That's one relaxed passenger!

Craig, our path man, has been hard at it all day. He arrived at 8:30, so keen was he to get started. He is such a perfectionist! When we came back this afternoon, the whole path had been laid, so just the more intricate edging and then grouting to do before the rains come on Wednesday. Exciting!

I sprayed the inside of the car with the appeasing pheromone. Not sure if it was that that did the trick, but - Drum Roll - Archie had a big day trip in the car and wasn't sick!!

Mind you, he did whinge in the back seat, and so we moved him to the front. I tied his lead to my seat belt, but I realise that in an accident, he'd be a goner because of the airbag... So no, it's not ideal, but one step at a time. No anxious dog, therefore no sick bags is the first goal. So today was a roaring success.

We drove to Peebles, which is about 40 minutes away. We walked along the river and met loads of dogs. Another few weeks and the autumn colours will be a fine show. There were about a dozen goosanders on the river, swishing about and whizzing along the surface of the water catching fish. What a show!

JR and I had a coffee and cake sitting outside, and I had an ice cream with Archie while JR went window shopping (lots of wee independent shops in Peebles). More running around with a couple of lovely dogs, and into the car for the journey home. Archie was stuffed! He flopped down and snoozed in JR's lap the whole way.

A successful day altogether. A celebratory wine is called for. And a celebratory chewy treat for Archie.