Much to report. Andy went in for his op on Friday. We took him for a quick walk in the morning and he was very bouncy and was extremely frustrated that we weren't giving him breakfast. Took him to the vet and he immediately froze and attempted to hide behind Andrew's legs. It's so odd how dogs seem to "know" they are at the vets and they definately don't like it. Left him there and went off to work in a state of nervous tension, worrying about him. Got a phone call in the afternoon to pick him up and drove home with him very wobbly even with Andrew supporting him. Friday night he mostly slept. His coat which had previously been exceptionally glossy was dull - in a horse you would call it "staring", and he smelt differently - ill dogs always do, in fact all animals seem to.

Saturday and today have been a good recovery. He is very attached and whines if he cannot see one of us, but is bouncing around, quite literally. The only thing he cannot do at the moment, much to his frustration, is come upstairs, because of the comedy lampshade he is wearing which seems to get in his way when he is managing the steps. His appetite has returned with a vengeance and we are taking him back to the vet on Tuesday for a check-up. The stitches are due to be removed in a fortnight but I do not think the lampshade will last that long. We only took him for a mini walk today round the estate this morning. Waking up early with him has allowed us to get on with lots of domestic stuff. Andrew has been painting the outside table and chairs with teak oil, which helps the wood and keeps them a lovely colour. Two lots of washing and a mountain of ironing. Interestingly, the ironing pile has not shrunk in any way even though I have done loads - why is this?

Andrew also cleaned out the kitchen bin, watched with much interest by the invalid. Last night we watched "Eragon" on DVD, as we couldn't go out. Good effects, and a good story, but clunking characterization and poor dialogue. The dragon wasn't quite as impressive as I would have expected - a bit too friendly and not enough fire breathing... tonight we are watching "Miss Potter", a DVD about the early life of Beatrix Potter. Weather is definately on the turn - it has been windy all day, and quite cloudy and is now starting to rain. Long overdue for the garden.

Roast chicken tonight, so I expect the invalid will take a keen interest in kitchen proceedings. I attach a couple of photos, including the lampshade worn by the invalid, and a close-up of our alliums in the raised bed. These are the first to flower, we have lots of others in bud. I love their fractal appearance when you examine them closely, and they are such a stunning colour.