Big Thanks To Jean

I want to thank my friend Jean for pet sitting all the menagerie while we were away. It was her first time and everyone loved it!
Jake is talking like her-and trying to whistle Col Bogey!
Paddy has been trying to talk to her in his own little way and Sparkycat has behaved him-self and not bitten her feet during the night!

Fantastic Holiday

We have had a great holiday in Somerset, we joined my friend Ros , her hubby Lincoln and son at a lovely holiday cottage site.We were next door neighbours but one in a delightful little cottage.

The photos show the outside of the cottage and also the view fron the kitchen table out through the stable door.

There was a couple of walnut trees outside, also a beautiful lilac tree, with beautiful lilac flowers on.

Each cottage had its own picnic table outside , so you could sit out in the evening chatting.

We had the pleasure of Winston the owners labradoodle dog dropping in for tit-bits regularly,he demolished a nearly whole chicken quiche last night! Its a good job we didn't have any spare room in the car or I think he would have been dog-napped and ended up back here in Ludlow-he really was gorgeous.

It was so quiet and peaceful there--we had the advantage of having a cooked breakfast as we booked B+B, but as the cottage was self contained we had the option of eating out in the evening or cooking--of course we ate out--we were on holiday of course!

It was lovely to meet up with Ros and family , we had such a great time!

Of course with us both being artists we had lots to talk about and we even managed to do some painting yesterday-the only day it rained. We had great fun together.The time just flew by, and before we knew it we were on our way home.

Sad Day

We have had a such a sad day today.

My two old ladies have been put to sleep at the vets this morning.

Smokey and Gizmo were 20 years old and have been the most faithful and loving of pets anyone could wish for.

We knew we couldn't keep them going for long last year.We took them to the vets to ask his opinion 12 months ago as they had both started to lose weight, he said they would have all sorts going wrong at their age (97 in human years) but if they were his cats he would leave them a bit longer-his words were "you will know when the time is right"

Well the time was right today. Gizmo's back end went a couple of days ago, looked like she had injured herself somehow-she had no muscle tone in her thighs so she could have just tryed to jump onto something -we just don't know.

Smokeys eyes were not good and they were both as deaf as posts, Smokey had been chased by a dog the day before, and only just escaped so a decision had to be made.I couldnt face going through it twice so we decided they would go together.

Its the hardest thing Ive ever done.

They had a tin of tuna before we took them down the vets, and snuggled up together in the basket. The vet was brilliant-so compassionate. She sedated them first and they didnt know a thing about the final injection.

We are having them cremated together and placed in the same box.

We are going to miss them so much-they were such gentle little cats-they had never scratched or bitten anyone.

Great Holiday in Barmouth

We got back from a lovely short holiday last night.

We went to Barmouth and stayed at the Abour Hotel on the seafront.

We had a fantastic room with a big bay window overlooking the sea and beach.

A cosy sofa was placed in the bay and it was just perfect to sit and watch the goings on !

The weather was beautiful all the time we were away, we had just a few showers on the way back over the mountains.

On Tuesday night there was the most beautiful sunset as we walked along the promenade, we have taken loads of photos, I will be turning this into a class subject shortly.

The service and food at The Abour was excellent-a three course meal every night and a full english breakfast each morning means I'm too scared to jump on the scales yet!

Jake has learned to say a few new things while we were away--bye bye Becki , sorry , and hello chicken--he is also clucking like an old hen-its hiarious to hear him!