Fire, Fake Dogs and Fine Whisky.

My sister,Coila, called in to show me some wool she’d bought for a special project. Spook walked past her saying “I’m sorry I’m just in my underpants Coila, but I set my trousers on fire.”

He continued into the kitchen and through the back of the house.

Coila, who was completely unfazed by the underpants, was concerned that this act of self-immolation must be some kind of nervous breakdown. She stared at me in shock.

“It’s ok. He was welding, and set his overalls on fire which burnt a hole in the expensive cycling trousers he was wearing underneath - he’s just a bit pissed off.”

He’s fairly confident these ones are fire proof but failing that, he wants me to stand over him with a bucket of water while he’s welding. Fingers crossed as I have better things to do with my time.

Like gathering sloes for the gin. I got the call from Ronald that they were ripe for the picking.

It’s a very social past time as I exchanged pleasantries with Ronald’s neighbours, and partook in coffee and cake that he brought me as he knows harvest time can be hard work - so much better than standing over Spook with a bucket of water ‘just in case’.

It’s all part of the delights of October. Wild storms and calm days - you never know what you’re going to get.

Courr has found it a challenging month. One minute he’s got Scamp….who’s got a touch of the desert camel about her,

And the next he’s got the bloody sausage dog.

He mostly tries to pretend she doesn’t exist but when he turns the other cheek he’s got THIS to contend with….danger everywhere.

Coila dropped her ‘special’ project off and put Jane all wrong. This is Fake Jane who will be allowed in the hospital, unlike Real Jane who had to be content with peering in the window as her favourite lap is currently awaiting an operation in Inverness.

Having scoured the grounds of the hospital Auntie Al finally found the correct alleyway to get Jane as close to Billy as she could.

Fake Jane has taken up residence on Billy’s bed.

Real Jane is LIVID. After being stuck in the campervan for hours, she somehow managed to sneak into the lift beneath the Porter’s radar (sometimes the ridiculously short length of your legs can be an advantage.) She made it all the way to the 6th floor and showed the big faker how to cause a REAL stir. You can actually see Fake Jane at the foot of the bed in the photo. She’s toast!!!

Courr, despite a delightful life full of love and attention, maintains a permanent huff due to being usurped by other dogs, both fake and real. He needs to get over himself.

I’d like to thank The Antoinettes for their generous Thankyou gift for my efforts with their holiday transport. Some girls get chocolate and flowers. I prefer this….