Trying to Get Back to Normal

I can't believe I haven't posted for another 10 days. Of course I don't have as much time now since I have to do everything myself. I do realise how much I relied on George now that he's not her any more. And I find I'm being more particular because I want to prove I can cope. Late this afternoon I swept up the leaves and cobwebs in the side passage, and then wiped the door and window ledges and frames. It has never looked so clean. As well as this, taking Jade on a couple of walks and running some errands, I also wrote an article for a law firm today,  and am trying to get back in the habit of writing every day. I really want to get back to posting here three times a week as well.

On Sunday I made a huge effort to get to a fun dog show with Jade. Fortunately it was in a Dorset village on a route I was familiar with, so I had no problem finding it in my 15 year old car, which now has a new clutch, and which I hope will continue to serve me for another year or so.

The dog show was fun, even though it was strange being there on my own with Jade. There were a number of familiar faces, and people and dogs to chat to. I entered Jade in just one class - best rescue dog. And was flabbergasted when we came out with first prize. Afterwards we paraded round our  neighbourhood with her red rosette pinned to her collar, and she is now known to the local dog loving fraternity as Princess Jade.

She also had her first professional photo shoot at the show, with a photographer who is a supporter of Pound Puppy Animal Rescue which had organised it. I thought it only fair to buy a print for £10. It's the close up I've added above. Although I can see on the A4 version that the detail of her fur and whiskers is well picked out, I'm not sure that the composition makes for a better photo than some I've taken myself. But heigh ho. It was all in a good cause.

Exceptional Weeks

This week has been quite exceptional.

Monday:  I posted a question about plant identification and since then have discovered via Dave's Garden that it is a shoo-fly plant, corroborated by the RHS website.

Wednesday: pub lunch and a lovely dog walk in the New Forest with old friends we only get to see a couple of times a year. Their dog, Ginger, has featured before in this blog.

Thursday: sadly, a funeral. My cousin has finally lost his wife to cancer after a diagnosis over ten years ago. I can't remember the last time we got together with all of his children and grandchildren at the same time. Such a pity it takes such an ocassion for it to happen, but it usually does.

Next week is also going to be exceptional.


Monday: my daughter and granddaughter arrive for a short stay with Rafi, their puppy. If we have time, we'll take him and Jade to a fun dog show in aid of Pound Puppy Animal Rescue.

Tuesday: an early start. The dogs stay with hubby while the three of us take the ferry to Guernsey as a day trip, using a voucher from lastminute.com. Before we get back, my son will arrive with his girlfriend to be put up while they do some local house hunting. We'llbe short of sleeping space that night, but we'll manage.

Wednesday: take hubby to Bournemouth hospital for a 9 am consultation about a cataract in one eye. Daughter will be dog minding till we get back, then will take her tribe home.

In between all this, I have deadlines to meet. Help!