Dogs and flowers

So poor old Woody (the dog) went under the knife this morning as he got very ill overnight and it was discovered under exploratory surgery that his lower intestine was blocked by a corn husk.  This happened to a neighbour’s dog and is a problem in the area.  The badgers eat the corn from the fields and dogs then find and eat the discarded husks which are indigestible. . He will be alright and thank heavens we have vet insurance, but there will be no lesson learnt so we are going to have to be vigilant .

I went up to the office over lunchtime and did a zoom from my desk before going over to Cambridge for an evening with friend Jo.  I was going to pick up some mugs that I’d commissioned for Hannah, from an elderly potter nearby. I love her work but she doesn’t make much and is not particularly interested in sending it anywhere.  When I got there she didn’t have any payment means other than cash so I had to go back out to find some!  The green jug on the mantelpiece above is the one I bought as a little present for Jo.  I love the way it leans.  I think the one with tulips in is one of hers as well. 

Horticultural news. I picked what I think will be the last dahlia from the raised beds this morning (frost due tonight) and saw at the same time  that one of my narcissus had a flower on it.  It is an early variety but I am not ready for cheerful spring bulbs yet. I’ll allow a paperwhite or forced hyacinth at Christmas but even Jo’s early tulips seem a bit previous!