Day One Hundred and Seventy Nine

Miss Pancake 

Zita and I were all awake this morning and just like that my friend Niamh was upstairs.

Because she went to her university to do more writing. 

And the sunshine was not even here. My goodness me.

But Zita and I had a lovely all over walk after our breakfast.

And then it was time for us to go to our important work.

Then I got Craig up too. I sat in front of the bedroom door and talked to him. 

And then just in a little while he was all dressed too. 

He did not make Zita her cappuccino this morning. Too bad for me.

Because I always get to lick the cappuccino spoon. 

Zita says it is because I am very sophisticated. 

She did not have one because she said that she had already had too many. 

So Craig made his own little coffee. With not even a bit of milk. 

But he found his Scotsmen’s cows cup for his coffee. 

We played Tug for a little while then Zita was talking to people.

 So I minded Craig from my very comfy watching chair. Ha. 

And then Niamh came home before lunchtime. 

And she sat on my chair with me. And I told her all about my morning. Ha. 

That is a very good chair for me. 

Then Zita’s father talked to her on her telephone. And now her mother is in the different hospital. 

The just for getting all better hospital. Ha. That is good. So everybody is very happy. 

So I went in the den and minded Craig. So he would not get lonely. 

That is a always a good job for dogs. 

Festis and Furrgus 

My goodness gracious me. 

Our Niamh was up and gone before we had even made our tea. 

She was quickly followed by the rest of the family’s females. For their morning constitutional. 

We saw them in the distance as we did our sweep of the neighbourhood. They were practicing their walking techniques. 

We just wondered over to the Sunshine as the thoughts of a stack of pancakes had infiltrated our collective consciousness.

So taking that as an omen not to be ignored we ordered up pancakes for all of us.  

The non-capitalized pancakes one might note.

We tried their newly available multiple choice pancakes. 

We chose all three. 

Then as it was not too cold we went over to Whole Foods to refill the rather depleted croissant supplies. 

As the weekend was approaching, and one does not willing go grocery shopping on the weekends. 

When we arrived home Zita was in a meeting and Craig and Miss P were in the den so we just retired to our morning naps. 

After we had put the croissants in the downstairs freezer. 

Miss Pancake 

I was so busy this afternoon. 

Because we had visitors. 

Miss Sandra came for coffee. And then Mister Tom came too. And he had tea.

I knew them because I see them on Craig’s computer when they have their together coffee. Ha. 

And then Miss Sach came here too.To get Niamh. 

Because they and Miss Tarryn are going away for a just ladies weekend. Oh my goodness me. 

And they went in the noisy Jeep. Oh dear. 

But very soon Niamh was back. 

Because she forgot her go swimming suit. Oh dear. 

I think it is too cold for swimming. 

Maybe they will have a giant bathtub. Maybe. 

I was so very busy afternoon I did not have my afternoon nap. Oh well.

But I was the very best hostess. Craig told me. So it is true. 

When Zita and I went for our before dinner walk. 

And we went to my favourite farm. 

So I could do my fast running.

It was snowing a bit, but we did not mind. Good for us. 

Oh my goodness me. 

I only had to mind Craig and Zita tonight.

Because of the ladies only weekend. 

Then we had lots of time for watching our detective program before we were too tired and fell asleep. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Eight

Miss Pancake 

We got up early this morning because it is our very early day.

Niamh has a too early class at her university and today is Zita’s day to go to her other office.

But before she walked to the downtown we had a very long all over good morning to everyone walk.

It was not even a bit warm outside, but it was as sunny as could be. Ha. 

When we got home Zita talked to her mother. In Ireland. Just to say hello.

And we had a lovely together breakfast. 

And even Craig was up very early.

Because today is a Craig and Pancake day. Ha.

After Zita was gone Craig had his first coffee. 

And he had toasts with his first coffees, because it was very early in the morning. 

We had peanut butter toasts.

Because we did not have tasty jam at all. Too bad for us. 

My friend Emmet is very busy today too. 

At his very important conference. The one in his university in Cork. 

He told me that they were being very technological. 

Because Emmet has to look at all the people on the computers from all over everywhere. 

And make sure everybody is very polite. Oh my goodness. 

And Emmet is in charge of another part too. My goodness me.

So everybody is very busy. Except for Craig and me. We had a very nice relax this morning. 

So it was a very nice morning for us. 

Furrgus and Festis 

Fortunately last night’s snow was nearly invisible even by the time we arose. 

As we were donning our lovely scarves and the Alpaca kilts we nearly tripled over Mrs. T and Pancake returning from their walk. 

After a thorough perusal of the neighbourhood we went up to Bank Street arriving at Victories as it opened.

I had a double espresso and Festis had his cappuccino. 

The pastries were nearly, but not quite, an afterthought. 

The sunshine was certainly welcome after yesterday’s dreariness. 

And being dressed for it, the cold did not lessen our enthusiasm for the morning. 

Dugal did not accompany us today, being busy with his lawyers about the continuing debacle concerning his father’s will. 

Well his stepfather is a Campbell, what could one expect. 

I think it fortuitous all round if the Earl had an unfortunate but permanent accident. 

It is not without precedent. 

Unfortunately there are no desirously steep cliffs at Dhùn Stadhainis.

But there is a history of a ghost there, which might prove to be a useful starting point. 

Miss Pancake 

I did not have to remind Craig about my lunch.

Because he had to remind me.

Because I was fast asleep on my very comfy watching chair.

After my lunch Craig and I had a peanut butter and honey sandwich.

With brand new honey. 

And it was made by the bees that live around my own city. It was very tasty honey.

Then I went outside and had a little nap in the sunshine. 

And when I came in I watched everything right from my own chair. But then I went to fast asleep.

We had some very busy days and Craig and I were a bit tired so we had an easy day. 

That was a good idea.

And every time I was awake I went outside for a long time. 

Because it was not cold today. 

When I was watching everything I saw my friend the very big mountain dog.

It was going for its own in the sunshine walk. 

When Zita came home we went for our walk too. And we went right away.

Because Zita has another important meeting to go to tonight. 

On her computer in our right here office. 

Everybody had a different dinner tonight. 

Because we had the tasty used food from before. Ha.

But Niamh ate downstairs. Because of her homework. 

Festis and Furrgus 

It was a bit on the chilly side this afternoon but the other day we spied a new restaurant serving homemade Mexican food.

La Casita Nica. And it is right there on Bank street.

Unfortunately they have limited opening times. 

So we decided to make sure we were there when they opened for the dinner seating. 

This meant we had to make our before dinner patrol after our dinner.

So we intended to be a bit cautious on the amount we consumed. 

We failed miserably as we immediately were staggered by the smells that flowed from the kitchen. 

After a few deep inhalations we all opted for the steak and shrimp. It was a wise choice.

When were were finished the evening had not yet begun so we took a leisurely walk home. 

Giving ourselves time to digest what was obviously an excess. 

The resulting patrol was rather cursory I am afraid to say. 

As we passed Irene’s we were, at least I was, tempted to drop in, but was guilted on my way by my kin. 

Just as well I suppose. 

When we got home so was everyone else. And the sun was still shining. 

And we were ready for our after dinnertime naps. Much to our relief. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Seven

Miss Pancake 

My goodness I had a very exciting morning. 

Zita and Niamh and I got up early today.

And Niamh took the car to the garage. 

But it just stopped on the road. Not so far from my own house. My goodness me.

So Zita went to help her call the get your car people.

And I had to get Craig all awake and dressed. That is a very good job for me. 

I got right up on the bed and gave him so many kisses that he got right up. Ha. 

That was my best job this morning.

Then Zita came home and Craig was all dressed.

So Zita and I went for our good morning walk. 

And we even saw my friend Niamh. And she was getting into the very big truck.

And our poor car was on that truck too. 

My goodness me. 

And that truck took both of them right to Mister Mike’s garage. 

Where they will fix our car all up. And put on the fast driving tires too. Ha.

My goodness gracious me. 

What an adventure for us.

And when we came home Craig and Zita and I sat in the living room and had some toast. 

And Craig and Zita had even more coffees. 

Then Zita talked to Auntie Eileen for a long time.

Because their mother is going to a special get you all well hospital. 

Not a fix your insides hospital. That is good. 

Craig and I went in the den and I played with my wobbly ball toy. 

I only like it sometimes. 

Then I got up on the sofa for my morning nap. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Well what a morning. 

As we were about to return home and get Uncle we found Our Niamh stranded on Percy street.

The car had just stopped in the middle of the intersection. 

So Furrgus had a quick glance inside and said in his opinion it was tow truck time.

Fortunately she was already on her way to Mister Mike’s garage, the car being filled with summer tires. 

So she phoned home and we sat on the steps of the church and stayed with her until Mrs. T arrived. 

Having already phoned the Automobile Association. 

But she soon returned home to make sure that Miss dog had dragged Mr. T from his bed. 

The tow truck arrived remarkably soon and Niamh got in the cab. 

Since she was safe and sound we discreetly left the scene.

We met Mrs. T and Miss Pancake on their walk halfway home and together we all made it back without further incident. 

Both Mr. T and Uncle were awaiting our return. 

But not having anything to eat, since the Whist contest’s intermission about two AM, we nabbed Uncle went off to find a suitable breakfast. 

As the Wild Oat coddles Uncle shamelessly, it was the obvious choice. So it was omelettes and extra home fries all round. 

Miss Pancake 

My good what a morning we had.

It was very good to have my lovely until lunchtime nap.

After Zita talked to her sister it was time to make the house spic and span again. 

That is why I stayed in the den minding my friend Craig. 

Emmet was waking home from teaching at his university and sent us a picture of a canon. 

Stuck right in the sidewalk. 

So cars can not get on the sidewalk and squish anything. Ha. That is a good idea.

They are very old canons. 

Even older than Emmet’s old university. And even older than my Badger friends. My goodness me. 

We do not have any extra old canons in our country. 

Just some in old places where the soldiers used to live. 

And the one that lives under my friend Emmet’s bed downstairs. Ha. Good for us. 

When the house was as clean as could be Zita and Kathy went for a walk together. 

They went to the garage to get our car, and brought it back home.

Because it was not so sick. That is good. 

I stayed here on my watching chair, so I could mind Craig and have a nap at the same time. 

We are going to have the very tasty for shepherds pie for dinner tonight.

I can smell it. Ha. Good for me. 

I am a much better sniffer than my family. Too bad for them. 

After dinnertime we went and watched our detective program.

Until Zita and I went to fast fast asleep. So then we went to bed. 

Furrgus and Festis

After our morning adventure we had to go to the lawyers again.

As Cousin Morag is no long vying for office, we had to change our charitable contributions, from the SNP back to The Lochaber Home for Misplaced Animals.

Can you believe it; the person who came in second just up and quit Parliament altogether. 

Now that is a serious sore loser.

At least Morag offered all her competitors a choice of a few bottles of middling scotch to celebrate the election. 

But they suggested she was somehow retroactively trying to bribe them.

Bribe someone with a scotch less than 20 years old. 

Dugal nearly fell over laughing. He was appalled. 

But he said that they are all damned near being Sasanachs down in Edinburgh. What did she expect. 

We thought that conversation best left for another day entirely. 

When we got home Mrs. T had retrieved the car, so we like Miss Dog, comfortably fell into our afternoon nap. 

When everyone was in the arms of Morpheus we recommenced our Whist tournament. 

Whist is quite a quite game. Thank goodness. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Six

Miss Pancake 

We got up very early this morning.

So we had time for a very lovely long good morning to the whole world walk. Ha.

And after Zita had her first coffee I had my breakfast. 

Then Niamh was awake too but she went off to write another important story for her university.

I minded Zita while she was at her work. 

But then it was time for me to get Craig all awake. 

So I sat at his door and talked to him until he came out.

Then he had his coffee and I helped him with his too much toast.

Niamh came back home to take the car to Mister Mike’s garage. Before she went to the lovely store. 

They are going to put on the go fast tires. 

Because the too much snow is nearly all gone. Ha. 

Then it was time for my own nap.

But in just a little while Zita came in to the living room, because my friend Niamh was in the newspaper. 

And there was her picture.

Right there on the very first page. 

Because of the strike at her university. Oh my goodness me.

But she was not arrested. That is good. 

So I went back to my nap.

And then it was just the right time for my lunch.

Craig had round toasts for his lunch. They were on the stove. 

So I even brought him one. Right to him in the living room.

But I got in a bit of trouble for that. Oh well. 

But when they were cooked there was no tasty jam on top. 

Because we used all the jam. And we did not have anymore. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Well our young Miss made it on the front page of the newspaper. Probably not the last time I am sure.

We sent the picture to Cousin Morag to confirm to here that we have not fallen into political lethargy over here.

Speaking of which, she has given up any attempt to become leader of the SNP, as they are far too fractious. 

Well it is a party made up of Scots, what could she have expected I do say. 

Probably just as well, what with an influx of puppies at the castle.

Speaking of which, she has decided that as the coupé cannot accommodate her herd, and as the Bentayga is admittedly bit of a beast, she is trading in her coupé on the new shooting brake. 

She attached photographs. Ordered in BRG naturally. 

It is well that she is a substantial investor in the company. 

She has Uncle Dugal’s life long loyalty to the brand to thank for that. 

His Speed Six is still stored away, awaiting a replacement engine. And the Blower is having a new interior fitted. 

In the meantime, as we are conveniently located, shank’s mare has been our choice of transportation. 

And no nasty inquiries from insurance companies. 

Miss Pancake 

I had to help Craig with his other lunch. We had egg roll ups. 

But now they are all gone. Just like the jams. Oh well. 

I had a bit of quiet afternoon resting in my watching chair. 

But then I went in the den and found that wobbly ball. Ha. That is a good toy for me. 

Then Niamh and the car came back home.

Because before dinnertime Zita and Niamh and I went to the brand new class at my school. 

Oh my goodness me. I had forgotten about my school. 

And when we got home it was time for everyone’s dinner too. Ha. 

When I was at school a very big dog barked at me. That was not so nice. 

But I gave him my very fierce bark right back. And he went away. Ha. 

And I was the best coming back dog in my class. 

That is because Zita and Niamh and I always do our homework. Ha. Good for us. 

After dinner we watched the Scotsman detective. 

And I had a lovely sofa nap with my friend Zita. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Five

Miss Pancake 

We had a very busy evening last night. And a very adventurous day too. My goodness. 

Niamh’s friend Miss Rowan came to visit us. When it was nearly my bedtime. 

She has been Niamh’s friend for a very very long time. 

And her friend Mister Johnny came with her to visit us. 

And they did not even have a very nice place to stay. Oh my goodness.

So Niamh told them to stay here. So they did. In Emmet’s lovely bedroom. All night. Ha. 

Mister Johnny has two dogs, but they cannot live at the university with him. 

So they live with his own parents. Too bad for him. 

And this morning when Zita and I were all awake they were too. 

But they did not have a tasty breakfast. They only had orange juice.

Because today they have to drive to their very far away university. 

Right bedside the ocean. 

In their not so very big car. 

And it was all filled up with all their things. Oh my goodness.

But when they were gone Zita and I had a very nice walk this morning because it was not so windy today. 

Then it was time for me to mind Zita in our office. That is a good job.

When Niamh was all awake again she went to her university so she could be on strike. 

Because the university does not pay their new professors enough money. 

So they can only eat pastas. And do not have enough money to even put cheese on top. That is not all right.

So Niamh and her friends have big signs are walking right there at the university. Ha.

Craig told her not to get arrested. 

So she wore her sunglasses so nobody would know who she was. Oh my goodness.

My friends the Badgers told me not to worry, even if she got arrested by the University’s Goons.

Because they have had lots and lots of experience getting people of of jail. 

You just blow a big hole in the wall and everybody runs away to Monaco. 

Mister Festis’s friend, from Italy has a very beautiful apartment there. 

Where she can see her boat right there, in the harbour. 

And Niamh could stay there they said. They were sure. 

And we could visit her. Oh my. 

But that is too far away for me. Oh my goodness.

Then Zita and I went on a lovely lunchtime walk in the sunshine. 

So I did not worry about Niamh going to jail. That was good. 

And after my muddy feet bath it was time for my own lunch. 

Festis, Furrgus and Dugal

Well upon our return from our early morning duties and the following breakfast we found Mr. T telling Niamh to try to avoid getting arrested. 

Oh gracious us. 

We discovered that Niamh was off to to join the strike at her university. 

Raising the possibility of unlawful arrest. 

Ha. Now that is right up the Blackthorn-Badger’s alley. 

We have been breaking people out out jail since Flodden. 

Now the night the clan broke Kilmont Willy out of the Carlisle goal was epic enough to go down in song. 

Not wanting to worry Mr. and Mrs. T we started planning for all eventualities. 

Furrgus threw the Balaclavas into the washer, I sent a telegram to Lucia, to confirm the availability of her apartment.

She countered with the suggestion that her cousin’s Castello di Torrechiara was perhaps more secure. 

And it has a indoor swimming pool. 

Ha. That what friends are for.

Dugal said that he was sure that the last block of C4 was not too old to be effective. 

All that being done, we were prepared.

So we subtly broached the subject with Mr. And Mrs T.  They were not even slightly worried.

They said it would take a brave security guard to confront Our Niamh. 

And that Zita’s great Uncle Joe had made a profession of breaking people out of prison, so she was sure genetics would prevail.

We were amused at these assumptions, so Dugal telephoned “Jacko” Page in Hereford, just in case he needed to call in a favour or two.

We were completely committed to assuring no obstacle would prevent Our Niamh from sleeping in her own bed tonight. 

That is where genetics kick in let me tell you. 

And this possibility pales compared to our releasing of Cousin Morag from those brigands in the Kalahari. 

Now that was an adventure let me tell you.

Miss Pancake 

I took Zita on a very nice walk before lunch. 

Some people do not say hello to me when we walk by them.

That is not so polite. Not even a bit polite.

Zita says that they are just unhappy people and we should just ignore them. 

Maybe they will trip on fall down. Ha.

When we got home I was so tired I almost slept trough my lunchtime. 

But my friend Craig was not asleep. 

He said he had to be on his toes to make sure my friends the Badgers did not get too adventurous. Oh dear. 

I like adventures. 

Maybe the Badgers do too. Oh my goodness me. 

Then Mister Paul came over for his afternoon coffee and then Niamh came home too.

To get her computer so she could do more homework.

She did not have to go to jail. That is good.

But I think the Badgers are a bit sad. Oh dear. 

Furrgus and Festis 

We tried not to be too disappointed with Niamh’s uneventful return from her sojourn picketing the university. 

As we were rather looking forward to exercising some of our more particular skills, which no doubt are getting a bit rusty. 

But it did give the Marchesa the opportunity to reconnect with Festis. 

Which all in all was a very good idea. 

Mrs. T is starting her exercise regimen tonight so it was an early overdose of hamburgers. 

We spent the evening pointedly not reminiscing about lost opportunities. 

All is water under the bridge.

Though I have noticed that Dugal has kept his photograph of the Duchessa, carefully preserved in his travelling chest. 

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi. 

Miss Pancake

After Craig and Zita had their early dinner, I had mine. 

Niamh went to dinner at Irene’s with Tarryn. 

That is our friends the Badgers favourite place. But they were not there tonight. 

They stayed home to have a quiet night. 

Maybe they will knit some new warm socks. Maybe. 

Then Zita got her brand new fast shoes and went to her exercising class.

I stayed here in my very comfy watching chair so I could mind Craig until she got home.

Maybe we will watch the detective from Scotland again. Now he has a dog. 

It is not such a very big dog. 

But dogs are always very big helpers. It is known. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Four

Miss Pancake 

Zita and I got up early today. And we could not fall back to fast asleep. Too bad for us.

It was not a very nice day outside today. It was just a cloudy as could be day. 

Everything everywhere was melting again so it was way too messy for nice long walks. Too bad for us.

And then Niamh and Sach came here, but for just a little minute.

Because Niamh slept at Sach’s apartment.

Because of the for everybody’s party. 

But then they left again. Oh well. To have a for everybody big breakfast. 

Craig had a very long sleep in today. He nearly got up early.

Because he thought it was my go to school day.

But I passed all my homework so I graduated. Ha. 

Now I get to go to a harder class. 

When you graduate you get to go to harder classes.

Just like my friend Emmet. 

That is why he is at the university in far away Ireland. 

Because it had hard classes. 

And some of them are in languages nobody can talk anymore. 

Oh my goodness me. But my harder class is at the same school. 

So maybe some of those nice dogs will be in my new class. Maybe. 

Craig made another another coffee for Zita when he was all awake. And then he made his own coffee too.

And we had the very tasty yellow muffins for his breakfast. 

But then Zita had to go shopping, with Miss Susan. 

Because she left her fast running shoes in Ireland. Oh dear.

And she has a brand new exercising class to go to. 

And she does not have the right running around shoes. Only walking outside shoes. 

So now she has to find some not way expensive shoes. 

I stayed here and minded Craig. 

And when he finished his last next coffees it was my lunchtime. 

Furrgus and Festis 

Well it had stopped snowing by the time we returned from midnight patrol. 

Which is about the best one could say of the weather. 

By morning the roads and sidewalks had mostly melted clear so our morning excursion was without incident.

But it was a northern wind that made a careful selection of clothes a priority.  

After exchanging morning pleasantries with Zita and Miss P we soon arrived for breakfast at the Sunset. 

A few waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon soon brightened our outlook.

So we took the bull by the horns and called Cousin Morag. On Dugal’s telephone.

Rather surprisingly she was there, tending to the latest influx of her deerhound puppies, and was ever so pleased to show them off.

We countered with our collection of pictures of our Miss Pancake frolicking in the snow. She was impressed. 

By the time we had mutually praised our canine companions it was time to get some well needed exercise. 

Miss Pancake 

After my lunch all the Badgers came home at the very same time. 

And it was time for their afternoon naps too. Ha. That was funny.

So I got up on my watching chair and had my own nap.

But before I was finished my nap, all of a sudden the breakfast ladies came to my house. 

To visit me. Ha, that was very nice. 

But as soon as they left I went right back to my comfy nap chair.

Zita and I went for a not too long before dinnertime walk. 

And Niamh was here when we got back. 

Then Zita called Mister Tony on the telephone and just like that one of his friends brought us a pizza. 

And Mister Tony always make very delicious pizzas. 

Then when we were all finished eating Zita sat at the dining room table with lots and lots of paper. 

So Craig’s mother can give the government some money. 

That was not so interesting so I went into the den to mind Craig. 

Maybe we will watch the detective from Scotland tonight. 

Or I will fall fast asleep instead. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Four

Zita and I got up early today. And we could not fall back to fast asleep. Too bad for us.

And Niamh and Sach came here for just a little minute.

Because Niamh slept at Sach’s apartment.

Because of the for everybody’s party. 

But then they left again. Oh well.

Craig had a very long sleep in today. He nearly got up early.

Because he thought it was my go to school day 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Three

Miss Pancake 

Everybody was very tired last night.

So we only watched a bit of the detective program before we went to bed.

And we were so tired even had a little sleep in too.

But then we had to get up so I could smell all the winds for Festis and Furgus Badger. 

That is my best first thing in the morning job. Ha.

Then after Zita had her coffee I had my breakfast. 

Then Zita and Niamh talked to Nana. 

For a long time. On the telephone. In the hospital in far away Dublin.

That was very nice. 

Zita’s father brought her some of the very cross buns. Right to the hospital. Ha. 

And then Craig was all awake too and he had his coffee.

But Zita and I had to leave so I could not help him with his breakfast. 

Because it was time for us to drive Niamh to her lovely store. 

And then we went to my farm. And we had the best time ever. 

Because we had my brand new as long as can be leash. 

So I could practice my fast running and coming back. Ha. 

I was so fast I got liver treats.

Liver treats are only for very good listeners. Ha. 

When we got home Craig was talking to his old friends on his computer.

So I said hello to everybody. Because I know how to be polite. Ha.

But then I was so tired from my fast running I went to fast asleep. 

That was a good idea. 

Festis and Furrgus 

We were up early today. 

Even before Mrs. T and that wild thing, Miss Pancake.

The weather report was calling for a particularly nasty afternoon.

 So we thought to get everything done before it’s arrival.

While it was not so cold there was a goat skinning wind. So it was cashmere scarves for us.

Fortunately the Maharani has supplied us with several lifetimes supply from her private stores. 

So not only were we warm but were stunningly fashionable. 

Several young women asked where we got them but we had to reply that it was a private supplier to Tioram Castle. 

Not wanting to cause an international imbroglio. 

President Biden left town this morning. 

His plane’s arrival was the reason Mrs. T plane was diverted I have no doubt.

As it was there when she arrived some time later.

But this morning the resulting closure of roads disrupted our morning ambles. 

What with police cars abounding and even a helicopter or two. It was all rather much. 

I mean the Laird accompanied Churchill to Flanders with only Lochlainn along as backup. My goodness. 

But times have changed with stealthy drones, limited morality and all that. 

Anyway Little Victories was open and well stocked with the appropriate surplus of calories. 

So we stayed there and passed a pleasant morning. 

Naturally we stocked up on fudge brownies and oatmeal cookies. 

In case the weather closed in and prevented us from venturing forth later in the day. 

One had best be prepared for such eventualities. 

Miss Pancake 

This afternoon I stayed in the den so I could be Craig’s very best minder dog. 

He got a band new detective book. It is with his favourite detective. 

The one who lives in the city full of canals. Not streets like ours. Oh my goodness me.

And his wife is a professor. 

My friend Emmet will be a professor one day. 

Because all the very far away students in his Irish university really like it when Emmet teaches them all the very very very old stories. 

Especially the ones about cutting off people’s heads. My goodness. Ha.

When Zita came back from the grocery store she had an extra bag. And it was for me.

Niamh’s friend Linsey found toys that her dog did not play with. 

And she gave them to me. Oh my goodness.

And there was a cow and a roll around ball that pretends it is a duck. That is a silly ball.

Balls are not ducks. They do not even have wings. Too bad for it. 

Then it was time for Craig to put his feet in the beautiful feet machine. 

And they were not even so very dirty. Too bad for him. 

When I looked out my own window the outside was so full of windy snow that I could not see the empty pond. My goodness. 

I am glad we went to the giant farm this morning. 

Because I would not want to go there when you cannot see anything. 

But Niamh and all her friends are going to a party tonight. Even in the windy snow. 

Craig and Zita and I are going to stay in our own house. And have tasty chillies for dinners. Ha. 

And delicious very yellow muffins too. Just the right muffins for chillies. Ha.

Then it was time for my dessert.

Then we went to the den so we could watch more of our detective program. 

And I could have a beside Zita nap. 

I have to have a good sleep tonight.

Because tomorrow is my school day. 

Day One Hundred and Seventy Two

Miss Pancake 

Craig was watching his hockey game and I was fast asleep on my comfy sofa last night. 

Right on top of the Scotsman’s blanket.

Then he said to me that I had better look out the window. 

So I ran right away to the living room, and when I looked out the window, and our car was there. 

And my friend Zita was in the car too.

And she came right in our house. 

Because she was back home. 

The silly aeroplane found the right aeroport and then she was home. I was very very happy. Ha.

And Niamh and Tarryn and Sach were there too. Ha.

But they did not stay. 

Because they had not even had their first dinner. Oh my goodness. 

And when I looked my bed was back upstairs in my upstairs bedroom. Ha. 

So when I went to bed it was with Craig and Zita. Ha. 

And this morning when we were fast wake we had our own breakfasts.

And then we went for an early very long good morning walk, and when we got home we went right to work in our office. Ha.

But it was very early because Zita still has Irish time in her head. 

But now everything here is the same as before. 

That is my favourite time. When everything is the same. Ha.

Niamh was awake very early too. 

Because she had to make a talk to one of her early in the morning classes. Oh dear.

Craig was not up so very early as everybody else. Too bad for him.

But when was all awake he made Zita her another coffee and when he had his second coffee he had a fat peanut butter toast. Ha.

I was minding him. Right in my comfy chair. 

So I got a crunchy bit. And there was peanut butter on it. 

When Zita got home from far away Dublin she had our Merry Christmas time presents. 

Because the mailman forgot where we lived. So they went back to Ireland and not here. 

So Zita brought everyone’s presents back on the aeroplane. That was a good idea. 

Everybody got beautiful clothes. 

Except for Craig. He got a giant chocolate bar. Ha. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Well President Biden’s arrival certainly threw a spanner in Mrs. T’s smooth return.

Getting diverted to the middle of nowhere Vermont was not in the plan.

But they resumed their flight and arrived just as we set out on a foggy evening’s patrol.

So alls well that ends well as they say. 

But I do say Miss Pancake was deliriously happy to have Mrs. T back home. Which was good.

We managed to get into The Glebe Central before the kitchen closed. 

So it was a successful night all around. 

Everybody was fast asleep by the time we returned and locked up. 

So all was back to normal.

Well aside from a brace of new deerhound puppies at Tiroam. 

According to Cousin Morag this one is Murtagh. 

We are dreading the telegram from Cook, detailing her added expenses due to the new brood.

Festis is going to talk to the accountants about detailing them under the security budget. 

Might as well try. 

Miss Pancake

When Craig had his another lunch Zita made him a very tasty toasty bagel. 

Crunchy bagels are very delicious. 

Then it was time for my afternoon nap. 

I was a bit tired because of Zita’s Irish time. Oh well. 

But my chair is very comfy. 

And I can see right out my watching window if I want to. Ha. 

And when he went into the den I minded him there too. 

Because he cannot sneak away from me if I am right in the doorway. Ha.

But then I got on the comfy sofa. 

Because it is very comfy. 

It is especially comfy for lovely naps. 

When we were finished our work for the day I took Zita on a lovely walk. 

And we met another dog. 

And he was a very nice dog, so we played all around. Ha. 

That was a very good walk. 

When we came home it was just the right time for my dinner. 

And then I minded Craig and Zita until dinner was over and we could watch our detective program.

Day One Hundred and Seventy One

Miss Pancake

We were up very early this morning. 

Even my friend Craig was up so early I was very surprised. My goodness me.

Because today is Niamh’s early in the morning class at the university. 

So Craig had to be all awake so I could mind him. Ha. 

But when Niamh went to school the car was all covered in ice. 

Even all the car’s windows. And our trees too. My goodness. 

So she had to get all the ice off before she could drive away. My goodness.

When I went outside my side yard was very slippy. But I did not fall down. 

Then Craig had a round toast for breakfast. And it was not a bagel. 

It was a full of holes round toast. And we put jam tight on top of it. 

And because we were up so early later Craig had to have another breakfast. 

But we had just flat toasts that time. 

Then Craig told me my friend Zita on an aeroplane. I saw the picture. My goodness me. 

And that aeroplane would bring her back to our home. Ha.

But not until after dinnertime. Oh well.

When Craig washed all dirty plates in the sink, I had an all over the house race with my Cowie. And I won. 

But then I was tired so I had my morning nap on my comfy chair. 

But then Craig had to make lots of places very neat and tidy.

So Zita would think we were all the time neat and tidy. Oh dear.

But we are not. But we will not tell her. It is a secret. My goodness me. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Well we had a bout of the notorious freezing rain last night.

So I insisted that Uncle stay in this morning. The last thing we need is another new hip in the family.

Furrgus and I affixed crampons to our boots and went on sure footed patrol. 

As one can imagine the local traffic was sparse as everyone flight with the coverings of ice.

So we had no problem getting a table at the Wild Oat. 

While we were about to order the next round of hot chocolates, we received a message from Uncle to remind us that today Mrs. T returns. 

Well we, unlike nameless others, have nothing to attend to. Fortunately. 

But we decided to delay our return home as not to impede that hustle and bustle that was most assuredly going on. At least we hoped so. 

We also received a note from Morag announcing the arrival of new new puppies.

So she has left the Balmoral and is returning to Tiroram, where the facilities for newly arrived pups are well established. 

And Lochlainn has a fine hand with dogs. 

Now Cook will vacillate between glee that Morag is back, and despair at the arrival of even more dogs.

Morag thinks that reminding her that today is International Puppy day will help. 

Ha, I say to that. 

Miss Pancake 

When I woke up it was my lunchtime. That is a good time to wake up. 

Then when I was all finished my lunch it was Craig’s lunchtime.

And he put everything in the fast cooker. And it was some of last night’s food. But all tasty hot again. 

I got a crunchy bit of the egg rolls. Ha. I like crunchy bits. 

Then Niamh came home to watch her on the computer class. 

I have to be very quiet when she has that class. 

So I went into the den. Because that is where Craig was reading his book. 

So I minded him right there. 

While I was on the very comfy sofa. 

With the very warm Scotsman’s blanket. 

This afternoon the very old Colonel Dugal told me that today is the very special day just for Puppies. 

All over everywhere. 

So Craig give me two tasty treats.

Because I am still a puppy. It is known. Ha.

The Colonel told me that their Cousin Morag has two brand new puppies. 

So now she has nine giant dogs. It is good that they have a castle. 

So now all the dogs can have their very own rooms.

Except where the rooms do not have roofs. 

All our bedrooms have roofs. 

My friend Zita’s aeroplane had to land at a different aeroport. 

Not our aeroport. 

A middle of nowhere aeroport Craig said. Oh my goodness me. 

Because maybe of the freezie rain. Maybe. 

But she is not here with me. That is not alright.

But my friend Sach did not have such a good day. 

Maybe she sat in the wrong chair too. Maybe.

So I went over to her apartment to play with her. I took my rope. 

Then when she was all happy again I came home to mind Craig.