Making the most of things

I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to bring you any more scenic pictures of the Scottish Highlands for the time being at least. New government orders are that we're to start walks from our home in the city and avoid all 'non-essential' travel. Apparently driving me inland to the hills is deemed 'non-essential', but Gail says I'm not to moan, lots of folk are having a much harder time than we are just now. And it's true, we do have plenty of nice open spaces, reachable on two or four legs, to explore.

So on Saturday morning Gail led me through Duthie Park, across the King George VI Bridge over the River Dee, up Provost Watt Drive in Kincorth to an area of heathland known locally as 'The Gramps'.

What did we see?

In the park, lots of runners, and some past their peak crocuses.

Along Provost Watt Drive, examples of Aberdeen's unlovely 1960s housing schemes.

From the Gramps, a fine view north across the city and environs,

Then a wildlife pond scummy with frog spawn.

Blue sky appeared momentarily,

Then a storm moved across and, with faces battered by hailstones, we hastened home, photography forgotten.

Gail and I want to send love and (virtual) hugs to our blogging friends all over the world. And please, to those of my fellow pups who, like me, live in a single human household, do allow your human to give you extra cuddles as they'll be needing you more than ever for company.

Social Distancing Survival Kit

One bicycle and one dog.

PS Gail hid the 'one bottle of whisky' when taking the photograph...

Behind the curve...

Happy Nature Friday friends!

Up here in Aberdeen, north of the 57th parallel, our spring flowers can be reluctant to emerge from their winter hiding places. So I'm delighted to report that just this week a splash of colour finally appeared in the open area at the top of our street, with those dinky little daffodils bringing welcome brightness to the walk around the block.

I'm also happy to report that, in this neck of the woods at least, the coronavirus epidemic has prompted a flowering of neighbourliness and goodwill. Everyone seems suddenly to have time for a chat - while standing the regulation two meters apart of course. Although in NE Scotland we are also somewhat behind the curve in terms of the spread of the horrid virus, the humans here are naturally worried. (Us pups, not so much, frankly.) There is much discussion about offering help for the older folk and vulnerable local folk who are 'self-isolating', and I can't help but notice that those now 'working at home' seem to have discovered renewed enthusiasm for taking their dogs out for walks several times a day. So it's not all bad news!

How to keep your human occupied....

I'm guessing that many of my readers, both canine and human, are suddenly having to adapt to changes to their lifestyle, and there is a danger that some humans might be finding themselves with time to fill.

As always, you can rely on your friend Bertie to come up with a useful suggestion to help you while away the empty hours!

Gail and I are back in Aberdeen now, but on Monday we were supposed to meeting one of her cousins down in England. When the cousin cancelled late the previous evening due to concerns about coronavirus, Gail was in danger of being under occupied for a few hours.

So in retrospect it was thoughtful and generous of me, in the early hours of Monday, to make sure Gail was not at a loss for something to do later that morning.

You know how it is when, for some unexplained reason your bladder goes into overdrive?  That's what happened to me at about 5 a.m. I gave Gail a little nudge (we were staying at Janet's house, where I am allowed on the bed, or at least have been so far....).  But my dear owner seemed to want to ignore me and pretend she was still asleep. Instead of making a big fuss and insisting on being let me out, I decided it would be better all round if I simply squatted down to relieve myself, copiously, on the nice absorbent quilt.

I can report that Gail roused herself all of a sudden when she realised what was going on...

So  thanks to me, Gail was then busy for the rest of the morning, washing the sheets, covers and 'mattress protector' and  taking the big quilt to the launderette - an experience which, by the way, not only filled a couple of otherwise empty hours but also enabled her to mentally time-travel back to her student days in a house without a washing machine.

But can you believe, Gail has yet to show one tiny flicker of gratitude to me for my efforts on her behalf?

At least the whole day was not a 'washout'. We went across town to check up on Human Granny and Granddad's final resting place, visited an old family friend and then had a pleasant stroll along the nearby River Trent.

I think I am almost forgiven. Gail says we are fortunate indeed that Janet is such a kind and tolerant host.

And OK, I'll admit that peeing on a bed belonging to one of your best friends is perhaps not such a great idea after all...

Welcome to my world!

I bet I'm not the only pup whose human seems lately to have been washing their hands more often and more thoroughly than usual. I've even heard Gail, as per the instructions from the government's chief medical officer, humming the 'Happy Birthday' song twice as she does so, and I only hope she doesn't do this when out and about in public, given her woeful inability to carry a tune.

Well folks, all I can say is: "Welcome to my world".

Ever since the day in May 2017, when the dermatology specialist suggested that the root cause of my interdigital cyst problems was my unusually compact (I prefer to say "dainty") feet, and prescribed frequent paw washing, with particular attention to be paid to the clefts between the pads, I have been subject to a stringent paw hygiene regime.

So at least every two days, and every day if I've been out in the mud, I am lifted up into the sink, and I am now accepting of, or at least resigned to, much fussing over my foot-focussed ablutions.

The good news is that all this paw palaver has rid me of those horrid, nasty and painful interdigital cysts, and for this I am truly grateful.

I do hope that the current hand washing fervour will keep all my lovely human friends safe and well too.

PS I'm pleased to report I haven't been standing in the kitchen sink all week. Yesterday I went out to lunch with my lady friend Rosie the Westie, after we'd enjoyed a not too muddy walk in Hazlehead Park with our humans.

Isn't Rosie pretty? I must say I'm rather enjoying Gail's retirement so far!