Day Two Hundred and Eight

Miss Pancake 

After our breakfast the fast car took Zita and I to our farm.

We went right away because Zita’s telephone told her that is was going to be very rainy today.

So we went before the rain could catch us. Ha.

And after a while we went to a different part of the farm. 

And we found a giant hole. The biggest hole I have ever seen. My goodness.

And we went to have a look at it. My goodness me. 

And that is where they are going to build a brand new very very big hospital. 

Because the other hospital is way too old. 

When Craig was very little he was even in that hospital. That is why they need a brand new one. 

And when we saw everything it was time to get in the fast car and go home. 

But first we went to Mister Horton’s store. In our car. 

So Zita could get a box all filled with his donuts. 

But I did not get anything.

When I go with Niamh I always get some tasty treats. 

But I did not get anything today. Oh well. 

And when we got home Craig was still in bed. I told him it was time to get up. 

But he was listening to his book. Too bad for me.

But then Niamh was upstairs and then Craig was there too. 

When Craig made his first coffee I got some Scotsmen’s oat cakes. Just for me. Ha.

And then it was time for Zita and I to drive Niamh to her lovely shop. 

And we had to go there twice.

Because Niamh forgot her strait hair machine. 

Because she is going out right after work tonight. 

I do not know why she needs to have straight hair to go out. Oh well.

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

So I had a little beside him nap.

Then at lunchtime Zita went to do some shopping with Susan. 

I stayed here and minded my friend Craig. 

He is very easy to mind. 

So then I went to fast fast asleep. Good for me.

Furrgus and Festis 

We were rather surprised that it was not raining when we awoke. 

The forecast said we should have encountered a downpour. But aside from the clouds it was dry, so we decided to have an very early breakfast.

So after out patrol we went to the Sunset as it was moderately close. 

We decided on the early bird special of bacon and eggs. It comes with a side order of home fries. 

There is something to be said for the traditional fare I must say. Aside from the calories. 

As the rain had still not arrived we rather wondered home, arriving just as Mrs. T and Miss Dog were off delivering you Niamh to her shop. 

So we retired to our morning naps. 

Dugal said that Morag had left several messages. 

But we decided to put a good rest between us and whatever disaster cousin Morag had initiated. 

Miss Pancake  

My goodness me,  our cousins Ciara and Lucy were at their grandparent’s house today. 

And they brought Mister Sully to be a help with the gardening. 

When it is all warm here, I can be the best garden helper for Zita and Niamh too. Ha. That is a good job for me. 

When I woke up there was something strange outside. Maybe a raccoon. 

The other day I saw a one walking right on my street. 

Or maybe one of those smelly skunks. Oh dear me. 

But Craig could not see anything. 

That is because people are not very good minders.

They cannot see as well as I can.

They can not hear as well as I can 

And they can nearly not smell anything at all.

That is why my family has me and the badgers to mind the house. Too bad for them.

Then Zita came home and I was very happy. 

I had an extra lunch today. So I will not be so skinny. That was a tasty idea. 

And then Zita went to the grocery store. 

Because we did not have any milk for fluffy coffees. 

And when she came home Craig and she had an early dinnertime. 

With delicious bacon sandwiches. Ha. 

It was an early dinner because Niamh was not here. 

So then we watched that dangerous spy lady program until the very end.

Festis and Furrgus 

Well Dugal insisted that we play paper, stone and scissors to see who had to call cousin Morag. I lost. 

Fortunately all she wanted was to discuss the preparations for Beltane, including the trip to the Cailleach. 

And she wanted to know which barrels held the whiskey ordinaire. For that evening’s cèilidh.

I told her that the barrels with the broad arrows painted on them were the ones to use. 

Father’s prime barrels are secreted behind the false fireplace in the empty tower. 

But that is nearly a state secret mind you. 

Well after that tet á tet we all let out a sigh of relief. 

Since I had to make the call I had the right to name the restaurant for tonight’s dinner. 

And wanting to make something of this rare opportunity to spend Dugal’s money, I suggested Absinthe. In the west end of the city. 

To my astonishment there was instant and unanimous support. 

So before opinions changed I ordered a taxi and we were off, with nary a goodbye. 

Strike while the iron is hot I thought. 

Day Two Hundred and Seven

Miss Pancake 

It was a beautiful day outside when Zita and I woke up. 

I tried to get Craig up too. But he was too lazy. Too bad for him.

Zita and I went outside and practiced my homework, after we had our breakfast.

But then she had to go to her other office downtown. Again. 

So Niamh and I drove her in the fast as can be car. Ha. 

Because it is going to be summer it has go fast tires on. Ha. 

When we got back home I had a huge battle with my squid. And I won. Ha. 

Then Niamh and I practiced good listening. Sometimes that is a hard trick. Oh well.

Then Craig was all awake and when Niamh got all dressed Craig made his coffee and we had round toasts.

The full of holes round toasts. Those are very tasty toasts. 

Then Niamh was as beautiful as could be, so she and the fast car went to her beautiful shop. 

I stayed here so Craig would not get in trouble. 

There are lots and lots of dogs on my street so I have to watch them. 

Or they might forget that this is my corner.  My goodness me. 

Then I had my good morning nap.

On my own comfy chair. 


Furrgus and Festis 

We it was a gorgeous morning, perfect for a good constitutional wonder around the neighbourhood. 

So as Mrs. T and young Pancake practiced their beside her walking, we waved our support, as we went off to find ourselves a breakfast. 

Now accommodating the culinary preoccupations all three of us, Dugal actually roused himself this morning, is sometimes a lengthy process.

But today omelettes were in the forefront of all our minds, so off to The Wild Oat it was. 

And when we got there sticky buns were being pulled steaming from their oven. 

What could we do but succumb to our only far too obvious weakness. 

Though good manners required us to have our cheese and mushroom omelettes before we could test the bakers talents.

Fortunately seeing our dilemma they kept them warm for us. 

By the time we had finished washing down everything with a few cafés au lait, we headed home. Replete. 

We must do something about establishing a bake shop in Acharacle. 

Perhaps the Blackthorn-Badger Trust might be convinced to pry loose some of its sovereigns to support the local economy. 

We will put the notion in Cousin Morag’s ear. 

Nothing she relishes more than a chance to challenge the establishment. 

Ignoring the fact that she is a countess and will inherit one of the great highland estates, if she is not disinherited first that is. Ahh well. 

Miss Pancake 

When I finished my good morning nap Craig said it was my lunch time.

Good thing I woke up or I might have starved away fast asleep. My goodness me.

But I did not. 

And because I am skinny I got a very big lunch. Ha. 

But my friend Craig was a bit sad this afternoon.

Because it was the day a long time ago when his friend Uncle Bill had to go to far away heaven. 

Craig said it was very sad that Bill will not be able to go to Cork when Emmet gets the funny hat. 

But my far away friend Poppy told me that she always goes for together rides with Uncle Bill on his flying motorcycle.

And she told me, that if I remind her she will remind him when it is the very special day. 

Then they can ride down together and watch everything right from their own fluffy cloud. Ha.

That is the very best idea. 

I am not going. Because you have to get on an aeroplane to get to Ireland. 

And I have already been on an aeroplane. Two times. And they are too noisy for me. 

I stayed right in the living room this afternoon. So Craig would not be lonely. 

If you are a bit sad it is nice to have someone with you. Even if they are fast asleep. Like me. 

Festis and Furrgus 

When we returned home from our afternoon’s patrol Craig was just writing up Miss Pancake’s story.

It was a bit of a somber task as he was writing about the anniversary of Bill Blake’s death. 

We only knew the man by his sterling reputation, as Dugal had known him for decades. 

But it was a loss to the entire family, he being young Emmet’s godfather and all. 

And we heard that he used to ferry Niamh to her ballet classes in that gigantic truck of his. My goodness. 

Apparently he has a dedicated suite of rooms in Miss Poppy’s castle. As is only fitting we must say. 

Now it occurs to us that there must be quite a few of departed Blackthorn-Badgers who might be looking for some comfortable digs.

We should probably talk to uncle, he being the one with the second sight and all. 

We thought it best to leave Mr. T alone with his thoughts and Miss P, so we went up to Lansdowne as the outside patio’s were open.

And the place was almost deserted as it was but mid afternoon on a Friday. 

So we ordered up some plates of nachos, and tried a few local ciders. 

Now a few platters of spicy nachos could put to rights a cold afternoon in Glenfinnan. 

Sad to say that the local tastes run more to a nice fry up. Oh well.

Miss Pancake 

When Zita got home we went right outside and practiced our polite walking. 

And we did it for a very long time. I was very very good. Zita told me so. 

Then I minded Craig.

Because Zita went to visit Professor Jill.

This afternoon Miss Amy, her very old very little dog had to go to the very far away heaven to be with her other old dogs. . 

But her other dogs were nearly very big. They used to go for walks with our Poppy. 

They were from way up north dogs. And they were very very furry. Oh goodness me.

So Zita went to help her be sad. Oh dear. 

This is a bit of a too sad day. 

But because she did not get home until late Mister Tony brought us a tasty pizza.

So we were all full up when it was time to watch our television program. Ha. 

Day Two Hundred and Six

Miss Pancake 

When Zita and I were awake it was just the right time to practice our gentle walking. Right outside our house.

And we saw Mrs. Bruna. 

She was home from walking all over some very far away in Spain mountains. 

And Mr. Lyndon is back too. 

And they still have their very own feet. They did not walk until they fell off. 

So they did not have to buy new ones. That is good.

Zita and I had time for our practicing because she did not go to her other office today. 

Because she went the other day instead. 

Niamh did not get up early early early today.

Because she has finished all her university work. My goodness.

She did not even stay out until late last night. 

Because she was tired after her hopping all around dance class.

But after I helped her with her breakfast it was time for her to go to the very lovely store. 

Because she does not have any money. Oh dear. 

So she found some of her very beautiful clothes.

So she could be very beautiful when she is helping people buy beautiful clothes at her store. 

So I gave her lots of very big hugs so she would be happy at work. 

And then a very nice nurse came to my house. 

And she stuck a needle in Craig’s hand.

And she took away nearly all of his own blood. Oh my goodness me.

I do not know why she did that. 

Nobody told me that she was going to do that. My goodness me. 

So then I stayed with him in the living room. In case he needed me. 

That is a very important job for dogs. It is known.

Festis and Furrgus 

When we opened the door this morning it was obvious that our flowers had been hard at work.

Because there was a cluster of tulips and another of daffodils all ready to great us and the morning. 

Now that is the way to start the day. 

So encouraged by this we sprightly set forth on our morning patrol. 

Fortunately just in time Dugal’s telephone reminded us that it was Thursday. 

And Thursdays are when Suzy Q delivers their scrumptious doughnuts to Little Victories. 

And it nearly slipped our minds.

So, with some haste we made it before the ravaging hordes made of with the best ones. 

After having acquired our conscience’s limit, we settled back for a leisurely breakfast of coffee, doughnuts and people watching. 

We put aside a few of the more exotic ones for Niamh. For a late night celebration in front of her computer. 

When we got home there was a nurse there. Extracting blood from Mr. T. 

Since his disastrous tumble he does not go downtown to his doctor’s office. 

So the office comes here do do the tests for his annual medical appointment. 

Now that is remarkably civilized I do say. 

Miss Pancake 

At lunchtime Zita went outside to put the roof on the swinging sofa in the patio. That was a good idea.

Because soon it will be hot outside and you have to have a roof or your head will get cooked. 

And then she had to go back to work for another meeting. Too bad for her.

When I got my lunch I got more food. Because my other doctor said I was skinny. Ha. 

Then Mister Paul came by to get his coffee and share his croissants. 

And I got a little bit of brand new croissant. Because now I am skinny. 

And when he left I went in to mind my friend Zita in our own office. That is my best job. 

Then I woke up and our work was all over. My goodness.

And Zita took her not so fast bicycle to the grocery store to get some delicious food for dinnertime. 

And some brand new crunchy bread for lunchtime sandwiches.

I had to stay here and mind Craig. 

Because I do not know how to ride a bicycle. 

Minding Craig is not so very interesting. 

Going to the grocery store would be very interesting. 

Maybe she went go to Mister Nicastro’s cheese store. Oh dear. 

So just sat at my window and waited for that slow bicycle to bring her home. 

She should get a fast bicycle like my friend Niamh’s very red fast bicycle. 

We had toasty sandwiches for dinner and it was very early because Zita had another after dinnertime meeting.

I minded Craig for a while then I went in to our office to keep Zita’s feet toasty warm. 

Day Two Hundred and Five

Miss Pancake

Today was our no work on Wednesday day.

So we did not go to work. 

But after our breakfast we went to our farm for some lovely running around.

And some practice walking too. Ha. I got treats for good listening.

It was not a very dry day outside today. 

So I had to have a muddy feet bath when we got back from my running all around.

When we got home Craig was up too. 

He did not have a sleep in this morning. Oh well. 

But he was making his next coffee. That means it was toasts time. 

So we had toasty croissants in the den. 

Because Niamh was still writing her very last examination in the living room. 

And after I helped Craig with the croissants I went right to the living room to keep my friend Niamh company. 

My friend Emmet was very happy that I graduated from my class. I saw it on Craig’s computer. Ha. 

Soon he is going to graduate again.

But this time they will get to have a very funny hat. And a big red dressing gown. My goodness me.

But Miss Doctor Alice was very tired because there were lots and lots of people to fix in her hospital. 

Too many people and not so many doctors. Oh my goodness me. That is not all right. 

I fell fast asleep when I was minding Niamh. Oh well.

Festis and Furrgus 

Well last night when we got home we found a very proud Miss Pancake.

She had graduated from her first class at school with honours and got a Rosette to put on her little house. 

Well that was an event to celebrate. 

Soon everyone will have graduated, well everyone except for Mr. T and the less said about that the better. 

I graduated with a first at Magdalene, Furrgus, well he did graduate, and was only sent down from Kings once.

And that too falls under the less said rubric. 

I often suspected that Morag’s father, being a fellow of Kings, had a hand in the positive resolution of this.

But to this day it all remains opaque, even to Furrgus. 

But the sight of a few score sheep chopping down on the chapel flower garden remains forever stuck in my mind. 

Needless to say he was off to Sandhurst within a week of graduation. So all’s well that ends well. 

Lochlainn and the dogs retrieved the sheep without further incident. 

This morning the weather was not terribly hospitable so we kept our meandering in check.

So we just dropped in to the Ichiban for some chocolate croissants. 

And filled up our thermos with coffee for the walk home. 

Miss Pancake

I minded Zita and Niamh until our lunchtime. 

Craig was just in the den writing and listening to some not so loud music.

I had to remind him about my lunchtime. Oh well. 

He was busy reading Niamh’s very last paper. 

But he stopped to get me my lunch. 

So I was not even a bit hungry when we went to visit my doctor. That was good.

You do not want to have a grumbly tummy when your doctor is listening to you. My goodness no. 

Zita talked to her father and her sister when I had my lunch. 

So I could not help her. Oh well. 

Furrgus and Festis 

On our way home we stopped by our local butcher to pick up a bag of scraps, which we surreptitiously snuck to Miss Pancake on our return.

One has to have graduation presents, don’t you know. 

We noted that yesterday was the anniversary of that Easter uprising. 

While it appears most of Mrs. T’s relatives were involved, we were rather grateful at being preoccupied in the far east at the time.

 

Having been a Ensign in the Royal Inniskillings, it would have been damned near impossible to take sides.

And considering the fruitless efforts of the previous 800 years, one wonders why the Sasanachs remained so bloody minded. 

Did them little good, then as now. 

Though the stories of Mrs. T’s Nana and great aunt Dai smuggling revolvers around under their clothing rang so very true.

What squaddie would dare to ask a lady to raise her skirts. Such are the limitations of decorum. Ahh well. 

Now Dugal was in the subcontinent when the division took place. It still haunts his memory he says. 

The only redeeming point was his success in shepherding Festis’s friend the Maharani of Behar to safety. 

Thus insuring her illustrious political career. 

Proving once again that the Blackthorn-Badger’s social obligations would never be left unpaid. 

Now Dugal did have a talk with Miss Dog about that Italian man who keeps dropping by to give Mrs. T unnecessary presents, under the guise of talking about the garden. 

Miss Poppy had profound suspicions about his intentions. And which the three of us shared. 

So properly briefed Miss Pancake will now look at these visits with the deep scepticism they deserve. 

As will we. Make no mistake about it. 

Our time in Italy has given us a tainted view of Italian men, perhaps equal to our susceptibility to Italian women. Ahhh well. Such is life.

Miss Pancake 

Zita and I went for a long ride to see that nice doctor. But car rides are my favourite. 

Because I can look out the window at everything going very fast. Ha. 

The Doctor told Zita that I am too skinny.

And Craig has to give me more tasty food.

So now I am going to have a before dinnertime dinner and an after dinnertime dinner. Ha. 

That is a good doctor. It is known. 

But because of my see the doctor appointment it was too late to go to my outside class at school. Oh dear. 

My new class is harder than my old class. That is not so good.

When you know everything then, just like that you do not know any of the brand new things. At all. That is not so fair

When we got back home Niamh was still working on her giant exam. Oh dear. 

And then, just like that, she was all finished. 

Now she is all finished her university. Oh my goodness gracious me. 

She was very very happy. Me too. 

So I barked a lot. Ha. 

And then she went to her hopping dance class. Because she had finished all her schoolwork. Ha.

So then Craig and Zita and I did not watch a detective program. 

We watched a dangerous lady spy program instead. Ha. 

Day Two Hundred and Four

Miss Pancake 

It was very sunny outside when Zita and I got up.

So I had a nice time in my side yard smelling the wind. So I would know what had happened when I was fast asleep.

Then Zita and I had our breakfast.

But we did not go for any practice walks this morning.

Because Zita had to go downtown to her other office. 

And today is not her go downtown day. My goodness me. 

And before the fast car took her away Niamh was awake too. 

So I minded her because she was still writing her do it at home exam. 

But when Craig got up we had toasty warm with butter croissants. In the den.

So we would not disturb Niamh. 

I went in and out lots of times this morning. Goodness me. 

But then I went in the den to mind my friend Craig. 

That is always an easy job for me. 

We did not have lunch until lunchtime was over. 

Because Craig was very busy reading Niamh’s next exam. 

But then he was finished and I got a very big lunch.

Because before dinner I go to my own school. 

And you should not have a grumbly tummy when you are at school. 

Then Craig had two round toasts, with butter and jam.

And he got a knife and cut them in half and then there were four toasts. Just like that. 

My goodness me that is a very good trick. So I got four bits today. Ha. 

We should do that trick all the time. My goodness me. 

Festis and Furrgus 

After all the weekends socializing we all felt the need to recoup our physic energy. 

So we limited ourselves to a muffin or two at Bridgehead and a cup of their hot chocolate before returning home. 

As our Niamh was deep into her second take home exam, were were as quiet as possible and snuck downstairs.

And so we had our well deserved naps on young Emmets fabulously comfy leather recliners. 

We felt quite at home, what with all the swords and spears propped up in the corners. 

And with Emmet’s full suit of chain mail, stashed under the bed, it just reminded us of home. I do say. 

Dugal noticed the spear from that old Sudan business, not the current one, the Madhi’s one. 

Well anyway, Dugal waxed on nostalgically about his adventures and quoted Kipling, at some length. 

We both fell asleep with those familiar stories enveloping us. 

Miss Pancake

Everybody was too busy today. So I had to play squid by myself. Too bad for me.

Even the badgers were down stairs being very quiet. 

So Mister Colonel Dugal was not here to tell me lots and lots of interesting stories. 

He told me that when Miss Poppy lived here Emmet used to read her the interesting stories from his university work.

But now he is in far away Ireland Dugal said it is his responsibility to educate me. 

Because I cannot just learn all about everything interesting only in my school. 

Like how to live in a tree when there are too many tigers about. 

Or where to buy the tastiest pastries in Vienna. 

Or where is the best tea time in Singapore. 

Or where to get your Kurkri properly sharpened in Kathmandu.

He is right. 

Nobody talks about fierce tigers in my school. Or even tasty pastries. My goodness me. 

But he was not upstairs all afternoon. Too bad for me. 

So I went into the dining room and minded Niamh until my friend Zita got home. 

And just like that we went to my school. 

Niamh could not home today because she was still writing her university work. Too bad for me. 

When I got home I showed Craig and Niamh my medal. 

Because I graduated today. I did not even know that. 

Now I can go on to my next class. Oh my goodness me. That was very exciting.

And when we got home there was a man who brought Zita a present. 

Dugal says that man always brings her presents. 

Dugal said I have to keep an eye on him. Oh my goodness. 

Then it was time for my dinner. And I was very hungry from all my work at school. Ha. 

We had more from Mexico food tonight. 

But it was not the same as yesterday.

Because tonight Zita made Nachos with chicken and two kinds of cheeses. 

Then Zita went to Professor Jill’s house to give her Willy his dinner.

Because Professor Jill was at the hospital with her other dog who had a sick tummy. Oh dear. 

Then Zita read Niamh very big story. 

Day Two Hundred and Three

Miss Pancake

It was time for everyone to go to work today. 

Because it was not so very nice outside this morning we did not go for a good morning walk.

We had our breakfast in the living room and looked out the windows instead.

Then it was time for Rascal Ladies work. 

Craig did not have a nice sleep in this morning.

But when he made his very first coffee he put a croissant in the oven. 

So we could have a toasty croissant for our breakfast.

Then we played tug the rope for a long time. But then I had to help Niamh. 

Because she was writing a do it in your own house exam. In our living room. 

Those are good exams. 

Because you can have tasty treats whenever you want. And have your own favourite coffee cup. Ha. 

Then Craig was very busy too. 

Because he was reading Niamh’s story. To make sure it was beautiful.

And then it was lunchtime.

But before I had my lunch Zita and I went to our favourite farm. 

In the car. That was a very good idea.

It was only a bit rainy. 

But Zita told me that we would not melt. So I did not mind. 

Dugal and Festis and Furrgus 

Surprisingly we made it home at a respectable hour last night.

We had spent the afternoon and evening celebrating Tartan Day.

Though I must say, not one of us had ever heard of Tartan Day. 

It was only when Dugal received an invitation from The Son’s of Scotland that we were alerted to it’s existence.

And to be quite honest Dugal could not even remember joining the organization. 

But they advertised the appearance of massed pipes and drums, so how could we not attend. 

Parliament Hill was chock a block with kilts, some of questionable origin or fit. 

But there was no questioning the enthusiasm present I do say. 

And the quality of the music was more than respectable I do say. 

Later many of us then ventured over to the Cameron Highlanders armoury. 

We were gratified to find that there were tables upon tables of food and some rather dubious Scots memorabilia. 

Dugal told us not to wear our dress uniforms or our medals. 

As it would invite the most uncomfortable and rather unanswerable questions about our longevity.

As we have often been told, Horse Guards has a long and complicated relationship with the Blackthorn-Badgers. 

So the advice was to let sleeping dogs lay.

Speaking of dogs there was a young lady offering Scottish dog treats for sale. 

And the selection included Haggis Crunchy treats. Good Lord on High. 

Dugal forbid us from buying any, as it would only spoil Miss Pancake from ever from appreciating the more tasting common treats.

And he told us not to mention this concoction to either cook or Morag, as the potential for a long term dispute was inevitable. We agreed. 

After socializing for a while we toured the Regimental Museum, where Dugal was asked to sign their bass drum. 

In recognition of his efforts with them in the Falaise Gap. 

When we left the Regimental band played the Piobearached O’Donald Dubh and Dugal took the salute. 

Which was a lovely gesture I must say.

Miss Pancake 

Zita and I had the very best time ever at our farm. There were wonderful puddles everywhere. My goodness me.

And Zita was right. We did not melt even a bit.

And when we got home I had a muddy feet bath and when I got out of the bathroom Craig had my lunch ready for me. 

Then it was time to go back to work minding Niamh in the living room. 

She was writing a new exam all about people she did not like. Even a little bit. My goodness. 

She should find a better exam. 

Our friend Tara is still in a very very far away place. 

And it is very very old. They even had Romans there. 

But not any more. Now it is just people. . 

She is there so she can practice her another language. And have very very tasty food. 

When she comes home she always makes us dinner, with lots and lots of food we never had before. The badgers told me so.

My goodness what a treat that is.

Maybe I will be invited to that party. That would be a very nice idea. I would try that food.

Because I really like food. It is true. 

Thought we were going to have an early dinner tonight.

Because tonight is Zita’s lots of exercises class. But she forgot.

When Craig reminded her she was already making that very delicious make it yourself Mexican food. 

Oh well. 

Tarryn came for a visit so she did not starve either. But she stole my watching chair. 

I did not care because I was in the kitchen helping Zita. Ha. Good for me. 

Day Two Hundred and Two

Miss Pancake 

We only had a very little sleep in this morning. 

And after breakfast Zita talked to her mother and I watched everything outside. From my comfy chair.

Then Niamh was awake too, but she went off to study for her exams. 

And when Craig was up Zita had a squeaky shower and Craig and I had a croissant for our breakfast. 

Then Zita started to make my especially delicious treats. My goodness that is a good idea. 

Now the kitchen smells just like my treats. Goodness gracious me. 

And then Zita talked to her father. He is in Ireland too. He is making tomatoes today. In their garden. 

My friend Emmet is in Ireland. And I saw a picture of them in an important meeting. 

Emmet’s Mister Professor John was telling everybody a new story. 

But I could only see the back of Emmet’s head. And it is very furry. Just like mine. Ha.

We did not go out for a walk this morning. Because we were very busy doing important things.

So we had a very nice relax. 

Festis and Furrgus 

We were awakened by the unmistakable sound of a Ferrari in front of the house. 

Apparently it resides around the corner.

A bit optimistic taking it out before May. In our opinion. 

But since we were awake we decided to forgo our Sunday morning sleep in and we all wondered over to the Oatmeal restaurant for breakfast. 

One has to keep in touch with one’s heritage you know. 

And to our delight they are now offering a multitude of scones to augment the porridge. 

So we filled a small sack to supplement our emergency supplies. 

One should never let the opportunity to add to your supply of scones. 

And I know what I am talking about. 

One long week in Tobruk, some Australian lads and I had to exist on stale dates and fourth rate Chianti. 

Miss Pancake 

After lunchtime Zita went outside and got a bunch of very big pieces. 

And when she was finished there was a very big swing on our patio. 

In the summertime we can sit on it and not get hot. Because it has a roof. Ha.

Then she needed me outside so I could mind her. 

And practice my best beside her walking.

I think a nasty bug bit my leg. 

Because it was very itchy. But then it was not. Oh well. 

When Niamh came home Craig and Zita went for a walk. Together.

I did not that Craig could go right on the road. Just like a car. But not so loud.

I do not think the go fast chair should go on the road. 

It is not so big and maybe it will get squished. And Craig too. Oh my goodness me. 

I stayed here so I could mind my friend Niamh while she was studying.

When Craig and Zita came home Zita and Niamh went to Tarryn’s house with a lot of clothes to trade with other ladies. 

Craig and I stayed here for a relax. 

Furrgus and Festis 

It being the designated day of rest we did.

Dugal continued to translate the Iliad into Gaelic while Festis copied Mrs. T ‘s recipe for Miss P’s treats. 

He will send it to cook to give her some leverage with Cousin Morag. 

I attempted to find the latest exploration of the cause of the First World War the least bit involving. 

You would think they would call up our second great cousin, Hortencia.

 She was there, in the Kaiser’s great brick of a palace, monitoring his deadly shenanigans. 

For the Foreign Office of course. 

Her diary is still sequestered under a 150 year embargo. 

Who wants to return all that Imperial Russian gold anyway? 

Miss Pancake 

I was in my watching chair when Zita and Niamh got home.

And they had big bags of nearly brand new clothes. Oh my goodness. 

But it was dinnertime so they could not show me any.

But our outside oven was all full up again so could have delicious fat hamburgers for dinner. 

Then Craig spilled all my food all over the kitchen. 

But I was a very good listener and I waited until it was all in my bowl. So I got a special treat. 

Then it was just the right time for us to watch the detective program. 

Day Two Hundred and One

Miss Pancake 

We had a little bit of a sleep in this morning. 

After our breakfast we looked out the windows at the lots of leaves growing on the trees. 

It was a very sunny day today. 

And then Zita talked to her mother in Ireland on the telephone. 

She told Zita that yesterday she went out and had coffee and tasty treats.

When she was in that hospital they did not have any treats. Oh my goodness. 

That is not such a good hospital.

When Niamh came upstairs she was not even a bit awake. 

So I had to jump on her to get her awake. That is a good job. 

Today is a spic and span the house day. That is a good day.

Because Zita and I have the very best game. 

She has a very long stick with a fuzzy end. 

And when she tries to clean things I try to catch it.

That is a very good game. 

Because sometimes I win. 

Because I am very quick. Zita told me so. Ha. 

Then it was time to drive Niamh to her store and for Zita and I to go to our farm. 

So I could practice my sniffing. So I could find things. If they got lost.

And just like that I found a tree with a secret room. 

Zita said that was where the Sidhe live. 

But they were were not at home today. Maybe they had Saturday errands to do. Just like us. 

When we got home I went in the den to say good morning to Craig’s friends on the computer. 

And they all said hello to me. Because they are polite just like me. 

Furrgus and Festis 

As it was cleaning day here the three of us decamped well before the Swifter and the vacuum cleaner made their appearance.

No matter how we try to convince Mrs. T that a brisk walk through the park is all that is needed to keep us clean and dust free.

So it was off to the Sunset Grill for a leisurely breakfast of bacon and eggs, and in family acknowledgement - pancakes. 

Timing our absence was crucial, as we did not want to return into the midst of the whirlwind. 

Fortunately everyone was preoccupied with their own lives when we snuck in. 

After lunchtime Mrs. T took that lovely lamp to a repair store, as if you touched it you received an electrical shock. 

Which all in all is a bad thing. 

And she also had to get another bottle of gas for the barbecue. 

I sensed hamburgers will soon be on the menu. 

Miss Pancake 

I did not have a very good afternoon.

Craig went outside and I could not see him, then Zita went outside too. 

And I looked and looked and she was gone. 

Then I was all by myself. I did not like that at all. They did not come back right away. 

Even when I barked very loudly. 

And when they came back right away Zita went to do her important errands and I barked a lot more. 

So I got in trouble for being a too much barking dog. 

So I went outside into my side yard. 

To see if I could see Zita, but she was not there. Too bad for me. 

But I got too tired barking so I came in and had my nap. 

But I was a bit of a sad dog. Too bad for me. 

And when she got home she had to go shopping so she could make some more delicious treats for me.

But I just wanted her to stay right here. With me. 

In case she forgot how to find our house. And could not ever come home at all. Oh my goodness me. 

Then I got into more trouble. Because I put my feet on the kitchen counter. 

So I could see what was there. 

Oh well too bad for me. 

When I was looking for Zita out my watching window I saw a very very loud car. 

And it was as red as could be. And it did not have a roof at all. That was a silly car. 

When Zita got home I was very happy. She did not get lost so she came home. Good for us.

We went to get Niamh but she forgot to tell us that she was going out.

So we came home and Zita made tasty chips and fishes too. 

Day Two Hundred

Miss Pancake 

When Zita and I got all awake and looked out the big windows it was a sunny day. And it was even a bit warm. 

But we did not go for a good morning walk. 

Because Zita got the beautiful dog tools so she could make me neat and tidy instead.

And we had lots of Rascal Ladies work to do.

When Craig was awake I went in and helped him get dressed. 

Then when he made his first coffee we had one of those very tasty apple rolls. 

And when he had his another coffee we had the special for breakfast cookies. 

That was a good breakfast time for me. 

Niamh was very tired this morning, so she drove to the university so she could do more studying. My goodness.

When Zita was talking to her important meeting I went in the living room so I could keep Craig company. 

That was an important job today.

Because the computer said that there was a bear in our city. And it was a very big bear. 

So I looked out my watching window for a long time. 

But then I fell asleep. Oh dear.

But that bear did not come to our house. 

The badgers told me. That is good. 

Nobody wants to be eaten all up by a bear. It is known. 

That is why our badgers have very pointy sharp swords. Ha. 

And Colonel Dugal has a giant axe. But he has to keep it under the bed in Emmet’s room.

It is Zita’s rule. Oh well. 

Festis and Furrgus 

It was quite an acceptable spring day today. Rather sunny with a brisk breeze. 

My brother and I left Uncle Dugal to his dreams, and after a leisurely stroll around the bloc, probing the oddly suspicious bush with our sword canes we wondered up to Bank street.

We had hoped that the whereabouts of breakfast would suddenly be clear. 

But fate decided that we would have to actually think about it. And this before the fist espresso. Such are Friday’s I suppose. 

As we had dilly dallied a fair bit this morning by the time we got to needing inspiration Irene’s was open, and nearly empty.

So not needing to venture further, we stepped in for either a late breakfast or and early lunch, depending on how guilty one might feel.

We had the full on breakfast, fried eggs, home fries, bacon, mushrooms and two different types sausages with toast and a selection of jam. 

Punctuated by many many cups of coffee. 

We took our time walking home, as things needed to settle.  

Uncle was on the telephone with the lawyers again. We made a point of not listening.

Miss Pancake 

At lunchtime, but before I could have my lunch Zita and I had to practice my walking beside her homework. 

I have lots of homework to do.

Because I go to two different classes at my school. 

So there is a lot of new things for me to practice. 

And when we were all finished practicing we looked at our beautiful new flowers too. 

And Zita took a picture of me and our brand new flower. My goodness.

Then we came back inside because I was very hungry. 

So after I had a bit of a rest Craig got me lunch. 

Then he made us a very tasty peanut butter and cheese sandwich. Cheese is my favourite. 

I thought there were only peanut butter and honey sandwiches. My goodness me.

Then it was time for me to look out my watching window. 

Mister Furrgus and Mister Festis were not here this morning, so I after lunch helped Colonel Dugal mind the house. 

Then I had my afternoon nap in our own office with my friend Zita. I was very quiet. 

Miss Doctor Alice has a very sleepy cat. 

I saw it’s picture today. 

Maybe it is so sleepy because they have different clocks in far away places. Even Ireland too.

When our work was all finished Zita and I went outside to do my homework even more times.

We could not go to the farm today because Niamh took the car away. Too bad for me. 

We were going to have hamburgers but the outside stove was empty.

So we had spaghettis instead.

Then Zita and Niamh ran over to Cara’s house.

Because Disney had an sick tummy. But he was alright and then they came home.

So then we watched a new detective program. Just us. In the den.