Yesterday was not the best of days. Both by natural inclination, training and experience, I generally try to be positive and seek the best in situations, but yesterday was one of those days when a number of individually minor (but collectively not so) issues seemed to be batting me round the head. I won't go into too much detail, as this will then rapidly become a whinge; but be reassured, dear readers, nothing terribly serious and I'm sure normal service will soon be resumed. It's also nice to be able occasionally to have the luxury of a bad day. As a cancer survivor, the narrative drive is for each day to be a blessing gratefully received and on the whole I'd tend to agree. This can easily become a tyranny of positivity though; because of that terrible awareness of the fragility and preciousness of life it is too easy to feel guilty at time not gainfully spent or lived in a purposeful and conscious way. Actually, the great gift is to spend time without counting it in miserly handfuls and sometimes that will include days where not very much happens, objectives aren't met, moods don't lift and shit just happens.

Today was different. I had a busy domestic morning, enlivened by the delivery of the post. Andy was determined to kill it - one of the items was a package of photographs I had printed out for some scrapbooking. Definately a case of testing to destruction. I am happy and relieved to report that Photobox send out pictures in an excellent greyhound-proof package. Again, praise, the photos were uploaded and ordered on Monday and arrived today. Very impressive. To facilitate my scrapbooking, I ordered a big bundle of photo credits at the start of the year so now all I have to do is upload and order my prints without having to worry about paying for them.

Got my sewing machine out this afternoon and finally finished my sofa snuggle quilt. I don't normally post much about craft stuff on this blog, and will do a more detailed post about it on my craft blog over at Silver Nutmeg. However, especially after yesterday, this was just what I needed. The colours are lovely - a Moda range called "At Waters Edge", full of soft browns, blues, dusty pinks and old golds. I attach a couple of pics.

An update on the foster greyhound. We've now discovered her race history, pedigree and birth data. She'll be four next month. I'm not going to print her race name but she has done an amazing 67 races in England. Unfortunately, she is part of a pattern we see very frequently. English dogs are registered and raced on English tracks until either injury intervenes or simply ceasing to do well. At this point, depending on who you talk to, several things can happen. What should happen (and sometimes, happily, does) is the dog is placed in a new home via either the Retired Greyhound Trust or one of the many other rescue organisations. Other routes are less pleasant and probably best not outlined here (there is lots of info available for those who wish to look) but the one that affects us most in Wales is that many English dogs travel west along the M4 and after a career on the registered tracks begin a shorter, more dangerous life on the unregistered "flapping" tracks here in Wales. These dogs can be bought very cheaply and have the initial advantage of their form not being known on the Welsh tracks, so there is a steady demand. However, the economics of racing in Wales mean that if a dog then has an injury or simply does not do well, then its future looks very bleak indeed. Again, a small fortunate few get passed on to rescue organisations (such as Andy) and bitches may have a second career in breeding, but generally they are disposed of, as cheaply as possible. Hence, her abandonment. Her racing past makes her physical condition more understandable. Our priority now is to ensure she has the retirement she deserves, in the best possible forever home, while working at the bigger issues to improve greyhound welfare.

It appears that my blog has a new, anonymous follower. Whoever you are, you are welcome, but I am disappointed that you feel the need for such secrecy. Most of my blog readers are known to me, either as friends, family members or former colleagues, plus the growing band of friends made across the blogosphere. Because in general, the blogs I follow tend to be personal ones, and as this is very much a personal blog, I'd like to invite you (whoever you are!) to email me to let me know - if you need to have your identity kept secret, I can do that. If I don't hear from you within a week, then I will block you as a follower. At the moment, there is just something downright creepy about it - though I'm hoping that's not your intention. Through my Stat Counter, I already have a very good picture of the users of my blog in general terms - it's fascinating to see where visitors come from, the search terms used, and the ISPs used. A regular source of visitors is blogger play, the wonderful website that displays an ever-changing slideshow of blog pics and one of my all time favourites. Also, since I've been on Twitter, that too has brought a fresh supply of new faces.

Had a quiet night last night and slept in this morning. After waking up, we took the dogs along the River Wye, just down stream from Erwood. With veterinary approval, we took Murgatroyd with us, as it is such a quiet spot. All dogs thoroughly enjoyed themselves - we put the seats down in the back of the car so there was a capacious amount of space for all concerned. As we walked along the river the ground looked like a medieval millefleur tapestry - it was wonderful. Still lots of celandines, as well as violets, primroses, wild garlic, bluebells, wood anemones, stitchwort and right by the river, marsh marigolds.

Came home and had our usual Saturday brunch of bacon sandwiches, made with homemade bread, with the papers. When we got back to the house, there seemed to be a huge quantity of post, including a small craft parcel for me of some ribbons, brads and papers that were reduced to clear. Now reading the paper. Andrew has just mown the back lawn and it has started raining so he has come inside for a cup of tea. Both of us are hoping that the rest of the day is quiet and peaceful.

An odd week. Since my last post on Monday morning, my condition worsened through the day and it quickly became apparent I had caught Andrew's bug. As I write this, I am still sneezing, coughing and sore throated, but much better than I was earlier in the week. Fortunately, Andrew made a full and speedy recovery, and has been in work all week and running too.

Monday was an eventful day for another important reason. During the afternoon, I received a telephone call asking us to foster a greyhound bitch who had been picked up on the weekend. After a quick confirmatory call to my beloved, this was agreed and Andrew went down to pick her up near Llanelli on Monday evening. When she arrived, she was a very pretty little bitch, the colour of the darkest chocolate (not quite black). She has a scar on her right nostril that looks like she had a fight with a barbed wire fence and lost, and a number of sores and calluses that suggest she was a kennel dog and had been sleeping on hard surfaces. She was almost certainly abandoned because she is stiff in her hips and this would have affected her working performance, likely caused by overwork. She is underweight but not badly so. When she arrived, she was rather smelly and scruffy.

She has the most delightful temperament - being friendly, curious, confident and remarkably laid back considering her recent past. She has beautiful brown eyes and a little grey round her muzzle. Monday evening was rather hairy as Andy and Booty (the latter especially) had to adjust to an interloper in "their" space. There was a great deal of posturing and a little bit of growling, but eventually we all went to bed quite peacefully. On Tuesday I took her to the vet where she promptly made friends with everyone she could find. Came away with wormer and flea treatment and today took her for her vaccination (round one) and her microchipping. She had her bath on Tuesday evening and like most dogs I' ve known was not very enthusiastic. However, she emerged cleaner, more fragrant and fluffier. As the days have gone on, relations have become more relaxed and cordial between her and our two which is good to see. She has been enjoying her food and has been mostly clean in the house, bar two very minor accidents.

As the week has progressed, she has made herself more and more at home, gradually getting the hang of the sofa and the spare bed where she can relax in comfort. For several afternoons this week, she and Booty have sunbathed together in the garden, which has been lovely to see. We've made an appointment for her spaying, and once that is successfully over, she can be homed. I attach some photos, two of her on the sofa after her bath, and one outside sunning herself while I was hanging out the washing.

Her adoptive name will be Callie, but for some reason Andrew referred to her as Murgatroyd when he called me on Monday evening on the way home - this has now stuck and is how we refer to her.

It is also a pleasure to write about shopping experiences that go well. On Monday (unrelated to M's arrival) I ordered some more dog food from the Pets at Home website. We don't have a branch near us so this is ideal. Delivery was free plus there was a free fleece blanket when you spent over a certain amount, which I did anyway for several sacks of kibble. Ordering this way also saves having to lug all the heavy sacks home which is great. The courier arrived yesterday and manfully hauled the sacks up the steps and into the house - what great service.

The other business I'd like to praise is in California - and stocks OPI nail varnish and Avoplex oil. I had previously bought OPI products from QVC and probably will in the future, especially as their kits tend to be very good value but really wanted some Avoplex which is the most superb product for dry nails and cuticles. Anyway, Beverley Beaute had it and the new season nail colours for amazingly low prices. The varnish was £5.90 a bottle when it is usually around £10 in the UK or even more (gulp) if you buy it in a salon. The postage was a flat rate £5 for the UK which was very reasonable. So on Monday I ordered two bottles of Avoplex plus two gorgeous nail colours and they arrived this morning - how fabulous is that?!! With prices and service like that it is a pleaure to recommend them.

Poor Andrew went down with a lurgy on Friday afternoon. He came home from work feeling ropey and within a couple of hours was sneezing and coughing and feeling miserable. Originally, we'd planned to both be busy on Saturday morning but it was clear he was not well enough. So on Saturday morning, I did an early solo run down to Swansea (leaving home at around 7.30) down to the Brangwyn Hall for the SCVS Spring Charities Fair where GRW had a stall. Got the stall set up, Penny joined me and the doors opened at 10. I must say that it was very well organised - everything ran like clockwork. Catering was provided by the Girl Guides and there was a wide array of stalls selling plants, home made cakes, books and all sorts of bric-a-brac. We did well selling books and I was very pleased that my home made cards did a brisk trade. Overall the numbers attending were not as good as I'd hoped - there is a similar Fair held at Christmas which is rammed, but this was the first year they had run a spring event so maybe it needs time to build up a reputation.

Drove home through the most glorious spring sunshine, and had a quiet remainder of the day, being very tired (had a nap for an hour) and just wanting to chill out. Andrew continued poorly and felt like a furnace - I swear he glowed in the dark! Early to bed, after watching Barton Fink, a strangely hypnotic Coen Brothers film, strongly reminiscent of Eraserhead.

Sunday was another glorious day. In the afternoon, I had my monthly card making group over in Llandrindod - this month we were doing maze books. Andrew was feeling very much better, although still with a cough. In the evening, he cooked one of our favourite recipes from Delia - pork tenderloin cooked with rosemary, garlic, apples and dry cider. Absolutely delicious, and served with the new season's sprouting broccoli.

I attach a short video taken out in the garden on Sunday afternoon - featuring Andy and Booty doing not very much, but Andy is shown eating grass, one of his stranger habits. Mainly as a test run for both using the video and finding out how easy it is (very!) to upload it.

This week has flown by. On Monday, it was the Greyhound Rescue Wales Easter Fun Day down in Pontardawe with fancy dress classes, an Easter egg hunt and a greyhound walk. By some miracle the sun shone and it didn't rain. Enjoyed ourselves and took some great pics. Paco got his first ever rosette, and Andy and Booty enjoyed seeing him. At one point, Paco jumped straight into the boot of our car for a lie down while Andrew was talking to Anna! Some pics attached of the day, including Paco's amazing costume.

By Tuesday, which Andrew had off, both tired (us and the dogs) and a day of catching up. Andrew updated the GRW website. With Andrew going back to work on Wednesday the week has been completely haywire - I keep losing track of the days. On Wednesday morning, I had to pop down to the surgery for a blood test. Lovely nurse, but the usual problem with my veins. Eventually after a lot of prodding and using a small needle, we got some. Now got a nice bruise. Sometimes, I really do wish I could be fitted with a small tap for these occasions.

Thursday, yesterday, was a tiring day. I was one of a chain of people transporting a greyhound from north to south Wales, where she was coming from her current owner to her new home near Swansea. I collected her at Oswestry, and brought her back here for a break in the journey. Then back in the car and onwards down to Merthyr for another handover. Although we took some photos of her, and she is a beautiful bitch, I have decided not to post them. Sadly, her condition is such that many people would find it distressing. All I can say about it is that I was speechless when I first saw her, but the only thing I keep focusing on is that she is now in a position where she is being cared for properly. As I get older, I am no longer surprised by the way people treat both children and animals, particularly when there are other issues in their lives. This is not to say for a moment that I condone it (far from it) and I still find it shocking at a visceral level - quite literally, my stomach churns. It just seems to happen so often.

What seems to make it worse in some ways is that quite often dogs are so forgiving. In this case, the bitch had been neglected rather than abused (I realise this may sound like an academic distinction when looking at the result). After I had fed her and sat down for a coffee (wishing it was a strong gin!) she decided to join me on the sofa and curled up for a cuddle. Happily, I'll be able to get updates on her progress from my fellow volunteers.

An eventful week. Friends will know that Wednesday was my 44th birthday. Birthday celebrations started in a modest way the day before when Carwyn the postie brought the post including a birthday parcel. When I mentioned it was a birthday present, I was promptly rewarded by a birthday kiss, which got the day off to a good start. On the day itself, Andrew took the day off work. When I awoke, I opened the pile of cards and birthday ATCs that had been sent to me. Then some presents. Very exciting, especially with greyhound on hand to supervise. After breakfast we headed off to spend some time at Hay-on-Wye - Andrew's first visit to the town, and my first for some years. From here, it is only 25 minutes drive away, through pretty scenery. We found the main car park then had a nice enjoyable wander. Apart from bookshops there are a high number of tea shops and delicattessens in the town, so we found a nice one for lunch where we could sit outside in the sunshine. My purchases included the letters of Sir Roy Strong and a William book by Richmal Crompton. Also, I bought a sweet little blue bunny ornament for Easter and a cheerful little money box shaped like a yellow chicken covered in flowers. This is going to be a "stash fund" for stocking up on craft items.

Returned home for some delicious home made birthday cake from Andrew. The cake was a lemon sponge and is shown in the photos. As it was also Andy's birthday, both dogs got a slice which they enjoyed. Then off to Swansea for a greyhound meeting, to which as it was my birthday I took along some home made chocolate muffins with cream cheese frosting. These went down very well and were popular. Penny gave me the thoughtful gift of a little bay tree in a pot, as well as a lovely card.

On Friday we packed up the car and headed down to Cardiff. We did a pile of gardening, and while doing so, more viewers for the house turned up. Let's hope this is a positive sign. Also did lots of cleaning. Garden responded well - even little things like brushing and spraying down the patio make a huge difference. Andrew also cleaned out the pond pump and tidied up some of the pond plants - there are lots of happy tadpoles in the water. In the evening, some greyhound friends came over and we shared a takeaway in a cheerfully picnic style. Although we had a dining table we had only two chairs and no cutlery or plates. But then Andrew brought some chairs in from the garage, and we remembered the picnic things under the stairs. So we dined off melamine plates with plastic cutlery! It was great fun though.

Then off to bed in the bunks upstairs and on Saturday morning we headed off into Cardiff ot buy my birthday present from Andrew. This wonderful thing is a Flip Mino video recorder - a tiny digital video recorder about the size of a mobile phone with idiot proof controls. We also popped into the Nationwide to sort out some ISA stuff and then went round to Borders as another part of my birthday treat. Visited the inhouse Starbucks for a fortifying and wonderful mocha with gallons of whipped cream, and browsed the books. I ended up with a book on jelly roll quilts (most inspiring) and another on life in austerity Britain, after the war. As well, I stocked up on fun stickers and things in Paperchase. Our final stop in town was in Accessorize - another birthday treat to myself from myself. Bought a handbag and a couple of pairs of earrings. Then home and time for housework. Left the Cardiff house looking spick and span and returned here late in the afternoon, both shattered. A very early night last night.

Today, we slept in till about 9.30 which was bliss. Then after a late breakfast and a shower we met up Tara, another greyhound friend, her partner Andy, her parents, their two dogs and Tara's two greys, all of whom were camping in a lovely site in Builth. This was the first opportunity I had had to visit a modern caravan - I was hugely impressed. Tara's caravan was spacious, light and featured built in music, microwave, fridge, sink, bathroom with shower and loo, flat screen TV and virtually every other mod con you could think of. The sleeping area for two greys and two adults looked comfy and commodious. Amazing. After a chat and a drink, we all headed over to the Red Lion in Llanafan Fawr for a relaxing drink. We were able to sit outside the pub in the sun, which was great for the dogs and enjoy a relaxing chat. Apparently the beer was very good and it was great to watch kites overhead and the first swallows I have seen this year. I drove us home and we are now catching up with things in a relaxed fashion here. Andrew is cooking a roast pork joint with rosemary from the garden in Cardiff. Afterwards we'll be able to unwrap an Easter egg.

Starting with a quick rant. On Thursday, I had the car to do some food shopping and other things. Took Andrew into work and hit Builth at about 8.30. Most shops are open at that time, so was able to trundle round and do what I needed. Called into the Post Office, where I was the sole queuer behind a single lady engaged in complex transactions involving parcels and heaven knows what else. Seeing another position open, I stepped up to be told "This position is closed" - well, that told me. I'm just the customer. Eventually got to the single cashier position open, and the lady in front apologised to me as she left, whereas the woman behind the counter didn't. Bought my stamps and seeing all the posters advertising "The People's Christmas Fund" (just sounding horribly Stalinist) asked if Icould pay in a cheque. Initially the woman said yes, then asked what bank it was. I told her "NatWest" - not too obscure - but she sighed and said no. Apparently you can with about 50% of the High street banks but not the other 50%. What a cockeyed system. I can understand them not doing any, or doing all, but this type of half-assed approach makes me long to throw them to the archest of arch capitalists and say "Yes, privatise them. Do your worst!" Nothing could be worse than the current muddle.

A good weekend. Andrew was looking forward to it, as work has been quite exciting for him this week, as they are moving from one office in Llandrindod (in an old Victorian hotel) to another on a trading estate on the outskirts of the town. He's fortunate in not having too much to pack, with not having been there very long, but sounds like many of his colleagues are being forced to empty their cupboards and do a bit of de-cluttering.

Yesterday, we travelled down to Pontardawe. It was a lovely journey, via Brecon and Sennybridge with stunning views and quiet roads, except of course for weekend motorbikers who are very common, hurtling around. We went there to the show venue for next Monday to walk the course for the risk assessment which I am having to prepare for the Council who own the site. Took lots of pics, which naturally included a few of Andrew and the dogs. Popped in to the local Tesco afterwards for emergency stock up of gin and a few other things, then home. A peaceful evening with the paper, some supper and CSI. And of course snoozing hounds.

We caught up with some episodes of the BBC4 series on Sissinghurst - my goodness, what a trainwreck. Am watching in appalled fascination as Adam Nicholson and Sarah Raven flounce, fuss and pout - I was strongly reminded of Prince Charles by the constant whining about being misunderstood victims while the poor sods in the NT were trying to run a successful visitor attraction. Can't also help feeling that AN is quite happy to trade on his family's history and the Vita/Harold/lesbian/Bloomsbury/angles - I mean how much mileage can you decently make out of your grandmother's sex life? It even showed his sister teaching her teenage daughters all about great grandmother's bedroom romps with various aristocratic females with great relish.I hasten to add - I'm not in the least shocked by the lesbian angle - just the family's willingness to keep flogging this particular dead horse - some of AN's anecdotes about his father reading various passionate missives to his young son from the family archives sounded distinctly suspect. Most people like to imagine their grandmothers doing things like knitting - not hearing the sweaty details of their bedroom conquests.

Today, we went for a walk in Esgair Dafydd, another bit of Forestry Commission land which seems to link upwith the Crychan forest, that I've posted about previously. We were the only car there, and slowly ascended up through the forest, with banks of violets on either side and budding larches all green. Booty was fascinated by rabbit holes. As we came back down we could see more bikers on the road, but otherwise could only hear sheep and the woodpecker. Came home, had a late lunch and read the paper. Andrew went for a run, and I've been making some Easter cards. Now settled with a gin and soon to eat dinner. Am looking forward to my birthday later this week - 44!