Honeymoon Part 2!!

So onwards in the week, Wednesday was a lazy and late start and a tasty breakfast, and then a short drive to a local reservoir to take the dogs on a long walk, over a huge impressive working bridge and dam, and around some stunning breathtaking scenery. The micro-climate around there was just something else, as it was freezing cold but the sun was out which was normal, but the temperature must have been in minus figures, as the frozen topped streams but running underneath were testament to, so pretty and quite fascinating. We barely saw anyone around so it was so quiet and peaceful, and the dogs had a great time in a brand new place to walk, and were really well behaved, especially around the wild birds, sheep and horses.

After a good few hours rest we had an exciting (well for me!) afternoon planned, with the BEST recommendation ever, to a canine hydrotherapy centre nearby in Devon - Dogchester Hydrotherapy - and the kind owner had managed to fit us into her schedule, which was just great and so helpful. The facilities there were just fantastic all round with a huge heated and ramped pool - and Trudy the owner was just so good with Kiah, getting her perfectly accustomed to the water with no rushing or stress, and it was just the best thing ever to see Kiah starting to really enjoy what was a full hour's worth of swimming.

The rest of the day was really just spent relaxing together on the cottage, with three tired and happy doggies (Yahoo had stayed with friends for the week as he is just getting a bit elderly now) and two tired and happy humans, log fire burning red hot, cosy evening together, ready for another following day, which was to be a day trip and visit to Cornwall...

Honeymoon Part 1!!

To continue; we had a very enjoyable and lazy Sunday 'post-wedding' morning, it was lovely to see lots of people who stayed over, and then just to top it off having a rather overindulgent fry up/cereal/ fruit/pastries/toast/whatever we wanted breakfast at the hotel, and a very lazy check out having stayed in the penthouse, just lovely!! We did have to eventually get back to a bit more reality, and Alex had a fun few minutes using his 4x4 for what it was really meant for in the snow of the empty car parks... typical boy!! It was great to get back to see the doggies after they had spent the previous day and evening with some very trusted friends, it was great to know they were in safe hands, and being spoiled too.

The honeymoon was a secret until we started travelling down, and I found out that it was to be down in the West Country at a beautiful secluded cottage in Devon, that the dogs were welcome at too (even better) - just a stunning place with a homely feel, the best power shower ever, and a toasty log burner that Alex made sure was roaring every night!!! The first afternoon there was just a lot of enjoyable nothing - all of us chilling out, in the cottage.

Our first full day was just perfect, Alex had arranged for Kiah and I to have an agility lesson in the morning, and a workshop in the evening, such a lovely thought. We had a great time, Kiah was mad but was really listening and did some fantastic jumping and turning work, I was so pleased with her - she looks pretty pleased with herself too!! On the way back we happened to pop into Lidl for a few bits, and by pure chance we came across a peanut balance ball for just £7, bargain!! That first day was just to be the start of loads of fun, at a highly enjoyable week spent with my bestest family ever...

Our Wedding!!

I never wish my life away (maybe the odd week at work?!) but it is a little frightening how the last few weeks have come and gone, and now we are officially 'old marrieds'...scary!! I'm not going to write down too much, as I really could go on and on, but we both had a fantastic day. We had lots of lovely people around us to help us celebrate - family and friends old and new, the sun was shining all day, thick fluffy white snow in the late evening (we're sorry some of you couldn't make it but we'd rather everyone was safe), Alex's landrover making a special guest appearance as the wedding car, a very enjoyable evening reception, and the chocolate fountain - had to be seen to be believed, but went down very well too. Even the dogs made a guest feature as they were pride of place as little models on our wedding cake, complete with paw prints, it had to be done, its just us all over! Here are a couple of amateur pictures from our special day - really love looking at them and can't wait to see the official photos hopefully in a couple of weeks...

Walky Weekends

Continuing with the walks that we have been doing, today and yesterday have been no exception!! Yesterday brought us over to the forest again, and as it was slightly overcast to start with, there weren't too many people there so us and the dogs had a great time. There were 11 dogs in total - 8 gundogs, a shepherd and two collie-somethings!! We even actually remembered the camera - this group shot was taken at the end of the walk - usually slightly more chance of getting the dogs to sit still as they were belting around having fun!! I do even feel slightly less unfit than before, which is great, a bit of a bonus.

Otherwise we have just been continuing with the wedding plans, the final fitting has been done so everything will be ready for collection the day before 'the big day'...only two weeks away now!!! As much as we are both looking forward to it, I think after the day is over, it will be time for a rest, not that I am wishing it away, but it will be a big stress causer that we no longer have to worry about. Less stressed happy humans!!

Mind you, then anyway it will mean back thinking about agility shows - I've already entered one in March and another in April so it won't be long til they come around and spring is here. Even though they take up a lot of weekends, they are so relaxing and we are quite excited about them again - I even overheard Alex say that he is looking forward to them, not that he will admit it!! The dogs are all good too, Kiah was awesome at training the first week back, Davy has been measured obviously large so is officially allowed to enter competitions, Risk is really getting good at recalls and playing raggy out on a walk too which is great, and Yahoo is over his bug so is back to his old retrievery self and joining us on walks again... Happy and well doggies too :)))

Busy...And Getting Busier

Our celebrations for bringing in the New Year were very enjoyable, but nice and relaxing with a couple of friends and dogs, and watching the spectacular London fireworks from the comfort of a sofa. I guess part of the reason is because it was seeing in the start of the Olympic year so they really did go all out, very impressive and great to watch- but less frightening for the dogs as we were watching on the TV.

That now seems like an age away as we have had SO much to do, and been so busy organising since then!! Aside from the boring bit of having to go back to work, we have got a wedding to finish organising - our own - as it is literally 3 weeks away today, not long at all... Thankfully we are pretty sure that most things are done, just a few last minute bits to sort, and can just look forward to the day, and then a really big party in the evening!!

We have also been on three mega walks with friends and their dogs at the weekends, for fun of course, but to keep the dogs fit, try and get us fit, and to help socialise little Riskles - not that he needs it, confident little puppy!! Of course Risk is carried some of the way, as its a long way for his little legs. Twice we have been to the beach and then once to the forest, fab opportunities for photos - and both times I have forgotten the camera, though we are going again tomorrow so will try to remember it this time.

Today to just continue the busy-ness, Alex and a good friend have been working fantastically re-doing our garden fencing, it is looking really good - it was put up quickly by the previous owners and was becoming brittle. Anyway I've been out in the garden too (supervising?!?!) with the dogs who have been playing on the frosty ground and the sunshine - the perfect opportunity for photos so I thought I'd get the camera out as I haven't in ages. A few good ones came out but the one posted here is my absolute favourite, Kiah and Risk having a fab time playing!!

Boxing Day Walkies

So Christmas day was great fun, after a chilled quiet walk in the morning with the dogs - if then a bit of a challenge trying to make sure everything comes out of the oven at once!! I was lucky enough to get some fantastic presents, a couple of CD's for the car, a new bright purple dressing gown, but also some awesome new Back on Track products, and a 'Springs Things' massage rug for Kiah which is rather cool. The dogs of course shared in the festivities, with their own presents - bones, hooves, pigs ears, beef jerky, some of which they have had, but of course their very own over-indulgent complete Christmas dinner too... even a sprout each, not so sure that was a good idea...

So of course its great to be able to walk the dogs more, and this morning was no exception. We went really early so that we missed all the 'boxing day walkers' as Risk has decided that other walkers (and runners!!!) must fuss him and squeals at them in excitement!! I have a challenge on my hands, but he was a good boy and came back each time on his recall. They all had a fantastic time getting all wet and muddy; Kiah running around like a loon, Davy going on his little adventures, Yahoo on a mission and coming back when he feels like it, and Risk joining in with them all!! All four dogs were pretty good though for appeasing us (and do get a sweetie reward) when we just had a quick 5 minutes to stop for a group photo pose.

This afternoon they are all happily chilled out, settled and chewing on their gifts - hooves and bones, and I'm sure we will be sampling a few left overs - there is more turkey, gammon and stuffing, Christmas pudding, mince pies and just a little M&S raspberry and vanilla panna cotta (which is fantastic!!) that might need to be finished, if we have room!!

Happy Christmas!!

Just a quick note from us two and four legged (especially Kiah and Davy, feeling festive - but not very impressed - in their Christmas hats!!), to wish everyone that takes the time to read my blog, a very Happy Christmas!!! We all are looking forward to spending time - together and with our families and loved ones, and hope that any one reading has the opportunity to do the same! In addition we are all thankful for some of the things that we are lucky enough to have - there has been some ups and downs but there are some who simply aren't lucky enough to have what we have. If I don't get a chance in between, then I would also like to send our very best wishes for a Happy New Year, and all your wishes to come true!!