Wow, the sun came out. We live on the northeast coast of England and all week, while the rest of the country – even just 10 miles inland – has been basking in glorious sunshine, it’s been cloudy and foggy beside the sea.
But lunchtime today the clouds evaporated and it was really bright. Time to get the sunspecs on and be a real cool dude.
Went on a long trip today but was praised for being such a good passenger, fastened into the back seat.
Mum and I went on a pilgrimage to Holy Island* on the north Northumberland coast to visit friends. At first I thought I was going to the beach, peering out the window at everything. Then I settled down for the journey until I smelt sand and seawater aromas coming in the car window. We had arrived and there was an enormous beach with sea in the distance.
We had lunch outside in the sun and I said hello to all the dogs – Dalmation, Labrador, spaniels, greyhound and others – who were there with their mums and dads. After that we went for a walk round the island, through the churchyard and my mum fastened me in the entrance to the church while she had a look inside.
My pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Info on the island: https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Lindisfarne/
On the way back to the cottage she bought me a new toy and I gave it a good chew before the journey home. Now I’m pooped.
In trouble cos my mum says I’ve been howling, even when she’s in the house. Woke her up 5am today so she lets me out, I sniff around come back in – and do the same at 7.30am. For good measure I set up my Awooooooooh! a third time after coming back from an early walk with the Irish Aunt.
She suspects this is a ploy to get on her bed, usually cat territory. Oops, have I been rumbled?
Mum says I’ve been replaced by the hound of the Baskervilles, whoever that is, and she’ll have to call in Holmes and Watson. Will they bring biscuits is what I want to know.
Overjoyed – my mum is back! Love fun and games with the Irish lot but a mum is still a mum. I actually cried up the stairs when the Irish Aunt delivered me back this morning and was sooooo pleased to see her. She let me on her bed for a rebonding session.
We had a laze then it was biscuits and out into the sunshine. As the morning wore on friends came to see mum and I got lots of attention. Eventually it was so hot I had to curl up in the shade – at mum’s feet, of course.
With my mom in hospital *poorly, the Irish aunt has had a pep talk with me. Told me I need to start being more responsible and looking after my mom, that life wasn’t just a big beach party. I listened and took her seriously so I’m earning my dinner and going to work for the day.
Working life is tough and at the end of the day I was dead on my feet but getting lots of fuss on the metro home.
* She had a kidney stone zapped with shock wave treatment (lithotripsy). Home now.
Being kitted out with a new wardrobe – of neckerchiefs. I say multiple but the Irish Aunt misplaced the first one my mum gave me (top picture, came tied round the strap of a handbag she bought) and replaced it with
this stunning spotted number. I cut a real dash in the park. Smart or what?
Wow, left at home all afternoon while my mum was lunching so what a surprise when she said we were going out for dinner. Two proper meals in one day, unheard of! She meant she was having dinner, of course, but I had some lamb leftovers from her lunch which were delicious.
Of course she was unable to eat everything so I got chunks of pheasant which had been pan fried with wild mushrooms, onions and cream – though no sauce came my way.
Then is was a wonderful romp on the floor with Philippa. I love Philippa, she knows how to play with me.
We came home with more wild mushrooms and mum has marinated them in avocado oil with lime juice and zest, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. I’ll not be having any of those – they’re a vegetable, aren’t they, sort of? I don’t do vegetables.
Marinated St george’s mushrooms, foraged in Northumberland
Mum tells me that nine years ago today was the first time I went on the beach – and that I LOVED it. Of course I loved it – miles of golden sand, puddles and rock pools for paddling and doggy mates all around. It was a while before I went in the sea to swim but I knew glorious days were in the future.
Today it’s cold and we are going to…the shops. Huh. Maybe she’ll take me in a dog friendly café where I will be adored and petted by other customers.
With my family on the beach 2009; 12 weeks old
Had a wonderful afternoon on a playdate with Dylan the Bedlington terrier. What a smart boy he is, very handsome – same grey on grey colouring as Marley but none of that cattitude.
We hit it off straight away and played in the garden while my mum and her friends chatted. He let me play with his toys and even allowed me to snooze on his bed (though it was a bit small) when we needed a rest. He smooched all over my mum but I wasn’t jealous cos I get to take her home.
Very tiring, all this socialising.
Dogwuff! 