Mabel : Met some friendly cattle this week. They seem to like me very much and follow me, along the fence, as I walk by. It's good to know I've been noticed. They smell very well, a bit like the hoof things Pam gives us. Pam also bought me a duck this week. I like the real ones, who fly away when I chase them out the water. This isn't a real one but it makes a satisfying quacking sound when I pick it up. Morris is a bit rougher and tries to pull the quacker thing out the duck's bottom??? I've been avoiding him by hiding in Pam and Ewen's bed but Pam says that has to stop since I acquired a tick on my ear. Got tick stuff - ed again.

Morris : The cattle are pretty big animals and Ewen says they will get much bigger. Mabel, of course gets it all wrong. Those guys would trample her if they could. The duck thing is interesting but I'm not called "The Shredder" for nothing. I seem to manage to choose things Pam would prefer me not to shred, like curtains and chair arms!!!! When sleeping, and not sunbathing, I prefer enhancing my physique and doing some yoga stretches. This week I went for a stretch with a twist. Good for the core muscles!!!!

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FIRST LOVES

Mabel : the weather is lovely, the mornings are brighter and we are getting taken for amazing runs. Very happy. We have been to the beach a few times and we went out for dinner last Sunday and I met Hugo. He's just a young guy, a wee bit older than us. He is so handsome. He has beautiful hair and lovely eyes. He has as much energy as me. We played and played and then we cuddled down together and dozed, chewing gently on each others ears and licking each other's faces. I have dreamt about him since last week and get excited every time I see a black Cocker Spaniel. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. xxxxxxx

Sometimes now, I just want be alone and not be beaten up or beat up Morris. I just need to have quiet time to myself.

Morris : I met Mikki again which was great. She's very calm. I don't know what my sister is talking about. First loves and all that. All four of us, Mabel, Hugo and Mikki and me had some pretty "go at it" play. I like Hugo. Good chap. Likes to bark at the sea. Lots of energy.

I've been out, a lot, in the garden, just chilling. As long as I can see Ewen in the kitchen or in the garden or even on the golf course I am quite content to be out in the fresh air.

When Mabel is off on one of her "I want to be alone" moments, I get all of the bed to myself.

Yesterday, by sheer chance, Pam met the man , who rescued the dog from Arthurshiels that everyone thought might be me, back in November. How good is that.

SNOW, SUN, WIND.

Mabel : Been very odd weather again but we are getting used to it. I have a new collar and I look beautiful. Pam says so. We gave Pam roses for Mothers'Day. We had to give her them and her card when we got home last week. Morris had forgotten the card. Typical male. Ask him to do one easy thing...............

Morris : Good grief you'd think I'd forgotten the dog food!!.. Nag, nag, nag! Anyway, Pam happy. Both of us broke now. Just as well Pan ordered us a new Dudley box of treats.

MOTHERS' DAY

Mabel : We've been away for Mothers' Day. We've been back to Roman Camp. Gosh, it was really warm. Morris and I haven't been out in warm weather before! We did lots of walking and I'm still really tired. You don't sleep when you are travelling in the back of a car or walking. Having to catch up on my beauty sleep today. It's got cooler again so I can snooze. Ewen took some lovely pictures of me though. He even managed to get one of me sitting. I was showing off because there was an older, French dog with us. He was more interested in a Labrador we met. I think I might be too young for him yet.

Morris: I have to admit I'm a tad tired too. I had to really pant to cool down. Pam and Ewen even put cool face cloths over our ears. Walked for miles. I went off on my own a few times because Ewen likes to capture us in different places. Think I nailed it with the arch picture. Of course, Her Lovelyness had to show off and jump up and down. "Take my picture, take my picture!" One day she'll grow up!! We had a friend with us, Luther. Mabel just irritated him. I played with him in a more grown up fashion and we sniffed a lot of things together.

BEACH AND BED

Mabel: I got a new bed. It's wonderful. I can climb in and Morris can't get at me. It's really warm and cosy. Pam has been in it too. Morris has tried to get in but I'm not letting him. It is my special, safe, quiet space. I needed it after the beach. We were so tired.

Morris: She can have her new bed. I like to really stretch out after a big run. I was very tired after our trip to the beach. Think it was all that running around trying to catch Mabel. She is very fast.

HAD A SHOWER

Mabel: Actually quite enjoyed the shower. Bit like a spa day. Warm water, a lovely shampoo, a good rinse and a hearty rub down before a good shake on the hall walls. Perfect. My hair is softer and I smell fabulous. Then of course we went to the beach. I was having none of that. Sand in my newly washed paws and coat. I don't think so. Stayed in the grass and wet sand. Much cleaner.

Morris : I'm still not sure about showering. I was very good, because Ewen was with me but I didn't really like it. I loved running into the sea though. Gets a nice salty smell rather than that shampoo. Had a good run around and a bit of digging in the grass. Grand stuff.

FACE SHOTS

Mabel : We are having brilliant walks with Ewen. The sunny mornings are here and we just love our runs. Then, of course, we like to sleep...... and eat. Pam is working just now so I have to re-enforce my place as the Boss Lady when she's away. Morris is such a Daddy's Boy. Pam says I am very beautiful.

Morris: Mabel really needs to learn to grow up. I get off the lead and chase the ball and run around and I am allowed to do this because I come back when Ewen calls. She has air between her ears. She never listens. Ewen says she is just like her Aunt Mirren, who never did as she was told to either. Unless food was involved.