As Christmas rushes upon us, now is the time to consider whether we have been good or bad this year, Maddie..
Whether we have stolen people's slippers and growled at them when they come to take them away; followed the cat and been unable to help ourselves from whining and barking at her; run across the road and leapt about the Community Education carpark until mammy or daddy come out and shake the biscuit box at us; deafened all those within earshot when Murphy has something we want and spent our free time counter-surfing and making off with the resultant goodies....
But if, on the other hand, we have achieved our Bronze AND Silver Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards this year, been ever so good in all our training classes, learnt to like doggy toothpaste and not run away when we see the toothbrush, come for bosies every night, put up with being left most of the day during the week and not chewed anything or developed any unattractive habits from it, stayed close on walks, entertained doggy visitors with gallops round the garden, been VERY good with four year olds "brushing" us and hauling on our collars and curled up and quietly gone to sleep at Guide meetings...
THEN, maybe Santa will come after all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS MADDIE!!!
21 December 2011
06 December 2011
Recent excitements
We had a pal over for the weekend - a doggy pal. Barley (collie cross) came to stay while her owners were away for the weekend - she's about 2 so needed somewhere that she would be walked - no danger there, don't think she's used to that much exercise! She and Maddie got on like a house on fire, chasing each other round the garden (the lawn's been well aerated, don't think Richard's seen it in daylight yet which is just as well really, it's looking fairly torn up). I had to be a spoil sport sometimes and bring them in as Maddie barks so much!
It can be difficult having a third dog around but you get used to it and we quite missed Barley when she was picked up on Sunday night. She was exciteable but no trouble. She even learned to stick up for herself and Murphy at one point had to be coaxed past her while she was eating (she was growling warningly, obviously scared he was going to nick her dinner). Then all three of them went round each other's bowls, just to make sure nobody had missed anything!
Richard had done his best to spoil her for going home - I sent a picture of her curled up on the sofa with R to her mammy, who was pretty shocked I think. Oops! Och well, it was only one weekend, she'll go back to her routines back home.
Meanwhile we're hoping our two will get used to the new routine now that I've gone back to fulltime work for a year. I leave 8.30am, the dogwalker comes 11-12, I take a late lunch and come home ton see them then I'm home from work about 5.15, 5.30. So they're never left too long. I hope they agree.
I was standing in the garden this afternoon, watching them play (do they play in the garden when we're not there? They always go and play when we go outside but when we go back in they come back in too - I must get CCTV!) and saw a funny thing - Murfs was lying down and Mads jumped on his back (facing the same way as him) - he stood up and she got a pickyback ride for about 3 seconds before she fell off! It was pretty funny. Bare back Murphy-riding... could make something of that, i wonder if I could train them to do it?
It can be difficult having a third dog around but you get used to it and we quite missed Barley when she was picked up on Sunday night. She was exciteable but no trouble. She even learned to stick up for herself and Murphy at one point had to be coaxed past her while she was eating (she was growling warningly, obviously scared he was going to nick her dinner). Then all three of them went round each other's bowls, just to make sure nobody had missed anything!
Richard had done his best to spoil her for going home - I sent a picture of her curled up on the sofa with R to her mammy, who was pretty shocked I think. Oops! Och well, it was only one weekend, she'll go back to her routines back home.
Meanwhile we're hoping our two will get used to the new routine now that I've gone back to fulltime work for a year. I leave 8.30am, the dogwalker comes 11-12, I take a late lunch and come home ton see them then I'm home from work about 5.15, 5.30. So they're never left too long. I hope they agree.
I was standing in the garden this afternoon, watching them play (do they play in the garden when we're not there? They always go and play when we go outside but when we go back in they come back in too - I must get CCTV!) and saw a funny thing - Murfs was lying down and Mads jumped on his back (facing the same way as him) - he stood up and she got a pickyback ride for about 3 seconds before she fell off! It was pretty funny. Bare back Murphy-riding... could make something of that, i wonder if I could train them to do it?
24 November 2011
none for ages then all at once
Like buses. I've got another interview tomorrow after one last Saturday, one the Monday before that and just found another coupla p/t jobs to apply for, so maybe another after that?
I know I haven't got the last two, maybe tomorrow will be better; if not there's always the next one! Wish me luck. I like my life at home but I have talents I should use (and not just on walking the dogs and keeping the laundry beautiful). And I do miss having people to talk to. The longer I stay here the smaller my world becomes. Plus although the pets are good they don't organise a Christmas Night Out!
I know I haven't got the last two, maybe tomorrow will be better; if not there's always the next one! Wish me luck. I like my life at home but I have talents I should use (and not just on walking the dogs and keeping the laundry beautiful). And I do miss having people to talk to. The longer I stay here the smaller my world becomes. Plus although the pets are good they don't organise a Christmas Night Out!
21 November 2011
Me umpteen weeks ago - "We're being asked to vote on whether to change the church service from 9 to 9.30am. I know it affects you as I wake you up when I get up, so what would you like me to vote? It would mean me getting up later but I'd be getting home later, probably about 11ish"
Him - "Definitely 9.30!"
[umpteen weeks later; Mass has now been 9.30am for 2 weeks]
Him - "You're getting later coming back... it's eating into the day!"
!!!!!
Him - "Definitely 9.30!"
[umpteen weeks later; Mass has now been 9.30am for 2 weeks]
Him - "You're getting later coming back... it's eating into the day!"
!!!!!
15 November 2011
Pictorial Evidence
I've just uploaded my photos of the holiday and here is the proof of what wonderful weather we had and what a beautiful country this is...
Bonus points if you can match each photo to the relevant post!
Bonus points if you can match each photo to the relevant post!
14 November 2011
Back to normal
Finding it hard to adjust to normal life again. I had a job interview today - first for 12 years! But didn't get it - think they decided I was over-qualified, they mentioned that. Oh well, another 2 or 3 in the pipeline plus my baking duties waiting.
So anyway, for the first time I came home and did NOTHING! Sat on the sofa and finished my book, watching the dark get even darker. Isn't it great when you get back from an unexpectedly sunny holiday and find your home place has been dark and wet and dreich the whole time you've been away?
Oh, by the way, I passed Alex Salmond on my way back to the car! Off duty from the looks of things, chatting animatedly with a bevy of women (don't know if he knew them or they were sycophants). Would've loved to go up and ask him if he genuinely thinks independence the best thing for Scotland, and how he proposes we would pay for it once the oil runs out in about 10-20 years. But I succumbed to British reticence and merely glanced as I walked by (he glanced too, I may say - understandably, I was looking good in my interview suit with my hair up!)
Still, it's not often you see the most recognised political face in Scotland outside Boots in the Bon Accord Centre!
So anyway, for the first time I came home and did NOTHING! Sat on the sofa and finished my book, watching the dark get even darker. Isn't it great when you get back from an unexpectedly sunny holiday and find your home place has been dark and wet and dreich the whole time you've been away?
Oh, by the way, I passed Alex Salmond on my way back to the car! Off duty from the looks of things, chatting animatedly with a bevy of women (don't know if he knew them or they were sycophants). Would've loved to go up and ask him if he genuinely thinks independence the best thing for Scotland, and how he proposes we would pay for it once the oil runs out in about 10-20 years. But I succumbed to British reticence and merely glanced as I walked by (he glanced too, I may say - understandably, I was looking good in my interview suit with my hair up!)
Still, it's not often you see the most recognised political face in Scotland outside Boots in the Bon Accord Centre!
Day 7
The day began with a flat tyre which R had to get a garage out to fix as he couldn't get the spare off the back. The rain finally began although as we headed east it cleared up. I was trying to film the day for the "A Day in the Life of Britain" thing - difficult when you're driving most of the day but I tried!
Other than that I'm afraid not much happened. Did anyone else film anything for that day? After all my efforts I can't upload anything to YouTube cos it hasn't downloaded to my laptop properly..sigh. The ups and downs of technology
Other than that I'm afraid not much happened. Did anyone else film anything for that day? After all my efforts I can't upload anything to YouTube cos it hasn't downloaded to my laptop properly..sigh. The ups and downs of technology
11 November 2011
Day 6
Forgot to say Maddie entertained us yesterday during lunch by taking great exception to what we could only think was a rock in the lochan we were sitting by, barking at it and running round the edge. She stopped short of actually jumping in and attacking it.
Gave our legs a rest today and ran the car instead - all the way up to Durness on the north coast. Whoopee! I've always wanted to go to the north coast, and this is the furthest north I've ever been in the whole world (assuming Durness - on the 58th degree - is further north than Stavanger)
And what a day! Sun splitting the skies again and we walked up Balnakeil Bay - the most beautiful beach I've ever seen - and round Faraid Head. Then 2 hours' drive back home.
Today we stayed closer to home and went up Stac Pollaidh. It was really windy, we were afraid the dogs might get blown off the top but they actually did better than us. Murphy of course headed off as we hit the top and was heard some time later on the western slopes, barking in a panic (having realised he didn't know where we were) - luckily he found us as we came off the top.
We've noticed he has difficulty with perspective; twice this week we've been up and hill and he's headed off to chase something he's seen - both times a lorry on the road far below us!
Gave our legs a rest today and ran the car instead - all the way up to Durness on the north coast. Whoopee! I've always wanted to go to the north coast, and this is the furthest north I've ever been in the whole world (assuming Durness - on the 58th degree - is further north than Stavanger)
And what a day! Sun splitting the skies again and we walked up Balnakeil Bay - the most beautiful beach I've ever seen - and round Faraid Head. Then 2 hours' drive back home.
Today we stayed closer to home and went up Stac Pollaidh. It was really windy, we were afraid the dogs might get blown off the top but they actually did better than us. Murphy of course headed off as we hit the top and was heard some time later on the western slopes, barking in a panic (having realised he didn't know where we were) - luckily he found us as we came off the top.
We've noticed he has difficulty with perspective; twice this week we've been up and hill and he's headed off to chase something he's seen - both times a lorry on the road far below us!
09 November 2011
Day 5 continued.....
The first panic of the day subsided - the bag of sugar was found under the kitchen table. Clearly she's far fonder of butter and carrots (and flour) than pure sugar - what a girl!
So we had good weather again! How amazing. This time we did some trails at Little Assynt - and boy were we tired - Sore legs. They were maybe maintained trails but they were very up-and-downy. Ah - undulating is the word I believe. I bored R with telling him all about how fit the old Highlanders were as they had to go up and down such undulations without paths, before General Wade's roads.
He got his own back later as we headed off after lunch to another walk at Kylestrome and on the way caught sight of something that excited R very much - thrust planes! We screeched to a halt (well it was R driving so actually we found a layby and performed a smooth parking maneouvre) where he got out and explained all about these geological phenomenons and the importance of their discovery. So we duly took some photos of the Glencoul Thrust Plane and the Moine Thrust Plane across the glen - and it is quite interesting really.
Bad points today - the dogs (particularly Maddie) came back from a jaunt reeking of something bad - euch! And I've burnt the onions twice now and had to start again on my sauce, and now I've run out of garlic. Sigh.
So we had good weather again! How amazing. This time we did some trails at Little Assynt - and boy were we tired - Sore legs. They were maybe maintained trails but they were very up-and-downy. Ah - undulating is the word I believe. I bored R with telling him all about how fit the old Highlanders were as they had to go up and down such undulations without paths, before General Wade's roads.
He got his own back later as we headed off after lunch to another walk at Kylestrome and on the way caught sight of something that excited R very much - thrust planes! We screeched to a halt (well it was R driving so actually we found a layby and performed a smooth parking maneouvre) where he got out and explained all about these geological phenomenons and the importance of their discovery. So we duly took some photos of the Glencoul Thrust Plane and the Moine Thrust Plane across the glen - and it is quite interesting really.
Bad points today - the dogs (particularly Maddie) came back from a jaunt reeking of something bad - euch! And I've burnt the onions twice now and had to start again on my sauce, and now I've run out of garlic. Sigh.
Day 5
Up early to find Maddie has reverted to type and nicked the open tin of sugar off the counter in the kitchen. No sign so far of any sugar or the ziplock bag it was in. Will she be even more hyper today? Tune in later to find out...
Day 4
Decided, in respect of R's toothache and general feeling of not-quite-well-ness, that we'd have an easy day. So we picked a gentle walk over paths and didn't take a picnic lunch or our hiking boots (or spare socks)
We headed off and found the carpark at the Lighthouse of Stoer. So far so good and the weather held up - another beautiful day, blue sky end to end; although it was blowing a gale when we stopped at Ardvreck Castle, but maybe that was the ghosts there.
So, off we went on our trail towards the Old Man of Stoer, discovering that in fact we should have brought our boots and spare socks as it was even muddier and wet through all that heather and bog than the day before. However we bravely carried on and were rewarded by some awesome views of Suilven and Canisp and other hills in the distance. It was one of those moments where you struggle over the brow of a hill and are stopped in yountracks, awed by the view that spreads out before you. So we stood there, the wind whipping our hair, the water seeping into our boots, heathery, boggy moorland surrounding us on all sides for miles and not a soul to be seen anywhere. No sign of mankind (except the obligatory mobile phone mast in the middle of course), just us and the hills. Balm to the soul.....
Later we remembered that it is November and thus not the tourist season plus it is an isolated spot and there aren't going to be any pubs open for lunch (there weren't any pubs full stop!) We headed for Lochinver where we struck lucky at 3.25pm and found the "Lochinver Larder" stopped serving at 3.30 - so we piled in and had a pie and a cup of tea each. Yum! And not just any pies, I can tell you - these people actually make and send their pies out into the world - see www.piesbypost.co.uk - and pies to die for! R had a chicken and mushroom one, I had a califlower, broccoli & cheese one. They do a very varied range including fruit ones. We're definitely going to order some when we get home.
Amazing the things you find when you least expect it.
We headed off and found the carpark at the Lighthouse of Stoer. So far so good and the weather held up - another beautiful day, blue sky end to end; although it was blowing a gale when we stopped at Ardvreck Castle, but maybe that was the ghosts there.
So, off we went on our trail towards the Old Man of Stoer, discovering that in fact we should have brought our boots and spare socks as it was even muddier and wet through all that heather and bog than the day before. However we bravely carried on and were rewarded by some awesome views of Suilven and Canisp and other hills in the distance. It was one of those moments where you struggle over the brow of a hill and are stopped in yountracks, awed by the view that spreads out before you. So we stood there, the wind whipping our hair, the water seeping into our boots, heathery, boggy moorland surrounding us on all sides for miles and not a soul to be seen anywhere. No sign of mankind (except the obligatory mobile phone mast in the middle of course), just us and the hills. Balm to the soul.....
Later we remembered that it is November and thus not the tourist season plus it is an isolated spot and there aren't going to be any pubs open for lunch (there weren't any pubs full stop!) We headed for Lochinver where we struck lucky at 3.25pm and found the "Lochinver Larder" stopped serving at 3.30 - so we piled in and had a pie and a cup of tea each. Yum! And not just any pies, I can tell you - these people actually make and send their pies out into the world - see www.piesbypost.co.uk - and pies to die for! R had a chicken and mushroom one, I had a califlower, broccoli & cheese one. They do a very varied range including fruit ones. We're definitely going to order some when we get home.
Amazing the things you find when you least expect it.
Day 3
I wrote a lovely long post (it was a winner - scintillating, funny, witty etc etc) then accidentally deleted it. So I put the computer down in the huff and the world was denied.
Anyway, so I'm over my mood and back again. Day 3 we had a shorter walk; at least it was suppposed to be shorter but took the same amount of time due to being extremely muddy. We had another of my amazing picnic lunches, this time seated on an Iron Age hill fort and watching a seal watching us from the sea. The dogs were very interested but we managed to prevent them leaping to their deaths over a cliff to get to it. Then we found an alternative way back along tracks which was much more pleasant (& less muddy)
In the evening I had to do an emergency dash out of Tesco (where I was in buying yet more stuff - every day so far!) In an situation extremely reminiscent of our holiday in Biarritz some years ago, one of R's teeth has, he thinks, become infected due to all the poking and prodding and general dental work on the next door tooth. He managed to get an appointment at the local doctors, who very kindly gave him the antibiotics he wanted/needed.
Meanwhile I was wandering round Tescos, trolley in hand, when I got a phone call - "Come get me! The chemist closes in 5 minutes and I need to get my prescription!"
"Only in a small, rural town, would this even be thinkable" I thought as I abandoned the trolley, ran out back to the car (still holding my phone in case anyone thought I was doing a runner) and screeched out the carpark, haring roound the streets and passing a man on the main road, waving me down. I presumed he was trying to tell me to slow down, but as I turned into the doctors' carpark, I thought - "hang on, was that...?"
Yes it was, so I did a U-y in the carpark and shot back out, screeching to a halt beside him and flinging the door open "Get in!" and off again, crossing the shore road in front of a lorry which was going very slowly (& despite his outrage and flashed lights, I genuinely did have enough time to do so safely) and kicking my passenger out in front of Boots.
And with satisfaction I saw that the wumman came and locked the door almost immediately after R entered.. job done!
Afterwards, we returned sedately to Tesco and I quietly continued my shopping.
Anyway, so I'm over my mood and back again. Day 3 we had a shorter walk; at least it was suppposed to be shorter but took the same amount of time due to being extremely muddy. We had another of my amazing picnic lunches, this time seated on an Iron Age hill fort and watching a seal watching us from the sea. The dogs were very interested but we managed to prevent them leaping to their deaths over a cliff to get to it. Then we found an alternative way back along tracks which was much more pleasant (& less muddy)
In the evening I had to do an emergency dash out of Tesco (where I was in buying yet more stuff - every day so far!) In an situation extremely reminiscent of our holiday in Biarritz some years ago, one of R's teeth has, he thinks, become infected due to all the poking and prodding and general dental work on the next door tooth. He managed to get an appointment at the local doctors, who very kindly gave him the antibiotics he wanted/needed.
Meanwhile I was wandering round Tescos, trolley in hand, when I got a phone call - "Come get me! The chemist closes in 5 minutes and I need to get my prescription!"
"Only in a small, rural town, would this even be thinkable" I thought as I abandoned the trolley, ran out back to the car (still holding my phone in case anyone thought I was doing a runner) and screeched out the carpark, haring roound the streets and passing a man on the main road, waving me down. I presumed he was trying to tell me to slow down, but as I turned into the doctors' carpark, I thought - "hang on, was that...?"
Yes it was, so I did a U-y in the carpark and shot back out, screeching to a halt beside him and flinging the door open "Get in!" and off again, crossing the shore road in front of a lorry which was going very slowly (& despite his outrage and flashed lights, I genuinely did have enough time to do so safely) and kicking my passenger out in front of Boots.
And with satisfaction I saw that the wumman came and locked the door almost immediately after R entered.. job done!
Afterwards, we returned sedately to Tesco and I quietly continued my shopping.
06 November 2011
Day 2
Yesterday we mainly spent the day travelling so Murphy only had time to disappear into the darkness after a quick walk once we arrived and reappear with a deer leg (I knew it!) Panic over what to do with it once he'd discarded it at the door (well, a leg's a leg but not to be compared with dinner), and we still haven't decided - though I noticed it seems to have ended up in the recycling bin at the moment so someone may get a nasty fright soon.
Today we headed off for a geology-based walk; unfortunately (?) the paths were shut for maintenance so we headed across the road and went for a different marathon instead. What a shame, I was looking forward to learning all about Moine Thrusts!! Luckily after 2 hours' walking, a lot of photos and an awesome picnic lunch (prepared by guess who?) R accepted my judgement that we shouldn't take the dogs up a particularly steep bit of mountain (I suspect they'd have got to the top way before us!) so we headed back down, and reached the road about 4pm, with R having only cricked his ankle about 3 times and slipped once - he has such delicate ankles! Luckily mine are much sturdier and get me up and down hills without mishap.
Today we headed off for a geology-based walk; unfortunately (?) the paths were shut for maintenance so we headed across the road and went for a different marathon instead. What a shame, I was looking forward to learning all about Moine Thrusts!! Luckily after 2 hours' walking, a lot of photos and an awesome picnic lunch (prepared by guess who?) R accepted my judgement that we shouldn't take the dogs up a particularly steep bit of mountain (I suspect they'd have got to the top way before us!) so we headed back down, and reached the road about 4pm, with R having only cricked his ankle about 3 times and slipped once - he has such delicate ankles! Luckily mine are much sturdier and get me up and down hills without mishap.
05 November 2011
lost
Well, faithful readers, here I am in sunny Ullapool. Well, it was sunny all the way over and would've been sunny here too only the sun'd gone behind the hills when we arrived.
You may prepare yourselves for tales of derring-do in this western outpost! How do I know this? It's all based on experience, and my experience of the last three days has been somewhat lost. My experience wasn't lost, I was! Ever day - Thursday, Friday and now today. All in different places, too - the only similarity being that I was walking the dogs. God knows they're no use in a crisis, they just run around oblivious, thinking they're having a gemmy long walk today!
Thursday was in one of the parks, we went a different way through the woods and ended up somehow in the local crematorium remembrance garden. I realised this when I noticed Murphy sniffing at something that I'm pretty sure was sonebody's ashes, while there were lots of shop-bought bunches of flowers scattered round the place... and I could hear people arriving in cars, eek! A quick duck under a line of trees, across a ditch with a burn in it (thank the lord for wellies) and a scramble through various trees and we finally got back to the proper path.
Friday, I tried a different path, up a hill along what was supposed to be a "circular path" of 2 miles. After an hour of wandering round the hill following sheep tracks, my battery was dying (after 3 minutes of Google maps) and I had to text R to say that if I wasn't home when he got back from work I was lost on this hill somewhere! Luckily my sheep tracks (through wet bracken and gorse) turned out good and we made it out alive.
And today? You'd've thought I was safe, being with R this time. Bu-u-u-u-t. we were working from different pages. I navigated to the carpark but then R was navigating some walk on his phone. And assumed it was a completely different carpark we were aiming for on the way back. Not really a problem (although the dogs were getting a bit suspicious as we passed the same pond for the third time) except it added on an extra forty minutes walk, just when we were in a hurry to get to the pub for lunch before they stopped serving.
So ... tune in for more mishaps!
You may prepare yourselves for tales of derring-do in this western outpost! How do I know this? It's all based on experience, and my experience of the last three days has been somewhat lost. My experience wasn't lost, I was! Ever day - Thursday, Friday and now today. All in different places, too - the only similarity being that I was walking the dogs. God knows they're no use in a crisis, they just run around oblivious, thinking they're having a gemmy long walk today!
Thursday was in one of the parks, we went a different way through the woods and ended up somehow in the local crematorium remembrance garden. I realised this when I noticed Murphy sniffing at something that I'm pretty sure was sonebody's ashes, while there were lots of shop-bought bunches of flowers scattered round the place... and I could hear people arriving in cars, eek! A quick duck under a line of trees, across a ditch with a burn in it (thank the lord for wellies) and a scramble through various trees and we finally got back to the proper path.
Friday, I tried a different path, up a hill along what was supposed to be a "circular path" of 2 miles. After an hour of wandering round the hill following sheep tracks, my battery was dying (after 3 minutes of Google maps) and I had to text R to say that if I wasn't home when he got back from work I was lost on this hill somewhere! Luckily my sheep tracks (through wet bracken and gorse) turned out good and we made it out alive.
And today? You'd've thought I was safe, being with R this time. Bu-u-u-u-t. we were working from different pages. I navigated to the carpark but then R was navigating some walk on his phone. And assumed it was a completely different carpark we were aiming for on the way back. Not really a problem (although the dogs were getting a bit suspicious as we passed the same pond for the third time) except it added on an extra forty minutes walk, just when we were in a hurry to get to the pub for lunch before they stopped serving.
So ... tune in for more mishaps!
correction
just read the last post and realised I didn't mean a sandwich tin, I meant a swiss roll tin. What was I thinking?
28 October 2011
Good news
Guess what I found today? Bearing in mind that my best sandwich tin inexplicably disappeared about 3 months ago? Yes - the very same! Despite exhaustive enquiries which all drew a blank (R claiming to know nothing about it), I was emptying the pots of dead coriander in the sunroom (the remnants of R's herb-growing) and lifted an empty seed tray from the windowsill to do the same. And what beheld my wondering gaze?
You guessed it. My sandwich tin has reappeared!!!!
You guessed it. My sandwich tin has reappeared!!!!
All Friends Together
My friend came over on Tuesday and brought her 4 year old. I haven't seen them for a few weeks and my goodness, Zoe has grown! She's not so shy of the dogs any more either, maybe cos she's a wee bit bigger. She had Maddie sitting, spent time brushing her (Maddie stretched out on the sofa with her head on Zoe's lap) and at one point I looked up adn there they were, all perfectly posed for a photo - awww!
And this was two energetic dogs who hadn't had their lunchtime walk due to me waiting in for the roofing-man to bring round his paperwork! (which incidentally was stuck through the door after three reminders two days later)
And this was two energetic dogs who hadn't had their lunchtime walk due to me waiting in for the roofing-man to bring round his paperwork! (which incidentally was stuck through the door after three reminders two days later)
26 October 2011
Training the Trainers
I've mentioned this on Twitter and Facebook, but thought I'd expand a bit here. On Saturday we were down in Forfar being guinea pigs for the Kennel Club testing its trainers - there are three levels for dogs to earn - Bronze, Silver & Gold. As regulars will know, Maddie passed her Bronze a few months back and we're supposed to be working on Silver. Actually I think she could pass it, she has a good sense of occasion and tends to behave impeccably in the training environment. It's out of the training environment she misbehaves! (She "rescued" something else from the counter top last night - a bag of onions. What she was planning on doing with them I don't know - they were, unsurprisingly, untouched when I rescued them back this morning)
So we headed off with both in the back - I have to train Murphy at the same time as Maddie otherwise he barks and she gets distracted, so I figured as long as Richard used the correct words and signals he'd be fine. Luckily they need dogs to get it wrong so the trainers can show the examiners they wouldn't pass just anyone!
We were both outside with another person-and-dog-combo, pretending to cross busy roads (the roads weren't pretend, there was just no traffic) and pass other dogs without mugging them. I was watching; Murphy & Richard were doing well. Then (we were at the Guide Dog Centre, did I mention that?) the trainee Guide Dogs got let out into their runs for their morning exercise. Their runs are round the outside of the building, either side of the main entrance where we all were - and Murphy clearly thought his time was up and he was getting put into kennels. His backside hit the pavement and he refused to go any further. There followed a severe tug-of-war with his (brand new) lead (& Richard on the end of it), during which he rapidly chewed through it. It's not unknown for him to grab a hold of his lead and hold onto it if he thinks he's not going anywhere fast enough but he rarely chews through it unless upset so that was the end of his involvement in the day's events.
As a result he got taken round Forfar Loch a couple of times while Maddie performed excellently at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels apart from the "making a dog stop from a distance" event. Well, it's too advanced for her we've only just started on that one. I don't think it counts when she's running towards me and I shout "STOP!" and put out the foot and flat palm to show her - and she duly carries on and finally stops and sits about 2 feet away, looking at me enquiringly - "Is here ok?". Um, not really!
So we headed off with both in the back - I have to train Murphy at the same time as Maddie otherwise he barks and she gets distracted, so I figured as long as Richard used the correct words and signals he'd be fine. Luckily they need dogs to get it wrong so the trainers can show the examiners they wouldn't pass just anyone!
We were both outside with another person-and-dog-combo, pretending to cross busy roads (the roads weren't pretend, there was just no traffic) and pass other dogs without mugging them. I was watching; Murphy & Richard were doing well. Then (we were at the Guide Dog Centre, did I mention that?) the trainee Guide Dogs got let out into their runs for their morning exercise. Their runs are round the outside of the building, either side of the main entrance where we all were - and Murphy clearly thought his time was up and he was getting put into kennels. His backside hit the pavement and he refused to go any further. There followed a severe tug-of-war with his (brand new) lead (& Richard on the end of it), during which he rapidly chewed through it. It's not unknown for him to grab a hold of his lead and hold onto it if he thinks he's not going anywhere fast enough but he rarely chews through it unless upset so that was the end of his involvement in the day's events.
As a result he got taken round Forfar Loch a couple of times while Maddie performed excellently at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels apart from the "making a dog stop from a distance" event. Well, it's too advanced for her we've only just started on that one. I don't think it counts when she's running towards me and I shout "STOP!" and put out the foot and flat palm to show her - and she duly carries on and finally stops and sits about 2 feet away, looking at me enquiringly - "Is here ok?". Um, not really!
19 October 2011
Not as bad as all that
It strikes me that in this blog I tend to give a very negative view of my two canine costars - resulting in my bro-in-law refusing to have them in the house! I don't normally relate the good and funny things that go on. Like Maddie's impression of Heathcliffe last week - sitting outside in the dark and pawing at the French windows, wanting someone - anyone! - to come out and play with her.
She was at it again yesterday. Murphy was lying at them (that way he can keep an eye on me baking in the kitchen and see up the stairs) and she was outside. She came and looked in the windows, pawed at them then ran in with a toy in her mouth, stuck it in Murphy's face and ran outside again, returning to the other side of the French windows and pawing at them again. You could almost hear her - "Come out and play with me Murphy!" awww... I felt sorry for her...but not sorry enough to stop my baking and go and play with her myself.
And I do like the welcome I get in the mornings and if I or they have been out anywhere. You can hear R going downstairs in the morning and letting her out the kitchen - "hello Maddie... bye Maddie" as she shoots past him and upstairs to greet me, her morning walker. In the same way they're currently both sitting on the sofas, each on their own (not our sofas, heavens no, they let us sit there of an evening), staring out the window and willing R to drive in so they can go and accost him at the door. Clearly it's almost hometime and I'm not exciting enough.
She was at it again yesterday. Murphy was lying at them (that way he can keep an eye on me baking in the kitchen and see up the stairs) and she was outside. She came and looked in the windows, pawed at them then ran in with a toy in her mouth, stuck it in Murphy's face and ran outside again, returning to the other side of the French windows and pawing at them again. You could almost hear her - "Come out and play with me Murphy!" awww... I felt sorry for her...but not sorry enough to stop my baking and go and play with her myself.
And I do like the welcome I get in the mornings and if I or they have been out anywhere. You can hear R going downstairs in the morning and letting her out the kitchen - "hello Maddie... bye Maddie" as she shoots past him and upstairs to greet me, her morning walker. In the same way they're currently both sitting on the sofas, each on their own (not our sofas, heavens no, they let us sit there of an evening), staring out the window and willing R to drive in so they can go and accost him at the door. Clearly it's almost hometime and I'm not exciting enough.
10 October 2011
on the plus side
With my ill-gotten gains of last week (well, the huge sums of money I won at the race night - ooh, finally remembered! Sue, if you're reading this that's what I had put on my FB status which got lost in the ether! I won about £95 doing Heads & Tails at a charity race night last week)
anyway, I ordered some dog games for the terrible two - wooden boards, you hide treats and they have to move bits around to find them. Came today. Well, I say came, I got the card through the door on Friday so went and stood in a queue for 20 minutes today to get them (no, not Royal Mail, they at least are a bit faster than that!) and tried one out.
I can advise that Murphy loves it while Maddie hasn't a clue what it's all about. big M hasn't actually worked out what he's doing yet, he just pushes, bites and licks his way through and round it til he gets a treat and then carries on. He hasn't worked out why he gets a treat and therefore what to repeat. Only a matter of time I guess, he's pretty smart. Although by then he may be too fat to do anything about it.
Maddie seems to see it as Murphy's so the most we get out of her is a series of whiny-squeaky-barky noises, her way of telling us she wants something Murphy's got.
anyway, I ordered some dog games for the terrible two - wooden boards, you hide treats and they have to move bits around to find them. Came today. Well, I say came, I got the card through the door on Friday so went and stood in a queue for 20 minutes today to get them (no, not Royal Mail, they at least are a bit faster than that!) and tried one out.
I can advise that Murphy loves it while Maddie hasn't a clue what it's all about. big M hasn't actually worked out what he's doing yet, he just pushes, bites and licks his way through and round it til he gets a treat and then carries on. He hasn't worked out why he gets a treat and therefore what to repeat. Only a matter of time I guess, he's pretty smart. Although by then he may be too fat to do anything about it.
Maddie seems to see it as Murphy's so the most we get out of her is a series of whiny-squeaky-barky noises, her way of telling us she wants something Murphy's got.
I must be going mad..
Remember the recent flour debacle? You'd think I'd learn...
I am making a new dish tonight which involves red lentils. I was very organised yesterday and after spending about 2 hours making up a menu for the week and the resultant shopping list (well, I was watching "Romancing the Stone" at the same time!) I headed off and got everything I needed. Or so I thought. Cue complete disarray and confusion at 6.30 tonight as I desperately searched for the red lentils - I know I bought them!! I even remember putting them in the bag at the checkout. But three times through the shelf and I looked in all the other cupboards - even in the fridge in case I wasn't paying attention when I disembarked the shopping! Nothing. What's going on?
So after R refused to go to the shops for more I had to use green lentils. I duly measured them out and they sat for a while as I followed the recipe through. Come the time to tip them in and I did so... two minutes later R casually mentioned in passing that he'd found the red ones.
Guess where? Yup, you got it - in Maddie's crate. (This time she hadn't got the packet open)
You'd think I'd learn!
PS still to taste the dish so no idea how the change from red to green lentils will affect it. Blame the dog!
I am making a new dish tonight which involves red lentils. I was very organised yesterday and after spending about 2 hours making up a menu for the week and the resultant shopping list (well, I was watching "Romancing the Stone" at the same time!) I headed off and got everything I needed. Or so I thought. Cue complete disarray and confusion at 6.30 tonight as I desperately searched for the red lentils - I know I bought them!! I even remember putting them in the bag at the checkout. But three times through the shelf and I looked in all the other cupboards - even in the fridge in case I wasn't paying attention when I disembarked the shopping! Nothing. What's going on?
So after R refused to go to the shops for more I had to use green lentils. I duly measured them out and they sat for a while as I followed the recipe through. Come the time to tip them in and I did so... two minutes later R casually mentioned in passing that he'd found the red ones.
Guess where? Yup, you got it - in Maddie's crate. (This time she hadn't got the packet open)
You'd think I'd learn!
PS still to taste the dish so no idea how the change from red to green lentils will affect it. Blame the dog!
04 October 2011
the trail stops here..
Counter-surfing is definitely, indisputably, a BAD THING. I cycled down to the supermarket yesterday (keep-fit and shopping!) to get some things I needed to make the Christmas cake (yes, it's that time of year again) and got them all safe. Now, I'm planning on making it tomorrow so I didn't bother putting them away in the cupboards as I'd be pulling them out again. There was nothing tasty in there and everything in unopened packets so I thought they'd be safe.
Wrong.
Check out the sight that met our eyes this morning -
Distinctly white doggy-footprints, yes?
So - I followed them....
AAAAAARRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!
Wrong.
Check out the sight that met our eyes this morning -
So - I followed them....
AAAAAARRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!
03 October 2011
all change
Things are changing fast around here. Probably wouldn't seem very fast to anyone else but I've become inured to my little existance so any change is big. Just as I've spent the last week dealing with mountains of washing and trying to catch up with everyday life after our holiday (more of which in another post), this weekend was upon me, with two leaving do's, four birthdays and a charity Race Night!! I think I managed to stagger through without too many oversights, apart from not knowing about one birthday and pouring petrol all over my brand new, expensive winter boots (first time on). Oh, and having to have two dinners last night (two different birthdays and yes, I managed!)
One of the leaving do's was combined with a birthday dinner - Elle's birthday and Nick leaving to take up his new job in England. Now I know that of all people, I should be way behind Elle, Richard and Nick's mother in missing him but actually, it's me and Murphy who will miss him most. He's spent the last five years at university so we're all used to him not being around; but he's spent the last three months sitting on our sofa anbd being there for the dogs and me to talk to . He's got me watching Pointless (5.15 BBC1) and I've even come round to thinking TV on during the day is OK, actually.
Who's going to put the TV on now (then wander off after 5 minutes and not come back for half an hour)? Who can I tell my stories of the stupid things I've done or seen during the day? - they're not epic enough to hold onto and tell Richard in the evening. Oh well. I remember leaving home and it must have been much worse for my mum, I was there right through university. I don't remember spending one minute thinking of how those left behind were feeling, so I guess it's karma - or what goes around, comes around. Each generation heads off to make its way in the world, full of their own hopes and fears, plans and expectations. The ones left behind watch and wait for the news and get on with their own lives as usual.
Things will settle down. I have my own decisions to make - like whether to apply for this fulltime job that's been advertised. I think I could do it standing on my head but need the experience to take anything further. But it's fulltime - what about the dogs? Maddie's always had me round the place her whole life (apart from the month I was in York when she started regressing in her toilet training and went in the huff with me) and it took Murphy a very long time to get used to me being around. Am I being fair to them if I go away and leave them all day? But am I being fair to myself if I don't at least try for this job? I just don't know. I don't know.
One of the leaving do's was combined with a birthday dinner - Elle's birthday and Nick leaving to take up his new job in England. Now I know that of all people, I should be way behind Elle, Richard and Nick's mother in missing him but actually, it's me and Murphy who will miss him most. He's spent the last five years at university so we're all used to him not being around; but he's spent the last three months sitting on our sofa anbd being there for the dogs and me to talk to . He's got me watching Pointless (5.15 BBC1) and I've even come round to thinking TV on during the day is OK, actually.
Who's going to put the TV on now (then wander off after 5 minutes and not come back for half an hour)? Who can I tell my stories of the stupid things I've done or seen during the day? - they're not epic enough to hold onto and tell Richard in the evening. Oh well. I remember leaving home and it must have been much worse for my mum, I was there right through university. I don't remember spending one minute thinking of how those left behind were feeling, so I guess it's karma - or what goes around, comes around. Each generation heads off to make its way in the world, full of their own hopes and fears, plans and expectations. The ones left behind watch and wait for the news and get on with their own lives as usual.
Things will settle down. I have my own decisions to make - like whether to apply for this fulltime job that's been advertised. I think I could do it standing on my head but need the experience to take anything further. But it's fulltime - what about the dogs? Maddie's always had me round the place her whole life (apart from the month I was in York when she started regressing in her toilet training and went in the huff with me) and it took Murphy a very long time to get used to me being around. Am I being fair to them if I go away and leave them all day? But am I being fair to myself if I don't at least try for this job? I just don't know. I don't know.
29 September 2011
Canine Counter Surfing
She's at it again. In fact she seems to think it's normal now. I keep thinking maybe she does it for attention, should we be making more of a fuss of her? Or gloing out and throwing that blinkin' tennis ball in the garden all day every day, as she woulod like us to? - she spends a lot of her time sitting outside looking hopeful, tennis ball within immendiate reach. Even in the evenings she's taken to lying by the pet flap in the back door, ready to leap up and out whenever anyone moves!
Last night she stayed in her den (her crate) in the kitchen all night and wouldn't come through. Turned out that was because she had Richard's shoe in there with her and was waiting for someone to try and get it off her. So she could growl at them, of course, then come out for a pat (tail wagging) when it has been wrested off her. Richard duly obliged when he went to bed. Still she didn't come out so when I went to bed about an hour later I went through to say good night and this time she had something else - sigh. What now? It transpired it was a supermarket plastic bag (the reusable ones, as long as it hasn't been chewed!). Even she hadn't tried to eat it so I don't know why she was clutching it so fiercely. She seemed a little disappointed when I just laughed, patted her and left her to it.
Last night she stayed in her den (her crate) in the kitchen all night and wouldn't come through. Turned out that was because she had Richard's shoe in there with her and was waiting for someone to try and get it off her. So she could growl at them, of course, then come out for a pat (tail wagging) when it has been wrested off her. Richard duly obliged when he went to bed. Still she didn't come out so when I went to bed about an hour later I went through to say good night and this time she had something else - sigh. What now? It transpired it was a supermarket plastic bag (the reusable ones, as long as it hasn't been chewed!). Even she hadn't tried to eat it so I don't know why she was clutching it so fiercely. She seemed a little disappointed when I just laughed, patted her and left her to it.
07 September 2011
what's going wrong?
Haven't been on here for a wee while - you can always tell when I'm working therefore on the computer, as the posts are more frequent. I've mainly spent the last week sewing badges onto my Girl Guide camp blanket. Most from an international camp I was on with my sister abotu 14 years ago - better late than never!
One outcome was rather sore needle-pricked fingers. To add to that my klutzness seems to have reappeared and as well as my leg from the choir loft (still got a pronounced bump and that was almost 4 weeks ago!) I have another whacker of a bruise on my other leg (can't remember what from - such is my life) and two potato-peeler-shaped holes in my fingers. One quite bad - still bleeding 2 days later - a real nuisance!
To add to my misery I had to go underwear shopping yesterday and (I know it's my own fault for not finding replacement exercise) for the forst time came home nearly in tears - nothing like an underwear hunt to make you realise how fat you are! :(((((
At what age can I adopt a tent look on the beach without comment?
One outcome was rather sore needle-pricked fingers. To add to that my klutzness seems to have reappeared and as well as my leg from the choir loft (still got a pronounced bump and that was almost 4 weeks ago!) I have another whacker of a bruise on my other leg (can't remember what from - such is my life) and two potato-peeler-shaped holes in my fingers. One quite bad - still bleeding 2 days later - a real nuisance!
To add to my misery I had to go underwear shopping yesterday and (I know it's my own fault for not finding replacement exercise) for the forst time came home nearly in tears - nothing like an underwear hunt to make you realise how fat you are! :(((((
At what age can I adopt a tent look on the beach without comment?
30 August 2011
Business as Usual (again)
Well we're back down to normal numbers again, Jimmy (the Maddie of the rabbit world, in case you've forgotten) and Pedro (sweet wee walking rug that squeaks) are off back home - Emily even hoovered up after them!!
Here's a wee film of the darling duo..just before I fed them which is why they are dropping serious hints about the emptiness of their bowl!
Here's a wee film of the darling duo..just before I fed them which is why they are dropping serious hints about the emptiness of their bowl!
23 August 2011
What happened to Service?
As Sue and I traipsed through bus and train stations on Sunday I noted the demise of service, crumbled under the onslaught of money and efficiency. The bus station was redeveloped to make way for the shopping centre which also took in the front of the train station - so now it's almost impossible to pick up or drop someone off, you have to park in a basement and walk for about 5-7 minutes for the train station, I don't know what the bus equivalent is, I parked in the shopping centre carpark (and had to borrow money off her to pay for it as I forgot I'd need to and didn't take my purse).
Once she eventually purchased her train ticket she decided to visit the toilets - but it's 20p, which she had, but not in the right change. There was no change machine so that was out. Well OK, we thought, how about seeing if the cafe would give her change or she could buy a biscuit or something (she didn't want to go into the pub for this purpose) - no, the cafe was now closed. Right. WH Smith? She wouldn't mind a magazine for the journey... no, WH Smith was also closed. Sigh.
So never mind that it's a public place supposed to be providing a service. Never mind that people might want a comfort stop, a biscuit, a drink or a magazine before they embark on a 3 hour train journey. Let's shut everything down after about 5 on a Sunday. Who cares about all those other people travelling after then? There's not enough of them to make it worth our while! Capitalism at its best.
Once she eventually purchased her train ticket she decided to visit the toilets - but it's 20p, which she had, but not in the right change. There was no change machine so that was out. Well OK, we thought, how about seeing if the cafe would give her change or she could buy a biscuit or something (she didn't want to go into the pub for this purpose) - no, the cafe was now closed. Right. WH Smith? She wouldn't mind a magazine for the journey... no, WH Smith was also closed. Sigh.
So never mind that it's a public place supposed to be providing a service. Never mind that people might want a comfort stop, a biscuit, a drink or a magazine before they embark on a 3 hour train journey. Let's shut everything down after about 5 on a Sunday. Who cares about all those other people travelling after then? There's not enough of them to make it worth our while! Capitalism at its best.
M & M Updates
Meanwhile I had been receiving intermittant messages from R about the dogs. Murphy, it turned out, had run off in the woods (did return as usual) and Maddie filched the 3 rolls which were meant for our tea on Sunday (luckily she didn't get the burgers as well). While getting the wrapper back from her bush I found some more evidence of her exotic tastes. These included the white chocolate chip cookies I thought Nick & Elle had eaten, the remainder of the Parma ham for the pizzas and even a chunk of Parmasan cheese!
Updates
Guide Camp now successfully passed - extremely good weather, well amazingly good considering how horrible this summer's been rain-wise. It only started raining as the girls were being picked up - result! And another result - my book got all signed off so apart from having to go through the system, I've now got my Camper's Licence! Yay! Now we can go camping anywhere without going through all the tests, notifications & visits.
I even managed to make it to Church on Sunday to "help" with the singing for Norma & Bob's 60th Wedding Anniversary - wow!!! They're a lovely couple, he's a retired colonel and they're def. of that upper-class ilk if their accent's anything to go by, but of that extremely courteous type. They had their entire family there so we were singing to about 60 Campbells of various ages, all packed into one side of the church. I didn't do too bad, standing there on the altar in my Guide uniform and sunburnt face!
The downside was dropping my sister off at the bus station - due to the bad design of the station (which was moved & redeveloped to make way for the new shopping centre) we couldn't find the bus (which wasn't on the Board anyway!) (turns out I did see it but it was cunningly disguised as the London bus - how were we to know that meant via Glasgow?) and thus she missed it; there were no seats on the next one so she had to go and get the train for an additional £46.50 - at least it got her home 10 minuters earlier I suppose.
Thus a busy weekend with quite a lot achieved.
I even managed to make it to Church on Sunday to "help" with the singing for Norma & Bob's 60th Wedding Anniversary - wow!!! They're a lovely couple, he's a retired colonel and they're def. of that upper-class ilk if their accent's anything to go by, but of that extremely courteous type. They had their entire family there so we were singing to about 60 Campbells of various ages, all packed into one side of the church. I didn't do too bad, standing there on the altar in my Guide uniform and sunburnt face!
The downside was dropping my sister off at the bus station - due to the bad design of the station (which was moved & redeveloped to make way for the new shopping centre) we couldn't find the bus (which wasn't on the Board anyway!) (turns out I did see it but it was cunningly disguised as the London bus - how were we to know that meant via Glasgow?) and thus she missed it; there were no seats on the next one so she had to go and get the train for an additional £46.50 - at least it got her home 10 minuters earlier I suppose.
Thus a busy weekend with quite a lot achieved.
18 August 2011
The Menagerie Grows
Here we are again! Emily's away on holiday and her mum's away for a month with her husband so we've got half their pets to add to our own. Jimmy the Rabbit is back (I've removed all the cables this time so sorry Jimmy, nothing to chew on now!) and this time is accompanied by Pedro the Guinea Pig. They get along well so are both in her room with the open hutch for food etc. (Parkin the bruiser cat and Poppy the feral kitten are being looked after separately. We can do rabbit/guinea combo but Gizzy might leave home if we introduce another two cats.)
Maddie is as fascinated as ever and has spent most of the evening lying by the closed door, nose pressed to the crack at the bottom. I'll get a photo when I can but she hates the camera being pointed at her so that may not happen. You'll just have to imagine it!
Update - did get one...
Maddie is as fascinated as ever and has spent most of the evening lying by the closed door, nose pressed to the crack at the bottom. I'll get a photo when I can but she hates the camera being pointed at her so that may not happen. You'll just have to imagine it!
All quiet on the Northern front
Not much happening; I'm (supposed to be) looking for a job and trying to take the opportunity to spend more time with the dogs. They had a whale of a time yesterday, took them with me to the Guide campsite while I did my risk assessment and made up one of the games. Murphy excavated a large rabbit hole - if I hadn't left I'm sure he would've made it big enough to get down! Maddie's getting bad at running away at the end of walks again and did it again yesterday - she's cottoned on that when I pretend to be extra nice and give her treats at the end of the walk I'm going to catch her collar, so that's not working any more. After 15 minutes yesterday I had to take Murphy back across the field to the rabbit hole and let him continue his operations until she became so curious she stuck her head right in (he kept digging, the earth going all over her head) and I managed to grab her collar. Boy was she a state!
On the down side the schools are back in so it's difficult to get out and about between 8 and 9 am and then again between 3 and 3.45. sigh. I can't wait not to live opposite the dam' thing (and down from the primary school too), whenever that happens.
On the down side the schools are back in so it's difficult to get out and about between 8 and 9 am and then again between 3 and 3.45. sigh. I can't wait not to live opposite the dam' thing (and down from the primary school too), whenever that happens.
16 August 2011
business as normal
Just a quick entry to reassure the M & M lovers out there that they are still up to their old tricks. this time it was one of those crusty "Pain de Compagne" loaves which had had one slice cut and been left wrapped up on the bread board. Cue return from dinner visit about 10.30 last night and voila! An empty wrapper found on the kitchen floor - and not a crumb was visible. Dunno how they do it but some of us could learn table manners from them on that front!
13 August 2011
Meanwhile, back at the ranch..
the dust settles
Things seem to have calmed down now and there's been, obviously, a lot of discussion on what and why. I can see why the police don't want ordinary people out on the streets at such times, in case they get carried away and cause more trouble - viz the EDL which were apparently trying to muscle in on groups of people out with the intention of protecting their property. But I do still think people forget that the police are part of our society, people the same as us, and they need to have our support. As someone said on Question Time, they get criticised when they use strong-arm tactics, and criticised when they don't. They can't win.
At least this may have alerted the politicians to the problems there clearly are in society - or under it, as these people don't seem to have any engagement with what we call society. How did that happen? There must be a multitude of causes; hopefully soon there will be a multitude of ideas to address them. Hopefully.
At least this may have alerted the politicians to the problems there clearly are in society - or under it, as these people don't seem to have any engagement with what we call society. How did that happen? There must be a multitude of causes; hopefully soon there will be a multitude of ideas to address them. Hopefully.
09 August 2011
Heavens.. and hell
I don't know how these monks do it! I've been roped in to sing at the new Bishop's installation next week and got the last of the music yesterday - second rehearsal tonight (I missed the first one I was away) so am having to learn several new tunes including parts of the Missa de Angelis. Old Catholics (at least, older than me) will remember this apparently - it's Gregorian Chant and used to be sung at Sunday masses when they were in Latin. Of course I was in primary school in the 70s, after they abolished that so I'm having not only to get my head round the words (I did Latin at school but Church Latin pronunciation is completely different), the music but even how the music is written! no proper notes like I'm used to - weird wee squares instead, vaguly indicating if the tune goes up or down and apparently if they're all on top of each other it means you start at the lowest note and work your way up - and a dot means you double the length of the note...
sigh. I've had to go onto You Tube and get clips of it being sung which has helped a lot. Kyrie & Veni Creator Spiritus learned, still got Sanctus and Agnus Dei to go plus Haydn & Vaughan Williams..
Mind you, once you get your head round it the rythms and undulations are very soothing. Perhaps it should be played over loudspeakers in the streets of London & elsewhere to try and stop the madness that has taken hold of those kids.. I am afraid for the police and innocent people down there. I find it hard to comprehend that so many kids are so lacking in respect and decency that they would simply grab a chance to steal and burn as much as they can regardless of the consequences - I think they (if caught) should be made to rebuild what they have destroyed. Otherwise the cost will come out of the decent people's pockets, who haven't got anything left to give.
I wonder if it will ever get to the point where the majority come out onto the streets, not to fight but just to stand and face down the kids. There must be so many more law-abiding people than vandals, thieves and arsonists (the so-called rioters), would not sheer numbers work? The police can't do it all on their own. But we've all got used to handing that sort of thing over to the authorities and of course we're afraid of being hurt. The kids don't seem to be. But we must at some point stop standing on the sidelines and put our voices and ourselves up behind the police, the lawkeepers, and make those kids understand that we as a society will not accept this.
Update
Am attaching pics of all the priests etc at the Ordination (and a lot were Abbots and bishops, impressive!) and of the stained glass at the back of the choir loft - lovely.
sigh. I've had to go onto You Tube and get clips of it being sung which has helped a lot. Kyrie & Veni Creator Spiritus learned, still got Sanctus and Agnus Dei to go plus Haydn & Vaughan Williams..
Mind you, once you get your head round it the rythms and undulations are very soothing. Perhaps it should be played over loudspeakers in the streets of London & elsewhere to try and stop the madness that has taken hold of those kids.. I am afraid for the police and innocent people down there. I find it hard to comprehend that so many kids are so lacking in respect and decency that they would simply grab a chance to steal and burn as much as they can regardless of the consequences - I think they (if caught) should be made to rebuild what they have destroyed. Otherwise the cost will come out of the decent people's pockets, who haven't got anything left to give.
I wonder if it will ever get to the point where the majority come out onto the streets, not to fight but just to stand and face down the kids. There must be so many more law-abiding people than vandals, thieves and arsonists (the so-called rioters), would not sheer numbers work? The police can't do it all on their own. But we've all got used to handing that sort of thing over to the authorities and of course we're afraid of being hurt. The kids don't seem to be. But we must at some point stop standing on the sidelines and put our voices and ourselves up behind the police, the lawkeepers, and make those kids understand that we as a society will not accept this.
Update
Am attaching pics of all the priests etc at the Ordination (and a lot were Abbots and bishops, impressive!) and of the stained glass at the back of the choir loft - lovely.
07 August 2011
Eating my Words
WE were down in Glasgow this weekend, to catch up with R's cousins who were over from Canada as one of the kids was swimming in the International Children's Games (she achieved a personal best every time she swam - well done Katrina!)
Anyway, R had bought (yet another) satnav machine. Now, I have a bit of history with those machines. For a start I don't like them. I agree they occasionally have a use, but I don't trust them. I'd much rather use a map. The last one we bought in Duty Free on the way to Sardinia was so we could use it on holiday as we were driving around a bit there. Unfortunately the first evening, as I pried it off the windscreen, it suddenly pinged off, flew under the seat and hit the metal bar underneath, smashing the screen. Oh boy, R was furious! And for the record, I really DIDN'T do it on purpose!
Anyway, I sniped at the new one most of the way down and was delighted (well not really but my point was proved) when it took us all to the middle of a housing estate in Mount Vernon instead of to Candleriggs in the Merchant City for our dinner. See? Not to be trusted!
Thus on the way back today when it was my turn to drive, I requested that the bleedin' thing (which had been mispronouncing all the street names all morning) be removed as I kind of know the way home! And what happened? For the first time in 12 years I missed the Stirling exit! I have no idea what I was thinking - I don't think I was thinking at all - just mosying along the M8. So the hated machine reappeared and I had to use it til at least we got over the Forth Road Bridge. Sigh - the shame!
Anyway, R had bought (yet another) satnav machine. Now, I have a bit of history with those machines. For a start I don't like them. I agree they occasionally have a use, but I don't trust them. I'd much rather use a map. The last one we bought in Duty Free on the way to Sardinia was so we could use it on holiday as we were driving around a bit there. Unfortunately the first evening, as I pried it off the windscreen, it suddenly pinged off, flew under the seat and hit the metal bar underneath, smashing the screen. Oh boy, R was furious! And for the record, I really DIDN'T do it on purpose!
Anyway, I sniped at the new one most of the way down and was delighted (well not really but my point was proved) when it took us all to the middle of a housing estate in Mount Vernon instead of to Candleriggs in the Merchant City for our dinner. See? Not to be trusted!
Thus on the way back today when it was my turn to drive, I requested that the bleedin' thing (which had been mispronouncing all the street names all morning) be removed as I kind of know the way home! And what happened? For the first time in 12 years I missed the Stirling exit! I have no idea what I was thinking - I don't think I was thinking at all - just mosying along the M8. So the hated machine reappeared and I had to use it til at least we got over the Forth Road Bridge. Sigh - the shame!
04 August 2011
mistypes?
Reading Hogday's post on NHS medical secretaries' mistypes reminds me of a few I saw during my years as a lawyer (hopefully behind me now) -
1 - "..our client's property manager advises .... your client has advised that he will deal with the leek in the toilet himself"
2 - [address] - "Northern Rock plc, Ceiling Department, Residential Lending & Insurance, Northern Rock House.." [the Sealing Department deals with signing deeds]
3 - "We do not know if you are aware of this new procedure or whether it has in fact been leeked out by the Law Society.."
4 - "We have requested the title deeds from the Building Society and shall drop the Security as soon as we receive them." [presumably too much to hold?]
5 - "Mrs xxx (deceased)
We write to advise you that the above-named dieted on 7th September 1999. We enclose a copy of the Extract Death Certificate for your records."
6 - [in a deed] - "..the late xxx, who resided at Flat One, Upright, One thousand and Ninety Nine x Street, Glasgow.."
7 - "....The figures we have at the moment are £1,200 for your wife and £20.10 for the medical treatment." [the wife's not worth much, seems a bit harsh!]
8 - "IN WITNESS WHEREOF these presents are subscribed by me at x on the y day of z before these witnesses Mrs d, Housewife and d, Plastered, both of.." [a drunk witness?]
1 - "..our client's property manager advises .... your client has advised that he will deal with the leek in the toilet himself"
2 - [address] - "Northern Rock plc, Ceiling Department, Residential Lending & Insurance, Northern Rock House.." [the Sealing Department deals with signing deeds]
3 - "We do not know if you are aware of this new procedure or whether it has in fact been leeked out by the Law Society.."
4 - "We have requested the title deeds from the Building Society and shall drop the Security as soon as we receive them." [presumably too much to hold?]
5 - "Mrs xxx (deceased)
We write to advise you that the above-named dieted on 7th September 1999. We enclose a copy of the Extract Death Certificate for your records."
6 - [in a deed] - "..the late xxx, who resided at Flat One, Upright, One thousand and Ninety Nine x Street, Glasgow.."
7 - "....The figures we have at the moment are £1,200 for your wife and £20.10 for the medical treatment." [the wife's not worth much, seems a bit harsh!]
8 - "IN WITNESS WHEREOF these presents are subscribed by me at x on the y day of z before these witnesses Mrs d, Housewife and d, Plastered, both of.." [a drunk witness?]
truisms
It is truism that when a dog misbehaves it is almost always the owner's fault. This was evidenced for me today - yet again - by our very own Mrs Trouble. I may have mentioned she has a bush at the back of the garden we can't really get to, which is her den and to which she repairs at the first hint of trouble or when she's got something she knows she oughtn't to have.
I was heading out this morning and couldn't find her anywhere. Eventually I went outside and called her and heard a very suspicious rustling in the bushes..oh-oh! Going and peering in revealed that she had - eek! - walked off with the plastic bag full of used cat-food sachets which I had taken out the bin in the utility room before putting a fresh bag in - and completely forgetting about the full bag. It just goes to show, if you're not paying attention you won't even realise something is missing!
So I breathed in and ducked down into the back of the bush (a wee cave between the bush and the back wall) and had an interesting 10 minutes fishing out not only the remains of the bag but also the remains of her previous nefarious exploits.. a ragbag of glass dessert pots(!), empty crisp and popcorn packets, catfood sachets, plastic lids(?!)..the list goes on. (sigh)
I'm surprised we don't have rats! But then again there's no actual food around, it's all licked and chewed clean.I finally made my destination, hopefully having removed all the twigs from my hair. That'll teach me - maybe.
I was heading out this morning and couldn't find her anywhere. Eventually I went outside and called her and heard a very suspicious rustling in the bushes..oh-oh! Going and peering in revealed that she had - eek! - walked off with the plastic bag full of used cat-food sachets which I had taken out the bin in the utility room before putting a fresh bag in - and completely forgetting about the full bag. It just goes to show, if you're not paying attention you won't even realise something is missing!
So I breathed in and ducked down into the back of the bush (a wee cave between the bush and the back wall) and had an interesting 10 minutes fishing out not only the remains of the bag but also the remains of her previous nefarious exploits.. a ragbag of glass dessert pots(!), empty crisp and popcorn packets, catfood sachets, plastic lids(?!)..the list goes on. (sigh)
I'm surprised we don't have rats! But then again there's no actual food around, it's all licked and chewed clean.I finally made my destination, hopefully having removed all the twigs from my hair. That'll teach me - maybe.
02 August 2011
RAM's the word!
I was thinking of getting a new laptop for Christmas, this one has been slowly spinning to a halt for over a year now and had got to the stage where it couldn't do more than one thing at once or I'd get the popup saying "your computer is low on memory - you must shut everything down.." or words to that effect - and then it wouldn't let anything shut down at all, everything would be "not responding" - aaaarrrgghhhhh!!
On a bad day it used to take about a minute (a WHOLE minute) for anything I typed to come up, never mind anything more complicated..
But NOW...
whooopeee! Those wonderful men at PC World have given it a Tune Up and added 2GB of RAM - what a difference. Now my laptop works! Like it should! It's like getting a new one, how fantastic.. technology is once again in my good books.
On a bad day it used to take about a minute (a WHOLE minute) for anything I typed to come up, never mind anything more complicated..
But NOW...
whooopeee! Those wonderful men at PC World have given it a Tune Up and added 2GB of RAM - what a difference. Now my laptop works! Like it should! It's like getting a new one, how fantastic.. technology is once again in my good books.
dogs and food..
blinkin' dogs - there's been Travellers set up camp in the carpark of our most popular local dogwalking woods for a coupla weeks now. I'm assuming the Forestry Commission know, don't know what if anything they'll do. Wasn't fussed til today, when the increased amounts of rubbish and food left lying around is starting to attract the dogs and I had to go and get them twice, put them on the lead and drag them off. There's three of the travellers' dogs there already, all relatively small and on tethers so not fussed about that - although today there was a wee man, about six I'd say, there and saw Murphy heading over purposefully. His reaction was perhaps telling - a clear voice says "There's going to be a dogfight, Daddy!" (with every appearance of interest if not enthusiasm!) Not on my watch! - I stride over, saying "No there isn't" in a normal voice and drag Murphy away from the food, swearing at him under my breath..
30 July 2011
It's all relative
It's been a while since I felt like how I felt this morning - extremely ill! My own fault of course - if I'd gone to bed when R did I'd've been fine, but for some reason I didn't. I stayed up, drank the rest of my glass of wine and the full one he'd left and watched reruns of True Blood. sigh.
However having dragged meself out of bed at lunchtime - thanks for letting the dog jump all over me at 9am, by the way! - I an pleased to say the old work ethic is still going strong. I've changed the bed, sorted out the washing (and done a couple which have dried quite nicely in this weather), walked the dogs twice and been to the supermarket. Whee! My fabby life! Anyway, I feel fine now and appreciate it more than normal!
I did try a wee bit sunbathing too, but it's the usual story - within 2 minutes of the blanket going down I've been pushed to one side, Murphy's stretched out down the middle and Maddie across the top. This turns into a fight between the two of them over a tennis ball with guess who? - yes me - in the middle! No rest for the wicked..
However having dragged meself out of bed at lunchtime - thanks for letting the dog jump all over me at 9am, by the way! - I an pleased to say the old work ethic is still going strong. I've changed the bed, sorted out the washing (and done a couple which have dried quite nicely in this weather), walked the dogs twice and been to the supermarket. Whee! My fabby life! Anyway, I feel fine now and appreciate it more than normal!
I did try a wee bit sunbathing too, but it's the usual story - within 2 minutes of the blanket going down I've been pushed to one side, Murphy's stretched out down the middle and Maddie across the top. This turns into a fight between the two of them over a tennis ball with guess who? - yes me - in the middle! No rest for the wicked..
25 July 2011
reports continued
forgot to say that our one report of dog behaviour during our absence has been that Maddie "got a chicken"!!! No idea where, how or why yet.
Murphy in the meantime seems to be adopting terrorist tactics in the carpark at the woods we go to in the mornings. Last week he didn't let this guy get out his car before running over and plonking his two big paws on the car door, eyeballing him through the window. Had to drag him away and let the guy out - profuse apologies (from me)
On Friday there he let his next victim open the door then launched himself at her, practically sitting on her in her car.. oops! She seemed to know him and had another retriever in her car so clearly used to the scenario, luckily. More apologies while I dragged him away to start the walk. Honestly! What's his game? It's not like I don't feed him enough!
Murphy in the meantime seems to be adopting terrorist tactics in the carpark at the woods we go to in the mornings. Last week he didn't let this guy get out his car before running over and plonking his two big paws on the car door, eyeballing him through the window. Had to drag him away and let the guy out - profuse apologies (from me)
On Friday there he let his next victim open the door then launched himself at her, practically sitting on her in her car.. oops! She seemed to know him and had another retriever in her car so clearly used to the scenario, luckily. More apologies while I dragged him away to start the walk. Honestly! What's his game? It's not like I don't feed him enough!
reports from the South...
well here I am travelling the country again - Brighton this time, so hubby could relive (or try and remember) his youth...
Needless to say, cue the necessary visit to the vet before we go (no, not for us - the cat's not so well , we always seem to have some animal-related panic before we go anywhere) so poor Nick got left with the task of ensuring a quarter-tablet went down and stayed down the throat of our pill-averse pussy twice a day (with food) . Haven't yet heard how he got on but she'd eaten round it at two meals already before we left so no high hopes!
Anyway - we arrived in Gatwick and made it to middle England (somewhere in Surrey I believe, I just got off the train when told) to meet up woth R's cousin. Turned out R hadn't been at his most expansive when making the arrangements (really? you do surprise me!) so poor Lisa had no idea I was coming too and turned up at the station in a two-seater!
After initial confusion we made him walk to the pub while we drove...
Anyway, we had a nice time in Brighton, the weather pretty good, hotel nice if noisy - honestly, I though Aberdeen seagulls were bad, these ones were even worse! Just for noise at night though, no dive-bombing noticed.
It was pretty busy, especially at night and I've never seen so many policemen wandering around! They keep a very high profile it seems, at least on Friday & saturday nights (but seeing the number of drinking teens, 20s and 30s I can see why). Strangely I mentioned this to the taxidriver and he didn't agree (the no. of them around), guess he's never been to Aberdeen then!
R leabnered a valuable lesson - we went for a drink to a bar/hotel along from the hotel and he was addressed as "sweetheart" by the barman, much to his surprise. It wasn't til we left that I noticed the rainbow flag flying - R didn't know what it meant, hee hee. Soon learned...
Needless to say, cue the necessary visit to the vet before we go (no, not for us - the cat's not so well , we always seem to have some animal-related panic before we go anywhere) so poor Nick got left with the task of ensuring a quarter-tablet went down and stayed down the throat of our pill-averse pussy twice a day (with food) . Haven't yet heard how he got on but she'd eaten round it at two meals already before we left so no high hopes!
Anyway - we arrived in Gatwick and made it to middle England (somewhere in Surrey I believe, I just got off the train when told) to meet up woth R's cousin. Turned out R hadn't been at his most expansive when making the arrangements (really? you do surprise me!) so poor Lisa had no idea I was coming too and turned up at the station in a two-seater!
After initial confusion we made him walk to the pub while we drove...
Anyway, we had a nice time in Brighton, the weather pretty good, hotel nice if noisy - honestly, I though Aberdeen seagulls were bad, these ones were even worse! Just for noise at night though, no dive-bombing noticed.
It was pretty busy, especially at night and I've never seen so many policemen wandering around! They keep a very high profile it seems, at least on Friday & saturday nights (but seeing the number of drinking teens, 20s and 30s I can see why). Strangely I mentioned this to the taxidriver and he didn't agree (the no. of them around), guess he's never been to Aberdeen then!
R leabnered a valuable lesson - we went for a drink to a bar/hotel along from the hotel and he was addressed as "sweetheart" by the barman, much to his surprise. It wasn't til we left that I noticed the rainbow flag flying - R didn't know what it meant, hee hee. Soon learned...
20 July 2011
repercussions
oh dear - the pasta-thon is kicking back. I've had a strained neck ever since and am now taking painkillers - it's low level but very wearing. I keep telling R cooking's bad for me...
The good news is my bump on the head from trying to knock myself out with a car door is improving - I don't look quite so neanderthal now!
The good news is my bump on the head from trying to knock myself out with a car door is improving - I don't look quite so neanderthal now!
18 July 2011
worth the effort?
Feelis like I just had a marathon cooking weekend! Had pasta'n sauce & garlic bread on Saturday, with a slight difference - I made the pasta. I've made it an Italian cookery class before but that was many years ago, so I turned to Nick Nairn's book which I'm finding time consuming but easy to follow (and the food is undeniably good). Naturally I already have a pasta machine (what self-respecting would-be cook doesn't have one, stashed unused somewhere in the back of a cupboard?!) so R & I made up a team - I made the dough and when it was ready (you have to let it (& yourself!) "rest" for an hour) he wound the handle while I fed it through the rollers.
So, as our tagliatelle on Saturday was pretty successful I decided to go ahead with the ravioli for Sunday dinner, at which Emily & Nick would both be present. Well! First of all, don't let your husband anywhere near the cookery books - R found another filling he liked the sound of (crabmeat & mascarpone) better than the one I was doing (butternut squash) so I had to do both. Plus as I wasnt' sure how many people were going to be there I did double the amount. Phew... I started at 11.30am and finished at 4.30pm!!!
What with the dough making, making the fillings while it rested, then the rolling-out (and dragging R away from the golf for these!), the filling and the cutting. Then the initial cooking followed by laying-out, covering in oiled clingfilm and finding space in the fridge... After which I had about an hour's collapse on the sofa then back to cooking it all and freezing the ones I hadn't cooked, making two different butter sauces etc...
oh yes and I made a trifle for dessert too, which R won't have seconds of til I get some Flake to put on the top!
Don't get me wrong I actually enjoyed most of it, and you get a feeling of satisfaction from having done all that but in the end given that that was basically half my weekend used up, I think next time I'll stick to bought pasta. Or just pasta shapes without the filling, cutting etc..
Still - that's me surely crowned domestic goddess for now?! (and it gets you out the dogwalking)
So, as our tagliatelle on Saturday was pretty successful I decided to go ahead with the ravioli for Sunday dinner, at which Emily & Nick would both be present. Well! First of all, don't let your husband anywhere near the cookery books - R found another filling he liked the sound of (crabmeat & mascarpone) better than the one I was doing (butternut squash) so I had to do both. Plus as I wasnt' sure how many people were going to be there I did double the amount. Phew... I started at 11.30am and finished at 4.30pm!!!
What with the dough making, making the fillings while it rested, then the rolling-out (and dragging R away from the golf for these!), the filling and the cutting. Then the initial cooking followed by laying-out, covering in oiled clingfilm and finding space in the fridge... After which I had about an hour's collapse on the sofa then back to cooking it all and freezing the ones I hadn't cooked, making two different butter sauces etc...
oh yes and I made a trifle for dessert too, which R won't have seconds of til I get some Flake to put on the top!
Don't get me wrong I actually enjoyed most of it, and you get a feeling of satisfaction from having done all that but in the end given that that was basically half my weekend used up, I think next time I'll stick to bought pasta. Or just pasta shapes without the filling, cutting etc..
Still - that's me surely crowned domestic goddess for now?! (and it gets you out the dogwalking)
15 July 2011
O-M-G! It's happened!
No - I haven't run out of Diet Coke - well actually I have but I'm keeping the panic at bay. No - I've turned into my mother!!!!!!
Richard asked the other day how I could keep the kitchen so clean & tidy and yet the rest of the house was a tip. I rubbished this, of course (it's not like he's not responsible for half the stuff lying around - well almost half - well at least some), but I have just looked round and you know what? He's right!
Cue memories of Mum's kitchen with piles of folded plastic bags and as-yet-unread magazines teetering on every surface except the (spotless) food preparation counters and Dad exasperatedly trying to find space for something..
ooooh dear....
Richard asked the other day how I could keep the kitchen so clean & tidy and yet the rest of the house was a tip. I rubbished this, of course (it's not like he's not responsible for half the stuff lying around - well almost half - well at least some), but I have just looked round and you know what? He's right!
Cue memories of Mum's kitchen with piles of folded plastic bags and as-yet-unread magazines teetering on every surface except the (spotless) food preparation counters and Dad exasperatedly trying to find space for something..
ooooh dear....
12 July 2011
Maddie has fun
and here is a short film of what happens when Maddie gets excited! As you can see towards the end, Murphy strolls out to see what's going on and she makes a beeline - "play with me!" As often happens, the answer is "no"!
further report
Well this time on holiday there were no sheep issues; we were very careful and put the terrible twosome on the lead as soon as we heard any baaing! And sometimes even when there wasn't...
Unfortunately Maddie did manage to create a chicken incident but on the plus side I was inside making the dinner at the time with the radio on and a glass of wine to hand, so missed all the excitement (for a change). It seems the chickens were out in their wee coop and clucking away on the last day - for the first time we'd been around. Maddie decided to go and investigate. Despite Murphy's known record of chicken-chasing (Richard & the farmer were left with an empty collar one day at that farm/stables in Kirkcudbright) he decided he couldn't be bothered, so stood faithfully by Richard and watched as Maddie made havoc.
By the time Richard got into the pen, the feathers were flying, the three owners were out and milling and the attacker had one of the winged victims in her mouth! Although as it turned out only feathers were lost she obviously didn't have too good a grip. Murphy then followed into the pen and stood looking superior while the dastardly dog was detained. I met them at the door to see a very embarassed Richard leading a not-noticeably-chastened spaniel by the collar up the path. oooops
Apparently the pen usually has an electric fence but it wasn't on - shame, that would have taught her a lesson - maybe, R says she sailed over the fence without touching it so maybe not!
Unfortunately Maddie did manage to create a chicken incident but on the plus side I was inside making the dinner at the time with the radio on and a glass of wine to hand, so missed all the excitement (for a change). It seems the chickens were out in their wee coop and clucking away on the last day - for the first time we'd been around. Maddie decided to go and investigate. Despite Murphy's known record of chicken-chasing (Richard & the farmer were left with an empty collar one day at that farm/stables in Kirkcudbright) he decided he couldn't be bothered, so stood faithfully by Richard and watched as Maddie made havoc.
By the time Richard got into the pen, the feathers were flying, the three owners were out and milling and the attacker had one of the winged victims in her mouth! Although as it turned out only feathers were lost she obviously didn't have too good a grip. Murphy then followed into the pen and stood looking superior while the dastardly dog was detained. I met them at the door to see a very embarassed Richard leading a not-noticeably-chastened spaniel by the collar up the path. oooops
11 July 2011
we're b-a-a-a-a-a-ck!
A week in Devon and nearly a week (well it felt like it) travelling there and back. Some great walks, decent weather (it only rained when we'd finished) and excellent pubs (dog friendly, yeah!) Took us a while to get used to the country roads, particularly in the hills where we were staying. Picture a road only just wide enough for a car, with ten-foot high hedges on either side, and all very steep. There were passing places occasionally, or else "convenient" driveways or entrances to try to cram yourself into while the other person inched past, waving cheerily...
Funniest memory - letting the dogs out for their "last thing at night" toilet stop. It was CHUCKING it down outside. They both leapt to their feet and rushed off to the front door, only to screech to a halt when I opened it and they could see/hear the torrents. Maddie promply backed off while Murphy took a cautious step outside (remaining under the overhang), thought long and hard about it and then turned round and came back in. "No way!"
On our return as we approached the border, the rain set in. sigh. 22 & sun splitting the sky at lunch in Carlisle, 14 and rain at dinner in Aberdeen (having rained and got steadily colder all the way) See the photo - this was our view as we approached Scotland - the cloud line almost exactly matched the border. I'm not joking!
Funniest memory - letting the dogs out for their "last thing at night" toilet stop. It was CHUCKING it down outside. They both leapt to their feet and rushed off to the front door, only to screech to a halt when I opened it and they could see/hear the torrents. Maddie promply backed off while Murphy took a cautious step outside (remaining under the overhang), thought long and hard about it and then turned round and came back in. "No way!"
29 June 2011
weather, weather everywhere (& washing!)
Oh, I very nearly cried on Monday - the weather's been so cold & wet recently I hadn't got a washing done the week before last at all so was sitting by the weekend with 2 weeks' worth to do. Despite England proclaiming heatwaves and the hottest day of the year on Sunday, as usual it didn't reach us and we had warm but very humid conditions, resulting in no washing drying outside but the heating not coming on so no drying inside either!
So Monday dawned with wet clothes hanging everywhere. Richard assured me it was to be nice (dunno where he gets his weather info from) so I hung out some of it and carried on with my work. Unfortunately I looked up at about 12 and noticed it was p'ing it down - aaaaargh! Toon late - it was all soaked again (what little had dried).
That was it! The last straw - everything possible into the tumbledryer. Defeated by the weather....
PS I'd like to add that it was good drying weather yesterday (typical) so I got the big stuff done - bed linen, more towels and the sofa throws. Today - same but due apparently to rain later - this time I'm not leaving the house without taking everything in. Call me paranoid...
Tell me, are we getting a summer this year?
So Monday dawned with wet clothes hanging everywhere. Richard assured me it was to be nice (dunno where he gets his weather info from) so I hung out some of it and carried on with my work. Unfortunately I looked up at about 12 and noticed it was p'ing it down - aaaaargh! Toon late - it was all soaked again (what little had dried).
That was it! The last straw - everything possible into the tumbledryer. Defeated by the weather....
PS I'd like to add that it was good drying weather yesterday (typical) so I got the big stuff done - bed linen, more towels and the sofa throws. Today - same but due apparently to rain later - this time I'm not leaving the house without taking everything in. Call me paranoid...
Tell me, are we getting a summer this year?
25 June 2011
break-out
Whoopee! Just waiting for Emily to come over then we're off to break M & M out of doggy prison. Can't wait - it's almost the best bit of a holiday, coming back and collecting them. Murphy leaps on you and then heads straight for the car.. Maddie just leaps on you - the place we leave them now hand them over on the lead so she's never had the chance to run free - thank goodness! Lord knows where she'd end up.
Downloading the photos from yesterday, some goodies.. well done Nick! Everyone dressed up and I managed to get a new dress out of it - assumed everyone would be wearing the same thing from day to evening, should have known better.. So a mad dash to Monsoon and got a very nice dress just as they were closing. silver linings...
Here are the best - Andy & Emily, Nick & Elle, me and Richard (who was very proud...)
Here are the best - Andy & Emily, Nick & Elle, me and Richard (who was very proud...)
24 June 2011
glam queen
Had Maddie groomed recently, she's all neat and tidy again. Got into trouble for her ears and back leg feathers being such a mess though, but what cann you do when she runs away as soon as she sees a brush? Can't spend her entire life dragging her out of her den, that'd be cruel. I'll have to creep up on her more I suppose, it works for the teethbrushing - I wait til she's happily ensconced on a sofa then cuddle up and bring out the toothbrush - she associates it with yummy poultry-flavoured toothpaste now so doesn't run.
Nick's graduation today, main problem - what to get him? I was all for a graduation teddy-bear of some kind but Richard thought that a very bad idea so I've ended up getting him a (very minimal, masculine-looking) photoframe. Bo-o-oring! och well, what ever I get will probably be abandoned in a corner somewhere anyway so I won't take it personally. It's the thought that counts, right?
Nick's graduation today, main problem - what to get him? I was all for a graduation teddy-bear of some kind but Richard thought that a very bad idea so I've ended up getting him a (very minimal, masculine-looking) photoframe. Bo-o-oring! och well, what ever I get will probably be abandoned in a corner somewhere anyway so I won't take it personally. It's the thought that counts, right?
19 June 2011
and back to two
On a separate note, I took Maddie to her first Highland Games to see how she'd cope with the crowds and the noise. I am proud to report she's a proper Scottish dog - not at all fazed by the pipes or drums - indeed more interested in dropped chips than anything else (should've known) although she did look at the practising pipe bands in some interest for a while before deciding I needed dragged off somewhere where there was more food!
15 June 2011
and then there were three...
So we have Charlie staying with us for the next few days. He's a lovely chocolate lab, very even tempered and calm - turns out he's not even afraid of the hoover! Although he's a bit scared of men. However we've had him visiting before so he's used to Richard - he settled down on the sofa last night cuddled up to him - to the annoyance of Maddie who kept getting up and shoving him off whichever sofa he was on! Even Charlie was getting fed up with it and grumpy-growled at her.
Can't say Gizzy's too impressed with the appearance of a THIRD canine companion!
Can't say Gizzy's too impressed with the appearance of a THIRD canine companion!
14 June 2011
Breaking news...
...spaniel foiled by fence!
Numpty-heid ran head first into one this morning. She was quite surprised to find it there, she clearly hadn't seen it at all and was planning on going through to stand on a wall and stare at the field on the other side (as she had been doing all along the path this morning).
To be fair to her it was relatively fine chicken wire and her eyesight's not the best, but it made me laugh!
Numpty-heid ran head first into one this morning. She was quite surprised to find it there, she clearly hadn't seen it at all and was planning on going through to stand on a wall and stare at the field on the other side (as she had been doing all along the path this morning).
To be fair to her it was relatively fine chicken wire and her eyesight's not the best, but it made me laugh!
12 June 2011
hope
I have cautious hopes for the Silver Award for Maddie, we did 1.50 minute sitstay in the forest today and could probably have done more but I didn't want to push it. She has to do 2 minutes for the test so that's OK. And we practised her getting in and out of the car in a controlled fashion today - tick! As long as you keep saying "waaaiit!" in a stern voice, guess what? She does!
Not sure how she'll do on the "under control walking on the lead without pulling" for this one, you have to do it outside and she's good inside but pulls all the time outside. More work required I think. Still, there's hope....
Not sure how she'll do on the "under control walking on the lead without pulling" for this one, you have to do it outside and she's good inside but pulls all the time outside. More work required I think. Still, there's hope....
10 June 2011
Not again! (sigh)
got home from work today to discover the BRAND NEW tube of doggy toothpaste I started last night is gone - well, the bits are all over the floor and the contents, judging by the marks on the carpet, have certainly been on the floor even if the evidence has now been disposed of... (i.e.licked off)
Great! And when I tell him, Richard will only say it serves me right for leaving it on the windowsill, which Maddie can easily get to via the sofa (and we know the sofa is hardly no-man's-land for either of them!) he's right, of course, but that doesn't help. The wee sneak...
On the plus side her breath smells of poultry-flavoured toothpaste now so maybe it'll do her teeth some good before it disappears!
Great! And when I tell him, Richard will only say it serves me right for leaving it on the windowsill, which Maddie can easily get to via the sofa (and we know the sofa is hardly no-man's-land for either of them!) he's right, of course, but that doesn't help. The wee sneak...
On the plus side her breath smells of poultry-flavoured toothpaste now so maybe it'll do her teeth some good before it disappears!
09 June 2011
what a star!
She was SOOO good last night! (Maddie, that is) We were at her obedience class and starting to work on the stuff needed for their Silver Award (well, one can but try!) One of the things was "in your bed" - now Murphy is very good at this (except recently when, upon being told this, I caught him heading for the couch!) but Maddie tends to make a beeline for the nearest thing she habitually lounges around on e.g. Murphy's bed. Last night however she promply headed for the folded towel (makeshift bed replacement) and lay down on it - magic!
Oh how proud I was! (wonder what she'll do to bring me down to size next week)
Oh how proud I was! (wonder what she'll do to bring me down to size next week)
08 June 2011
Scots v English
a message for Richard (not that he'll read it, being off globetrotting again) - you'll love this!
Moment of fame
recognise anyone?
- That's Emily, at that's the place she works now, seems to be loving it. She's been on the local news and is in the paper today apparently, so we must remember to buy one!
In other news, Maddie's taken to lying beside the catflap. I thought she was waiting for someone to come out and play with her but Richard & Nick reckon she's guarding it so the cat can't get in! Inter-species warfare!
- That's Emily, at that's the place she works now, seems to be loving it. She's been on the local news and is in the paper today apparently, so we must remember to buy one!
In other news, Maddie's taken to lying beside the catflap. I thought she was waiting for someone to come out and play with her but Richard & Nick reckon she's guarding it so the cat can't get in! Inter-species warfare!
03 June 2011
happy days
See the picture? Not a cloud! That's above our back garden! (The lines aren't clouds, they're telephone wires, they don't count)
Business as usual
well Daddy was duly got from the airport and is back; the welcome he got from our two heroes! So now Maddie's back to ignoring me (it's good to know your place, isn't it?)
I'm struggling with keeping updates on Twitter, Facebook and this - in my head they're all the same, just different lengths - Twitter the shortest, then FB then on here I can waffle away as much as I want - but if I've already made a comment on Twitter and a slightly longer one on FB what's the point? Think I'll have to make a point of saying different things on each. Information fatigue - giving it out, not processing it this time!
I'm struggling with keeping updates on Twitter, Facebook and this - in my head they're all the same, just different lengths - Twitter the shortest, then FB then on here I can waffle away as much as I want - but if I've already made a comment on Twitter and a slightly longer one on FB what's the point? Think I'll have to make a point of saying different things on each. Information fatigue - giving it out, not processing it this time!
A missed opportunity?
I so haven't taken advantage of Richard being away! Instead of watching what I want to on TV all night and going to bed when I want, I've spent the whole week so far juggling all these jobs and working til the wee small hours.. Here I am again - got up at 5.45am to trot the dogs round the track for 10 minutes before heading into town for church then heading home and doing a solid 3 hours research job. Almost forgot I was supposed to go into law job early before going for lunch with Fiona - arrived (complete with all the bits and pieces for dry cleaning, shoe repairs etc) just in time to go for lunch. So after there was a frantic hour trudging round the dry cleaners, various repair shops, Guide shop (for badges for tonight), bank etc then back for a couple hours law work. Then homewards to give blood then walk dogs before Guides (no way was there time for food - again). Thank the Lord Emily had already walked and fed them, I'd forgotten that was arranged!
Home at 9.45pm after Guides and just spent another 2 and a half hours on research job and it's half twelve and I'm knackered!
PS had to take the car to Guides - got half way there on foot (GORGEOUS day - 25C at 6pm!) but the cat followed me and when we got further than she's used to she started mieowing (rare) but refused to leave me so I had to go home (she followed me) and take the car instead. sigh. Daft moggy!
Home at 9.45pm after Guides and just spent another 2 and a half hours on research job and it's half twelve and I'm knackered!
PS had to take the car to Guides - got half way there on foot (GORGEOUS day - 25C at 6pm!) but the cat followed me and when we got further than she's used to she started mieowing (rare) but refused to leave me so I had to go home (she followed me) and take the car instead. sigh. Daft moggy!
02 June 2011
limitations
I just can't do everything! It's a frustrating reflection, but one I must come to terms with. I'm still juggling three jobs plus looking after the dogs (and trying to be their daddy as well as tough-mum) and living in the real world. Argh! Let me explain - I set the alarm early to go for a run (with the dogs) before hitting whichever job I was most into at the time) but have ended up with a huge blister on my heel due to taking the dogs out last night in shoes (no socks) I don't usually wear - so no running and a long(relatively) lie instead.
Then a bit of shimmying round the kitchen clearing up after last night before settling into some blog-research. Cue absorption until I realised at 1.45pm I was supposed to be picking up Zoe to take her to tennis class (she's 3) at that exact time. So I just had enough time to gather the stuff I wanted to put into drycleaning (still in the car, btw) before heading out - still in jeans and flipflops (well I walked the dogs in my crocs and no socks so save the heel and got more blisters on both feet) and no makeup. Tennis went well (from my point of view, I got to sit for half an hour and interact) then I even managed to drop her off in good time to meet her mum and older sister at the schoolgates!
Off to work as a lawyer - jeans an' all (I know but no clients to see) til 6 at which point I rememebred it was Wednesday and Maddie's training evening - no chance! Have to leave at 6.10 to get there so she got a night off. Had Emma, a Guider coming at 7.30 to go over my learnings from camp (sitting my test later this summer) so just had time to take the dogs out for their evening perambulation (cue another style of shoe and more blisters) before she arrived.
Then, although I'd intended to spend the evening continuing job no. 3 (case study for book) I spent part of it doing more lists for camp and wrestling with the girlguiding UK website (it is not letting me on and I need on to amend and print off the Permission forms for camp to hand out tomorrow evening aaaaargggh) before concentrating on the case study.
Thank God Richard's away I've gone through more wine than I intended (and a lot more chocolate, but then I haven't managed a proper meal yet today) and have the iPod on loud and it's almost 1am, and I have to get up at, like 6am cos tomorrow's a holiday of obligation (see Catholics) there's three masses and I can only make the 7am one..... I'm sensing I'm losing continuity here (I lost the ability to type about 20 minutes ago) so I'd better go to bed.
PS after poor Emma being confronted with Murphy giving her the heavy "love me" vibes (stares, shadowing and hand-licking), Maddie the general "will you play with me?" interest (hovering with tennis ball in mouth) and then Gizzy with the cat-stare (fe-e-e-ed me!) - she coped very well - I spent 20 minutes outside throwing the ball for Maddie but she still avoids me in the house so what can you do?
I REALLY must go I'm definitely havering now... glass of wine anyone?
Then a bit of shimmying round the kitchen clearing up after last night before settling into some blog-research. Cue absorption until I realised at 1.45pm I was supposed to be picking up Zoe to take her to tennis class (she's 3) at that exact time. So I just had enough time to gather the stuff I wanted to put into drycleaning (still in the car, btw) before heading out - still in jeans and flipflops (well I walked the dogs in my crocs and no socks so save the heel and got more blisters on both feet) and no makeup. Tennis went well (from my point of view, I got to sit for half an hour and interact) then I even managed to drop her off in good time to meet her mum and older sister at the schoolgates!
Off to work as a lawyer - jeans an' all (I know but no clients to see) til 6 at which point I rememebred it was Wednesday and Maddie's training evening - no chance! Have to leave at 6.10 to get there so she got a night off. Had Emma, a Guider coming at 7.30 to go over my learnings from camp (sitting my test later this summer) so just had time to take the dogs out for their evening perambulation (cue another style of shoe and more blisters) before she arrived.
Then, although I'd intended to spend the evening continuing job no. 3 (case study for book) I spent part of it doing more lists for camp and wrestling with the girlguiding UK website (it is not letting me on and I need on to amend and print off the Permission forms for camp to hand out tomorrow evening aaaaargggh) before concentrating on the case study.
Thank God Richard's away I've gone through more wine than I intended (and a lot more chocolate, but then I haven't managed a proper meal yet today) and have the iPod on loud and it's almost 1am, and I have to get up at, like 6am cos tomorrow's a holiday of obligation (see Catholics) there's three masses and I can only make the 7am one..... I'm sensing I'm losing continuity here (I lost the ability to type about 20 minutes ago) so I'd better go to bed.
PS after poor Emma being confronted with Murphy giving her the heavy "love me" vibes (stares, shadowing and hand-licking), Maddie the general "will you play with me?" interest (hovering with tennis ball in mouth) and then Gizzy with the cat-stare (fe-e-e-ed me!) - she coped very well - I spent 20 minutes outside throwing the ball for Maddie but she still avoids me in the house so what can you do?
I REALLY must go I'm definitely havering now... glass of wine anyone?
31 May 2011
like
I love the woods. There's something so calming about them, particularly when it's sunny, with the sunshine making it to the ground in bits, broken up by the branches and leaves. I love the way that the trees seem to be so removed from us, with our petty troubles and short lives. They, on the other hand, are moved by the wind, but unmoved by my worries. The sun shines through them when it can, the rain patters through their leaves - I used to live in a second floor tenement flat, whose living room window opened onto a big sycamore tree. When it rained (as it did a lot that summer) I opened the windows and sat listening to the rain dripping down onto the leaves - I found it almost mesmerising. I'd torn a ligament in my ankle that spring so couldn't do anything for some months and my memories of that summer (the only one I spent in that flat) revolve around the rain and that tree. Wistful, quiet, calming, steady - a solid presence
Of course the recent high winds we had have ended up with scenes of devastation in many woods, with trees uprooted and huge branches torn off and scattered as if they were mere twigs. The trunks are left denuded, bereft and almost naked... so sad.
sigh.
But it's nature, a force we don't understand and can't control. We must simply accept.
Of course the recent high winds we had have ended up with scenes of devastation in many woods, with trees uprooted and huge branches torn off and scattered as if they were mere twigs. The trunks are left denuded, bereft and almost naked... so sad.
sigh.
But it's nature, a force we don't understand and can't control. We must simply accept.
29 May 2011
woodland walk
we had a lovely walk today, found a big wood a wee bit away and took a walk along a riverbank - as usual the terrible twosome had a wonderful time splashing around and chasing sticks... it was beautiful scenery
thereafter having gone to the seaside and decided it was too blowy for ice cream we found a decent beer garden and had a late lunch/early tea (about 3.30!) while the dogs behaved impeccably (for them). It's funny weather - I put a washing out about 7pm and fully expect it to be pretty dry by the time the sun goes - amazing!
28 May 2011
the clean-up squad
"Who opened the cream?" - I stood there with cream dripping off the counter, my front, legs, skirt and feet...
I had shaken it before opening it - to find out the hard way that it was already open!
Luckily the clean-up squad were soon on hand and licked the place clean - very tickly on the feet!
I had shaken it before opening it - to find out the hard way that it was already open!
Luckily the clean-up squad were soon on hand and licked the place clean - very tickly on the feet!
26 May 2011
they think we're stoopid!
I happened to nip back downstairs last night after I'd gone up to bed - about 2 minutes after - and found the dogs in flagrante. When I left them Maddie was in her crate in the kitchen (looking all cosy and sleepy) and Murphy was stretched out on the living room floor next to the sofa (again looking pretty ensconced). 2 minutes later there they were - each happily settled in on a sofa each. Caught!
Maddie News!
We've had a few hectic days with the munsters, particularly Maddie. I've upped the teethbrushing, much to Murphy's delight - he loves it! It's a case of trying to get the (poultry-flavoured) toothpaste onto his teeth before he eats it.
Maddie is another matter entirely. It's not that she hates it (she's not hugely keen but likes the taste) it's just that she's got this idea into her wee head that every time I call her in the house I'm going to do something unspeakable to her - like clean her ears, groom her, brush her teeth, take something off her she shouldn't have (usually someone's slipper) etc. So as soon as I call her she heads off at great speed into her crate and refuses to come out - sigh. I've tried dragging her but that's apparently not a good thing, they need to feel safe in their den (as long as you can enter it with them which I can, well I can stick my head and shoulders in) safely.
So great frustration all round! When you actually catch her she doesn't really mind that stuff, it's all in the anticipation...
On the up side we had our test for the KC Good Citizen Dog (Bronze Award) and she passed! Yippeee! Well done Maddie!!! (and well done me too) She's very proud of her rosette - well she keeps trying to eat it anyway.
Maddie is another matter entirely. It's not that she hates it (she's not hugely keen but likes the taste) it's just that she's got this idea into her wee head that every time I call her in the house I'm going to do something unspeakable to her - like clean her ears, groom her, brush her teeth, take something off her she shouldn't have (usually someone's slipper) etc. So as soon as I call her she heads off at great speed into her crate and refuses to come out - sigh. I've tried dragging her but that's apparently not a good thing, they need to feel safe in their den (as long as you can enter it with them which I can, well I can stick my head and shoulders in) safely.
So great frustration all round! When you actually catch her she doesn't really mind that stuff, it's all in the anticipation...
22 May 2011
made it!
Well all you imaginary friends out there (except for one real one who I know reads this blog - hello!) will be relieved to hear that I completed this morning's 10k race in under an hour - 58.31 minutes in fact, although I'll get my proper time when the chips are processed, there was a slight delay in my button-pushing (although it's exactly the same watch I use every time I go running so why I had a momentary brain lapse as to how to start the stopwatch as I crossed the start line I don't know) so it may be a couple of seconds faster but I'm not nit-picking!
And why are you relieved, I hear you ask? Well, because I'm relieved! I've never done it in more than the 60 minutes and that's a big black line in my head that I REALLY don't want to cross - the territory of old fogies and unfit half-triers! (all opinions expressed in this blog are entirely personal and in no way represent the views of any sane or reasonable person, by the way) - so the thought of straying into this territory, due entirely to the fact that I didn't get off my bahoukie soon enough to get training, was preying on my mind.
Anyway, in the event I needn't have worried. Thanks to pleasant running weather - bit windy but overcast and with rain constantly threatening but not appearing - I managed to stagger round in the due time. Apart from despair at 5K when I realised I'd gone over the required time per k to make it, which was alleviated when the 6k marker came up very shortly thereafter (someone was 'avin' a larf, guvnor!) and I was on track after all...
By the way, if you have any close friend or member of your family doing something like this, I would recommend you go and cheer them on - it makes an incredible difference to see a friendly face cheering you personally as you stagger round, purple in the face and trying not to breathe too loudly! Richard was supposed to be running too but didn't feel well so brought the dogs and they all stood and cheered me on at 4k (OK, telling me to hurry up wasn't too encouraging but I took it in the spirit it was - no doubt - intended). And Maddie was fine with all the crowds and in fact looked quite mesmerised at all the legs going past.
I made it to the end, dragging out the last of my reserves for a wee sprint to the finish (nearly bringing on my asthma once I was over the line) and duly collected my 25th Anniversary medal - I really felt I'd earned it this time!
So - which one next?!!!
And why are you relieved, I hear you ask? Well, because I'm relieved! I've never done it in more than the 60 minutes and that's a big black line in my head that I REALLY don't want to cross - the territory of old fogies and unfit half-triers! (all opinions expressed in this blog are entirely personal and in no way represent the views of any sane or reasonable person, by the way) - so the thought of straying into this territory, due entirely to the fact that I didn't get off my bahoukie soon enough to get training, was preying on my mind.
Anyway, in the event I needn't have worried. Thanks to pleasant running weather - bit windy but overcast and with rain constantly threatening but not appearing - I managed to stagger round in the due time. Apart from despair at 5K when I realised I'd gone over the required time per k to make it, which was alleviated when the 6k marker came up very shortly thereafter (someone was 'avin' a larf, guvnor!) and I was on track after all...
By the way, if you have any close friend or member of your family doing something like this, I would recommend you go and cheer them on - it makes an incredible difference to see a friendly face cheering you personally as you stagger round, purple in the face and trying not to breathe too loudly! Richard was supposed to be running too but didn't feel well so brought the dogs and they all stood and cheered me on at 4k (OK, telling me to hurry up wasn't too encouraging but I took it in the spirit it was - no doubt - intended). And Maddie was fine with all the crowds and in fact looked quite mesmerised at all the legs going past.
I made it to the end, dragging out the last of my reserves for a wee sprint to the finish (nearly bringing on my asthma once I was over the line) and duly collected my 25th Anniversary medal - I really felt I'd earned it this time!
So - which one next?!!!
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