A traumatic day today. Was walking the dogs over at Park Tredelerch, between torrential showers and hailstorms. Part of the circular walk involves a boardwalk over the lake. As we were about two thirds of the way across the boardwalk Booty slipped and fell in the lake. Had a panic stricken and very undignified scramble to try and get her out, mainly by hauling her out with her coat. All of us very shaken, and Booty also soaking wet. Returned home and have kept a close eye on her. Spectacular bruising now coming out on her belly, which being bald shows it up very clearly. Had a chat with Sandra, our greyhound guru, who recommends the application of arnica tomorrow. Otherwise she seems fine, as she is eating, moving, jumping on the bed, drinking, weeing and behaving in all ways very normally. We will however keep a close eye on her. Sandra also recommended that we return to the park tomorrow and walk over the boardwalk several times to show her that there is nothing to be frightened of.

Since I last posted we seem to have watched a lot of programmes about chickens, having taped and seen Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's set of three and one by Jamie Oliver. HFW is rather irritating, and I must admit if I lived in Axminster I'd probably be fed up with him. His campaign to persuade people to go free range was fatally marred by the fact he had just opened a very expensive farm shop in the town selling, you guessed it, free range chickens. He seemed suprised that base motives would be impugned, and said in tones of mock horror that the townspeople were quoting prices of £18 - 20 per chicken. Interestingly, he didn't actually say how much he was charging which makes me think these prices were probably quite close. At that price, very few people could afford a chicken. Anyway on Saturday, having watched all these programmes decided to buy a happy chicken for Sunday, to roast. Sainsburys had nto a single free range or organic whole bird or any portions on sale. Ho hum. So we had an outdoor reared pork joint instead. Also bought a bottle of Martini Extra Dry to experiment with making our own vodka martinis. Not wholly successful, as to be honest, the cocktail is too dry for us, but we successfully adapted it into the Crantini, a version with the addition of some cranberry juice. A most delightful pink colour and a very refreshing drink. One of my favourite cocktails is a Sea Breeze, which is a mixture of vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juice, which is what inspired me to try the Crantini variation. If driving, a Virgin Breeze is also very acceptable.

Sunday we took the dogs over to Cosmeston which they enjoyed tremendously as did we- had a good run in the field. Not many dogs around as the weather is continuing to be wet and windy. Today has been full of heavy showers, hail and strong winds. I am very glad indeed that I bought the new boots and coat - they have proved their worth. After Booty's immersion, I washed her and Andy's coats, they were filthy, and heavily mud spattered. We'll be giving her a bath in the next day or so when her bruises are a little less tender.