Day Two Hundred and Forty

Miss Pancake 

Today was our do not go to work Wednesday. 

But we did not go to our farm. 

Because it was too hot even in the morning for very furry dogs like me. 

So Niamh and I drove Zita to a store so she could do some errands. Then we came home.

And Craig was all awake.

And it was just the right time to get home.

Because Craig had nearly finished his cinnamon bun. 

But there was a little piece left for me. Ha.

Then Niamh and I went to our side yard and played catch the ball. 

But in just a little while she had to go to her beautiful clothes shop. 

They are very busy at that shop.

Because they are going to have a giant sell everything week. And they have to get everything all ready.

And later Zita is going there to get our fast car there, so she can do far away errands.

It was a very hot hot day outside today. 

So we did not even open the living room curtains until afternoon. 

But there was one space just for me to watch everything. That is my best job. 

Then it was time for my morning beside Craig nap.

Furrgus and Festis 

Another spectacular day, but it soon got too warm for comfort.

Fortunately our digs are comfortably air conditioned. 

Knowing what was coming we did our neighbourhood check as early as decently possible. 

Getting up to Bank Street we decided not to cross the bridge today. It a being steep climb coming or going.

So we went to Bridgehead for a few apple cranberry muffins and some iced coffees. 

We bought a score or two of raspberry scones. 

It case it was too hot for a pleasant tea on a friendly patio this afternoon. 

We have heard from Lochlainn.

Cousin Morag is more than a bit discouraged .

Apparently most of the people who wished to attend the founding meeting of her proposed secessionist party were either crazy or despicable.

Two competing candidates for the Jacobite legacy appeared. 

One of whom was Hungarian, the other was from Tajikistan. 

Neither could provide birth certificates. 

And there was the lady who would like the party to make the a promise to investigate the working conditions of the elephants holding up the world.

And do they get annual leave? 

My goodness who lifted up that particular rock. 

So Morag has wisely postponed the inaugural meeting until she decides some criteria to vet all of these desperate people. 

We wished Lochlainn good luck and Uncle said that he could be at Tiroam in half a day if needed. 

I suspect cook and her helpers will be at it full time, making strawberry whatnots. 

She would never let that two hundred kilograms of strawberries go to waste. 

So I suspect the Women’s Institute will have a strawberry themed summer fête.

Her strawberry cream tarts are renowned throughout Lochaber. 

As well they should be, let me tell you. 

Ahh families 

Miss Pancake

When Zita got home it was the same time as my lunch. 

She was at Mister IKEA’s giant store and she bought lots of giant boxes.

Because she is going to make the basement as neat and tidy as can be. Oh dear me.

But she had just started when Mister Paul came over for his visit. 

And he brought beers. 

So Craig and Zita and me sat outside with Mister Paul. 

We put up the no sun umbrella, but in a little while we were all too hot.

So Zita went in the den to talk to Auntie Eileen. And I minded her. 

Because it was nice and cool in the den. 

After a while I went in the living room to look out my window. 

But I am getting nearly too big for my very comfy favourite chair. 

Oh my goodness me. It is a very my own very comfy chair. 

Then it was time for Zita and me and the cool as could be car to get Niamh. 

Because it was too too hot for her to walk home. 

And tonight is her hopping dance class. Oh dear. 

But she did not go because it was too hot for hopping all over. 

Because she would just melt into a puddle. 

We did not have our dinnertime outside today. Because of the way too hot. 

I only had to mind Craig and Zita, before it was time for our detectives program. 

When I get too hot Zita gets me slippy ice cubes. Ha. That is a good trick. 

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Nine

Miss Pancake 

My goodness when we got up it was another beautiful as could be day. 

So we went to our farm right away.

After we had our together breakfast. 

And I had a wonderful time. 

Because there is nobody there early in the morning. 

So I ran all over as fast as could be. Ha.

But when we came back Zita told me she had to go downtown today. 

And it was not even downtown Thursday. Oh dear.

And she went in the fast car because she had to do some errands for Craig. 

But Niamh was all awake so I minded her while she tried to remember where she is going to be. All month. 

So I minded her. 

Then Craig was all awake too. 

Because it was so beautiful Niamh walked to her lovely shop. And the car was downtown with Zita. 

Craig did not make his coffee right away so I had a nice good morning nap. 

But when he was all finished talking to people he made his coffee, and we had a cinnamon bun for his breakfast. Ha.

Then it was time for me to look out the windows, before I had my real good morning nap. 

And because it was a Craig and Pancake day I had a very long nap. Until it was my lunchtime.

I was a bit tired today, because I had a very very busy day yesterday. 


Festis and Furrgus 

It is such an unadulterated pleasure awakening to a stunning cloudless day. Almost makes up for February. 

Before going on patrol we had a look at the freshly planted plants, so we could comment with some knowledge when our opinions were requested. 

We were most struck by the Poopy bush. How very very fitting we all agreed.

Then it was off to Wild Oat’s patio for an au fresco breakfast. 

Dugal, who accompanied us today, insisted that we order something besides omelettes. 

He said we were falling into an easy way out rut. He was probably right. 

So we each ordered a double round of blueberry crapes and iced tea.

Keeping to the motif we ordered a few blueberry lemon strudels for dessert. 

We had the foresight to each bring a thermos, which they kindly filled with iced tea to prevent heat stroke on the way home. 

It was only Craig and Miss Pancake guarding the fort we we came home. 

But all was intact so we had our well needed digestive nap.

Miss Pancake 

After my lunch I had a nice outside in my side yard nap. 

But then I smelled something tasty. And I was right.

Our friends the Badgers gave Craig some very delicious short cakes from Scotland for his birthday. My goodness.

Because they are from far away Scotland.

And I got Craig short breads from France.

Because Bouviers all used to live in far away France. 

Ha. That is very interesting. 

And when he finished his lunch I got a little piece, and it was very tasty. 

And then I got to lick all the crumbs off the plate. Good for me. 

Then I went back to sleep. 

Right on the floor in the living room. Where it was nice and cool.

Craig and I went outside for a little bit. 

But there were mosquitoes trying to bite me. 

And I could not catch them.

So we went back inside. Too bad for those mosquitoes 

Last night when Niamh got home she and Tarryn made Japanese noodles for their very very late dinnertime.

And I stayed up to help them, even when it was past my bedtime. Ha.

So when I went to bed Craig and Zita were fast fast asleep.

So I jumped right up on the bed to give them their good night kisses. Good for me.

They were very surprised. 

But I did not forget to say good night. Good for me. 

My friend Sach drove Niamh and Tarryn to my house so they could change their clothes.

They were in the noisy Jeep. 

And tonight that Jeep did not even have any doors. Or a roof. Oh my goodness. That is a silly car. 

Craig and Zita had sausages for their dinner. 

I got a little bit of very tasty potato. It fell onto the floor. Ha. 

Then it was time for our detective program. 

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Eight

Miss Pancake 

It was a back to work Monday.

But Zita and I went to our farm first. 

Before it got too hot for running around. 

So I ran and ran and ran. All over everywhere. I had a very good time.

When Zita went into our rascal ladies offices I minded her until Craig made his first too much coffee.

Because I knew that when he makes his coffee he gets his morning treat.

And today we had a very tasty sticky cinnamon bun. Ha.

Then I went back to help Zita in our offices.

And later Niamh came upstairs and I chased her and then we sat in the den. Ha.

But after she got dressed we had to go to the too much of everything store.

So I had to go with her to be her fierce minder dog. 

Being a minder dog is my very best job. 

Our car has its very own cold wind machine. Right in the car. So we did not get too hot and melt. 

Because it was very warm today. Without even one cloud in the sky. 

Furrgus and Festis 

We started early today as it was forecasted to be an hot day. 

As we left Mrs. T and her shadow, Miss Dog were off to the Experimental Farm with the same thoughts in mind.

After checking the property we got to Little Victories just as they opened. 

Considering the weather, we ordered iced cappuccinos to accompany a few or so croissants.

Fortunately there was quite a nice breeze blowing through the neighbourhood, so we had a lovely walk down by the canal.

And eventually we made it home without sun stroke. 

We were home just in time to see our Niamh and Miss Dog leave to visit that rather ridiculous CostCo store.

But to their credit they do have the least expensive gas around. 

Which was exactly with those two were looking for. 

Cook has forwarded us a bill for eleven cases of sherry and two hundred kilograms of strawberries. 

We decided to ignore commenting. The solstice is away yet. 

Though Dugal has a call into the Foundation to clarify the funding situation. Again. 

Miss Pancake 

I had a giant adventure afternoon. 

At the very start we went and found Tarryn so she could have an adventure with us. 

Then went for a lovely ride to get lots of gas to put in the car. 

Because that is what cars eat. I did not know that. My goodness. 

Then we drove on the very very fast road until we found another giant store. 

And it was a tire store. But I did not even see one tire. 

But we saw beautiful chairs just the right size for me.

And we went on the up and down machine. 

And that store even sells toys for nice dogs.

Niamh said maybe next time I will get a toy. If I am a good listener. 

And Niamh and I practiced being a very polite walker. Ha. Good for me. 

Then we had another car ride. Car rides are my favourite. 

And we went to Mister McDonald’s store.

Because Niamh and Tarryn did not have their breakfast. 

They only had lunch. Oh my goodness.

But they got pretend hamburgers and chips.  

And they got them right in our car. My goodness me.

And they got Craig a milkshake. 

Because last night when they went to get ice creams, the store was closed. 

So he could not have a before bedtime milkshake last night. Oh well. 

Then we came home so I could have my first lunchtime. Oh my goodness. 

When we were at that giant store Niamh bought a machine, that makes millions of beautiful bubbles. In my own side yard. 

For me to chase.

Ha. That was a good idea. 

But I could not play all the time because Zita needed me to be her very best helper. 

That is my all the time job. Not just a sometimes job. 

When our work was finished I stayed in to mind Craig and Zita went out to put our brand new plants in the ground. 

One is right there to make my corner very beautiful. That is a good idea.

And the other one is there just to be beautiful. Like me. Ha. 

But I had to remind Craig it was time for my first dinnertime. Oh well. 

And Zita put Craig’s birthday present plant right in front of our windows. 

So we can look out the windows and remember our old friend Miss Poppy. 

Because it is a poppy plant. That was a good idea. 

Then we had dinner.

And everybody was tired so we went to bed early. Ha. That was a good idea. 

I had a very busy day. 

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Seven

Miss Pancake

We had a very little sleep in today.

But after breakfast we went to the farm. But we could not get there today.

Because all our roads were closed.

And there were lots and lots and lots of people running on the roads.

So we could not get to our farm. And we drove all over. Oh dear.

So we came home and practiced our homework on my street instead. That was not so much fun.

It was a beautiful day today with all the time sunshine. 

But it got too hot for Craig, so he put the cold air machine on. 

And then Craig and Zita and I had out toasts in our side yard. 

So I minded them there. 

And I got some toast too. 

Then Tarryn came over to tidy everything up from our sell everything day. 

And she and Zita and Niamh went outside to do some important gardening. 

They are going to put the new bushes in the garden.

But they had to find just the very right places for them. 

And Zita put the big no sunshine umbrella up. So she would not get all burned up.

I went out too and I was a very good helper. 

But I ate a bit of some plant and then I had a sick tummy. 

So I had to go inside and take care of Craig. 

That is not so much fun as gardening. 

But I watched all the gardeners from my watching window. 

When I was feeling all better I had my lunch. 

Festis and Furrgus 

Well the household survived The Great Glebe Garage Sale. 

Young Niamh and Miss Tarryn made scads of money, which considering their state of perpetual penury, was quite welcome.

This was also the weekend dedicated to the local marathon. 

So many of the local streets were closed for the race. 

So after the morning patrol we brunched, as they say, on Nicastro’s patio. 

It being as far from the runners as was possible and remain local. 

But I do say those lads know how to make a sandwich or two. 

But having to decide amongst 12 choices of cheese and 8 kinds of Italian cold cuts was too much.

So we threw ourselves on the good taste of the staff. 

Which is usually the most elegant solution in such cases. 

As you may well imagine we were not disappointed, so much so we ordered seconds. 

And washed it down with San Pellegrino lemonade.

We had a decidedly continental brunch I do say. 

By then the temperature had started to rise and we made it home to air conditioned comfort just as the ladies came in from their gardening. 

We retired to our posts for our afternoon naps. 

Miss Pancake 

I went outside into my side yard after my lunch. But it was too hot for me. 

And then Zita went to see Craig’s mother at her little apartment before her dinnertime.

And Niamh and Tarryn took nearly all the extra stuff to the lovely shop in the fast car. 

I stayed here so I could keep Craig company.

And we had a very nice croissant for lunch. 

I got some too. 

Because I was a very good waiter today.

When Zita came home we got the very comfy pillows for our outside swing. 

Then we put them right there on the our swing.  

But I stayed in the house because it was too hot for a very furry dog like me. Oh well. 

Zita put brand new water in our bathtub for little birds. 

Because it is very hot for them too. 

Zita went out to dig holes for our new plants. But she fell fast asleep on our comfy swing. 

She should have asked me to be her helper. 

Then the holes would have been all done when she was still asleep. 

Oh well. 

When Niamh and Tarryn came home they said that they had been struck by an inspiration.

But inspiration does not hurt. That is good. 

But then they got lots of things to make a very delicious dinner. 

The inspiration told them what to get. 

So then everybody was in the kitchen. Even me. But not Craig. Too bad for him.

So everybody had black chicken. 

And it was not even cooked too much. It was cooked just right. On our outside stove. My goodness that is a good trick. 

Maybe it was magic. Maybe. 

If you do not know why things happen it is because it is magic. That is my idea.  

Tonight Craig has to find a new detective program for us. 

For my nice beside Zita nap. 

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Six

It was our sell everything day.

So everybody was up very early. 

Because we had to get everything all ready outside. 

And we put up two tents. So we would not melt.

Because it was a very hot day today. 

And the we put everything on our driveway. Even Kathy’s and Professor Jill’s stuff too.

And Sach came over to help Niamh and Tarryn put all the beautiful for sale clothes on the front lawn. Underneath the tent. 

Craig was up very very early and when he had his coffee he and I went outside too. I was a big help.

And there were people on my street even before we were ready. Oh my goodness.

And I saw lots and lots of our friends. Even Mrs. Bruna and my friend Lee. 

And Miss Lindsey brought her friend Mister Winston. He was a very nice dog too.

Craig did not even try to sell things. 

He just gave lots of things away. Especially when little children found lovely things. Like dinosaurs. 

Because the children do not have any money. 

There was even very old shiny bed. Jill did not want it anymore. So she sold it. Ha. 

Sometimes I had a nap underneath the tent.

But other times I went to be Niamh’s very best helper..

I was very very good. Everybody said so. 

And I got some cheese croissants from Craig. 

Zita made a big plate of all stuffed croissants so Niamh and Tarryn would not starve all away. 

Niamh had her cowboys hat on. So she would not melt. 

Because it was very hot today. 

And they sold people lots of very cold drinks. Because they were in a full of ice box.

Craig even got some of his favourite toys. 

A pirate ship and a Vikings boat and a tow your car away truck. Ha.

And he even has the extra parts in the basement. Ha. 

When it was after lunchtime we had nearly sold everything. Even all the beds. My goodness. 

And Niamh and Tarryn made a trillion dollars. Oh goodness me. 

And it was real money. Ha. 

But then everybody was very tired, especially me. 

Because I was outside minding everything all day. 

Festis and Furrgus 

The commotion started at the crack of dawn.  

Clothes here, clothes there. A tent or two being erected. 

Brass beds by the dozen. Boxes of  nicknacks from long forgotten vacations.

Well we knew the neighbourhood would be a travelling disaster so went to the Wild Oat as they opened, in order to beat the hordes. 

Then we took a taxi to the Museum in Hull, and spent the entire morning reacquainting ourselves with the majesty of totem poles. 

When lunch was approaching we hiked over to Bistro Coqlicorne. 

Now I had never heard of the place, but Dugal assured us the outside patio was the new place to be.

Festis and I had the onion soup and the duck tacos. Which were admittedly rather delicious.

The rather long hike certainly helped the appetite I do say. 

By the time we finished the walk home only the residues of the sale were evident. 

Which suited us perfectly. 

Our Miss Dog was too tired to get off her favourite chair, so by that we ascertained that the day had been a roaring success. 

Miss Pancake 

When everyone one went home Zita went to visit Susan and I minded Niamh and Tarryn. 

And had a bit of a very nice nap. 

Craig and Zita had a very quick dinner. 

So we could watch our detective program and I could have a very nice nap.

Because I was very busy today. 

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Five

Miss Pancake 

My goodness I was the busiest dog in the world today.

Last night we had a happy birthday party for my friend Craig and I got him presents too.

I got him delicious short cakes from far away France.

Because we Bouviers are from France too. Ha.

But short cakes are not even short. And they are not cakes either. I do not know why. 

Sometimes words are very confusing for dogs. It is known.

Miss Sach came in time for dessert. Ha. 

And she brought cinnamon buns for Craig and I.

And we had one for our breakfast this morning. 

And we had an on fire cake. And we sang the happy birthday song. 

But I did not sing it. Because I do not know the words yet. 

And Craig got brand new shirts. 

And they were not even Scotsman’s shirts. My goodness. 

Then we went to bed.

But Niamh and Tarryn were very busy. Even when we were asleep.

They brought up all the things they are going to sell at the giant sell everything sale tomorrow. 

And now our dinning room is filled all up.

And Professor Jill is going to sell things here too. 

So there are even more things on our patio and even in my side yard too. My goodness me. 

And this morning Zita and I went to our farm because it was a very beautiful day.

But I had to practice nice walking even though my school is over for the summer. Oh dear. 

I did not know I had summer time homework. I do not think that is so fair. 

And when we got home Niamh was all awake.

Because today she has a special job. 

She was playing cards with all the people on a golf course. 

Where everyone was playing golf. 

So she had to get all dressed up. With makeup too. My goodness. 

And do not get all burned up cream too. 

Then Miss Sach came and they went off to the golfing place. 

And the Jeep did not even have its roof on.

And it was still morning. What a busy day.

Then I went in to our office and minded Zita until it was our lunchtime. 

Furrgus and Festis 

My goodness me. What a hubbub of activity our home has turned into. 

With the annual neighbourhood wide garage sale set for tomorrow, Niamh and Tarryn moved their entire inventory from the basement to the dining room.

Fortunately this happened after Mr. T birthday party. 

We left halfway through the festivities as Miss P was a bit anxious about some rustling in the bushes.

We found a bunny looking suspiciously long at our flowers.

So we sent it on its way with a few appropriate curses. 

As the night was young we wondered up to Irene’s for a late dinner and some live music. 

We opted for the Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. With a few sides of onion rings. 

When we got home the place was chockablock full of yet to be bought clothes on racks. 

As everyone was asleep we followed them, but not before helping ourselves to some of the birthday cake.

This was no your gramma’s sponge cake with canned icing. 

It was a fantastical concoction floating in some sort of crème fraîche, with an accompanying bowl of vanilla infused whipped cream as a topping. 

Thank goodness we had factored in the possibility of cake remaining when we ordered our dinner. 

Fully stuffed we went to sleep without an intruding thought. 

Miss Pancake 

My goodness gracious me. 

There are people parking their cars on our streets for the sell everything day. 

And it is not even tomorrow today. That is silly.

Zita went to get some new bread and she said that the busy street is very very busy. Even all the stores too. 

I hope that they do not buy all of Mister Nicastro’s cheeses. 

Because Zita got us croissants for tomorrow and tasty cheese in croissants are my favourite. 

I waited for her to come home right from my watching chair. 

Then it was time for us to go back to our important work. 

My friend Niamh is still at outside. At that golfing place.

Maybe she is going to melt all away. 

Like my ice cubes when they are outside. Oh goodness me. 

When Zita and I were all finished our work we went outside into my side yard with Craig.

And while they had another next coffee I minded them. 

And all the drinks that Niamh and Tarryn are going to sell people when they are too hot from walking all over. Oh my goodness.

Then Craig and Zita had the tortellinis soup for their dinner.

I had my first dinnertime first. Ha. 

And when we were finished Niamh got home. 

But she had to go out again with Tarryn to get ready for selling everything.

And Zita went to Kathy’s house.

Because Kathy is selling her too much stuff on our front yard too.

Oh my goodness. 

And we have to get up early tomorrow to get everything ready for all those people. Oh well.