Saturday, December 31, 2016

December - damp, dark, dirt and disappearing dogs.....


Garlic is up!
Chilly village walks
Frosty fern in the garden

This month I have been mostly:

- Covering the hole in the hedge so Eddie (the escapologist) can't hide in our neighbour's garden.
- Discovering a fab new pub - 'The Black Swan' in Devizes.
- Going to the panto.  
- Meeting old friends at a cheese and wine party - so 1970's!
- Having coffee and cake in In-Excess - my coffee shop of choice.
- Driving in fog.
- Enjoying 'Music Night' at the Fox & Goose, Coombe Bissett.
- Singing carols in St Thomas's Church, Salisbury.  Why are carols so high?!
- Gardening in the mud.
- Eating cooked breakfast.
- Dog training.

As is customary on Maisie's birthday (Christmas Eve) we had chocolate log, instead of birthday cake.


Frank helped blow out the candles.


Sarah made mince pies - with an audience.


We had our office painted bright pink and lime green - wakes you up in the morning!


Christmas Day - thank goodness for my trusty hostess trolley!


And go.....


The dogs have settled in nicely - here is Eddie catching some rays.


Ez (my little fire starter) has kept an eye on the log burner


We have had some lovely frosty walks with our new pooches.


They seem to like living here.




One day we took them to Hengistbury Head - they were so excited.


I don't think Eddie had been to the beach before - even the seagulls made him jump!




Sophie made it to the top of the hill behind our bungalow and round the circuit


So we've taken them on longer and longer walks and there is certainly life in the old dogs yet!


An action shot of Eddie


It has been so nice to have the time to be able to go on a long dog walk every day over Christmas AND do some gardening.  Sarah has even tidied her sock drawer.



Faulston


Throope Bottom






A frosty fern in the front garden





We have taken the dogs on their first visit to Grovely Woods.  Eddie found a dead, huge, and very stiff squirrel to run off with.



Gorgeous Grovely




Today we took our friend Basil on a dog walk - I hope it won't put her off dog sitting!


We spent most of the time looking for Sophie's ball


We put the veggie patch to bed today.


And I just looked like Eric Morecombe.....sigh

Well, whilst the majority of the population get dressed up in their posh gear and head out for a night of debauchery we are eagerly awaiting the kitchen tinger to go off.  This will signal that the home made rice pudding is ready, mmmm......  2017 affirmations have been written, woozy bums are on, elasticated waist bands at the ready for an evening of drinks, nibbles and a film.


Happy New Year!