Today's been a good day. We went down to Clyne Gardens in Swansea, which is famous for its rhododendrons and azeleas. We often went there when I was a child and a teenager and it is also very spectacular in the autumn. The gardens have wonderful views over the bay and back onto Clyne Castle, the home of the Heneage Vivian family until the early 1950s.

Today there was a rare plant fair, and later in the afternoon a band concert. We parked up on Mayals Road, so entering at the top of the garden and gently wandered over to the castle, through the plant fair, down the valley, stopped for a coffee at the bottom then wandered back up through the bog garden to the Japanese bridge and thence back to the car. It is difficult to pick a highlight as all of it was looking absolutely beautiful, although I am very fond of the giant gunnera. There were lots of people around, many buying plants and we stopped to chat to two lots of people about greyhounds. The weather was very pleasant, warm and sunny without being oppressively hot. We took lots of photos, many of which look gorgeous, so I attach a few to this entry.

The outing was ended in perfection by visiting Joe's icecream parlour. As usual there was a queue out the door, and again as usual, made up of everyone from tiny children to a large party of elderly ladies in front of us who were hitting the sundaes, as well as an assortment of teenagers, young couples and families. My chocolate marshmallow sundae was heavenly, and we decided to buy a cone for each of the dogs. We took the cones back to the car, which was parked by the Guildhall, they hopped out and looked very interested in the cones. I'd have liked to have photographed the occasion, but it was difficult to have enough hands to wrangle two greyhounds, two cones and two sundaes for us! Anyway, the cones were a huge success and disappeared with much happy slurping and crunching in about ten seconds. The greyhounds will now be as much a fan of Joe's as the rest of us. Dogs were replaced in the car, and Andrew and I sat on a bench eating our sundaes at a slightly slower speed. All around us we could see couples and families doing the same thing, which I found rather romantic and touching. Then drove home, all happy and tired. As I write, the young master is stuffing a chicken with herbs from the garden and it is about to go into the oven.

On Friday night I watched American Gangster, which was on Sky Box Office. It was excellent, with some stonking performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It only enhanced my view of Ridley Scott as a director, too, who was not afraid to make a long film that had the time to really let you soak up the atmosphere and the characters. I loved it. The only criticism, which is not unique to this film, was that there were very variable sound levels between the dialogue sections and the bits with music (a well chosen and atmospheric soundtrack, too) so that I found myself constantly fiddling with the remote control. Can't recall if the film did win any oscars, but I do remember it being nominated, and can now see why.

Have also recorded The Curse of the Golden Flower, which was on Sky Indie on Friday night. This was made by the same guy who made House of Flying Daggers which was beautiful, and has Chung Yow Fat (who was in Crouching Tiger, which made me cry at the end). The reviews seen so far indicate that it is as visually spectacular as HFD, but a bit slow on plot. This sort of film is ideal for watching at home, as with a comfy sofa, a good glass of wine and a snuggly greyhound, I'm happy to relax and let the spectacle wash over me, which I would be less happy about if out at the cinema. I will write more about this after I have seen it.

Lots to say. Andrew has been off this week which has been lovely. After the excitement of Monday, we had a very quiet day on Tuesday, as I was shattered. On Thursday, Andrew's parents, Rita and Roger visited with Sylvia, an old friend of theirs from their school days, who has been staying with them for a few days. It was lovely to see her, as she lives in East Sussex, so we don't cross paths very often. The weather this week has been good mostly and on Thursday it was hot and sunny, so we were able to put up the parasol on the outside table, lay out the cushions on the benches, and enjoy the garden. Andrew did some weeding on Wednesday and I must say it looked inviting and surprisingly mature especially as so many plants are currently growing like mad and/or bursting into flower. Most excitingly, the pond now has a large collection of wriggling tadpoles, which is wonderful.

We did a nice menu on Thursday. We started with Nigella's watermelon salad, with mint, feta and olives. Very refreshing and really scrumptious, definately one to repeat in summer weather. Followed this with Jamie's chicken caesar salad, which is gorgeous (we've had it before), made with home made bread and herbs from the garden. Dessert was passionfruit shortcakes, eaten outside. Bliss. Before lunch, we also had the first Pimms jug of the summer - what could be more evocative of sunny days?

Yesterday was astonishingly humid, and we had a spectacular thunderstorm and flash downpour late on Friday night. Today is sunny and hot again, but with more breeze, so more pleasant. Andrew has hung up some outside lights in the back garden - fairy lights shaped like dragonflies that twine artfully in and out of the climbing roses and the chocolate vine. They are on the same timer as the floor lights and look gorgeous. My next task is to persuade Andrew to enjoy a barbecue - he hates them and I love them. I understand his objections - nobody likes raw sausages, burnt to cinders on the outside, stinking of paraffin, but a well-done barbecue of beautifully marinated meat, lovingly cooked over proper charcoal to the right consistency is a joy, and I think there is something inherently festive and enjoyable about cooking and eating out of doors - I love picnics for the same reason.

Sadly, this week has flown past - it's always nice to have Andrew at home rather than hurtling round the country at high speed. Today, got down my summer clothes from the loft, and hoicked up my winter ones. Another marker for the progress of the seasons. It's lovely to say hello to my Birkenstocks again. I live in these during the summer. Like Barbour jackets, these age wonderfully, in fact are horrible when new, and become more tolerable as they acquire the worn comfort of age. A bit like marriage perhaps? The current Birkenstocks predate our marriage so are around 12 years old - if any readers can beat this I'd be interested. Of course in Barbour terms that's positively juvenile - a good waxed jacket can go on for 30 years.

Some photos attached of visitors and plants.

Another post as my earlier one was interrupted by our evening meal and a relaxed viewing of The Big Lebowski (well up to the Coen Brothers usual lunacy) followed by The Fifth Element, with Bruce Willis when he had hair. Accompanied by a frisky Sauvignon Blanc, this was a pleasant way to spend the evening.

On Thursday, Sarah came to stay. She is enjoying her college course and looking gloriously Gothic. We went into town together on Friday, for a stock up on essentials at Blue Banana (again, beautifully polite, cheerful and helpful shop assistants who are a model of excellent customer service). This was followed by a dip into Claire's Accessories, who now do lots of gothy stuff and a rewarding visit to Debenhams for some skin care. Contrary to popular belief, we always find the Lancome lady there phenomenally helpful and friendly, not at all snooty. She was showing Sarah some tips and techniques for exfoliating, moisturising and applying eye cream. Hopefully, these will stand her in good stead in years to come. She already does the two most important things - not smoking and avoiding too much sun.

We then went down to Mac as they do a black nail polish, and I needed a new foundation. Just as we were ready for Andrew to collect us, a huge crowd had gathered and the celebrity Gok was holding a roadshow. Sarah was delighted as he was wearing his trousers below his buttocks (admittedly very slender and snakelike). Unfortuately, I am too old for appreciating this and just think it looks silly, and spend my time waiting for the damn things to fall down. This did form an interesting finale to our little foray.

Saturday we went to a card making workshop in Inkspot. We both enjoyed it very much, and again it was a pleasure to learn some new hints and ideas for using paper punches. Doing card making is also phenomenally relaxing - I really enjoy it.

Yesterday we travelled over to Newport for the tattoo convention. I have to say that I have yet to see Newport in a good light. Every time I go there I think that maybe this time I'll see a nice bit, and every time I think it could be a wonderful lesson for architects on how not to do town centres. There is currently a bit of regeneration going on over there, but unfortunately it is at the stage of lots of piles of rubble and cranes on the skyline. Not yet very scenic. Anyway, Andrew was scoping out some ideas for some ink on his arms, and Sarah was hoping to get either a microdermal piercing, and/or a tat. In the event, she eventually emerged with a nose piercing, which looks great, although unlike nearly everyone else I know who's had it done, including myself, she's a bleeder, and spent the subsequent time with very vampiric streams of blood trickling down her face. Pics attached, of nose and new lip spike. Returned home happy and Andrew conjured his amazing sky high Yorkshires and roast beef.

Today was the annual GRW show, a major event in our calendar. We took Sarah back to her grandparents who live in Garnant, which is close to Pontardawe, the venue for the show. Iwas helping out with the registrations for classes, which meant I didn't get much of a chance to look round, but did have a nice view of the ring for the dog classes. It stayed dry all day and there was an excellent turnout. I attach a few pics, one of a supporter who entered the Dog Most Like its Owner class, and a couple of others. Returned home and have spent a peaceful evening as detailed above.

A lot has happened since I last wrote. Firstly, the local elections which produced fascinating results both locally and nationally, including London. It seems quite extraordinary to me that after having grown up and started work in a council that weighed rather than counted the Labour vote, the landscape has changed enormously and now there seem to be very few Labour controlled councils left. Both Plaid and the LDs seem to have made inroads into what was previously Labour territory and in some areas there has been a surprising resurgence of Tory fortunes. I really do get a sense of a long term sea-change in the political feel of Wales. Even ten years ago, certain political positions were taken for granted - now it seems that is no longer the case. I also wonder about the knock on impact on trade unions as traditionally they have been the L Party paymasters and acccordingly wielded their power. Neither Lib Dems nor Plaid have any historical or financial (as far as I know) tie, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Locally our ward is a microcosm of the changes, moving from being one of the safest Labour seats with 3 local Cllrs to reduced majorities for two of them and a new Lib Dem member. It will be fascinating to see the new authority in action.

Not a huge amount to write about. Last week was very quiet, and the most noteworthy thing I did was to set up a rudimentary Facebook presence. Link alongside. On Saturday I went to a workshop at Inkspot in the afternoon, on card making which I enjoyed very much. On Sunday, we went down to see Liz on the farm. A long overdue visit, since I hadn't seen her since before Christmas. Her new(ish) squeeze was there so it was nice to meet him. Sarah and Daniel were both around - Dan is now at the stage when he says everything is "gay" - could cheerfully have shot him. He now has a new crossbow but is worried about some bizarre thing he heard at school about summoning the devil - hmmmm. Apparently, you need to toss a coin while asking questions. Sounds more like a test of manual dexterity and multi-tasking to me. What is the capital of Ethiopia? What is the chemical symbol for Platinum? Go through the Past imperfect of the verb Etre in French? Explain Ohm's Law. Oh bugger, I dropped it. Oh, thank you, Mr Beelzebub,yes that's my coin. Any good at Glacial Landscapes? In a way, it's quite sweet that these strange sorts of urban myths/ghost stories still hang around at school. Some pics attached. Katie was away at a horse show. Sarah has a beautiful cat called Claudia who has recently had kittens - she is a lovely and very elegant silver grey tabby - a most striking colour.

Made some buns tonight - with lots of coconut milk and dessicated coconut. After I had finished putting them in the oven, my hands smelt wonderfully coconutty (is that a word?) and after I was stroking Andy for a bit, Andrew noticed that the smell had transferred to his fur. They came out of the oven hot around 9 and we enjoyed eating them, while watching a vintage CSI featuring the splendiferous Lady Heather. Any readers who are regular viewers will agree that she makes a far more interesting companion for G than the sour faced mule he usually associates with.

Well, hello world and today I am 43 years old. Many, many thanks for the beautiful cards, gifts and flowers received today - I am thrilled. For those of you who didn't send a card, gift or flowers, well what can I say, except to wish you large pustular boils on your bottom.

Of course today is also Andy's birthday, so it's been a joint celebration. Today he is four. After some thought, he added that worms would be a suitable punishment, and he also reminded me of a disease suffered by sheep called Licky End, which might be suitable for non-card senders. Not that I mind .......much.

Over the weekend we visited the shop of Swedish dreams, as we wanted to tidy up the spare bedroom, which doubles as the office/computer space and my crafting area. I wanted to better organise my cross stitch magazines and my various crafty bits, so we came home with a tall birch cupboard cum bookcase thing which has twelve different sections, each high enough to take magazine files. Gradually tidying up and moving things around and it already looks better, neater and more organised. Also got one of those little cork pinboards, to put various bits of paper on that I refer to regularly.

Other than that, not a lot to report, except did I mention that today is my birthday? And Andy's too? Andrew supplied a wonderful pink birthday cake with stars and a fairy, but no candles. You reach a point where no cake in the world is going to be big enough to have room for them all. All of us, including the dogs, enjoyed a slice earlier today, and it was extremely entertaining to see Booty doing her boa constrictor impression and trying to eat her slice in one. Not the best advertisement for greyhound table manners. Andrew's birthday presents were a DVD of This is Spinal Tap (appropriate since I've been getting in to Led Zeppelin!) along with CDs of Dolly's Greatest Hits Vol 2, the new REM one and a beautiful Palestrina Mass and motets, written around the time of the counter-Reformation. I am looking forward to listening to all of them, and will report back as I do so.

Sadly, Leila returned to Devon today. I attach a photo of her departure. It was lovely to see her and I'm particularly pleased by the fact she likes her quilt. I've been left a friendly commission by her - all her 40th birthday cards, to be transformed into a collage. Quite rightly, she didn't want to leave them in a box gathering dust, as so many of them are so pretty and stylish. I will probably buy a picture frame from Ikea and then work out a layout for them. If this works, which I hope it will, it might be a nice idea for other milestones. I still have for example all our wedding cards, and all the cards from my own 40th. I will update on this over at my craft blog.

For Easter, Andrew bought me a CD, Dolly's latest, called Backwoods Barbie.I've been listening to it quite a bit over the past few days. As usual, for I adore Miss P, it's very good, with a mix of her own compositions and some interesting covers. I particularly like her cover of "Love is like a butterfly" which used to be the theme for a very funny series called "Butterflies" back in the 80s, starring Wendy Craig and Geoffrey Palmer. The artwork on the sleeve is also gorgeous, featuring photos of the divine Miss D, in a "pimped" pick-up truck, with gorgeous pink trim, and wearing the most astoundingly trashy yet glorious pink dress. As Dolly herself says so wonderfully, "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap." I will attempt to download some artwork from the net to illustrate - haven't done this before so may not work.

Well, Leila arrived safely this afternoon, after a rather blowy journey up from Plymouth. Today was bin day (one day later than usual, owing to Bank Holiday) and the street was littered with wheelies on their sides. We popped out to Maplins this afternoon to get a plug, but have had a nice relaxed day generally. Presented Leila with her birthday quilt and she has been bonding with it happily. Andy and Booty have taken a real shine to her too, which is great. I attach photos of the quilt being presented and the cake in its pink gorgeousness. All I can say is that good and loyal friends are a gift beyond measure.

It definately feels at last as though spring is on its way. My friend Leila arrives tomorrow for a short stay - it will be wonderful to see her. Went to Tesco today to pick up a few ingredients - definately doing Nigella's maple chicken as everyone who eats it practically slavers over it and licks the plate clean. Following that with a pink cake with a topping of fresh strawberries and pink vanilla icing. Yes, it's girly, but what the heck!

As a surprise 40th birthday present, I have made her a quilt which she will be receiving tomorrow as I didn't feel confident about posting it. The monetary value is not high but the time and effort put in is irreplaceable. I attach a photo which Andrew took, and as you can see, Andy decided he wanted to be in too. Some other pics attached from the garden. It's good to see flowers out there and lots of interesting things sprouting. Spent most of this afternoon ironing - that never ending task. We walked the dogs this morning over at Tredegar House - lots of lovely flowers there too - celandines gleaming and the wonderful sticky buds of horse chestnuts. Near their nursery they have a winter honeysuckle which has been flowering well, nearly over now but still smelling lovely.

Easter has been cold with snow on Saturday, and blustery showers of sleet and rain. We went to the dog show on Easter Sunday, and spent a quiet day on Monday,being tired. Today also, we took the dogs out this morning and I watched Dawn Bibby on QVC this afternoon. I admit it may be possible that my eyes shut a few times..... Watched Kind Hearts and Coronets while eating this evening - a wonderful film which I never tire of seeing. Had a chat to Leila on the phone tonight. She made me laugh, as one of her colleagues who she enjoys occasional days out with (usual girly shopping trips and so on) appears to be married to an idiot, who has requested that his wife no longer takes part in such trips as he is convinced Leila is a lesbian. The sole evidence for this is that she is single and keeps her private life to herself, rather than discussing it with the entire office. Actually, with men like this in the world, it seems a more attractive option. We discussed it for some time - I was also keen to point out that she likes cats, but we agreed that if it were true, she would actually have at least three, and would probably have stayed working in the library, although that might be too many cliches to be true. What is so completely bonkers about the whole thing is that the bloke presumably feels that a day out in Torquay would result in some sort of catching lesbianism, like getting a cold perhaps? It becomes so daft you can't really argue with it. Anyway, we've agreed that we'll try not to have too much sex when we see each other this coming weekend. We also discussed menus - I think I am going to cook Nigella's maple chicken and ribs on Friday night, and some sort of chocolate thing, although I am also considering a cup ccake option, with strawberry and vanilla topping as a tribute to the presence of spring. Ironically, I am a huge fan of KD Lang, so perhaps Leila had better not tell her colleague this. Imagine that, spending a weekend with another woman who admits liking music by a lesbian and (gasp)has several books both by and about lesbians on her bookshelves. The husband is clearly a beard........... Not sure where the greyhounds fit in though.

Just thought I would add a quick pic of Booty. Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl, music and passion were always in fashion at the Copa- ca - BANA!! Sing along.....

The second one reveals how exhausting it is to be a star...

My nose is gently subsiding - thanks to all who expressed concern. No longer honking like a warthog, so that's good.

Jeans. What did people do before they were invented? More specifically, like most of the female population, I wear bootcuts. Hipsters are difficult for me. Not only am I the wrong shape in general, and far too large bluntly, but I don't like a lot of pressure on my scar, and my belly is a funny shape after the op. Also, I have to say that unless you are a size 8 with snake like hips, a blobby muffin top is not an attractive look, no matter who you are. And don't get me started on having your thong hanging out the back - put it away already, especially in the workplace. Just eewwww.

So anyway, I'm going to be spending a few days with my dear friend Leila after Easter, and thought that as I haven't been clothes shopping for ages, I would buy a new pair of jeans. And, for the record, I had decided that I would not be stuck in my bootcut rut, but be bold and venture into a slouch, a straight leg or something similar. So off I trotted, and disappeared into the changing room laden with hangers. And guess what I ended up buying? Yes, wearily, bootcuts. They fitted, they were comfortable, my bum looked great, my scar was no bother, fab. All the various others were wrong in some way. Too tight, too bulgy, too baggy where they shouldn't be, too long (one pair were designed for someone on stilts), too uncomfortable, too much digging in the belly, so you just know that after an hour or two of wearing them, you can't wait to get them off, break wind and breathe again. I also bought two bras, one of which is a fabulous balcony one with really pretty apricot striped cups - very springlike. Although today, the weather has been a blustery storm, with frequent cold showers. We had a phone call this morning from one of our greyhound friends to say that her BT line was out due to last night's storm, along with most of her neighbours, and BT would not be fixing it until after Easter. Humph. She lives in Pembrokeshire, which apparently had a bad night. Thankfully, like most people these days, she has a mobile, but of course it is difficult for internet connections. On Sunday, we are helping out at the GRW show - I am still nervous, but also looking forward to it, and hoping the weather improves. It will be odd to see the floor in the spare bedroom - at the moment, it is covered in cards. The dogs are most confused.

Yesterday, Andy did a superb surrealist collection again. He collected his old friend the rug, the oven glove, the oven glove's hook that attaches it to the end of the worktops, a plastic sieve that I'd used for draining some vegetables I'd cooked and my handbag. He dragged it upstairs twice, each time leaving a trail of contents, not eaten just scattered. When I went into the front bedroom he was lying on the bed, contentedly lying among the spoils of war, looking very pleased with himself. So, I went back out and picked up the trail of lipgloss, pens, tissues, diary, notebook and assorted other handbag contents. Female readers will know that handbags generally have an ability to attract a variety of objects, that either may come in handy at some unspecified point in the future or have landed in the handbag by some mysterious vortex in the space/time continuum. Mine is no different.

To all my readers, a very happy Easter.

A very brief post. Lurgy now consuming - I am coughing and spluttering and my sinuses ache. Grrr. My nose looks like I should be called Rudolf. As you can tell, feeling very sorry for myself.

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..... .