Come on in. The kettle is on and I'm ready to recount another week of witterings for your delectation. Don't worry, I'm not judging you for emptying your hip flask of Bailey's into your coffee.
Lovely read as usual Gareth. Why don't you write a piece for each of the dogs from when you got them to how they are today? I think it would be really interesting to know how you worked through some of the issues the boys had.
The only thing I don't like about the New Year, is when Twelfth Night comes, it makes me sad. I really enjoy the Christmas festivities and jollies, the atmosphere, coziness and everything else that goes with it. Otherwise, I'm happy with January.
I'm so pleased about the news of Logie's lumps, that will be huge relief to you both. They are such lucky boys to have you. The difference in Logan is amazing - he is so very obviously happy.
Your evening with friends sounds heavenly. I can't wait to see what you do with your garage.
You certainly have lots of joy in your life. I do like poetry, but only those which a story or paint a picture (which arguably most poetry does). For me, it has to be nature based, not a fan of haiku or acrostic poems. I did enjoy 'Joy chose You'.
Thank you again Gareth, a really enjoyable and entertaining read. xx
Thank for sharing your search for your joystick - I can definitely identify! 😜 Glad all is well with Logie - you should be really proud of yourselves for rescuing those beautiful boys 🥰 I love Donna's poetry - other favourites are Mary Oliver - especially Wild Geese and Dog Songs also anything by Maya Angelou!
I'm mid marking at the moment so definitely in need of finding my own joystick! 💖
Yours is always a good read Gareth and I for one look forward to it. I've said before about your two boys. They are happy because they are so loved. It shows so much it really does and they are a credit to you and Paul. January is a difficult month you'll agree after all the festivities of Noel and New Year the lovely food biscuits nuts and chocolates. It sort of sneaks in kicks you in the 'proverbials' and you find yourself in a glum mood. You're OK I hear people say your retired. Yes retired and un motivated at the mo! Then a spring fell out of the car. Oh sod you January. So today car sorted we went off with some friends to one of the biggest flea markets down here in the South West and treated ourselves. Refreshed with goodies, I'm keen on getting on now. A new me I'll start my walking regime tomorrow. Marching on to my birthday at the end of the month.........oh no another flipping year older.
What a thought provoking poem ❤️ Aside from that you have brought cheer to my otherwise dull week so thank you. I have to say though I eat the strawberry creams first.
Happy lazy Sunday. I Did most of the bigger chores yesterday. Today we are expecting snow. I got up early for a Sunday to get the best bread ever made in the USA. Yesterday they opened @ 10am I was there at 12 noon not one loaf of bread left. I was in their parking lot at 8am this morning, I got my bread & even was able to procure a loaf for my son & his wife. Unfortunately Goldens & Labradors are prone to fatty tumors. Most you just leave alone, however you always want to check with the vet as even a fatty tumor can cause a problem with different organs. What we did we waited until Brodie had to have sedation for some hip & back X-rays & our Vet removed a few, aspirated others. Everyone came back as fatty tumors.
When I come home to the UK (I am a horrible hotel snob) I rent a cottage not to far from the things I like to do. I always want a view, I will always let with 2 bathrooms & 2 bedrooms even though it is just my daughter & my self. The cottage needs to be immaculately clean & decorated to high standard with good linens, dovet & soft towels. It is always nice to have welcome basket. A few very nice toiletries are also a treat. I enjoy the ability to have a cup of tea or coffee when I want. I don’t like to go out for dinner every nite. It is nice when we are out & about picking up
Good cheese , bread & some fresh fruit then come home & relax. We spend between £1500-£2000 for 7 days. Sounds expensive, but look at price for 2 rooms in a good hotel plus meals. A cottage let is so much better for us. I hope my tips help you when you are ready for a short term let. I will book I promise. Enjoy your week. Cuddle those gorgeous boys a little extra, we miss our big boy more every day. 🐾💕
Love Donna Ashworth. I would buy yourself one of her books and just read a couple a day in between your other reading. They’re so good. Lovely pictures and read x
Reading your blog makes me want to pack up and relocate to the Highlands. And the boys are so lucky to have found such a wonderful home with you both x
What a beautiful place to be. 😍
Definitely a read that brought me joy and peace! Also, if you ever launched a Keeps Cottage Cabin on Air B&B I would SO stay in it.
Lovely read as usual Gareth. Why don't you write a piece for each of the dogs from when you got them to how they are today? I think it would be really interesting to know how you worked through some of the issues the boys had.
Thank you Chris, and I love this idea. I will do! G xx
'Joy Chose You' strikes a chord.
Thank you
Totally totally resonates Gareth…. Thanks for sharing x
The only thing I don't like about the New Year, is when Twelfth Night comes, it makes me sad. I really enjoy the Christmas festivities and jollies, the atmosphere, coziness and everything else that goes with it. Otherwise, I'm happy with January.
I'm so pleased about the news of Logie's lumps, that will be huge relief to you both. They are such lucky boys to have you. The difference in Logan is amazing - he is so very obviously happy.
Your evening with friends sounds heavenly. I can't wait to see what you do with your garage.
You certainly have lots of joy in your life. I do like poetry, but only those which a story or paint a picture (which arguably most poetry does). For me, it has to be nature based, not a fan of haiku or acrostic poems. I did enjoy 'Joy chose You'.
Thank you again Gareth, a really enjoyable and entertaining read. xx
I am not a poem person either Gareth but I liked this one. I will have a read of some of the others by Donna. Thanks!
Thank for sharing your search for your joystick - I can definitely identify! 😜 Glad all is well with Logie - you should be really proud of yourselves for rescuing those beautiful boys 🥰 I love Donna's poetry - other favourites are Mary Oliver - especially Wild Geese and Dog Songs also anything by Maya Angelou!
I'm mid marking at the moment so definitely in need of finding my own joystick! 💖
The change in Logie is wonderful to see, that must be your own special joy
What a beautiful post! I enjoyed the poem that you shared as well. Joy really is in the simple things, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing this
Yours is always a good read Gareth and I for one look forward to it. I've said before about your two boys. They are happy because they are so loved. It shows so much it really does and they are a credit to you and Paul. January is a difficult month you'll agree after all the festivities of Noel and New Year the lovely food biscuits nuts and chocolates. It sort of sneaks in kicks you in the 'proverbials' and you find yourself in a glum mood. You're OK I hear people say your retired. Yes retired and un motivated at the mo! Then a spring fell out of the car. Oh sod you January. So today car sorted we went off with some friends to one of the biggest flea markets down here in the South West and treated ourselves. Refreshed with goodies, I'm keen on getting on now. A new me I'll start my walking regime tomorrow. Marching on to my birthday at the end of the month.........oh no another flipping year older.
What a thought provoking poem ❤️ Aside from that you have brought cheer to my otherwise dull week so thank you. I have to say though I eat the strawberry creams first.
Have a great week! X
Happy lazy Sunday. I Did most of the bigger chores yesterday. Today we are expecting snow. I got up early for a Sunday to get the best bread ever made in the USA. Yesterday they opened @ 10am I was there at 12 noon not one loaf of bread left. I was in their parking lot at 8am this morning, I got my bread & even was able to procure a loaf for my son & his wife. Unfortunately Goldens & Labradors are prone to fatty tumors. Most you just leave alone, however you always want to check with the vet as even a fatty tumor can cause a problem with different organs. What we did we waited until Brodie had to have sedation for some hip & back X-rays & our Vet removed a few, aspirated others. Everyone came back as fatty tumors.
When I come home to the UK (I am a horrible hotel snob) I rent a cottage not to far from the things I like to do. I always want a view, I will always let with 2 bathrooms & 2 bedrooms even though it is just my daughter & my self. The cottage needs to be immaculately clean & decorated to high standard with good linens, dovet & soft towels. It is always nice to have welcome basket. A few very nice toiletries are also a treat. I enjoy the ability to have a cup of tea or coffee when I want. I don’t like to go out for dinner every nite. It is nice when we are out & about picking up
Good cheese , bread & some fresh fruit then come home & relax. We spend between £1500-£2000 for 7 days. Sounds expensive, but look at price for 2 rooms in a good hotel plus meals. A cottage let is so much better for us. I hope my tips help you when you are ready for a short term let. I will book I promise. Enjoy your week. Cuddle those gorgeous boys a little extra, we miss our big boy more every day. 🐾💕
Love Donna Ashworth. I would buy yourself one of her books and just read a couple a day in between your other reading. They’re so good. Lovely pictures and read x
Stunning photos, lovely poem, thank you for sharing! 🙏
Reading your blog makes me want to pack up and relocate to the Highlands. And the boys are so lucky to have found such a wonderful home with you both x