What no treats!!!

Today we return to an old favourite, Millstone Hill.

In younger days I would scarcely have noticed the gradient, but I will admit it now seems quite steep.

It was a warm day (yes really!) so I needed to rehydrate when we reached the top.

And now finally I was ready to pose for my summit shot.

Can you believe Gail had forgotten to bring treats?

Another photo? I don't think so...

Happy Nature Friday!

Star of my own show?

Greetings from the Cairngorms National Park!

Gail and I are enjoying our annual long weekend with our friends in the slightly shabby (in a good-for-dogs sort of a way) Edwardian grandeur of Inshriach House, near Aviemore.

As you know, I am accustomed to taking centre stage on these occasions.

However, this time it seems I have some rivals in the posing department.

Notably Hemp the border collie (house mate for the weekend).

Then there's  Tufty the nut-hungry red squirrel, outside the kitchen window.

And not to forget Angus the Scottie, met on the path around Loch an Eilein.

So rivals, yes. But in think we can all agree who's the all time posing champion...

Dining out etiquette

I have noticed that when humans are served food in a restaurant, they are allowed to eat it right away. 

For example, here are Gail's recent visitors Jim and Lori tucking into some sticky toffee pudding (a delicacy which I understand is not commonly available in their home territory of the Pacific Northwest). 

But when the waitress brings me a bowl of special home-baked dog treats, I am made to wait patiently until all the humans have finished eating their food and are ready to leave.

Apparently this is all in the cause of teaching me good manners so I don't expect to be given food from the table.

Have you ever heard anything more ridiculous?

Anyone would think I had been negligent in my "pose nicely Bertie" duties during our day out together in Stonehaven.





Which of course was not the case.

Posing time

One is prepared to pose patiently and demurely only for so long...

... before one feels impelled to make it known, loud and clear, that a treat is overdue...

Posing a problem?

Some of my friends will know that we have a very special visitor staying this weekend.

Gail and I took her to the seaside town of Stonehaven yesterday.

Gosh, when you have a distinguished photographer* like YAM-Aunty wielding the camera, but when it is Gail whose pocket contains the treats, it can be so hard to know who to pose for.

Life is full of these dilemmas...

*Among her many talents

Posing problems

Down at Duthie Park on Saturday morning, Gail wanted me to pose in front of the flagpole. I believe the idea was to demonstrate that we had almost clear skies and NO wind. It was also a wee bit frosty.

Now generally, when Gail whisks out the camera, I have learned it's best to sit down and look hopeful. Sometimes, treats are forthcoming.

But in winter there is a problem with this approach, as I'm sure you will understand.

Who likes to get a cold bottom? Not me for sure.

So I find the optimum strategy is to squat in a 'hovering' position. A bit like (I'm told) the more fastidious type of human female does when using a public 'convenience'.

However, this is not a comfortable stance to hold for more than a few seconds…

Un Poseur? Moi?

I can't believe that Gail has just accused me of being "a bit of a poser these days". After all the time and energy she's devoted to cajoling me into standing or sitting still in front of the camera in suitably scenic spots.

There's just no pleasing some folk.

So, what do you think, based on these pictures mostly taken last weekend over at Loch Torridon?

Me, standing proud in front of Beinn Dearg

Me, the first Autumn crocus and Hamish's memorial stone

Me, besides the exuberant waters of Abhainn Coire Mhic Nòbuil

Me, admiring the ever splendid view of Loch Torridon from the cottage garden

Me, lit by a shaft of sunlight, waiting to be taken outside to do more posing

Me, showing my appreciation of the Torridonian Sandstone

Me, in reflective mood in the cottage garden

Me, in guard dog pose (scared, aren't you, sheep?)

Me, the centrepiece of a stereotypical Scottish composition involving heather and mountains

Me, in the heather again (eat your heart out, Westies!)

You have to admit, I'm getting rather good at this posing lark, even though I say so myself.

Oh what's this? Gail is saying perhaps I might consider modelling some cute wee outfits then, like so many of my bloggie pals.

NO NO NO NO NO !!!

Quelle horreur.