Not a huge amount to report. It's been a fairly quiet week for me. Greyhound meeting on Wednesday night in Swansea held at County Hall. The building is being refurbished so all of us had trouble getting in and out - good meeting though.

Every night this week we've been serenaded by either frogs or toads - I'm not sure which. They are croaking very loudly in the back garden - as it's dark and wet, can't see to check. Expert comments welcome to explain this phenomenon . Is it a mating call? The frog equivalent of Austin Powers going "Yeah baby", or a Barry White style accompaniment to frog hanky-panky? Who knows?

Talking of sex, I watched "Secretary" on Thursday evening. What an interesting film. James Spader, who has such a sexy voice I could listen to him read the telephone directory, and the beautiful Maggie Gyllenhall playing the title role. A long exploration of the boundaries of desire, repressed and therefore volcanic, with eruptions of surprisingly tender and funny S & M sex, including spanking, a memorable scene with a saddle and a carrot and an erotic hair-washing. Definately strange, but oddly enjoyable.

Now have succumbed to some sort of lurgy. My throat feels like I've smoked a packet of Woodbines and all my lymph clusters are aching - sort of how I imagine bubonic plague. I hate having a crap immune system.

On Saturday we were honoured to receive a visit from cousin Jonathan, who is making a kind of stately progress around the country while his flat is being gutted and refurbished up in the grim North. Strangely there will be no flying ducks or muriels of whippets, but it sounds from his description like the most gorgeously swish redecoration. I am particularly impressed by the description of the plans for the bathrooms and dressing room, while Andrew was more interested in the NASA spec remote controls for built in sound systems and lighting. For all I know there is probably one of those pop up maps of the world you see on Bond films, which then lights up excitingly to show missile trajectories, or perhaps more usefully planned shopping routes. Anyway it sounds exciting and I really can't wait to see it.

Despite the grim weather we ventured down the Bay and had lunch in what used to be Brazz in the Millennium Centre. It is now called Gilbey's and although it was OK, I don't think we'll be rushing to return. We ventured forth for a couple of photos on the Torchwood step. Most inconsiderately, John Barrowman was nowhere to be seen. Tchah! A detour to the Red Dragon Centre for a visit to the Dr Who shop and then back to the house for coffee and chat. The day flew by, and it was lovely to see him. I am also insanely jealous as he has tickets to see Bryn Terfel singing Falstaff next weekend in Birmingham - gnash, gnash.

Today was quiet. We decided to take the dogs somewhere different, and headed for a Forestry area called Forest Drive near Risca. However when we got there it was full of mud spattered mountain bikers as there was an event on, and the trails were shut. Swung into plan B, and went back over to 14 Locks which we visited over the new year. This time, we walked the other way along the canal towpath. It was lovely, full of celandines, primroses and ducks. The day felt really springlike, with lots of scudding white clouds and a blue sky. Tonight however we are forecast to have a severe storm. Andrew made some amazing Yorkshire puddings tonight to go with the roast beef, they rose so high they stuck to the top of the oven. Fortunately there were enough to share with the woofs. Finished the evening by enjoying Gosford Park. Another brilliant performance by Helen Mirren.

A quiet few days. Tonight was quilting class, the highlight of my week. We are working on the block which will form the centrepiece of the quilt, and have only two or three more classes to go before we finish the course. I am sad at this thought, as I really enjoy the social dimension too. We are a small group but have knitted together very well. Marianne our tutor gave out copies of the shop's newsletter and the summer course programme. A fantastic array of classes and at least two or three I'd like to do. Much to our amazement and delight this includes a course on "Decorating Your Bra For Belly Dancing" - yes, really. A naughty imp inside me is tempted to do the course, create the most blinged piece of underwiring imaginable, preferably with bells on, and then wear the results to something stuffy like our union JCC, or a visit by BSI to audit our quality standards. I really must control my naughty imp better.

Continuing the underwear theme, we walked the dogs over at Tredegar on Monday. It was a cold day and we virtually had the park to ourselves. Many celandines and I was very impressed by seeing some tiny and beautiful white violets- unusual and so delicate looking. Anyway, about half way round the lake, I felt a stirring in my nether regions and a most uncomfortable sensation as my knickers gradually collapsed around me. On telling my dear one, hoping for some sympathy, I was instead met by uncontrolled mirth, which continued while I minced round for the rest of the walk. I will not name the offending shop where the items were purchased, but it has convinced me that I was fickle to abandon Markles and Sparkles, and my lingerie loyalty will lie with St Michael henceforth.

A quick and dirty post for this evening. Andrew has spent the weekend with the computer. He tried a variety of reboots with no success, which left us with the nuclear option which we had hoped to avoid of completely restarting with factory settings. Our documents are fine but this would mean the loss of our email. Anyway, we've done the deed, the beast is working now and I'm typing this on it. With of course 20/20 hindsight DH has now arranged for all email received in future to be copied into a web based folder so we can access it if it falls over. That's great, but doesn't get us over the current hump.

If you want us to have your email address, and think we had it, we don't any longer so please, RESEND US an email. Or you can leave a comment with your address on it.

Annoyingly this buggers up a number of ongoing things, including some greyhound stuff, some ATC swops and just generally keeping in touch with people. So, dear readers, get those outboxes pinging.

And smug Mac users - the Germans have a useful word for it - schadenfreude I believe?!!

Otherwise, not much to report, except for finishing the seams on the quilt, and greyhound walk this afternoon. Oh, and we've got frogs in the pond, and the quince is flowering.

Some delay in posting for a variety of reasons. Firstly, computer has the sulks and the big decision to be made is whether it is terminal. Unfortunately, it looks that way. DH has kindly rigged up a very old laptop, so we are making do with that at the moment. This does allow access to the Net, although many of the bookmarked sites have of course been lost, so am busy trying to re-establish that.

Anyway, what else is happening? Andrew returns from Scotland in about an hour and a half. As I write he should be in the air somewhere over Manchester (Jonathan, I'll hope he waves at the builders at the flat). I'm about to go and put the oven on, to cook some chicken that's been marinading in a red pepper and peri-peri marinade. Free range, natch, nearly a fiver for four thighs, and they were selling whole battery chickens for less than three quid. Also there were only two packets of FR chicken on the shelf, so I didn't feel we had a lot of choice.

I've been working on a quilt now for a few days - I can't say too much about it as the person it will be given to occasionally reads this blog, and it will be a surprise for them. In any case I will do a more detailed posting over on my Silver Nutmeg site, with all the exciting technical details. All I can say is that I am absolutely delighted with it, and I hope the recipient likes it.

Over the weekend, we popped down to visit a fellow greyhound enthusiast who lives on a lovely farm in Carmarthenshire, actually just down the road from my friend Liz. She has two lurchers who were delightful, although one was incredibly shy, owing to some previous bad experiences before being rescued. We also had the pleasure of a tour round her stables and had a nice horsy natter. Andrew (who doesn't share my love of horses) made friends with the stable cats and ended up wearing one as a kind of draped parrot, as he strolled round the yard. Came home wearing lots of sweet little muddy paw prints and sniffed very thoroughly by Andy and Booty who could obviously pick up the aromas of the other dogs.

There isn't really a lot else to write about. Andy has been going through one of his phases of collecting random objects for his nest upstairs, which has been downright surreal at times - may be he is a surrealist? The world's first surrealist greyhound - now there's something to conjure with. Objects I've had to rescue have included the cheese grater, a rug, several very sharp knives, a saucepan, cushions, some quilting batting (the stuffing in the middle), a fish slice, a measuring jug and Andrew's Duke of Edinburgh Award certificate. He also wasn't very happy today that I washed his duvet - I think dogs spend a lot of time working on the patina of fragrance (to them) in their den, and we humans come along and remove it, and replace it with boring old fabric conditioner.

Last week was busy, although it was half term in many places, including our quilting class. However, Wednesday night was Greyhound meeting up in Merthyr. We drove up there and found the venue which was a bowls club attached to a leisure centre. When I walked in with the lady I was travelling with, we were met by a lone bloke in the bar who regarded us as alien beings (as we were female)! I had forgotten that there were still these pockets of dinosaur men around up in the valleys - quite depressing really. Anyway meeting went well.

On the weekend, topped up Booty's medication. We arrived at the vet's surgery on Saturday morning, when he does a short clinic to find him in the doorway angrily wielding a hammer. I must have looked a bit startled but he immediately started banging hell out of the door frame which was apparently sticking. As he is a tough, no-nonsense Antipodean, (although wonderfully gentle with the dogs) this was quite impressive once I got over the shock. Anyway, got Booty's meds and disappeared for a walk, which was very cold.

Sunday, we were visited by Andrew's sister, husband and three boys. Nephews were happy, noisy and pleased to see the dogs. We had lunch first and then went back to Hamadryad park and over to the wetlands area. Although sunny, there was still lots of ice in the ditches. All had a good afternoon, returned home and we all watched a Wallace and Gromit DVD - thoroughly enjoyed it. Photos attached, taken while out.

It sounds like he's being tickled on the point of orgasm, or the nipple clamps were dipped in chilli before being applied. Yes, young Mr. Plant's magnificent howl opening up "Immigrant Song". That, combined with the thundering riff makes it a classic. Earlier in moment of idleness I was looking up the song lyrics on the web (so I could at least sing along with a degree of accuracy) and was tempted by a detour to the Viking Kittens. I've posted a link alongside; if you've never seen them before, these are animated kittens dressed as vikings doing their thing to the soundtrack of Immigrant Song - wonderful. The same team also have the kittens performing to "Gay Bar" by Electric Six. If you ever have a spare moment, which I know many of my readers do ( why else would you be reading this?) take a quick detour over there but make sure you have the volume turned up to get the full Zeppy glory. All together now, "WE ARE YOUR OVERLORDS".... dum dummde dum, dum dumm de dum..... This is one of the few possible alternative songs I can imagine emerging from the speakers during the scene in Apocalypse Now, when the helicopters swoop in playing "Ride of the Valkyries". Suggestions welcome for other alternatives......

In other news, it's been another sunny, clear day. I was over the park this morning just after 7.30 walking round the lake. As usual, a gorgeous close up of the herons, at one point I must have been barely 2 yards away from one, sitting on the fence over the outfall. They are such beautiful birds, and I never tire of watching them. Anyway, as I walked round to the other side, there is another sort of sluice gate, and what should be perched on top but a mink with a large fish in its mouth. Amazing. I have never seen one before in the wild and was stunned to see it, and impressed by its thick, lustrous black coat. It then disappeared into the reeds, and the dogs immediately assumed it was a new form of aquatic squirrel, so any chance of a second view was lost. News on other sightings welcome.

Another lovely sunny day. No more naked Scotsmen today, but I suppose it wouldn't do for that to become a habit. I attach some more photos, firstly one of Andrew yesterday doing manly stuff with the pond. You can see how green the garden is looking, and should be able to see the crocus flowering behind him.

Today we went down to Staples to collect the completed photocopying, so while there decided to visit another park - Hamadryad Park which then links up with the wetland behind the St Davids Hotel, overlooking the Bay. Enjoyed ourselves as did the woofs, and as it was so quiet, with no other dogs visible for miles, we took their muzzles off for a while, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Pictures attached. In the first one, you can see the St Davids Hotel behind me, and the Norwegian Church, which we like visiting when we are down the Bay (they also do lovely home made cakes).

Hoovered the car this afternoon - a never ending battle against mud, but I'm giving a lift to another Exec member on Wednesday evening, and would like her to be able to emerge from the car without being encrusted in mud, hair and hound aromas.

Tonight I am going to start thinking about garden seeds - a pleasant anticipation of summer growth to come. We need to decide what we have room to grow. We'll definately be doing sunflowers again though - I am not giving up on those. I am also very keen to try squash/pumpkin, and courgettes.

An update. We went into town tonight to see "And then there were none", adapted from the novel by Agatha Christie. Town was heaving with many exuberant and drunken rugby supporters, many wearing kilts. Anyway, during the interval, we stepped outside the theatre for a breath of fresh air, as the New Theatre has only a tiny bar area, and the house was virtually full. Fought our way through the smokers and noticed a whole crowd of mixed Scottish and Welsh rugby supporters opposite, all singing together which was lovely. Then noticed a moment later that an exuberant Scottish supporter had cast off his kilt and was prancing around the street, completely naked except for his sporran and a large smile. Brought the entire street to a standstill - although I suspect he was more at risk from marauding hen parties than anyone else.

The play was good - thoroughly enjoyed it, although the music between acts was deafening.

Sublime and ridicolous - that's today. Firstly, the weather has been gorgeous, beautifully sunny and warm, really springlike. There are crocuses in the garden, the hamamelis looks good, and I think the quince is starting to wake up.

We took the dogs this morning down to Grangetown, to the old tip at Ferry Road, now covered over and turned into a park, near Ikea. The views from the top are fantastic, especially on a sunny day. We could see right up to Castell Coch to the north, and the city centre landmarks such as the Millennium Stadium were easily visible.

Apart from the fact I can't seem to keep away from landfill sites for very long, we went there also as Staples is nearby. Last night I finished working on a poster for the forthcoming GRW Easter dog show, and I wanted to photocopy it at the shop so I can distribute copies at the Executive meeting on Wednesday night. So, off we went, but I made the fatal mistake of not wearing my normal red walking boots, but put on my comfy old Clarks pasties. Wrong shoes, bad mistake. So, up we climbed and the hill was lovely but slippery. All around us, larksong (isn't that the most wonderful sound in the world?), a hovering kestrel, blue sky and sunshine. Sadly also, huge piles of dog crap and near the top, masses of litter and even worse, broken glass. Not a bin in sight. That doesn't excuse dropping litter, but I firmly believe it should be made easy for people to do the right thing. I doubt if there is any point complaining as Parks a) are terrible at answering letters and b) have just cut their budget for litter clearance in parks - grrrr. Anyway the woofs and we enjoyed the sunshine and the views, as evidenced in the attached snaps. Coming down a slippery bit, I did the comedy pratfall beautifully and ended up with a posterior lavishly coated in mud and grass. Nothing hurt except my dignity, thankfully, and Andrew kindly volunteered to go into Staples for me, rather than me wander around with a large posterior liberally coated in gunk. I sat in the car, on my fleece like a naughty girl and when Andrew returned, we went home. Have pottered around, and Andrew has been in the garden cleaning the pond filter, and similar tasks.

Finally, should also mention that my Moo cards have arrived, and I am absolutely delighted with them, the speed of service and am already thinking of ordering some more. If you ever correspond with me, you can now expect to receive some of these with cards, letters, etc..

Lunch went well yesterday. Heard all about the plans for the big day, which included their greyhounds being ring bearers. That is just so gorgeous. The event is going to be a fiesta of high campery, with a glamour theme, and what sounds like half a ton of Swarovski crystals. Instead of a trad wedding cake, they are having a six tier cake stand (which lights up!! How camp is that?I want one, NOW) filled with hundreds of chocolate muffins on the very sensible grounds that wedding cake is usually grim, but everyone loves chocolate muffins. Also the plan is that this way they get round the cliche of the two groom mannequins on the top - I must admit it all sounds wonderful. We had chocolate cake at our wedding.

The two new recipes worked well - lamb was beautifully tender, there was a tiny bit left over, nestling by bones in the kitchen which the young master had earmarked for some late evening nibbling - unfortunately Andy got there first, sprinted upstairs with the lamb bone, and an unseemly tussle followed. Meringue was yummy, and fortunately so far no greyhounds have stolen any. The chocolate and ginger sauce was subtle but delicious, and complemented the pears very well. It was also a very easy recipe to do, so I think that it could become a standby.

After our guests departed, we had a relaxing evening watching the last of the Bourne films (I got Andrew the trilogy for Christmas on DVD) - a good film, not too taxing on the brain. The night before we made the mistake of watching Pirates of the Caribbean At Worlds End (also the last of the trilogy). AArgh! I really did think it was a waste of three hours of my life. It was way too long, and couldn't decide what audience it was playing to. Utterly dreadful. If you haven't already seen it, let my pain not be in vain, and don't.

Andrew got up at some ungodly hour this morning and flew up to Edinburgh for work. He called me later from just under the Scott Memorial - this brought back many happy memories for us both, as we both love the city, and I wished very much that I was with him. I attach a photo of it, taken when I was last there. However, greyhound compensation - as I type one is lying by my feet, and the other is on the landing having evil wind which may be the consequences of his lamb theft yesterday. Tonight I am hoping to watch the new David Attenborough series on reptiles. Am expecting the usual breathtaking photography and fascinating creatures, a wonderful reminder of the beauty and strangeness of our planet.

A cold morning. There is frost on the table in the garden. Will be taking the dogs out shortly, all of us wrapped up warmly. Tomorrow, some fellow greyhound people are coming over for lunch to have a chat about websites and so on. They're a gay couple who are planning their Civil Partnership (so, engaged? Is this the appropriate word? Advice welcome. ) so it will be interesting to hear about that, and compare notes on wedding planning. Had a pleasurable browse through the cook books last night deciding what to cook. Was tempted by our old standby, ham in Coca Cola, which we do regularly, as it is so lush, but eventually decided on a very slow roast shoulder of lamb, followed by a meringue served with pears, chocolate and hazelnuts. Both recipes are from the new Jamie Oliver, which we got for Christmas and have already enjoyed some of the recipes. I made some bread yesterday evening, so that will be waiting for us when we return with the dogs, probably to enjoy with some bacon. Not sure what else we'll be doing today - need to do a supermarket run, and will probably do some housework, but otherwise a day of gentle pottering. When the weather is cold and grey, that is sometimes the best way to spend the day, snug indoors.

I've also added some new links. They include the Guido Fawkes blog, which is a wonderfully refreshing and scurrilous political site, with all the news that doesn't go on the BBC. Also, CIWM, which is my chartered institution - it's a boring website in many ways, but can be useful if you feel like browsing the world of waste. The New York website is a model to us all in local government, and when I read this one and then look at Cardiff's I feel like kicking someone. Check out their pages on cleansing, recycling etc... the Dept of Sanitation (NY's Strongest) are awesome. We have a long way to go before we can be this good. And of course, the inspiration for me to start blogging in the first place, cousin Jonathan and his words of wisdom. I'll continue to add links of interest as I feel like.

Quick response to Jonathan's point about censorship. Ooh, I hadn't seen myself in the light of an Orwellian creature creating doubleplusgood opinions and rewriting history.

Yes, I moderate. I have never (and would not want to) removed any genuine comments but have had to edit loads of blasted spam (especially on the new site, more than on this one for some reason) and one or two perculiarly pornographic missives. I am disappointed generally at the paucity of open comments - people seem to be shy and prefer to send emails (perhaps this is more private) if they want to comment on something I've written. Again, something I'd welcome comments on, from users.

An afternoon spent time travelling. I had filled a box of cards to post to the GRW shop in Newcastle Emlyn. Popped into the Post office this afternoon to send it off - and hey presto, it was closed. Bear in mind also that many of the South Wales post offices are currently facing closure, and this is how they go about building their customer base. In my naive way, I had assumed that half day closing was one of those quaintbut long past features of my childhood many years ago. Other such things would include, cue nostalgia :-

tinned fruit with evaporated milk
home visits from a cheery GP who knew the family
Startrite shoes
Spangles (the sweets)
candy cigarettes
Being allowed to go to the shop and buy cigarettes for my parents (seems unthinkable now)
Off licences attached to pubs
Black and white television
Double decker buses with a conductor
Smoking on buses (well, smoking everywhere, come to that)
People covering the back seat of cars with acres of plastic sheeting to keep it nice
Morris Marinas, Austin Maxis and the early Ford Escorts
The concept of going for a run in the car (esp on Sunday afternoons)
Dog licences
Puffin books with dragons on the spine to show how easy to read
Ladybird books
Blue Peter advent crowns before Christmas
Walking to school
The Tufty Club
NHS dentists
Teachers who regarded it as reasonable that you would learn to spell and count
Shops that would cover their windows in a kind of orangey film to protect their wares from sunshine
Lucozade being something you only drank if you were ill as a treat
Liver salts (what on earth did they actually do?)
Club biscuits

Other suggestions welcome....

Had an enjoyable afternoon crafting. Thought I would post a photo or two of Booty wearing her new housecoat. I think she looks adorable, Andrew now calls her Noel Coward. She wears it at night when the central heating is switched off, and I've noticed a big difference in keeping her warm - she is quite a cool dog, unlike Andy who usually is thermonuclear and gives off enough heat to make him a giant hot water bottle. Given her arthritis, I want to do everything possible to ensure she is as comfortable as possible. She has been relaxing this afternoon supervising my craft session, which is described in more detail on my other site. As you can see, I've upgraded the settings allowing better links. Comments and suggestions wanted on the revisions. I'll be adding more over the next few days and my other ambition is a slideshow. For Jonathan's benefit, I'll try not to make it too hound-centric. Suggestions or requests for photographic subjects are very welcome. Of course, we are now entering the time of year when my obsessive garden photography will get going again, so that may provide a welcome relief. Tonight we are going out for a Thai meal, to a restaurant we have not tried before.

Last night was quilting class. Got on well, showed completed Illinois block, and have been working on another, which is shaping up well. I show full details and pictures on my craft site.

Anyway, we get into some interesting conversations in class. We covered last night goldfish (life expectancy of), phantom pregnancy, American quilt tours, and of course the perennial subject of chickens. It turns out that one of the group actually keeps chickens (19 of them) and so we are all interested in buying eggs and have placed orders. We talked about the recent programmes and our tutor said that over the weekend she had bought a free range chicken, costing £12 - eek! She hadn't actually told her husband how much it had cost, and she made us all laugh by explaining that at that price she was determined to extract every single ounce of goodness from it, right down to making stock with the bones, after conjuring about four meals off it.

The atmosphere in class is intensely feminine and cosy, and we have some very interesting conversations between learning and while we are working on our blocks. Apparently that is what used to happen at quilting bees - I can imagine it being very pleasurable, although possibly gossippy?

In the garden, we have two crocus about to bloom and lots of interesting spikes coming up in the beds - interesting to see things starting to happen. The fish have been quite lively too - not as torpid as they were last winter. We are not over the cold weather yet though I feel.

More about chickens this evening. It appears that Axminster Town Council has passed a resolution asking Hugh F-W to apologise for his rather high-handed treatment of those who chose not to buy free range chickens, although to be fair, that might be more to do with the way that the programme was edited and put together than HFW's intentions. Anyway, it would appear that intentionally or not he appears to have royally pissed off the locals, and I do have some sympathy with them. Having previously lived in Devon, and having current friends in the farming/rural economy, I know that Axminster is an area with low wages and a great deal of hidden poverty, in common with many rural areas. I'd like to see Hugh living and cooking on the food budget of many poor families (with the time constraints they also face).

None of this of course detracts from the main point about animal welfare - but I've reluctantly reached the view that many people simply don't care and are not interested in animal welfare, especially if it is likely to cost them more money. The answer as I see it is simply to raise the basic bar - so that minimum standards are legally raised thus making it harder for consumers to take the cheap and easy option. I'd also like the public sector to do more on this. As a local authority, for instance, we provide catering facilities for both staff and the public in a myriad of ways. We've made some tentative steps towards Fair trade coffee/tea etc.. but this could be the next issue. I'd be very interested to see if any of our unions would take up this campaign - as without their support (especially again on the issue of cost in staff canteens etc...) this won't work. Public pressure might help though - if you're a customer of a publicly run venue, ask for free range, whether it's a night at the theatre, a school canteen or a residential home. I think I may write some letters on this issue and will report back on the findings... At heart, though, I do suspect this will probably remain one of those issues mainly of concern to middle class softies like myself. Also, I keep reminding myself that many people in developing countries would probably be astonished at us caring about such issues when humans were going hungry. I will also continue to report on the availability (and cost) of free range/organic chicken when we go shopping.

I'm sure some readers will be muttering at this point "What about farmers markets?" I like them as much as the next person, and we often go over to the one in Penarth, and less frequently to the Sunday one in the centre of Cardiff. However, they are a delightful extra, not a way for anyone to do their week's shopping and I am convinced that for real and mass market change, what happens in our supermarkets is crucial.

Off my soapbox for now. Booty fully recovered in that her bruises are now gone, and both woofs are delightfully (well, to us anyway) clean, shiny and fragrant. From a dog perspective they are probably calling us everything and very cross that a carefully cultivated aroma has been destroyed.

Back on my soapbox for another quick, unrelated rant. Blasted Cancer Research ads have started back up again, with their delightful strapline "I shouldn't be here". Well, I am here, whether I should be or not, I'm mad as hell about it, and I'm fed up with such emotive nonsense. From the front line of cancer survival, I can confidently say that there has never been a moment when I've ever thought "I shouldn't be here" - quite the reverse in fact - I am immensely pleased to be here, feel entitled and am determined to squeeze as much quality time as I possibly can out of the time allotted to me on this beautiful and interesting planet. Apart from anything else, I want to see women bishops, liberated chickens, an affordable programme to manage/cure HIV in Africa, an end to malaria, Dollywood, the Ring Cycle again, whether the Bay relief road will ever get built, a ban on caravans (mobile, not static), compulsory tarring and feathering for flytippers and to have dinner at a three star Michelin restaurant. There, that's plenty to be going on with - I could add more, but we'd be here all night.

An update: we took the dogs over to Cosmeston this morning. They ran, well like greyhounds round and round in the paddock, with Booty hurtling as much and as happily as Andy. To see them like that is one of the most uplifting things I can imagine - it's such sheer joie de vivre, coupled with genuine awe at the speed, cornering and braking - all impressive, especially the parachute effect of the helicopter tail when they brake heading at the gate at the last minute. Both were as mud encrusted as I have ever seen them when we finished our walk. Came home and decided to administer that most hated of greyhound rituals - the BATH. Water was filthy running off them, but they are now both clean, fragrant and naked without collars while drying. Non Christmas purple collars will be replaced when they are dressed later. They give us such reproachful looks when they come out and the water makes them look spikey like punk dogs.

The weather continues to be very wet and windy. Even in daylight, it seems gloomy, with a low grey sky and constant howling gales. Every dog walk seems to be a battle against mud and squelch and the house seems to be always full of drying coats (ours and theirs), boots and yet more mud, no matter how much I try to keep it clean.

Yesterday started with a visit to the vet for Booty. She does not like going there and while we were waiting to be seen, was shaking all over, even though the vet is a kind and gentle person. We have had concerns for a while over her shoulder. She's been on Synoquin since the autumn (as has Andy as a prophylactic measure) - canine glucosamine/chondritin. This did help, but in the cold weather just before Christmas, she stiffened up again. I wanted to make sure that nothing else was going on and to ensure we are managing it as best we can, although arthritis can never be fully cured, just managed. Vet has decided to start her on a non steroidal anti-inflammatory, and has also given us the details for a hydrotherapy pool not too far away, to be tried if the tablets work and help to manage the inflammation in the joint. This will help to ensure that there is minimal muscle wastage around the shoulder area, as he commented that already there is a little bit of it in the shoulder area, which can then exacerbate the problem with the joint and her movement. I will write more on the hydrotherapy later, but won't be trying it for at least a month, after the AI has been working effectively for a while (Previcox ). All this may sound rather gloomy,but of course in practice she is keen on her walks and loves to run over at Cosmeston - the key is to keep it that way for as long as possible. As she is also very stoical, I also want to make sure she is not in any unnecessary pain.

We then took them both for a walk at Tredegar Park (not the house), which are the playing fields and park just over the roundabout from our usual haunt. A firm path which is an important consideration in this weather -all the playing fields were not being used and many had huge pools of standing water on them, an indication of how saturated the ground has become.

Home for a morning of drying out, breakfast and then domestic pursuits. Spent a happy afternoon curled up on the sofa cross stitching while watching QVC's Craft Day. Usual quota of hideous tat but also a few nice things - I bought some adhesive ribbons at a very good price. Used QCut, their automated system, this is incredibly fast, efficient and impressive. Why can't local government use this level of technology for phone payments?

In the evening, Andrew made a risotto, using some of the turkey stock from Christmas that we had frozen, and some really good Parmesan. We opened our last bottle of Mearsault 2002 - we bought a case of this for Christmas three years ago, but due to illness, didn't get around to drinking it all at the time. Anyway, it was delicious when opened but we have had several bottles maturing nicely under the stairs, and it has been fascinating to watch how the colour and flavour has developed and deepened. From being a pale yellow to start, the colour of the last bottle was a deep honey gold, and the flavour had rounded gorgeously - ah, bliss. Mearsault would be one of my favourite wines.

We watched V for Vendetta, which A had recorded over Christmas. A certain irony in seeing John Hurt who played Winston Smith in 1984 then playing the Dictator/Big brother character in this film. Some interesting ideas, but I didn't feel they went far enough or developed them sufficiently. Orwell of course has set the bar for writing about the way power affects language and history (our reshaping of it to fit current mores). More contemporary was the idea of a government faking a large terrorist incident to whip up support for measures that are anti-libertarian. There is a large body of opinion on the Net (not one I share) that the 9/11 and even the 7/7 attacks were staged or had deep government involvement.

The film also featured a ubiquitous role for Steven Fry as the persecuted gay and I also wondered how Natalie Portman felt about some of the Holocaust echoes - head shaving, biological experiments on prisoners etc.

This morning has dawned wet and windy (surprise!) and we'll be taking the woofs over to Cosmeston later for a run and a walk.

To Busy Bees this evening for my machine quilting class. Very cold there tonight so glad to come home and get into my pyjamas. Good class - we are learning to do more cutting with our rotary cutters, and new ways with sewing triangles so I can make blocks called "flying geese".

Update on Booty: she is doing very well. All behaviours completely normal, including eating, sleeping, walking, hopping on and off beds and sofas, looking cute and demanding cuddles, weeing, pooing, sniffing, chewing, wearing coat, drinking from pond etc etc….. Arnica ointment applied and smells very medicinal.

I took her back to the scene of the crime again today – same again, no problems at all on the boardwalk. We did have a hairy moment at one point – Booty stopped for a poo (and will NOT move once she has started) so Andy and I stood round waiting. At that point, a very large swan complete with troop of almost equally large cygnets hopped out of the lake and started hissing at Andy, being nearest. Andy immediately and very sensibly backed smartly away and was saying to me “Come on, let’s get out of here!” while meanwhile Madam was about her business. After what seemed an eternity could finally do the world’s fastest scoop and make a hasty exit, pursued by hissing and flapping killer swanzilla…..

I am beginning to wonder what else could happen in such a small and superficially harmless urban park.

A quick update on the patient. Have bought arnica ointment and applied it liberally today. She spent a peaceful night sleeping on our bed, and although a little stiff when she awoke, was keen to go out for a walk. Took her back over to the scene of the crime where she thoroughly enjoyed herself. When we reached the boardwalk she strolled across, and in fact was very interested in the ducks and was practically in the water on the other side. She also waded cheerfully through all puddles. So no sign, thankfully of any residual worries at the location or associated with water. She has spent the rest of the day snoozing either on the sofa or on the bed, looking very relaxed. Her appetite is fine and in every possible way she seems to be recovering well. Thank goodness.

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.

Some photos as promised, taken over the new year.Some taken at Fourteen Locks, some on Barry Beach and also at Heath Park. If you want to be updated on craft related new website, drop me an email, or put up a comment.

Yesterday, went over to Busy Bees to select fabric for my second quilt. Classes start this week. Very exciting. Took the young master with me, as the quilt is likely to go on our bed. We selected a palette of lilacs and apple greens, with a variety of six different prints that will be used for blocks and background. As the shop is at Tredegar House, thought we would combine with a dog walk. Order of activities was disrupted slightly when our arrival in the car park coincided with a ferocious hailstorm. We had just got the dogs out of the car, who normally at that point are tugging us eagerly when quite spontaneously they both jumped straight back into the boot and left us in no doubt that they would not be walking in the hail. Fortunately this was of short duration and then we were able to resume our walk. Not surprisingly, not many people, rabbits or squirrels. Iwas able to road test two new purchases from Lands End after much dithering. A pair of Extreme Squall boots (who the hell thinks up these names?)and an Extreme Squall jacket - ggaaaahhh. Toe curling just to write. Perhaps these names work for Americans.

Anyway, the jacket is a model of snuggliness and water proofing with a Goretex type outer (although not Goretex, but something similar), so many pockets I am still uncovering new ones, fleece lining and all sorts of zips, flaps, toggles, velcro bits and a hood of Sith Lord coverage. It is humbling to reflect that Captain Scott went to the South Pole with less garment technology. Anyway, the boots are similar with fleece lining, toggled laces and lots of cleats so that I can navigate tree roots, puddles and mud with equanimity. They are also a very cheerful fire engine red colour.

This morning, went to the park, again armed with new clothing. Woofs enjoyed themselves as did we. Returned home to bacon sandwiches, Sunday paper, and the last of the Christmas coffee, which smells divine. Just doing some leisurely domestic pottering, which is all I feel capable of, and the young master is about to embark on a run. His next scheduled public appearance is the Valentines PPK Love Run - keen readers may recall he entered this last year but it was cancelled owing to snow. He is now officially in race preparation mode. I will be downloading some pictures later so may post them.

Should add that I have tinkered with the blog settings thus making it easier to add comments, including anonymous ones. I await with interest.

Weather wet. Hounds well. Went to see St Trinians tonight - with Rupert Everett and Colin Firth. An enjoyable and light hearted film with a battery of sly injokes at CF's expense, even going back as far as his and Rupert's "Another Country" which I realise (to my horror) is probably at least twenty years old. My, where does the time go? Speaking of wasting time, my Stat Counter is now proving most illuminating in analysing numbers of visitors and other bits of info. Who is the person at Cardiff Council who spent half an hour today looking at my blog at 11.30 this morning? A mystery prize for further info.... The stats do not throw a particularly cheery light on local government productivity. Furthest visitors so far are from California, Ohio and New Jersey so a warm welcome to you. Cannot yet compete with my cousin who has regular visits from a Chilean. On line of course, rather than in real life, although there would be nothing wrong with a Chilean turning up at your door, especially if he was bearing wine. A hat tip here to said cousin for pointing me at the website for the software download. And for his delicious recipe for vodka martini. Honed, I might add, after valiant field testing and lengthy refinement. That's the kind of dedication to high standards that is an example to us all.

House is now un-decorated and looking bare, but tidy.

Happy New Year to all my readers, wherever and whoever you are!

Christmas has flown by, with many visits to relatives and friends and for New Year, A's parents coming to stay for a few days. Had a very enjoyable time. Yesterday we took the dogs over to Cosmeston in the morning and in the afternoon to 14 Locks near Risca, which was very interesting and well worth further visits. Rita and I watched the ballet "Tales of Beatrix Potter" which was lovely. Saw in the new year via a glass of champagne. Went to bed around 1. Today has been quieter. We all went over to Barry Beach at 1, where Greyhound Welfare have an annual NYD walk. Beach was very busy with what seemed to be a convention of Yorkshire Terriers, so the greyhounds all got very excited! Some people had chips on the foreshore after, we came home and had lunch, although Andy was naughty and nicked some cheese from Roger's plate. In-laws were in their usual very high spirits, and had brought over some particularly fine Round Robins for us to have a look at- these are superbly entertaining. Now feel absolutely shattered and also have a very big pile of ironing to tackle that has been neglected over the past week or so. No peace for the wicked. I attach some photos.

Suggestions welcome to the usual address for resolutions..... .

Andrew is taping all the Star Trek films today which are being shown on the SCi fi channel. Our Sky box will probably explode!

A short update on the Lord Mayor question. In most UK cities that have a Lord Mayor, the correct style/title is the Worshipful which is what I was thinking of. However, for six UK cities, apparently the Queen has granted the right to use the title "The Right Honourable" - for Cardiff as the capital city of Wales, this additional honour was bestowed in 1956. So now I know. The plaques were correct.

A Merry Christmas to one and all! Nadolig Llawen.

Yesterday was quiet and peaceful, spent in domestic pursuits and a dog walk. Went to bed last night, and as in every Christmas Eve, found it very difficult to go to sleep owing to excitement. Was lying in bed thinking of the many people I have loved who are not with us at this time of the year, particularly grandparents - I still miss them very much.

Woke this morning after torrential rain in the night, so it must have been difficult for Father Christmas. Opened our stockings, watched and assisted by hounds. Then went out for a lovely walk along the Barrage, with beautiful views back across the city. Many plaques commemorating the opening and so on, all referring to the Lord Mayor of Cardiff as the Right Honourable - I did not think this honorific was appropriate for a lord mayor, so will investigate further.

Came home, put turkey in the oven, had brunch, a shower and then reconvened downstairs to open our presents. Of course I had already received a sewing machine, but there was a very exciting pile of interesting parcels. The main excitement was that Andrew and I had each unwittingly bought the other a digital photo frame, so we now have two. We have set one up, and loaded it with a fascinating variety of shots, great. The other major excitement was an envelope telling me we have tickets for Dolly's Backwoods Barbie tour in July 08 = hurrah!!!!! Also had a beautiful book on quilts by Kaffe Fassett that A bought in Liberty's - I have been glued to it. Received lots of lovely Lush goodies, the new Blade Runner 25 anniversary box set of DVDs, CSI Miami Series 2 DVD (go H - glasses on, glasses off, manly stance, hands on hips) and a fine selection of socks, lipsticks, lipgloss and eyeshadow. Hurrah!

We finally ate around 6 with a wonderful bottle of Margaux, crackers and silly hats. It was delicious. Watched Dr Who - very good with a nice performance by Kylie, the little minx. A is just about to watch Penelope Keith in TTMB - I am less sure about this - has a high cringe potential. May be proved wrong though. No problem if it's terrible, I can just sit there, look decorative and enjoy my new quilt book and a glass of something.

Once again, I wish all my readers a happy Christmas, and a new year that brings peace, good health and love. And greyhounds if you know what's good for you. I attach a couple of photos.

Andy continues to be entertaining. This morning Sarah and I were having breakfast downstairs. I was tucking into my Sultana Bran, closely watched by our faithful hound. After I finished it, I put the bowl down on the coffee table so I could drink my coffee. Andy stepped up delicately, neatly removed the spoon from the bowl, placed it on the table, drank the small amount of milk left in the bowl, deftly replaced the spoon in the bowl, let out a big sigh and lay on his sheepskin rug. Sarah and I watched speechlessly. Later, just to reassure us he wasn't turning into too domesticated a dog, he attacked several Amazon parcels that were lying on the hall table waiting to be taken upstairs and wrapped. That's more like the hound we know and love.

Sarah and I went up to Castell Coch this morning. She liked it very much. While we were there, a wedding was taking place. As is usual, the waiting groom looked terrified. When the bride arrived, she looked radiant. Both she and her bridesmaids were wearing strapless dresses, not my first choice for a day when the temperature was barely above freezing and the venue is an old castle. But she looked wonderful, and the castle made a gorgeously romantic venue. When we emerged, I expected to see some form of medieval horse and carriage, but they had a stretch limo waiting which didn't really "fit" with the castle - still, what matters is that they have a wonderful life together.

I attach some photos of Sarah taken at the castle. Took her back to the station this afternoon, to return home on the train.

Saw Beowolf last night - a puzzling film. I had read about the semi-animated nature of the film. Real actors (a good cast including Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich) were filmed against a blue background with spots attached that were then transferred to a CGI programme - rather like Andy Serkis did for Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It did make me wonder about the point of having such a stellar cast as you find yourself curious if Angelina could possibly be so pneumatic especially with a tail. Ray Winstone also morphed into a six foot eye candy with an incised six pack who preferred to fight naked (as do we all, of course). The effect was rather strange, sort of cartoony and not helped by the cod- Danish accents adopted by some but not all of the cast. JM sounded as though he was the understudy for the Swedish chef in the Muppets while RW was pure Essex. Odd. Sarah liked it though as it had a dragon and the general CGI/battle scenes etc were fine.

Today Sarah and I ventured into town this morning for some Christmas shopping. Sarah made some purchases from Blue Banana, which was fascinating as it allowed a peep into the purchasing habits of young Goths etc... I was rather startled to see a man of my own age wearing a woolly jumper worthy of a folk singer purchasing some footwear - an odd combination of styles. I had no idea so many items of clothing could be decorated with skulls. We then ventured into a number of other emporia and Andrew eventually collected us around lunchtime. Spent a quiet afternoon pottering at home. Tonight pizza, possibly a movie if Sarah wants to, although she might prefer to be on the net with her friends. Tomorrow some culture then Sarah returns home. It's been a pleasure having her around - though I can't believe Christmas is now less than a week away.

Now that I can relax a bit more and am starting to feel more festive, I attach some photos of the trees, one small in the living room, one large in the hall, the quilted hanging I made, and some small decorations I made.

Today is the most important day of the year. This morning, we went over to the hospital for my cancer check-up. Good news, all appears well. I can't even begin to explain how this date is both feared and longed for and the weight of anticipation. Anyway, saw the Professor this morning (she's lovely, but her hands were FREEZING!),all the rest of the team, who are always so cheerful and welcoming and made my appointment for this time next year.

We took the dogs for a cold but enjoyable walk afterwards then came home. By that time, the adrenalin kickback had started and I felt so exhausted I went upstairs and had a nap.

Sarah came to stay with us yesterday and this afternoon I took her to the hair salon where she was being transformed from a blonde into a dark and gorgeous Gothic diva. They applied black hair colouring but also wove strands in of dark reds and purples - she looks stunning. Came home and had Nigella's maple chicken/ribs and am just out to the cinema to catch Beowolf. I vaguely remember this from English lessons in school, but guess they have updated it a bit. Will post a review. Later this week, St Trinians opens with Rupert Everett - definately one to see. I raise my glass to one and all - looks like I'll be around for a while yet... Hurrah!! The best Christmas present I could asked for.

The weather continues to be cold. In the garden, flocks of greenfinches have descended on to the sunflower heads and are systematically stripping the seeds. This is very encouraging, and next year we'll grow more.

Today, we took the dogs over to Cosmeston for a run and a walk - I attach some photos. Everything feels very Christmassy. The house is decorated, tree is up, cards being sent, it all feels good. Went down to Swansea this afternoon to see fave auntie and to take her shopping as she is still not driving yet after her operation. Ventured up to Tesco in Fforestfach, which is huge and was packed. Returned home and am enjoying a peaceful evening, a bottle of Pinot Grigio and a snoring greyhound on one of the sofas. Andrew is watching Gallipoli - Mel Gibson looks about 12 in it.

The weather this weekend has been truly atrocious. Yesterday we took the dogs up to the Forestry in Rudry - I had a vain hope that we might be sheltered in the trees. Not surprisingly, we were the only ones there and equally predictably we got drenched. The dogs practically towed us back to the car.

After a night of howling gales, more downpours and a spectacular thunderstorm this morning while Andrew was walking the dogs, we set off for Weston Super Mare for the 10K race on the beach. I would not have been surprised if it had been cancelled as the weather was appalling and the driving conditions were dreadful, with streams literally running across the M4 in places and terrible spray. We got there and were bent double on the promenade. My face became so numb from the cold wind that when the race was over, I could barely speak. About 1600 mad or brave souls ran - I was impressed and very proud of Andrew. Much of the race was on wet sand and half of it in the teeth of the gale so not surprisingly, not his best time. Definately one of those occasions when it was all about taking part, I think. All the competitors had to wear at least one piece of tinsel or Christmas related fancy dress. There was a wide selection of elves, reindeer, Santas, fairies, a Flintstone (still trying to understand the Christmas connection there) and the Incredibles. I attach a few photos.

OK - just how gorgeous and loveable is she? Look at her - a bundle of cute snuggliness. I'm melting.

Tonight was the last night of our quilting course. My quilt top is now completed - all sashings added. I will post a photo. Tonight I bought the wadding, and selected and paid for the backing fabric. So basting next. This will keep me out of mischief over Christmas. Marianne, our tutor (who is lovely) took photos of our completed quilt tops to put on the Busy Bees website, as examples of what beginners make. If our quilting is complete by next July, the quilts can be exhibited at Duffryn House as Busy Bees will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Also bought some smaller pieces of festive fabric to experiment with making some Christmas hangings. This will be a good opportunity to practice my new techniques.

Went to see Crowded House last night in Cardiff. They were absolutely wonderful. We both love their music and have done for many years. The band are not very rock starry - most of them looked like your favourite maths teacher, with blazers and rumpled ties but who cares when they play like angels? They had a little woolly (toy) sheep on the stage - a cultural cross reference between New Zealand and Wales, I guess. It was lovely to go to a non smoking gig - still a novelty. At the end, we went over to the merchandise and Andrew bought himself a Tshirt and me a coffee mug. Showing how respectable gigs have become though, the tour tshirts were prominently available also in organic unbleached cotton and there was a wide variety of childrens sizes. In my teenage years, neither would have been an issue.

CH's music has a particularly special place in my heart as we went to see them just after I had been diagnosed but before my treatment started (for cancer). It was a tough time and things looked grim. One of the things I made time for was thinking about my funeral arrangements and drawing up a shortlist of songs - one of CH's is on it and accordingly has a very special place in my affections. If I'm unprepared for it, it can sometimes be difficult hearing it as has so many associations. I once heard it play as I was walking round Ikea and it was a quite surreal moment.

Another strange experience on Monday evening. We took the dogs for a quick spin round the block in the evening, just to stretch our legs and encountered a hedgehog. The dogs were fascinated but wary and I was entranced. It ought to be hibernating I guess, but it is still quite mild considering it is December with temperatures still well above 10C most days. Would be interested to know what their threshold is for triggering hibernation.

Trying to photograph a moving greyhound is virtually impossible. Yesterday was our monthly greyhound walk at Cosmeston, so we went over there. The appalling weather (hail, sleet, rain, gales) meant that only about four or five hardy souls turned up. We set off in a dry interval and agreed to do a much truncated circuit as the park was virtually deserted and we knew the rain would not hold off for long. Down it came again as we were about half way round so we all scuttled back. Just as we got back to the car, it stopped again, so we decided to take the dogs over to the "release" field for a run. This is a source of sheer joy, for them and for us. It's impossible not to smile when you see them hurtling round at high speed. They run almost directly at you, making the smallest bend right at the last moment so it is vital you stay still and not move. This is a test of nerve. They get so close my face was splashed with the mud they were throwing up as they ran, and you can feel the moving air as they pass. I attach a couple of snaps taken on our last expedition - they are not brilliant photos, but they do try to at least convey the feeling of speed. Not surprisingly once home, not a peep, just quiet slumbering on the sofa.

The photos also illustrate the new hound collars for Christmas. They have been much admired. I am particularly pleased with Andy's as it is festive but not gaudy, being black it is quite Goth with the holographic snowflakes catching the light in most intriguing ways. Booty's is also beautiful and the deep red and gold is fantastically smart without being too "bling-y".

Busy weekend. Took the dogs over to Cosmeston on Saturday morning which was enjoyed by all. Then off to Newport for my Christmas present - a new sewing machine. Selected a Janone Quilters Companion which is lovely and then spent the rest of Saturday playing with it delightedly. Have done some of the sashings on the quilt with the machine, which is exciting.

Sunday over to Bath to see Claire, Basil and boys. An enjoyable day, with a visit in the afternoon to the American museum to look at their quilts. That was wonderful, very awe-inspiring and made me realise how far I have to go. So nice though to see some of the same blocks being used that we've been making. One of the quilts I liked was made up entirely of Dresden Plate blocks - very attractive. Admired the Christmas tree on the way out - gorgeous hand made decorations. Now I've got the machine I might have a go at doing something like that.

Andy and Booty behaved themselves impeccably - we were both so proud of them.

Yesterday Andy ate a plastic sieve and a pink sparkly emery board. He also tried to steal a pot of mustard. That dog is determined to live on the edge.

Quilting class went well. Both homework blocks completed and sashing started. We used rotary cutters for the first time - very sharp, very scary but good results. Used quilters square to ensure the blocks were square (amazing how they vary actually) and trim before attaching sashing. Was allowed to use the sewing machine. Again scary! Last time I used one was aged 11 in needlework in school, which I hated. This time around, much better. Also a testament to a very good teacher. Marianne is incredibly patient and explains things very well, so you feel you want to have a go at things. Seeing the sashings going on really brings home how near the quilt is to completion. Wow. Mission to buy Christmas sewing machine will be happening on Saturday probably. Watch this space. Also received requirement list for next term's quilt, so I will need to start thinking about that (and colours and so on) quite soon.

On Saturday went to Jessops and bought a new camera battery. Of course, immediately I did that, the weather turned and it has been very wet, misty and windy and therefore completely unsuitable for photos. Hmmm.

We went out on Saturday night to jointly celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary and Andrew's birthday. We went to Le Gallois which is one of (if not the) favourite restaurants. Had a delicious meal, with fine wine and people watching which is always an enjoyable pastime when out. The service there is excellent; unlike some other restaurants, they have not skimped on the staff/customer ratio, which means the service is prompt, efficient and friendly and never feels stressed even when the place is really busy. I like some of the details there too - the cutlery, which is an unusual design, the napery which always feels good in the hand, the bread (lots of good flavours) even the chairs are comfortable. The only thing which I can ever find to criticise is that the accoustics (like in many modern restaurants) mean that when it is busy, the noise level makes it difficult to have an intimate conversation. Sound seems to bounce round the room. Interestingly, the taxi driver who picked us up to take us home asked what we thought of it, and we responded very positively. He was telling us that he had not yet had a negative comment about it from any of his fares. That must be quite unusual for a restaurant.

Also on Saturday went to the fabric shop for a look in daylight at the sashing fabric to be used on my quilt. This week, the homework has been to finish a block of fans - scary curves and to make another block which should be easier featuring triangles. Fabric selection went well- have a pretty blue to act as the relief to the blocks with an outer border of a lovely cream fabric featuring a delicate print of roses and butterflies, similar to the highlight fabric used on the blocks. I also bought what is called a "jelly roll" of pre-cut patches to make up a patchwork quilt after Christmas which I am going to make as a gift for a special friend's birthday.

Sunday was the annual Greyhound AGM. Hounds were welcome - so off we went up the A470 to Cilfynydd above Ponty, taking the Aberfan turnoff and then coming back along the old road. We walked the woofs first so hoping to enhance their behaviour and in fact I was very pleased in general with them. One of the local ladies had made a huge cauldron of cawl, and before I could say no had brought over two bowls for us. I'd had a late breakfast before leaving home so was not hungry. Andy was eyeing it keenly especially when Andrew was slurping his. My initial thoughts were not to let Andy and Booty have any, but the lady who made it had a huge soft spot for Andy as she used to walk him often when he was up in kennels, and made a massive fuss of him when we arrived. She therefore didn't seem to mind a bit when Andy and Booty shared a bowlful with great enthusiasm. We were all in the huge function room of the inn, and the temperature was freezing! We got colder and colder as the meeting went on. Both Andy and Booty were commandeered as mobile portable hot water bottles. Andy did well as he was sitting on Andrew's lap, with his head and neck stretched out and his cawl lady stroking his head on the other side. It was quite funny to look round the room and see various hounds and lurchers being cuddled and snuggled in a variety of positions. The meeting went very well and finished about three so we were all very glad to get back in the car and get warm. Came home and Andrew made a lovely casserole of beef in Guinness with some roasted beetroots on the side and sprouts. Warming and delicious.

One of the unexpected spinoffs of Andrew's early morning departures for his clients is that I generally find it very difficult to get back to sleep for a short time and find myself getting up early. This morning it was 6, so I was in the park with the woofs by 7.30. One of the benefits is the wonderful bird life to be observed and enjoyed at that time. This morning, as it got light I watched a buzzard at very close quarters and usually have a grandstand view of a couple of herons. The buzzard was amazing up close - normally you only see them from below, with that very distinctive "fingered" wing shape. It was a real treat to see it perching just in front of me on a low tree branch before flying off.

Should mention that our wedding anniversary was last Thursday. Ten years!! I can honestly say that being married to Andrew is the best thing I have ever done, I'd do it again like a shot and I can heartily recommend being married. Andrew's parents sent us a beautiful bunch of freesias in the post from Guernsey. We have them in the bedroom and every time I walk past there is the most wonderful scent. Have just realised that it reminded me of Chanel No. 5.

On the weekend Alastair and Jennifer (A is Andrew's cousin)visited Cardiff to see some friends and came to us for a leisurely lunch on Sunday. I tried out a new recipe - a garlic and parsley flatbread, served with a Vietnamese chicken and mint salad followed by a winter fruit compote (or compost as we always affectionately refer to it). The flatbread was topped by three heads (yes whole heads) of garlic that were roasted in foil parcels, drizzled with olive oil. When cool each clove slipped out of its skin, golden and slippery, a bit like squeezing toothpaste. You then whizz that up with some olive oil and loads of parsley to form a green goo which you lavishly smear on the dough, bake quickly and then apply to face. Guaranteed to repel vampires but absolutely delicious.

There were a couple of small pieces left when we were tidying up after A & J left for the airport. I was stacking the dishwasher while Andrew put the pieces on a plate and stored them on top of the microwave. While my back was turned, our crafty food thief reached up, pounced and ran upstairs with his spoils. Unfortunately the stealth element was ruined by the plate smashing to the floor, so we were both torn between catching and shouting at our miscreant and clearing the kitchen floor of dangerous splinters. Andrew was not happy as he was looking forward to them for his supper later.

The weather is now much colder. Frost this morning and the dogs are wearing their thick fleecy coats when we take them out. Garden looking good but I am missing my camera. I will do a longer post on this when I have some photos to post.

Hello, all. Firstly, many apologies for the hiatus in posting. Things have been a bit topsy-turvy. Also, my digital camera battery has given up holding a charge and I haven't as yet replaced it. So no very recent pictures. This is frustrating in a number of ways as I want to photograph the growing collection of quilt blocks, the garden, the greyhounds (as always!) and the beautiful autumn we are having with some spectacular colours.

I am also considering changing my online presence - possible options include a craft-focused website as well as or instead of the blog. I'd welcome comments and feedback. Email me on Kathryn_woodhouse@btinternet.com if you want to share a view, make a comment or be kept informed of any new addresses.

So, quilt blocks. The latest one to complete is called a "Nosegay" which is an unfortunate name. It is very similar to an eight pointed star and if I make it again that is how I would prefer to do it. But set in to one corner is an icecream cone shape which represents the bunch of flowers, with diamond shaped "blooms" radiating round. I realise I am not describing this very well, and it would benefit really from a photo, so I will try to remedy the battery situation asap. This was the hardest block so far (even harder than the Dresden Plate) but in a curious way, the most satisfying. Class tonight, and we will be doing another block using applique embroidery (that should have an acute accent, I realise).

I have decided that I like quilting and will be carrying on with the class after Christmas which will be venturing into machine quilting. Then things will be really able to take off and I have a few plans for making some quilts as gifts. I am also eager to do a classic patchwork one - the shop has some lovely pre-cut patch assortments which are very (allegedly) easy to piece together especially if you have a machine. I don't at the moment, but we are researching one as a Christmas present. Our tutor has been giving several of us in the class some pointers as to what to look for as a few of us want to buy one. More on this as it develops.