Christmas countdown

 

Its nearly time to start the Christmas countdown. The Madwoman got out our Advent calendar, which has little numbered pockets that she puts treats in.

We thought this would be a good place to hang it ...

Not impressed!

But oh, no, the Madwoman decided it would be better hung up on the back of a door where we can't reach it, and have to wait until she decides it's time each evening to dole out the treats.

Windmills in the mist

Can you tell what it is yet?

It was very foggy so we had no idea what the Madwoman was taking us to visit the other day until we were quite close to it.

It got bigger as well as clearer as we got closer. Turned out to be the windmill at Lacey Green. Very ancient.

We looked for mice going clip-clippitty-clop on the stairs but failed to spot any,

wearing clogs or otherwise.

The Madwoman told us that there were only tap-dancing mice in Dutch windmills, 

more specifically those in Old Amsterdam,

so we lost interest at that point and asked if we could go home.

 

  

A new hat

Off to the Chiltern Open Air Museum, who are running a series of dog walking weekends throughout November.

We paused briefly to cheer on the Iron Age volunteers who were busy putting a new hat on the Iron Age house. They seemed to be having trouble with the Iron Age tape measure - obviously been spoilt by new fangled technology.

It was a good reminder that it's not just about putting up these buildings though - maintaining them takes quite a bit of effort too. We found it exhausting enough just watching so went home early for a reviving nap.

More nature notes

 

There's a giant spider lurking in the hedge?
Where?

Can't see a giant spider anywhere.  Can you see one anywhere Angel?

Oh, you mean that spider?

A BIG secret!

Shhhh ... now walk quietly this way and we'll let you in on a big secret ...

Nessie DOES exist!

The reason you'll never spot her lurking in some muddy loch in Scotland is

because she actually lives down here, in the much nicer pond at

the Chiltern Open Air Museum ...

 

And now we're off to see if we can maybe find

David Attenborough hiding in the undergrowth.

Watch this space!

Losing the plot

Believe it or not I CAN tell the difference between a rubber chicken and roast turkey

The Madwoman likes to do a bit of scribbling herself; sadly she lacks our talent and incisive insights, but nevertheless, someone recently suggested that we interview her about her current work in progress. We like to oblige whenever possible, so here is The Interview:

Archie:  So does roast turkey feature in your book?
The Madwoman:  No.
Angel:  Why not?
The Madwoman:  Because it's not relevant to the plot. And anyway the heroine is a vegetarian.
Archie:  Broccolli is a tasty vegetable.
The Madwoman:  Yes, but -
Angel:  It is the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey.
The Madwoman:  Look, there is no roast turkey in this book, okay?
Archie:  Maybe you should consider a rewrite. Featuring roast turkey.
The Madwoman:  No! No rewrite, and definitely nothing about roast turkey!
Angel:  All this talk about roast turkey is making me feel hungry.
Archie:  Me too. What's for dinner?
The Madwoman:  Roast turkey ...

And here's one we helped The Madwoman and an accomplice write earlier.
SCREAM at the Headless Hound of Manchester!
TREMBLE at the Black Dog of Newgate!
SHRIEK at the diabolical dog of Devil's Den!
Over 150 tall tales of demonic dogs and horrible hellhounds to raise your hackles - all yours for the price of 96p - you can buy a copy HERE

Striking a pose

Recognition at last!

We were asked to model some wippitt winter coats for Your Dog magazine!

Does this mean that fame, fortune and roast turkey will finally be coming our way?

 

Warming up for our photo shoot by practicing a few poses

 

Remembering Sophie

We received some sad news today: our American friend Sophie has gone to Rainbow Bridge. We are sorry we never met her properly, but we did enjoy the cards she sent us at birthday and Christmas, and we even exchanged emails fom time to time and swopped advice on the best way to manage humans.
She was a very special person - a winner of beauty contests, a reluctant herder who preferred to supervise from the sidelines, a happy camper who kept her guardian and carer in order on their many photography trips together, and who kept him company by his side the rest of the time. She loved and in return was much loved and we have no doubt will be much missed.
There really are no appropriate words on such occasions as this, but her guardian sent us a lovely DVD with pictures and music. Rainbow Bridge was included on it which we are adding here for any of you who don't know it.  

RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigour. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face: your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together ...

Sophie Long

July 15th, 1998 - Oct 20th, 2012