As we continue to wait for responses to our enquiries (chased this morning) , our friend has been encouraging us to take some time out to relax and chill.
Today, after walking the dogs first thing in the quarry, we came back for breakfast, then took them out for a walk in woods about 15 miles away.
Bud, a large golden retriever, found the stickiest and muddiest patch imaginable. Maggie knew better than to even think about it, but was quite content to amble, sniff and explore without getting into trouble.
Round the corner was a pond, and Bud was in, swimming like a cross between an otter and woolly sheep to his heart’s content. This also acted as a bath to get him cleaner and smelling sweeter. Maggie unfortunately fell in, well actually, she backed in as she was watching something else and was a little surprised.
Saying that though, by the time we got back to the car, she was practically dry, though for Bud it was a different story. With me sitting in the back with two affectionate and damp dogs (have you noticed how more loving they get when wet?) , we proceeded into a small town for coffee and slices of the most delicious carrot and sticky ginger cakes.
It was market day, but we were lucky to find somewhere close to park and more importantly sit and enjoy our treat. Both dogs settled under the table, much to the amusement of passers by who noticed that they weren’t exactly at their best groomed.
To be honest, none of us cared.
The dogs were content and well behaved, and for that they were rewarded.
Once back at Base, Bud was given a shampoo and rinse, but Maggie just needed a good brush.
The result of the day is two very tired but happy dogs (both snoring their heads off) , three rested adults, and the smell of liver and bacon wafting from the kitchen for our tea tonight.
Hopefully, we will hear some news tomorrow and see if our potential venture is a go-er.
pensitivity101 
Are you settled in somewhere yet? I have been wondering since I have been offline.
Nope. Basically it’s all gone pear shaped and we are back with our friend who has been an absolute brick.
We are thinking ‘outside the box’ as properties in our price range are a mess and the cost of doing them up would exceed our budget. We are disgusted with the details that have been offered to us on properties that aren’t structurally sound and the ridiculous prices being asked for them.
We are pursuing an idea and complete change of lifestyle.
Hohhot! Can’t wait for an update.
A happy dog is the best thing in the world
Just the way they lift up your spirits without you actually doing anything is amazing.
I always seem to get on better with dogs than people. They have their own way of making you feel at peace with the world.