Since I last wrote, Andrew and I took the dogs and had a short break in Cornwall. We stayed in the Travelodge in Saltash, near Plymouth where we used to live. We chose the Travelodge as dogs are welcome and by booking well in advance were able to take advantage of their very cheap room deals.

It was great to be back in Plymouth and we managed to pack in a surprising amount in a few days. We saw lots of my dear friend Leila, which was great, and also managed to have a wonderful night at the gloriously named Finnygook Inn at Portwrinkle. If you are ever in SE Cornwall and want a good pub, this one ticks all the boxes. Great, friendly staff, really nice drinks, fabulous food, a beautiful real fire, spotless loos, everything you could want. In all, six of us got together and it was fabulous to catch up on the news, and just to enjoy a relaxed evening out. While we were in the pub, the woofs stayed in the car, and Andrew popped out regularly to check on them. Our table was cunningly located by the window so we could keep an eye on the car.

We had the obligatory stroll along the Hoe plus some really enjoyable walks over at Mount Edgecumbe Country Park and up on Bodmin Moor, to the Hurlers. The Hurlers are an ancient series of stone circles (subject of many myths and legends) and are one of my most favourite places in the world. The moor location is stunning, and you can see ruined tin mines in the distance. Nearby is the Cheesewring, a granite tor feature which is wonderful and offers glorious views over moorland and countryside. I also managed to do a surprise visit to the landfill site where I used to work, and gave my old boss a jolt as he was peacefully working to suddenly be faced with my smiling face!

Before we knew it, it was time for a last breakfast with Leila and then back home, via the South Devon coast road, which is a drive of astonishing beauty, stopping off at Slapton Sands to allow the dogs a quick stretch of the legs before the journey home. The dogs especially enjoyed their first taste of what a proper pasty is like (courtesy of Ivor Dewdney, a Plymouth institution) and it was great to go on the Torpoint ferry as well and enjoy the close up view of the river. Definately a trip we'd like to repeat.

Since returning, the days have flown by. Andrew went up to Chester on Friday for the funeral of his great uncle Bob, who had died at the age of 95. He had passed away peacefully after a long life, mostly very well, but marred by illness in the last few months. You can never be glad someone has died but this came close, in the sense of a long life peacefully enjoyed and a gentle passing - who could wish for more?

Over the weekend, I was making a quilt (will be doing a separate post on this over on my craft blog) and then on Sunday Andrew headed up to London early as he had a Monday morning meeting. Yesterday was our 13th wedding anniversary and it was sad to be spending it apart from him. I had tucked his anniversary card into his suitcase before he left, and Andrew had entrusted his card for me to Andy's care. The day passed peacefully and quietly - I finished my quilt (yay!!), and in the evening watched some of the Robert Plant programmes that have been aired lately which I had recorded. Yesterday is also special in that it marks the first anniversary of Boola's arrival with us (initially as a foster dog). A year is not a long time, yet I feel Boola has been with us for ages - he has settled in to become a much loved character and member of our family. On first joining us, he seemed stressed and nervous, and it's been a real joy watching him relax, settle in and unfurl his gorgeous personality. This is one party dog - he adores company, canine and human, is very laid back but will also not be backward in telling you if he wants some chicken or thinks it's time for a cuddle.

We're going to be having a joint celebration on the weekend - our dear friend Paula is coming round for a meal on Saturday night, and we'll probably make a special joint anniversary/Gotcha Day cake for us and for Boola. The following weekend, Andrew and I will probably go out for a meal, most likely back to Bully's which we enjoy so much.