Mirren 28th December

Deepest apologies for the delay but I've been really busy.  I've had Christmas stuff to do and then I've been away for a week.  It's all been very busy.  I had to do all the shopping on my own this year and only one paw money doesn't go as far as two.  The wrapping, the cards, the packing, it all became time consuming.  Anyway, we went away for Christmas this year again.  We went to visit Pam's sister and her family.  There were nine of us. The two little ones were exactly the same and rolled around like puppies.  They put bows in my hair!!  I actually didn't mind.  It felt a bit funny but I could see a lot better.  I was well walked and fed with lots of Christmas food, turkey, beef, stuffing (it was really yummy) cheese and the odd bit of pheasant.  Think I need to cut back and go on a diet.  All this eating it really is expansive!!

Mirren 4th December

It must be men.  I don't think they process information and come to a conclusion very well.  Ewen gets up and gets dressed.  Magnus would then get excited.  Murphy does too.  Then Ewen puts on the kettle and gets his walking boots.  Major escalation of excitement.  Ewen gets his jacket on.  Total abandonment of reason!!!  At this point Magnus would lie back down.  Murphy jumping and turning and yelping.  Then Ewen makes cup of tea and puts his boots on.  Murphy now ecstatic.  Ewen ready to go.  I get out of my bed.  I know the score.  Chilled.  Murphy exhausted and not even in the car yet.

Mirren 3rd December
Getting closer to the festive season.  Pam is getting all excited like a puppy and I can just about see her tail wagging.  Tree is up, cards are written and she's working on wrapping presents.  Unlike Magnus I just don't see the point.  Gifts will get unwrapped even if I don't help.  I'm more interested in the food.  Getting back to the food.....bit of an upset last week.  Ewen gave me some prawns.  Very tasty and remarkably good for me.  Unfortunately, he left the skins on some.  Not good for dogs apparently. To make it worse Ewen went away for three days and Pam had to look after me.  Managed to get her out of bed every hour Friday and Saturday nights.  Think I broke her.  I recovered, miraculously, when Ewen came home.  Pam was quite hurt actually.  I've always been her dog but since Magnus passed I've taken it on my shoulders to look after Ewen.  He needs me more and anyway, he's a dog, or was in a past life.  He understands us.
Now Murphy is staying for a few days.  As I've said before, nice chap.  Very biddable and he knows there are two things he must NEVER, NEVER touch...... my bed and my food.

Mirren 13th October

Not much to tell.  Rained most of last week which kept the fireworks to a minimum.  Hooray!!  Had a visit from Luther.  I lay, elegantly, in my bed, with a pink wrap beside me.  He came over, looking out through his fringe, sniffed me and went in search of food.  Felt a bit neglected but the boy hadn't been eating since his move from France.  I totally understand the food thing.  Anyway, he really like my food so hopefully he'll be back for more. xxx

Mirren 3rd November

I was very brave last night.  We had a community fireworks night and there were lots of bangs.  This year I didn't spend 2 hours on top of Ewen and Pam shaking, panting and drooling in fear.  This year I stayed in my basket and shook but I was braver than usual.  We knew the fireworks were happening so they closed the curtains and put Alexa and the TV on very loud.  I can still hear the bangs but I was better this year.  Pam says it's because I'm older and probably getting a bit deaf.  How dare she!!!!
Anyway, just have to get through the next few nights of inconsiderate randoms.

Mirren 31st October

Been very lazy since Morganistmas.  I really like my Crackerjacks and Pam and Ewen have ordered more for me.  I've also been grazing on some spectacular food their trying me on.  All in all the past days have been about early morning walks and gourmet grazing.  very happy.  Then again, tonight lots of scarey people turn up and next, on Saturday, the fireworks start.  Trying not to think about them.  I do get so scared and I don't have my big buddy to reassure me it's all going to be alright.

Tuesday22nd October

Well, what can I say?  The two legs celebrated Morganistmus on Sunday.  A wee bit earlier than it should be.  Anyway, it's take them all a day to recover.  I have no sympathy for them.  Murphy came too.  They ate and drank quite a lot which accounts for them being very tired yesterday.  I did get some rather fabulous presents though.  Wainwrights turkey dinner and some Wellbeloved turkey Crackerjacks.  I think I adore these.  Actually got out of bed for a Crackerjack.

Mirren Tuesday 15th October

What to tell you this week?? Magnus would have been 10 years old on the 9th of October and it's my birthday on the 16th.  I'll be 9years old. Murphy has not been well and scared Lala very much by chucking up blood.  Apparently it was his pills for a leg infection.  That young chap gets more and more like my old friend everyday!!
Well, yesterday, went for my first long journey, on my own, in the van.  I know I've been to Dumfries but I know that road now.  This time we went to Glasgow.  I objected, strongly, the whole way there and back.  I felt very lonely in the back of the van.  No-one to cuddle into.  Magnus was always very relaxed and I would just snuggle into him but he's not here any more.  I was cold and the van rattled.  I just whined all the time.  I'd also been a very long walk the day before and really just wanted a duvet day to chill.  Instead they dragged me round Kelvingrove gardens.  The only good thing were the tree rabbits. 



I made them pay for it though.  Anyway there have been mumblings about venison for my birthday tomorrow so I'd better perk up.

Mirren 7th October

Gosh, it's got very dark, very quickly!! The clocks haven't changed, so my walks are very dark.  Ewen and I went out, alone, this morning.  I got to wear the BIG, Iron Dog light.  Actually, I quite suit it.  I usually let Murphy wear it but he wasn't with us this morning.  He went to visit Magnus last night, with Lala.
Other than that a funny weekend.  I upchucked a lot on Friday.  Pam was worried.  Threw up a massive wad of grass.  She was not impressed.  Managed to make up for lost food over the rest of the weekend.  Even got some duck.  Can't complain.

Mirren 3rd October

Pam has been very busy and is a bit tired.  I keep reminding her about my blog but she is interested elsewhere.  I had a very disrupted day last Tuesday.  Men came and took away our big windows,  The big window Magnus and I had lain looking out of since we arrived and one at the back.  Pam said all their dogs had been at that window.  They got new ones in - windows not dogs.  Even better than the old ones.  Very clear and new.  I am rather impressed but it was a bit of a pest not being able to lie there in case I was stood on by someone.  It was also very chilly without the windows in.
Anyway, here we are again,

Murphy and I are walking in the woods again.  It's getting very dark so we have to wear our Iron Man lights.  Murphy keeps forgetting his lamp so he gets to wear Magnus's old one,  It's too big and heavy for me.  He manages it fine.

Mirren19th September

We went a really long walk this morning with Uncle Ray and Murphy.  We had to walk through a field with a bull and a field with sheep.  Both Murphy and I were brave and well behaved.  Uncle Ray is apparently a wee bit frightened of large bulls!!  Had a lovely walk through the trees.  Murphy discovered the joys of raising partridge.  He didn't catch them, he just really enjoyed chasing them.  Everyone was very tired when we got home.
It is just five months since Magnus died and we all still miss him every day.

Mirren 16th September

Auntie Lala is away seeing her sister.  When she went to the airport Murphy came to visit and joined us for a three hour hike.  He's a lovely young chap, very polite and respectful and I have moments of embarrassment when I think I once twerked him.  It was a couple of years ago but I feel so mortified.  I try not to think about it and hope he's forgotten.  He was quite young then so perhaps it's not in his memory bank. Anyway, great walk and we had a lot of fun.  Murphy enjoys being with Ewen and he's good company for me.  He's as playful as Magnus was and always gives me the toys.  Very tired when I got home.
Then, this morning he came with us to Threepwood.  I thought Magnus was a big woose but Murph is as bad.  A deer ran through the trees in front of us.  Murph stopped and looked around him and then he ran behind Ewen and I and looked around us at the where the deer had been.  I suppose I have the benefit of being a Deerhound but really.  He's nearly as big as one!

Mirren 11th September

As I was saying, the early mornings have returned and I am wearing my autumn Hi-viz raincoat. Pam says it was once Monty's.  I rather like it and I think I look quite trim.   Both of them finished work early yesterday so we had a long walk, all three of us.  This generally means I get more cookies.  Very happy girl.  Good to go out all together again.

Mirren 6th September

Both Pam and Ewen have been at work this week.  This means I have been dragged out off bed and from my beauty sleep at unholy hours.  Worse, I have been seriously brushed....TWICE!  Pam says it is entirely my own fault because I keep going into places with sticky bits and come out like a pin cushion.  Neither she, nor I am impressed.   The only benefit is the extra ham I'm getting.  Every cloud....................

Mirren 26th August

Feeling a bit deserted.  They've been out a lot since Friday.  I don't know??? It's just as well I'm an easy-going lady and am quite happy to just chill out in my bed.  I mean, if they are going to go out and think it's fine to be leaving me, they can't expect me to have any house guarding activities.  I'm just not doing it.  They either take me with them or, tough, don't expect me to growl (although I do have lovely teeth) or bark at any intruders!!!!

Mirren 22nd August

Mum's back at work but that is the least of my worries.  Ewen has really fallen for this hill walking business.  He got me out my bed at 4am to climb the Eildons!!!!!!  It was okay.  But it was a wee bit chilly and misty.  Had a bit of a picnic which helped of course.I was glad to see my bed again.  Warm, cosy and comfy.  Slept all day.  My legs were in shock. 

Mirren 15th August

It is getting very cold here.  And it's getting dark earlier and earlier.  Ewen has been away.  He has been climbing the In Pinn, the Inaccessible Pinnacle, Sgurr Dearg in Skye.  It is his first Munro and apparently he has done the hardest first.  While he has been doing that Pam and I have been very busy.  We have kept the house tidy by lying around and, in Pam's case reading.  It's very quiet.  How do the male of the species make things untidy much quicker than the female?  For three days now the house has been immaculate.  Nothing out of place or left lying around.  Pam says that'll change in thirty seconds when Ewen gets home!

Mirren 6th August

Well, looks as if summer is over.  Rain, rain, rain and my coat is curly.  We've also had some thunder.  I hate thunder.  I'm allowed to climb on the bed and get cuddled in but I get really hot.  Then a wet t-towel is put over my ears and neck.  I don't know why I'm so scared now.  I never used to be.  And Pam reminded me that August 12th is approaching so that will be very early and very late walks for me because the guns scare me so much.  On a brighter note.....Lauder Common Riding got amazing weather and it was a great week, as usual.  Pam dressed up as a Fireperson!!!  I just stayed in the house, with the fan on and chilled.  Too hot outside for doggies.

Mirren 31st July

It's Lauder Common Riding again and today is Fancy Dress day.  If Big Guy had been here he would have been going on how he won it one year.  He ALWAYS went on about it.  EVERY year!!!  Anyway, Pam is going in with her group again but I'm not allowed to tell anyone what they are!!?? Top secret.  I've been doing long, early morning walks with Ewen again.  I'm so tired when I get back.  Lala took pictures of me just lying in my bed, head back, waiting to get scritched under the chin.  She says this is how most females look first thing in the morning, after a rough night.  I have no idea what she means.  Pam and Ewen had a lot of people up for a Greek dinner the other night.  Unfortunately for me there wasn't a lot left but I did get some lamb. 

Mirren 22nd July

Been very wet and windy the past few days.  It's playing havoc with my hair.  It's curling.  A Deerhound can't have curly hair.  It's just not acceptable.  Pam says it's going to rain for the next ten days.  Typical Scottish summer in other words.  Murphy has been for a sleepover.  He was a very brave boy and curled up on my bed when I got up to go to the couch.  Maybe he thought it was warm and cosy.  It's actually really nice having some four legged company in the house again.  Even though I am very self sufficient I do like a bit of company every now and again.

Mirren 16th July

Not much to say, I'm too exhausted.  Ewen is starting climbing Munros so he has to get some practice in.  This involves getting up early and taking me for steep walks up and down hillsides.  I go home and snore.  The only other thing is we planted some of Magnus's hair under his axehead. The Two-Legs both speak as if Magnus is actually there, when, in fact, he's lying near the front window with the other guys???!!  I suppose it gives them a focus.  Lovely place to be by the way.  So peaceful.  I have a feeling that the hair won't grow into a Wolfhound but you never know.

Mirren 6th July

Pam's back.  She's had a lovely time.  So have I.  Ewen has looked after me so well I even got up to give him a cuddle without being asked!  It was good to have Pam back though.  Lots of girlie hugs.  Ewen took me long of walks and talked to me.  We had Murphy out too.  His Two-Legs, Lexi was away with Pam.  He's sort of become my surrogate wee brother.  We have a laugh together and I'm trying to sort out some of his growing problems - like being generous with his ball (no sticks allowed) and keeping his nose to himself.  He really misses Lexi and had all sorts of ideas to welcome her back to show how much he missed her.  I told him that lots of affection and presents are a good idea.  I've heard he knocked her over her suitcase in his enthusiasm to hug her and emptied his toy basket to give everything to Lexi.  Bless! Might have to speak to him about toning it down just a wee bit.

Mirren 27th June

Well, that's us nearly half way through the year.  So far it's been hard.  Hopefully, the next few months will get better.....and the weather.  Spent the day with Mr Murphy because both my Two- legs were at work.  I know something is up because I heard Pam singing about going to Spain.  This is going to be a first.  Me and Ewen alone together for the first time EVER.  I hope it goes alright.  I'll try and be be nice to him.  I actually greeted Pam home from work yesterday and today.  She was really happy about that.  I think I maybe need to start stepping up to the doggie mark.  Magnus always did the greeting and woofing thing while I maintained an elegant reserve.  Perhaps I should try it.  It has its rewards I've discovered.  Pam was so pleased she fed me chicken and peanut butter cookies.  A good sign.

Mirren Monday 24th June

It's been a very busy weekend.  First of all Murphy came for the day on Saturday.  We had an absolutely great walk on Saturday afternoon.  Murphy went swimming and I even went for a wee paddle.  Pam was laughing at Murphy because she said he was like a Timotei advert when he came out of the water.  He was rubbish at retrieving stones from the water.  Magnus was way better.  Ewen didn't want to throw sticks in light of the recent vet visits due to sticks!!!  He did a lot of jumping though.  Good clearance over tree trunks.  Poor boy was knackered when we got home.  I went to bed-bed and he went into my day bed and snored.
On Sunday we went to Wooplaw wood.  One of Pam's friends had made an amazing axe head memorial for Magnus.  We went and put it into the ground near Tim Stead's grave.  Tim Stead started Wooplaw wood for the community.  Tim is famous for his axe heads and wooden sculptures and furniture.  It all came together and we put it near the three wooden toadstools Pam and Ewen put there several weeks ago.  Magnus loved Wooplaw.  He loved being in the woods.  It is all so lovely.  I hope it all stays.  Unfortunately, some of the buildings and facilities at Wooplaw have been destroyed by vandals.  Even we dogs have more respect.  Hopefully, the graves won't be damaged.  Magnus is on guard....well sort of.  He's still at home, on the window ledge for the time being??????!!!!!

Mirren 19th June

Pam was just saying we hadn't had pictures for a while.....
Anyway, I realised, this morning, that I can be brave.  I know I'm bossy and controlling but sometimes I get scared. I always relied on Magnus to defend me from cows and sheep and things.  But us females can be just as strong as men.  Look at lionesses.  I learned

that I didn't need to be scared, I just had to deal with my fears.  The cows....are just being chummy.  Bovines just want to say, "Hello."  As long as there is a fence between you and them it's fine.  Sheep have to gang up on you to feel strong.  Which is fine too.  Deep down I know that a few years ago, and not on a lead, I could show them who is Boss.  Even now, a run and they'd be away just like the deer I chased this morning.  Had a very chummy breakfast with Ewen which was lovely and then home to a nice comfy bed.  Happy and empowered.  I am strong!

Mirren 18th June

Not much happening here.  It's wet.  A LOT!.  Think summer has passed us by.  Even had to wear my raincoat it's been so bad.  We had Murphy on the walks again.  He seems to have made a recovery from the stick incident.  Had to keep in him in line.  I just had to show him who's boss again so I took his ball off him and kept it.  He didn't know what to do.  He is, actually, a gentleman and didn't want to get too aggressive.  Sweet boy. 
It was Fathers' Day on Sunday.  I had organised a mug, card and socks for Ewen.  Magnus had organised an album for Ewen, full of pictures of the two of them before he died.  He'd spent all his saved pawmoney on it.  Ewen wept.  He loved the album.  I think he could have willed some pawmoney to me, his chum for nearly nine years.

Mirren 8th June

My friend Murphy had a really bad day yesterday.  It was funny in a way.  Pam was just saying how quiet things were now without Magnus.  No upset tummies, no vomiting, no trips to the vet with allergies, no sore tails or teeth or bones.  The Lala called.  She was worried about Murphy.  Pam and Ewen went for a look and Lala and Ewen took him to the vet.  Pam thought he'd either been stung and his throat was closing or he'd stabbed himself with a stick.  It was the stick.  Poor chap had cut the underside of his tongue and stabbed the back of his throat.  He had to have an anaesthetic to have it checked out.  He had to stay at the vets for hours.  The dangers of sticks.  I just chew them for my teeth.  We went to see him later.  Big dogs like Magnus and Murphy HUH!!!  Wooses the pair of them.  Totally zonked by the drugs.  Murphy couldn't keep his eyes straight.

Mirren 6th June

Been busy.  Well, I haven't but Pam and Ewen have---painting.  Been over to New Abbey again.  First time since Magnus died.  He loved it there.  He always ran through the gate, up to the top of the graveyard and down to the burn.  Played for ages with Ewen.  I don't do that.  I prefer to wait with Pam and help her do all the flower arranging.  Magnus did actually come with us.  We took his ashes in the car with us.  He REALLY enjoyed Sweetheart Abbey.  Think Ewen got a bit emotional.  He has great memories of Big Boy and himself there.  Other than that....I am only getting fed twice a day now.  I'd be worried but Pam has collected an excellent selection of treats and chews to keep my fabulous teeth fabulous.  Long walks, good food and comfortable beds.  What more could a girl ask for?

Mirren 30th May

Well!  They left me!  The first time in 5years they have gone for the day and left me.  They've not been able to go before because Magnus got so ill if Ewen went away.  Now he is gone........
Anyway, I went to Lala and Ray's for the day.  Murphy is their dog.  After a walk where I had to remind him about keeping away from my bum and explaining the ground rules, we got on famously.  Had a lovely chummy conversation.  I got my own stick and gave it a good chew.  I needed to show Murphy my amazing teeth.  Then I went in paddling (me, who knew?) in the Leader, ate treats and got lots of cuddles from Lala.  Made frendly conversation with Ray and burped in his face.  Had a lovely time.  Slept a lot and snored?  I don't snore.  Ladies don't snore.  Apparently I snored so loudly they had to turn up the TV.  I think I was mildly growling in my sleep.
At tea time I tried to embarrass Murphy into sharing his tea.  Lala said she'd never seen him eat his tea so quickly.

Mirren 27th May

Pam and Ewen are busy outside painting windows.  I'm inside on a comfy bed.  It's cold and wet outside.  Ewen keeps waking up at weird hours and taking me out for a walk.  It's EXHAUSTING! I see deer and rabbits and feel the need to chase them.  Getting fed less too.  Down to two meals a day now???   Pam has found these amazing chicken and peanut butter cookies for me so things aren't too bad.

Mirren 21st May

Ewen's away.  Pam's not working.  I get a long lie.  Not going out till 7.30-8.00ish.  It's fabulous.  Rest and comfort instead of getting up at 5.30.  Not that I'm complaining but it is very enjoyable being able to acquire extra hours of beauty sleep.  Not that I need it.  Heard Pam say something about me having dry skin.  I'm not having that!!! She's giving me fish oils?  I'd rather eat a lot of fish.  Like salmon or tuna.

Mirren 17th May

Enjoyed my long lie in yesterday with Pam.  But back up at the crack of dawn this morning with Ewen, amazing light and sky...me and my shadow.  I don't know???  Ewen talks to me about photography.  Light, placement, focus, shape.  I'm sure this never came into his conversations with Magnus.  No idea what they talked about but pretty sure it wasn't about exposures.  Certainly not the photographic type.  So, why me?  Does he see me as more intelligent or does he just not know what to say to a female, on a walk. at 5am????

Mirren 14th May

Think we might have developed a new routine with Ewen.  We have the early morning walk.  Then we have the second trot round the golf course where we play with my furry snake. Lastly we have tea, water and biscuits for a 5.30am breakfast. He has the tea.  Then we head home and I go back to bed!