Day Three Hundred and Sixty Three

Miss Pancake 

We did not go to the farm this morning.

Because we had a sleep in instead. That was a good idea.

But when I got up I was very busy.

Because Niamh was up very early so she could finish making her birthday cakes as beautiful as could be. 

And the Tarryn came over to help. 

So I was very busy helping them. 

But they had to get in the fast car to go to their shop or they would have been late.

It takes a long time to make cakes beautiful. Longer than Niamh thought. That is why she was nearly late. 

And then Susan and Chris came over to have their coffees with Zita. 

And they sat outside on our lovely swing.

I watched them from my window for a while.

 But then I asked very politely if I could go outside to be their best minder.

And Zita said yes. So I was outside nearly all morning. That was a good day for me. 

Craig did not get up right away.

Maybe he had a nasty headache. Maybe. 

Because he only had one coffee this morning.

But Zita had brought home a big bag of brand new giant croissants. 

For Susan and Chris to have with their coffees.

But she said Craig could have one too. It was so big I had to help him. 

Then Zita went to Niamh’s shop to get our fast car so she could do some important errands. 

So I had my afternoon nap.

This afternoon there was a football game up on the busy street, so my street was all full of people and lost cars. Oh well.

I watched them for a while but it was not so interesting.

But when Zita came home she told me it was go to our farm time. 

So I got my brand new harness on. 

That harness is a bit scary because it is not the same as my old one.

But Zita said I was very brave and then we got in our fast car and went right to our farm. Ha. 

When we got home I minded Craig but Zita and the fast car went to Niamh’s shop.

We had so much pizzas last night we had pizzas tonight too. Ha.

Then we had to find a new detective program for us to watch. 

We have to watch the detectives before we can go to bed. It is our rule. Oh well. 

Day Three Hundred and Sixty Two

Miss Pancake 

When Zita and were all awake and looked outside we found it was a beautiful day for us.

So I had my breakfast and Zita had her hello to the whole world fluffy coffee. 

I licked the fluffy milk spoon until it was clean. Then I helped her with her breakfast. 

Then Zita woke the fast car up and  we went to our farm for our run around exercises.

But there was not even one of my friends the cows there. Maybe we were too early. 

When we got home Niamh was already dressed and ready to go to her lovely shop. 

But Craig was still in the comfy bed listening to another book. 

So I went in our office to help Zita with her rascal ladies work. 

I have two comfy beds in our office. One is a high bed and the other is my under the desk bed. 

Craig and Zita only have one bed. But it is very big. 

After I had my lunch Zita and I went for our lunchtime walk around.

And we found Mrs. Bruna and my friend Lee. That was exciting. 

Lee likes digging up things, just like me. 

But Lee has to go to our nice university to get digging things up lessons. 

And when they dig up wonderful things they cannot keep them. That is not so nice. 

I do not tell anybody when I dig things up. Ha. Too bad for them. 

When our work was all over Zita and I went for an adventure.

First we went to Miss Sue’s store just for lovely dogs.

And she found me a brand new harness. 

Because now I am too big for my old one. 

And it is red. 

And then Zita and I went to the farm. Ha.

And I got a brand new very long leash so I could run as fast as Niamh’s fast bicycle. Ha.

And when we got home Niamh and Tarryn and Jamie were here. So we had pizzas. 

Because Niamh and Tarryn had to make a big bowl of sugar and stuff.

 So they could make one of Niamh’s cakes as beautiful as could be. 

Craig and Zita and I had our pizzas in the den. 

So we could watch our detective program and eat pizza at the very same time. 

That was a very tasty idea.

And then it was time for bed.

Day Three Hundred and Sixty One

Miss Pancake   

We did not have a sleep in today.

Today is Zita’s downtown office day.

But we had time to go to our farm and had a very nice run all around. 

When we got there there was there was only us.

Because we got there nearly before the sunshine did. Ha.

And there were clouds on the ground. So I chased them. I am a very fast runner. 

But today is Zita’s go to her downtown not as nice office Thursday

So we could only stay a long time, not a very long time. Too bad for her.

After we got back home she rode her old bicycle to that office. 

Today is a do not go to work day for Niamh. 

So when Niamh came upstairs and I minded her. 

And then Craig was all awake too, but Niamh had to go shopping for some groceries.

Because today was a make delicious big as can be cakes day for me and Niamh. 

Today is my friend Sach’s sing happy birthday day. 

And Niamh made a cake for her birthday party.

But Niamh cannot go to this party because she is busy with another one.

But Sach is going to have two parties and Niamh will go to the other one.

And tomorrow is Cara and Lee’s very own birthday too. My goodness me. 

Soon I will have a birthday party and then I will a year old. My goodness me.

We have lots of birthdays in my house. 

When Niamh was gone it was time for Craig’s coffees. 

We had a very big cookie too. I helped to clean up all the crumbs.

After a while Niamh came home, and we sat on the floor and had a little relax, before it time to make the cakes.

I tried to be Niamh best cooking helper, but not even one thing fell on the floor. 

But I stayed there and was her best minder instead. That is always a very good job for me.

Then my friend Sach came to my house to visit me for a little while. Ha. 

I gave her lots of happy birthday kisses. 

When Zita came home she said we had lots of time to go to our farm again. 

That was a very good surprise for me.

So I got into the fast car and Niamh and I went together to the farm. 

Miss Emily came with us too. And today is her singing the birthday song. My goodness me.

And we ran as fast as could until it was nearly dark.

When we got home Craig and Zita were all finished their dinner and it was time for my first dinner. 

Then it was just the right time for our new detective program.

And the detective is a lady from England. Ha.

And she has a cooking delicious food for big parties company. 

But I was tired.

Because I was at the farm two times today.

So I went to fast asleep right beside Zita, so I did not see so much of the program.

Oh well. 

Then it was our bedtime. Ha. 

Day Three Hundred and Sixty

Miss Pancake   

We had just a little sleep in this morning.

Because we had to go to the farm for our good morning exercises. 

And to practice remembering all the things I forgot. Oh dear. 

And today is our do not go to work Wednesday.

When we got home Craig was nearly all dressed. 

And so was Niamh. 

So we were all as awake as could be. Ha. 

But today Zita went out to the big river where there are lots and lots of boats.

So she could learn all about driving a boat, and that boat did not even have a motor. 

My goodness. 

So you just have to wait until a fast wind comes along and pushes you all around in the water.

Today in Emmet’s Cork it was so windy they had to warn everybody not to just fly away. My goodness me. 

But Emmet does not need a boat to go to his old university. That is good. 

After Zita went away, Niamh and the fast car went to her work and Craig and I had breakfast. 

We had one of those very tasty special cookies. Ha.

Then it was time for my morning nap. 

Before our lunchtime Zita came home. She did not fall in the water at all.

But she had a wet bottom because she sat in the bottom of the little boat. Oh dear. 

Then she made toasts for herself and Craig too. I helped them so there was not even any crumbs left. 

Because I am a very neat and tidy. Ha. 

After our lunch Zita and I went for a walk so I could practice remembering all my homework. 

Because sometimes I forget everything. Then Zita and I have a sad time. 

Then she had to go and find something for her fix your clothes machine. 

I do not know why. 

My friend Dugal was a bit upset today.

Because there is a brand new restaurant on our busy street and Festis and Furrgus are not here to try it out.

He said that they will be very very disappointed. 

We still do not know where they are. 

But they send me pictures of tasty food. That is nice of them. 

Dugal thinks that Cousin Elsabeth knows, but will not tell anybody. She used to be a spy.

Dugal there is no such thing as a “used to be spy”. He said it does not work like that. Oh my goodness. 

And Cousin Elsabeth has a pretend leg. Dugal says it is a very dangerous leg. Oh dear. 

I do not think my family should be spies. 

My friend Craig’s father used to have spies for his job. 

But that was a long time ago he said. That is good. 

When Zita got home it was time for me to help her make our dinner. That is my very favourite job. 

They had tortellinis for dinner. 

We ate early tonight because Niamh had to work late tonight. 

So we had lots of time to watch our detective program. 

And for me to I have a lovely beside Zita nap.

Then it was time for us to go to fast asleep again. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Nine

Miss Pancake 

We did not go to the farm this morning because we had a nice little sleep in.

Because we were very tired from that hospital visit

And we have way too much work to do. 

Because Zita won the vote. Oh my goodness.

So we went on a little around here walk. 

Then I helped her with our good morning cappuccino and then we had our before work relax. 

When Niamh was all awake I helped her with her morning relax too. 

I am a very good relaxing dog. 

When the fast car took Niamh to her work I went back into our office to be Zita’s best assistant. 

But when Craig was all awake he had one of his very favourite cookies for his breakfast.

They are the special Scotsman’s cookies and Zita found them. Ha.

They are very hard to find. I do not know why. Maybe they are secret cookies. Maybe. 

So he had one for his breakfast. So I helped him. Because they are very big cookies. 

Then I went back into our office for my morning nap. 

And I did not wake up until it was my lunchtime. I was a bit tired.

After Zita and I had our lunch we went back to work because we have lots of important things to do. 

Colonel Dugal Blackthorn-Badger 

I, like the rest of the family, has been following young Emmet’s thirty day marathon to finish the editing of their thesis. 

Before he hands it in. 

I was extremely relieved to see that there is at least a modicum of time available for non-thesis work. 

All work and no play etc, etc. 

Still, I have had no word from Aunt Elsabeth. 

Even her butler at Ferrat claimed to have no knowledge of her whereabouts, as if I believed him.

Well at least he is loyal, if not a particularly good liar. 

Miss Pancake   

I kept my friend Zita’s feet cosy warm while she had to listen to people talk on her computer. That is a good job for me. 

So I minded Zita all afternoon until our work was all done.

Then I minded Craig because Zita had important errands todo. 

So she went on her old bicycle up to the busy street. 

But when she got home she said we should go to our farm. And it was even a bit late.

But we went anyway. Ha. That was a very good idea. 

So I ran all around with the moon. 

When we got home Craig and Zita had used food from India. 

Craig says it is always more tasty the next day. I did not know that. 

Then it was time to watch our from Holland detectives before we went to our very comfy bed.

I get to jump right up on the big bed right away now. 

I do not have to sneak up when everyone is fast asleep. Ha. Good for me. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Eight

Miss Pancake 

Last night I had to to go to the hospital. And it was not even my own nice hospital.

Because my hospital was closed, because it was late at night.

I had to go because I ate that leaf from that not so nice plant.

So Zita and the fast car took me right to the hospital. 

And they gave me some medicine and then I had a sick tummy. Oh dear me.

Then my friend Niamh came to keep us company. That made us happy.

Especially me. 

But then we had to wait a very long time.

Because the doctor wanted to make sure I was all better again. 

And when we got home it was very very late and Craig was still awake so he could make sure I was all right. 

Then we went to bed. 

And I got on the big bed right away. Because everybody was very tired.

So we had a sleep in this morning and we did not go to our work until nearly lunchtime. 

When I had my lunch I got rice right on top. And for my breakfast too. 

It is to help my tummy feel all better. That is a good idea.

After lunchtime the fast car took Niamh and I on an adventure ride. 

 ‘So we could see the world. Ha.

That was a very good idea.

We did not go to the farm because I was still a bit too tired from going to that other hospital. 

 So we went to the giant park to look at all the beautiful trees. And the all over everywhere lakes.

And I sat on a very high wall so I could see all over every where.

But Niamh held onto me so I would not fall off. That was a good  idea. 

And when we came home we did not go to our house. 

We went to a Mister McDonald’s store instead, right in the fast car. Ha. 

And I got ice cream licks. 

And then because it was Niamh and my special adventure day we went to our beautiful farm.

But I did not run all around today. 

I sat very quietly under a big tree, and Niamh drew some beautiful pictures. 

And they were of our farm. That was a good idea.

Colonel Dugal 

Another missive from the lads.

Breakfast it seems. Lord knows where.

I have been slightly perturbed by the lack of interest expressed by dear Aunt Elsabeth. It smacks of foreknowledge, I must say. Ahh. 

Old habits and alliances are hard to break. 

But they could not be in safer hands. Or more dangerous. 

Miss Pancake    

When Niamh and I got home it was nearly dinner time.

But I was a bit tired.

Because our fast car took us all over everywhere. 

Then our fast car took Zita up the street to the very delicious food from India restaurant.

So we could have that delicious dinner and not cook anything ourselves.

Because we are still very tired because of last night. 

So we had a very delicious dinner and I had a little bit of squashy bread.

Then we watched the detective program from yesterday. Before I went to the hospital. Oh well.

 But we went to bed early tonight, because we were all very tired. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Seven

Miss Pancake    

I had the very best trip to the farm today. My goodness me.

We only had a little sleep in this morning. 

Because I woke Zita up when the room was full of sunshine. 

So after we had our breakfast and our cappuccino we went outside to look at the beautiful pond.

And to wake up the fast car too.

Then only Craig was fast asleep.

And when our car was all awake we went to our farm.

When we got there we were all alone. There was not even one of anyone else there, just us. 

We did not practice our homework so much this morning. 

Because we did not go to my school this afternoon.

Because Zita had to go to her very very important rascal ladies meeting all afternoon.

But she told my teacher, so we will not get in trouble when we go the next time. That is good. 

But I had a lovely run all around. 

And then I found a bouncy ball. Ha. 

And now it is mine. Zita told me so. Ha. 

And it is a very bouncy ball and Zita threw it for me lots of time. And I found it every time.

So I got to bring it home with me. My goodness.

But when we got home I had to have a bath because I was as dirty as could be. Oh well. 

Then Craig and Zita had Scotsman’s porridge for their lunch and I had a nice nap. 

Then it was time for Zita to go to her meeting.

I did not want her to go because I could tell she did not want to go either. Oh my goodness.

But she went anyway so I minded Craig. 

Festis and Furrgus - Sub Rosa

My nephews are going to send the occasional obtuse pictures, to assure the family of their continued good health. 

But do not ask for more. Such is life. 

Now you are not alone in your concerns. 

I have been bombarded with pleadings from Morag, Lochlainn and various attractive members of the Italian nobility. 

But the Official Secrets Act remains as it always has been. 

And an inclusive D Notice has been issued. 

So as Miss P says, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. 



Miss Pancake 

I had such an exciting morning I nearly forgot to tell everybody that when Niamh and Tarryn came home from work yesterday they brought ice cream cones too.

So we had our dessert before we had finished our dinner. My goodness me.

Niamh and Tarryn had them too. 

My goodness me what a silly dinnertime.

This afternoon after Zita went to her meeting I had a very nice relax and then I watched the whole world out my watching window.

Then Craig went in the den and watched the football games. 

But I went and got him, so we could look out the window together. 

That was my good idea. Ha. 

When Zita got home she was very happy. Because they won their important meeting. Ha. That was good.

She was so excited we went for a lovely around here practice walking before their dinner.

I had my dinner before everybody else because I was very hungry today.

Because of the lots of running around. 

After dinner we watched our detective program and Zita drank some tea.

I played with my very nice new ball. 

But then I ate a bit of one the plants in the living room. 

I do not know why I did that. 

But Zita read that it was not a good for dogs plants. Oh my goodness. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Six

Miss Pancake  

I did not forget to get up on the comfy bed last night. 

So I kept Craig and Zita comfy all night. Good for me.

And when I was all awake Tarryn was here too. 

And then Susan was here too.

Niamh and Tarryn cooked a delicious breakfast with very loud music. I was their best kitchen helper. 

Zita and Susan hid in the den. 

Then Zita and I drove Tarryn to the lovely shop. 

Then we went back to my house to get Niamh. And we took her to the lovely shop too.

But I do not know why we did it two times. 

Maybe we were practicing. Maybe.

When got home again Craig nearly forgot it was time to talk to his old friends on the computer.

So right away he went in the den with his coffee and Zita made him a round toasty with lots of jam on it.

There was so much jam I had to help him. 

And I said hello to the old friends. I saw Mister Tom too. 

Today the mailman brought Craig a letter.

And it was from the nice people he gave that giant Scotsman sword to. 

So they sent him a letter to say thank you very much. 

That was nice. 

But we still have another one. 

Craig said it was a just in case sword. Oh dear. 

Then Zita and I made the house as clean as could be. 

But I stayed outside when the noisy floor machine was everywhere.

Then I went in the den so Craig would remember it was my own lunchtime.

But when Zita and I were all finished it was just the right time to go to our farm.

So we did. The fast car was just waiting for us. Ha. 

Because it was a beautiful all day long day we stayed for a long time. Just Zita and me and all the lots of corn. 

It was a bit too hot for fast running..

So we had a nice slow walk all around and I did not have to practice my homework. 

I got lots of burrs on me. Even one on my nose. Oh well

But I was very hot when we got home so I had a relax with Craig.

My friend Zita went outside and sat on our swing to read things on her telephone. 

But after a while she went in the car to get Niamh. I did not go.

Because Craig needed some company. That is an easy job. 

When they came home Niamh did not stay to play chase with me. 

She and the fast car went back to her work. I do not know why. 

Then Zita went to the grocery store on her bicycle so we could have some very delicious hamburgers for dinner. 

When Niamh came home Tarryn came too. And they brought ice cream cones. 

From a truck that sell ice cream. My goodness me. 

We watched a very good detective program last night. 

And the detectives live in Holland, and there are canals everywhere. 

And sometimes people fall right in. My goodness. 

Then we went to bed. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Five

Miss Pancake   

It was such a beautiful day that we went to our farm as soon as we finished our breakfasts. 

And we had a wonderful time. 

The nice farmers had made my own road all flat again. 

So I could run as fast as the wind. Ha.

And when we were having a practice nice walking, those very noisy geese came by.

Zita said they are going on vacation. That is good. They are very noisy.

Then I found a giant very smelly farm wagon. Right there beside my corn field. 

It was even bigger than our fast car. My goodness. And it was full of smelly things. 

But we stayed until I smelled it all over. Ha. 

We had a very very good time this morning. 

We stayed for so long we were even a bit late for our work. Oh well. Too bad for work.

And when we got home my feet were very dirty.

So I had to have very quick bath before we went to our office. 

Craig did not have a sleeping in day this morning. Because of the very beautiful weather. 

And Niamh and the fast car went to the lovely shop. 

I nearly forgot to get onto the big bed last night. 

I have to be very careful when I get on the bed, so nobody will know I am there. That is a good trick. 

When Craig had his good morning espresso he did not have toasts. He had a Scotsman’s cookie instead. I helped him.

Then I went back to mind Zita. That is my best job. 

Colonel Blackthorn-Badger 

Well as some of the story has rather unfortunately appeared in the gutter press, I have been asked, by the powers that be, to assure you that Festis and Furrgus are well and safe. 

Well, as safe was one might be under the circumstances. 

After what I suspect was a severe case of teeth gnashing, some of the Eyes asked for Furrgus’s assistance, due to his extensive experience in such matters throughout the Sub Continent, being a Political Officer there for some decades. 

Well Festis would not continence his twin facing danger unaccompanied, he too was drawn into the situation. 

They wish to apologize for their abrupt departure, especially to the local eateries, but surely all can understand the gravity of the situation. 

You cannot just go around assassinating people in our country and expect to get away with it. 

But what is known is quite unlikely to be approaching the truth, and with any luck it shall all remain an enigma. 

But until things rather settle down my nephews are enjoying an extended R&R at someone else’s expense. 

And until I am informed otherwise this must bring this conversation to an end. I am sure you will understand. 

Miss Pancake 

I was a bit tired after our lovely time at the farm this morning. 

I was so tired that I was fast asleep when it was my lunchtime and Craig had to wake me up. My goodness me. 

And after lunch Zita and I went for a long walk all around my own neighbourhood. 

And I was perfect. Zita told me so. Ha. 

Sometimes I remember all my homework. Good for me.

When we got home I helped Craig with his round toasts. 

Then I went back in our office to be Zita’s very own assistant. That is a good job. 

After our work was a finished Zita and I went for another walk. Now that was a good surprise. 

And I nearly remembered everything. Except for some way too much jumping up. Oh dear. 

It was very busy on my street because of the football game. And some of the cars were parked in the wrong places. 

Now the police’s take them away trucks will be here. Oh dear. 

We had our early dinner and then it was time for our detectives. 

And when we finished that program Craig’s football team even won. My goodness me.

Then we went to fast fast asleep because we had a busy day. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Four

Miss Poppy      

We could not have a nice sleep in because today is Zita’s go downtown for work day. 

So we had to get up early so we would have time to go to our farm and have a nice run around.

So after we had our nice breakfasts, Zita and I drove right there. 

And when we came home Niamh and I drove Zita to her other office. 

And when we got back home Niamh and I practiced our twirling around homework. 

That is very hard homework for me.

But when I do it all right I get treats. Ha.

So we practiced a lot until Niamh had to put lots of dirty clothes in that clean clothes machine. 

Then Craig was all awake too. He did not have even a little sleep in today. 

When Niamh was all finished with her dirty clothes it was time to go to her lovely shop. 

So the fast car took her.

After Niamh was all gone Craig had his coffee and we had Scotsman’s cakes. 

They are not even a bit tasty. So you have to put lots of tasty jams on top. Then they are tasty treats.

I was a bit tired because of practicing my homework so I had my good morning nap early today. 

But then I went outside for a while because it was still a very beautiful day. 

Today is our cousin Lucy’s sing happy birthday day in very far away Ireland. My goodness.

But her house has a very nice dog, Mister Sully, to help her to open her birthday presents. 

I think he can help eat some of her birthday cake.

After I had my lunch I had an outside in the beautiful sunshine nap. 

Then Craig and I had a very fat peanut butter sandwich. Craig does not always cut the bread as well as Zita and Niamh. Oh well.

Then a man came to bring him some new socks. The special socks because of the broken legs. 

The man said hello to me. He was a very nice man. 

Before dinnertime Craig and I were outside and then Zita came home. 

And she brought me a brand new toy, from Sue’s for nice dogs store. 

And it makes squeaky noises too. Ha. That was a good surprise for me. 

I was very excited. Because only very good dogs get special squeaky toys. It is known. 

Then we went on our little before dinnertime walk. 

It was still as beautiful as could be outside. 

After our dinner we went in the den to watch the detective program but I went to fast asleep in the hall.

But I woke up just in time to go to bed. 

Day Three Hundred and Fifty Three

Miss Pancake  

We did not go to our farm this morning.

Because Zita had to visit her friend Doctor Don the Dentist. But his office is just up on the busy street.

So the not so fast bicycle took Zita there. 

And then the very fast bicycle took Niamh to her lovely things shop. 

They even have beautiful socks there.

Socks are my favourite, but Zita always takes them away. Oh well. 

When it was only Craig and I here, we had a peanut butter and honey toast. Ha. That was a tasty treat.

Then I ran around and around and around all the house as fast as I could. Ha.

Then I went into my side yard for a nice nap.

Because it was another very beautiful day outside. 

Craig came and kept me company too.

He said he is only a little bit too slow today. That is good.

When Zita got home she went outside with the two dangerous cut your toes machines. 

So I stayed in the living room and minded her. 

Then she went to visit Craig’s mother and her nurse. 

I stayed here to finish my afternoon nap.

When Zita came home she said we should go to our farm for a run around. 

So we got in the fast car and just went. Ha.

But first we went to Niamh’s shop to get all the coffee cups she took to work in the morning. 

And I went into the shop too. Ha. 

When we found all those coffee cups we went to our farm.

And when we got there I had an adventure.

There was a lady and a man and a dog and they were walking right beside our tall as can be corn. 

And that dog was another Bouvier lady dog, just like me. 

And we knew we were the same right away. 

And we ran all around with each other. My goodness me we had a very very good time.

Her name was very long and I cannot remember it. 

She is older than me and is very furry. 

But they all knew my Niamh.

Because they all had been in the lovely shop, and talked to Niamh about me. Ha. 

Maybe we will see them again. That would be nice for me. 

And when we got home I was a bit tired.

Because I had a very exciting afternoon. 

So we had an early dinnertime so we could watch our detective program. 

It was the program about the three detectives who all live in the very same apartment building. 

And in that apartment building everybody gets murdered. My goodness. 

I think that is why we do not live in an apartment. 

Then we just as we went to bed Niamh came home so Zita and I had a nice talk with her. 

I think Craig was still fast asleep. Too bad for home.