THREE schnauzers!

I’ve kind of got out of the way of travelling. Flying especially. I suddenly realised last night that I needed to ‘check in’ online. And I KNOW they accept boarding passes on phones, as I’ve seen them being used, but I’m still a bit nervous, especially with the order at the top of the page. PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASSES.

And so, not having a printer, I popped down to Christine’s - she very kindly lets me use hers for such things. This had the added bonus of seeing Dougal! He came charging out, and if he were bigger, he’d knock me off my feet. But he’s only 4kg, and may not grow much more. His friend Bonnie was there also - Christine’s niece’s daschound. Now, Dougal ADORES Bonnie, but is rather, er, exuberant in his devotion. She doesn’t like his manners at all, so she spent most of her time on her mum’s lap trying to keep away from him.

I found out that Dougal CAN undo double tied laces, but has not yet mastered triple knots.

Hazel came over for a chinwag to tell us how her special two week de-tox is going, and all her other retirement/holiday plans.

In the afternoon we (mainly JR) got things organised for a little gathering later - Hamish and Pip are visiting, along with their parents, and it’s looking like we can sit outside, to begin with anyway. Archie went out with Elizabeth a bit earlier than normal, so that he’s back ready to socialise at 4pm. We don’t really want to have a late night, because we’ve got an early morning flight, and have to deposit Archie at his friend Derek’s place before we go to the airport. 

My aim is to get a shot of all three dogs on the sofa. Fingers crossed.

Yes, I managed it. But not as close together as I would have liked. We had such a nice evening. Outside for ages, then inside. The dogs were so funny. So excited to see each other out on the road, then ignored each other inside. Also, it seems that both Hamish and Pip have weird little quirks and sensitivities to different sounds like Archie has. Hamish goes into a panic when he hears a champagne cork popped. Pip HATES anybody sneezing. Archie, of course, hates laughter on TV. And buzzers. And the doorbell. And the fridge beeping if the door is left open… funny wee things.

The others have gone off together for more drinkies. Good. We knew they’d get on well. 

Early start tomorrow!