Scotland, Mexico, and Best Wishes for 2019

To celebrate Gail's return from her Mexico holiday, I took her yesterday for a walk through farmland near the Deeside Gliding Club.

It was a excellent opportunity to remind her why she should be pleased to be home in Scotland. 

In case they're not obvious, let me list some of the reasons:

• Walks are more fun with your favourite WFT for company.
• The air in the North of Scotland is clean and free of pollution. 
• The ground is soft beneath the paws/feet.
• There is no danger of dehydration.
• Pale and freckly skinned humans can venture outdoors without slathering themselves in Factor 50 sunblock.
• We have 'right to roam' laws throughout our beautiful and uncrowded land.
• There will be a nearby café selling tea made in a proper teapot, and you don't have to ask for milk.
• Your WFT will bounce up on your lap for a nice cuddle when you put your feet up at the end of the walk.

Oh yes, and finally, you can go for dip in the river Dee without fear of encountering any of these guys...

Wishing all my lovely readers a Happy, Peaceful (and crocodile-free) New Year! 

Taking care of important business

Oh I do apologise to my friends if they feel I have been neglecting them.

You see I've been away on important business (that's what all high achievers say isn't it?)

What could be more important than trying to cheer up Human Grandad?

So Gail and I went down to Nottingham for a visit last week. I took HGD for a short walk by the River Trent and as usual we had a nice chat.

 I can still make sense of what he's trying to say, even if others often can't.

We shared a joke and then it was home for afternoon tea.

See, I'm keeping him smiling with my antics.

Now you can always rely on Human Granny for a nice cup of tea.

Oh and I must, I absolutely must tell you what HGY said last Friday afternoon when Gail had to go out without me for a short while.

Gail was going through that rather patronising and annoying "now Bertie you'll be good while I'm away won't you?" routine. No doubt some of my friends get this too...

But this time, HGY interrupted her.

"I expect he'll be good. He usually is. He's no trouble."

Yes, those were her very words.

Aren't Grannies just the business?


Meanwhile, in a parallel universe, the Pet Blogging Olympics continue to enthral. I want to say a humungous thank you to all who took part in my Bouncing (narrrative style) event, both entrants and those who commented on the post. Everything went brilliantly, and it was such fun wasn't it! Now I'm going to relax and enjoy all the other games, as I'm sure you will too.

Whisky, bogs, mountains, lochs and a nice cup of tea

Yes I am going for some Scottish stereotypes today.....

Just had a wonderful weekend over at the cottage in Torridon. We drove a different way from usual, and stopped at Dufftown en route.

Apparently I'm not old enough for whisky, which is a shame, 'cos there are lots of famous distilleries nearby. Hamish would have loved it.

Meanwhile the west coast of Scotland was enjoying its usual summer weather.

Of course, that never deters us from going out. I do hope Uncle Eric reads this as I think he would be impressed by the state of my coat...

Only one hour after this walk on Saturday, we went to visit our German neighbours Renate and Michael for afternoon tea. Don't you think I scrub up nicely?

I snuggled up on Renate's super-comfy lap, happily daydreaming about bogs as she and Michael and Gail chattered on and on (I think the subject of the FIFA World Cup came up).

We went for another walk this morning, but it wasn't as good as yesterday's. No bogs.

I was well-behaved and obeyed the rules.

But it was quite a long hike, and I can tell you I was mightily miffed to be woken up on the drive home, ejected from my cosy spot in the rear of the car and made to pose for yet another picture.