ROSY CHEEKS!!

That's what you get when you're out walking on a day like this. It really is ARCTIC out there. I don't think the temperature has risen above freezing all day today.
So, the pups are well exercised. Lily is trying to have a sleep on the chair and Rose isn't! This is the time when tempers flare. Rose does everything she can to attract Lily's attention - yapping, nibbling, pawing, tugging - and Lily really doesn't want to know. She ignores it for a while and then lets Rose have it! Serves you right Rose - you were asking for trouble!

NEW PLAY AREA

Did I say it was about 4 times the size of their usual playground? Well make that about ten times actually!
Charles spent the morning putting heavy duty mesh around the raised flower beds and moving all the tubs to the front. Then we let the pups loose!
They have probably had more exercise in the last couple of hours than at any time when we have taken them for walks. They can run around to their hearts content and have certainly clocked up some miles.
Just to make sure they are absolutely exhausted, we are about to take them out for a walk, although this may have more to do with us walking off our Sunday lunch.
(In the time it took me to type that last sentence, the pups have taken themselves to bed and are flat out!!)

OKAY - SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS...

WHY IS IT THAT WHEN MY HAIR WAS DARK ie NATURAL COLOUR - I HAD GREY ROOTS COMING THOUGH AND WHEN I DECIDED TO GO BLONDE I NOW HAVE DARK ROOTS?
HOW DOES THAT WORK?

THEN AGAIN...

.... THE WAY MURRAY'S PLAYING, WE'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT LONG!

BUT THEN AGAIN...

... I forgot about the tennis, so we won't be going anywhere yet!

WE'RE GOING TO...

... try to reorganise the back garden today, so that the pups can play out there. At the moment we have loads of pots (winter pansies) and the pups head straight for these to practice their digging skills. So we are going to try and get these moved to the front of the house where the pups cant get their paws on (in?) them.
We've fenced off the patio area from the lawn, so that they are still contained to a certain extent, but they will have about four times the space that they have at present just from playing on the decking and patio.
Anyway, before we do that we need to take a trip to Homebase, so we'll go and do that now and I'll update you later as to our progress!

DON'T EVEN WANT TO MENTION...

... THE FOOTBALL LAST NIGHT.
Reading the NUFC boards, there are lots of 'fans' who are already calling for Hughton's blood!
Okay, it was a disappointing result - but we didn't lose. However, I just can't see how we are going to stay at the top if our form continues to be as mediocre as this.
One thing though - WHY IS NICKY BUTT STILL PLAYING (I USE THE TERM LOOSELY) FOR US??? He's past it. In fact I could probably do a better job myself!
Looks like Moses won't be coming to us. It would have been too good to be true anyway.
So, just got till the end of play tomorrow if we are going to sign a striker. Hmmmm. Let's not hold our breath!

IT REALLY IS...

.... LAZY LIKE A SUNDAY MORNING!!!
The pups didn't wake up until I went through to them just before 8 0'clock, so that means we have had a LIE IN this morning!!
Hooray!!!

MORE OF THE FLAMING WHITE STUFF!

Woke up his morning to a good covering of snow again, but we had decided to go to Alnwick and were undeterred. What's a bit of snow?
Well, quite a lot actually, especially as it was obviously the gritters' night off and the snow was considerably heavier as we headed north.
In fact we were so traumatised by the journey through Newton-on-the-Moor to the A1 that we decided to return via Morpeth!

WINDY WEATHER = UNSETTLED PUPS!

Hmmm. Not that they're being particularly awful, but the pups are definitely a bit flighty today.
Admittedly we haven't been out for a walk yet and this is because they ARE so excitable that I know it is going to be extra difficult to get them to walk well. Plus the fact that the snow showers this morning have left the footpaths lethally slippery and I don't fancy having to control the two of them when they have their own wind-fuelled agenda.
I've got a bit tired of waiting for newcastle news now to be honest. It all began well this morning, and even at one point sounded as if the Moses thing MIGHT happen. But all has gone quiet during the last few hors and according to his agent he'd rather go to real Madrid anyway!! (Let's think about that - Madrid or Newcastle? What's to decide? (A bit like the choice Charles had to make years ago when we were living in Oxfordshire - Hong Kong or Ashington! A no brainer really!!!)

WHAT'S GOING ON?

PATRICK VON AANHOLT (LB - one month loan) AND FITZ HALL (defender - loan till end of season)
Is this really NUFC?
ARE THEY REALLY Filling much needed gaps in the squad or is it all a dream??
COME ON TOON - GET CRACKING ON MOSES NEXT!

HOW GOOD WAS...

'Silent Witness' last night?
Can't wait for the second part this evening.

SNOWING AGAIN!

Nothing really significant, but snow nevertheless. And it's absolutely freezing.
The pups don't seem to notice it though and have had a good runaround outside this morning. At the moment they are curled up together in one of the little beds having their first snooze of the day.
Maybe when they stir themselves, we'll go down to Morpeth to do the shopping for the weekend. On the other hand, as it's so cold and horrible, I might decide to leave it until tomorrow!!
We had a good night with the girls again. They did disturb briefly at about midnight, when Madam next door returned noisily from her night out, but they quickly settled again and were still asleep when Charles got up this morning. I've noticed that whenever they are woken before they're really ready they tend to sleep a lot more during the day to catch up. They're also a bit grumpy with each other until they've got their sleep quota up again! Just like us then, really!!

OH WELL - THERE YOU GO...

... the Journal is reporting that our bid has been turned down.
What a surprise!
Clearly the words 'highest' and 'offer' aren't part of Fat Ash's vocabulary.

AM WAITING IN VAIN (PROBABLY!)...

... to hear the news that NUFC have signed Victor Moses from Crystal Palace.
I'm certain this won't actually happen because it could be a very good thing for our club, and we are not known for having good things happen - but if we have, as is being reported, made an improved offer, I suppose there's always an outside chance.
On the other hand, our esteemed owner (who is to be the subject of a documentary on Sunday evening entitled 'Mike Ashley Uncovered' - let's hope that doesn't mean literally because that would be GROSS) won't be wanting to pay over the odds will he, even though Moses might just be the sort of player who could do a really good job for us. Speculate to accumulate, eh Ashley?

THANK CRUNCHIE IT'S FRIDAY (OR EVEN THURSDAY!)

James made me laugh on Wednesday night when we stopped to fill my mini up with diesel. I asked him if he wanted anything from the shop and he said he'd like a Crunchie to eat at work the next day. I reminded him that it would only be Thursday (aren't you only allowed to eat Crunchies on Friday) and he replied that he knew this but it made the weekend come sooner!!
So there you go - if the week at work is dragging, just get yourself a Crunchie and kid yourself!
(Just as a point of interest, while I was searching out the Crunchie I spotted DARK CHOCOLATE BOUNTIES! I haven't seen these for years. In fact I'm pretty sure I was bemoaning that fact on this very blog a while back. Obviously I had to have one - just to see if they were as yummy as I remembered - OH YES IT WAS, especially after being in the fridge for a while!)

A VERY LAZY AFTERNOON!

Just what we needed after a busy morning!
The pups have slept for most of the afternoon, while I have been able to lounge around reading - absolute bliss!!
However, I now realise that I haven't got a clue what to do for our evening meal! There's plenty of stuff to choose from, but somehow, nothing seems to go together!
I'm just watching the pups and having a bit of a chuckle. Rose keeps sneaking up behind Lily and tapping her with her front paw (obviously she has TWO front paws, but she's only using one) then crouching down with her tail wagging like mad, looking at her expectantly and waiting for her to come and play. They really do enjoy teasing and tormenting each other, especially at this time of day. Right now, Roe has managed to rouse Lily from her soporific state and they have both got their teeth firmly clamped around poor old Sean the Sheep, who is having the living daylights shaken out of him. It's become a real tug-of war! In a few minutes it will become so boisterous that I'll have to open the door and let them battle it out in the garden.
Of course it won't be too long before Charles gets home. As soon as I mention this to the girls they will take up position by the French doors, staring at the drive and positively WILLING him to arrive. Such adulation!

VERY TIRED PUPPIES

We've just been out and about in the village and the pups have walked their little legs off!
They're having a well-deserved lie down now! (wish I was too!)
Instead I'm cleaning out the filter on the tumble drier. Not the bit at the front of the drum - I've done that already as I do regularly, but the SERIOUS bit at the bottom of the machine, the bit that has a little door and two clips to release the thing that is obviously the REAL FILTER. I hadn't known about this until today! I just assumed that the bit at the front was all I had to worry about, but having cleaned it out and finding that the warning light was still on I had to have a better look and that's when I found THE SECRET FILTER!!!
Anyway, I've given it a good clear out and there's no more warning light so it must have done the trick.
Now I need to know why the outside tap has suddenly stopped working! (But there's no way I'm going to investigate that one. Charles can see to it when he gets back! He'll love that!)

MORNING ALL!!!

Don't worry, I'm not slacking or being tardy!
I've just had one of those manic mornings, when I've tried to do a zillion things at once, preferably before the pups wake and want some attention.
They've had n early walk today as Charles didn't need to leave for work at his usual time of 7.45 and had a few extra minutes to spare, so he and the pups were dispatched for walkies while I caught up with the chores.
According to Charles they pups were lovely during my night off at the match. They'd been walked, fed and watered and had watched telly for an hour or so - so a relatively calm evening was had by all. (Not as calm as my evening at SJP it has to be said! I have very little voice this morning from all the yelling I did that clearly had no effect whatsoever. During one of the lengthy periods of near silence during the game, the guy who sits next to me got so frustrated with the state of affairs on the pitch that he yelled, 'Sort it out Mr Hughton. It's S**t!!' which cause laughter all around the Gallowgate and was probably clearly heard in the dugout too! I don't think I've ever known SJP be so quiet. The few Palace supporters made much more noise than we did.)
Gosh - I'm shattered now!!! House is cleaned, floors hoovered and mopped, all ironing done, puppy play area outside disinfected (cos James said it smelled of pee and poop, even though I do clean it every day!), beds changed and remade... and it's not 11,00 yet! Not bad going then!
It's quite a nice morning, so when they wake up I'll take the girls out again. I could do with a bit of fresh air.

BACK FROM THE MATCH...

... AND WHAT A LOAD OF OLD TOSH!
If it wasn't for a Crystal palace own goal and a Nile Ranger goal in extra time, that James and I both missed because we'd lost the will to live, there would be little positive to take from the game, other than to say that the two new signings did well on their debuts.
We looked tired, lacklustre and careless.
How we're top of the league I do not know. God help us if we DO somehow manage to go up next season!

IT'S A WEEK NOW...

... since that awful day when I thought I couldn't cope with the pups.
Hopefully, without tempting providence, they have improved beyond all recognition and it's kind of difficult to recall why I was getting into such a state!
They're going to be good girls for Charles this evening while Mum goes to the football! He'll get his first taste of walking them on his own, so I hope they continue to behave themselves.
Just heard that NUFC have FINALLY completed the deal on Williamson and that he MAY feature tonight. Also Palace's Moses is not allowed to play now that they've gone into administration because he's their most valuable asset and they don't want to risk him if he's about to be sold imminently. So, if we can't get a win tonight we're in trouble!

WHAT TO WEAR...

... for the match tonight?
This is a major concern. How many layers can a human being realistically put on without a) looking like Michelin woman and b) stopping the circulation in one's arms and legs?
Of course, the ideal solution to this problem would be for Newcastle to play out of their skins, scoring a goal every five minutes which would mean we can all jump up and down and hug each other thereby keeping as warm as toast!

JUST BACK FROM MORPETH

But nothing of any interest to report!
Just very boring food shopping.
To be honest, I would have gone for a walk up the main street, but it was so cold I just headed straight back home.
Now, in a way, the cold was a GOOD thing because it appeared to be responsible for keeping all the old folks indoors and not cluttering up the aisles in the supermarket. I shall remember this in future!

THE MAN ON THE WEATHER FORECAST...

... said it's a MILD start to the day.
He's got to be joking!
Clearly he isn't in Northumberland, where it is absolutely BITTER!!

TWO GAMES IN HAND!

THANK GOODNESS!
Nottingham Forest didn't do us any favours last night did they?
COME ON TOON - GET IT SORTED!

LILY IS...

... a real telly addict!
She's just had her tea and is now sitting on the floor in the pups room watching Sky Sports News!! Can't take her eyes off it! Obviously waiting to see if NUFC have completed the signing of that Pompey player that must have entered the Guinness Book of Records for Longest Transfer Carry On.

NUFC MAKE A SIGNING!!

And one that I understand is pretty desirable.
Don't think anyone saw Wayne Routledge coming to SJP.
Will tomorrow be soon for him to play?

IT'S NOT ON!!

Why isn't it on?
'It's Me or the Dog' - why have they taken it off and put some programme about very overweight people on instead? I don't need to know about a lot of very heavy people in bootcamp! i want my training programme back.

TOOK DIFFERENT ROUTE TODAY

And won't be doing it again!
Decided that the only way I'm going to conquer my reluctance to walk the pups on my own - is to actually get to grips with it AND DO IT!
So, after a bit of a struggle getting them into their coats, we set off. All was okay at the start, until I decided to go a different way today, without realising that the route I had chosen took us past many ferocious and very big dogs that have obviously been left in their gardens while their owners are at work and are just waiting for a distraction so that they can growl and snarl and jump up and bark to their hearts' content.
It would appear that there is barely a house that DOESN'T have a manic dog living in it and we certainly encountered them all today. Obviously my two were unsettled by all this verbal abuse and didn't really settle into their walk at all as they were on edge all the time.
Still, at least we've learned NOT to go towards Harecross Farm again and to stick to either Villa Lane or to go fro a tour of the village green.
We do have a designated dog walking area in the village. It's little more than a field, and I think most owners use it as a space to let their dogs off the lead so they can have a good runaround, but we haven't quite got to that stage yet. Charles seems to think that the pups will come back when they are called, but I know that once they are distracted by something they will not come back without an awful lot of persuasion and I am not prepared to let them loose until they can come, regardless of what is going on around them.
Right, the pups are settling down and I'm, hopefully, going to watch the next installment of 'It's Me or the Dog'.
(One other thing about today's walk: I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER WHO HAS NOISY, BARKY DOGS! FEEL GOOD ABOUT THAT!!)

'NO BARK'

I have to say that the 'no bark' command DOES seem to be having an impact.
Lily and Rose had got into the habit of having a right old bark at ANYTHING that passed our house, but with lots of rewards when they manage not to do so, plenty of verbal reminder and a fair bit of distraction, we seem to be reducing the frequency and level of barking.
One of their worst times was when the kids were passing the end of the drive on their way to and from the school bus. Their loud and excitable voices would drive the pups mad. But now they just need a little reminder and they will cease and desist pretty much immediately.
There is one time when they find it pretty difficult (well, two actually - the second being when someone actually comes through the gate, regardless of who it is and then they will bark their heads off for a few seconds) NOT to bark and that is when they're playing their 'King (Queen?) of the Castle' game, when the top dog sits in splendid isolation on the step, preventing the other from accessing this lofty perch. It would appear that the lower dog HAS to bark to either plead for a place on the step or to deafen the top dog into submission. This is a very different type of barking from the one which we are trying to put a stop to, so I don't worry about it too much, although now that I think about it maybe that makes it a bit confusing for the pups.
Anyway, suffice to say the barking problem IS very definitely improving!

GOING TO THE MATCH ON WEDNESDAY

It'll be the first game I've been to for weeks!
James is going to pick me up after work (cos I don't drive in the dark) and hopefully we'll have time to go for a meal before kick off. After the game he's going to stay overnight with us.
Just hope, after our defeat on Saturday, that the boys get a grip and up their game.

WELL...

... we've done it!
The pups and I have had a most successful walk! Admittedly I didn't think it was going to happen as I was struggling to get their coats on, but once I'd got Rose dressed I put her in the crate which meant I could concentrate on Lily. Although they pulled a bit at first, they soon stopped once we'd got to the lane and we had a nice relaxed walk of about a mile. It goes without saying, that they are asleep again now!!!
This will do MY confidence a lot of good as I had completely lost it last week. I think it helped that we didn't encounter any other dogs today. Yes, they've been fine when two of us have walked them, but it's very different when I am on my own with them. The DID try to bark at david, who was making a delivery at one of the bungalows - but soon stopped when I told them that he was a very nice man who ran the best village shop in the country and stocks all sorts of tasty doggie treats!

MISERABLE MONDAY MORNING

Could have used titles from Dannymatt's amazing list of song titles for the week I suppose!
But it IS a very miserable, grey morning and it just happens to be Monday.
However, WE are NOT miserable are we pups - we had another good night's sleep last night and only woke up when it was time for Mum and Dad to get up. Hooray!!! Well done you two!
Haven't really thought about what we might do today. I suppose a lot depends on the weather. Despite what I said last week after the notorious aborted walk, I really would like to take the pups out on my own. They have walked really well for the past few days, very little pulling on the lead and minimal reaction to other dogs and pedestrians, so I MIGHT give it a go later, otherwise we'll have to wait until evening when Charles gets back.
I'm really glad we got those little waterproof coats for them. They really do protect the pups from the worst of the mud and grime, but even so we still need to give them a good towel dry when they get home from their jaunts.
The pups are having a rest now, so we won't be doing anything for a little while!

BEST WEEKEND WITH THE PUPS SO FAR!

Yes, it's true!
After the horrendous start to the week, things have improved beyond all recognition and the pups have been delightful over the weekend.
They have been amenable to each other, placid and biddable, cuddly and affectionate. They've slept well, eaten well (but they always do that!) and have been a joy to be around.
So, the next time I'm threatening to have them re-homed - someone remind me please that things do indeed get better!

WHAT'S THAT SONG?

You know, the one about 'lazy like a Sunday morning'?
Never really understood that!
I can vaguely imagine how nice it would be to sit around drinking cappuccinos and munching on apricot Danish and reading the papers - but sadly that's ALL I can do - just imagine it!
I won't go into all the sordid details because there may be some of you who ARE fortunate enough to be eating your apricot Dsnish whilst reading this, but we had an unfortunate poopy bottom experience with Rose this morning - and as a result had a major clean up (of her AND everything her bottom came into contact with before we were able to rugby tackle her into submission and get her sorted out). I must stress that this was NOT an accident, nor the result of an unsettled stomach but had a lot to do with the fact that Rose has so much fluffy coat around her nether regions...
... I'll leave you to get the picture!!
Anyway, she is reasonably clean now and both pups are having forty winks while we keep an eye on the weather (it's sleeting) before taking them out for another marathon walk. As reported yesterday, they were both absolutely shattered after having TWO long walks and they slept through without a peep from about 8pm until 7.30 this morning.
Charles and James are off to the cinema later and I've got beef in red wine simmering gently in the oven so that it's lovely and tender for later this afternoon. Don't worry - all food preparation areas and my hands have been well scrubbed and anti-bac'd following earlier poop incident, which didn't actually come into contact with said areas, but you can't be too careful can you?

HAVEN'T HAD MUCH TIME TODAY

Although if you asked me what I'd done, I'd struggle to tell you!
I suppose we began with long walk down Villa Lane during which Lily and Rose walked brilliantly and their encounters with other dogs and their owners was peaceful.
I went shopping in Morrisons before my 12.00 appointment at the hairdressers, thinking I had allowed enough time to fit in a cappuccino as well, only to find the supermarket was gridlocked with the elderly, infirm and - possibly even worse - mothers with spoilt brats whose every wish was being pandered to, along the lines of, 'No, no, no you can't... I've told you a million times... oh alright then, why not have two while we're at it?' So what should have been a 20 minute whizz round actually took nearer to 40, cutting out my coffee completely.
From the hairdressers I rushed home to unpack the shopping before James and Vicky arrived (If you're wondering about the lovely Kate - she's still lovely, but she and James are not together any more. No big deal. He's fine!!!)
Jim and Vicky stayed for a couple of hours and we had a good natter, then they took the pups out for another long walk - so they are absolutely shattered (the pups, not James and Vicky!)
As those two were leaving, Christina turned up and stayed for a bit, then Charles went to pick up the Indian takeaway that we didn't have last night and I prepared the veg for tomorrow's beef in red wine.
The pups have had a really good grooming session tonight. They needed it because they were manky to say the least. And at just gone 8.15, they have retired to their big crate, hopefully for the night!

SATURDAYS ARE GREAT AREN'T THEY?

Even though I'm not working, I still enjoy Saturdays more than any other day of the week. Probably due to years of looking forward to the weekend because, by rights, it shouldn't matter to me any more, but there you go. It does!
We've got the footie to look forward to this afternoon, although the news coming out of Timesonline isn't good about Steven Taylor - looks like we may have lost him to knee ligament damage for the rest of the season. We really did NOT need this.
Anyway, you probably don't want to know that and just need to know how the pups are this morning. Well, they're fine - they DID disturb in the night thanks to the thoughtless idiots who parked their car at the end of our drive around midnight with the radio on at sixty million decibels. I had just nodded off and was rudely awoken by the racket, thinking at first that I'd somehow landed in a club (disco for those of my generation!!) Obviously the pups were disturbed and ended up sleeping curled up together in one of the little beds OUTSIDE of the big crate! However, this was the only disturbance and they slept through until about 7.30, so that was something of a Saturday morning lie in for us!!
They're asleep (again) at the moment and we're just waiting for them to wake and then we'll take them for a walk down Villa Lane, before I head off to Morpeth for shopping and a quick wash and blowdry at SAKs.
James is coming round later on and tomorrow he and Charles are off to see the much acclaimed Avatar, having failed to get tickets for last weekend, so they'll be happy!

JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT...

....PUPPIES AWAKE...
...SO AM I...

TREE SURGEONS HA HA HA

About half an hour ago, a little man in a reflective coat turned up at the door. He claimed to be a 'tree surgeon' and tried to persuade me that the flowering cherry tree in the front garden needs to be cut back (It DOES actually, but that's not the point) and that whereas most 'tree surgeons' would charge £150 to do it, he could do it for the very reasonable sum of £80! 'Well, that's very interesting,' I said, 'seeing as we pay £100 to have ALL the trees in the back garden lopped. So no thank you.' Then he asked what I WOULD be prepared to pay. 'I MIGHT stretch to 20 quid,' was my reply, 'but I won't be asking you to do it, we'll just get our usual 'tree surgeon' to do it the next time he comes.' And off he went, with a sort of resigned shrug and a smirk as if to say, 'Stupid woman.'
Five minutes later, his mate turns up! 'I hear you would be prepared to pay £20 to have your tree cut back,' he says, 'We can do it for that!'
'Well I might be, but not to YOU thank you. IF you had quoted £20 in the first place I might have agreed, but now that you've tried to con me out of £60 you definitely won't be doing it! Bye bye!!'

I REALLY WISH...

... I hadn't found the box of dark chocolate gingers that I had hidden away before Christmas because I feel a bit sick now.

I THINK I'LL PERSUADE CHARLES...

... that it's time we had an Indian takeaway tonight! (From Morpeth Tandoori of course. After all we wouldn't want to get missed off their Christmas card and calendar list next year!)

FINALLY SWEPT...

... the last of the snow mountain away! How many weeks is that? Anyway, it's good to see the back of it!
We've had a great morning, with minimal barking and quick cessation if the pups HAVE forgotten for a while. For example, the arrival of the postman usually triggers a major outburst of barking from both pups, but today after a quick reminder, they managed to stay quiet - so that's a small success.
We're also working very hard on 'leave it' and 'take it' and we've got to a point where the pups will sit and then lie down for a treat, then will leave it on the floor until I tell them they can take it.
(Hmmm - just been on the phone to James - and Rose forgot the no bark' rule! Oh well, it IS early days I suppose!)

TOO MUCH INFORMATION...

... is available on t'internet - about ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING really.
I am, of course, referring to canine spaying, which I foolishly decided to research last night.
Why did I do this? Before the internet came along we would have been happy to accept the word of the professionals - so why do we now need to read every flaming article and opinion about everything. It just results in even more confusion, resulting in further indecision.
I had a chat with Charles last night about the subject and he suggested that, if indeed we are going to do this, we should book the pups in for surgery on the day he breaks up for half term which is about three weeks away. This will give us ten days when he is around to help and should see us over the worst of the recuperation period. Of course, there is a chance that the pups may come into season before then, but that is a risk we'll have to take. Again, there are conflicting opinions about whether to spay before or after the first season, and the vet herself didn't advise one way or the other.
Anyway, the pups are blissfully unaware of all these deliberations and have put themselves into the big crate for their morning sleep. They've both woken up in lovely moods today, so fingers crossed, that'll last for a while.

A GOOD NIGHT!!!

Not a peep out of the pups from the moment they went to sleep in their big crate.
Have they been missing the security of it?
Was Dannymatt right all along?

OH HECK!

I've just had the vet on the phone and all this neutering business sounds horrendous.
The vet went through all the positives and negatives, most of which we knew anyway, although apparently there is a very real risk of weight gain and a possibility of some incontinence.
She described the surgical procedure in enough detail to make me cringe and curl my toes in horror. She talked about the benefits of doing it pre and post first season. And then she explained about recuperation and after care.
Apparently we are going to have to keep them quiet and ON A LEAD IN THE HOUSE for a fortnight.
How the hell do we keep these two quiet and not let them get excited? I honestly can't imagine it at all.
While she was talking I was trying very hard to be positive about it all, but now I'm filled with all sorts of doubt.
Oh and just as a matter of interest, it'll cost just over £300 to have them both done!

WHY...

... have I just put my hand in my pocket...
... and pulled a teabag out?

AM WAITING...

... for one of the vets from the Morpeth Practice to give me a ring about having the pups spayed. Why do I feel so anxious about this? Millions of dogs must go through this procedure, but I feel as if I'm going to be putting them through some horrible, painful ordeal. I've always been a real wimp when animals are in pain and can't bear to see them suffering, so I think this is the root of my anxiety.
Anyway, the receptionist has said that someone will give me a ring to talk it through today, so I'll let you know what they say.

HAVE BROUGHT...

... THE BIG CRATE BACK INSIDE!
I just ant to see if it makes any difference to the pups at bedtime. It may be too late and they may well have developed bad habits, but they NEVER had a disturbed night in the crate, so we'll see what happens.
Admittedly we're a bit cramped for space now in their room, but for the time being we'll give it a go.

MORNING ALL!!

Is it really Thursday?
I tend to lose track of the days now, but I THINK it's Thursday.
James has packed up and left for his apartment, in the hope that the boiler man will actually have the requisite part when he turns up today.
I've had a mad dash around the house, cleaning up and tidying.
The pups are settled for their first sleep of the day. They have been pretty well behaved so far - although it IS only 9.30!!!
It was encouraging to note yesterday that both Charles and James are using the same commands as I do for the pups now. At least this will add some consistency to their training programme.
To be honest, we didn't have a brilliant night last night. Admittedly the problems began when James came in and, even though he was dead quiet, his presence disturbed the sleeping pups and they took a good while to settle properly again. So, although we all turned in for the night at about 10.30, it was midnight before the girls decided to do the same. I got up a couple of times to them, but only to tell them to get back to bed and eventually they decided to oblige. They don't get any fuss or cuddles at all during the night so that they don't start to think it's fun to be awake in the small hours.
I'm going to have a chat with the vet later today to find out about having the pups spayed. I think Dannymatt is right, the sooner we get them sorted the better!

PEANUT BUTTER

You know the Kongs that the pups love so much?
Well they have a new filling now - peanut butter and chopped apple - they love it!
I was a bit cautious about the PB to be honest, cos I guess some dogs may have an allergy to nuts just like humans, but I tried giving them the tiniest bit the other day and there was no adverse reaction, so now they've got an alternative to the cream cheese and biscuits that they usually have.
I'm trying to think about how I would rate today as far as the pups are concerned. Certainly not a 9/10 like yesterday, probably 6 or maybe 7/10, because they HAVE been good but have needed to be reminded about it, if that makes sense.
(I've just called them in from outside where they were playing and really couldn't tell them apart as they were running in. Lily is so much fluffier than she used to be, although her coat will never feel as soft as Rose's.)
It was really funny to see James's reaction the other evening when we bathed them, because I had told him that when they are wet they look identical and he agreed that it was almost impossible to tell them apart when they look like drowned rats.
I feel quite tired now. This training stuff is pretty exhausting when you have to keep at it all the time. never mind, Charles will be back soon, so he can take over for a while!!!

SPENT AGES THIS MORNING...

... making a huge lasagne for dinner this evening, as I know that James loves it.
He rang a little while ago to say he's going to the pictures with his mates and won't be in for a meal!
Great!

WHERE HAS THE MORNING GONE?

It really isn't good enough to be just writing my first post at almost midday, but...
... I've been totally preoccupied with this training business!
I don't know if anyone else is familiar with 'It's me or the Dog' - it's on one of the Sky channels everyday and I've never really taken much notice of it, but recently I've been watching it with more interest and I have to say there are some really good tips for dog training. You have to kind of get past the trainer's annoying voice, but once you've done that the ideas and principles are really sound. I've even recorded the series so Charles can watch the relevant programmes because I think it will be better for him to see different methods being used AND see the impact they have, rather than me just saying, 'Do this, do that...'
The pups have clearly got over their telling off and are more like their normal selves today but are still responding to commands pretty well. They DID bark at the Ringtons man, but he was positively encouraging them, so I had a word with him and explained what I was trying to do and they did settle, and stopped barking and jumping. He seems to think they are just being cute when they jump up at him, but hopefully he realises now that it isn't acceptable behaviour.
So whenever anyone comes to the house they are to ignore the pups completely, even turning their back to them until the girls are quiet and all four (or in our case eight!) paws are on the floor. Then the pups can be greeted, but it must stop immediately if they still try to jump up.
Actually, when I see some of the dogs on that programme it makes me realise that our two are pretty good, and it's just certain traits that we need to nip in the bud, so to speak.
In a minute they will be tested beyond limit, because Christina is coming round. I've already told her how I need her to react when she comes to the door. She will find it difficult because she usually makes an immediate fuss of the pups and is very excitable with them, so she is going to need to moderate her exuberance considerably if this is going to work.

I KIND OF WISH...

... I hadn't read that article. But my view is that there's always an exception, and hopefully Lily and Rose are it.
So, today was much better, UNTIL Charles got home! In fairness the pups didn't make any fuss when he came in and greeted him calmly so that was good. They did, however, lose the plot completely when we were getting them ready for their walk and we ended up having a manic few minutes trying to get collars, harnesses and leads on them. We did manage to get further than yesterday without any incident and since returning they have been absolutely fine. Rose keeps muttering and is obviously thinking about having a bit of a bark at some imaginary apparition in the dark, but with a gentle reminder she is stopping and settling very quickly.
I really do think that if we are going to walk them at the same time we can only do this properly if there are two of us. I'm sure that once they settle down it will be a different story, but certainly for now it makes things so much easier. And perhaps I will have to heed the advice in the article and take them out separately. I really can identify with that section where it addresses the over-reliance of the siblings on each other and we need to make a real effort to tackle this with!
Right, the pups seem to be settling, so I'm off to watch the rest of the Manchester derby!

THIS IS REALLY DISTURBING

Sibling Dogs:
The Worst Of Both Worlds

Buying Two Puppies
The incidence of owners purchasing "Siblings", either same sex or brother and sister from the same litter or two puppies from different litters and breeds but of similar ages is now more prevalent than at any other time in living memory. The old professional dogmen and owners knew about the pitfalls and problems that this action would create. Unfortunately this knowledge now appears to have been lost on today’s dog owners

On the surface the idea of purchasing siblings appears to be highly commendable. With the busy lifestyles we now lead, it would seem feasible to take on two pups. They could stimulate each other and keep themselves company, hopefully alleviating any separation anxiety. They could also imitate the good characteristics of each other and will be able to do everything together. thereby benefitting from that closeness and companionship gleaning untold pleasure from each others company.

Sounds fantastic, unfortunately the reality is far from this ideal, you really get the worst of both worlds in this scenario.

The puppies come to rely on each other and it weakens both of them, often to the extent that they become withdrawn from everything other than themselves. I call it “Littermate Syndrome”.

Often one of the dogs will appear bold and the other timid. In reality the bold one is actually somewhat withdrawn and timid when his littermate is not there to give support. Unfortunately it is normally a false boldness in reality he has been emboldened by the others siblings weakness. They often bark and yap at other dogs, and may either pretend to attack or actually attack to chase the other dogs away. This is normally fear based, they become so engrossed with each other that all other dogs are seen as a threat to their mutual alliance.

This unfortunate pair may come to fear all other dogs and unknown people, plus any situation where they are separated from each other. The stress this causes can often then spill over into aggression against each other culminating in fighting, in some cases causing serious injury or even death, known as “Sibling Rivalry” Strangely enough the worst fights are normally between bitches who can fight to the death.

Although nothing is set in stone, generally bringing together dogs with too many similar qualities, ie age, size, sex, temperament and breed, may spark a conflict. So many related characteristics make it difficult for them to decide who is the alpha or top dog; therefore fights occur because of the similarities.

Often, we can inadvertently cause the conflict; owners can disturb the hierarchical balance by rushing to protect the would-be subordinate from being “bullied” or “picked on”, granting him/her liberties, such as being petted first, which the other dog may consider his due. The lower dog may now feel emboldened enough to challenge the bolder dog. We need to understand that dogs have their own set of social rules, whereas we humans just want democracy,”

What Happens in the Wild? With wild canid's the young pup's stay within their pack and play together constantly. That is true of Wolves, Wild dogs, Coyotes, Jackals, Dingoes and most other wild mammals.

Whilst these litter mates are together they learn how to inhibit their bite, how to meet and greet each other and that all important body language is learned from their siblings during this time. They mainly learn meeting and greeting techniques from their siblings not the adult animals. During this time they also learn the rules regarding hierarchy, rank, and position and social interaction. That is why it is so vitally important that young pups go to puppy socialisation classes as young as possible.

This all happens between the time they are born and 16 weeks. Then like a light switch being turned off they start to distance themselves from their siblings. Sleeping alone and showing aggression by threatening any sibling that approaches within a two or three foot radious often shunning extended contact with their brothers and sisters. This is an inbuilt genetic device to make sure that they absorb into the pack rather than over-bond with their littermates, which would be to the detriment of the pack as a whole hunting and working entity.

Unfortunately the domestic dog doesn't have this switch, massive over-bonding can therefore occur. Their inter-relationship becomes so intense that it controls everything they do. They suffer when separated, even for small periods of time, the relationship they have with their owners may also decline and they start to look inwards rather than outwards.

Siblings are also more difficult to train and in many cases will start fighting when the get to the onset of puberty. They rarely reach full maturity as they tend to be mentally and sometimes physically stunted by the closeness to each other. I have seen German Shepherds and Utonagans bought as littermates and their eyes have never become erect as with normal adult. If it can have that type of physical effect just imagine what is occuring psychologically.

We see this with human twins. Schools now separate them into different classes so they can learn without the constant interaction with their twin. Parents are advised from a young age to stimulate and play with twins separately, helping them to become more rounded adults rather than a symbiotic double act. I have twin brothers and twin grandchildren so I do have some experience of this phenomenon.
These are two of my granddaughters they are twins.

Fighting: In many cases where these sibling puppies have come to totally rely on each other then frustrations can play a part in causing underlying animosity. This manifests itself in aggression as they approach both physical and social maturity. Fights and squabbles may regularly break out culminating in what appears to be all out war, where they cannot stand the sight of each other. It is normally at this time when all else has failed that I am called in.

Fortunately I have a very high degree of success in sorting out interdog aggression especially with two dogs in the same household whether they are siblings or just two dogs that do not appear to get on anymore, or their is a battle for superiority..

If you need to break up a fight, squirt the dogs with water or make a noise aversion fallback to break the circle of aggression and to distract them. Never attempt to break up a dog fight by grabbing the dogs by their collar or getting in between them. Grabbing dogs whilst they are fighting can result in "redirected aggression," where a dog bites you because he thinks you are part of the conflict.

Sometimes the problem can be resolved if, instead of protecting the underdog the owner supports the hierarchy ie the top dog. Firstly determine who is the more dominant, reinforce that position by feeding, greeting, playing or letting the top dog out first. Usually this will help, but not always. “The problem with that approach is that it’s often difficult to tell who should be the alpha dog, it is also difficult for owners to play favourites with their dogs.

Two Choices: To my mind you have two choices with siblings from the same litter or two young pups from different breeds, Whilst I believe the first solution is the most practicable, which is to re-home one of them, I am also aware it is the hardest and most difficult for the owners. If not they will always be damaged by their almost total reliance on each other.

If you decide to choose this alternative, you can home one of the dogs with another family member or a trusted friend. You will see dramatic improvements to the personalities of both pups. These changes occur almost immediately. Be aware that the longer you delay the harder it will be to part with one of your pups. It is a difficult and agonising decision for someone to make. However in the long run it is in yours and ultimately both your dog’s best interest.

Your second choice is to create two individual dogs, with two separate identities and personalities, without the total reliance on each other that normally happens in these situations. To do this you will need to work twice as hard because all the things you did together you will now need to do totally apart.

Things you must do:
Everything must now be done independently to allow for the Siblings to have any chance of becoming separate entities instead of the reduced sum of the whole.

Walk them separately
Feed them separately
Train them separately
Crate them separately
Play with them separately
Stimulate them separately
Literally everything you do should be separate. That includes Puppy and Training classes if possible, take them to a trainer that understands the inherent difficulties of raising two puppies together. Take them on separate nights if that is available, hopefully to the same trainer. They can play together but only at strict designated times and for a period of no more than 15 minutes each designated play time.

This regime will not be for life, as the pups will after a period of about 12 to 14 months have formed their own personalities and temperaments; at this age they will have become confident of their own individual abilities. Not as in most cases total inter-dependence on each other when they are raised, trained, and fed together.

Without the total reliance on their sibling for constant support they will grow and blossom into much rounder and less aggressive and fearful individuals. I cannot stress how important it is to separate the siblings until they are older. It will produce two individuals rather than an impaired two parts of the whole.

It is worth stating that it is not only siblings that have these problems. If you raise two young pups from different litters or even breeds, you can have similar problems. I always recommend my clients to wait till their puppy is 14 months old before purchasing another puppy. allows you to concentrate all your efforts on that individual, with a fair wind and good training it will take on some of the good traits of the older more experienced dog.

I think what truly annoys me are the breeders that sell siblings knowing that it will cause behavioural problems.In some cases they actually use emotional blackmail to push two pups on the unsuspecting buyer, For instance "what a shame you can't take two as I may have problems as he's so small/white/little/runt etc and I'll probably have to have him put down in the end". I have no respect for a breeder that uses these tactics or that sell littermates to one owner. If they are experienced and not a first time breeder then they are well aware of the pitfalls of these actions, and that the dogs will suffer for the rest of their lives.

You can use this article in either your own website or printed, but only with the following statement at the top of the piece with the link back to my site:

Stan Rawlinson (Doglistener) is a Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer who has owned and worked dogs for over 30 years, starting with Gundogs then moving on to the behavioural and obedience side of Companion Dogs. He now has a successful practice covering London , Surrey and Middlesex you can visit his Web Site at www.doglistener.co.uk or E-mail him on enquiries@doglistener.co.uk.

And the statement below at the bottom of the piece



This article was written by Stan Rawlinson, a full time Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer.
You can visit his website at www.doglistener.co.uk for more articles and training information.
You may freely distribute this article or save to any electronic media as long as it is left intact, including this copyright box above.
Please let me know out of courtesy where and when you publish. E.mail will suffice.

© Stan Rawlinson
Telephone: 0208 979 2019
Mobile Number: 07976 153161
E-mail:enquiries@doglistener.co.uk

Stan also covers
London Surrey Middlesex Berkshire Kent Sussex Hampshire. But is prepared to travel further if required

I REALLY WISH...

... I HADN'T FOUND THE SQUEAKY RUGBY BALL THOUGH!
NOW I REMEMBER WHY WE HID IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH

OH - SLIGHT LAPSE!

I wasn't expecting a delivery today, but the girls spotted the van and the man with the heavy box and just had to have a go at him. BUT they DID stop when they were told, so that's still progress of sorts.

ME AND MY SHADOWS!

That's what it's been like today - little white fluffy shadows!
Every time I turn round they are there behind me, looking up with those questioning eyes!
We're just back from Morpeth (How foggy is it this afternoon? It's like the middle of the night!) and the pups are still being really well behaved.
In fact I would go as far as to say, they have been an absolute joy today. They have done what they're told straightaway and have even left an activity that they've been really engrossed in when I've told them to 'come'. The difference between yesterday and today is immense and I can only put it down to the telling off they had.
Of course I'm not disillusioned enough to think that we've cracked it, but it does go to show that they CAN behave and DO respond to a strict voice (and tears!!!)

JUST FOUND...

... some of the pups' toys that we'd put away ages ago because they seemed to be getting tired of them - and it's like having brand new ones They're having a lovely time rediscovering all these playthings and, as a result, are less intent on having a go at each other.
I have to say that I feel a lot more relaxed about things today and it's interesting to note that they aren't letting me out of their sight at the moment. Every time I speak to them they seem to be looking at me really intently as if they're assessing my mood and they certainly seem to just want to please me today.

A RAY OF LIGHT!

A beacon of hope!!
This has been a very calm morning, largely because the girls have slept a lot, but also, and most significantly, because when they WERE woken up by the bin lorry (Hurray - only four weeks of kitchen waste to take away!) they DID NOT bark and growl frantically as they usually do, nor did they get themselves so over-excited that they ended up at each other's throats. Instead we continued the practice of 'no bark' and they managed it perfectly.
I've just been outside with them where there were all sorts of noises going on around them. Normally they would have barked like crazy - but not a sound today. They kept looking at me as if to say, 'Is THIS what you want us to do, Mum?'
So, I know it's just one day (well, one morning really) but I think if I keep persevering we'll get through this.
The B TEST today will be the arrival of the postman! Watch this space!!!

BA STRIKE!

Just heard on the news that BA staff are targeting the Easter period for strike action.
Oh ****** great!

A NEW DAY!!!

Okay - yesterday was the lowest point we've had with the puppies.
Things must surely get better now!
To be honest we have all (James is still here, so it's 'all' not 'both'!) noticed that the girls are very subdued this morning, as they have been since yesterday's telling off.
Having read Dannymatt's comment about neutering and the benefits this can have on behaviour as well as the other more obvious advantages, I shall be talking to our vet as soon as possible.
My only concern (cos I always have to have SOMETHING to worry about!) is the recuperation period. How long does this last? How will the two of them cope if they are both in discomfort? Will I need to keep them separated for a while? WILL THEY BE IN PAIN? Answers please!
Don't tell me I'm being a wuss - I just need to know!
Well, James has gone off to work - he's flying down to the Heathrow office today for a meeting and will be away overnight. There's still no sign of the part for his boiler, so it looks as if he'll be returning here tomorrow night.
Charles has also left for work. He seems to understand how upset I was yesterday and is keen to help out as much as possible - so as soon as he gets in we will be walking the girls together.
And the plan for today? Well, we need to go to Morpeth to do a bit of shopping, so we'll be doing that pretty soon.
I really hope the next post I write is more positive than any of yesterday's - time will tell, eh?

IN THE MIDST OF ALL THIS...

... I don't think I'v mentioned that New York is now booked for Easter!
The hotel is in a brilliant location in Manhattan - a block from Broadway, next to Times Square and our apartment has a wrap round balcony so we can enjoy the views (as well as the pillow menu of course!) How posh is that!!!

HAVEN'T POSTED MUCH TODAY...

... because I haven't really felt like it!!
I think the events of earlier today and the heightened emotions that resulted from it have left me a bit drained to be honest.
Lily and Rose have been very subdued since their telling off this morning - and they are falling over themselves to please me now, making sure they respond quickly when I'm giving a command and generally being very quiet and calm.
It's ME who is still feeling the effects - goodness only knows what my blood pressure is!
One thing that I have decided - rightly or wrongly - I will not be walking the two of them on my own for a while. I was so afraid that in the fracas they would get loose or I would let go of their leads and they would end up in the road and I'm not risking it until I know I can trust them again. If Charles is with me, I don't mind holding both leads as long as he is there just in case we have a similar incident.
Actually, I've been thinking about this morning a lot, and one thing struck me as a bit strange. The trigger for all the aggravation was a little Jack Russell who was our for a walk with his owner. He wasn't on a lead, so was wandering around freely, but he was on the other side of the road. There was absolutely no way that his owner couldn't have realised what had set my two off and yet she didn't continue her walk, but stayed around walking up and down in clear sight of the pups, so I never got a chance to calm them down. At one point she even shouted across, "Oh you two naughty dogs will have to go straight home'. I had to practically drag them away, while her dog continued to run around on the verge. I'm sure that if I'd realised that MY dog was the cause of a bit of a fracas, I'd have left the area fairly promptly.
That's not to absolve Lily and Rose. Their behaviour was totally unacceptable and I need to find a way of ensuring that it doesn't happen again.

AND IT'S JUST GOT WORSE

i have just TRIED to take the pups out for a walk.
We got as far as the end of the road which must be 20 yards. They saw another dog across the road and went absolutely berserk, culminating in a stand up fight between themselves, totally unable to respond to any command from me and completely out of control and that was the end of the walk.
Brought them home, me in tears of frustration, don't even want to be near them just now.
Don't know what to do.

FED UP THIS MORNING.

This is not an easy post to write.
I am feeling really down about the pups and am beginning to question where I am going wrong with them.
Yesterday was terrible and this morning, for the first time in weeks, I came through to find a pool of wee. Rose seems to be getting more and more neurotic and the two of them are beginning to have some really ferocious fights.
I have to confess that I did ask Charles how he would feel if we didn't have them any more, because, for a while this morning, I just couldn't see how things are going to get better.
Thinking about it logically though - we were warned when they were tiny that things would get much worse around the six month stage. Also, there ARE days when they are really lovely. They do learn quickly, but I can't seem to find a solution to Rose's incessant barking and this is beginning to impact on my stress levels.
Once I had voiced my frustration to Charles I felt both relieved and at the same time a total failure. I really have tried SO hard with them and have to confess that I now need help to move on from this bad phase. (I'm sure it IS just a phase and with proper guidance we should come through it, but I couldn't possibly imagine carrying on like this because they are beginning to have a very negative impact on our lives - and that is not easy to admit to.)
I hate writing this down, because it makes it more real somehow - but the purpose of the blog was always to keep a record of our time with the pups and I have to record the bad with the good.

ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

That's what it feels like today.
The pups have had a few really good days - but today was not one of them. Admittedly there have been a few changes to routine and a number of visitors, plus they've hardly had any sleep, but they have been quite horrible today. We were hoping that bath time would calm them down, but it seemed to have the opposite effect and they ended up total hyper. They have sort of settled down now, but the least little thing disturbs them and then we have a bout of barking before they go off again.
I haven't enjoyed them today at all.

NOT THE BEST OF MORNINGS!

I don't know why though!
The pups have had a good walk, but haven't settled for a good sleep really and, as a consequence, are decidedly grumpy - well Rose is, Lily's not too bothered.
And, Sod's Law, just as they appear to be settling, we are expecting my niece to arrive to pick up her poor abandoned mini that has been stuck outside our house since the Big Snow started just after Christmas.
They don't know it yet, but tonight is Bath Night - they have developed a distinctly doggie odour during the past week - AND IT IS TIME FOR IT TO GO! James will be here during this fun time. He hasn't experienced the joys of bath time yet, so he's in for a real treat! (I keep suggesting that when he comes here he should wear his 'scruffs' so that it doesn't matter if the pups jump up at him with muddy little paws. But James tells me that he doesn't actually possess any 'scruffs' - well aren't you the lucky one Jim!

AREN'T SUNDAYS...

QUIET AT SIX AM!!!
Especially when it's just me and the puppies who are up!!
Charles is still slumbering blissfully - grrrrrrrr!!!
I, on the other hand, have greeted the pups and cleaned up after their morning ablutions, swept the puppy playground, cleaned the house after managing to drop my coffee mug (full) on the kitchen floor - big mess! Not that I'm expecting a medal or anything - just letting you know that I'M not tardy in a morning!
The puppies are having their breakfast now - chicken and rice - this will disappear in approximately 30 seconds! There will follow a fruitless search UNDER the bowl for more! You'd think they'd have learned by now, but it appears they live in hope that somehow, there will be a little more hidden away. After that they come through to their room and spend a few minutes rolling on their mat, using their paws to scoop any left over gravy into their mouths - and then they double check each other to make sure no morsel has been missed! It happens after every meal!
It actually seems a bit milder this morning and I've ben able to spend time outside with the pups without shivering. I need to add at this point that the one thing I haven't managed to do yet is to get dressed! I am currently wearing my red jimjams, a pair of brown chunky boots and a big black and white cardigan/coat thing - it's not a good look!

QUITE A GOOD DAY ACTUALLY!

All my fears about the ruined hair came to nothing this morning, as the weather had improved enough by the time I left the hairdressers for it not to be a major problem. Also, James had come down to Morpeth with me and we had parked at his apartment which is literally next door to SAKs, so there was no distance to walk at all.
We seem to have spent the day eating! Jim and I started in Costa with breakfast sandwiches and then we continued this afternoon with pizza. This probably sounds extremely unhealthy, but it was just a one off and won't happen again (until we go to NY anyway!)
That's the big problem about the States though isn't it. Small portions aren't an option are they? And, of course, there's nothing to beat a stack of pancakes with blueberries and lashings of maple syrup to set you up for the day. Oh God - I can feel a serious diet coming on before we go, so that I can indulge when we get there.
James has gone out for the evening unexpectedly, to a Jimmy Carr concert/gig - whatever it's called. I don't think he was particularly fussed, but his mate had a spare ticket, so he's gone along with him. He may or may not return to Fram tonight. There's still no heating at his place, but he has managed to borrow a fan heater, so may crash there tonight and come up first thing in the morning. (I think it was when I told him that if he came in late and disturbed the pups HE would have to settle them again that made him decide to stay in Morpeth!!)
We got home just in time to hear the footie scores. Wasn't it a shame about Sunderland?!

BLOWING A GALE...

... pouring with rain...
... all in all the perfect day for having one's hair done!
There's no easy solution on a day like this, is there girls?
Do you take an umbrella and risk it blowing inside out leaving you exposed to the elements?
Or do you put on a cap, just wearing it until you've sprinted to the car, but risking the dreaded 'cap hair' when you've just paid a small fortune (or rather a LARGE fortune if you go to SAKs) to have your hair messed up just so?
For any male readers of the blog, you'll notice I said 'messed up' and you may find this a bit perplexing when I'm talking about having my hair done.
The thing is. if you don't have it messed up you come out looking like someone who should be wearing a twin set and pearls and who drinks tea out of a china cup. It is not a good look - unless you wear a twin set and pearls and drink your tea out of a china cup of course, and then you might actually like your 'do'.
No, these days you go to the hairdressers with the intention of coming out and looking as though you haven't passed a comb through your barnet for weeks. 'Funk it up' I say to Andrea when she brandishes the gunky stuff. 'A little or a lot?' she will ask. 'As much as you can!' I will reply. It's the same every time, so predictable that it's comforting!

HANGING ABOUT...

... just waiting now:
for the pups to wake up from their third long sleep of the day,
for Charles to get home,
for James to get back from footie.
I'm not good at waiting or hanging about. It unnerves me!

MUMMY'S LITTLE HELPERS!!

Thank you Lily and Rose, SO MUCH, for cleaning the kitchen floor for me.
It was such a nice surprise when I got off the phone to James, to discover what you had done!
What a clever idea, using the bowl that I'd just filled for you. Doesn't it go a long way?
I knew that you were trying to tell me something when you started the crazy barking! I think you were trying to say, 'Look what WE'VE done Mum - aren't we good helpers!'
It's a bit of a shame that I had only just washed the floor while you were asleep, but never mind it can never be too clean (or wet!)

WHY IS THERE NEVER...

... ANY GOOD NEWS ABOUT NEWCASTLE UNITED?
I have Sky Sports News on nearly all the time and there is NEVER anything good/exciting/positive about us.
The most we seem to manage is that we are TRYING to sign up a couple of players during the transfer window and that we won't be letting Big Andy go anywhere (unless we get offered big money, in which case he'll be off in a flash!)
Can anyone (only talking to NUFC fans here, by the way) honestly see anyone coming in during the next couple of weeks? Apparently Danny Simpson will be heading back to Man U at the weekend! So we won't even have the status quo - we'll be worse off. What on earth is Chris Hughton doing???
(Just out of interest - does anyone else find Martin O'Neil's voice really soporific? In fact that hotel in NY could include a tape of him at a press conference as part of their pillow menu!)

I KNOW I HAVEN'T MENTIONED THIS FOR A WHILE...

... but I would like it on record that it is now more than a week since either of the puppies had an accident in the house - even when subjected to great excitement like visitors arriving!
Also, whereas I once spent my days scooping huge amounts of poop, I now find that this is only necessary twice a day as the girls have become quite regular and predictable!
Too much information?
Sorry, but these are important considerations for a Westie owner!

FRIDAY AT LAST!

It's hard to believe that it was Christmas Day only three weeks ago - it seems much longer than that.
And yet, at the same time, the weeks are flying past and already the weekend is almost upon us. It looks as though James will be staying here for the weekend, unless his boiler is fixed tomorrow. This is probably highly unlikely as I doubt the engineer will be working on a Saturday.
Charles will be back from his jolly this evening. He's hoping that the flight will be in schedule, but then he and Paul have to get into town to collect the car that they left at the station on Wednesday before setting off home - so it's going to be at least 8pm before he gets back.
The pups had another good night, but have been a little unsettled this morning, probably because they knew James was around - and that is NOT part of their normal routine.
Oh no - I've just heard the weather forecast for tomorrow and it looks like more snow. Well - even if I have to borrow someone's skis - I am going to get to the hairdressers because I cannot go around wearing a hat any longer!

THE TRIPLE SALCHOW ON THE DRIVE SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME...

... that this was not a good day to be going out in the car when I didn't really need to!
I should have turned round when I got to the main road, except I didn't trust myself to do so without skating into all the parked traffic that had congregated at the road end.
I should have got a clue from all the drivers who were going north AND FLASHING THEIR LIGHTS AT ME.
But, no none of this deterred me and it was only when I saw the blue flashing lights in the distance and realised that everyone else was turning round that it dawned on me that actually the A697 HAD NOT BEEN GRITTED AND WAS ESSENTIALLY A SKATING RINK (hence the technical figure skating term in the title!)
Once I'd got to the point where I could actually see that I was driving on sheet ice, I was too scared to attempt to turn round so carried on at a crawl and eventually got to Morpeth - a jibbering wreck - bought the roll of foil and bread buns that I clearly couldn't live without - and met James for a quick cuppa. What was James doing in Morpeth when he should be at work, you may ask? Good question! He was actually waiting for the boiler repair man to turn up (and was working via phone and email) because the boiler in his apartment has packed up. Well actually, it HADN'T packed up completely, although clearly there was something of a problem - a bit of a leak I think - but by the time the repair man had finished it was properly knackered and needed a part that has to be ordered. All of which means that as he has no heat or hot water now, he will be staying in Fram until the problem is solved.
Anyway, while I was on the main street I did apprehend a couple of community police officers and asked if they knew anything about the problems on the 697 and they assured me that the gritter was being sent out immediately and that it should be safe to return that way in an hour or so.
So I took my time in Morrisons and didn't object to all the elderly and infirm who get in the way, or even the woman in front of me who decided, just before she paid, to challenge the price of her Blue Dragon noodles (they should have been 9 pence less, so obviously it was worth holding everyone up for that!) and very tentatively set off back home. only to find that the road was now perfectly clear and thoroughly gritted.
BUT WHY WASN'T IT DONE EARLIER?
Our postman says that when he drove up here this morning there were cars in ditches and littered along the verges. I'm not surprised at all. It was a death trap.

CHARLES...

... has just rung.
First question - have you seen the goals from last night yet?!
Apparently he slept 'like a baby' last night - well lucky you Charles.
Talking of sleeping like a baby - the hotel that James found on t'internet yesterday has a PILLOW MENU would you believe, including one that plays soothing lullabies to get you off to sleep!
According to Charles there was about half an inch of snow in London yesterday and he couldn't understand why Heathrow had cancelled flights from Newcastle. 'Pathetic' was his interpretation of the situation.

GOOD GIRLS!

Wow! I take back all threats of putting them up for adoption, because the puppies were fabulous yesterday. They even slept right through from just gone 7pm, so I can't complain about that, can I?
Unfortunately, we've woken up to more snow today. Nothing significant, but wet and slippy and a nuisance. The puppies have jumped on top of their little house and are having great difficulty staying there because it's so slippery! They can't understand why they keep falling off!
Well Charles got to London without mishap and was going out with Paul for a Chinese meal last night. He'll probably ring soon, if he's got time before breakfast!
James is going to come up to check on his old mum again tonight! We had a lovely time yesterday looking at possible hotels for when we go to New York for a mini-break at Easter. Yes, it's the first I've mentioned it on here, mostly because I'm still getting my head round the fact that I'll have to leave Lily and Rose for four days. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to go back to NY. We absolutely fell in love with it when we went for James's 21st birthday treat and since then have planned to return as soon as possible, but I am going to find it really difficult to be away from the pups. I suppose I shall have to start looking for boarding kennels fairly soon but rest assured, only the best will do for MY girls, so there will be plenty of research before deciding where they are going for THEIR mini-break.
Okay, it's nearly eight o'clock, so almost time for the girls' breakfast. I'll go and see to that and will be back later.

3 - 0

3 - 0 thanks to Peter Lovenkrands hat trick!

NUFC V PAFC

2 - 0
GET IN!!
PETER LOVINGPANTS!!!

I'VE JUST SNEEZED...

... AND THE PUPS HAVE SHOT OUT OF THEIR BEDS IN TERROR!!!!
(they looked at me as if to say, 'What on earth was THAT,' then changed beds and went straight back to sleep.)

NEWCASTLE 1 - PLYMOUTH NIL

MY SON HAS DESERTED ME...

... OR AT LEAST THIS BLOG...
... FOR THAT OF ANOTHER!
HE'S FOUND A BLOG ABOUT THE AMAZING SLEEPTALKING MAN - AND APPEARS TO FIND IT MORE AMUSING THAN THIS ONE!
Oops - sorry - forgot I had caps lock on! You may have thought I was shouting!!
Yes, so this other blog contains the man's wife's transcripts of his nocturnal mutterings apparently.
Why James? Why have you left me for THAT? (Not to mention Lily and Rose!)
Talking of whom - they have continued to be gorgeous all day and have now put themselves to bed. I've tried really hard to keep them awake, but to no avail. I just hope they get through the night without deciding they want midnight playtime!!!

NUFC V PLYMOUTH

What will the team be I wonder?
And, even more importantly, what the score will be!
I also wonder how many Plymouth fans will make the long trek up here in the light of the weather conditions they're going to be traveling through.
No doubt there'll be commentary on the radio, so will need to listen in to that.

Well, I have to say that today has been pretty good (so far) on the puppy front. They have both been much calmer and more biddable - and so have I (calmer, not more biddable that is!) So, all plans for adoption are on hold for now!

SO, IT'S THE TRAIN THEN!

Not to be defeated by the weather, Charles and Paul have changed their travel plans and are now taking the train to the capital! They were absolutely NOT going to miss out on their trip, were they!
As for the pups, they are having a much better day so far. They have slept a lot and, during their waking time, I am making sure I talk quietly and use a nice happy voice when I give commands. It appears to be having an impact - I think I had just got so wound up yesterday that I was probably the one who was doing the barking!
I've just made a huge pot of chicken and vegetable soup this morning - some to use now and the rest to freeze. It smells really good and we could have had it for our evening meal tonight (James is coming for tea) except that he has asked for something called 'spag bolorrow'! You may well wonder what exactly this dish is, as did I when he was chatting to me on facebook yesterday - but it appears he was typing in a hurry and he was really asking if we could have spag bol tomorrow!!
So there you go, spag bolorrow it is!

IT IS BECOMING APPARENT...

... that yesterday's appalling behaviour has taken it's toll on the pups. They have spent pretty much all morning asleep. Clearly it wasn't just ME who was worn out yesterday!
Well - will he go on his jolly or won't he? Who knows! Maybe, maybe not! (Slight hint of Chris Kamara there!)

FLIGHTS TO HEATHROW...

... from Newcastle are all cancelled.
I eventually managed to get this news to Charles, who is still wanting to go and is considering going by train. I would think it would be advisable to forget it completely if the conditions are so bad.

BRRR! IT'S COLD AGAIN THIS MORNING

Really bitterly cold today. The sky looks black over towards the coast.
Charles is off to London until Friday, although with the snow that's forecast further south he may need to check his flight first.
The pups are outside at the moment, running around and keeping warm. They've greeted the two big dogs who pass our house every morning with loud and frantic barks and are now participating in the Winter Olympics, slaloming down the rather depleted snow slopes.
There's a digger just out of sight round the corner and it's driving them crazy. They hate being able to hear something without being able to see it. They're the same with ordinary household noises, they have to be able to SEE the hairdryer, food processor etc before they can relax and accept that the noise is non-threatening.
Charles has just been picked up by Paul (not literally because Paul would need to do some serious weight training first) and they are on their way to a conference and then on to their London jolly.
Right - I'm going to have a skinny latte as apparently all it is is an espresso topped up with skimmed milk, but I'm going to froth it so that it's really a skinny cappuccino. (Why do you not hear about 'skinny cappuccinos' in coffee shops then? Why is it only 'skinny lattes?) By the way, I know that 'latte' should have an accent over the e, but I don't know how to do it.)

I FEEL REALLY BAD NOW.

As you know, this has not been the best of days and the pups have run me (and the curtains) ragged.
And yet, the minute Charles got home, all their obnoxious behaviour stopped and they suddenly became divine little cherubs, snuggling up together on his knee and licking each other affectionately, as opposed to going for each other's jugulars which is what they were doing earlier. As they did yesterday, they almost smiled at me with blissfully happy little faces - and if they were cats they would have been purring contentedly.
(What did I do wrong? Why are they so horrid when Charles is away? How on earth will they behave tomorrow when he doesn't come home at the end of the day? Have I let myself get really stressed and have they picked up my tension?)
Charles had barely set foot through the door before I was telling him that I was seriously considering putting them up for adoption and that it was time for him to take over while I escaped from them for a while (preferably for the rest of the evening!)
Later on, I overheard him telling the pups that he loves them, and that their Mum loves them and that she didn't really mean she would give them away! He was so serious when he was telling them this, that I ended up feeling really guilty.
Of course I wouldn't part with them EVER, but I just hope we don't have too many days like today, otherwise I will seriously consider getting a part-time job!!!!

RIGHT, I'LL BE HONEST...

... the pups have been nothing short of HORRENDOUS today.
Rose has whinged and whined at everything and Lily has wound her up all day long. Rose seems really on edge about something and won't settle for longer than a few minutes. They've been argumentative with each other, fighting over their toys and squabbling about who lies where. Right now, they've each got one of Sean the Sheep's legs and are intent on tearing him apart. This is fairly normal play, I know, but what I have found really hard today has been Rose's whingyness.
In short, I'm tearing my hair out and can't wait for Charles to get home to share them out a bit. I am absolutely NOT looking forward to him being away for the next couple of days - he might get back to discover I've had them adopted!

ALSO...

they are lighter than those at M and S.
And they've got more cheese in.
And you're not rationed to the miniscule amount of frozen butter you can have,
AND THERE ARE ANOTHER ELEVEN FOR LATER!!!!!
YUM YUM YUM!

CHEESE SCONES...

... are very nice, aren't they?
I only mention this because, as you know, the pups and I have been to Morpeth this morning (along with all the other old people! YES I DO KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING, BUT IT'S HOW I FEEL TODAY!).
While walking through the new arcade I had that dilemma which inevitably overcomes me when I'm shopping - ie Where should I go for coffee. Not you'll notice, 'SHOULD I go for coffee', but the assumption is that I WILL indeed end up going somewhere. So, was it going to be Costa, or the new chocolate shop, or the coffee place in the arcade or - and this is where it became a matter of great urgency - was I going to go to Marks and Spencers for a coffee and one of their VERY NICE CHEESE SCONES?
Once I'd thought about the cheese scones, there was no alternative. I had decided that I would ask them to pop one into the microwave for a few seconds so that it would be lovely and warm and the butter would melt into it...
Only just in front of me was what looked like a school outing and it was evident that it would take the rest of the day just to serve them, plus they would probably have eaten all the cheese scones anyway...
... so reluctantly I returned to the car and headed home, feeling disappointed, hungry, but a little bit smug because I hadn't given in to temptation!
However, on the way home, the fixation with cheese scones would not go away and I decided that I could mix up a batch and they could be baking in the time that I was putting the shopping away. Which is exactly what I did!!
And, anyway, they don't class as cakes or biscuits do they?
AND I made my cappuccino with skimmed milk, so I'm sure one won't do any harm!

THE PUPS ARE BEING...

... little ******s this morning!
They've decided to reinstate the 'Let's see how much water we can slop over the side of our bowl if we drag it around the floor' game and have discovered a new one involving tugging the ironing board from the place where it is neatly stashed away and getting it to the point where it is just abut to topple over. Additionally, the curtains in their room are now providing entertainment as the pups are trying to swing from them and, once they get tired of that, they've discovered that if they climb onto the leather chair, they can ALMOST reach their treat box which is kept on the windowsill. It's just a matter of time before they work out that if one pup stands on top of the other, they will manage to reach the object of their desire. I will, however, be putting a stop to that by finding another safe place for the treat box.
I have the feeling that this could be a very long day!

NOT READY TO GET UP TODAY.

After last night's disturbance - I think it was next door again, making a noise when they got back from wherever they'd been - the pups woke for the day at about 6.15 today.
This seemed VERY EARLY TO ME!
Once they'd settled during the night, I tried to get to sleep, but couldn't and ended up reading till about 2am, so don't feel as though I've had nearly enough shut eye. It was very definitely a struggle to get up this morning.
Charles is just leaving for work. The pups are whimpering at the window as they watch him pull off the drive. There's been no snow or frost overnight, so that's good. In fact the snow is getting away really well now. Fortunately Charles is taking his own car today, so the pups and I are going out to Morpeth this morning, just to get us out of the village for a while.

GO BACK TO SLEEP

AAAARGH!
Why have the puppies just woken up barking like crazed things? What has upset them so much?
Go back to bed AT ONCE - I'M TIRED and don't need this right now!

ROSE GETS THE CHOP!

Not a lamb or pork chop! She hasn't been raiding the fridge!
No, she has had her first haircut!
It had got to the point where she really couldn't see through her fringe, so with Charles holding her firmly, I took the scissors to it. There was a certain trepidation on my part. I was terrified of putting her eyes out, but with one swift chop the fringe was gone - or at least it was now a length which will allow her to see where she is going. It may not get the Hairdresser of the Year Award, and it may be just a little bit wonky - but for a first attempt it's not that bad!

DADDY'S HOME!!!!

And the puppies are overjoyed!
I'm now surplus to requirement, providing I get their tea on time! They are on his knee, looking over at me as if to say, 'This is what we've been waiting for ALL DAY!!'
Life isn't fair, is it?

ISN'T IT GREAT..

... when you can go outside without taking your life in your hands (or even your legs) as you slide around on the ice and snow?
For the first time in two weeks we can SEE the block paving now and it is actually non-slip! Hurray!

JUST OUT OF INTEREST...

... what actually IS a skinny latte???

I WAS GOING TO CALL THIS POST...

...GOING, GOING KONG!!!
And no, it wasn't a spelling mistake!
I've just spent over an hour searching for the blue kong that I know the pups had this morning. You need to understand the importance of this. The pups have two kongs - one pink, one blue, which we stuff with tasty treats to keep them quiet, especially in a morning when we are rushing around making ourselves look respectable (or even halfway human in my case). They had both had kongs filled with a tiny bit of cheese, biscuit and shredded chicken before Charles left for work, but when I came to put them in the dishwasher, only one could be found!
I have literally looked everywhere - including the most unlikely places, like the fridge, my handbag and even my make up bag (as putting my make up on was what I was doing while they were engaged with their treats). I've turned the house upside down and looked around outside as well - but no sign of it. In the end I sent Charles a text! I know he probably has more important things on his mind, but this was a pretty desperate situation! His reply was that, no he hadn't gone off with it by mistake, but that Lily had been digging in the snow mountain by the gate, so it might be worth looking there. Sure enough, after about five minutes of digging with the garden trowel (because Charles must have gone off with the spade) I discovered the missing kong buried deep in the snow. I can only assume that this was an act of mischief by Lily as it was Rose who had the blue kong this morning and I suspect that Lily decided it would be a jolly jape to play a trick on her!
Anyway - there you go - that was probably the most excitement we're likely to have today. Charles HAS taken my car to work, so we won't be leaving the village. The pups are asleep already, clearly exhausted by the earlier search (cos obviously they had to be my little helpers - although you could have helped a bit MORE Lily!) so I will go and make a cup of coffee (no biscuits!) and will be back later.

FORGOT TO MENTION...

... that when James and Tom were here this afternoon they regaled us with tales of their misdemeanors (and there were many!) from their days at school!
Oh I am so glad I didn't teach those two!! Although, having said that, I did teach James for a little while, but that was when he was only seven and hadn't even considered some of the pranks we were told about this afternoon. Had we known at the time we would have been horrified!
However, when all said and done, the fact that they got away with such mischief shows a distinct lack of awareness by those who WERE indeed supposed to be teaching them! The fact that four of them could take it in turns during a lesson, to get out of the building and do laps of the site without being caught indicates a certain lack of vigilance, I would say.
Clearly, I'm not going to repeat ALL the jolly japes that were brought to our attention today, but I will tell you my favourite. This was carried out by Tom BEFORE he met James and when he was about eight years old. It was during a geography lesson and Tom had 'borrowed' the entire supply of magnets which he had hidden under his table, so that when it came to compass skills no one could quite understand why 'north' was pointing at him and not where it should be! I also liked the fact that he had managed to miss a year's worth of assemblies because he had told the school he was Buddhist! Unfortunately this meant that he couldn't eat pork for the duration which he'd found a bit of a hardship apparently.
And then there was the Big Doughnut Scam which involved the pair of them and which we DID know about at the time, but I won't say too much about that in case anyone remembers being stung and decides to press extortion charges!!!

WE REALLY WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL TOMORROW!

Charles will be back at work and the girls and I will be getting back to our normal routine at home.
Unfortunately, he wants to take MY MINI because he says the Merc isn't very good in icy conditions. IT'S THAWING CHARLES - THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANY ICE! If YOU have my car we can't go anywhere, because I can't reach the pedals in your car.
It's not that I'm planning to go anywhere particularly, but would like to know that I could if I felt like it.
Later in the week will be a bit different though as Charles is off to London on his annual ICT jolly for a couple of days. So, it'll be Girls Night In - oh goody!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE 24 HOURS MAKES!

We can see the block paving again and the snow is receding very quickly now. Thankfully, the weather warning for tonight has been downgraded and it looks as though temperatures aren't going to drop below freezing for a while. Yippee!!!
Charles got a text from a colleague whose neighbours (sister's brother-in-law's, mother's...!)conservatory had just been smashed by snow falling from the roof. Now THAT'S a bit worrying for anyone with a conservatory, especially a flat roofed one I would imagine.
We've had a big lunch (James, Tom and Christina all joined us) and I have now decided that I am never going to eat again! That's it, no more snacks and cakes and biscuits or even chocolates (well maybe just... NO! NOT EVEN ONE!) The Christmas binge is well and truly OVER!

YOU'LL BE PLEASED TO KNOW...

... that the drips that plagued us yesterday have now stopped and the bathroom is no longer a torture chamber!
Yesterday I admit I DID have visions of our very heavy tiles coming away from the wall if the leak had continued to be a problem - but at the moment anyway, all seems well.
As mentioned in my earlier post, the thaw appears to be well underway. The trees and shrubs in the garden are emerging for the first time in a week. The bamboo looks extremely sad and bent over, but will no doubt soon perk up again. The fronds on the tree fern, the base of which is well wrapped for the winter, are now ragged and ready for cutting off. It's always a joy to me when we uncover the fern in the spring and find the tiny new fronds all curled up and ready to emerge. I just hope it survives this really extreme weather - it's certainly the worst it will have experienced.
For the first time in a week, James is coming for lunch and is bringing his mate, Tom, with him. No doubt the laundry bag will be enormous and will probably walk into the house under it's own steam!!!

IT'S THAWING!!

There's very definitely the beginnings of a thaw here. Strong winds and above freezing temperatures have had something of an impact during the night, although the pups have been disturbed by clumps of snow falling from the fence and windowsills.
We've had to get up to them a couple of times, but a quick reassuring word has been all they've needed before settling again.
Unfortunately, more snow is forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed this doesn't materialise - we just want to start getting back to normal now.
The pups are outside at the moment and have spent the last ten minutes being real terriers and digging up some of their toys that are buried deep in the snow mountain. Very busy little things they are this morning! In fact, it's quite exciting for them because they don't know what they're going to find next - it's a veritable treasure trove out there!

FORGET TO SAY...

... that yesterday, when we were in Morrisons we came face to face with the...
EASTER DISPLAY!
Yes, already there are Easter Eggs on display!
It's little wonder that time passes so fast, when we don't have a chance to catch breath between seasonal opportunities for retailers to take more money off us. I don't think it's an age thing at all - you know how people say time passes faster as you get older? I think we've all got caught up in this big marketing ploy which ensures that there is never a time when we don't have to be planning for the next 'big event.'
Hmmm - I think I had a bit of a whinge like this before the big Christmas build up - but it just goes to show, we'd better all get out and stock up on our Easter goodies before it's too late!

NEXT PROBLEM!

We've just looked out of the kitchen window and realised that the guttering along the sun-room is looking very bowed and misshapen. Yet again, Charles is outside trying to clear snow, but the problem is more to do with about six inches of solid ice that has built up in the gutter and that he won't be able to move for a good while yet.
I still cannot imagine what will happen when the thaw eventually starts. Our back garden gets flooded whenever we have a downpour, so I'm anticipating a veritable lake back there once things warm up a bit.
Right, better go and empty that saucepan again!
Be back later.

CHINESE WATER TORTURE

THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON HERE NOW.
THE CONSTANT DRIP, DRIP, DRIP FROM THE BATHROOM IS BEGINNING TO DRIVE ME CRAZY.
(for those of you who don't know, we live in a bungalow and the bathroom is fairly centrally positioned in the house so there is little chance of escaping the extremely irritating and very repetitive sound)

WHERE IS EVERYONE TODAY?

I can't imagine that many people have gone out today - but I may be wrong. Maybe other areas are snow free now and you're all out having a fun time somewhere.
Whatever, you are probably having a lot more fun than WE are at the moment!
Charles is suggesting that we cut Rose's hair to keep it out of her eyes. I'm not sure about this at all and have suggested tying it back until we can get a professional to do it!! He's kind of gathered it all up on the top of her head so it looks a bit like a Mohican now!
Both pups are happily settled on Charles's knee. He's just tried to put them down and Lily has point blank refused to go and has squeezed herself between the arm of the chair and his side and is gazing at him adoringly! Rose, once she realised that she had ben duped into getting down has quickly reinstated herself in her rightful place - literally on the right, just as Lily is always on the left!
They love sitting with Charles and will instantly settle with him. They sit with me a little more reluctantly. I think they are probably of the opinion that I shouldn't be sitting down at all and should be devoting all my time to concocting new and delicious meals for them and that by snuggling up with me they are delaying their dinner! (More probably, they find it easier to sit on Charles's lap/tummy - because there's more room there than on mine - although if I keep eating at the rate I mentioned earlier, I will also soon be able to provide a sort of stomach shelf to accommodate the pair of them!)

WE NOW HAVE...

... a saucepan on the bathroom window sill catching the ever increasing drips.
This is despite Charles going out again and clearing even more snow off the roof and out of the gutter.
The frequency of the drip has very much increased during the morning and we may need to resort to a bucket or washing up bowl soon.
Will keep you posted about further developments!

LILY...

... has just woken up and been sick!
There you are - some news - not pleasant I know, but wouldn't want you to miss out anything of the least interest.
She's gone back to sleep now. Can't imagine what caused that, but will keep a close eye on her.
I've got the telly on the BBC news channel at the moment and there's a lot of discussion about cold weather allowances and winter fuel for pensioners and how many are worried that they can't afford to have their heating on longer than usual and are putting themselves at risk as a result. I'm not going to make a comment about that per se, but have to say that WE have had our heating on constantly since this cold snap started (yes, through the night as well, on low) and yet I am still sitting here this morning with feet that feel like blocks of ice. So if I am feeling the cold in our snug little house, how on earth are those pensioners coping?

IT'S GETTING REALLY DIFFICULT...

... to write anything in the least bit interesting on this blog, because nothing is happening apart from more snow!
I could tell you that my hair appointment is now cancelled, but that's sort of non-news isn't it?
It's only nine o'clock and I feel as if it should be lunchtime!! I've just had a piece of toast but it hasn't hit the spot. Actually, this is something of a problem - when you're confined to the house there is a disconcerting tendency to eat and drink all the time, just for something to do! I'll be like a little barrel if this carries on much longer!

NO SPORT...

... this weekend then.
What ARE we going to do?
Well actually, Charles will probably be spending his time outside clearing gutters, as we still have a disconcerting leak over the bathroom window, despite his earlier efforts.
We've had more snow since then. not a lot, just enough to be a nuisance. Looking out to the east, the sky is looking really heavy and grey so there may yet be more to come.
The pups are, of course, fast asleep now after their very early start. I could do with doing the same, but it doesn't work like that, does it?

TOO EARLY (YAWN)

Something woke the girls up before 6.00 this morning. I tried to encourage them to go back for a few more zzzzzzs, but they weren't having any of it. I suppose, after their early night last night, they felt as if they'd had quite enough sleep, thank you, and now it is playtime!
To be honest, it's probably as well they got us up because when I went into the bathroom I discovered a leak above the window - the second one we've had in the last two days. Charles is outside now clearing as much snow from the roof and guttering as he can.
Added to this, we've had more snow in the night, so I don't think we'll be going anywhere this morning. Bit of a pain really, as I WAS hoping to have a nice relaxed time at the hairdressers - but it'll just have to wait until next week.
Right it's 6.30 - I'm going to get the kettle on.
See you later, you lazy (lucky!) things!!!!

THE SNORES...

... that are emanating from the puppies are deafening!!!

OH NO!

I've just checked the weather forecast and the Met Office is predicting more heavy snow tonight and in the morning.
THIS ISN'T WHAT YOU SAID EARLIER!!
I'M HAVING MY HAIR DONE AT TEN O'CLOCK AND I DON'T WANT IT TO SNOW.
IN FACT, LEAVING ASIDE THE MATTER OF GETTING TO THE HAIRDRESSERS, I DON'T WANT IT TO SNOW BECAUSE...
... I AM REALLY REALLY SICK OF IT NOW.
IT WAS LOVELY AT FIRST, BUT ENOUGH'S ENOUGH NOW.

SLEEPY PUPS!

Aaaah! Lily and Rose have been so sleepy this evening. We've had to really try hard to keep them awake, but have given up now and they are both curled up in their beds snoring gently. By the way, they are still refusing to go in the elephant crate at bedtime; they don't have a problem during the day when we use it in the car and they get into it quite happily then, but it is a complete non-starter at bedtime since the night they were woken up by our inebriated neighbour before Christmas.
Charles is suffering the after-effects of two days of digging and is aching in places he didn't even know he had! Almost as good as going to the gym I would say.
I had a chat with Helen this evening. She and Bill WERE going to come up this weekend to pick up Rachel's mini which has been stuck at our house since last weekend. Bill was also going to go to the Falcon's match on Sunday, but, like the football, it has been called off. Anyway, they have decided to leave it until the weather improves - so we'll probably see them in March then!

WE'RE BACK!!

And it wasn't good!
The road through the village is still bad, even though it has been cleared to an extent. Getting down to Morpeth was okay, with care. People were slipping and sliding around on the pavements and Morpeth was very quiet really, apart from in Morrisons where everyone seemed to be stocking up for a siege.
It would appear that we are having something of a thaw now. Lots of dripping from the gutters, but freezing again on contact with the path. Could be pretty treacherous later.
Yet again, Charles is digging. This time he's attacking the top end of the drive in an attempt to free the merc after 5 days of being snow bound.
While in Morpeth we met up with James and his friend Tom who lives in Thropton, up the valley from Rothbury. He hasn't been able to get home since this started! (although this may have been a blessing in disguise as he told me in all seriousness that, had his whole family been cooped up together for this length of time, someone would probably have committed murder by now!) Conversely, James's flatmate is the pharmacist in Rothbury. He's had to be picked up and transported to work and is being put up in the hotel there for the duration! Poor lad - bet his mobile bill is HUGE this week - except he won't be able to get a signal in the valley there!!!