Day One Hundred and Twenty One

Festis 

Well it appears to me that some major efforts were made to make the house presentable.

Which is fortunate as Mrs. T is scheduled to be home this afternoon. My goodness.

When we stuck our collective noses outside this morning we decided that only Furrgus and my self would conduct operations today. 

While it was beautifully sunny, it was noticeably colder today and we didn’t want to aggravate Dugal’s questionable knee. 

So we just had a quick around the block and came home in time for our Niamh and Miss Pancake to great us. 

Well they were awake enough to say good morning anyway.

Now that young dog has already learned to ring her bells when she wishes to go outside, well oftentimes anyway. 

And to our surprise Mr. T appeared not long after. 

A desperate need for coffee we surmised. 

We did notice that he used his brand new, from Sweden plate. With the Bouviers on it. 

And his jam, like the espresso was from Italy. 

I do say we are quite continental nowadays. 

Mr. T and our Niamh were wondering if Miss Pancake will remember Mrs. T.

As she left for Ireland not long after Miss P’s arrival.

I must say Miss P never lets anyone out of her sight for very long. 

She goes and talks to Mr. T regularly if he is not in the living room. 

Well someone should is our option anyway. 

After lunchtime Miss Niamh went into full spic and span mode and the house rather shone. 

Mrs. T sent us pictures of her airplane so we would know she is on her way back home.

Good thing they spruced up the house, and just in time I say. 

Even we three got a bit of a quiet spit and polish. Could not have hurt in spite of Dugal protestations. 

When Mrs. T got home Pancake knew her right away. My goodness were they both ever so happy. 

Then everyone went and sat on the dining room floor and Pancake went fast asleep.  

Because all her family was home again. 

Except for young Emmet who has not met her as of yet. 

Then the young Miss gave Mrs. T a quick debrief on Pancake’s sleeping arrangements. 

Which will now go back to Mrs. T’s bedroom. 

My goodness what a to do. 

But Mrs. T brought back presents for everyone and her mother sent Mr. T a giant chocolate bar. 

He said he would share. 

Day One Hundred and Twenty

Furrgus  

Well last night, after Niamh and her copilot had delivered everyone to their respective homes they returned and everyone went to sleep.

We, after a quick game of Monopoly, girded ourselves and did our 2 am reconnoiter.

It was a rather quick one, as we knew there was Niamh’s tortellini and sausage soup awaiting us when we got home. 

Uncle Dugal had even set the table and borrowed some fine wine from the refrigerator, so we made a night of it.

It had spicy Italian sausages this time, and it warmed our toes as well as our hearts. 

This morning we rather postponed morning patrol and just attended to our far flung social responsibilities.

Cousin Morag sent a box of cheques to be signed. 

Buying council members is more expensive than I remembered. 

And the cost of running fibre optics to the island would blind a duck. My goodness. 

But the value of our hoard of Krugerrands has remained solid so we were not worried.

But Niamh and Miss Pancake were in fine form and were just relaxing when that ever dangerous squid made its move. 

And Miss P sprung to life. 

And intercepted it before any lasting damage could be done.

And after a series of furious encounters the squid was defeated and Niamh’s full time protector fell asleep. 

With the house well under control we set out for the noon patrol.

As we finished our patrol the evidence of the latest snowfall was everywhere.

So to revive our spirits we went up to The Wild Oat for our lunch.

Thank goodness our timing was impeccable as the raisin cinnamon bread had only just emerged from the oven.

We snapped up a loaf each, and one for the house. 

When we finally made it home Niamh was working at the dining room table and Miss Pancake was fast asleep at her feet. 

Craig was on his third espresso in the den listening to a book. 

We almost made a terrible error today, as it is International Croissant Day and we nearly went a whole day without even one. 

So we immediately rushed to Whole Foods in order to restock the supplies. Thank goodness.

When we got home Kathy was here. And she had the most amazing Christmas present for Craig.

It was just a bit late, as it had to come from Sweden. 

And it was a beautiful plate, an especially for morning toast plate. 

And it had a Bouviers on it. My goodness. 

Just think of it, covered in toast, wouldn’t Miss Poppy have been pleased. My goodness.

Kathy said Miss Tara found it. My goodness gracious. What a perfect present.

After she left it was dinner time.

Now thank goodness we had a very conservative approach to the soup late night.

Because Craig and Niamh had the rest of it for their dinner.

As they were having dinner we overheard the news that Zita will be flying home from Dublin tomorrow.

My goodness, tomorrow it will be all hands on desk to get the house presentable. 

Good thing we are all booked tomorrow.

Day One Hundred and Nineteen

Furrgus

Last night while Niamh was out for dinner and Craig was asleep Miss Tarryn and Miss Pancake watched movies together.

Until Niamh got home. And got home late if I do say so myself. 

So it was sleep in Sunday and everybody had a long sleep in. Even that Miss pancake. 

But not us. 

We went out in a near blizzard created by the wind blowing the snow all a whirling about. 

After convincing ourselves that there could be no desperate intruders around we all went to The Sunshine Gill for breakfast. 

And we had, in honour of the newest family addition, stacks of blueberry pancakes. With maple syrup. 

The were so good we had two orders each. And a side order of sausages with home fries. 

Just to maintain us on the trudge home, through the snow.

When we got home that is when we knew that everyone had a sleep in, Niamh and Miss Pancake were still in a bit of a fog.

And Miss Tarryn only appeared moments before Craig.

And all of them had to have a major relax before meeting the day. 

My goodness me. 

We took the opportunity to excuse ourselves and after drying off had our own sleep in. 

When we awakened Niamh and Tarryn and Miss Dog were outside shovelling the snow. 

We watched with interest and I must say that Miss Dog is an active one. 

Having satisfied ourselves that we would be more of a hindrance than a help, we returned to our nap.

After a while they had cleared the driveway sufficiently for the three of them to go and pickup Emily. 

In the snowstorm. 

Craig told us that Zita and her mother are having dinner at her sister’s house. That should be a lovely evening. 

And we have been given to understand that little Nora has safely reached her own bed, in the wilds of Alaska. Safe and sound. 

Well that is good news. Considering the weather and all. 

When everyone was home it was time for a late lunch. 

Because of this morning’s sleeping in. 

So gourmet hot dogs were on order. With Mister Nicastro’s lovely squishy cheese. 

We were still trying to digest this morning’s excess so we passed on joining them. 

Zita and her mother also went to a very nice restaurant in a fancy hotel and had scones, with jam of course.

Then they snuck into a beautiful private garden and had a lovely look around. And took lots of lovely pictures.

Zita saw the secret code and used it to get in. Oh my goodness..

Dugal was so proud of her. Oh dear. 

Now we have noticed that Miss Pancake quite often goes into the den, to visit Craig.

Especially when she gets in trouble in the living room. 

When we finished our evening patrol, we walked up to Landsdowne and stopped into Sen for a nice bowl of steaming ramen. 

We were ever so happy that it has reopened. 

It has always been one of our favourite places to treat ourselves. 

Dugal always leaves huge tips. 

Having put his severance into Amazon in ‘97 he can well afford to.

Much to his stepfather’s deep annoyance. Which pleases him no end. 

Because of the lengthy sleep ins Craig and Niamh and Miss Tarryn had a very continental dinner. 

When we arrived home they had not even started making dinner. 

But they were about to make Niamh’s extraordinary tortellinis and sausage soup. 

Now that is work waiting a few hours for I do say. 

She said she would put some aside to warm us up after midnight patrol. 

It is good to have friends. 

Day One Hundred and Eighteen

Furrgus 

It was finally a rather sunny day today, which pleased us no end.

We were up very late last night as Niamh and Aidan were using chopsticks and were laughing so much it took forever to finish their dinner. 

So today everyone had a bit of a sleep in. 

Except us, of course.

We were off on morning patrol while they slept. 

As we were not really required at home, all of us went to Glebe Central for a breakfast of their especially hardy bacon Poutine.

Let me tell you there is nothing like this in Lochaber. 

And it is certainly designed to fortify you against the cold. 

Then we went over to Victories to pick up some coffees for the trip home. 

We arrived just after lunch and a while later Niamh arrived bringing Miss Emily.

They took Miss Pancake for a ride. It appears she is an avid passenger. Which should prove interesting.

And she is learning her manners, day by day. 

Being a puppy is a difficult job, as there are so many words to learn, with so many brand new rules to follow. 

I do not envy her. 

She certainly keeps Craig on his toes, so to speak. 

When I was at Sandhurst I was on reprimand so many times I thought I would never graduate. 

But my father claimed he was far worse and doubled my allowance.

A good man, my father. 

Lochlainn was his Batman for nearly thirty years. 

And now he is taking care of our Cousin Morag.

His family have kept my family out of jail for generations untold. Thank the good Lord. 

His family was one of the last of the McDonald’s of Sanda. 

Their own wee island has been sold to some odiously rich Swiss. 

I hear that my family is apparently working on some permanent remedies. 

But it is all under the rose you know. 

While Niamh and Miss Emily attended to their school work, Miss Pancake stayed right at Niamh’s feet minding her. 

The whole afternoon. 

Except when she went into the den to make sure Craig had not escaped. 

Miss Poppy is so very proud of her let me tell you. 

After Niamh and Pancake went to run all over Cara and Lee’s backyard Miss Tarryn came to visit. 

And then we got a picture from Miss Kerry and Mister Andy. 

They and the little puppy, Miss Nora on on their way back to her brand new home. On an airplane. 

My goodness so many puppies. 

I went into the kitchen to get some orange juice for our champagne and Niamh was cutting Miss Emily’s hair. 

Oh my goodness. I do not even think she has a license. 

While that was going on Miss Tarryn was making a large pot of fettuccine with the home made sauce. 

We could tell by the delicious smells. 

But as we had a late dinner reservations at The Saint Rita, we had to decline the invitation. 

Day One Hundred and Seventeen

Well it did not snow last night so this morning, before everyone was awake, we went on morning patrol. 

We took Dugal with us. The streets are marginally clearer than the sidewalks.

Though they have been trying. 

So, properly attired we all set out to reconnoiter the block. 

Having found nothing suspicious we then walked up to Bank Street.

Again, we early risers were the very first customers at The Wild Oat, so our coffees appeared instantly.

The mushroom and three cheeses omelettes were not far behind. Thank goodness. 

Fully reconstituted we returned home without incident. 

Both Niamh and Miss Tarryn were awake and taking care of Miss Pancake. 

Craig appeared not long after our arrival and started his day with his usual espresso.

A man of committed habits is he. Like Dugal. There is not point talking to him before his tea. 

As Miss Tarryn was working at Three Trees Niamh and Miss Pancake drove her to the store.

Miss Pancake fell fast asleep in the back seat, as is her habit apparently. 

And when they got home she went back to sleep until until her friend Lee arrived to visit.

We got a picture from Zita. 

She and Emmet took her mother to lunch. At a nice restaurant in downtown Dublin.

I expect they had way too much tea and tasty desserts. 

Desserts are Zita’s mother’s favourite. Or so we have heard. 

Since Niamh and Lee had everything under control we went on our afternoon patrol early today.

It was a bit nippy so Dugal stayed home. He insists on lace up boots and so it takes him forever to get ready.

We scoured the environs before reaching Bank Street and the comfort of Moralas.

We went for the cappuccino and pork empanadas. 

It was a very good choice I must say. 

When we got home Niamh, Lee and Miss Pancake had gone to Lee’s backyard for a run around. 

Miss Pancakes loves to run up and down the snow hills. As of course she would. 

Miss Emily came for a visit and she brought treats from Ichiban. Now that was very nice I must say. 

Miss Pancake retired to the den so Craig could help her play pull the rope. 

That is always a good game for puppies I have been told. 

When everybody left Mister Aidan appeared. And Niamh and he had sushi. 

It was accompanied by a lot of laughter. Which was nice to hear.

Now we don’t mind sushi, in moderation mind. 

But Craig and Miss Pancake had a little hamburger and a milkshake. 

We had the left over pizza. The very best kind of pizza in our opinion. 

Day One Hundred and Sixteen

My goodness gracious we made it home just in time. 

By the time we left the pub we could barely see the road in front of us.

So we were quite relieved to find Niamh Miss Tarryn had made it home safely also. 

Tonight Miss Tarryn was staying in Niamh’s room while Niamh stayed upstairs with Miss Dog. 

After every one had retired for the evening we had our Burns Night dinner. 

It lasted until the very wee hours. 

Thank goodness that Pancake maintained a watch, until she too was fast asleep.

But as soon as we looked out the windows this morning it was obvious that we had to cancel morning patrol. 

The continuing storm had virtually snowed us in. 

It took Niamh and Miss Tarry nearly half an hour just to clear the car so Niamh could get to school on time.

After she left Miss Tarryn and Miss Pancake had their breakfast while we contented ourselves drinking copious amounts of water. 

We had just the slightest of ill effects from last night festivities. Nothing serious mind.

Craig was up early again. So when he minded Pancake Miss Tarryn continued the attack on the driveway. 

We could barely see her behind the mound of snow. 

This did not please Pancake one bit. And see let everyone know about her opinion. 

After she and Miss Tarryn cleared a path in the side yard Tarryn went off to her work at The Three Trees.

As Craig had his second espresso Miss Dog went to her favourite spot in the kitchen doorway for a much deserved nap.

We find it very interesting because that was Miss Poppy’s favourite spot also. Orders from on high we suppose. 

Mister Holden sent us some pictures from Singapore. 

As we suspected he did not stay at Dugal’s old haunt, but found decent and not eye watering expensive accommodation. 

Just before lunch we were awakened by the most furious battle between Miss Pancake and one of her toys. 

We did not know what started it but it appeared that Miss Pancake emerged victorious. 

Then she ventured outside, by herself for the first time and sniffed the entire side yard to her heart’s content. 

We relaxed and after confirming the snow was continuing went back to sleep, with our water bottles nearby. 

Craig kindly left some aspirins too. Oh dear.

It seems as if Craig does not provide sufficient challenges for her, as the designated minder dog. 

She kept going to the back door to look for Niamh or Tarryn.

As she did not really fall asleep until Niamh returned from her class. 

Then she near instantly fell fast asleep. 

This afternoon’s class was on the computer so Miss Pancake just stayed with Niamh so she could attend university also. 

Zita sent us pictures she took while visiting her father in the new hospital. 

I guess we do not have to worry about nasty food as they appear to have a generous supply of cream cakes available.

Well that must be a relief for Zita as she will not have to smuggle in toasted cheese sandwiches for him.

We have not gone forth even once today, as the weather and the traffic has dictated otherwise.

There was a truck entirely stuck on the corner with a man who had not one idea of how to drive.

Nor did he know how to use a shovel, so he was there until generous strangers drove it out for him. 

But he ended up completely covering the sidewalk. 

We thought it best to just stay here and lend moral assistance to Craig and Niamh. 

We were rather startled by a loud yipe from Miss Pancake as she tried to get through a doorway at the same time as Craig. 

But my goodness she is quick.

This afternoon a delivery man made it through the snow to deliver a package. 

And it was for herself, that Miss Pancake Taylor. Oh my goodness. 

It was from Miss Poppy’s friends in the wilds of Alaska. 

It was a welcome to your new home present. My goodness how very kind. 

There was a lovely blanket with Miss Pancake’s name embroidered right on it and a little dinosaur. 

I don’t think even Cousin Morag’s deerhounds have personalized blankets, and they are scandalously spoiled.,

Miss Kelly and Mister Andy are going to fly to get their own brand new puppy, Miss Nora tomorrow. How very exciting. 

Mister Barnaby and Miss Maisie have already seen Miss Nora, right on their computer. 

They will be very happy to have a new sister, well in a while anyway. 

After a long session of Leave It, Miss Niamh and Miss Pancake got ready for a little drive to get Miss Tarryn. 

I must say she is a very stubborn little lady. 

Runs in the family, like wooden legs Dugal said. 

The tea came out my nose. 

We decided that the snow itself will protect all of us, so we made a very early night of it. 

Even though we were having hamburgers tonight. 

But since we only had about 45 minutes of sleep before Niamh so loudly appeared this morning we decided to be sensible. Oh well.

Day One Hundred and Fifteen

Furrgus

Well last night they finally cleared our street. 

And just in time for the Burn’s Night celebrations. Thank goodness. 

Everyone had a nice night and Miss Pancake did not really wake up until past eight thirty.

After we had been on patrol we went up to Bank Street.

But we were a bit disappointed to see that none of our regular breakfast establishments had prepared themselves for Burns Night. 

By the time we got home both Niamh and her companion were nearly wide awake.

Craig was up nearly as soon.

So the three of them looked out the window at our the newly visible street as Craig had his very first coffee. 

Then after a series of furious attacks on her toys Miss Pancake went back to sleep. 

Being a puppy is very tiring work we understand. 

We decided to fallow her example and had our morning nap a bit early. 

We wanted to be prepared for the auspicious night. 

Though we will sadly miss the revelries at the castle. 

We hear that Cousin Morag and the dogs have made the voyage back from London to oversee the address to the haggis.

As of course she would. 

Cook and her “volunteers” will have been furiously cooking for the last few days assembling tonight’s feast. 

And Lochlainn will have decanted some of the secondary scotch for the revellers. 

We would be devastated to miss the event, had we not missed it far more times than we can remember.

Usually because of us being off in some less than hospitable local. Ahh well. 

Dugal has opened his travelling trunk and retrieved a fine a Belvenie, just a little older than our Emmet. 

He owns some part of the distillery, naturally.

And we still had a few of the Christmas haggis safe in the freezer, thank goodness. 

We placed them in the refrigerator to thaw out for the midnight celebration. 

Otherwise the house would be without a haggis on Burns Night. My goodness. 

That smacks of negligence in our opinion. 

But to be fair everything has been very hectic around here for that last couple of weeks. 

We will borrow one of Craig’s claidheamh-mòr for the ceremonial opening of the haggis. 

Though we will be without a piper to introduce the event. Which is a shame. 

But we will have a competent lookout, to back us up, if we become a bit “distracted “ later in the evening. 

That is a relief, let me tell you. 

This afternoon was taken up by Niamh and Miss Pancake learning all about Staying put. 

A hard lesson for the rambunctious Miss.

Miss Sach came to rescue Pancake from the tedium of lessons. It is good to have friends. 

At dinner time Niamh went to her hippity hop dance class and we helped Craig mind Miss Pancake. 

Or we helped Pancake mind Craig. 

Sometimes everything is a much of a muchness don’t you know.

Anyway when it started to snow we decided it was time to go to Irene’s Pub, to celebrate Bruns Day. 

Maybe they will have a pipper. 

We are saving the haggis for our twelve o’clock repast. 

That is when we read a selection of our favourite Burns poems.

So we will have to borrow a few of Zita’s Waterford crystal glasses to toast his august memory, in the proper fashion. 

That is if we make it home through the blizzard that is. 

Day One Hundred and Fourteen

Festis 

The night passed without out incident. 

Much to everyone’s relief.

As Niamh and Miss Pancake slept in the den. 

Miss Emily slept downstairs last night, as she had a very early in the morning discussion group at the university. 

Zita also arrived without incident at her parents home in Dublin. 

Again much to everyone’s relief. 

And would you look at that. Her mother is reading our own stories.

My goodness me. We best watch our language.

When Niamh and Miss Pancake were awake Pancake went to Craig’s bedroom door to tell him that she was quite awake thank you.

It did not have the desired effect.

Then Niamh drove up the street to get Miss Emily and Miss Pancake went along for the ride. 

And apparently she was perfectly content. 

When they got home Craig was very nearly dressed. 

Which pleased Miss Pancake no end. 

So they looked out the window when he had his first coffee. 

We waved at them as we returned from morning patrol and breakfast. 

After some lengthy discussions we settled on the porridge restaurant.

Even though it is over the very steep bridge.

Mister Holden has left today, to go on a very very long adventure. 

And tomorrow he is going to get to Singapore. 

Dugal asked if he were to stay at his own old haunt, the Raffles hotel. 

We had to explain that Holden was, shall we say, conserving his funds

And at seventeen hundred Euros a night, for a single room, it would be out of his price range I would think. 

But maybe he could try the writers bar. 

We always found that quite an entertaining place to spend the afternoon, or evening for that matter. 

I don’t know if it is quite dear, as HMG was always covering our tab. 

It was the least they could do mind you, considering. 

We had a weighing-in event at lunchtime.

Miss Pancake is now twenty six pounds, it is something else in kilograms I think.

After lunch she went in to keep Craig company in the den. 

And perhaps to see if any bagel bits could be found on the floor. 

But she fell asleep first. 

When Niamh was finished her writing she and Pancake went for another ride in the car. A longer one this time. 

So she would not be freighted of car rides.

Miss Poppy loved sitting in the car, but did not like it one bit when it was moving.

So the plan is to make sure Miss Pancake loves to go on car rides. 

Thank goodness Dugal’s car is still under reconstruction, or he would want to participate in this plan.

In the winter, with neither roof nor windows. 

Both of them would be ice sticks. 

We must be thankful for small mercies. 

And when they got home, because it was not cold outside, Niamh and Pancake went out to practice walking with her new halter. 

When they got home Craig and Niamh had ice cream bars, even before their dinner.

When Miss Tarryn dropped in for a visit, we had so much melting cheese she stayed for dinner. 

Then they took Tarryn’s car to get her brother who was out being athletic. 

Miss Pancake stayed in the den so she could mind Craig, while he watched his television program.

And perhaps got a treat or two for her efforts. 

As the city keeps threatening to plow our street, we only took a quick walk around.

Lest we get caught in the monstrous parade of plows and trucks. 

So we made an early evening of it.