Happy New Year !

So there we are. In the midst of global economic chaos, we all stopped to drink too much again!

Hope you all made your resolutions and are ready for 2009.

Good luck!

Now .. where's the nurofen?

MY DOG THE ENGINEER

As you may know, I am a fan of Dilbert. Even I have to confess however that I missed this one, and I am endebted to Trees for saving it for me!

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We have a new dog, a toy Australian Shepherd named Snickers. Recently I realized she has an aptitude for engineering. I will explain.

On a normal California day, when I have nothing urgent to accomplish, and the weather is nice, I enjoy walking Snickers. I don't even mind picking up her "business." It's all part of the experience. But sometimes I have a deadline looming and I'm in a rush. On those days I can get impatient.

Earlier this week I took a break from a busy workday to walk the dog. She accommodated by starting to squeeze out a steamer, but this time something went wrong. The log got halfway out and refused to complete its journey from sphincter to lawn. Snickers grunted and strained to no avail. This is when her engineering savvy kicked in. She started spinning, slowly at first, then picking up speed, evidently to make use of centrifugal force to dislodge her payload. Smart! When I was six months old, I had never even heard of centrifugal force, but here was my six month-old dog making full use of the principle.

Unfortunately it wasn't working. I looked at my watch and thought about all the work I had to do. The spinning was getting faster and faster. I started to worry that the disgorged projectile would take out a neighbor's window. If the neighbor happened to be home, that's exactly the sort of situation that requires a long explanation, with charts and graphs, and ultimately an exchange of money. I didn't have that kind of time.

So I decided to go all ER on her ass. I fluffed open a poop bag, slowed her spin, grabbed one end of the turtle's head and yanked. I think I heard a sound like a champagne cork, but I might be adding some false memory to this story.

Now I worry because Snickers learns fast. Judging from the expression she makes when she is pooping, it looks like a lot of work, and I just taught her she can stop working when the job is only half done. I don't want to end every walk by spinning her around on her leash until escape velocity is achieved. Maybe it's time to make the kids earn their allowance.

It's all just a matter of balance

    Not sure who is have the most fun - Grandad or the girls.  Either way, it's an accident waiting to happen!

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Elvis has left the building

After 7 happy years, I am sad to report that our furry friend Elvis is no longer with us.

We 'rescued' her from Battersea in 2001 and although not quite sure, we think she was 14 years old.

Unfortunately, she lost considerable weight recently and was subsequently diagnosed as having cancer.

She remained happy and comfortable at home but grew weaker with each day. The decision to let her go was taken with much sadness and heavy hearts.

We could not have wished for a more affectionate, loving and frankly daft pet and we will all miss her.

As they say, "Ladies & Gentlemen, Elvis has left the building."

The joy of generations

Just love this photo. This is Ellen and her great grandmother .. 88 years between them.

Priceless moments that are easy to take for granted.

Daddy in the doghouse

For doing this to Emily ... Mummy didn't see the funny side and shared the bewildered look.

Music

It's not often that I could claim to be in any way trendy in my music tastes, but oddly this is one of them.

You see, I have just bought Neil Diamond's latest album. Not something I would admit to in the past, but these are changed times and the aging crooner is now somewhat in vogue with headlines at Glastonbury and a 'yoof' cult following!

All I can say is if you haven't heard it or are considering buying it then I urge you to do so. It is most excellent!

Aren't I trendy.

Where are my slippers ...

Fraser came to visit ..

You see, Fraser is the playgroup bear & he goes on trips with the little boys and girls and stays with them for a while.

And so it came to pass, that it was Megans turn to look after Fraser. He came home and had a great time - shared dinner & a nap and was duly taken to bed for a cuddle.

All was fine until the next day when Mummy was in charge of looking after Fraser. You know when a neighbour asks you to look after a pet while they are away and it dies. Off you go to the pet shop with the corpse .. "I'd like one just like this please!"

Well that was nearly the situation with Fraser when Megan left him in a classroom and mummy didn't notice.

Some time later, "Er, Megan .. where is Fraser?" .. and that horrible sinking feeling ...

I'm pleased to say there was a happy ending, but not before mummy had to explain to the proud finder of a new bear that it actually belonged to someone else and was not left as a gift!

And she has 3 children (4 if you count me) to look after!

Where is Emily....