Lino

Hooray for our lovely new lino and hooray for TJam's lovely dad (Boy Wonder) who laid it and hooray for her lovely sister, Fliptop who helped her rearrange furniture. And hooray for being about to hoover twice in one day. Is this the real TJam or an impostor?

Claim to Fame

We went for a lovely walk in the hills today with our friend Silky. We stopped and had a photo call at the stocks on the village green and then we ALL (2 dogs, 2 humans) went into the chapel café where a gentlemen played piano and we had scones for breakfast. 

THE Nat Lofthouse (who was apparently at the next table) stepped on Beanz's tail as he got up to leave. How is that for a claim to fame?

I've been stepped on by a famous man!

Progress

Blog Entry by TJam

I am absolutely not writing this in a bragging way. And before you say it mum, yes I do know pride comes before a fall, which is partly why I am not writing it in a bragging way. Consider it a stunned, celebratory way.

We have just got back from the beach. And I don't have anything hilarious and funny to tell you.

No real escapades, Chips had a tiny grumble at an off lead dog walking up to her while she was on the lead. Beanz visited a family eating a packet of crisps. Whoopie doo. Big fat hairy deal.

Prior to this, we walked for 2 hours up and down a busy beach and they completely ignored all the other dogs including a pack of 10 on one side, coming at us on the other side, and us walking calmly down the middle. Then a horse cantered by. Sorry, no funny story to tell. Both dogs stayed with me (small treat permitted). Then, someone ELSE'S dog, barked at it and the owner dropped its extending lead and it went on a merry chase. And my dogs carried on walking. And I breathed normally and we walked calmly through, and there was never a moment when they were going to even think about running.

Today, I was the person I usually stare longingly and admiringly at, thinking, "How does she get her dogs to do that?" And next time I do stare at someone else, I will remember (and please remind me if I don't) that they, too probably have off days, and stories to tell. Their dog maybe pooed they were trying to get money out of the cashpoint, and when they offered to let the next person in the queue go first while they cleared it up, the person said, "It's ok, she's finished now" and just smiled and watched.

Or perhaps their dog has 1 mortal enemy in the world, so it has to stay on the lead, sometimes for whole walks, just in case they bump into that one dog, even though their last fight with any other dog was years ago, when they were fresh out of the rescue centre and wild to the point of rawness.

Or perhaps their dog remembers where people have dropped food and then stands and waits until their owner is more than the critical distance of 5.73m away, so they have time to flip the proverbial bird and turn and bolt back to it before the critical distance is closed down.

Because today, even though I say so myself, we looked good. And I'm sure no one ever suspected that those things could happen to us. Today, my friends, even if it was only today, and never happens again…. We looked like normal dog walkers, out for a stroll on the beach. And if you know us at all, you'll know how special that is.

And then we met Natsta. I have located her leaving work poem and I'm leaving it here for you to enjoy.

And yesterday we went to the fields and had 10am coffee next to 8 other dogs. And nothing happened there either. Natsta is doing fine and it was very nice to see her.

This month's advice to others: if you own a van, invest in getting someone else to polish it for you. Unless you want your arms to ache so much that you're not sure if you will even be able to lift the key to get back into the house. You have been warned.

Farewell Natsta:

There was a young woman called Nat
Who looked very good in a hat.
A fab SLT,
Made a great cup of tea
And you don't get much better than that.

Nattie worked at Tanfield School
Where they all thought she was very cool
Then she said, "Folks I'm leaving,
I'd rather do feeding
And other fun stuff in Blackpool!"

We said, "Natalie, don't be a chump
Who else will fall down with a bump?
Trip over a stair
Wear a flower in her hair
Or start sneezing and make us all jump?"

Nat said, "Sorry folks, this is my chance
Blackpool's full of bright lights and romance.
It's nice to have met y'all
But I can't afford petrol
And I'm ready to learn a new dance.

So it's sad but we must let her go
Where her talent will shine, stretch and grow
We don't ask for much
But please please stay in touch
And call back for a cuppa and hello.

Holidays

We have been too busy to blog this summer. 

We went to Anglesey and played on the beach.

 We dug holes...

 ... and tugged seaweed...

... until we were too tired to stand...

... then we walked back to the tent...

... for a little lay down in the sun.

June

June was the month of Bamgee working from her office on the sofa and of TJam discovering the joys of windows movie maker, and it really is a joy. We dogs were more than happy to provide moral support and Beanz was occasional lookout.

It was a month of watching Big Brother 5 and genuinely thinking that this is the last and that I think we really have had our fill of reality TV.

June was the month going on a Nervous Dogs course at the local dogs home and learning much more about the timing of punishment and rewards. And a real turning point for Chips who, by the end of the weekend was able to sit in a room of other dogs. Granted, she was the only dog that didn't close her eyes and fall asleep for the WHOLE WEEKEND (and the tutor suggesting she may need some more vitamin B and that some of the stress may be dietary). It was a real confidence booster and we met some cool people who we hope to keep in touch with.

The Rest of May

… has gone by in a blur! 

Bamgee went to work in London for a week and then stayed with us for the rest of the month. Hopefully we did not drive her insane.

It was TJam's birthday and possibly the best yet. She was looked after and spoilt for the whole day and got lots of lovely presents, cards and visits. She got a Swiss Army penknife, pens, books, Simpsons' stuff and a black dog ornament (above) which Chips is in competition with! Her dad has promised to come up and install the dishwasher, which is a Christmas/birthday present.

Carlsberg surpassed herself by catching in one single night:

2am 1 x mouse (chased around, killed + eaten in the bedroom)

3am 1 x bird (chased around, killed and eaten in the bedroom)

6am 1 x bird (chased around and under chest of drawers, caught and liberated by TJam)

Beanz had a good month, appearing in the Dog Club Display team and only letting herself down briefly by veering off the agility course to say a quick hello to a small child in the audience.

It was a sorry time at work, as we said goodbye to Natsta. She had a good leaving do at Pizza Hut and we wish her well in Blackpool.

The garden is looking good and the clematis is looking wild.

Hooray for the month of May.

Happy birthday also to Ginny, Simon, Kathryn and Ann D!

Mice 4 : TJam 2

We now officially hate mice. There were 2 running around the front room this evening. We managed to catch one in the humane trap and treck down the road to release it. Is it really more humane to release a mouse into a wet field in the middle of the night? The other one managed to escape.

Healed

Beanz had her stitches out today and the cone is off her head.

Achievement

A momentous day. TJam finished a can of polish she bought in 1995.

Fliptop came to stay with us for the weekend.

On the Mend

At last Beanz is picking up. This morning she went for a 5 minute walk, pulled towards a puddle and waded through it. This evening we drove the dogmobile round to the field and had a 15 minute walk. Now Beanz is exhausted. Lightweight. I am fine. 

Carlsberg went AWOL for 36 hours but she is back now, smelling of the farm down the road. She has lost her collar too.

Quiet

We have had a very quiet weekend. Beanz is proper poorly and just lays on her bed all the time. Her temperature is still 103F. TJam has to give her special food cos she doesn't want to eat, and she has to take water over to her. She has only wagged her tail twice all weekend (Beanz, not TJam). Once when our friend Nerospal came to visit (thank you for the present Nero. Beanz has shared with me!) and once when I came back from my walk to say hello. 

Meanwhile, I am healthy and being very well behaved on my walks now Beanz is not there to distract me. I can even walk past a dog in the street without barking. Go me.

I am cool and very well behaved

Bamgee phoned today. She is still in Brazil working very hard. She is coming for a visit at the end of April.

No April Fool

No time for April fools today. TJam went to pick Beanz up from doggie hospital today. She has been going off her food for a few days but 2 days ago, she refused to eat and could hardly walk, she was all stiff. It turned out she had a temperature of 105F and when antibiotics didn't work, she had to have a scan, where they found a "mass" and so then an operation to see if the mass was something dodgy she had eaten. It was only her spleen, so they sewed her back up and she had to stay in overnight. We all missed her. 

Poor Beanz

Anyway, she is home today but feeling very very sorry for herself. She has to go back tomorrow. 

A big thank you to everyone in the Beanz fan club who has texted to find out how she is doing.  And to Nicole and Helen, the vets. 

And to our insurance company.

Home Alone

Lucky it is April tomorrow so TJam will have space to tell you all about how Beanz ended up in dog hospital today, having investigative surgery for what is probably some kind of infection. We will know more tomorrow when TJam goes to get her. I miss Beanz.

Mouse Season

5.55am and a nice juicy mouse to throw around the bedroom and then eat. Mmmm. Then 100 decibel retching noises and full vomit on the duvet cover. Job done.

7pm wow. Mouse season! Another one to crunch in the kitchen. I plan on keeping this one down.

Cheshire Cat

TJam has been driving round in the dogmobile, grinning like a cheshire cat. On a more serious note, I have just been out hunting, brought the mouse home, dropped it on the kitchen floor to eat, but it wasn't dead and now it has run behind the fridge. I have tried walking around, calling out to it, but it is not coming to me. Drat!

Van

TJam went to get the van yesterday. It is lovely and well worth the wait. Today, she took the dogs over the hills in the van and a long walk.

   

Quiet

Brazil got the train home today. It is very quiet without her.

Crufts 2005

The humans went to Crufts today. It was in Birmingham. They had a wonderful time, looking round the stalls, watching the agility and flyball. I have got a new bed and the Beanz and I have new coats for when it rains.

Walking

TJam's mum, TJam, Beanz, Nerospal, Nero and I went up our favourite big hill today. We had hoped to go in the van, but it won't be delivered from Scotland until Thursday, so we went in Bamgee's car. It will need a good hoover.

No Van

No sign of our new van. The only one available was in Scotland. The guy phoned on Tuesday but still they couldn't get it down to OurTown by the weekend. So TJam and we have come down to London in Bamgee's car.

No Van (part 1)

Au revoir Bamgee, who went down to work in London for a week. Hello new van! Oh, actually not. TJam went to pick up the new van but Renault had sent one with no windows in the back, so TJam could not see out to reverse. Now they have to order her another one. We hope it is here by the weekend cos we are going down to London.

Relax

We had a very relaxing day today.

And ...

.... it snowed!

Pickup

We went to the airport to pick up Bamgee. She has been in Peru all this time.

Her poor suitcase got broken. Luckily she still has the receipt.

Prediction

The house is spotless. We have new gravel on the drive. Something special must be happening.

Oven Surviving

The oven man came. It would cost £100 for new hinges for the oven door. It is about the same for a new oven. TJam has had a fiddle with it and it seems to be opening and closing ok as long as you wiggle it round a bit and use both hands. It will have to do.

Broken Oven

The oven door has broken. It won't close properly and it won't open properly either. Someone is coming to look at it on Thursday.

Bathroom Floor

TJam has taken some time off work. Today she has put cork tiles on the floor in the bathroom. We will let you know what happens when you don't stick them onto a plywood template of the bathroom floor. 

Here is an unrelated picture of Chips pretending to smoke a cigar.

Mission Over

Still no evidence of the mouse. The trap is coming out and the tea towels are going back in.

Mission Ongoing

The mouse has made a brief appearance in the tea towel drawer, but has failed to go in the trap.

Car

The Christmas tree is down. We are back to normal. The Micra is going back to Nissan finance and we are getting a van. It will be easier to clean with us hairy beasts in the back, and no upholstery.

Mission Mouse (and Happy New Year)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mouse 2: TJam 2.

At 6.45 am, following two escapes from the humane trap, and one "letting the mouse go too close to the house" situation, we all got up early to take our little visitor down the road. We let it go near some warm and lovely looking properties, so hopefully it won't want to come back here any time soon.

Return

It's back. We have to set the trap again.

Mouse

The mouse is now in the tea towel drawer. The humane trap went in. We had one false alarm and then caught the mouse. But TJam was in her pyjamas and wasn't sure if there was anything inside. So she took it down the garden to have a look and the mouse jumped out. The instructions say you have to take it 1km from the house so it is only a matter or time before it comes back.

Merry Christmas!

While I guarded the house, TJam, family and dogs had a lovely and relaxing Christmas day. 

 Brazil made everyone a lovely dinner.

Christmas Eve

After a flurry of housework and last minute wrapping of presents, the dogs and TJam drove down to see TJam's family.

Trap

TJam has bought a humane mouse trap and it is under the floorboards. I went down to check it out and make sure she had set it properly. It needs to be checked every 4 hours. How practical.

Van

TJam went to test drive a Kangoo van today. She liked it a lot and you can clean out the inside easily, which would be great for the dirty dogs.

Winner

Tonight was the dog training party. Everyone had a great time and Beanz won a rosette for what happens to be my favourite photo every - "Best Photo" entitled "Cat Bites Dog".

Kennels

Bamgee has headed off for Peru. 

TJam was away for the weekend so the dogs had to go into kennels. They had a good time playing with their friend Smokey Joe but they were glad to come home.

Trainers

Fliptop and Trainers called in for the afternoon. Trainers wanted to go for a walk in the hills, but called it off when his white trainers started to get muddy. This has earned him his spy name.

Des Visiteurs

TJam's friend, Ponton Annuaire (who she used to live with in France) came to stay, along with her friend, who is a musician.

Boroughbridge

TJam, Bamgee and the dogs went to Boroughbridge, near York to rent a little cottage for the weekend. They had a fabulous time, walking in fields and looking round the shops. They had an open fire and had takeaway curry for tea every night. 

 They totally recommend the place and have the number if you would like to go (sleeps 3, takes dogs).

Wren Breakfast

I brought in a wren to wake TJam up at 7.30am. 

While she was in the shower, I chased it round the bedroom so there were loads of feathers when she came out. 

Then I killed it and ate it. 

I left a liver for Tamsin to tread on later.

Party

It was Bamgee's leaving party this evening. 

She is soon off to Peru for a while to work her dream job :) 

Then travelling the world.

Reunion

This evening, TJam, Chips and Beanz went to Derby to catch up with Dr J, LovelyK and Joeymeh. TJam used to live with them when she was a student. 

They had a fabulous time, catching up on the last 9 years. 

They are all going to come here one day. 

Yeah. When TJam has tidied up. I might bring a mouse in as a gift.

Fireworks

We have had fireworks all weekend. I am fine about them. 

Beanz decided to get scared at 10pm tonight and she's laying under the table tonight.

Injections

Injections. Touché.

Kennels

Today, TJam went to have a look at some kennels for the dogs to go in while she has to go away. She was upset at the thought but she liked the place, so that should be ok. It was her friend, Selena's kennels, so the dogs will know her and TJam trusts her. High praise indeed. 

 I was meant to have my injections today. I went walkabout and TJam had to postpone it til tomorrow.

Sponsored Walk

We all went on the Dog Club Sponsored Walk. It was 6.2 miles around lanes to raise money for local dog charities. 

Luckily, the we were very well behaved, although we did have a momentary freak out at the model pigs by the hardware shop.

Visitors

Brazil, Boy Wonder and Fliptop have come to stay. 

 We went for a nice walk this morning. 

Beanz and I played with Nero...

  ... and Nerospal showed Brazil the view.

The Boy Wonder has done loads of work on the house. Cheers BW! :)

Healed

The lampshade collar is off, Carlsberg is healed and heading back off into the wild.

Chimney

Today, the chimney sweep came, so we watched him sweep the chimney from inside. TJam went out to see when the brush came out at the top. The brush came out and the pot came off! The man had to go up on the roof and cement it back on.

Injury

Today, Carlsberg felt very sorry for herself. She got 2 bites on her legs which turned into abcesses. She had to go to the vet. She said Carlsberg's temperature was 104ºF and she gave her antibiotics and made her wear that lampshade collar. 

Carlsberg has to stay in the house for 3 days, so she snuggled up with Beanz and nurse Beanz looked after Carlsberg all night.

Wanderer Returns

Carlsberg has been missing for 2 days but she came home today. She was very hungry but fine. I can't tell you where I was, but she seems to be sticking around the house now.

Washing

Washing, washing, washing and more washing!

What did they do in the days before washing machines?!

Homeward

Sadly, time to pack up the tent and head for home. Just time to buy a couple of postcards and wap them in the post. TJam only sent 4 so don't be offended if you weren't one of the recipients. Basically, if you didn't give birth to her or have influence in her first 5 years of life, you didn't get a card. It's nothing personal. 

We had a quick picnic and the sun came out for our drive home. 

Carlsberg was glad to see us.

Trek

The plan was to do a little, 2 hour stroll over lunch time, and be back to buy postcards. 

7 hours later, we made it home. We went through forests and up mountains. 

Be impressed that we were this close to cows and the dogs were under control. We saw Ugly House and Swallow Falls, and we met a family from West Wickham, and the woman was going to work at Fliptop's school this year. Small world.

Moving On

We had to move on cos the site was booked up. Surely there would be no problem finding a new site! On Bank Holiday Weekend! 

Having phoned about 15 sites, all full, "the field" was looking more attractive… we pulled up. 

Yup, main road, Shell Garage and apparently travelling community in the corner….

After a few seconds, even home seemed like a better prospect. We decided to about turn and drive homeward via the town. If we didn't see anywhere with vacancies, we would just keep driving.

 Luckily, we did manage to find a site. 

The Pontins of the camping world. Children and more children everywhere, and tents right on top of each other. Even with all the competition, our dogs were still the loudest. Is that something to be proud of? 

Still, this was Riverside, and we were determined to enjoy it. Actually, it was more Trainside than Riverside, with the half past the hour running about 7 metres from our tent, starting at 06:30H.

Beach

We drove to Cricieth and had the day on the beach. TJam bought us a wind break to put up in the door of the tent so Beanz and I can't see what's going on. They hope it will be quieter that way. 

We walked up and down the beach and then stopped for an ice cream. As we drove along the main road we saw a field with a few tents in. We laughed at its situation, right next to a Shell Garage. How lucky we had found such a quiet camp site!

Camping 2004

A good night's sleep in the tent. We dogs were well behaved and we had a lie in. Only a few hours of rain, so we didn't get washed away. 

 We drove into Betws-y-Coed and had a look round. We got a ground sheet, and a pair of waterproof trousers for Bamgee. And a couple of plastic spoons. Bargain.

Holiday

We packed up the car with the tent, collapsible chairs, sleeping bags, dog beds, dog food, dog towels and dogs, and off we went to North Wales. The morning started with a visit to the vet (how else) because Beanz had committed her annual August Paw Cutting ritual and sliced two pads yesterday. The only bargain was that the consultation only cost £5.01 for the vet to advise us to keep the feet dry. What a comedian.

Show

TJam, Bamgee, Artist, Beanz and I went to the Kennel Club Charity Dog Show at the British Legion. We dogs were very well behaved and Artist was a professional. She took Beanz in the Junior Handler class. I came 4th in cross breed bitch and was very proud of myself. 

TJam and Bamgee couldn't believe the back biting that was going on from the Pedigree owners. One was grumbling that her dog didn't win "dog with the waggiest tail".

Rained off

We had been looking forward to the County Show today. Chips was a dead cert for "Dog with the waggiest tail". However, it was cancelled because of all the rain. Apparently, last time it rained like this, all the horse boxes and cars got stuck on the field and had to be towed off by tractor. Shame.

Anniversary

We went to a party to celebrate TJam's Nan's Golden Anniversary of living in her house.

Brazil had made a cake.

And there was a big gazebo of food that us dogs were not allowed to touch.

Trip

We met up with Bamgee's friends and had a weekend of walking and sipping lager shandy. 

Mmmm. The humans had a BBQ on Saturday night. The caravan was very luxurious.

Display

Beanz was in the dog display at the local school. She had to wear a uniform. 

It poured with rain, but all the dogs worked hard. 

Beanz did good, and I don't think many people noticed her break ranks during the agility to make a break for the burger tent.