cope with it, but are beginning to realise that sitting in the direct sun on the step gets uncomfortable and that the tiles on the kitchen floor make a lovely, cool alternative.
I don't think the girls have known such a warm day. They're not entirely sure how to cope with it, but are beginning to realise that sitting in the direct sun on the step gets uncomfortable and that the tiles on the kitchen floor make a lovely, cool alternative.
GLORIOUS DAY
It was a bit slow to get going, but now it is warm and sunny - perfect for gardening, which is what I've been doing, albeit a bit half-heartedly because what I really want to do is take a book and a cold drink outside!
So, that is what I'm going to do now!
So, that is what I'm going to do now!
THE PUPS ARE...
... having a very lazy start to the day! We've noticed that recently they aren't really ready to get up when Charles gets up for work. They do so reluctantly and go out with him for their early walk - but would clearly prefer to have a bit longer in bed. I'm sure this is to do with the amount of exercise they're getting - and if they do it at weekends we will be more than happy!
So, they've had a couple of biscuits and are now lying down having a nap before a late breakfast.
I'm expecting James to ring in a minute. (There we go! No sooner typed than the phone rings! He's fine. Looking forward to the end of the week, although probably not too thrilled about the prospect of the long drive home on a Friday night.)
And the plan for today is...
Haven't got a clue really! I might go down to Morpeth, leaving the girls here for a while. They seem to be absolutely fine to be left now, although I still make sure I'm not out for too long.
Of course there are still times when they will come in the car with me, but these occasions will usually be when we are going somewhere exciting for THEM. (Ideally, I want to get a dog guard for the mini, to save having to get them in and out of their crate. Maybe we'll sort that out at the weekend.)
So, they've had a couple of biscuits and are now lying down having a nap before a late breakfast.
I'm expecting James to ring in a minute. (There we go! No sooner typed than the phone rings! He's fine. Looking forward to the end of the week, although probably not too thrilled about the prospect of the long drive home on a Friday night.)
And the plan for today is...
Haven't got a clue really! I might go down to Morpeth, leaving the girls here for a while. They seem to be absolutely fine to be left now, although I still make sure I'm not out for too long.
Of course there are still times when they will come in the car with me, but these occasions will usually be when we are going somewhere exciting for THEM. (Ideally, I want to get a dog guard for the mini, to save having to get them in and out of their crate. Maybe we'll sort that out at the weekend.)
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
HE'S BEEN!!
Craig the Mouse man finally turned up - following a little reminder from Charles admittedly, but hey, he's been to give us the benefit of his experience.
And the upshot is...
...that we're doing everything we need to and that we shouldn't need to put traps outside any more. We should leave the ones inside for now, but because Charles sealed around the pipe, they shouldn't be able to get in. When I pointed out that we had in fact had one in the cupboard since the gap was sealed, Craig suggested that we had probably trapped it inside the pipe and the only place it could go was into the cupboard.
So - to be honest, I don't know what to think! I thought he would come round and either set bigger, better traps, or tell us we needed to take up the decking (which he didn't, although he DID say that all decking will be infested with vermin, so consider that carefully if you are thinking about having some put down) or he would have put down the poison that the other guy told me about which isn't harmful to pets because it's in some sort of container. Anyway, all he brought with him was a torch! Not even a big stick to batter them with! Have we solved the problem? Only time will tell I suppose.
You'd better watch this space
And the upshot is...
...that we're doing everything we need to and that we shouldn't need to put traps outside any more. We should leave the ones inside for now, but because Charles sealed around the pipe, they shouldn't be able to get in. When I pointed out that we had in fact had one in the cupboard since the gap was sealed, Craig suggested that we had probably trapped it inside the pipe and the only place it could go was into the cupboard.
So - to be honest, I don't know what to think! I thought he would come round and either set bigger, better traps, or tell us we needed to take up the decking (which he didn't, although he DID say that all decking will be infested with vermin, so consider that carefully if you are thinking about having some put down) or he would have put down the poison that the other guy told me about which isn't harmful to pets because it's in some sort of container. Anyway, all he brought with him was a torch! Not even a big stick to batter them with! Have we solved the problem? Only time will tell I suppose.
You'd better watch this space
OKAY: SONGS TO LISTEN TO...
... WHILE WAITING FOR THE MOUSE MAN!
Feel free to add your own suggestions as this could take some time!
Waiting for the (mouse) man: Lou Reed
Waiting So Long: Supertramp
Waiting in Vain: Annie Lennox
When I need You: Leo Sayer
I'm Still Waiting: Diana Ross
and not to forget:
Patience: Take That
Feel free to add your own suggestions as this could take some time!
Waiting for the (mouse) man: Lou Reed
Waiting So Long: Supertramp
Waiting in Vain: Annie Lennox
When I need You: Leo Sayer
I'm Still Waiting: Diana Ross
and not to forget:
Patience: Take That
GOOD WALK TODAY
The girls met up with four of their new friends and had a good sniff around. We're getting to the stage where we cam almost run up the hill now - clearly fitness levels are improving for ALL of us!
Actually, it's a really warm and humid morning. It wouldn't surprise me if we had some rain later. I had to laugh at the long range weather prediction yesterday. After ONE day of warm weather, it would appear that we're in for a scorching summer. Yeah right!!
Christina's on her way for coffee, in fact the pups are barking so I'm guessing that's her now!
Actually, it's a really warm and humid morning. It wouldn't surprise me if we had some rain later. I had to laugh at the long range weather prediction yesterday. After ONE day of warm weather, it would appear that we're in for a scorching summer. Yeah right!!
Christina's on her way for coffee, in fact the pups are barking so I'm guessing that's her now!
I LOVE IT WHEN...
... The pups have just eaten their breakfast and they go and lie on the mat, using their front paws to scoop any remnants of their meal into their mouths. Rose lies flat on her tummy with her hind legs stretched out behind her - and looks really cute!
We're still not sure what's happening about Craig the Mouse Man, who, it would appear, didn't return home last night! To say we're not impressed is something of an understatement!
I'll probably wait for James to ring and then take the girls out.
(Oh there he is now - excuse me a minute...
...he rings when he's walking into work, which takes just five minutes from his hotel. He's fine and seems to be enjoying working in an office with a group of people similar in age to himself.)
We've got into a routine now where Charles does the very early walk, then I take them out three or four times during the day and we follow that up with a joint walk in the evening. Certainly the amount of exercise is having a positive benefit on their behaviour. Cesar Millan is right! He advocates exercise, discipline and affection in that order - with good reason I would say.
Okay we'll be back in half an hour or so.
We're still not sure what's happening about Craig the Mouse Man, who, it would appear, didn't return home last night! To say we're not impressed is something of an understatement!
I'll probably wait for James to ring and then take the girls out.
(Oh there he is now - excuse me a minute...
...he rings when he's walking into work, which takes just five minutes from his hotel. He's fine and seems to be enjoying working in an office with a group of people similar in age to himself.)
We've got into a routine now where Charles does the very early walk, then I take them out three or four times during the day and we follow that up with a joint walk in the evening. Certainly the amount of exercise is having a positive benefit on their behaviour. Cesar Millan is right! He advocates exercise, discipline and affection in that order - with good reason I would say.
Okay we'll be back in half an hour or so.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
MOUSE SITUATION
There is no change to our mouse predicament, apart from a certain light-hearteness thanks to Dannymatt! (See comments to earlier posts!)
Craig the Mouse Man has completely let me down today and will NOT be getting a Christmas card this year. (Come to think of it, I gave them a really nice card last year and we didn't get one back, so they don't deserve one anyway!)
The traps are set once more and we just await the first 'snap'.
Craig the Mouse Man has completely let me down today and will NOT be getting a Christmas card this year. (Come to think of it, I gave them a really nice card last year and we didn't get one back, so they don't deserve one anyway!)
The traps are set once more and we just await the first 'snap'.
JUST BEEN WATCHING...
... Holby City, (sad but true) and I always thought it was set in the Bristol area. So it was a little perplexing to find that when the south-west of the country was supposed to be suffering torrential rain and flooding in tonight's episode, the news footage actually came from Morpeth!
A MOMENTOUS OCCASION!!!
THE PUPS HAVE BEEN OFF LEAD IN THE DOG PARK...
...AND THEY CAME BACK AS WELL!
Hooray! We've done it!
Our two arrived at the park to find a little terrier and an old labrador enjoying themselves off their leads. We got talking to their owners, who assured me the park is secure and that there were enough of us to catch the girls if they decided to make a break for it, so with some trepidation on my part (not on Charles's!) we let them go!
And they had a fab time chasing around with the terrier and stil coming back for treats when they were called.
I'm so glad we've done it, although I probably won't feel confident enough to try it on my own for a while, nor will I let them off their leads down Villa Lane - but it's a start!
...AND THEY CAME BACK AS WELL!
Hooray! We've done it!
Our two arrived at the park to find a little terrier and an old labrador enjoying themselves off their leads. We got talking to their owners, who assured me the park is secure and that there were enough of us to catch the girls if they decided to make a break for it, so with some trepidation on my part (not on Charles's!) we let them go!
And they had a fab time chasing around with the terrier and stil coming back for treats when they were called.
I'm so glad we've done it, although I probably won't feel confident enough to try it on my own for a while, nor will I let them off their leads down Villa Lane - but it's a start!
WHERE ARE YOU CRAIG?
WHY HAVE YOU NOT COME ROUND?
WOULDN'T IT HAVE BEEN A KIND, NEIGHBOURLY GESTURE TO GET ROUND HERE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE?
HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THAT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEXT DOOR TO YOU ARE PLAGUED BY MICE?
ARE YOU EVEN BOTHERED?
GET IT SORTED OR I'M GOING BACK TO THAT NICE MAN FROM THE OTHER PEST CONTROL PEOPLE.
AND YES - I AM SHOUTING!
WOULDN'T IT HAVE BEEN A KIND, NEIGHBOURLY GESTURE TO GET ROUND HERE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE?
HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THAT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEXT DOOR TO YOU ARE PLAGUED BY MICE?
ARE YOU EVEN BOTHERED?
GET IT SORTED OR I'M GOING BACK TO THAT NICE MAN FROM THE OTHER PEST CONTROL PEOPLE.
AND YES - I AM SHOUTING!
CRAIG THE MOUSE MAN...
... has just passed us going DOWN Villa Lane - ie AWAY from our house!
Does this mean he has other people to see today? I thought we would be a priority.
And he was on his hand-held mobile as well.
Just gave us a nonchalant wave as he passed by, never even pulling up to give me any idea of when he might deign to grace us with his presence.
I'm beginning to go off Craig the Mouse Man.
Does this mean he has other people to see today? I thought we would be a priority.
And he was on his hand-held mobile as well.
Just gave us a nonchalant wave as he passed by, never even pulling up to give me any idea of when he might deign to grace us with his presence.
I'm beginning to go off Craig the Mouse Man.
THE PERFECT SOUNDTRACK...
... to play when mice are approaching the deathtrap!!
There May Be Trouble Ahead: Frank Sinatra (*)
I Got You Babe: Sonny and Cher
You Really Got me: Kinks
It's The End Of The World As We Know It: REM
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More: Walker Brothers
(*) Had to have a little chuckle about this one!
Some time ago, Helen and I were doing some decorating for our Mum. She's become a bit hard of hearing during the last few years and doesn't always distinguish what people are saying when there are a few of us together.
Anyway, Helen and I were making plans for the jobs ahead - and Mum was voicing HER opinion about how we should approach things. Bill, my much loved Brother-in-Law, sat back and listened to the proceedings then softly began to whistle. Mum remarked on how nice it was to hear Bill whistling...
... What she hadn't picked up was that the tune he was whistling was in fact 'There May Be Trouble Ahead' !!!
There May Be Trouble Ahead: Frank Sinatra (*)
I Got You Babe: Sonny and Cher
You Really Got me: Kinks
It's The End Of The World As We Know It: REM
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Any More: Walker Brothers
(*) Had to have a little chuckle about this one!
Some time ago, Helen and I were doing some decorating for our Mum. She's become a bit hard of hearing during the last few years and doesn't always distinguish what people are saying when there are a few of us together.
Anyway, Helen and I were making plans for the jobs ahead - and Mum was voicing HER opinion about how we should approach things. Bill, my much loved Brother-in-Law, sat back and listened to the proceedings then softly began to whistle. Mum remarked on how nice it was to hear Bill whistling...
... What she hadn't picked up was that the tune he was whistling was in fact 'There May Be Trouble Ahead' !!!
GORGEOUS MORNING!
Yes indeed - it's absolutely wonderful to wake up to a morning like this. Blue skies, sun, quite warm, no breeze to speak of. Perfect!
I can see some long walks ahead of us today!
Mind you, we won't be going anywhere until Craig (the Mouse Man) has been round, so I hope we're first on his schedule today!
I talked to James last night and he seems to have had a reasonably good day yesterday, although the folks in the Aberdeen office don't really appear to know how long he's there for or even what he's actually supposed to be doing! Still, it'll look good on his CV as he is probably the only Pentagon employee who will have worked in the Heathrow, Newcastle and Aberdeen offices. It sounds as if the Aberdeen guys are going to make an effort to help him fit in and he's off to a quiz night on Thursday and they're going to start up 5-a-side again so he'll be happy with that! It can't be much fun being stuck in a hotel room though and I'm sure he'll be looking forward to the weekend.
Charles has gone off to school muttering about his busy day ahead, meanwhile I can look forward to a day in the sun!! Yeah!
I can see some long walks ahead of us today!
Mind you, we won't be going anywhere until Craig (the Mouse Man) has been round, so I hope we're first on his schedule today!
I talked to James last night and he seems to have had a reasonably good day yesterday, although the folks in the Aberdeen office don't really appear to know how long he's there for or even what he's actually supposed to be doing! Still, it'll look good on his CV as he is probably the only Pentagon employee who will have worked in the Heathrow, Newcastle and Aberdeen offices. It sounds as if the Aberdeen guys are going to make an effort to help him fit in and he's off to a quiz night on Thursday and they're going to start up 5-a-side again so he'll be happy with that! It can't be much fun being stuck in a hotel room though and I'm sure he'll be looking forward to the weekend.
Charles has gone off to school muttering about his busy day ahead, meanwhile I can look forward to a day in the sun!! Yeah!
Monday, 17 May 2010
NORTHUMRIA/NORTHUMBRIAN?
Right! I decided to follow the correct procedure and dropped an email to Northumbria Pest Control about our little furry friends. Thought that Craig next door would see it as an official approach rather than a neighbour taking advantage! Got a phone call back within minutes - from a very nice man who knew nothing about Craig because he's NORTHUMBRIAN Pest Control - a completely different company! Anyway the nice man was very helpful and suggested that I should indeed talk to the neighbour first and if there were any further problems he would be happy to help in the future. He did however make a point of saying that his company had been around much longer than Craigs - and that Craig had been a bit naughty calling himself something so similar. (By the way - Craig drives round in a Bad Boy ANIMAL truck with the logo - RABBIT RESPONSE UNIT emblazoned on the side!! )
So I rang Craig who was very sympathetic, but won't be able to come until later today or even tomorrow. (I resisted the urge to say, 'But you're in your house right now Craig, it would only take a minute to get round here!')
Anyway, hopefully, we'll get the problem sorted within the next couple of days
So I rang Craig who was very sympathetic, but won't be able to come until later today or even tomorrow. (I resisted the urge to say, 'But you're in your house right now Craig, it would only take a minute to get round here!')
Anyway, hopefully, we'll get the problem sorted within the next couple of days
FINALLY...
... Charles has admitted that there clearly IS a problem with mice getting into the house and that it needs to be sorted!
I have a horrible feeling that it may well involve taking out part of the decking that we had fitted two years ago and which comes right up to the kitchen wall. My guess is that they are somehow getting under there and into the house that way.
I'm going round to see the the Pest Control guy next door in a few minutes to see what he can advise.
I have a horrible feeling that it may well involve taking out part of the decking that we had fitted two years ago and which comes right up to the kitchen wall. My guess is that they are somehow getting under there and into the house that way.
I'm going round to see the the Pest Control guy next door in a few minutes to see what he can advise.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
CONFESSION TIME!
Richard - I've just deleted your comments by accident!
I'm really sorry, especially as they were so supportive and you'd clearly spent so much time considering our predicament!! (NOT)
Just to let you know that James rang just before 7pm, to say he'd got to Aberdeen and checked into his hotel. Pretty good time really.
He's going for a walk to find the office as he thinks it's just along the road from where he's staying and then he'll have a meal.
I hope he has a good day tomorrow and that he finds out exactly what this training programme will involve.
I'm really sorry, especially as they were so supportive and you'd clearly spent so much time considering our predicament!! (NOT)
Just to let you know that James rang just before 7pm, to say he'd got to Aberdeen and checked into his hotel. Pretty good time really.
He's going for a walk to find the office as he thinks it's just along the road from where he's staying and then he'll have a meal.
I hope he has a good day tomorrow and that he finds out exactly what this training programme will involve.
JIM'S ON HIS WAY...
... to Aberdeen to start his training with the Sub Sea Division. He left after lunch, at about 2.30, so should get to his hotel at about 7pm - Sunday traffic permitting! He'll be back for the weekend, although I really don't envy him the drive on a Friday evening. With any luck, he'll get a quick getaway.
He decided he wanted to take Lily with him! He thought she would just lie under his desk and keep him company - which she probably would! The only drawback to that is that Rose would be beside herself if she was left on her own. Why wouldn't he want to take Rose? Probably because she's the complete opposite of Lil and would never settle for a minute! However, it's all academic, as I wouldn't let them go anyway!
He stopped off at heighley on the way up and brought a couple of mouse traps with him. We're going to put these outside the kitchen at night time in the hope of heading the critters off at the pass. (Still haven't talked to the guy next door as he seems to be out for the day - but we'll try and catch him later on.)
We've just taken the girls down Villa Lane for a good long walk now that the rain's stopped, and then took them into the back garden again, where they made an initial dash for the fence, but were easily distracted and then didn't really bother with it after that. Mind you, next door's dogs weren't out at the time so that probably helped quite a bit!
He decided he wanted to take Lily with him! He thought she would just lie under his desk and keep him company - which she probably would! The only drawback to that is that Rose would be beside herself if she was left on her own. Why wouldn't he want to take Rose? Probably because she's the complete opposite of Lil and would never settle for a minute! However, it's all academic, as I wouldn't let them go anyway!
He stopped off at heighley on the way up and brought a couple of mouse traps with him. We're going to put these outside the kitchen at night time in the hope of heading the critters off at the pass. (Still haven't talked to the guy next door as he seems to be out for the day - but we'll try and catch him later on.)
We've just taken the girls down Villa Lane for a good long walk now that the rain's stopped, and then took them into the back garden again, where they made an initial dash for the fence, but were easily distracted and then didn't really bother with it after that. Mind you, next door's dogs weren't out at the time so that probably helped quite a bit!
FRUSTRATING DAY!
It began well enough - apart from the dead mouse of course - but the weather was gorgeous, sunny and warm and we sat outside with the pups for a while. This may well have been while most people were still in bed enjoying their Sunday lie-in, but never mind, we enjoyed it regardless of the early hour.
Unfortunately the lovely start to the day was just that - a lovely start - because since then we've had pretty torrential rain and all hopes of taking the girls out for another long romp have been shelved for the time being.
Charles and I set off at 9.00 on a mission to buy every mouse trap we could get our hands on, only to realise that it's Sunday and nothing opens until ten, ten-thirty or even eleven o'clock. Why bother, I ask myself?
So we turned round and came home and then had an argument about what we are going to do to eradicate the problem for good. Charles seems quite happy to catch the little buggers and kill them in the traps, whereas I want to stop them getting into the house in the first place, even if this means investigating under the decking and round the drainpipes to find where they are getting in.
Our next door neighbour is a pest control guy and I keep suggesting that we could ask him to come and have a look (we could also point out the trauma that the girls are suffering because of his labs) but for some reason Charles seems reluctant to do this. Surely, he would be able to tell us how they are getting in and then we could target our efforts at addressing the actual point of entry.
So - I'm not liking today very much so far! Come on Richard, help me perusade your brother that we've got to get to the root of the problem!!
Unfortunately the lovely start to the day was just that - a lovely start - because since then we've had pretty torrential rain and all hopes of taking the girls out for another long romp have been shelved for the time being.
Charles and I set off at 9.00 on a mission to buy every mouse trap we could get our hands on, only to realise that it's Sunday and nothing opens until ten, ten-thirty or even eleven o'clock. Why bother, I ask myself?
So we turned round and came home and then had an argument about what we are going to do to eradicate the problem for good. Charles seems quite happy to catch the little buggers and kill them in the traps, whereas I want to stop them getting into the house in the first place, even if this means investigating under the decking and round the drainpipes to find where they are getting in.
Our next door neighbour is a pest control guy and I keep suggesting that we could ask him to come and have a look (we could also point out the trauma that the girls are suffering because of his labs) but for some reason Charles seems reluctant to do this. Surely, he would be able to tell us how they are getting in and then we could target our efforts at addressing the actual point of entry.
So - I'm not liking today very much so far! Come on Richard, help me perusade your brother that we've got to get to the root of the problem!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!
That was the noise I made at 7.30 this morning when I opened the cupboard door...
... to find another dead mouse in the trap.
We had thought that the problem was solved and for a couple of days there had been nothing in the traps, so Charles had removed them, only for me to discover TWO BITS OF MOUSE POOP yesterday morning.
Sure enough, despite Charles filling all likely gaps, there was another today.
I feel sickened by all this.
How on earth are they getting in and WHY when we've never, ever had a problem with mice, have we got one now?
They're not even in a cupboard where there's any food - although, having said that, there is a bin under the sink so maybe they;re attracted to the scraps in there. Not that I'm using that bin now for obvious reasons.
I can't bear to open the cupboard door, and only did it this morning because a) I wasn't thinking and b) I'd been lulled into a false sense of security by the mouse-free days.
This was not the best start to a Sunday.
... to find another dead mouse in the trap.
We had thought that the problem was solved and for a couple of days there had been nothing in the traps, so Charles had removed them, only for me to discover TWO BITS OF MOUSE POOP yesterday morning.
Sure enough, despite Charles filling all likely gaps, there was another today.
I feel sickened by all this.
How on earth are they getting in and WHY when we've never, ever had a problem with mice, have we got one now?
They're not even in a cupboard where there's any food - although, having said that, there is a bin under the sink so maybe they;re attracted to the scraps in there. Not that I'm using that bin now for obvious reasons.
I can't bear to open the cupboard door, and only did it this morning because a) I wasn't thinking and b) I'd been lulled into a false sense of security by the mouse-free days.
This was not the best start to a Sunday.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
WASHED AND BLOW DRIED
We have two beautifully white Westies, having had a very quick bathtime this evening. It's amazing how quickly we can do a shampoo and blow dry, when the pups have got no hair to speak of! Technically of course that's not true - they do indeed have hair, in fact Lily looks great now and I wouldn't mind her looking like this all the time, but Rose still looks like a little shorn lamb so she's going to take a few weeks to catch up.
I think they both really enjoy bathtime - they certainly never complain, although they do get a bit jealous when we are drying the other one and giving them lots of 'attention'!
We had a go at tackling the fence problem again this evening. I got Charles to move the barbeque that was standing up against it and on which the girls would position themselves ready to defend their territory from the dreaded labs and we took loads of treats with us, before using Cesar Millan's technique for 'owning' the fence. The fence effectively became our space and the pups were not allowed into it. When they stayed away they were given treats and in a relatively short time they forgot about the fence and played around quite happily.
I think we're always going to have something of a problem if the labs are out at the same time as the pups, because naturally they want to defend their territory and the girls want to do the same - but hopefully we'll get to a stage where each party is tolerant of the other - a bit like the Condems then!
I think they both really enjoy bathtime - they certainly never complain, although they do get a bit jealous when we are drying the other one and giving them lots of 'attention'!
We had a go at tackling the fence problem again this evening. I got Charles to move the barbeque that was standing up against it and on which the girls would position themselves ready to defend their territory from the dreaded labs and we took loads of treats with us, before using Cesar Millan's technique for 'owning' the fence. The fence effectively became our space and the pups were not allowed into it. When they stayed away they were given treats and in a relatively short time they forgot about the fence and played around quite happily.
I think we're always going to have something of a problem if the labs are out at the same time as the pups, because naturally they want to defend their territory and the girls want to do the same - but hopefully we'll get to a stage where each party is tolerant of the other - a bit like the Condems then!
PHEW! BUSY DAY!
We had a fab walk on the beach this morning, getting there really early so we had most of it to ourselves for quite a while.The girls had a brilliant time, in and out of the water, sniffing the seaweed, chasing each other around on their long leads. The dogs they did encounter posed no problem at all and the girls greeted them politely with a bit of bottom sniffing as dogs do.
Leaving Alnmouth we went to Alnwick to do some shopping and have a coffee, then returned home to do the chores (includng filling the gap around the downpipe where we think the mouse got in), at which point James rang and invited himself for lunch. After that Jim and I went to Next at Kingston Park cos he wanted some new trousers for work (and it gave me an opportunity to get some new tops for the, hopefully, better weather). We got back to find Charles ensconsed in front of the telly waiting for the FA Cup Final to begin and I cleaned the patio while the pups had a bit of a doze.
We're going to try moving things around outside and getting the BBQ away from the troublespot by the fence - but obviously I'll have to wait for the match to finish as Charles wouldn't appreciate the interruption. (Chelsea have just scored after Portsmouth messed up their penalty. I would have liked to see Pompey winactually after the season they've had. Just out of interest, has a team ever won the FA cup and been relegated at the same time?)
Thank you to Richard and Dannymatt for your extremely helpful suggestions about how to solve the Dogs Next Door Problem. I really appreciate your help and am comforted by the great seriousness and consideration you have both brought to the issue!
Leaving Alnmouth we went to Alnwick to do some shopping and have a coffee, then returned home to do the chores (includng filling the gap around the downpipe where we think the mouse got in), at which point James rang and invited himself for lunch. After that Jim and I went to Next at Kingston Park cos he wanted some new trousers for work (and it gave me an opportunity to get some new tops for the, hopefully, better weather). We got back to find Charles ensconsed in front of the telly waiting for the FA Cup Final to begin and I cleaned the patio while the pups had a bit of a doze.
We're going to try moving things around outside and getting the BBQ away from the troublespot by the fence - but obviously I'll have to wait for the match to finish as Charles wouldn't appreciate the interruption. (Chelsea have just scored after Portsmouth messed up their penalty. I would have liked to see Pompey winactually after the season they've had. Just out of interest, has a team ever won the FA cup and been relegated at the same time?)
Thank you to Richard and Dannymatt for your extremely helpful suggestions about how to solve the Dogs Next Door Problem. I really appreciate your help and am comforted by the great seriousness and consideration you have both brought to the issue!
Friday, 14 May 2010
RIGHT, WE HAVE A PROBLEM.
While we were away, the pups were in the back garden and clearly had a traumatic experience with the labradors next door. These dogs spend a lot of time in their garden and do sound quite intimidating when they are snuffling around. The pups can't actually see them through the fence and maybe this adds to their fear. Paul, who looked after the girls for the first few days of our break, said that there had indeed been a sudden commotion when they were out there, but he didn't know what had actually happened.
We've noticed,that whenever we let them out through the back door, the run, snarling and barking straight to the fence where they lose the plot completely and get themselves into a real state, turning on each other in the anxiety and scrabbling at the bottom of the fence. Often the dogs next door will be out there and will bark at them, sending them into a frenzy. They won't be distracted and just get more and more out of control.
We noticed this behaviour as soon as we got home from the States, but it appears to be getting more pronounced and now, we've found that the anxiety begins at the back door, as if they're anticipating the trauma that awaits them, but instead of avoiding it, they head straight for it.
This evening we tried to get them calm before they went through the back door - but that didn't work. Then we tried taking them into the garden via the side gate and, although they were headed off at the pass by me bearing tasty little bits of chicken, all that happened was that they ate their treat and then still headed over to the fence where the usual fracas began.
We're getting a bit anxious abuout it now, because we don't want it to become really entrenched behaviour and need to find a way to overcome their fear and aggression.
Any ideas anyone?
We've noticed,that whenever we let them out through the back door, the run, snarling and barking straight to the fence where they lose the plot completely and get themselves into a real state, turning on each other in the anxiety and scrabbling at the bottom of the fence. Often the dogs next door will be out there and will bark at them, sending them into a frenzy. They won't be distracted and just get more and more out of control.
We noticed this behaviour as soon as we got home from the States, but it appears to be getting more pronounced and now, we've found that the anxiety begins at the back door, as if they're anticipating the trauma that awaits them, but instead of avoiding it, they head straight for it.
This evening we tried to get them calm before they went through the back door - but that didn't work. Then we tried taking them into the garden via the side gate and, although they were headed off at the pass by me bearing tasty little bits of chicken, all that happened was that they ate their treat and then still headed over to the fence where the usual fracas began.
We're getting a bit anxious abuout it now, because we don't want it to become really entrenched behaviour and need to find a way to overcome their fear and aggression.
Any ideas anyone?
ANOTHER WEEK BITES THE DUST!
I don't know if it goes faster for me because I'm a Lady of Leisure (!!!) or if it would have been the same if I'd still been at work, but whatever it is I can't believe the way time whizzes past. It's Friday again, the weekend awaits and there's only two weeks to go until the schools break up for half term.
As of now, we have no plans for the weekend, although if the weather is okay I'm guessing that a long walk on the beach at Alnmouth might be on the cards, along with some gardening and a trip to Heighley Gate to buy perennials to fill the gaps left by the plants that didn't survive the winter.
James will be coming on Sunday, calling in on his way to Aberdeen to begin a month of training with the Big Boys from the Sub Sea Division at the Pentagon office there. He's planning to come home at weekends and, although he's going to drive up and down for a couple of weeks he will be flying home for the Bank Holiday weekend. He had hoped to fly each weekend, but the costs are prohibitive, so he'll be taking about ten hours out of his weekend to do the drive instead.
I think he's really looking forward to the training and it will certainly add another string to his bow. It's sure to be very different from the sort of work he's doing at the moment.
Following our unfortunate incident with the mouse, James and Dunc (his flatmate) think they also have a little visitor in the loft at their apartment. Is it the time of year for mice to come inside? I would have thought they did that during the winter really. In any event, Charles has removed the traps from the cupboard under the sink as we haven't found anything in them for two days now. I'll keep a watchful eye out for the tell-tale signs and Charles has promised to seal up the gap surrounding the waste pipe below the kitchen window as he thinks that is the route the ex-mouse took on his last fateful journey.
Okay - the girls have had their early walk, courtesy of Charles and are ready for breakfast. Once that's out of the way I expect we'll go out again (as soon as the rain stops!) and then the day stretches out before us just waiting to be filled!!
As of now, we have no plans for the weekend, although if the weather is okay I'm guessing that a long walk on the beach at Alnmouth might be on the cards, along with some gardening and a trip to Heighley Gate to buy perennials to fill the gaps left by the plants that didn't survive the winter.
James will be coming on Sunday, calling in on his way to Aberdeen to begin a month of training with the Big Boys from the Sub Sea Division at the Pentagon office there. He's planning to come home at weekends and, although he's going to drive up and down for a couple of weeks he will be flying home for the Bank Holiday weekend. He had hoped to fly each weekend, but the costs are prohibitive, so he'll be taking about ten hours out of his weekend to do the drive instead.
I think he's really looking forward to the training and it will certainly add another string to his bow. It's sure to be very different from the sort of work he's doing at the moment.
Following our unfortunate incident with the mouse, James and Dunc (his flatmate) think they also have a little visitor in the loft at their apartment. Is it the time of year for mice to come inside? I would have thought they did that during the winter really. In any event, Charles has removed the traps from the cupboard under the sink as we haven't found anything in them for two days now. I'll keep a watchful eye out for the tell-tale signs and Charles has promised to seal up the gap surrounding the waste pipe below the kitchen window as he thinks that is the route the ex-mouse took on his last fateful journey.
Okay - the girls have had their early walk, courtesy of Charles and are ready for breakfast. Once that's out of the way I expect we'll go out again (as soon as the rain stops!) and then the day stretches out before us just waiting to be filled!!
Thursday, 13 May 2010
WORN OUT NOW!!
That's ME not the pups!
They've had four really good walks today - five if you count the early one with Charles - and a good race around the garden this evening, and they're still full of energy!
Mind you, there's a big difference between the two of them in terms of energy levels: although Lily will keep up with Rose in all activities, she would be quite happy to snooze the day away without bothering too much about anything else. Rose on the other hand is so hyperactive and rarely settles for very long. She's always the first to wake and gets ino everything. When my sister came at the weekend we were commenting that for the first time Lily feels heavier than Rose (until recently they've weighed exactly the same) and we've come to the conclusion that it's largely because of their personalities. They eat exactly the same amount and are always exercised together, so it must be down to metabolism. Rose will burn it off just by being Rose! But we'll need to keep an eye on Lily as we don't want her to get too chunky. Having said that, now that they are shorn , we can see that Lily has a much more powerful physique than Rose. Lily has very broad shoulders and a thick neck, whereas Rose is really delicate and narrow-shouldered.
Feeding is much easier now, following the introduction of dried food by Dannymatt. They still have a little bit of chicken mixed with their 'Bakers complete' but they eat far less than the recommended amount often leaving some in the bowl, so they know when they've had enough.
Right - they're coming through for telly time now, so I'll finish up and go and sit with them for a while! (It's very therapeutic!)
They've had four really good walks today - five if you count the early one with Charles - and a good race around the garden this evening, and they're still full of energy!
Mind you, there's a big difference between the two of them in terms of energy levels: although Lily will keep up with Rose in all activities, she would be quite happy to snooze the day away without bothering too much about anything else. Rose on the other hand is so hyperactive and rarely settles for very long. She's always the first to wake and gets ino everything. When my sister came at the weekend we were commenting that for the first time Lily feels heavier than Rose (until recently they've weighed exactly the same) and we've come to the conclusion that it's largely because of their personalities. They eat exactly the same amount and are always exercised together, so it must be down to metabolism. Rose will burn it off just by being Rose! But we'll need to keep an eye on Lily as we don't want her to get too chunky. Having said that, now that they are shorn , we can see that Lily has a much more powerful physique than Rose. Lily has very broad shoulders and a thick neck, whereas Rose is really delicate and narrow-shouldered.
Feeding is much easier now, following the introduction of dried food by Dannymatt. They still have a little bit of chicken mixed with their 'Bakers complete' but they eat far less than the recommended amount often leaving some in the bowl, so they know when they've had enough.
Right - they're coming through for telly time now, so I'll finish up and go and sit with them for a while! (It's very therapeutic!)
THIS MORNING'S WALK...
... was interesting.
(That's the pup's second walk - the one I took them in down Villa Lane.)
All began quietly enough until we encountered a motor bike, the driver of which seemed to be using the lane for speed trials. The pups weren't keen, but after some frantic barking, managed to calm down until...
... we met the horse! This was quite an experience, as the girls don't really know about horses and clearly decided that they had to assert themselves in front of this huge beast, which could have been really dangerous if the horse had been of a nervous disposition. Fortunately, I managed to keep them still at the side of the lane so the rider could get past - but they were still very yappy.
All was well for a while and then...
... the Samoyeds appeared, followed a few seconds later by their owner, who was leaning so far back against their harnesses that he was almost horizontal and resembled nothing more than the sledge that those guys would have been pulling in another life. Remembering the maypole incident of a couple of weeks ago, we ducked into a nearby field and waited for them to pass. Unfortunately the Sammys were all too aware of the pups - and the pups had clearly noticed the Sammys, so a lot of barking ensued before I could get back on track.
After that we met a very nice man with a Jack Russell who had superglue all over his head from an accident with a broken catflap. Don't ask! The pups made a bit of a fuss, but not too much this time and went to greet him amicably. Fortunately he responded favourably to them, so all was well.
However, the three young mums pushing their buggies down the lane may well have got more than they bargained for as they raced (yes - RACED) past us, and certainly the three sleeping babies were NOT asleep by the time the girls had finished yapping at them. (They reminded me of the mums we used to see in Central Park who were doing their fitness programme, with their babies in tow, jogging round the park pushing buggies and stopping to do a few stretches, then jogging off again, under the direction of a really fierce looking trainer.)
Anyway, suffice to say it was not one of the easiest walks we've ever done!
(That's the pup's second walk - the one I took them in down Villa Lane.)
All began quietly enough until we encountered a motor bike, the driver of which seemed to be using the lane for speed trials. The pups weren't keen, but after some frantic barking, managed to calm down until...
... we met the horse! This was quite an experience, as the girls don't really know about horses and clearly decided that they had to assert themselves in front of this huge beast, which could have been really dangerous if the horse had been of a nervous disposition. Fortunately, I managed to keep them still at the side of the lane so the rider could get past - but they were still very yappy.
All was well for a while and then...
... the Samoyeds appeared, followed a few seconds later by their owner, who was leaning so far back against their harnesses that he was almost horizontal and resembled nothing more than the sledge that those guys would have been pulling in another life. Remembering the maypole incident of a couple of weeks ago, we ducked into a nearby field and waited for them to pass. Unfortunately the Sammys were all too aware of the pups - and the pups had clearly noticed the Sammys, so a lot of barking ensued before I could get back on track.
After that we met a very nice man with a Jack Russell who had superglue all over his head from an accident with a broken catflap. Don't ask! The pups made a bit of a fuss, but not too much this time and went to greet him amicably. Fortunately he responded favourably to them, so all was well.
However, the three young mums pushing their buggies down the lane may well have got more than they bargained for as they raced (yes - RACED) past us, and certainly the three sleeping babies were NOT asleep by the time the girls had finished yapping at them. (They reminded me of the mums we used to see in Central Park who were doing their fitness programme, with their babies in tow, jogging round the park pushing buggies and stopping to do a few stretches, then jogging off again, under the direction of a really fierce looking trainer.)
Anyway, suffice to say it was not one of the easiest walks we've ever done!
AAAAAARGH!
It happened - just as I knew it would!
With TWO pages to go before I finished my book...
...the phone rang!
It was SO predictable!
With TWO pages to go before I finished my book...
...the phone rang!
It was SO predictable!
DID ANYONE ELSE...
... notice that David Cameron, on three occasions in the joint press conference yesterday, referred to the 'Liberal Democrat/Conservative coalition' and not the Conservative/LibDems?
Bet that went down like a lead balloon with the Conservative faithful!!
Bet that went down like a lead balloon with the Conservative faithful!!
NOT GOOD!!
Being woken by two noisy little pups at 5.45am is not a good thing!
I've got that horrible feeling that you only ever get when you've got to get up in the small hours to go to the airport to wait two hours for the six o'clock flight.
This is despite having a relatively early night. Actually, it wasn't as early as I'd planned as I ended up watching the Leicester/Cardiff penalties (God - that Leicester player who took the fourth pen will be Public Enemy Number One in that neck of the woods) and then did the Tesco shop online. When I DID go to bed I read until about 1.30, hoping to finish 'Keeping Faith' but got to the point where my eyelids let me down with only about ten pages to go. (I HATE doing that. Ten pages are nothing, and will be read in no time, but are hardly worth settling down for. The thing is that even so close to the end, I have absolutely no idea how the plot (about a seven year old girl whose imaginary friend is God and who becomes stigmatic) will turn out and I want to be totally uninterrupted as the story unfolds. There's nothing worse than trying to read the last few pages of a gripping book, only to be interrupted by the phone, or someone trying to talk to you - or by pups wanting attention. So I shall have to choose my time carefully!)
Meanwhile Charles had retired to bed, where he is even now, blissfully unaware that the girls are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready for a fun-filled day! (Actually, he's probably VERY aware and has used his selective deafness to full advantage!)
6.55: Ah ha! He's just got up, looking very sheepish and pretending he didn't hear the happy barks and yaps over an hour ago!! Hmmm! You'll be taking them for the first walk today then Charles!
I've got that horrible feeling that you only ever get when you've got to get up in the small hours to go to the airport to wait two hours for the six o'clock flight.
This is despite having a relatively early night. Actually, it wasn't as early as I'd planned as I ended up watching the Leicester/Cardiff penalties (God - that Leicester player who took the fourth pen will be Public Enemy Number One in that neck of the woods) and then did the Tesco shop online. When I DID go to bed I read until about 1.30, hoping to finish 'Keeping Faith' but got to the point where my eyelids let me down with only about ten pages to go. (I HATE doing that. Ten pages are nothing, and will be read in no time, but are hardly worth settling down for. The thing is that even so close to the end, I have absolutely no idea how the plot (about a seven year old girl whose imaginary friend is God and who becomes stigmatic) will turn out and I want to be totally uninterrupted as the story unfolds. There's nothing worse than trying to read the last few pages of a gripping book, only to be interrupted by the phone, or someone trying to talk to you - or by pups wanting attention. So I shall have to choose my time carefully!)
Meanwhile Charles had retired to bed, where he is even now, blissfully unaware that the girls are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready for a fun-filled day! (Actually, he's probably VERY aware and has used his selective deafness to full advantage!)
6.55: Ah ha! He's just got up, looking very sheepish and pretending he didn't hear the happy barks and yaps over an hour ago!! Hmmm! You'll be taking them for the first walk today then Charles!
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
I DON'T THINK...
... I've mentioned the girls today.
This is very odd and totally unacceptable considering the blog is supposed to be about them. However, it's sometimes difficult to write abut the when all I can say is that they have been as good as gold all day. They've had four good long walks, a good chase round the garden, plenty of sleep and lots of cuddles. They're lovely in an evening: they have their telly time, then take themselves out for a wee before putting themselves to bed - brilliant! In short, they are the perfect pups!
Charles is obviously torn between watching Fulham and the Cardiff/Leicester matches. The TV remote is in danger of suffering apoplexy!!
Still no more mice you'll be pleased to know. Not that I've got over my reticence to open the cupboard door - I'm still very hesitant - but I'm hoping we've seen the end of the problem.
Right - I'm shattered, so am going to have an early night!
This is very odd and totally unacceptable considering the blog is supposed to be about them. However, it's sometimes difficult to write abut the when all I can say is that they have been as good as gold all day. They've had four good long walks, a good chase round the garden, plenty of sleep and lots of cuddles. They're lovely in an evening: they have their telly time, then take themselves out for a wee before putting themselves to bed - brilliant! In short, they are the perfect pups!
Charles is obviously torn between watching Fulham and the Cardiff/Leicester matches. The TV remote is in danger of suffering apoplexy!!
Still no more mice you'll be pleased to know. Not that I've got over my reticence to open the cupboard door - I'm still very hesitant - but I'm hoping we've seen the end of the problem.
Right - I'm shattered, so am going to have an early night!
THERE YOU GO...
... on the weather forecast it has just been announced that last night was the coldest May night for 15 years!! (When the Cons would have been in power then!)
No doubt I'll have my Mum on the phone later, warning me not to put any bedding plants in yest, because 'There has been frost in June, you know!'
Rest easy Mum, I'm not putting any bedding plants in at all this year. To much hassle to be honest, all that daily watering and then they just die when you go on holiday. If I'm putting anything into the beds this year it'll be colourful perennials that I don't need to worry about!
Talking of the garden, the pups were given another workout on the lawn last night! They really get some speed up out there. So far, we've only taken them out for relatively short periods and they've raced around without pausing for breath until we've managed to persuade them to come in for a breather and a drink. I hope that once they're out there for longer periods they might take things a little more slowly as I don't fancy sunbathing (ha ha ha!!!) with two little whirling dervishes making me dizzy by chasing round and round at the speed of light!
No doubt I'll have my Mum on the phone later, warning me not to put any bedding plants in yest, because 'There has been frost in June, you know!'
Rest easy Mum, I'm not putting any bedding plants in at all this year. To much hassle to be honest, all that daily watering and then they just die when you go on holiday. If I'm putting anything into the beds this year it'll be colourful perennials that I don't need to worry about!
Talking of the garden, the pups were given another workout on the lawn last night! They really get some speed up out there. So far, we've only taken them out for relatively short periods and they've raced around without pausing for breath until we've managed to persuade them to come in for a breather and a drink. I hope that once they're out there for longer periods they might take things a little more slowly as I don't fancy sunbathing (ha ha ha!!!) with two little whirling dervishes making me dizzy by chasing round and round at the speed of light!
I GOT THINKING...
... about my dad last night.
(Dad passed away four years ago, but I still think about him all the time.)
But I was wondering what he would have made of this election outcome.
Dad, a Methodist minister, was a HUGE supporter of the Liberals and for a time when we were kids was giving serious consideration to leaving the church and going into politics.
He would have made a brilliant politician! He certainly knew how to hold an audience (congregation) in the palm of his hand. In fact, during the service to celebrate his life, one of the speakers described his oratory skills as a cross between those of Winston Churchill and Richard Burton!
But what I was thinking about last night was an anecdote that was also related during that service. Apparently Dad was approached during a past election campaign in his role as Superintendent Minister of the circuit, by an irate woman who told him that she was absolutely disgusted that one of his junior colleagues was displaying a 'Vote Conservative' poster in the window of the Manse. She wanted to know what Dad was going to do about it.
Dad replied in all seriousness, that he was indeed also appalled and that he would tell the man to remove it at once...
...AND TO REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY WITH A LIBERAL POSTER!!!!!
Great response Dad! But what would you make of the current situation I wonder?
(Dad passed away four years ago, but I still think about him all the time.)
But I was wondering what he would have made of this election outcome.
Dad, a Methodist minister, was a HUGE supporter of the Liberals and for a time when we were kids was giving serious consideration to leaving the church and going into politics.
He would have made a brilliant politician! He certainly knew how to hold an audience (congregation) in the palm of his hand. In fact, during the service to celebrate his life, one of the speakers described his oratory skills as a cross between those of Winston Churchill and Richard Burton!
But what I was thinking about last night was an anecdote that was also related during that service. Apparently Dad was approached during a past election campaign in his role as Superintendent Minister of the circuit, by an irate woman who told him that she was absolutely disgusted that one of his junior colleagues was displaying a 'Vote Conservative' poster in the window of the Manse. She wanted to know what Dad was going to do about it.
Dad replied in all seriousness, that he was indeed also appalled and that he would tell the man to remove it at once...
...AND TO REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY WITH A LIBERAL POSTER!!!!!
Great response Dad! But what would you make of the current situation I wonder?
YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE IT!
IT'S MAY 12TH...
...AND IT'S SNOWING IN LONGFRAM!!
GREAT! WON'T BE GETTING THOSE SUMMER FROCKS ON JUST YET THEN!
...AND IT'S SNOWING IN LONGFRAM!!
GREAT! WON'T BE GETTING THOSE SUMMER FROCKS ON JUST YET THEN!
WELL, WELL, WELL!
It all kicked off last night didn't it!
I'm still intrigued to see how the Cabinet positions are going to be divvied up, cos at the moment I can't see what the Lib/Dems are going to get!
It'll be interesting to hear what Nick Clegg has to say, which he will no doubt do later this morning.
I thought Gordon Brown was extremely dignified at the end and was fascinated to hear Cameron's speech in which he sounded nothing at all like a Conservative!! Hmmm! We'll see how long it takes for him to revert to type!!
I'm still intrigued to see how the Cabinet positions are going to be divvied up, cos at the moment I can't see what the Lib/Dems are going to get!
It'll be interesting to hear what Nick Clegg has to say, which he will no doubt do later this morning.
I thought Gordon Brown was extremely dignified at the end and was fascinated to hear Cameron's speech in which he sounded nothing at all like a Conservative!! Hmmm! We'll see how long it takes for him to revert to type!!
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
SOUNDS AS IF...
... we may finally get to know who is going to be providing us with the 'strong and stable' government we've heard about repeatedly during the last few days.
It'll be interesting to hear the details of any agreement that's been thrashed out between the boys (and girls) in blue and the Lib/Dems.
On a different topic, but still topical for NUFC fans, of which there are many who read this blog - Who on earth does the PR for our club and how do they get it so consistently wrong? The statement that was issued a couple of days ago has left fans seething because of it's arrogant tone and lack of clarity regarding expenditure on future players. Yes, all fans want open and honest communication from the club, even if the news isn't great - but at least employ someone in the PR department who can write with some clarity and produce a statement that doesn't create more questions as a result.
It'll be interesting to hear the details of any agreement that's been thrashed out between the boys (and girls) in blue and the Lib/Dems.
On a different topic, but still topical for NUFC fans, of which there are many who read this blog - Who on earth does the PR for our club and how do they get it so consistently wrong? The statement that was issued a couple of days ago has left fans seething because of it's arrogant tone and lack of clarity regarding expenditure on future players. Yes, all fans want open and honest communication from the club, even if the news isn't great - but at least employ someone in the PR department who can write with some clarity and produce a statement that doesn't create more questions as a result.
STILL PROBLEMS...
... getting onto the blog.
Very frustrating!
Just to update you - all appears quiet on the mouse front, thank God. Mind you, I still hate opening the cupboard just in case - and have to stand well back before having a quick peak in to make sure there's nothing in the trap. (Or even worse, something NOT in the trap, looking at me!)
The pups have had a very sleepy day today - I've had to practically drag them out for a walk which is unusual, although they're probably getting over the marathon they ran around the back garden last night! They can certainly get some speed up!
I don't actually know what I've done today. The time seems to have flown past with very little to show for it.
Half an hour later: Just back from a jog down Villa Lane!! It's not so bad going down the lane, but a bit of a struggle on the way back! The pups are walking really well these days. Lily always has, but Rose is much more focused on the walk now as well. I'm looking forward to taking them back to the beach - maybe we'll do that at the weekend.
Very frustrating!
Just to update you - all appears quiet on the mouse front, thank God. Mind you, I still hate opening the cupboard just in case - and have to stand well back before having a quick peak in to make sure there's nothing in the trap. (Or even worse, something NOT in the trap, looking at me!)
The pups have had a very sleepy day today - I've had to practically drag them out for a walk which is unusual, although they're probably getting over the marathon they ran around the back garden last night! They can certainly get some speed up!
I don't actually know what I've done today. The time seems to have flown past with very little to show for it.
Half an hour later: Just back from a jog down Villa Lane!! It's not so bad going down the lane, but a bit of a struggle on the way back! The pups are walking really well these days. Lily always has, but Rose is much more focused on the walk now as well. I'm looking forward to taking them back to the beach - maybe we'll do that at the weekend.
Monday, 10 May 2010
GOT IT!
One dead mouse!
Hope it's the only one!
How horrid. We were sitting watching the Grumpy Old People recall the Daft Eighties programme (don't think it was really called that, but that's basically what it was) when we heard the trap go, which triggered a kind of squealy, shuddery, cringy reaction from me - and probably from the mouse as well in that split second when it thought 'Oh s**t!'
Charles had to go and get rid of the body immediately, leaving the trap primed and ready for any others that are willing to risk their lives in pursuit of a teaspoon of peanut butter.
Hope it's the only one!
How horrid. We were sitting watching the Grumpy Old People recall the Daft Eighties programme (don't think it was really called that, but that's basically what it was) when we heard the trap go, which triggered a kind of squealy, shuddery, cringy reaction from me - and probably from the mouse as well in that split second when it thought 'Oh s**t!'
Charles had to go and get rid of the body immediately, leaving the trap primed and ready for any others that are willing to risk their lives in pursuit of a teaspoon of peanut butter.
THERE STILL SEEM TO BE...
... problems with Blogger Dashboard and I'm only managing to get on here via a very convoluted route.
Apologies in advance if things go pear-shaped again!
Well, not much to report today so far. Christina's been round to use our internet - apparently the connection at her place is dodgy to say the least and she had some work stuff to send out this morning,so needed to use ours.
I've been out to Heighley Gate on an extremely unpleasant mission. Last night I was digging around in the cleaning cupboard when I came across the tell-tale signs of a MOUSE! I can't tell you how shocked and disgusted I am. I would win the World Cup for cleaning and household duties - but we've got a mouse. So I've been out to buy traps today. I felt like hiding my head in shame and hoped that nobody recognised me when I had to go and pay for the things!
How can we have a mouse when we've got the pups? Helen (who was here when I made the discovery) thinks it (they???) may have come up the drainpipe when the house was empty while we were away. Whatever - I can't bear the thought of it.
My problem is that I can't bear them alive - but neither can I bear them dead. There's absolutely no way I could go near the cupboard if I thought there was a dead mouse in there. At least if it's alive it's got a fighting chance of running away when I open the door. In fact I've started banging on the door as a warning before I actually open it!!
Charles got everything out of the cupboard last night and gave it a really good clean. During the process he obviously took out all the cleaning products and, to my surprise, it transpired that we actually have enough stuff to last for the best part of a year (maybe TWO) without needing to purchase any more. Why have I got eight all purpose cleaning sprays, six antibacs, five spray polishes and endless supplies of bleach, oven, carpet, shower, hob, microwave, kitchen and bathroom cleaners? When am I going to do all this cleaning, I already do it every day. Maybe I should set up a cleaning business - I cetainly wouldn't have any start-up costs!
So, back to the mouse. (You'll notice that I'm using the singular, rather than the far more likely plural, noun. That's because one mouse is devastating, but more than one is unthinkable.) I'm going to let Charles set the traps because I have this feeling that if I try and do it a) I'll end up trapping bits of my own anatomy and b) if I put it in place there will be a mouse poised ready and waiting to jump into the trap and I'll have to bear witness to the whole sordid scenario.
Right - so now you know our horrid little secret. I wasn't going to tell anyone and swore Helen and Bill to secrecy, but knowing Bill he'd use it as a blackmail opportunity at a later date, so I've decided to head that possibility off at the pass and come clean!
Apologies in advance if things go pear-shaped again!
Well, not much to report today so far. Christina's been round to use our internet - apparently the connection at her place is dodgy to say the least and she had some work stuff to send out this morning,so needed to use ours.
I've been out to Heighley Gate on an extremely unpleasant mission. Last night I was digging around in the cleaning cupboard when I came across the tell-tale signs of a MOUSE! I can't tell you how shocked and disgusted I am. I would win the World Cup for cleaning and household duties - but we've got a mouse. So I've been out to buy traps today. I felt like hiding my head in shame and hoped that nobody recognised me when I had to go and pay for the things!
How can we have a mouse when we've got the pups? Helen (who was here when I made the discovery) thinks it (they???) may have come up the drainpipe when the house was empty while we were away. Whatever - I can't bear the thought of it.
My problem is that I can't bear them alive - but neither can I bear them dead. There's absolutely no way I could go near the cupboard if I thought there was a dead mouse in there. At least if it's alive it's got a fighting chance of running away when I open the door. In fact I've started banging on the door as a warning before I actually open it!!
Charles got everything out of the cupboard last night and gave it a really good clean. During the process he obviously took out all the cleaning products and, to my surprise, it transpired that we actually have enough stuff to last for the best part of a year (maybe TWO) without needing to purchase any more. Why have I got eight all purpose cleaning sprays, six antibacs, five spray polishes and endless supplies of bleach, oven, carpet, shower, hob, microwave, kitchen and bathroom cleaners? When am I going to do all this cleaning, I already do it every day. Maybe I should set up a cleaning business - I cetainly wouldn't have any start-up costs!
So, back to the mouse. (You'll notice that I'm using the singular, rather than the far more likely plural, noun. That's because one mouse is devastating, but more than one is unthinkable.) I'm going to let Charles set the traps because I have this feeling that if I try and do it a) I'll end up trapping bits of my own anatomy and b) if I put it in place there will be a mouse poised ready and waiting to jump into the trap and I'll have to bear witness to the whole sordid scenario.
Right - so now you know our horrid little secret. I wasn't going to tell anyone and swore Helen and Bill to secrecy, but knowing Bill he'd use it as a blackmail opportunity at a later date, so I've decided to head that possibility off at the pass and come clean!
WHEN...
... are we going to get some warm weather?
I'm getting pretty fed up of wearing winter clothes and can't wait to put them away and get the Spring/Summer collection (!) out of the wardrobe!!
Helen has a theory that the longer it takes to warm up, the better summer we are going to have. I hope she's right!
Actually, for the first time in years, we haven't made plans for the summer holiday yet. Usually we go on the Thames on the faithful 'Margaret Amelia' (We saw her clearly in her Windsor mooring as we descended into Heathrow at the start of our trip to NY!) but this year we may not do that because we're not sure how we would cope with the pups aboard! Lots of people do have dogs on board, but they seem to be a little quieter and calmer than our two currently are. I can imagine we would spend a lot of time fishing them out of the river if we took them this year and, as I'm not sure about their swimming abilities, don't really want to risk it yet!
We always go away with Helen and Bill for a couple of weeks in the summer. However, we do have some problems because Bill flatly refuses to fly and I am totally unable to sail anywhere having discovered that I suffer from terrible seasickness, usually before even leaving harbour. The last two trips (one just from Calais to Dover and more recently a nightmare overnight sailing from Amsterdam to Newcastle) have found me unable to raise myself from the floor of the cabin without being extremely poorly. (Coming back from Amsterdam was the worst. Even Charles thought we wouldn't make it as the boat crashed and dived into the waves. I spent the entire time lying on the floor of the bathroom, until I got so cold I just had to try and get to bed, so literally crawled along the floor of the cabin and up the side of the bed, where I had to lie totally motionless on my stomach, incapable of even lifting my head from the pillow!) Mind you, both of those crossings were rough to say the least, so if millpond conditions could be guaranteed I might be okay. I certainly didn't have a problem previously, but really don't want to take the risk ever again.
Anyway - the fact that we can't fly or sail limits us somewhat when we are going away together as you will appreciate. Not that it has impeded us really - being on the boat is our idea of the perfect, totally relaxing break, and our recent stay on a French vineyard was fabulous - we just have to make sure our destination is driveable!!
This year we may just spend a couple of weeks based here, going off for days, or we could try and rent a cottage somewhere and then the kids can come and join us, as they often do, at some stage during our holiday. It's just nice to be thinking about it really!!
I'm getting pretty fed up of wearing winter clothes and can't wait to put them away and get the Spring/Summer collection (!) out of the wardrobe!!
Helen has a theory that the longer it takes to warm up, the better summer we are going to have. I hope she's right!
Actually, for the first time in years, we haven't made plans for the summer holiday yet. Usually we go on the Thames on the faithful 'Margaret Amelia' (We saw her clearly in her Windsor mooring as we descended into Heathrow at the start of our trip to NY!) but this year we may not do that because we're not sure how we would cope with the pups aboard! Lots of people do have dogs on board, but they seem to be a little quieter and calmer than our two currently are. I can imagine we would spend a lot of time fishing them out of the river if we took them this year and, as I'm not sure about their swimming abilities, don't really want to risk it yet!
We always go away with Helen and Bill for a couple of weeks in the summer. However, we do have some problems because Bill flatly refuses to fly and I am totally unable to sail anywhere having discovered that I suffer from terrible seasickness, usually before even leaving harbour. The last two trips (one just from Calais to Dover and more recently a nightmare overnight sailing from Amsterdam to Newcastle) have found me unable to raise myself from the floor of the cabin without being extremely poorly. (Coming back from Amsterdam was the worst. Even Charles thought we wouldn't make it as the boat crashed and dived into the waves. I spent the entire time lying on the floor of the bathroom, until I got so cold I just had to try and get to bed, so literally crawled along the floor of the cabin and up the side of the bed, where I had to lie totally motionless on my stomach, incapable of even lifting my head from the pillow!) Mind you, both of those crossings were rough to say the least, so if millpond conditions could be guaranteed I might be okay. I certainly didn't have a problem previously, but really don't want to take the risk ever again.
Anyway - the fact that we can't fly or sail limits us somewhat when we are going away together as you will appreciate. Not that it has impeded us really - being on the boat is our idea of the perfect, totally relaxing break, and our recent stay on a French vineyard was fabulous - we just have to make sure our destination is driveable!!
This year we may just spend a couple of weeks based here, going off for days, or we could try and rent a cottage somewhere and then the kids can come and join us, as they often do, at some stage during our holiday. It's just nice to be thinking about it really!!
Sunday, 9 May 2010
TELLY TIME
The pups are snuggled up with their dad, watching a film which is clearly hilarious if the chuckles coming from Charles's direction are anything to go by.
They have been the perfect pups this weekend and, as a result, have been well and truly fussed over by their Aunti Helen, who was rarely seen without one of them (usually Rose!) attached to her side! Rose has an uncanny knack of one minute being down on the floor and the next somehow appearing in your arms. We're not sure how she does it, but she's clearly worked out a way of making herself so appealing and cute that people unwittingly gather her up without realising what they're doing! Lily, who is equally gorgeous, tends to wait to be invited up and doesn't seem to mind her sister hogging more than her fair share of the attention!
Although we haven't done much, the weekend seems to have flown past. It's been really chilled and relaxed: no mammoth catering, just simple stuff that hasn't taken much preparation. Charles and Bill enjoyed the rugby, especially as Charles's kids from school were appearing at half time in a countrywide competition WHICH THEY WON by beating Broomhill. This means that they go to Twickenham in a couple of weeks! Wow!! Well done Croftway!!
Helen and I sat around and put the world to rights while the boys were out and then, apart from walks with the pups, we seem to have sat around reading the papers and watching lots of sport on TV. The really nice thing about having Helen and Bill here is that , because we see each other so often, we don't have to 'entertain' them and they are just happy to be here!
Should be able to get back to normal blogging tomorrow.
Bye for now!
They have been the perfect pups this weekend and, as a result, have been well and truly fussed over by their Aunti Helen, who was rarely seen without one of them (usually Rose!) attached to her side! Rose has an uncanny knack of one minute being down on the floor and the next somehow appearing in your arms. We're not sure how she does it, but she's clearly worked out a way of making herself so appealing and cute that people unwittingly gather her up without realising what they're doing! Lily, who is equally gorgeous, tends to wait to be invited up and doesn't seem to mind her sister hogging more than her fair share of the attention!
Although we haven't done much, the weekend seems to have flown past. It's been really chilled and relaxed: no mammoth catering, just simple stuff that hasn't taken much preparation. Charles and Bill enjoyed the rugby, especially as Charles's kids from school were appearing at half time in a countrywide competition WHICH THEY WON by beating Broomhill. This means that they go to Twickenham in a couple of weeks! Wow!! Well done Croftway!!
Helen and I sat around and put the world to rights while the boys were out and then, apart from walks with the pups, we seem to have sat around reading the papers and watching lots of sport on TV. The really nice thing about having Helen and Bill here is that , because we see each other so often, we don't have to 'entertain' them and they are just happy to be here!
Should be able to get back to normal blogging tomorrow.
Bye for now!
OKAY...
I've been well and truly chastised by Richard for not writing the usual number of posts - but hey, Richard, even I can't be in two places at once.
It's good to see blogger dashboard appears to be behaving today and I should be able to get back up to speed later on.
At the moment everyone is in that soporific post-lunch slump. We've watched the Grand Prix (I slept through the first 30 circuits), now we're watching some cricket before the football kicks off at 4pm. I can guarantee that we won't get through this sports fest without at least one of us going to sleep!
It's good to see blogger dashboard appears to be behaving today and I should be able to get back up to speed later on.
At the moment everyone is in that soporific post-lunch slump. We've watched the Grand Prix (I slept through the first 30 circuits), now we're watching some cricket before the football kicks off at 4pm. I can guarantee that we won't get through this sports fest without at least one of us going to sleep!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
HEY!
IT'S BACK!
Haven't been able to get on to the Dashboard all day - must be a problem somewhere (obviously!)
Anyway, hope it stays on for a while as I haven't got time to blog just now! Helen and Bill are here, so will try again later!!
Haven't been able to get on to the Dashboard all day - must be a problem somewhere (obviously!)
Anyway, hope it stays on for a while as I haven't got time to blog just now! Helen and Bill are here, so will try again later!!
Friday, 7 May 2010
WOW!
BIT OF A MESS!
Nick Clegg seems to be in an unenviable position right now. Wonder which way he'll go?
I have to confess to doing NOTHING at all today, just glued to the election stuff.
But, it's finished for now so I'm having a mad baking session as Helen rang at lunchtime to say she and Bill will be coming up on Saturday for the rugby and to stay the night.
The pups have only had two short walks so far today, so if Charles gets back early I'm going to suggest he takes them for a stroll down Villa Lane. It'll help him unwind after a busy week at work!!
Nick Clegg seems to be in an unenviable position right now. Wonder which way he'll go?
I have to confess to doing NOTHING at all today, just glued to the election stuff.
But, it's finished for now so I'm having a mad baking session as Helen rang at lunchtime to say she and Bill will be coming up on Saturday for the rugby and to stay the night.
The pups have only had two short walks so far today, so if Charles gets back early I'm going to suggest he takes them for a stroll down Villa Lane. It'll help him unwind after a busy week at work!!
GRIPPING STUFF!!
Can't tear myself away from the telly this morning.
Still waiting for the Berwick and Wansbeck results to come in!
Cards on the table - I have enormous respect for Alan Beith, not something that one could say for many politicians, but I have always found him to be a totally genuine man who has suffered more tragedy in his lifetime than any one person should ever have to deal with and yet has continued to serve his constituency diligently and honourably.
One little anecdote: When I was headteacher at Linton, we sent an invitation to him to attend our Christmas production of Snow White, never expecting to hear from him at all. But, not only did he reply to our invite, he actually agreed to come along even though it meant leaving the House late on in the afternoon, flying up to Newcastle and flying straight back to London after the show. He was accompanied by his son, who tragically died shortly afterwards. At no point did he use the opportunity for his own ends - he came along like any other member of the audience and happily let himself be upstaged by the late arrival of Posh and Becks! (That's another story!) A couple of days later he sent a thank you card to the kids telling them the show was so good it ought to be put on stage in London - you can imagine how they felt about that!
Aaah - It's just been confirmed that we have a hung parliament and that no party can now win outright. It'll be fascinating to see what happens next!
Still waiting for the Berwick and Wansbeck results to come in!
Cards on the table - I have enormous respect for Alan Beith, not something that one could say for many politicians, but I have always found him to be a totally genuine man who has suffered more tragedy in his lifetime than any one person should ever have to deal with and yet has continued to serve his constituency diligently and honourably.
One little anecdote: When I was headteacher at Linton, we sent an invitation to him to attend our Christmas production of Snow White, never expecting to hear from him at all. But, not only did he reply to our invite, he actually agreed to come along even though it meant leaving the House late on in the afternoon, flying up to Newcastle and flying straight back to London after the show. He was accompanied by his son, who tragically died shortly afterwards. At no point did he use the opportunity for his own ends - he came along like any other member of the audience and happily let himself be upstaged by the late arrival of Posh and Becks! (That's another story!) A couple of days later he sent a thank you card to the kids telling them the show was so good it ought to be put on stage in London - you can imagine how they felt about that!
Aaah - It's just been confirmed that we have a hung parliament and that no party can now win outright. It'll be fascinating to see what happens next!
HMMM!
That's strange. Richard's post about the blue barmy army taking over oooop north appears to have disappeared into the ether - a bit like Smarmy Cameron's hopes of getting his knees under the breakfast table at Number Ten!
To be honest Richard - if the blue army marched up here I would hope they would march straight off the cliffs at Tynemouth, lemming fashion ('Look out there are lemmings' Monty P). (Interestingly, they failed to take Tynemouth - shame)
To be honest Richard - if the blue army marched up here I would hope they would march straight off the cliffs at Tynemouth, lemming fashion ('Look out there are lemmings' Monty P). (Interestingly, they failed to take Tynemouth - shame)
DAVID DIMBLEBY
Is it just me, or has anyone else found him totally snide and biased in his role as Election Night Anchor?
I've found myself wanting to give him a damn good slap this morning and that's not just because I'm grumpy cos Charles got a lie in and I didn't.
I've found myself wanting to give him a damn good slap this morning and that's not just because I'm grumpy cos Charles got a lie in and I didn't.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
I THINK THE MISERABLE WEATHER...
... is having quite an effect on the pups!
They've hardly managed to keep their eyes open all morning! Most peculiar, but very peaceful!!
They've hardly managed to keep their eyes open all morning! Most peculiar, but very peaceful!!
OFF GALLIVANTING AGAIN
There's no stopping me now! The pups settle into their crate with the promise that I won't be long - and away I go! Nowhere exciting yet admittedly, but it's great to have some freedom again. Got a bit frustrated with the very slow traffic backed up behind the biggest tractor I've ever seen in my life and was probably too big too be allowed on the roads, in fact I could probably have got to Morpeth more quickly on my hands and knees - but there you go, that's one of the penalties of living in the countryside.
I passed the Polling Station but didn't vote yet - thought I'd wait for Charles to get back.
Just wondering how James is getting on at work today. He should be finding out about some training he has been offered IN ABERDEEN of all places - for a MONTH! God - a month in Aberdeen won't be easy to bear! One night was bad enough! (Ask Charles about it - it has something to do with flying to Gran Canaria via Aberdeen - not one of his finest moments!!!)
I passed the Polling Station but didn't vote yet - thought I'd wait for Charles to get back.
Just wondering how James is getting on at work today. He should be finding out about some training he has been offered IN ABERDEEN of all places - for a MONTH! God - a month in Aberdeen won't be easy to bear! One night was bad enough! (Ask Charles about it - it has something to do with flying to Gran Canaria via Aberdeen - not one of his finest moments!!!)
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
ELECTION SPECIAL
Dannymatt got me thinking about some of the old Monty Python sketches.
Does anyone remember the Election Special with Kevin Philips-Bong from the Slightly Silly party and Tarquin Fin-Tim-Lim-Bim-F'tang-F'tang-Biscuitbarrel from the Silly Party.
Which one scored 'No votes at all, not one, in fact b****r all!'?
Does anyone remember the Election Special with Kevin Philips-Bong from the Slightly Silly party and Tarquin Fin-Tim-Lim-Bim-F'tang-F'tang-Biscuitbarrel from the Silly Party.
Which one scored 'No votes at all, not one, in fact b****r all!'?
FORTY WINKS!!
I confess!
I sat down to watch the lunchtime news and woke up an hour later - clearly there was nothing rivetingly exciting to report then!
I sat down to watch the lunchtime news and woke up an hour later - clearly there was nothing rivetingly exciting to report then!
GREAT TIMING
Just gone nine o'clock and the Sky man's here! Shouldn't take too long to do what he needs to do and then we've got the rest of the day to ourselves. It'll be good to be able to change the channel without allowing for a five minute delay while it makes up it's mind to get on with it!
GOT TO HANG AROUND...
... for the Sky man this morning. Yes we DO need a new Sky box. Should arrive between eight and one, so the pups have already had two walks just in case we have to wait in all morning.
The pups woke US this morning, just before 6.00. I think they were getting their own back on Charles after HIS super early start yesterday.
Not sure what I'm going to do today, to be honest. It's very grey and overcast so not an ideal day for being in the garden. Maybe, when the Sky guy has done his stuff, we'll go for a trip to Heighley Gate to buy new plants to fill the gaps left by those that perished during the winter. I have an idea that a lavender hedge along the top edge of the lawn at the front of the house would be rather nice, but will probably need to convince Charles about this!
Good to see that a new couple of posters turned up last night, albeit anonymously. It would be great if they became regular participants as I'm sure Dannymatt feels extremely pressurised being the only regular contributor!
The pups woke US this morning, just before 6.00. I think they were getting their own back on Charles after HIS super early start yesterday.
Not sure what I'm going to do today, to be honest. It's very grey and overcast so not an ideal day for being in the garden. Maybe, when the Sky guy has done his stuff, we'll go for a trip to Heighley Gate to buy new plants to fill the gaps left by those that perished during the winter. I have an idea that a lavender hedge along the top edge of the lawn at the front of the house would be rather nice, but will probably need to convince Charles about this!
Good to see that a new couple of posters turned up last night, albeit anonymously. It would be great if they became regular participants as I'm sure Dannymatt feels extremely pressurised being the only regular contributor!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
ALL WELL!
Just to let you know that if the girls are left IN THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT they are absolutely fine when left for a while.
We had a long walk and then I left them for about an hour and a half while I went to Morpeth and they didn't even make much of fuss when I returned!
So, Saturday evening aside, they are doing pretty well now and there are no signs of separation anxiety at all - from me that is!!
We had a long walk and then I left them for about an hour and a half while I went to Morpeth and they didn't even make much of fuss when I returned!
So, Saturday evening aside, they are doing pretty well now and there are no signs of separation anxiety at all - from me that is!!
THAT'S THAT THEN!
Another bank holiday bites the dust. Still for all those teachers amongst you - not long to wait for half term!
I notice that only Dannymatt replied to my plea for holiday weekend news - what a reticent lot you are! I KNOW you are out there you know!!
Charles went of at the crack of sparrows this morning as he has to be in Leeds for a conference at 9am. I DID toy with the idea of accompanying him and taking Lily and Rose to visit their Nan, but then reconsidered as I thought the journeys, combined with being in a strange house might be a bit unsettling for them. (And THEY might be a bit unsettling for Nan as well!)
As a result of Charles's early start, the pups also got up before they were really ready and are just a little bit fractious with each other this morning. I can see a very long walk coming on to get them really tired out before I go down to Morpeth to do the shopping.
Hmmm, listening in to the news - it would appear that there are more problems with flights due to that ash cloud. Considering there were some people in our hotel who had been given this week as the first opportunity to fly home I expect they'll be past themselves when they hear this latest development.
I notice that only Dannymatt replied to my plea for holiday weekend news - what a reticent lot you are! I KNOW you are out there you know!!
Charles went of at the crack of sparrows this morning as he has to be in Leeds for a conference at 9am. I DID toy with the idea of accompanying him and taking Lily and Rose to visit their Nan, but then reconsidered as I thought the journeys, combined with being in a strange house might be a bit unsettling for them. (And THEY might be a bit unsettling for Nan as well!)
As a result of Charles's early start, the pups also got up before they were really ready and are just a little bit fractious with each other this morning. I can see a very long walk coming on to get them really tired out before I go down to Morpeth to do the shopping.
Hmmm, listening in to the news - it would appear that there are more problems with flights due to that ash cloud. Considering there were some people in our hotel who had been given this week as the first opportunity to fly home I expect they'll be past themselves when they hear this latest development.
Monday, 3 May 2010
HAS EVERYONE GONE AWAY FOR THE BANK HOLIDAY?
It feels a bit lonely on here today!
Maybe we could have a thread on 'What I did this weekend' or is that a bit too much like the Reception Class News.
Mind you it won't be much of a thread unless some of you come out of the woodwork and declare yourselves. Go on - you know you want to!!
Maybe we could have a thread on 'What I did this weekend' or is that a bit too much like the Reception Class News.
Mind you it won't be much of a thread unless some of you come out of the woodwork and declare yourselves. Go on - you know you want to!!
VERY PRODUCTIVE DAY!
That's the garden sorted - for now anyway. It looks much tidier after our blitz this morning. How do buttercups manage to survive the winter and come back as strong as ever? That's what I want to know. We've got plenty of plants that haven't survived the severe winter (quite a number of cordylines and a very attractive bottle brush plant have failed to thrive), but buttercups are not amongst them unfortunately.
We let the girs have a run around the lawn this afternoon. The experience does not fill me with confidence however. They raced around like crazed things, chasing in and out of the flower beds and exploring under the trees and behind the bushes - and there was no way they were going to come when they were called, regardless of the veritable truckload of treats we were armed with. In the end it was pretty much a case of throwing ourselves to the ground in the hope of rugby tackling one of them as they sped past. We managed it in the end, but I hate to think how we would cope in a more open space like the dog park or, heaven forbid, the beach!
James has been round for lunch, accompanied of course by his laundry. He's coming down with the cold I had in New York - and STILL have actually. In fact I'm getting a bit fed up with it now.
We had a roast dinner today, which has just confused me further about which day of the week it actually is! I've got that drowsy Sunday afternoon feeling despite it being Monday, so I might go and see if the girls are ready for another walk just to perk me up a bit!
We let the girs have a run around the lawn this afternoon. The experience does not fill me with confidence however. They raced around like crazed things, chasing in and out of the flower beds and exploring under the trees and behind the bushes - and there was no way they were going to come when they were called, regardless of the veritable truckload of treats we were armed with. In the end it was pretty much a case of throwing ourselves to the ground in the hope of rugby tackling one of them as they sped past. We managed it in the end, but I hate to think how we would cope in a more open space like the dog park or, heaven forbid, the beach!
James has been round for lunch, accompanied of course by his laundry. He's coming down with the cold I had in New York - and STILL have actually. In fact I'm getting a bit fed up with it now.
We had a roast dinner today, which has just confused me further about which day of the week it actually is! I've got that drowsy Sunday afternoon feeling despite it being Monday, so I might go and see if the girls are ready for another walk just to perk me up a bit!
LOVELY WALK THIS MORNING
It's sunny but very chilly. However, we had a great walk for two reasons:
1) We got talking to the man who lives right at the bottom of our estate. He has a labrador who our girls love to play with, so we began with their usual greeting and then got chatting and were somehow invited to have a look at the back garden - which was just fabulous. Fantastic views over Simonside and a wonderfully laid out garden with so many interesting sections and features I could happily have spent the day there just taking it all in. (Made me look at our own garden in a very different way!)
2) We took the girls down a little track that we haven't used before, mainly because it's always been water-logged. But it's dried out now and led us away from the village, through the fields and was a really pretty walk (apart from the rabbit's leg we discovered, shortly before discovering the rest of the rabbit's body - didn't like that at all!) and certainly one we will do again if the weather is dry.
Okay now we're going to get started on the weeding...
...could be a while!!
1) We got talking to the man who lives right at the bottom of our estate. He has a labrador who our girls love to play with, so we began with their usual greeting and then got chatting and were somehow invited to have a look at the back garden - which was just fabulous. Fantastic views over Simonside and a wonderfully laid out garden with so many interesting sections and features I could happily have spent the day there just taking it all in. (Made me look at our own garden in a very different way!)
2) We took the girls down a little track that we haven't used before, mainly because it's always been water-logged. But it's dried out now and led us away from the village, through the fields and was a really pretty walk (apart from the rabbit's leg we discovered, shortly before discovering the rest of the rabbit's body - didn't like that at all!) and certainly one we will do again if the weather is dry.
Okay now we're going to get started on the weeding...
...could be a while!!
Sunday, 2 May 2010
HAD A REALLY NICE DAY
It was great to see Helen and Bill, especially as it was a complete surprise.
The pups loved all the extra attention and were very well behaved apart from when we left them alone when we went to the Village Inn for an early evening meal and they somehow managed to drag the box containing leads. collars, poop bags and other bits and pieces off the window sill onto the floor here they proceeded to shred as many items as possible before we returned.
It was my fault really. I knew they should have been left in their big crate, but Charles said there shouldn't be a problem leaving them out of it, so foolishly we gave it a try. Obviously one of the leads has been dangling out of the box, they've given it a tug and the whole lot has then come down. Once this happened they had an orgy of destruction, so we came back to find a considerable mess and two very sheepish pups.
In future, when they are left home alone they WILL stay in their crate Charles.
All the excitement left them very tired and we've had to jolly them along for a couple of hours in an attempt to keep them up as long as possible. (I still live in hope of a lie in you see, but reckon this will only happen if the have a late night.)
So, anyway, tomorrow - James is coming for lunch, we'll be ringing Sky to say we need a new box (told you that on Friday Charles) and weeding the beds in the back garden. (We managed to get the grass cut, edges trimmed and the front garden weeded this morning - so at least we've made a start.
The forecast sounds a little better than today, although it won't be much warmer unfortunately.
The pups loved all the extra attention and were very well behaved apart from when we left them alone when we went to the Village Inn for an early evening meal and they somehow managed to drag the box containing leads. collars, poop bags and other bits and pieces off the window sill onto the floor here they proceeded to shred as many items as possible before we returned.
It was my fault really. I knew they should have been left in their big crate, but Charles said there shouldn't be a problem leaving them out of it, so foolishly we gave it a try. Obviously one of the leads has been dangling out of the box, they've given it a tug and the whole lot has then come down. Once this happened they had an orgy of destruction, so we came back to find a considerable mess and two very sheepish pups.
In future, when they are left home alone they WILL stay in their crate Charles.
All the excitement left them very tired and we've had to jolly them along for a couple of hours in an attempt to keep them up as long as possible. (I still live in hope of a lie in you see, but reckon this will only happen if the have a late night.)
So, anyway, tomorrow - James is coming for lunch, we'll be ringing Sky to say we need a new box (told you that on Friday Charles) and weeding the beds in the back garden. (We managed to get the grass cut, edges trimmed and the front garden weeded this morning - so at least we've made a start.
The forecast sounds a little better than today, although it won't be much warmer unfortunately.
JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT...
... we'd got the day planned, my sister rings up and says she and Bill are in Gosforth, are we doing anything or can they come round!
Absolutely you can. The gardening can wait till tomorrow, it'll be much more fun to see you two!
Absolutely you can. The gardening can wait till tomorrow, it'll be much more fun to see you two!
IT'S STILL TAKING...
... a bit of getting used to, seeing these two close-cropped little things around the house - and I have to look very carefully at them to tell them apart. One thing I've noticed this morning is that they have 'lollipop' heads. You know that term - when girls have big hair and tiny skinny size zero bodies. Well that's what the pups look like now. In fact their shoulders seem to have disappeared completely, so they've got big heads, thin scrawny little necks, no shoulders and skinny little bodies with bony legs. It's not a good look! Rose has taken to only sitting on a blanket as opposed to the cool floor tiles she enjoyed so much before, presumably because she no longer has the insulating padding she had previously.
I have to thank Charles for letting them give me a very boisterous wake up call this morning! Last night I'd pointed out that I have done the early shift every day since we got home and that it was probably HIS turn to get up first this morning. This duly happened, but he clearly needed to call in the cavalry, because just half an hour later he was encouraging the gorls to 'Go and wake Mummy up' which they did with wet licks, nuzzling and pummelling whilst I was attempting to burrow back into the pillows. How very thoughtful of you Charles. I must remember to do the same for you some time - probably tomorrow!
I have to thank Charles for letting them give me a very boisterous wake up call this morning! Last night I'd pointed out that I have done the early shift every day since we got home and that it was probably HIS turn to get up first this morning. This duly happened, but he clearly needed to call in the cavalry, because just half an hour later he was encouraging the gorls to 'Go and wake Mummy up' which they did with wet licks, nuzzling and pummelling whilst I was attempting to burrow back into the pillows. How very thoughtful of you Charles. I must remember to do the same for you some time - probably tomorrow!
CALLING JOHN RICHARDSON
For those of you who don't know who this person is, let me enlighten you. He's the husband of Charles's cousin and has admitted to another source (Charles's brother!) that he has been reading this blog.
He and his wife (Charles's cousin) were stranded in Spain during the volcanic ash scare and apparently have sone interesting stories to tell (according to Charles's brother!)
So, come on John - don't be shy - get signed up and let's share our 'Stranded Miles Away from Home' stories.
He and his wife (Charles's cousin) were stranded in Spain during the volcanic ash scare and apparently have sone interesting stories to tell (according to Charles's brother!)
So, come on John - don't be shy - get signed up and let's share our 'Stranded Miles Away from Home' stories.
INTERESTING TO SEE...
... that Times Square was evacuated yesterday following the discovery of a suspect device in a car. Charles's comment on hearing this was, 'Hmmm, interesting, I thought there was a heavy police presence.'
It's true - the place was swarming with police, but to be fair they never really looked as if they were actually on duty. Most of them were engaged in posing for photos with the many tourists (us included) and James was of the opinion that they were actually FAKE POLICE who were brought in especially for photo opportunities. (Not that he ever voiced this opinion within their hearing!) Most of them stood around in small groups, chewing gum, eating their Dunkin' Doughnuts and/or drinking take out coffee. There would be a bunch of mounted guys somewhere in the square, but again they were always dead casual and just appeared to be there for the PR.
I would imagine that there would be fairly chaotic scenes when these guys morphed into serious cops and got everyone out of the danger zone.
I guess that the racket from the headquarters in the street next to our hotel would have been something else as well, as it is the closest to Times Square. The noise from there and the FDNY on the next street is something we don't miss one bit!
Every morning at 6ish there would be an almighty exchange of police sirens as, we guessed, the shifts changed over. In fact one of our aims, which we failed to achieve because we'd lost the will to live, was to capture an image of all the NYPD vehicles parked up along the street (rear tyres always parked on the 'sidewalk' front facing the street for quick get away) and the policemen armed with their Starbucks and Dunkins. I actually think the 6 o'clock siren-fest was probably a call to breakfast!
It's true - the place was swarming with police, but to be fair they never really looked as if they were actually on duty. Most of them were engaged in posing for photos with the many tourists (us included) and James was of the opinion that they were actually FAKE POLICE who were brought in especially for photo opportunities. (Not that he ever voiced this opinion within their hearing!) Most of them stood around in small groups, chewing gum, eating their Dunkin' Doughnuts and/or drinking take out coffee. There would be a bunch of mounted guys somewhere in the square, but again they were always dead casual and just appeared to be there for the PR.
I would imagine that there would be fairly chaotic scenes when these guys morphed into serious cops and got everyone out of the danger zone.
I guess that the racket from the headquarters in the street next to our hotel would have been something else as well, as it is the closest to Times Square. The noise from there and the FDNY on the next street is something we don't miss one bit!
Every morning at 6ish there would be an almighty exchange of police sirens as, we guessed, the shifts changed over. In fact one of our aims, which we failed to achieve because we'd lost the will to live, was to capture an image of all the NYPD vehicles parked up along the street (rear tyres always parked on the 'sidewalk' front facing the street for quick get away) and the policemen armed with their Starbucks and Dunkins. I actually think the 6 o'clock siren-fest was probably a call to breakfast!
Saturday, 1 May 2010
THE PUPS ARE...
... absolutely exhausted this evening. In fact they've hardly wanted to do anything since we got them home from Woofcuts. They are either still suffering from the trauma of the experience (apparently Rose found it pretty dfficult) or they are mortified by their appearance and are just wanting to sleep until they look less bald!
I can't get over how tiny they both look - although it's pretty much the way they look when we've bathed them - and you know how difficult it is to tell them apart on those occasions.
We managed to persuade them to go for a short walk earlier and Rose nearly slipped out of her collar because it's now much too big for her skinny little neck!
Right now all four of us are collapsed in front of the telly having a very lazy evening. Charles and I ended up having a busy day, rushing into town and calling at Heighley Gate while the girls were being sorted out, then clearing out loads of clothes for recycling (yes - some of mine as well!), putting holiday photos onto CD so we can bore people to death, sorting out the problem with my email so I can spend more time happily deleting mountains of spam.
And tomorrow is gardening day... fun eh Charles?
I can't get over how tiny they both look - although it's pretty much the way they look when we've bathed them - and you know how difficult it is to tell them apart on those occasions.
We managed to persuade them to go for a short walk earlier and Rose nearly slipped out of her collar because it's now much too big for her skinny little neck!
Right now all four of us are collapsed in front of the telly having a very lazy evening. Charles and I ended up having a busy day, rushing into town and calling at Heighley Gate while the girls were being sorted out, then clearing out loads of clothes for recycling (yes - some of mine as well!), putting holiday photos onto CD so we can bore people to death, sorting out the problem with my email so I can spend more time happily deleting mountains of spam.
And tomorrow is gardening day... fun eh Charles?
TRYING VERY HARD...
... to get used to the pups altered appearance. The biggest change, of course, is in Rose. For the first time ever we can see her eyes properly - and they look really sad!
Both of them feel like velvet though and they smell of baby powder which is one of those fabulous scents that bring back all sorts of lovely memories. I've spent ages just inhaling the girls since we got them back!
I'm going to have to warn James to expect quite a change in them, because when we were away we came across two little dogs (not westies) that had been clipped to within an inch of their lives and he did comment that he hoped we wouldn't have our two done as extremely as that. Well Jim, those dogs in New York were nothing compared to our two!
Both of them feel like velvet though and they smell of baby powder which is one of those fabulous scents that bring back all sorts of lovely memories. I've spent ages just inhaling the girls since we got them back!
I'm going to have to warn James to expect quite a change in them, because when we were away we came across two little dogs (not westies) that had been clipped to within an inch of their lives and he did comment that he hoped we wouldn't have our two done as extremely as that. Well Jim, those dogs in New York were nothing compared to our two!
IMAGINE THIS...
... You're in the coffee shop in John Lewis and sitting next to you are two sweet little old ladies who are clearly enjoying a day out in town. They are smartly dressed for the occasion in tweed skirts and pastel coloured blouses under their neatle tailored jackets. Make up is immaculate - cheeks powdered and just a hint of rouge (or maybe they've been pinching their cheeks like my mum used to do to give them a bit of colour - ouch!) Pearls sitting neatly around their necks. One took her seat while the other went off for the cherry scones and a pot of tea for two. They looked just like evryones idea of Gran.
And then a mobile went off and one of these dear little ladies whipped it out of her bag! That in itself ruined my picture of the ideal grandma - but the finishing touch was the ringtone...
...' Hey Big Spender' !!!
Just goes to show how deceptive appearances can be!
And then a mobile went off and one of these dear little ladies whipped it out of her bag! That in itself ruined my picture of the ideal grandma - but the finishing touch was the ringtone...
...' Hey Big Spender' !!!
Just goes to show how deceptive appearances can be!
TWO LITTLE SKINHEADS!
We now have two completely shorn little dogs who look identical.
The only distinguishing features now are their identity disks - red for Rose and silver for Lily - other than that I'm really going to struggle!
I have to say they've been cut a lot shorter than I expected, although I think that secretly Dannymatt had an inkling that this would be the outcome.
Anyway, it will grow of course and will be nice and cool in the (hopefully) warmer weather.
Pictures will follow - but be prepared for a shock!
The only distinguishing features now are their identity disks - red for Rose and silver for Lily - other than that I'm really going to struggle!
I have to say they've been cut a lot shorter than I expected, although I think that secretly Dannymatt had an inkling that this would be the outcome.
Anyway, it will grow of course and will be nice and cool in the (hopefully) warmer weather.
Pictures will follow - but be prepared for a shock!
SATURDAY MORNING...
... and the girls allowed us (me) a little lie in till 7am - very kind of you girls!
We're just getting ready for our trip to Woofcuts. Both pups were brushed thoroughly last night, just so the groomer doesn't think we're totally inadequate owners and photos have been taken of their pre-groomed state.
Not sure how long they'll be there, so we're not really able to plan the rest of the day just yet, but I'm making sure that Charles takes a petrol can so that we've got fuel for the lawnmower which will be used at some time during the weekend. No doubt he's thrilled by that prospect!
It IS, of course, much colder this morning, but nothing is going to deter me from getting the garden sorted out!
Right - quick walk, then we're off to Shilbottle.
Back later!
We're just getting ready for our trip to Woofcuts. Both pups were brushed thoroughly last night, just so the groomer doesn't think we're totally inadequate owners and photos have been taken of their pre-groomed state.
Not sure how long they'll be there, so we're not really able to plan the rest of the day just yet, but I'm making sure that Charles takes a petrol can so that we've got fuel for the lawnmower which will be used at some time during the weekend. No doubt he's thrilled by that prospect!
It IS, of course, much colder this morning, but nothing is going to deter me from getting the garden sorted out!
Right - quick walk, then we're off to Shilbottle.
Back later!
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