Mezze

Becky came this morning for Archie and they had a great time at Harrison Park with a frisbee and playing with another schnauzer.

While Archie was out we did a bit of online shopping - we love 'Click and Collect ' from John Lewis. When he returned, and had his muddy feet and beard washed, we went out for a walk. I was lured along to the Salisbury Arms for a beer and nibbles. It took half an hour to walk there, just about my limit. But it took forty minutes to walk back. I resisted taking the bus back, but I was very tired when I got home.

The pub was still busy with Sunday lunches, and there were several other dogs in the room, quite near us, but Archie remained silent! In fact, the beagle nearby gave several deep woofs, and still Archie said nowt. The wee moggy at the next table also gave quite a few yips. And the baby bawled. What a good boy he was.

We had a delicious mezze platter, and when I complimented the waitress on the food as she collected our plates, I couldn't resist complaining about the rather screechy muzak. She was most surprised that it hadn't enhanced our dining experience. She explained that it was on a loop, staff had no control over it.

'Have you thought about having no music - just peace and quiet?'

She looked horrified, as if I'd suggested the Glasgow Orpheus Choir on a loop. (Actually, that would be lovely).

'Oh no! We couldn't have silence. There'd be no atmosphere!'

I barely made it home to the sofa, but Licorice All Sorts helped my recovery. And having a good chuckle watching the Great Painting Challenge helped. I can't paint, so I wouldn't enter a TV painting challenge. But lack of talent doesn't deter this bunch - they're all quite confident in their 'abilities'! It has been amusing to watch their very amateurish efforts painting landscapes, elephants and flamingoes, but this week hit a new hilarity high - portraits! And when the unsuspecting sitters are shown the pathetic efforts, they have to try to think of something even slightly positive to say. Funnily enough, they weren't given the chance to choose one to take home and hang on their walls, unlike in the Sky Arts Portrait Challenge, where many of them are amateurs, but all of them with obvious talents.

Archie's third birthday this week! JR will make a special doggie cake, but shhhh! Don't tell him.