In the doghouse

Things are not going too well for me today. Let's face it, I am doing my best to curb the 'high cat-chase instinct' that the Refuge said I have. I don't try to throw myself through the window when I see one of the pesky creatures any more and only occasionally do I get tangled up in the blind, and that's only when they flaunt themselves right outside the window... But today, when we went for our walk, I almost managed to get one! In fact, I missed a mouthful of fur by inches, which was probably just as well or I would have been in even more trouble.
Then I was taken on the field on my long lead. I'm not trusted to go without a lead in case I don't come back when called, which I really think is a bit unfair, but anyway, we had a nice wander around and we were just on our way back to the gateway when a spaniel bounded up to me, so we started doing the old sniff'n smell routine when suddenly, I noticed a very nice looking golden laborador passing by. Definitely worth further investigation, I thought. "Go for it!" I thought, and I did. Well, was it my fault that I charged off so quickly that I dragged the end of the lead out of Jenny's hand? First I knew was her shouting at me to come back but by then, the lab. and I were 'getting friendly' - you know what I mean, I'm sure. Mind you, I think the enthusiasm was all on my side, but anyway, I didn't have much time to find out as I was grabbed by Jenny and hauled back home.
She's definitely not happy with me.
I take it a chewstick for being good on my walk is out of the question?
Hmm, thought so. :(

Happy Easter

This morning, Paddy and I have been for an hour-long walk. I took this photo to show you how lovely and blue the sky is up here in north Wales. You see, it doesn't always rain here!

Happy Easter, everyone!

A youthful addition

Dad was showing me the booklet containing information about activities for 'senior citizens' in his area.
"Well, there are two dance classes," I said, "and a keep-fit class."
"Yes, but it's all pensioners," he complained. (This is the 86 year old man who still sees himself as an 18 year old.)
"Well, maybe you should join then," I said, "and inject some youth into the group."

Caravan Heaven?

Today, everyone in the universe had decided to set off down the M5 in their caravans/campervans. The lorries, trucks and tankers, becoming impatient, relentlessly played their leapfrog game, thus continually clogging up the middle lane, which in turn meant that the outside lane was full of cars and everyone was fed up and wishing they had stayed at home.

Happy days!

Almost!

I came down this morning to let Paddy out to do what dogs have to do. These days I make sure I glance out of the windows to check if there are any cats or squirrels around before letting him loose, but this morning, I must have had my eyes closed. Almost before I had opened the door, he was at the bottom of the garden and a terrified, but very speedily reacting squirrel had leapt for safety onto the bottom fence and made a hasty exit. At the same time, an equally terrified wood pigeon, who had inadvertently been caught up in the whole episode, was quivering on the other fence, obviously wondering if the world had suddenly come to an end.

Deprived of his prey, Paddy then began jumping at the fence in an attempt to demolish it by sheer force, until I had legged it over the lawn, still in dressing gown, grabbed his collar and pushed him back into the house. At this point, reality must have dawned that he was 'In Trouble', so his attempt at damage limitation was to saunter nonchalantly into the living room, place his head on Keith's knee and look innocent.

"It wasn't me, gov, it was some other dog out there. Definitely not me - honest!"

Canada Geese

There were two Canada Geese on the lake when Paddy and I went for our walk this morning. Yes, I know it is not immediately obvious from the photo but, trust me, that's what they are - honest!

Squirrels!

I have found a way of providing fatballs for the birds, as you will see from this handy little container. However, the squirrels, never to be outdone, are on the case, no matter how many acrobatics it takes.

Back to the drawing board!