Breathing space

Today has been one of those days where I took time out for me. That didn’t mean I neglected my animals of course. It just meant that I knew I needed to take a bit of time to recharge my batteries too.

I took Bert out for a walk in the sunshine this morning. He met a deer for the first time. I say met, dear Bambi was a bit startled when the Baby Sprocker came bounding over to say hello. Thankfully one of them had pretty good recall (eventually). I’ll let you guess which one.

When I got back, even though there were a million and one things I could do, I sat in the conservatory and listened to a podcast. Now it’s warming up, the conservatory is a blissful place to be. The kittens joined me and Bert so it was almost a full house.

After Puppy College and coffee with a friend, it was the Oversized Labrador’s turn to run rings round me. Literally!

One paper, it might look like I didn’t really do much. But I did what I needed to do. And that’s what counts…

Grinch Toes

Well it finally happened. I got so fed up of Bert’s ‘Grinch Toes’ that I broke out the scissors! I worked on the principle that if I can trim Buddy’s little feathers with scissors, I can do Bert’s.

I have to say I’m pretty impressed with myself. It’s not too bad a job. I’m more impressed with him for letting me near him with the scissors. There was a little bribery in the shape of some liver paste. I’ve found that Buddy is much more amenable too when he has food.

Bert is rather fluffy. Not sure if this is his puppy coat and if he’ll lose it. Buddy’s Summer coat is coming through too. He goes so dark in the summer. He’s rather mottled at the moment. The kittens are moulting too. Let the shedding commence…

Roses are red

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I realised I have 4 boys in my life and I didn’t get a single card… I’m sure they love me (and not just cause I feed them).

I was peopling this morning. The other receptionist had bought these beautiful roses to brighten the clinic. I put on a ‘timeless romantic songs’ playlist. Gosh there were some classics on there. And lots I hadn’t heard for a while.

I did get some ‘presents’. Buddy gave me an exceptionally filthy stable to muck out. Bert brought me an old piece of rope on our walk. And the kittens left a trail of muddy paw prints all over my bed. Who says romance is dead?!

Christmas Cheer

This little face has brought some much needed Christmas Cheer to Chez Langley. He was very excited about going to the yard to muck out first thing.

Then he went for a lovely walk. Before heading home to open presents. Can’t say he’s totally got the hang of presents. Like a small child, he was more interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts. But he loved the toys and treats he was given. He was spoilt that’s for sure.

Buddy and the kittens got their fair share of gifts too. Buddy got carrots and parsnips. The kittens got Sheba. And I had my non-conventional Christmas dinner.

Whatever you’ve been up to today, I hope you’ve had a wonderful time. Merry Christmas one and all.

Shuffle about

Bert has had an upgrade to his crate, so I had a bit of a shuffle around. I brought the smaller one into my office instead. That way I can keep tabs on him while I work. Well Hugo was straight in there! What is it they say about curiosity and cats

Speaking of curiosity, there’s been definite progress with the kittens and Bert. I’ve given them their own zones. That’s worked well. I’ve put a stair gate up too to create a barrier but they can see each other through it.

The kittens are wary of Bert. They really do t know his whines and little wolf howls. He, on the other hand, is oblivious of them for the most part. Tonight we had a Mexican Standoff between Hugo and Bert. Since then, Hugo has jumped the barrier twice to investigate. He’s either realised that Bert is no threat or that he’s staying.

Either way, my sofa is big enough for all 4 of us (sorry Buddy, it’s not that big).

Storm Bert

Say hello to my mid-life crisis! I had to drive through Storm Bert to pick up the newest man in my life, Bert. If I ever needed a sign it was meant to be…!

I’d already picked his name before I found out about the storm. He’s Bert after my Grandfather Albert. A homage to my Mum’s side of the family. And he was my closest connection to horses.

It’s been a long time since I had a dog. But I’ve always wanted another one. The time has never felt right. My life is too chaotic. Too full on. But losing my Mum and others has made me realise just how short life can be. So when the opportunity to have this little cutie came up, I said yes!

We’ve had first contact the kittens. They’re a bit confused by the noises. Dodo was very brave and came to say hello. Hugo, not so much. I’m sure they will all love each other in time.

Squatter

It’s the big conference I’ve been working next week. So a new colour scheme for the Gala Dinner means a new dress of course. Good old Vinted came up trumps with a gorgeous dress. Sadly it was a bit too sheer. So I found another one. That arrived today and is great.

Dodo instantly took up squatters’ rights on the bag. Much to Hugo’s dismay. They do make me laugh.

All cuddled up

Right, I know I said you can’t control the weather, but this is just ridiculous now. Maybe Mother Nature didn’t like the fact I said I was fully prepared for Summer?! If so, I’m sorry. Please can we have sunshine again?

The winter dressing gown and fluffy socks have been drafted back into action. They thought they were getting a little break. My 1 tog duvet has been cast aside. The new shorts I bought are still in the bag.

Today I was back in a thermal base layer, a jacket and a gillet! It’s July. I should be moaning I’m too hot.

I must say that I am enjoying the kitten cuddles. They are little purry hot water bottles. We’re all cuddled up listening to the rain on the roof.

Congestion

It’s total gridlock on the garden fence today. Or is it a Brundall stand-off? You decide. Whatever it is, it made me laugh.

Neither of them was moving. In the end Dodo climbed over Hugo. I guess that’s one way to resolve it. Probably a good job we can’t do that when we’re in congestion. Though there have been a few times when I’ve feared the Comedy Car would go under an HGV. It’s rather small!

Kittyversary

4 years go today these two adorable fluff balls arrived Chez Langley. I remembered how small the carrier was that they came in. I’d forgotten how small kittens are. These two were tiny!

They’ve grown into very handsome little boys indeed. Even if for the first few weeks I thought one was a girl. Soon became very obvious that she was a he.

They make me giggle with their antics. Shortly after taking this picture, Hugo pounced on Dodo. They then chased each other round the garden.

And yes, they will probably always be called the kittens.