Day One Hundred and Forty Eight

Festis and Furrgus

This morning was not a completely unpleasant surprise as it had been snowing during our midnight patrol.

But it was still decidedly unpleasant outside. There had been a lot of snow, but what was worse was the wind. 

It was that small icy snow that stings your eyes and gets up your nose. 

And sure enough when Furrgus and I went on morning patrol we wore our neoprene ski masks and goggles.

We did not stay out long as no self respecting rascal would be out in this weather. 

Fortunately we had yesterday’s stash of doughnuts right at hand so the morning was not completely lost. 

But I do think that Mrs. T and Pancake were taken aback at the sight on opening the blinds. 

When we returned Mrs. T had shovelled a path to the sidewalk and she a Pancake were sitting contentedly on the white chair.

Not having to voyage to the centre of town during weather such as this must be great relief. 

But Miss Niamh was working today and had to face up to it.

Miss Pancake 

My goodness when I went out to my own side yard this morning the nasty wind blew snow in my ears. My goodness. 

That is not so nice. So I did not stay out for a very long time this morning. 

I went to tell my friends the Badgers, but they had already gone. Oh dear.

So Zita and I had our together breakfast before it was time to go to work.

But before I could go to our office my friend Niamh was upstairs and needed my help.

Because it was time for yogas. 

And I am the very best yogas helper ever. She told me. Ha.

Then she had to go outside in the windy snow to shovel.

Because the little snow plows had left all the snow right behind our car. So she had to take it all away. 

And I could not be her helper. 

Because there were too many fast driving snow plows everywhere.

So I had to sit in the living room and mind her from my watching window. Craig helped me. 

When Craig makes Zita her special very fluffy coffee I get to lick the spoon. That is very tasty. Ha. 

We played the chair game this morning but I only won one time. Oh well.

So I had a little nap.

But when Zita’s important telephone call was all finished I went and I was her very best helper again.

At lunchtime she shovelled even more snow away from our house. My goodness me.

But I could not help her either. Too bad for me. 

I just had to mind Craig. Inside the house. 

That is not so hard a job and not so interesting as being a shovelling helper. Too bad for me. 

But when she was all finished we went for a walk. Not a very long walk.

Because we had to get back to our important work. Good for us. 

When we got home I had to stay in the kitchen because I was all covered in icy snow.

But Craig was making Zita another fluffy coffee so I got to lick the spoon again.

Then I was very tired and I had an in front of Craig nap. 

Festis and Furrgus 

By universal agreement we cancelled our afternoon patrol. 

We decided to self medicate, with the last of the Fortnum and Mason’s Christmas chocolates.

Seemed sensible to all I do say. 

Even Mrs. T was well into third cappuccino after she and Miss P returned from their constitutional.

So we did not harbour the smallest bit of guilt. 

Even Miss P just curled up and fell asleep at Mr. T’s feet. 

It was just the right kind of miserable day to do so I must say. 

Miss Pancake 

When our work was finished I showed Zita how very high I could jump. Nearly to her head.

But I got into some trouble. 

Nice dogs cannot show everybody their very best jumping. Too bad for me.

Then Zita and I went for a long walk. In the filled up with snow sidewalks. Ha. That is fun. 

Jumping in the snow is not the same as jumping on people Zita told me. 

Sometimes the rules are very confusing. 

When Niamh came home it was time for everybody’s spaghettis for dinner.

Mine too. That is not a confusing rule. It is known. 

We will have to find another detective for tonight.

Because the other one is all finished. Oh well. 

Day One Hundred and Forty Seven

Miss Pancake 

Zita and I could not have a sleep in today because it is a go to work day.

So after our breakfast we went into our off and I was her helper.

Craig and Niamh did not get up even a bit early today. Too bad for them.

When Craig was all dressed and very nearly awake he made Zita her special coffee. 

And right then there was a package for me. Right between the doors. My goodness.

And it was from our friend Miss Daphne. It was a bag full of her own made very delicious own made treats.

Because Zita told her that I loved those treats. That was very nice. 

And then when Craig was making his another coffee our friend Mister Garry came to visit me.

Because he saw the pictures of me playing in the snow. And he wanted to see how big I was getting. That was nice.

And then my friend Niamh was upstairs and just like that we went on an adventure. Just Niamh and me. Ha.

We went to the giant, and not even a bit far away farm. Ha. 

Furrgus and Festis 

We opened the curtains with some trepidation this morning.

But it was not snowing, the sun was in full bloom and the temperature had moderated. 

Which is a good way to start the week I do say.

When Zita and Pancake appeared we got ready for our morning patrol and before they had finished their breakfast we were off.

As the weather had limited our patrols for the last few day we made a extensive sweep of the neighbourhood right up to the Mahoney’s home. 

As we discovered nothing worrying we headed off to Little Victories for our breakfast.

Mondays are when the fresh doughnuts are delivered so we make a point of never missing that. 

And as we are always right there when they open we always get the very freshest ones and the best choices too. 

So we get a few boxes, which will tide us over until at least Wednesday.

When we got home Mister Garry was just leaving. He came to visit our Miss Dog. 

Dugal said he had never seen a man so in need of another dog as Garry. 

His own Mister Mattie was Miss Poppy’s cousin and now his need of another dog is quite clear. At least to us. My goodness.

But as he left Niamh and Miss Pancake went off to the Experimental Farm for some mutual exercise and perhaps a dollop of training. 

And Zita went for a head clearing walk before she cleaned off some of the discouraging snow.

Leaving the house in Craig’s mostly competent hands we and the box of doughnuts went to our morning naps. 

Miss Pancake 

On our way to the giant farm we found Miss Emily and took her there too.

Then I ran all around and I was so fast I knocked Niamh right down. 

On her bottom. Ha. Too bad for her.

Then we walked all over everywhere, I did not see and cows, but I could smell them and horses too. 

I know all about horses. 

There were lots of them on the farm where I was born. Horses are very big. Too big for houses. Too bad for them.

When we came home I had my lunch but I was so dirty from the outside I had to have a bath. 

In the bathtub. 

In the bathroom. 

Niamh and Miss Emily put me right in the bathtub. 

Because I was never even in a bathtub before. My goodness. 

I got everything and everybody just as wet as me. Ha. 

But I was a very good bath dog. Everybody said so. 

And then I was squeaky clean. 

But then I had to stay in the kitchen until I was as dry as could be. 

Niamh and Miss Emily stayed with me and I got treats. Ha. 

Then Niamh and Miss Emily went to the Mister Ikea’s store to find important things. Ha.

So Craig and I played run all around very fast. 

But then I tried to jump into Craig’s own chair. So we could share. 

But I was too big. And I fell off. Too bad for us. 

But then it was time for me to be Zita’s very best assistant. 

So I went into our own office. I was a big help. She told me. So it is true.

After we had our dinner Niamh and Miss Emily came home. 

And they had giant speakers with them. They were nearly as big as Niamh.

A lady gave them to Craig and now he gave them to Niamh for her basement bedroom.

They are so big Niamh needed Miss Emily to carry them. My goodness.

After dinner I fell right asleep on my friend’s Zita’s legs. 

So I did not see the nasty person get caught. Oh well. 

Day One Hundred and Forty Six

Furrgus and Festis 

Well what a nasty surprise this morning was.

When Festis pulled back the curtains it was snowing. 

And from the look of the outside it had been snowing all night. Good Lord. 

Well we almost went back to sleep, but soon recalled that today was our Miss Pancake’s first day of school. My goodness me.

So as you might imagine everyone was all a bustle. The extra snow only adding to the drama. 

Dugal made tea for all and sundry, while Festis and I helped Our Niamh assemble all the necessaries for the expedition.

By the time Mr. T was awake every thing was, more or less, under control and our student and her supporters were off to school. My goodness. 

As soon as they departed we downed our winter clothes and headed off to SEN.

To try out their new Sunday breakfast menu. My goodness.

We had to recourse to snowshoeing to get there. 

We had the latest SAS issued versions thank goodness.

Dugal continues with his Hudson’s Bay Company hand-made ones. 

They must predate Satan. 

Well to each their own. 

Miss Pancake 

I went to school today. Zita and Niamh took me to my school.

It was only a bit scary. There lots of other dogs there. In a very big room. 

And I did not know even one. 

But the teachers were very nice.

Only one dog chased me. But I was way faster. Ha.

And when I am all grown I will be way bigger. Ha. Too bad for her. 

And they had real tunnels and I ran through them. Ha. 

And one time I jumped right on top.

Because I am a very good jumper. 

But now I have home work to do. 

Just like Niamh and Emmet. 

But I do not have to write stories. 

I just have to practice all my lessons. Lots of times. With Zita and Niamh. 

Then next week when we go back I will be perfect. Ha. That is a good idea.

When we got home I had my lunch and Craig and Zita and Niamh had cooked right at home croissants. Ha.

But then I was very tired and I went to fast asleep under the dining room table. That was a good idea.

Zita and Niamh looked for even more classes at my school. 

So when I finish one I can go to another. Just like my friends Niamh and Emmet. 

Festis and Furrgus

When we got home from our brunch our new student was home and fast asleep under the table.

I have been under many a table. But it was never because of school I must admit. 

According to the ladies it was a successful initiation to the rigours of school life. 

Only one dog was annoying, but Miss Dog will soon put it in its place I do assure you. 

We long ago learned from Miss Poppy that Bouviers will take no guff from anyone. Four legs or two. 

The delicious brunch at SEN has completed Sundays I am afraid. 

We will now have to decide between it and the Sunset. 

And it is a far to important decision to be left to a coin toss. 

Ahh well. 

Maybe we can make the decision a poker or Monopoly prize. 

It will not matter for long, as soon summer will be here, and all the patio restaurants will be serving brunches. 

And we will be overwhelmed by choices. My goodness. 

Miss Pancake 

My friend Lee came over to hear all about my first day at school.

Then Niamh and I went to her backyard. To play in the snow.

And Disney came out to play too. And we played chase. 

But not way fast. Because Disney is a bit old. 

Like Craig. My goodness. 

But then I was very tired after playing on the snow mountain.

So when we came home I was so tired I went to fast asleep right away. 

When I woke up Zita was making dinner. 

We are having that very delicious from Mexico food.

Where you make rolled all up sandwiches by yourself. Right at the dining room table. 

So I helped her. 

And I helped Craig look out the window too. 

Being a big help is my very best job. 

When dinner was over Zita and Niamh gave me a beauty trim. 

Because there was too much fur over my eyes. Oh my goodness. 

I did not even know that.

But they got the just for lovely dogs scissors and then I was as beautiful as could be.

After dinner we watched the old detective who has his very own church. 

And now he has brand new helpers. My goodness me.

Miss Poppy told me that all detectives should have a big fierce dog as helpers. Like us. 

She is right. If Zita was a detective I would be her best helper and we would be famous. Ha. 

But I went to fast asleep and did not see him catch the nasty person.  Oh well. 

Day One Hundred and Forty Five

Miss Pancake 

It was so cold outside this morning I could not check everything out again. Oh dear. 

I could not even stand still because my feet were too cold. 

It was too cold for Zita and I to go for a good morning walk. Oh dear. 

Even my friends the Badgers decided to wait a bit. Until it was just a bit not so very cold. My goodness me.

So all of us had our breakfast and sat in the living room and looked out my watching window. Ha. 

And there was not even one person outside. My goodness me.

Then Zita and I made our tasty famous peaches and oatmeal and too much brown sugar dessert.

And we did not even wait for after dinner.

We just waited unit was not way too hot. Ha. Good for us. 

When Niamh got up she was very tired. 

Because she did not get home early last night. I woke up when she came home and it was very very late. 

So she did not have so much sleep last night. Too bad for her.

And we had to take her to her little store. 

So she could not have even a little sleep in. Too bad for her.

On our way home we went to a very big hardware store. 

And we were not even supposed to be there. Ha. 

But we went there anyway. Too bad for them.

When Zita and I got home Craig was talking to his friends on his little computer.

And he was drinking his coffees so I went and said good morning to everybody. 

Because I am very polite. 

Then Zita’s friend Miss Daphne came to have some coffee with us. And to see me. Ha.

So I could not mind Craig so much this morning because I was very busy minding Zita and her friend. 

At lunchtime everybody had the tasty peaches dessert. But not all of it.

Because we left some for my friend Niamh. 

Then I had my nap. On my comfy bed in the living room. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Well let me tell you that common sense prevailed this morning and neither Zita or Miss P or any of us tempted fate by venturing too far out. 

Furrgus made a quick trip to the corner to ascertain if there was anything untoward and sprinted back before he could congeal. 

That was the limit of the adventurous this morning. 

Our Niamh, looking a bit worse for wear I must say, appeared in time to chase Miss P around the house until they both collapsed.

Then Zita and Miss P drove the awakening Niamh to the Three Trees before returning home, 

When they arrived we were still deciding on how many layers would be needed to make it to Landsdowne without freezing.

We put a few of Craig’s instant heat packets in our shoes and sporrans and set off for a comforting bowl of Ramen.

This alway presents the problem of an embarrassment of riches, as there are three establishments who can make fabulous Raman.

Logic demanded SEN as it was by far the closest. So off we went. 

Mrs. T provided each of us with a cup of her wonderful peach cobbler to sustain us on the journey. Thank goodness.

As usual the Ramen was deliciously filling and side order of dumplings was a inspired suggestion I must say. 

With all of this inside us we made it home intact and nothing broke off. It pays to be prepared. 

Miss Pancake 

When I was all awake again Zita and Miss Daphne went downstairs to the basement. I do not know why.

I did not like that so I went in the den to tell Craig. 

And he was having even more peaches dessert. Oh my goodness.

But I got to lick the spoon, as clean as could be. Ha. That is a good job for me. 

Then I had a nice little nap on the comfy sofa. 

Until Zita came back upstairs. 

When Miss Daphne left there was a present for me. She makes very delicious own made treats for her dog. 

And she made some for me. And they are chewy orange potatoes treats. 

That was very nice. And delicious too.

Then Zita went to do some important shopping so I stayed her so I could mind Craig. 

It was a Pancake and Craig afternoon. 

So I had a very long nap. 

Until Zita came home and then she and I went and got Niamh and Tarryn.

And then everybody cooked very delicious hamburgers on the outside stove. Ha. 

But I found out tomorrow is my day to go to polite dog school. Oh my goodness gracious me. 

I did not know that I had to go to school like Niamh and Emmet. Oh dear. 

And I am going in the car to get there. But Zita and Niamh are going to come with me. 

So I will not be even a bit scared. That is good. 

Day One Hundred and Forty Four

Miss Pancake 

This morning my nose nearly fell right off.

I went outside for my good morning look around and it was so cold my nose was nearly an icicle. Oh me goodness me.

So I did not do a very good job of looking all around.

And I had to ask the Badgers to be especially careful because I did not check everywhere out so well. 

They said they would put on their warmest socks before they went out. 

And they would take their very pointy swords. Just in case. 

My goodness me.

Then I had my breakfast with Zita, before we went into out office for work.

There is a very warm spot where the sunshines, just beside Zita’s up and down desk. 

That is where I stay when I am minding her. 

My friend Niamh went to her university this morning. 

To do some more studying, so she can write more stories for her professors.

I minded Craig too. 

When Zita was making her tea and our next toasts. 

One of my teeths came out last night. 

Because I am getting my big dog teeth. Ha. 

When I get my big teeth I will be a very fierce dog. Ha. 

Zita says that I am getting so big that soon I will fit the keeps you dry as can be coat she brought back from far away Ireland. My goodness.

Already I can not walk through the table where Craig puts his coffee anymore. Because I grew too big. 

Furrgus and Festis 

I have totally recovered from my unfortunate experiment on the toboggan hill. 

A good night’s sleep and a few hot water bottles soon put everything to rights. 

Thank you for all your kind wishes.

Cook sent her famous raspberry soufflé recipe to Zita in case I was a bit down. 

That soufflé is guaranteed to raise the spirits of anyone north of the Tweed. I do say. 

Having been warned by our compatriot Pancake we went forth appropriately attired. 

Including our Tilley hats with the ear flaps. 

But my, even by the time we left, it was still colder than comfortable.

So the decision to go to the Sunset after our rather truncated patrol was unanimous. 

Nothing like ham and cheese omelettes to warm your toes. 

And a plate of communal onion rings was Dugal’s fine suggestion. 

I must say we rather doddered about before stepping outside. 

As we passed SEN it struck us that a big bowl of ramen might have been a better choice.

But then we realized that there was always this evening’s patrolling to account for. 

Miss Pancake 

When all the Badgers went outside they brought extra socks with them.

They told me the most important thing a soldier can have is lots and lots of warm and dry socks. I did not know that. 

Maybe that is why Colonel Dugal is knitting his famous woolly socks. 

He sends them to his relatives who are fighting in a far away place. Because they are family. 

And they are altogether in the борсуки Brigade. 

At night they dig giant holes and the nasty people’s tanks fall right in them. Ha. That was a good idea. 

Dugal get all his wool from Cousin Morag’s own sheep. 

She has especially very very woolly sheep. So the socks are very warm. That is good.

Dugal told me that she even has shepherds who mind them with fast running dogs. 

Because sheeps are not so very smart and they get lost all the time. Oh dear. 

Craig and I had toasts for lunch. 

Then he remembered that it was my own lunchtime too. Good for us. 

But when I was finished it was time for me to go back in our comfy office so I could mind Zita. 

While she worked. That is a good job for me.

Furrgus and Dugal

On our way home we were discussing the fact that the nonsense in Ukraine has been going on for a year. 

And there is no easy end in sight. Unfortunately. 

Dugal who keeps in touch with the kith, told us that the family has suffered few casualties.

As they all are, by their very nature, nighttime specialists. 

That was a bit of a relief, if there is any relief to be had in such a dismal situation. 

On our return we found that everyone was deep into their various responsibilities so it was the perfect time for our nap.

And to apply hot water bottles to our various extremities. My goodness. 

I have not been so cold since we tried to rescue the poor 44th at Gandamak. But that was a while ago. 

Miss Pancake 

When we were all finished work we did not go for our walk.

Because it was too cold for us. So we just stayed in the side yard until we were too cold.

And when we there there my friend Niamh came home. 

And she was cold too. So she went downstairs to have a make you toasty warm shower. That was a good idea.

And she had spaghettis for dinner. So did Craig and Zita too.

Then Sach came in her car to take Niamh out. Because it was too cold to walk outside.

So Craig and Zita and I watch a new detective. They have watched him before. 

But now it is a brand new one. 

Day One Hundred and Forty Three

Miss Pancake 

We got up early today.

Craig too. My goodness. 

Then Niamh and I took Zita to her other office. The go to in the car office. 

Then when we got home it was time for Niamh to do her important errands.

So then it was just a Pancake and Craig day. 

There was more snow outside this morning. But not so much as the radio said. That was good.

We have too much snow. 

So after Craig had his next coffee I had my good morning nap. 

Good for us.

Festis and Dugal

Furrgus is a bit under the weather today. 

He has a desperate headache after sliding headfirst into the pond last night. 

While tobogganing, without a toboggan. 

So Uncle accompanied me on morning patrol and then we retired to the Wild Oat for breakfast. 

Avoiding the garbage trucks along our route. 

We then stopped off at the chemist’s for some restorative headache powders. 

And then to Ichiban for a brace of croissants for my brother. 

We did not tell Mrs T, in case she insisted he go for a concussion check. 

A good bit of champagne in a cold glass of orange juice will put him to rights. 

Miss Pancake 

I did not have to remind Craig when it was my lunchtime. 

Because I was fast asleep. Ha. 

But I woke up when he said lunchtime. Ha.

And after lunch I had a lovely nap. 

And I had a bit of it on the very comfy white chair. When Craig was using the computer. 

But then I had to get off. Oh well.

My own bed is comfy too. 

But it is more fun to be on the chairs. 

Yesterday I got on all three of the living room chairs so I won the do not get on the chairs game, ha. 

That is an easy game to win. 

Festis and Dugal

Leaving Furrgus at home recovering, we slipped on our snowshoes and went up to the Wild Oat for a large hot chocolate.

Or two, as we watched the world go by. It was an enjoyable way to pass a bit of time.

And it allowed Furrgus to sleep without feeling he has to join in the conversation lest he appear disinterested.

Ahh well. 

On a sad note, Lochlainn notified us that the oldest of the MacDhòmhnaill boys is listed as missing in action in Ukraine.

Now his great grandfather was with the old Laird on the North West Frontier. He was the RSM as I recall. 

We have contacted the lawyers to ensure no extra hardship burdens his family. 

We completely trust Cousin Morag’s judgment on how to next proceed. 

Miss Pancake 

I did not have such a long relax this afternoon. 

Because of all the very loud snow plowing machines on my street. 

But Craig and I watched them. When I was not asleep. 

My friend Zita came home early and I was very happy. 

But she had more work to do in our own office. So I minded her right there.

Then we went for a before dinnertime walk to Lee and Cara’s snow mountains. Ha. That is a good place to go.

And I did not bonk my head like Mister Furrgus did. Too bad for him. 

Now he has to go to bed early tonight.

Zita told him so. Oh dear me. 

When Niamh came home she brought pizzas with her. For dinner. And there was one each. My goodness.

From the very famous cheesie pizza store. 

So my family had pizzas for their dinner and I had my special food for growing fast dogs. Ha. 

Day One Hundred and Forty Two

Miss Pancake 

It was only a bit too cold this morning but it was not snowing at all. 

That was good.

So Zita and I had our breakfast together and when Niamh was awake I went outside to run in the brand new snow. 

Then Zita talked to her far away parents. I minded her. 

When Craig was all dressed we were just leaving the house.

So we could take Niamh to her work.

And then we had an adventure.

Before we came back home Zita and I went to the hardware store. 

And I saw the busy street. 

And the store where the Badgers get their very delicious muffins. My goodness. 

But they were not there. Oh well. 

And I walked all around in the hardware store and met lots of people. 

And I was so polite I got liver treats. Ha.

And then we went outside to practice some more nice walking. Ha. 

I was a very good listener and got more treats. 

Then we went home.

But Zita had work to do. And it was our holiday Wednesday. Oh dear. 

But she had to talk to someone so I minded her in our own office. Good for me.

I could not mind Craig this morning because I was too busy with all my other jobs. 

But I did not have to remind Craig when it was my lunchtime today. That was good.

Then I minded him for a long time when Zita went out to do her errands. 

Craig told me that today I am four months old. My goodness. 

I do not feel so old as that. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Last night after a surfeit of pancakes, but before the discussion of everyone’s social life started, we went off on midnight patrol.

But as Irene’s was still open we decided to drop by.

So we returned to gather up Dugal and spent the rest of the evening filling ourselves with their Tuesday night fish and chips special.

And the occasional glass of porter. 

For medicinal purposes. 

When the pub closed we went home, briar walking sticks at the ready. 

Some of those raccoons are awfully bold I do say. 

We are looking forward to the day when our Miss Pancake is big enough to remind them of their proper place in the neighbourhood. 

Reaching home without incident we found the rest of the household fast asleep. 

So we were very quiet as we found our comfortable places to sleep. 

Earlier in the day we received a telegram from Lochlainn confirming the flowers had arrived. 

And that cook insists that the bacon not be charged to her monthly accounts. 

We had expected worse. Much worse. 

Miss Pancake 

My goodness me. 

When I woke up and looked out my watching  ‘window and there were men there. And a very big truck.

And they were trying to steal my own Stop Right Here sign. 

My goodness me. 

But it was too strong. So they tried to steal the other one too. 

But those men were not so very strong. My goodness me. 

Craig did not know why they wanted to steal my sign.

So I went into my side yard. 

In case they wanted to steal our snow shovels. Or my barbecue outside stove. My goodness. 

But then they went away in their truck. Ha. Good for me. 

So Craig and I went in the den and we had a nice relax. I minded him from the comfy sofa. 

And when Zita came home I minded her right on her feet. Ha. That is a good job for me.

Then we went and got Niamh so she could get her clothes for her hopping around dance class. 

So she did not have time to have dinner with us.

Then there was only Craig and Zita to mind for tonight’s dinner.

We had food from the refrigerator. So we would not waste any. 

Then because there was not even one party tonight we watched the detective program.

And I went to fast asleep on the sofa with my friend Zita. 

Day One Hundred and Forty One

Miss Pancake 

When I woke up this morning Zita told me it is my very own day today.

Because it is Pancake Day today. 

Oh my goodness gracious me. 

And at dinner we are going to have a Pancake Day party for me. With my friends. 

My friend Niamh is going to make delicious pancakes. And Tarryn is going to be here to help. My goodness.

We had a party last night too. 

With lots of our friends. Even Mister Aidan and Mister Kirian were here. And I was the very best dog. 

I slept under the dining room table and minded every until they all went home and it was time for us to go to bed too. Ha.

But this morning I was very busy too. 

Right away I minded Niamh in the den so she would be comfy warm.

On Craig’s Scotsman blanket. 

Then I played the do not get on the chair game with Craig. And I won again. Ha. He is not so good at that game. 

When Zita came in to use the noisy printer I had a nice relax on my own comfy blanket. 

The one with my name on it. Ha. 

When Zita went off to work in our own office I went there too and had my good morning nap. Ha.

Festis and Furrgus 

Well I suppose the whole world knows today is Pancake Tuesday. 

And it appears that in our house it has become Miss Pancake’s celebratory day.

Which is, if you think about it, quite appropriate. 

We on the other hand got an invitation from the Sunset to their pancake extravaganza.

So with a few fast good mornings the three of us were off.

But to our surprise it was dashed cold outside this morning.

We had to return to don extra pairs of socks. My goodness.

But it would take more than that to dissuade us from a pancake breakfast. So we set forth. 

We were not disappointed. So we stayed for seconds. 

We speculated on the wisdom of seconds, as we are most certainly going to have our own pancake soirée. 

(We saw the bundles of bacon on the kitchen counter.)

But we decided; in for a pound, in for a few extra pounds. One must be decisive. 

Miss Pancake 

After a very little nap I minded Zita in our office. Under the desk on my very comfy bed. 

When I went outside I did not stay for even a little bit. 

Because it was too cold for my feet. My goodness. 

After I had my lunch I played tug with Zita. Sometimes I let her win. 

Because I am a very polite dog. It is known. 

But then we had to go back to our office for the Rascal Ladies work. 

Because it is important work for us. 

But then I went to mind Craig. So he would not be lonely. 

I brought my new squeaky toy with me. Ha.

Craig did not mind. 

Then I went outside to make sure everything was all right.

But I did not stay so long as usual.

Because of the too cold. And there was snow falling on me too. 

So I went into the living room and minded Craig some more. 

That is always an easy job.

When we were all finished our work for the day it was time to go for our before dinnertime walk. 

And it had stopped snowing. 

But Zita had to put on new pants. Because hers had holes all the way through.

And you cannot go out in the too cold with holes in your pants. It is our rule. 

Furrgus and Festis. 

When we woke up from our afternoon nap Zita and Miss P were about to go out for their first walk of the day. 

They were both very excited. 

We were excited too. 

But not for the same reason. 

We noticed not only would there be bacon on the menu tonight, but sausages also. 

Barbecued sausages. My goodness. 

And lots of locally sourced maple syrup. 

It should be a pancake dinner for the ages I do say. 

Even if it will be our third one of the day. 

Miss Pancake 

When we got in from the walk the snow was not even stuck to my feet today.

Because it was too cold for sticky snow. My goodness. 

So I went in the den to see if Craig was still awake. 

And he was. He was just quiet.

Because he was reading his detective book. 

Then Niamh and Tarryn were home from their store. 

And then Sach arrived too. 

Because they had to make a whole table full of tasty delicious pancakes. 

And we are having bacons and sausages too. 

Because it is my pancakes day. Ha. What a good day that is.

And it happens every year too. Good for me. 

And they threw some pancakes right up into the air. 

But they caught them before I could. Oh well. Too bad for me. 

Then everyone talked for a very long time.

Until it was my bedtime. 

Then I took Craig and Zita to our comfy beds. 

Day One Hundred and Forty

We got up only a little bit early this morning.

But then I found out we did not have to go to work today.

Because it is a holiday so people can be altogether with their family. Ha that is a good idea.

So we were all here. Except for Emmet. Because he is with Doctor Alice in Ireland. Oh well.

So I helped Zita and Niamh with their breakfast.

But then Zita remembered that it was a clean the house day. Oh my goodness. 

So we made the house as clean as could be. I was nearly a big help.

Niamh stayed in the den so she could get Zita’s new phone to know it was Zita’s own phone.

Because Niamh knows all about those kinds of phones. 

Craig had a bit of a sleep in because it was a all day long holiday.

But when he got up Zita made him a toast. And I got a little bit. 

Because I was a very good listener today. Ha.

But at lunch time Zita had to go to visit her friend Roger who has his own make you beautiful store.

Because she need to have some of her hair cut. 

I stayed here to mind everybody. That is my best job.

Ladies always have a make you beautiful store. 

Boys are not so beautiful. My brothers were big ruffians. 

But now they mind fast horses. Far away, right where I was born. Ha.

I get to mind my family in my own house not smelly horses. Ha. Good for me. 

When Zita was gone I stayed right in the den so my friend Niamh would be comfy warm. Ha. Good for me. 

Then Miss Sach came to visit me. And Niamh too.

But they had to go downstairs. To clean Niamh’s bedroom.

Because today is a clean the house day.

And Niamh’s bedroom is so messy she needed Miss Sach to help her. Oh my goodness me. 

Then I had to remind Craig it was my lunchtime. Again. 

Sometimes people forget when it the time to eat. 

Because their tummies do not tell them the right time. Too bad for them. 

Furrgus and Festis 

Today is a holiday. Which rather caught us off guard. 

But fortunately not all the restaurants were closed. That was a relief. 

So we went to Cantina Gia for some breakfast chocolate mousse. And a few cups of coffee. 

It is a holiday after all. 

As it was above zero our walk home was rather a saunter. 

And when we got home Zita was there. All spiffed up. My goodness. 

And she informed us that an unknown number of Mahoneys were coming for dinner.

So we should amend our schedule as necessary if we wish to join them.

Well there has never existed a Blackthorn-Badger who has ever turned down an opportunity for dinner with old friends. 

So we acted accordingly. I do say. 

Cousin Morag and the dogs have returned from Türkiye. 

So we obviously sent her a big bunch of flowers. 

And we suggested to cook that she might fry up a few pounds of bacon for the dogs. 

That will set her off. Oh well.

I can hear her now. “Good Lord in Heaven. Perfectly good bacon for all those those scruffy dogs. Why I never…” 

Miss Pancake 

When Zita got home she was as beautiful as could be. 

And she had extra treats. 

Because the Mahoneys are coming here for a delicious dinner. 

And Kathy is bringing the dinner here. My good me. 

And today Niamh got a real letter. The postman brought it. 

And it was from very very far away Mister Holden. 

And it was a letter to me. And he drew a picture of me. 

And I was driving him on a bicycle. My goodness me. 

I did not even know I could drive a bicycle. My goodness me. What a surprise. 

Then Kathy was here. With all the food in the world. Even a chicken too. 

And we are going to cook it later. And then it will be a delicious dinner. 

Maybe we will have cheese. 

My far away friend Poppy told me that all the Mahoney’s love cheese. 

That is why they were her favourite best friends. Ha.

Maybe we will have lots and lots of cheeses tonight. Ha. That would be a very tasty idea. 

There is a Mister Nicastro’s store in heaven. And they give dogs any cheese they want. 

And you do not even have to sit. 

And there is not even a door and it is alway open. Even in the middle of the night. Just in case. Ha.

They just give you very big pieces. Just for you. Ha. Poppy told me so. 

But before dinnertime Zita and I went for a walk in the lovely sunshine. 

But it was not warm anymore. Oh well. I am very furry. 

We practiced slow walking. I got liver treats. I always get treats when I am a very good listener.

But sometimes it is very hard being a listener.

Especially when there are so many interesting things happening all around when you are outside. Oh well. 

But we went up and down the little streets, where are are not so many cars. So we would not get squished.

One time I got squished by the go fast chair. I did not like that. 

When I got home I threw up a pinecone. I ate it when I was outside. To bad bad for me. 

Zita said I should not eat pinecones. Maybe she is right. Oh dear. 

But then I was very very busy because the Mahoneys arrived for dinner and I had even more people to mind. 

Then it was party time. Ha.

And then everyone was here. 

Then we had a very delicious dinner. And there was even lots of wine too. My goodness. 

I got treats because I did not jump on anyone at all.