Miss Tizzy, Sophie and Barney Russell have been very busy of late, making the most of the late summer sunshine. Barnie came trotting in one day, made it quite clear that he wanted me to go outside with him. We went onto the decking and he went to his basket, looked up at me and then at his basket again. I realised what it was he was trying to say, the sun had moved and his basket was now in the shade, he wanted it moving. Honestly, I rather thought that was taking the Bonio! They all seem to think that I am there to do their bidding, attend to their every whim. Satisfied that his basket was getting the full benefit of the sun he climbed in and was soon fast asleep on his back, not a care in the world.

 

Good news from Sophie, she has lost three pounds. Ahem, still sagging rather close to the ground, keep toning her tummy up, lots of exercise and hope for the best.

She is rather proud of a recent photo; we entitled it

“Sophie, Duchess of Haven Lea Awaits Afternoon Tea.”

The “Crew” have also been entertaining visitors. We have dear friends from Suffolk who visit us twice a year. They were all scrubbed and brushed for the occasion, behaved perfectly, remembered their manners and were eager to show off the new decking. It is now their very favourite place, excellent vantage point; you see you can watch what is going on, just needs a few finishing touches here and there, when Sophie loses the ball underneath. It is Tizzy who is sent to retrieve it; she will emerge festooned in cobwebs and sawdust. Tizzy often comes in from the garden with cobwebs draped around her ears, goodness knows where she picks them up from, gets quite uppity when I set to and dust her off, likes a good grumble does Miss Tizzy. All set and waiting for a walk later today, sunny so it looks as if they will be off across the fields. Barney hurtles off like a young colt, Tizzy daintily trots along, usually manages to keep up with the others while Sophie is well, a wimp, sees any nettles and makes an almighty fuss, in fact, anything that is not to madam's liking, begins a battle of wills to get her going again. Her tough don't mess with me appearance is between you and me dear readers all show and bluster. Sorry Sophie your secret is out; the “Crew” have trooped in to remind me that it is elevenses, strange I thought they were supposed to be looking after me. See you all soon

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