Late this morning J,J,E and N left for a wedding in Lancaster. That left me with P . . . . . Poppy, my guard dog for the night. Shown in her favourite place at the bottom of the stairs.

She proved her ability mid afternoon when my friendly neighbourhood fireman came to fit a new smoke alarm. Poppy barked and barked (as she does to men and cyclists) but soon calmed down. I had to bribe her into the back garden with a sausage (left from our breakfast) while the alarm was tested. I know from experience that she’s terrified of fireworks so was taking no chances with the alarm.

A quiet evening ahead I hope and a fairly healthy tea (with sausages . . . for me).