NEW PICTURES ON THE WAY!!

LOOK OUT FOR A NEW SLIDE SHOW COMING VERY SOON!
Actually, in fairness, it's not totally new, but a compilation of pix we've taken of the girls since they came home aged eight weeks.
It's really lovely to look back at them to see how much they've changed.
Hope you like the soundtrack too!! (Inspired by Six Nations trailer!)

MET A REALLY NICE COUPLE TODAY

They were having coffee in Morpeth - sitting outside with their two Westies. We got talking to them and discovered that one of the Westies had only been with them for eight weeks and was a rescue dog. The poor little thing had been mistreated for years and had had such a bad ear infection that she had had to have her right ear amputated. She looked such a pitiful sight as her head had been shaved for the surgery and she was clearly very nervous around people - understandably after what she's had to endure.
The owners were really chatty and told us all about their dogs, PLUS recommended a place in Shilbottle where we can have our two groomed and clipped.
On the way home we called into Christina's new house in Longhorsley, taking a few essential supplies with us. Her house is really nice and she's pretty well sorted already, despite only moving in yesterday.
Just finished watching the Cup Final. We WERE shouting for Villa, despite what they did to us on the last day of the season, but it was not to be. Interesting to see the very fragile Mr Owen limping off yet again though! Fabio would NOT be impressed by that!

GOT UP THIS MORNING...

... to find that Charles had been up with the pups for about an hour already! They'd been having a lovely time apparently, while I'd been lazing around in bed till 7 o'clock having a lie in. Shocking!

5.30 ALREADY...

...Where has the time gone?
Christina IS finally in her new house, although there is still no heating and she is having to manage with portable heaters for the time being. She does, fortunately, have an electric shower, so that's something. She seems happy with the house on the whole - apart from the obvious problems which should be sorted out this week. Take note Reeds-Rains, you Mickey Mouse Estate Agents.
Jim's been here most of the afternoon watching the Chelsea/Man City game and then the rugby.
I've kept a watchful eye on our match and those of our nearest rivals. Not a bad day for the Toon. (We made sure the pups had their Toon tops on - I think they bring us good luck, so we'll make sure they wear them for every game now!)
The girls continue to be gorgeous!! Barking has been minimal today, and if they HAVE forgotten for a minute they very quickly stop with just a verbal reminder.
James thinks we shouldn't get them to be too quiet because he doesn't want them to lose their personalities. That's okay to say when you don't live with them though Jim!! A bit of peace and quiet (or even a LOT of it) is fine by me!
I seem to have spent the day cooking and ironing, oh and cleaning the spare room now that Christina's stuff has gone. (It occurred to me when we were bagging up the clothes that she had stored here - that she must have more clothes than I have EVER had in my whole life.)
The girls are watching telly with Charles right now and we're trying to decide whether we want an Indian tonight. Hmmm, let me think about that for a minute...
Yep...
We do!

THIS IS AMAZING!

Christina has just pulled onto the drive. Normally this is the pre-cursor to a crescendo of barking, but today...
... NOT A PEEP!
Not even a little squeak!
Not even a trial yap!
NOTHING!
And I didn't even use the Pet Corrector - just showed them the can!

GREAT!

We now have a couple of inches of snow - and it's still falling. In fact looking at the sky there would appear to be a lot more to come.
This is just a trifle inconvenient as it's Christina's moving day. (Also I was supposed to be having my hair done, but I'm going to postpone that until next weekend, so I'll be wearing a baseball cap all week to hide my hideous roots.)
She is going over to the estate agents this morning - AND CHARLES IS GOING TOO!! This should fill the manager with fear because if the heating hasn't been fixed as the manager promised yesterday there will be hell to pay. The man was SUPPOSED to ring Charles with an update on the situation yesterday afternoon, but despite the tongue lashing he'd received earlier in the day he decided not to do that. This was a BIG MISTAKE! Even if there had been no progress he should have done what he'd agreed to do and let Charles know, so that we could have made the arrangements ourselves which is what we've had to do with all the other problems we've encountered from that woefully inept office. The excuse yesterday was that they've never managed a property with an oil boiler! WHAT? Do you really expect us to believe that you bunch of idiots?
GET IT SORTED - QUICK!

I WOULD NEVER HAVE BELIEVED IT!

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes!
The most difficult time for the pups to refrain from barking is when someone comes to the house. They go absolutely berserk when Charles comes home and get frantically excited when Christina turns up.
One quick spray from the can of Pet Corrector completely stopped them from making a sound when both arrived home tonight!
They're not frightened or startled by it, but it obviously gives out the message that the behaviour is unacceptable and it stops instantly! I haven't used it much, but whenever I have, I have given the verbal 'No bark!' (low pitch voice) command at the same time and then rewarded them with a treat and a 'Good girls, no bark!' (high pitch, happy voice)
I really hope this method does the trick because their barking was getting a bit wearing.
If it DOES work, we'll move onto stopping them from jumping up when they are greeting people.
They've been absolutely adorable this afternoon and evening. Despite being confined to the house completely today because of the weather, they have remained really sweet natured and have played companionably together all day.
Well done pups - and well done Pet Corrector!

HOW MANY...

.... chocolate liqueurs would you have to eat before you couldn't drive in case you failed a breath test?
I only ask because I've discovered a box left over from Christmas and I've eaten one or two!!

FLIPPIN' HECK!

I have got to tell you about a product I have just purchased which claims to stop barking, jumping up, aggression and food stealing amongst other things (in DOGS just in case you're wondering!)
It's called 'Pet Corrector' and is basically a can of compressed air that emits a loud(ish) hiss when sprayed close to the offending dog (or pup!)
A can of this stuff arrived a little while ago in our Petsplanet delivery. (I HAD ordered it, it didn't come as a complete surprise)
A few moments ago the pup were being really aggressive with each other and barking crazily. ONE SPRAY OF THE CAN AND THEY STOPPED INSTANTLY! They then lay down when they were told and haven't moved since!!
Okay - I've only tried it once and it was probably a shock (although it really isn't that loud) and they may become immune to it if used too frequently, but hey - it worked a treat just then!

WARNING - ESTATE AGENTS

This is a warning for anyone considering renting a property through REEDS-RAINS.
AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE, OR LIVE TO REGRET IT.
Four weeks ago Christina applied to take up residence in one of the properties on their books.
Since then she has had one bit of bad news and one delay after another.
To cut a long story short, CHARLES has ended up contacting people to do the required check on the LPG cooker as Reeds-Rains weren't able to find anyone to do it! It failed!
She finally agreed to move in tomorrow knowing that the cooker is broken and won't be repaired for another fortnight.
However, today she is informed that the central heating boiler is also broken and there's no oil in the tank anyway, despite being informed it would come with a full tank.
I honestly cannot believe the ineptitude of this company.
If you've got a property to let - WHY DON'T YOU GET IT UP TO STANDARD BEFORE PUTTING IT ON THE MARKET?
Apparently Charles has spoken to the manager this morning and given him/her a piece of his mind. I wish he'd let ME do it - I would have LOVED to tell them exactly what I think of their customer service.

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT...

... I have to report the demise of Sean the Sheep, Rose's very favourite toy and constant companion since `Uncle Richard's first visit to the pups when they were just nine weeks old.
Sadly Sean's intestinal stuffing was found all over the settee last night during the pup's telly time and it would appear that Rose had finally killed him off by chewing right through his fluffy coat and dragging out his kapok filling.
This was a really sad event, almost on the same scale as the loss of Mungo the Monkey on the cross Channel ferry when James was little! THAT was a true tragedy as little Mungo had accompanied James everywhere since he was one year old and he'd become part of the family. Equally, Rose is going to miss her little fluffy companion very much, although she does still have the furry lion and the meerkat to carry around, but these have never had quite the same appeal that Sean did!
So, this is a sad day for the pups!
Sob, sob!

LILY'S PAW...

... doesn't seem to be bothering her so much today. Yesterday she was really worrying at it, but today she has left it alone so far. Charles has had a really good look and there are some TINY abrasions, literally only a couple of millimetres long between her nails. We DID notice that when they came back from the vets after their operation, she seemed to have blood on her paw which we put down to a bit of careless nail-trimming. Whether that has anything to do with it I don't know, but the good thing is that it seems less of an issue.
We're back at the vets first thing on Monday to get them signed off after their op, so I'll mention it then if it's still bothering her. She certainly isn't in any pain and lets us handle her paw without pulling away, so it can't be anything major.
We noticed that as she was licking at it, the hair around her mouth was becoming quite stained and on reading our Westie Owner's Manual it would appear that the main cause of staining is the over-production of saliva, and that would tie in with her frequent licking yesterday.
On a different subject, I'm looking forward to the Petplanet delivery because there are two new toys in there that are designed to keep the pups busy before rewarding them with a treat. There is also a spray that is SUPPOSED to stop barking and other unwanted behaviours. Hmmm - we'll see about that!

I REALLY HOPE...

... that my sister is finally doing the sensible thing and is staying at home today instead of struggling into school with pneumonia.
I shall be ringing later to find out!

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR...

... was up to her usual weekly tricks in the small hours this morning.
Clearly Thursday is her night out with her mates and before we went to bed last night I predicted that the pups would be disturbed when she arrived home.
And they were!
She is incapable of getting from the car to her front door without shrieking and giggling and yelling at the top of her voice. (This is MOST unusual in this neighbourhood I have to say)
So I was up with the girls for about half an hour and then found it very difficult to get back to sleep, so by the time proper morning came I felt like I'd got sand in my eyes and in need of a whole box of matches to keep them open.
However, we're up and raring to go now! Not that we will actually be going far because we should have two deliveries today: the Tesco shopping will arrive between 12 and 2, and some goodies from Petplanet for the pups should turn up some time during the day. (If the forecast is to be believed, we are in for more snow, which is why I ordered the groceries on line.)
With any luck though, before any of this happens, the pups will decide to have a shut-eye and when they do...
... SO WILL I!!

MY MUM'S JUST PHONED...

... wanting the name of the author whose latest crime novel James bought me for Christmas.
It is, of course, Harlan Coben, whose books I love (and so does James - he knew he would get it when I'd finished it!! Not daft, isn't Jim!)
I gave her the details as requested, but my only worry is that it may NOT be suitable reading for my mum!
I tried to persuade her to try 'Small Island' by Andrea Levy, which I have just finished and enjoyed very much - so much so that I've reAd another two by the same author in the past week.

LILY SEEMS TO BE...

... worrying at her front right paw.
I've had a good look and felt around it but can't find anything wrong. She doesn't seem to be in pain, but she won't leave it alone. I've tried smearing a little Vaseline on the area she keeps licking in the hope that it will sooth whatever is bothering her.

THIS TIME LAST WEEK...

... we were waking up with two very subdued pups.
It actually seems AGES ago now. I think the time has gone slowly since their operation because of all the restrictions on their movements and activities, but you really would not know now that they had had surgery only a week ago.
Both scars are healing beautifully and we should be able to remove the tee shirts before long. I've got quite accustomed to seeing the pups in their different tops though, and THEY really seem to enjoy wearing them! (Especially their NUFC tops!)
This morning, as it's relatively mild, they are outside in the play area at the front of the house. They're not playing much though, just standing at the fence watching the world go by. (Well - the few cars that are leaving our estate actually)
I spoke to my sister last night. She has been unwell for weeks and was diagnosed with bronchitis last week, but having been back to the docs yesterday it would appear that it may actually be pneumonia. AND SHE'S STILL GOING IN TO SCHOOL TODAY! Why? Why isn't she at home getting better for goodness sake? The school won't fall down with out her. Getting yourself well is ALL that you should be worrying about right now Helen.

WELL...

What a very quiet and sleepy morning the pups have had today. I did think they got up too early and they have certainly made up for it having slept for two hours solid while I've been twiddling my thumbs waiting for them to rouse themselves!
I have actually been a little bit bored this morning. It's very rare that I can say this, but I have actually wished that I could be doing something a little more purposeful today. Having said that I think I'm probably being influenced by the miserable weather and the fact that I had decided early on today that we weren't going to be doing much.
Anyway - the girls are awake now and are getting up to mischief as usual. I have to say that I am being far less vigilant about their exertions as I have realised that I'm just fighting a losing battle. So they are running around quite a bit now. Not in the back garden where they can really get up speed, but in the front play area which is much smaller and does mean they can only get a limited run in.
James has just rung from work. It would appear that HE has had something of a slow morning too. He sounded almost as fed up as me!

MISERABLE YUKKY MORNING

Okay, so we haven't had the heavy snowfall that was forecast, but we have had enough wet slushy stuff to be a nuisance.
The pups woke early again today and, when I put them out for a wee I was pleasantly surprised to discover that we had not been snowed in as we had expected.
I suspect the pups were woken before they were really ready because they are both lolling around now trying to catch a few zzzzzs before breakfast - and that is MOST unusual.
I'm not making any plans for today - at least none that involve going out anywhere!

HOME FROM THE SHOPS

Had a good morning jostling with all the elderly and infirm. Just out of interest - do you need a licence for one of those motorised ride-on invalid car things? Not that I'm thinking of getting one you understand, its just that I really think people who use them should have a driving test before they're let loose on the streets - or even the pavements where they can cut you up on a whim.
We did, however, survive the trip in one piece (or three actually) and got home in time for coffee.

NEARLY A WEEK...

... since the pups had their surgery.
Recovery has been amazing! Apart from their scars and silver tummies you would never know!
We're setting off for a little shopping trip in a minute. Nothing exciting, just food and boring stuff. Actually, having watched the weather forecast I think it's good that we're going today as we may well be snowed in again tomorrow!!!

TELLY TIME!!!

The pups positively look forward to this evening ritual!
They stand at the kitchen door waiting to be allowed through to the sitting room and then they both snuggle up with Charles watching anything apart from programmes featuring any wildlife whatsoever.
They seem to particularly enjoy footie on the telly - which is just as well because our TV seems to be pre-programmed to show football for 90% of the time it's switched on!!
They've been lovely today - adorable even - but it has to be said they have LOTS OF ENERGY and are becoming a little reckless in their movements! I keep reminding them to be gentle and not to overdo it, but they just look at me for a moment and then go back to tearing around again!

MONDAY MORNING

And everything is back to what passes for normal in our house.
Charles is off to work and the pups and I are doing our best to remain calm, quiet and gentle!
I am counting the days (nay - minutes!) until the pups get the all clear - hopefully a week today - and they can go out and let off steam and get rid of some of their pent up energy.
They ARE trying really hard today and have spent the morning so far either playing quietly with their toys or dozing. They DID, however, make a bolt for freedom this morning just before Charles left for work when he inadvertently left the kitchen door open. This window of opportunity presented a great chance for legging it around the bungalow - into each of the bedrooms, up and down the hall and around the sitting room, before being rugby tackled (carefully minding their tummies!) by Charles and returned to the confines of the breakfastroom.
I've been outside sweeping away the snow, yet again. I notice we have more forecast for later in the week though. SURELY we've had enough now. I am SO ready for spring to arrive.

HOW DO WE KNOW...

... that the pups are feeling better?
Well, leaving them alone for five minutes only to hear a crashing thud and find that they had pulled the ironing board out of it's hidey hole was one clue.
Just for a minute forgeting that the leather chair in the kitchen was accessible to them and watching them merrily jumping on and off and on again was another.
Finding them rolling over and over each other and trying very hard to take each other's protective tee-shirts off was a third.
Having to listen to a really bad growling and barking session when we were trying to watch a programme about mongeese (mongooses?)(What IS the plural of mongoose?) also gave us a hint. I kept saying, 'Stop it, they're cute!' but it made no difference!
All in all, we are now findng that if we take our eyes off the little darlings for a minute, they WILL be up to no good. Perfectly normal then!

SUNDAY LUNCH...

... will actually be Sunday dinner today, as James won't get here until about 4pm.
Not that it matters, because Charles and I have had coffee and goodies in Morpeth this morning while we were waiting for the shops to open at 11 o'clock!
Foolishly we got there for ten, only to find that we had an hour to kill. But we spent a very pleasant hour with coffee and the Sunday papers, before going to purchase a supply of new books from Waterstones and a new heavy duty chopping board from M and S.
We've just heard that our worries about finding suitable accommodation for the pups during our New York jaunt my have been resolved. Our very good friend Paul (from our college days) has offered to come and house/puppy sit during our holiday. This is great news because Paul is very much a dog person plus it means minimal disruption to Lily and Rose. I don't know if the whole of Paul's family will come, although they are more than welcome. It will be a nice break for them too, because they live in Northamptonshire and always enjoy coming up to rural Northumberland. Paul is even a Newcastle fan (sad but true!) and he MAY be able to take in a home game while he's here. So, no more worries about pet hotels for us. Of course, as it gets nearer to the time I shall be an emotional wreck again, but I would have been doubly so if we had been taking them to somewhere unfamiliar.

SUNDAY 8.20AM

And Good Morning to you all!!
Following the disturbance in the night, Charles got up with the pups first thing this morning and I allowed myself an extra 15 minutes lie in before feeling guilty and coming through to find all three of them snuggled up together on the chair in the kitchen.
They're watching Match of the Day at the moment!
The pups are doing so well. You would never think that it's only five days since their surgery. In another week we should be able to let them run around madly as usual - can't wait!
I think the video posted by Charles yesterday is lovely. It's obviously a mix of footage from January and early February, together with some post operation clips. The shots of the pups in their NUFC tops and little tee-shirts is all since last Wednesday. Obviously they are used to wearing clothes as you can see from their rather dapper coats and the beige tops they've worn for a while now. But once their scars have completely healed and the weather improves they will be able to run around naked once again!
Okay - it's breakfast time now - for the pups and for us too.
Be back later!

TYPICAL

ON THE NIGHT THAT CHRISTINA DECIDES SHE'S NOT COMING HOME, THEREFORE WON'T DISTURB THE PUPS, OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR RETURNS FROM A NIGHT OUT WITH HER MATES AND THEN TAKES 15 MINUTES TO SAY GOODBYE TO THEM AT THE TOP OF HER VOICE WHEN THEY DROP HER OFF AT 1.45AM.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH CLARE.

NEW VIDEO

Well done Charles it's great.
I'm just not sure why we've got that shot of you at the end with the gigantic icicle?

THIS MORNING...

... seems to have gone on forever - and it's not over yet!
I don't think we were up any earlier than usual, so that's not the reason for this never-ending morning. I think it's more likely the fact that the pups are beginning to get a little bit stir crazy and resentful of the fact that they are being so contained and restricted. Clearly, despite the vast array of toys to which they have access, they are BORED out of their little minds and we are having to find minute-by-minute activities to keep the distracted and occupied.
Charles is busy making a new video which I hope will make an appearance on the blog later today. Some of the footage is pre-operation, when the pups were in fine voice. They keep hearing dogs barking as he is editing the clips and are wondering where these flaming dogs are hiding, not realising that it is only THEM!

THREE HOURS...

.... after my last post yesterday Christina arrived home. And yes - the pups DID wake up!
Grrrrrr!!!!

NEARLY TEN O'CLOCK...

... and the pups have settled for the night.
We kept them up a bit later than usual because they've had a very lazy day today with all that driving around.
It's actually very difficult to keep them from exerting themselves. They're obviously feeling much better because they've started to engage in the usual rough and tumble games they enjoy so much and we're trying very hard to keep these at a minimum. Interestingly though, they're still not barking as much as they did before the operation. This is a VERY GOOD THING, but I don't really understand it. Any barks that they DO emit are very half hearted attempts as if they feel that they OUGHT to bark but can't really be bothered.
I forgot to mention earlier that we went to the Badger for lunch with James today. It was really nice to meet up with him during the day, although it didn't stop him coming up for his tea this evening!
He left a while ago as it's started to snow pretty heavily (When will this winter end?) and now I'm worrying about Christina who is still out somewhere - just wish she'd let us know where she is.
Weather permitting, Charles is off to the match with James tomorrow afternoon. Lets hope NUFC can keep up their home form against Preston. I haven't got a clue what I'll be doing, but will certainly be taking the pups out in the car if they are getting restless at home.
Okay, I think I'm going to get an early night. (Christina has just sent a text to say she'll be home in half an hour.)

GOOD NEWS

It's Friday afternoon and we've just got back home - not that we've ONLY been to the vet's you understand!
We took the pups for their first check up at 9am and they were both given full marks for their recovery so far. Their incisions are clean and dry and there is no swelling or puffiness - so that's great news. We were given a pretty strict warning about keeping them subdued for the next ten days though. Easier said than done I think.
However, we have found a solution of sorts. We had loads of little errands to do today around Morpeth and Gosforth (Getting Jim's registration number changed at the DVLA. We gave him the number plate for Christmas/Birthday and have only just got round to officially changing it! As it happens we got there only to find that we hadn't got all the paperwork so had to go to Jim's work and back home to Longfram to track it all down!)
Anyway, it was all this running around in the car that provided the solution to keeping the pups quiet and calm. They LOVE being in the car and either sleep or just lie around all the time we are out. So the fact that we have been driving around since 9am has meant that they have had a quiet and restful day. So there you go - all we need to do for the next ten days is put them in the car and go for a long drive!

FRIDAY MORNING 7.20

An early start this morning.
A truck went noisily past our road end at about 6.30 and woke the pups. I tried to ignore them for a while but had to give in after a few minutes!
They are FINE today! Chasing each other around the kitchen actually. Jumping up to greet me whenever they haven't seen me for a couple of minutes! I honestly don't know how I am supposed to keep them calm or even what is acceptable in terms of their activities and exercise. I'll ask the vet later on this morning.
Christina must have arrived home at about midnight but managed to get in without disturbing the girls. There's no sign yet of either her or Charles!

9.30pm

And Lily and Rose are now in bed.
What a relief today has been. The girls have been stoic and brave and I am so proud of them both.
Hopefully they're settled for the night although Christina isn't in yet and she sometimes disturbs the pups no matter how quiet she tries to be.
We're going to the vets again first thing tomorrow. I hope everything will be okay - certainly looking at their incisions tonight everything seems clean and dry with no hint of redness, so fingers crossed the vet will be pleased with their progress.

7.20pm

Both pups have eaten a really good meal this evening. I've noticed that they are rapidly becoming more like their usual cheeky selves: Lily has just tried the water bowl challenge - 'Can I tip up my full water bowl before Mum legs it across the kitchen to stop me?' Rose is wanting to be outside where she can stretch her legs, but I need to watch that she doesn't start haring around too much.
Charles has got them on his knee again - they're watching Notting Hill now! He's just picked Lily up and must have caught her sore bit, because for the first time she let out a little shriek and then immediately licked his face as if to say, 'It hurt, but I know you didn't mean to do it.'

4.20pm

Well, the pups and Charles are sitting contentedly watching some rubbishy film on TV.
We've just taken our eyes off Rose for a minute and then turned back to find her happily sitting up bright and alert on the leather chair which I thought I had put out of reach in the kitchen. Little monkey!
I've done a bit of videoing and hopefully Charles can get a new film put onto the blog this weekend. You'll be surprised at how much they've grown even since the Christmas video!

HERE HE COMES!

Well, Charles is pulling onto the drive and there is no noise at all from the pups.

Oh - hang on - spoke too soon - they are yapping away happily, as usual!

Charles has come back with two pairs of baby pyjamas and two babygros!! They just need a bit of adjusting with a pair of scissors and they should be fine!

3.00pm

Still doing okay.
Lily and Rose have had an afternoon nap and are now enjoying an activity Kong smeared with a little peanut butter.
I've noticed that they are both becoming much more mobile and have even started trying to jump up when they get excited about something. I'm glad we've moved the chairs out of their room otherwise they would certainly have been attempting to jump onto them.
They are STILL noticeably quieter than usual. It'll be interesting to see how they react to Charles arriving home in a few minutes. Normally they raise the roof in their excitement when they see his car pulling onto the drive and they scrabble at the French doors with their little paws going berserk, so we'll see what sort of reaction he gets today.

12.30pm

I think we're doing really well.
The pups have had a little sleep this morning, but have been up and about most of the time. They're not being particularly boisterous but are pacing themselves well, wandering around their room and playing quietly with their toys. Quiet is still the operative word. It's quite strange really. I know they will get their barks back, but I'm enjoying the peace while it lasts!
The two bottles of pain relief remain unopened.

9.30am

Okay - things are progressing much better than I anticipated. Both pups are moving with relative ease now and we haven't had to give them any of the painkilling meds that we brought home from the surgery yesterday.
We have to take them back tomorrow morning to have their wounds checked - bet they won't like going back THERE!
Charles is going to pop into school later on for a Family Fun Day! On his way back he's going to stop off to buy some babies tee shirts. This is NOT a case of us getting really silly - but yesterday the nurse recommended buying some cheap ones that we can cut to puppy shape, keeping their wounds covered until they're properly healed.
I'm quite shocked at the length of the incisions. I had expected them to be about two inches long - but they are actually closer to FOUR. That's pretty long really when you think about the size of the pups little tummies.
I guess that our biggest problem during the next few days is going to be keeping them calm and preventing them from chasing around too much. Rose honestly doesn't seem aware of any pain. Lily however is still much more economical in her movements and is moving much more carefully than her sister.
All in all though, they are making far better progress than I ever anticipated. Dannymatt DID say this would be the case, but I confess to not really believing him. For that I apologise and bow to far greater experience!

THURSDAY MORNING

I woke early and peeped out of the window towards the pups room where I could see a little face peering out through the curtains!
They were up!
Both Lily and Rose are mobile this morning and have eaten a normal breakfast. Thy are wearing their NUFC tops and Charles has been able to lift them both onto his knee for a cuddle. (I haven't been brave enough yet!)
They've managed the big step in and out of the house with no noticeable discomfort.
The spookiest thing was the QUIET. Neither pups had barked from the time we brought them home and had just made those sad little whimpering sounds last night. However, Rose appears to be getting her voice back as she is currently standing at the kitchen door trying very hard to attract Christina's attention. (It's not working though - she's too busy to be bothered with them!)

10.40pm

Charles has already turned in for the night.
The pups, at the moment, are quiet and resting.
I'm just sitting up hoping to catch the goals on SSN and then I shall turn in as well.
(It was really sweet earlier. Charles offered to sleep on the floor in the pups room to make sure they're okay in the night. I told him that I thought we'd soon hear them if they weren't okay, so he's taken himself to bed after all.)

9 25pm

NUFC winning 3 - 1!!
More importantly, the pups are doing okay. Lily is still very dozy, but is moving a bit more easily and comes to us when we go through to their room. Rose is back in her usual mode of guarding her 'little' sister from the forces of evil that exist outside the front door and has taken up her normal watchful position, growling softly at suspected threats! She can move pretty freely at the moment.
The vet sent us home with painkillers to give them tomorrow if we think they need them. I'm pleased that we have this option and that we don't have to wait until the pups are in obvious discomfort before going to pick pain relief up from the surgery.
I mentioned Lily being the 'little' sister. Actually she isn't. She certainly looks it thanks to Roses's immense coat, but when they were weighed tody they turned out to be EXACTLY the same! However, I think she will always be the little one as far as Rose is concerned.

8.15pm

Both Lily and Rose are looking a little more lively now. Lily has emerged from the crate and has eaten one tiny piece of chicken! She is enjoying a bit of a fuss from Charles now. Rose has amazingly trotted through to the kitchen carrying the toy meerkat we bought earlier today, in her mouth. Both little things had slightly waggy tails as well!

7.30pm

Rose has eaten a spoonful of chicken and rice, moistened with a little chicken stock. Lily wasn't interested in food at all.
We've just been to check on them and they are both lying in their crates. Interestingly Lily is now lying on her back which is her preferred sleeping position, so she looks a little more relaxed now.
We, however, are not at all relaxed as NUFC are playing!

WEDNESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY

And the day of the BIG OPERATIONS.
How sorry did I feel for the pups this morning as they first of all had to do without their breakfast and were then bundled into the car to be left at the Fairmoor vets.
I have to confess that I was a bit of an emotional wreck and had a few tears before we left the house, but had thankfully pulled myself together by the time we were talking to the vet who was going to be doing the surgery. In fairness, he was very reassuring and clearly used to dealing with nervous dog owners, because by the time we left them (about 9am) I was feeling much better about the whole thing.
We set off from Morpeth straight into town and thankfully, we didn't get a phone call from the surgery. We had had to give our mobile number just in case anything went wrong and we were needed quickly, but everything had gone well we were eventually informed when we checked in at about 3pm. The pups had come round and although they were obviously sore, were doing okay. In addition to their operation, both pups also had their microchips fitted nd their nails and fringes cut!
We were able to collect them at 4pm and brought them straight home. Before we left the surgery we were told that Lily was taking a bit longer than Rose to start coming round properly and that has certainly been the case since we've been back. Rose , although clearly in discomfort, has managed to move around quite a bit and has even eaten some tiny bits of chicken. Lily has only left the security and comfort of her crate once and is spending most of her time asleep - which is perfectly understandable.
It's the tiny little whimpering noises that are breaking my heart. Both pups are trying so hard to be brave but can't help making this sad little sound.
I'm going to see if they can eat a little meal in a while - just a bit of chicken and rice.
I'll check in again later and let you know how we're doing.
(While we were out, we DID buy them both a Newcastle United top, but I don't think they'll be wearing them tonight!)

WILL WRITE...

... ON THE BLOG TONIGHT.
HAVE BIG HEAVY WEIGHT INSIDE TUMMY NOW.
GOING TO SET OFF IN A FEW MINUTES.

WE'VE JUST TAKEN THE PUPS...

... for a nice long walk down Villa Lane. Unfortunately the farmer has obviously been shifting a load of very unpleasant mucky stuff and has clearly decided to drop most of it on the road. As you can imagine, the girls took great delight in wallowing in as much of it as they could and ended up coated in black yuk.
So, although we hadn't planned to, we've had to give them both a bath. They were so bad we needed two lots of bath water! Anyway, they are now beautifully groomed and fragrant once again.
I'm starting to feel reconciled to tomorrow's events. I've got the crates ready and will be going armed with my list of questions, which grows longer by the minute. I'm going to ask if it would be possible to trim their fringes and claws as well as doing the nasty bit, because both girls are having difficulty peering through their overgrown hairstyles.
James is on his way up here for pancakes. I've never known a boy who loves pancakes as much as Jim, so we'll no doubt be making a veritable mountain of the things.

NEW TRAINERS

Just had a pair of those new shape up trainers delivered.
They are really weird!
It feels like I'm constantly being thrown off balance.
Very comfortable - but extremely strange walking sensation!

WHY DO I FEEL...

... as if I'm about to hand the pups over to be tortured? I feel like a complete traitor. I've always told them that I'll never let anything hurt them and yet tomorrow I'm going to willingly (?) put them through a horrible procedure and they won't understand why it's happening.
The very thought is making me feel ill.
I'm looking at the two of them now, sitting without a care in the world on their Dad's knee. Thank God they don't know what tomorrow has in store for them.

DROWSY DAY!

All three of us (that's me, Lily and Rose in case you were wondering) have had a very drowsy day today. Every time I've sat down with them, they've fallen asleep and so have I! It's been very pleasant actually.
In a few moments though all remnants of tiredness is about to disappear from the pups as they will be overjoyed to see their Dad return! He's just rung to say he's passing Kingston Park so he'll be here in about half an hour and the girls will be past themselves with sheer joy!

YAWN, MOAN, GROAN, YAWN

DON'T TALK TO ME YET!
We've had a very early start - in the middle of the night really.
Christina had to get up at 5AM so that she can get to Manchester for a meeting at 9.00, and to give her her due, she tried very hard to tiptoe around the house as she was getting ready, but unfortunately, and predictably, the pups ended up waking much earlier than usual.
They have however been remarkably quiet and have tried to have a little doze although this hasn't really worked for them. I'm hoping that, once they've had breakfast, they'll go back for a longer sleep, giving me an opportunity to catch forty winks as well. I've got that horrible feeling you get when you've got to get up in the early hours to get to the airport - only I haven't got any of the associated excitement!

CHARLES HAS JUST SET OFF...

... for Preston to spend the day with his Mum and Richard and Sarah. He'll be back tomorrow afternoon.
In the meantime, it's me and the pups at home, although Christina IS around somewhere, presumably catching up on some zzzzzs. She didn't get in till late last night and managed to wake the pups in the process, although they settled again within minutes.
The plan for today is flexible, but WILL involve Sunday lunch at the Anglers. James is coming up and we are going together, with Christina if she's not too busy.
Lily and Rose have had their breakfast and are now playing in the breakfast room quite amicably. Lily is engrossed in trying to get to the treat inside the activity Kong and Rose is lying down and watching her, clearly thinking that IF the treat ever manages to become dislodged, SHE is going to pounce on it despite Lily having done all the hard work!
Their little tee-shirts arrived yesterday. They are really cute, but don't exactly cover their tummies which was the general idea. I'm also a bit worried about the buttons on the collars. It wouldn't be a concern if we just had ONE pup, as it would be out of reach at the back of the neck, but with our two they just need to have a bit of rough and tumble together and one of the pup is going to end up chewing the buttons on the other pups tee-shirt, possibly ending up swallowing it, so it looks s if I'll be cutting them off before they wear them again.

WELL...

... the match tension is beginning to subside, although it'll be there again on Wednesday evening. WE however, will probably NOT be able to go to the game as the pups will just have come home after their surgery.
To be honest though, I actually don't care.
It's funny how a performance like that leaves you (well ME) feeling really down. I know I didn't actually watch it, but I could tell from the amount of verbal abuse coming from the living room AND the comments on footy mad that we must have been abysmal. So much for Chris Hughton's 'wounded animal' mentality, it would appear they were so badly wounded that putting them to sleep would have done them a kindness. (Or maybe someone already had.)
We're just waiting for James to turn up now. He's coming for his tea and will hopefully be able to stay for a while.
Tomorrow Charles is off to see his Mum and family in Preston and won't be back till Monday afternoon, so the pups had jolly well better behave themselves for me in his absence.
I called in at Heighley Gate this morning and got some toys that I hope the pups will be able to play with quietly when they are confined to their crates later this week. Hmmm, we'll see!

OH WOW

We managed to score.
Whoopie-do!

WHY IS IT...

... that being a Newcastle fan can take years off your life?
It should come with a warning - 'Supporting NUFC can seriously harm you and others around you.'
Fed up , fed up, fed up.

CAN'T BEAR TO WATCH THIS.

We've just gone 1 down.
We are appalling.

CHARLES HAS NOT HAD...

... a good morning!
He's been in charge of the pups while I have had a morning off, enjoying a trip to the hairdressers (again.)
Not too much to worry about for Charles then. Except he hadn't reckoned on a) managing to rip the handle off the tumble drier, b) having two pups who wouldn't settle for a minute because they wanted to know where their Mum had gone and c) the fact that our next door neighbours were having their garage roof resealed.
This last factor in itself wouldn't have been too much of a problem EXCEPT for the fact that the bitumen caught fire and the fire service had to be called and there wee clouds of acrid smoke billowing across our garden and the fire engine arrived with it's siren blaring and lots of firefighters started trampling around the front of our house...
With the result that the pups were literally past themselves by the time I returned!
I have to say that when I pulled into Cheviot Lodge my heart skipped a few beats at the sight of the fire engine parked at the end of the drive. Initially I thought it was OUR house! But thankfully, within a few minutes of my return they had packed up and moved away so we could begin the process of calming the girls down.
This hasn't been easy as they have got themselves into such a state, but at the moment they ARE having a little sleep. This is pretty good timing as NUFC are on Sky right now, although I am avoiding it like the plague because it sounds as if we are RUBBISH.
(Oh, better go, the pups are barking at something...)

EVERYBODY'S...

... home now and we're going to have an Indian for dinner - YUM!!
The pups have been a bit restless this afternoon, after their outdoor play was curtailed when I discovered both of them trampling around in the raised flower bed. (Charles will need to make this more puppy proof tomorrow.) They both had a good telling off and Lily ended up with a smack on her bottom when she thought it was a good idea to growl when she was having her very black face washed. Needless to say, they've both been a little subdued since then.
Lily seems to like curling up in the tiniest space she can find. She loves getting under the chair in the breakfast room and has recently started to get onto the dining chair and hiding under the table. She's not afraid of anything, she just seems to like little spaces. Maybe she knows that Rose can't get to her when she's tucked away like this, so she gets a few minutes peace!
My Mum rang back after leaving me wondering whether we should be letting OUR pups have their own pups and getting me very confused. In HER opinion perhaps we shouldn't let them have pups after all, because they would have to have them at the same time or one of them might get jealous and then we would be overrun with dozens of tiny little pups and it would do my head in! That was Mum's opinion anyway!

AARRGGHH! GET BEHIND ME SATAN (I MEAN 'MUM'!)

Mothers eh! What do you do with them?
Mine has just rung to update me on the medical procedures she's been having today - poor thing sounds really exhausted and sore.
But in the course of the conversation she was asking about the pups and had expected then to be going in for surgery today. I'd completely forgotten to tell her that their appointment has been changed.
I was explaining to her how undecided I am and talked about how difficult it's going to be to keep them apart etc. She then asked why I was doing it and what benefits there would be. So I went through all the obvious stuff about no danger of pregnancy, unwanted attention from male dogs, no coming into heat, the possibility of them calming down etc etc. And then she said, 'Don't you WANT them to have puppies then? Aren't you going to let them have a litter each?'
And I didn't know what to say!

HALF TERM START THIS EVENING!

Makes no difference to me of course - but Charles is really ready for it!
Actually, I suppose it DOES make a difference to me really, because he's around to do stuff with the pups. It never ceases to amaze me how he manages to get them instantly settled on his knee, no matter how excitable they may have been beforehand. In fact they seem to EXPECT to have a quiet snuggle with him. I think they probably think, 'Oh good, it's Dad - HE doesn't move from his seat once he gets in, so we're assured of quality cuddles here!' Perhaps that's why they don't come to me for long cuddles so much - because they know that it's only going to last a few minutes before I'm up and off again.
Anyway, it's rather a wet start to the day today. Hope it dries up later then the pups can get outside.
I HAVE ordered the tee-shirts for them as recommended by the vet, so I hope they're going to arrive in the next couple of days. I'm still going hot and cold thinking about next Wednesday though and there have been times when I've been close to canceling the operation and putting up with the consequences.
Charles and I have decided to go into town on the day of the op to take our minds off it. According to James the new Eldon Square shopping centre will have opened the day before so we'll have a look around there. Neither of us really want to spend any money now though, because we're saving up for a bit of a spree when we get to New York!! (The last time we went we had to buy another suitcase while we were there to bring home all our purchases - but it WAS Christmas, so I think we had a good excuse!)

A QUESTION FOR THE GIRLS...

... Would YOU hand over you entire savings to George (Home Show) Clarke?
I KNOW I WOULD!!!

I'VE MANAGED...

... to clear all the ice from the decking and patio in the back garden and the pups are playing happily out there now.
They've got their little coats on in an attempt to keep them reasonably dry. When we first got the coats it was a bit of a nightmare getting the pups dressed, but now they realise that either they are going out to play or are going for a walk and that both of these are NICE things, they get dressed (with a bit of help from Mum!) pretty quickly!
At the moment they are racing up and down holding each end of a ball on a rope. Neither pup is going to release it so they are joined together pretty much and getting loads of exercise in the process!

WHY DIDN'T I...

... write much on the blog yesterday?
I feel as if I've let myself down a bit to be honest.
It's interesting though that, as the pups are growing up, I am able to do so much more than I could when they were babies. Clearly other things got in the way of the blog yesterday!
The pups are somewhat lively this morning. This is not a bad thing and dispels the remnants of the bad dream I had in the night, in which we had taken them out for a walk in a forest and ended up losing Rose. We were searching frantically and calling her name in vain. Unfortunately, I got myself into such a panic in this nightmare that I woke up BEFORE we'd found her - so it was with some relief that I sleepily came through to see them this morning and discovered to my relief that we DID in fact still have both of them!

MANIC MORNING

Oh God!
What a crazy morning the pups are having.
First off, there's about half an inch of solid ice outside so they've been frantically practicing their skating skills.
Then Christina appeared unexpectedly from the bedroom. I think they'd forgotten she was here. Unfortunately she was all dressed up, including beautiful lacy tights, and the pups took great delight in extending the elaborate pattern a bit further as they tried to climb up her legs.
Then the man came to read the electricity meter, which just happens to be in the pups room. By the time I'd shut them in the kitchen to let the man in, they'd discovered that the door to the rest of the house wasn't shut and had happily careered through every room, jumping on beds, pummelling pillows, skidding on the mats and leaping on the settees with gay abandon. It was like an obstacle course and they'd left me on the starting line!
Thankfully, they are asleep now, but the Tesco delivery is due any time now, so that will no doubt set them off again.
Oh joy!!

DERBY GAME

NOTHING MUCH TO SAY ABOUT IT REALLY.
Although it'll be interesting to see what team Chris Hughton puts out at Swansea after THAT little fiasco.

HAVE JUST HAD...

... a nice little visit from James and two of his best mates. Jim's taken a day off work today and they'd been into town for the morning, then decided to return to Morpeth via Longfram!
It was good to see them though and the pups were beside themselves with excitement at all the attention they received.
I'm trying not to get too excited about the mach tonight. Derby isn't a good team for us to be playing so soon after that fantastic result on Friday, as we may come down to earth with a considerable bump. But let's be positive. Come on Toon!

Hmmm!

Think I've shot myself in the foot here!
You know I said that the elderly and infirm didn't venture out much in bad weather?
Well, this morning I decided that it was too cold and miserable to go shopping.
So what does that mean?

YAWN!

Crikey - I'm REALLY tired this morning.
The pups decided that morning had broken at 6.30, so I've been up, albeit bleary eyed, since then.
Yet again, it's a cold and wintery morning, with a light covering of snow and more forecast during the day. I really can't wait for Spring and for longer hours of daylight.
I think the pups and I are going to go to Morpeth later this morning. This was already the plan, but now that I've seen the wether it seems like an excellent plan because the elderly and infirm will be reluctant to venture forth on such a morning, so Morrison's aisles may be relatively clog-free.

THANK YOU...

DANNYMATT!
I am reassured by your comment! I think my main worry is about keeping them calm and separated from each other. This will not be easy! Rose in particular will have a problem with being kept away from Lily. Lily probably won't care less!!
I will certainly try to find opportunities to increase the range of music to which they are exposed! Great idea.

I DON'T KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS...

... but I've just had a phonecall from the vet asking if we can put the pups operation back until a week on Wednesday.
In a way, I'm disappointed because I was getting mentally prepared for this Friday AND it meant that Charles would be around for the whole week as it's half term.
But, it cant be helped - apparently they have a shortage of nurses due to ill health this week, so clearly there is no alternative.
At least Charles will have four full days with them and those are probably going to be the crucial days.
Apparently we need to keep them in separate crates and they will either wear a collar or a little tee-shirt to stop them chewing their stitches. Where does the tee-shirt come from? Should we be ordering that ourselves? I forgot to ask.

HEIGHT CHART

When Christina and James were kids, we used to monitor their growth by marking their height against the side of the kitchen door.
I tell you this because we now have a puppy version of the height chart - but it's not what you might think!
Before we had the pups, we had the kitchen extended into the garage and had a floor to ceiling wine rack put into the new breakfast room that had been created in the space.
It is this wine rack that has become the puppy height chart. I began by realising that I would need to remove the lowest bottles when they were just babies and have continued to remove more bottles as they have grown. The puppies now measure five bottles tall when they are stretching up on their hind legs! Of course this probably doesn't sound much, but each bottle fits into a little cubbyhole about twice the height of the actual bottle, plus there's a plinth to take into account, but nevertheless it's a good way of keeping a check on their growth!
I'm telling you this because this morning I found some little bits of pink foil on the floor and realised that a) they had been chewed b) they came from a rather nice bottle of Palacio de Montasud and c) they were now able to reach the bottles on the next level. A little worrying because it would only be a matter of time before the bottle reached the floor with a resounding smash, resulting in two inebriated pups splashing around in the vino and broken glass.
So we are now storing our wine in the utility room and the wine rack is gradually filling up with an ever increasing range of puppy toys!

DANNYMATT - HELP!

Okay, you will probably think I'm totally neurotic and overly-wimpish about this BUT I need to know what to expect when the pups come home after their operations.
I know I could talk to the vet about it, but I want to hear it honestly from you. For example...
Will they be in a lot of pain?
Do we need to keep them in separate crates?
Will we be able to pick them up?
Will the big step be a problem when they need to go outside?
Just little things like this that!
I am DREADING it because I can't bear to think they may be in pain. Please help.

I FEEL SO SORRY FOR THE PUPS!

I've given them their activity Kongs filled with a very nice biscuit from the Pet Bakery and they've tried and tried to get to the biscuit for absolutely ages.
I know this is the idea and they are supposed to be developing their powers of concentration and deduction (!) but I've just had to give in and have given them each one of the biscuits (with no nasty traps or tricks) as a reward for perseverance.

WHAT A NICE, RELAXED DAY WE'VE HAD!

No seriously - it's been a lovely day (not in terms of the weather mind you, which has been dull, damp and grey)
(Just watching the weather forecast for the week ahead - cold with snow showers again - great)
We haven't done much since we got back from Blaydon although Charles HAS constructed Fort Knox around the planted Belfast sink in which we found Rose this morning. 'Aargh Rose, what are you doing - you only had your bath last night and you're black again!' Fortunately those lovely lavender wipes came to the rescue again.
We've just sat around lazily, watching the Chelsea v Arsenal game with the pups dozing happily on Charles's knee. (I wanted Arsenal to win, but they didn't!)
Now it's the start of the wind down to bedtime for the pups. They're outside at the moment, but will shortly be coming in for some quiet playtime and another snuggle in front of the telly! (Note to self: must make sure they're watching something culturally and mentally stimulating!)

AND WE'RE BACK...

... with two new classic Kongs, and two ACTIVITY KONGS, anew tug and a kind of jointed nylabone, along with two tubs of training treats.
The activity Kongs are great, because the pups have to really work at getting to the goodies inside and they have been quietly occupied for ages!
I have also been quietly occupied - with the ironing! Is there no end to this particular chore? It really must be the job I hate most and I seem to spend all my time doing it. Grrrrrr!

THIS MORNING...

... we're going to the pet store at Blaydon to get some treats for the pups - new toys and kongs are required I think.
They are looking fabulous today, thanks to bath-time last night. Once again they are coiffed to within an inch of their lives and they both look lovely and white and fluffy. All the sand from the beach walk has gone and the two of them are obviously feeling very smart this morning.
We didn't get a lie-in this Sunday at all, in fact the pups were up for the day at about 6.30. Considering they retired for the night at about 7.45 I suppose that's not too bad really.
James is coming for a late lunch at the Longfram Laundromat, so Charles and the pups and I are going to get going pretty soon so that I have plenty of time to get lunch organised later.

HOME AGAIN

Well, we've had a great morning.
The weather was remarkably mild and dry, so we were able to spend about an hour on the beach making sure the pups had a good runabout.
They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have run their little legs off and are enjoying a much deserved sleep now.
The fish and chips at the harbour were lovely - no need to think about a meal at dinner time today!
Right, now it's time to keep an eye on the footie results!

ALNMOUTH

It IS actually a really nice morning, so we're going to take the pups to Alnmouth beach in a little while, then lunch by the sea at Amble. Should be a good day.

WHO WOKE UP THIS MORNING...

...AND THOUGHT THEY'D BEEN DREAMING LAST NIGHT!
I certainly did. Who'd have thought it, eh?

GREAT RESULT TONIGHT!

5 - 1
Sounds as if it was a really good performance by the lads tonight.
Wish I'd been there, although I'd have ended up black and blue from all the hugging!
Anyway, I've followed the match on the NUFC site and Newcastle United Mad so I have enjoyed the evning even though I wasn't there.
The pups have been asleep pretty much since about 8 o'clock. They'll probably wake up when Charles gets in, but will no doubt settle fairly quickly once they've had a cuddle from him.
Right I'm off to watch the goals on SSN.

wow!!

3 - 0 to the Toon within the first 20 minutes.
Just had half time phonecall from James, who reckons Danny Guthrie is our best player so far.
Just need to do the same again in the second half boys!

OH HECK!

Back four: Simpson, Hall, Williamson and Van Aanholt. I hope they've gelled in training this week! Colo being rested apparently.
Good news: NO NICKY BUTT!!

IT'S ALL ARRANGED

Oh God!
We've booked the pups in for their little operation. They go in next Friday morning and Charles is going to take them and pick them up to save me turning into a jibbering emotional wreck.
I made Charles phone the vet as soon as he got in, so that if they're in pain I can tell him it's all HIS fault.

WHAT A...

... miserable old day.
The pups are a bit frustrated because they can't really play out in the rain. And I'M a it frustrated because...
... the pups can't really play out in the rain!
Having said that, they seem to be resigned to it and are having a fairly dozy day, so they're making it pretty easy really.
Charles reckons he'll be home early today, so we MIGHT manage to gat them out if it fairs up a bit. Then of course, he's off to pick up James to go through to the Toon.
Tomorrow we thought we'd go to the coast with the pups, give them a good run along the beach and end up at Amble for fish and chips IF the weather improves. You could always come along with Isla and Maggie May Dannymatt!

CAN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD NOW!!!

IT'S MY HAPPY HEART YOU HEAR...
(Dancing round the kitchen with the pups!
Actually, Lily is a very good dancer!!
Rose is looking at me as if I've suddenly grown two heads!!)
SINGING LOUD AND SINGING CLEAR...

HAPPY HEART

Has anyone else felt compelled to look up Andy Williams on You Tube since happy Heart was used as the theme for the Six Nations - or am I the only sad person?
I used to watch his show every week as a kid!
Remember the Cookie Monster?
La la laa la la la la...

THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE...

... an early night.
In fact there is a slight possibility of a lie in tomorrow as Charles is at a conference in the village and doesn't need to be there until 9.30.
We'll certainly be able to take the pups out for a walk before he has to go which will be good because Charles won't have a chance later in the day as he's off to the match.
Thre's only one more week before half term. This means that, if we're going with the plan to have the pups spayed, we will be having them done next Friday. Oh I hate this so much. I DON'T WANT THEM TO BE HURT.

CAN I JUST SAY...

... that the pups have been gorgeous again today, especially as they have had quite a change to their routine this evening. They behaved very well for James and Vikki, in fact Jim admitted that they hadn't had to spend much time with them at all.
They didn't make Charles and I feel guilty for having an evening out and settled without any fuss at all.
I'm very proud of you two girls!

BACK FROM FASHION SHOW

Very good evening.
Lovely clothes, on gorgeous models and because it was for 'An Eye for An Eye' at Concept Eye Clinic - lots of fab spex!
Well done Christina!
Just one thing though. Champagne and canapes, lovely though they were, do NOT constitute a proper meal, so I'm off to raid the fridge now.
(Obviously those models would probably eat a couple of canapes and think they'd had a full meal.)

FRIDAY NIGHT MATCH

How unusual is it to have a game on a Friday night? Unfortunately I won't be going this time, it's Charles and James's turn.
It'll be interesting to see the team selection. I will just make a little prediction here - IF NICKY BUTT PLAYS WE WON'T WIN. FACT.
It's good to see that Jonas, Danny Simpson and even Shola are fit, but I'm guessing Chris Hughton is having a bit of a nightmare over who to pick.
One thing's for certain. WE NEED TO WIN THIS GAME.

HOW ON EARTH...

... has Lily managed to get into the raised flower bed, through the mesh that Charles put round it the other day?
I've just been outside to check on them and there was Rose OUTSIDE the flower bed and Lily happily trampling around INSIDE?
I just can't work out how she did it!

JEALOUS PUPS!

Hmmm. I escaped from the pups for a short while this morning, while I went to get my hair done. I know, I know, it's only Thursday, but Charles and I are going to a charity fashion show in Gosforth tonight and I didn't want to look TOO disheveled. Why are we going to a fashion show? Because Christina has organised it and obviously I didn't want to let the side down by turning up looking like a tramp. (Is that politically incorrect ie a slur on tramps? I don't know.)
Anyway I whizzed into Morpeth, got hair done, ran into Rutherfords to check out their shoe sale, bought a very nice pair because they were practically being given away, bought three scarves because I couldn't make my mind up as to which will go best with my dress (might wear all three!) and a pair of 100 denier tights, then raced home only to bump into (not literally, as in I didn't bump into them in the car) the man with the Samoyeds. He was going for his morning drag around the village, but the dogs decided to come over and greet me, very exuberantly and in full view of Lily and Rose who watched the proceedings with steam coming out of their ears! The youngest Sammy - who is now the BIGGEST of the pack - just had to put his paws up on me, which very nearly caused an inelegant loss of balance on my part, and by the time I made it into the house I was clearly smelling very much of Samoyed.
Rose particularly did not like this and has been Mrs Grump ever since I got home! (She's gone to sleep grumpy and is even grumbling in her dreams now!!!)
So James, I really hope they cheer up a bit before you puppy sit tonight. I'm glad you're coming up with Vikki because I think you might have quite a trying evening!

NEVER AGAIN...

... will I complain about James's ironing. It is EASY in comparison to Christina's.
I have just done a load of tops all of which are in different fabrics, therefore need different temperatures, and every garment was a complexity of pin tucks, pleats, smocking, frills and flaming lace trims.
Jim - your shirts are a doddle! Bring em on!!

DON'T YOU FEEL BETTER AFTER A BRISK WALK?

This is the question I asked Charles when we'd been for our evening gadabout with the pups.
I didn't actually catch his reply!

HA HA HA

It works now!
A bit of Sellotape on the cable where the pups had chewed it and problem solved!

VERY INCONVENIENT

It's a bit of a pain not having my laptop, bcuase I usually use it in the kitchen and breakfast room where I can keep an eye on the pups. At the moment though I'm having to make do with the one in the sitting room, which is a bit removed from the puppy acton!
We've been out this morning. I was on a mission to buy a whistle and a bumbag! 'What on earth for?' you may ask! Well, these are essential bits of kit according to Victoria Stilwell, dog trainer and currently my heroine. The whistle is to be blown when your dogs are doing something they shouldn't be doing and the treats that are kept in the easily accessible bumbag are for when they are being good, obviously.
The pups were very obliging as usual when we are out and I managed to have a good look round the shops AND a cup of coffee before we set off home.
I've made some temporary adjustments to the digging area outside and have hidden said area under planks of wood that are rammed into place by the wheelbarrow - very Heath Robinson, but it's stopped the digging for now. Hopefully at the weekend Charles will find a more effective way of solving the problem.
Right, I think it's time for a walk. Must go and get my whistle and (very nice brown leather) bumbag...

HELP!!!!

i CAN'T GET MY LAPTOP TO SWITCH ON.
(OBVIOUSLY i'M NOT ON IT NOW, I'M ON THE PC IN THE SITTING ROOM)
AND CHARLES WILL SAY, 'WHAT DID YOU DO TO IT?'
BUT I WASN'T ACTUALLY THE LAST PERSON TO USE IT, WAS I CHARLES?

HAVING DAUGHTER AT HOME...

... means greatly increased washing plus loss of bedroom and having to book a bathroom slot. In fact I have shut the door on her room and am pretending it doesn't exist because she may have only been here for two days, but it looks as if a wardrobe exploded in there. (Oh to have that many clothes!)

LILY'S HAVING A PADDY!

Ever since the digging incident, I have kept the pups out of the back garden. They still have the front area of course, but clearly Lily isn't happy with this any more and is whinging on and on to be let through the back door.
This is quite unusual for Lily. Usually, if there is any whinging going on it's coming from Rose's direction, but she doesn't seem too bothered today.
The whinging sounds really pathetic actually. It's sort of a sad little squeak delivered with her head slightly tilted to one side. In fact I'm having to make a real effort not to look at her right now just in case I give in!

OKAY HOW DO I STOP...

... the pups digging?
I ask because they have managed to find a narrow strip under the fence which is perfect for digging. I hadn't considered it as part of the 'puppy proofing' because it's so narrow I didn't think they would be interested - but they ARE and they're FILTHY!

HAVE JUST MADE...

... the barbecue sauce for the Hunter's Chicken we're having tonight. It smells wonderful and so reminiscent of summer time it might take our minds off the foul weather for a while!

HAVING READ DANNYMATT'S POST LAST NIGHT...

... I am now overcome with shame that I permit the pups to watch trashy telly and resolve from this day forward to only let them view mind-expanding programmes.
Right, where's the Discovery Channel then?

AND TODAY WE HAVE...

... MORE FLAMING SNOW!!
It started just as Charles was leaving for work and it's not stopped since then.
WE'VE HAD ENOUGH NOW - CEASE FOR GOODNESS SAKE!

TELLY ADDICTS

That's what the pups are!
I was just spending a very pleasant few minutes with them on my knee watching 'The One Show' when the phone rang so I had to get up and answer it (It was just Charles to say his governors' meeting has just finished and he's on his way home) and the pups continued to be absolutely glued to the screen! I think they were quite taken with Robson Green actually - they clearly have good taste! The only bit they didn't like was the bit about the insects at the end of the programme (I can't be more precise than that because I missed what it was about as I was on the phone),but as soon as they saw the insects they went berserk and shot off the chair, barking like mad at the telly!
They have been lovely again today. They are becoming really good company now that they're growing up a bit.
Anyway, Charles should be home soon, and I expect Christina will also arrive shortly, so we'll be able to eat. This is a good thing because I am STARVING now and may well fade away from lack of sustenance if we can't eat soon.

HAVEN'T WRITTEN MANY POSTS TODAY BECAUSE...

... I've had too many really exciting things to do so I haven't had a moment to spend on the blog!


...( That was a lie! I haven't written on the blog because I actually haven't done ANYTHING today worth commenting on!)

JUST TWO WEEKS...

... till half term!
I can't believe it!!
(Wonder if it would be going so fast if I was still teaching?!)
Well, we've got a slightly different situation today. Christina is staying with us for a few days while she gets ready to move into a new pace in Longhorsley. She arrived quite late last night and scored full marks for being able to get through the gate and the front door without waking the pups!! Well done Christina.
Lily and Rose got quite a surprise when she appeared as if out of nowhere this morning. Great excitement!
The pups have been out in the back garden for a runabout already. The 'puppy proofing' changes we made yesterday seem to be working well and they've got a lovely secure space o enjoy now. One thing that is fascinating them this morning is the number of little birds that are clustered together on the roof of the sunroom. They don't like the pups, but the pups DO seem to like them! I just hope none of those birds end up getting caught by my two - because as anyone who know me will tell you - I am totally phobic about birds and wouldn't cope at all if Lily and Rose decided to present me with one - dead OR alive! In fact if that ever happened I would be out of this house faster than you can say 'spuggie'!
Changing the subject (because it makes me more comfortable) I'm glued to Sky Sports News this morning as it's the last day of the transfer window. There seems to be lots of activity everywhere apart from Newcastle, where the only news is the departure of Geremi. This may be a good thing in terms of saving vast amounts of money, but it would be SO NICE if we could bring someone else IN to the side.
COME ON CHRIS - GET FAT ASH TO OPEN HIS WALLET!