New beginnings!

Gosh, there's been so much excitement this week in the Bertie and Gail household and I almost forgot about Nature Friday. 

Happily, our newly blooming Duthie Park crocuses have come to the rescue.

Those of you who read Wednesday's post will have guessed the cause of the excitement. In less than four weeks time, all going well, this will be the Gail, Bertie and Nobby household.

Yes, this is Nobby. Wire fox terrier, born 25th January. His 'official' name, for use when when being told off (which will likely happen quite often in his first few months...) is Craigmancie Norbert. 

Happy Nature Friday and thanks to our ever wonderful friends in New Mexico, the LLB Gang!

Peak crocus

 

So I was merrily racing around in the park yesterday afternoon, full of the joys of spring, when Gail suggested I pause for a moment and tell you about the results of my recent blood test, just in case you were wondering.

Now I don't like to be one of those dogs who goes on about his health problems all the time. Suffice to say my urea levels are a bit elevated, but the creatinine level is just fine. What does this mean? Well it seems that my kidney function is slightly compromised, so things aren't perfect. But the vet thinks the Previcox tablets are doing much more good than harm, as six months after my bladder cancer (TCC) diagnosis I'm still eating well, feeling comfortable and enjoying my walks. So no changes in my treatment are recommended. 

Excellent.

Back to bouncing through the crocuses.

Happy Nature Friday! 

Do hop across to the LLB Gang to see their post today and links to all the other Nature Friday posts.

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!

Bored of crocuses yet?

So back in Aberdeen, in Duthie Park, I sprinted over to Gail when she called my name, in high expectation of some quality treats.

But I was firmly told I had to pose in the crocuses first, and of course I obliged, despite my suspicions that some long term readers of this blog will be thinking (correctly): "Don't we see the Duthie Park crocuses on Bertie's blog every March?"

Gail says that after the gloom of winter, everyone will be pleased when these bright harbingers of Spring appear, and no-one could possibly tire of the sight of me sitting amidst such pretty purple, mauve and yellow blooms.

Is this really true, I wondered, as finally I was given my reward, and was carefully checking I'd not left any crumbs for the parks resident crows and magpies....

Happy Nature Friday dear readers! Do go and visit the other posts on this blog hop, which as always is hosted by our lovely friends Arty, Jakey, and Rosy. Maybe you'll even see some more original Spring photos! 

Springing back to life

Sadly, I was not allowed to visit Human Granny in the rehabilitation hospital before we returned to Aberdeen a couple of days ago. This was disappointing 'cos there is a sign there saying dogs are allowed in the day room. But it seems that during visiting hours patients are usually sat by their beds on the ward.

Anyway, Gail assures me that HGY is really much better, and even walking again, just a few steps and with the help of a frame and a friendly physiotherapist. In fact, the doctors have described her recovery from her life-threatening brain illness (presumed viral encephalitis) as "astonishing". I am promised we will be going down to Nottingham again in a week or so, so cross paws that I will be able to check her out for myself soon.

In Duthie Park, I find the crocuses out in full force, wind battered but still vibrant. I persuade Gail that it would be nice for Human Granny to have a card with a photo of me and the crocuses by her bedside, so people can talk about me, saying things like "what a cute dog" and "you don't see so many of them these days". 

I hope you too like the results of the photoshoot. 

Bertie comes over all Prince Charles

So I decided it was time I had a word with the flowers in Duthie Park.

Really they seem most confused this year.

First of all I spoke to the snowdrops:

"Now look here snowdrops, what on earth are you doing still hanging around these parts?  Don't you know it's nearly the middle of April, way past your wilting time. Fancy having the cheek to still be in bloom. I mean I know you are a delightful sight in January, but now you have most certainly outstayed your welcome. And the fact that it keeps snowing is simply no excuse."

Next I addressed the crocuses:

"Well chaps I realise that if the snowdrops are still with us, then you might be thinking you have every right to stick it out here for a bit longer too. But surely you've noticed that it doesn't get dark now until past eight o'clock at night? There's even enough light for the post-work cricketers to come down to the park for a practice session. You'd get a nasty shock if one of those hard cricket balls bounced on your delicate petals wouldn't you? Time, I respectfully suggest, for you to focus your energies on next year's bulb production."

 Finally, I located some daffodils.

"Jeez, you fellows need to buck up your ideas for sure. You know that the Germans call you Osterglocken? Yes, that's right, 'Easter bells'. And when was Easter? Nearly two weeks ago. And most of you have still not shown your face to the world. I don't think our friends in Deutschland would be too impressed with your punctuality would they? OK so one or two of the more precocious amongst you have finally made an effort to get out of your bed, but it's a poor show all round I must say."

Oh. Gail is telling me that when Prince Charles talks to plants, he probably adopts a less hectoring tone, and perhaps I should consider doing the same, rather than sounding like the recently departed Mrs Thatcher (who had few fans in Scotland).

But really what can you do when Spring is so mixed up with its timing?

Wet weather, a tummy tickle and remembering Hamish

After the excitement of Monday's highly successful lecture, we are taking a break from science for a few days... But keen students should look out for a new announcement early next week!

So, just to update you on other stuff. Over at Gail's west coast cottage last weekend the weather was, well, all that one expects on Scotland's west coast. Exactly as depicted in the animated film 'The Illusionist' in fact. I was a bit worried that we would be staying inside so I decided to draw Gail's attention to her excellent and definitely waterproof walking boots...

Luckily, my new friend Clare, who was staying with us, is a jolly good sport and does not mind the rain at all. Here we are together in the little village of Shieldaig.

And later, admiring the view of Loch Maree, and the majestic mountain Slioch, part hidden in the mist.

Then I went exploring the Caledonian pine forest on the slopes of Beinn Eighe.

Back at the cottage, I discovered that Clare also does most excellent tummy tickles.

What's not to like?

Oh and finally, I want to show you the Autumn crocuses, growing around Hamish's memorial stone. They are extra pretty this year, drawing beauty from the ashes of Gail's dear old Westie.