Wednesday 28 July 2021

A tale of five houses in England


So I've been away in England for a few days with Gail, visiting various friends and relatives.

First stop was Gail's friends in Cumbria, where we were warned that Dora, their Jack Russell terrier rescue dog, might need putting in her place.

I duly obliged by marking my territory in the kitchen of this rather grand country establishment immediately upon arrival, and all went relatively well thereafter.

Then it was further south to Derbyshire, to the lovely farmhouse where Gail's brother and sister-in-law live, along, of course, with Coco my standard poodle cousin (who is thankfully not as bossy as her late brother Percy). 

I'm pleased to report we had time for a brief diversion to inspect Gail's nephew's recently purchased and very pleasant new home. No animals here (as yet?) but an ever expanding collection of cars which Gail's brother somehow omitted from his photos of nephew and aunt. He also omitted my legs and the lower half of my body, not that I'm being critical of his camera skills or anything...

Onwards  to Nottingham, where I couldn't wait to enter our friend Janet's modest terraced house, as I just knew there would be the warmest of welcomes along with loving attention and plentiful belly rubs. 

I'd have happily stayed longer, but after three days of blissful existence with Janet, Gail said we had one more visit to make, to her friends from prehistoric times university days, who live in Pocklington, a pretty market town in Yorkshire.

Two cats, Jack and Jess, also reside here, one is apparently rather neurotic and it goes without saying that both are very annoying. Although Gail seemed to think it a good thing that I'd tired myself out trying to chase Jess (the non-neurotic one) round the garden, as I subsequently slept soundly all through the night and for the duration of the long drive back to Aberdeen. 

Gail and I are now safely home after six days Down South, both tired but happy to have re-established contact with friends and family, and (maybe) their pets.

22 comments:

  1. oooh that was a house-marathon... but so great to see what a super guest you are... Bertie the scottish ambassador is welcome efurrywhere, right?

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  2. Welcome back, Bertie! I'm so glad you had such a good time. What splendid houses you stayed in, even if one was inhabited by pussy cats!
    Now we can get back to enjoying your tales of derring-do!

    Love,
    Inca xx

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  3. Hari OM
    so good to see you back on the screen, Bertie Lad - and well done for bearing up with all that travel and visition!!! You will need a rest to recover from all that - but I am certain it was worth the efforts and you will treasure the memory. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  4. What fun times for you, Bertie, and so many peeps and furs to hang out with!

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  5. Well that's a trip! Now this is very spooky but I have two friends from Pocklington who have two cats are tandem cyclists and one of which went to Uni in Nottingham. It couldn't possibly be... no can't be Ian and Ros. Meanwhile see my blog for pic of Oscar's friend as requested.

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    1. Gail says: My Pocklington friends are Bronia and Peter, and are not cyclists! I'll have to ask them if they know a tandem riding couple called Ian and Ros.

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  6. Well done Bertie...I must say you made quick and efficient work of making sure Dora knew you HAD arrived. At least it was the kitchen and easy clean up. I trust Dora gave you no trouble after that. I must admit to a bit of giggling when I read the post out loud to Bryan! OMDs your uncle has a beautiful home and surrounding property. Gail, i believe I recall your nephew loved tinkering with cars.
    I bet he based his home purchase on the size of the garage. I'm so very very x 87 happy you two obviously picked the perfect time for your trip and WOW on coordinating all the visits. That was probably like herding cats. MOL MOL
    Hugs and giggles from across the pond
    Cecilia

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    1. While nephew's parents are helping decorate his new home, he's been busy measuring up for a ramp in his garage so he can fit two cars in there, one above the other. His aunt finds this hilarious, his parents perhaps less so. Bertie has no opinion on the matter!

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  7. I loved the photos of you (all) and the various, and varied, homes and surroundings. Bertie, I am certain you noticed how much Nephew looks like your beloved Gail. Sounds like a great time, and an especially lovely stay in the terrace house with the intriguing columns!

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  8. welcome home and back to your blog. we missed you and this looks really exciting to me. Also happy you and your pet friends got along well. i must say you do look a little short with your legs cut off but still cute. Beaus daddy either cuts off heads or feet or puts so much sky or groud that the object of the photo is tiny

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  9. Pee
    ESS I enjoyed seeing all five houses, i love seeming homes in other countries.

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  10. Those are all lovely houses and it sounds like you and Gail had lots of fun on your trip. We're glad to hear you are home safe and sound.

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  11. We're glad you were able to take such a nice tour and visit your friends and relatives. The houses are gorgeous!

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  12. What a wonderful trip that was. And, by the way, you are looking GREAT, Bertie!!
    Love from Angel Amber, Max, and Mom

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  13. Bertie, those are some lovely homes that you visited. We bet you and Gail had a great time reuniting with family and friends. And we are also sure you are now very tired and ready to relax at home:)

    Woos - Lightning, Birthday Girl Misty, and Timber

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  14. What a beautiful array of homes you visited Bertie...and so many new friends you made!!
    xoxo,
    Rosy and the Gang

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  15. What a marvelous trip. I bet you had fun everywhere. Thanks you for sharing it with us.

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  16. OMD, what a FABulous trip!!!! And such beautiful estates! I am super duper jealous of you gettin' to chase kittehs....only in my dreams....
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  17. What fun!!!! I bet that you loved the belly-rub house and could've stayed there the whole time!!!!

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  18. Bertie, we really hope Blogger lets us comment today. It looks like a marvellous trip to England. Lovely houses for sure. We have Ben wanting to tell you that a side effect of Moderna appears to be looking at rescue dogs. This should have been in the pamphlet.

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  19. What a wonderful round of visiting you both had! How nice to see all your friends, human and canine and feline!

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