Not so phantom sock stealer...

Alan's support worker Christine was unloading the tumble drier this evening and Lola sneaked into the utility room and in the blink of an eye, made off with one of Alan's socks.  Of course she was thrilled when Christine gave chase.  

What a mad half hour ensued with her running to me, David and Christine in turn, teasing us with the sock and running off again.  We were helpless with laughter by the end of it and Lola had hiccups!  

This led on from me playing / training fetch with her this morning.  She would fetch one of her chew toys, bring it to me for a game of tug of war, I would win the toy then she would sit beautifully whilst I threw it away then run and fetch and the game would begin all over again.  What a sense of satisfaction when she suddenly "gets" something we've been working on.

Today has been mostly about getting organised for David's weekend away. I have done a pile of ironing, completed the menu planning and placed my Tesco online order.  David has organised Pet Insurance as the free Kennel Club insurance is due to finish next week and has made up the beds for Ele and Gail staying at the weekend.

But THE most exciting thing to happen today (apart from my cuddles with Lola of course) is we have booked a holiday for next summer.  I am SO excited!  
It will be our first family summer holiday since France in 2015, which was the most perfect holiday to begin with then sadly turned into the holiday from hell when Alan took ill.

Although he is so much better and no longer has ulcerative colitis, we are still so scarred by that experience that neither David or I can face going back to France just yet.  It's just too complicated to consider.  

Instead we are going to Devon, to a stunning, converted barn that is fully adapted to suit Alan's needs.  It even has a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi that has hoist access and the temperature of the water can be raised to convert it to a hydrotherapy pool.   There are profiling beds and ceiling hoists and all the bathrooms/ensuites are level access wet floor showers.  There is even a through floor wheelchair lift!   

It also has a lovely courtyard and garden and loads of wheelchair accessible outdoor space.  The online brochure states, "A path from the courtyard leads into the five acre field, meandering gently towards the private lake. A seating area for barbecues and picnics is provided at the end of the path, overlooking the lake, with extensive views towards the Torridge Estuary and Bideford.A path from the courtyard leads into the five acre field, meandering gently towards the private lake. A seating area for barbecues and picnics is provided at the end of the path, overlooking the lake, with extensive views towards the Torridge Estuary and Bideford.

The lake, easily big enough for boating, canoeing, kayaking and many other water sports should keep the family entertained for many hours. It is stream fed and so the fresh water is renewed constantly throughout the year. A fishing jetty should provide hours of pleasure for those who wish to fish and a safe shallow entry point (most of the lake is over 10 feet deep) will enable fun play in the water on sunny days. The lake has been stocked with fish, but wild otters have also been observed in the water."

It sounds idyllic and I am counting the days.