 Dasher's Italian Greyhound blog 2019 This is the continued story of Italian Greyhound Dasher started in July 2009 - see old blogs. The latest "happenings" will be put on at the top at frequent intervals, so the story unfolds from the bottom and up! He lives with his nephew Solo. I have videos of Lure Coursing and other doggy things on YouTube under my name: sighthounddotnet Email me or go back at any time to my sighthound.net start page. Happy reading! - Janet (Photo: Italians Dasher, nearly 10 years (on right) and Solo, 6 years on left.) |
| July 2009 - 2010 - 2011- 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2020 - 2021 - 2022 - 2023 - 2024 |
New blog started for 2020 - click here to see! Thursday the 26th of December A few photos from Christmas eve the 24th - the big eating orgy and giving-of-presents day in Denmark!  . Solo came straight in the door and immediately discovered that, true to tradition, the pretty paper hearts hanging on the tree were filled with a tiny round biscuit called "peppernuts" – and started eating! We had to empty them very quickly!  . My youngest grandson having to eat whilst "too high for a dog to reach"! Right: They wanted to sit near me while we all ate dinner. Below: Feeling tired!  From the 23rd Grandson with iPad and Solo share a chair! 
Tuesday the 176th of December I just love it when the bus drivers have a bit of fun and enter the Christmas spirit! I asked permission to take a photo and so the whole bus had to wait while I fumbled my camera out from underneath my thick winter jacket! 
Monday the 16th of December I open the cupboard under the sink and Solo immediately grabs a sponge! 
Thursday the 5th of December We passed the Care Home, which the Day Care mothers and their children visit every Thursday and have their own play-room so they can all meet up. Thumping on the window and faint shrieks brought me over to them. The children were amazed at see "Father Christmas" on four legs!!!  . Solo was interested, but Dasher was soon bored!  Two days ago there was frost every morning, but now it is milder again. No snow yet, which is VERY unusual.  All the Day Care children wear "nisserhuer". (Father Christmas's gnome helpers, a tradition in Scandinavia). Sunday the 1st of December I have to brag: Dasher is on the front page of the English Italian Greyhound club! My photo from a few years ago.  Below: Another photo of the huge stone they dug up at the school extension building. Looks like they are keeping it.  Very misty 3 days ago. 
Monday the 25th of November Today is Solo's 7th birthday, how time flies. We have had him 7 entertaining years minus 7 months! Here is a photo of him a few days after he moved in, looking all innocent!  
Monday the 18th of November This morning Solo stole my shoe again! He's still a puppy at heart, the dear! (He never chews anything though.) Dasher looks on disapprovingly. He wouldn't dream of touching my shoes! Below: Who would guess there was a dog hidden here?  Here he is: And after a trip out in the garden - here he is back again: 
Freday the 15th of November No need for the sun to come out when you have two pumpkins glowing brightly!  Below: A tree has been cut down flush with the earth and these pretty fungus have formed around it! 
Wednesday the 30th of October Thursday the 24th of October Wednesday the 16th of October Incredibly foggy - but mild today.   . Over the fields.  Below, I could see how a big fat "killer slug", we alle hate, has crawled to and fro on my front door mat! Ugh! 
Sunday the 13th of October After the dogs have eaten their dinner each day, we have a tradition that goes back nearly 30 years, that they should have a piece of Chinese cabbage (the juicy white stalk) as "dessert". They love it! This day I had also bought “Romaine” or Cos lettuce used in Caesar salad. I gave them a stalk each. They took it without enthusiasm and chewed it up into small pieces - which they then spat out!!!! Apparently NO substitute for Chinese cabbage in their eyes!!! "We don't eat this trash, Mum!" I was very surprised. 
Thursday the 10th of October The first walk with their eye-catching nearly luminous coats from https://togsfordogs.net! - As photo'ed by my doorbell video. (https://se-en.ring.com - bought in Denmark. An excellent device.) I see that my rain-coat is nearly as bright!  I took the long walk across the fields again and was rewarded by seeing two deer. I haven't seen any for quite a long time.  Below: Lighting up the countryside!!!  Below, one of the views I enjoy on the way home. I can see the sea and the island of Fyn, plus the big bridge between. The bridge here, for those with good eyesight, is seen to the left, beside a tall tree sticking up.  I am standing on a grassy area high up above the path. Two photos from the day before. 
Wednesday the 9th of October 2019 - and the eleventh blog. I came home from the long dog walk over the fields and through the village this morning, and while I was gone the Postman had been with a small pink parcel. Here he is taken from my ring.com doorbell video:  I could not figure out what it could be. I had ordered some dog food - but packaged in baby pink???  The dogs were very interested and as it turns out, could smell some dogs all the way from England!  I opened up: A WONDERFUL surprise gift from a friend Helen Lister in England who sews the most well-fitting and smart but practical IG coats - when she is not winning BOB with her dogs at Crufts!!! We have known each other some 30 years now. Visit her website here: https://togsfordogs.net  Of course, I immediately put the coats on. Goodness, they even made the gate glow pink!!!  . My dogs always turn people's heads, not least children, but now they will be blown away in the luminous orange/red warm coats!!! Just what they need right now. I am SO thrilled with them. Such a lovely surprise! THANK YOU HELEN! Tuesday the 8th of October Last Sunday I went to my Grandchild's twentieth birthday party. Solo can see I am getting ready to go somewhere - but the question is: Is he going with me????  The dogs were angels. They love travelling on busses and trains and are ready to step up in any available car for a ride! Here they wait for the bus - it is very cold.  On the train, there were 2 cute little girls who petted the dogs off and on. I hesitated to photograph, but here are 2 pictures. The dogs were so relaxed and not really interested as there were no tit-bits involved! .  . Here they are on the sofa at my son's house.  Solo gives a loving kiss!  Waiting for our train on the way home after a wonderful day. 
Wednesday the 2nd of October  I spotted two of the cutest hedgehogs I have ever seen! A mother and offspring. See this 1 minute film. I am so glad that we have them again - I haven't seen any for about 3 years. I need their help in the garden! www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXoag72QmUU Tuesday the 1st of October  On the dog walk this morning, I was nearing the school sports ground where I could hear children playing – unseen behind lots of bushes. On the opposite side of the narrow side road I was on, I notice a boy of about 8 or 9 squatting down in some bushes, almost hidden. As I pass on the other side, I ask him why he is sitting there? Has he been badly teased? He mumbled something I could not hear and started to get up. He looked very unhappy. I thought quickly. Just 5 minutes ago I had stopped in the little village to pick up some beautiful shiny chestnuts that had fallen. I couldn’t resist them - maybe my grandchildren would like them? So I stuffed my hand down in my pocket and managed to grab hold of 3 big ones. I hold these out to him saying: “Would you like some chestnuts? I just found these and they are so beautiful right now.” He walked reluctantly towards me. (I managed to keep the dogs from jumping up!) Hesitatingly, he took one and looked at it. I say: “Why not take this one too – then you could give one to a friend, who would be pleased?” This seemed to set his brain working. He started showing some real interest and ended up taking all three. Then the school bell sounded and he soon disappeared through the bushes to the playing field and back to the school, but I could see his depressed mood was gone and he stepped out a good deal happier!  The dogs sniffed for ages. A poor pigeon had clearly been killed here - and carried away - but it gave good nose-work for the dogs.  STILL the plums fall down, mainly half rotten. I collect them up all the time as Dasher eats the stone as well and I fear for his stomach, but Solo is wild to eat them and continually tries in vain to jump up for one. Saturday the 28th of September Mucking about on the sofa!  "My" spider, after about 3 weeks, (and it had grown enormous), became more and more lethargic and one morning I saw it had not re-built it's web and was gone. It never came back. I gave it a fly every day and even Solo helped as he caught one in his mouth, spat it out and I popped it on the web! A last photo. They are incredible creatures and I don't know where we would be without them to thin out the flies! (Just so long as they stay OUTDOORS!!!!)  This is the third collection of apples from one single tree! Called Ingrid Marie red - a good Danish sort full of flavour. This last load has been collected by our local community village hall to be made into umpteen delicious dishes for every time the locals meet for dinner and activities!  Solo enjoying a dried beef ear! Good, because they take ages to chew up. 
Thursday the 19th of September Dasher and Solo ran 5 times around the house this morning before eating breakfast. (As they do every morning, before lunch time and before dinner!) Then we go on a long walk over the fields, (in beautiful weather), and through the pretty village, then on arriving home, I need a rest but they act like they never get any exercise!!! See how they can “bite to kill” and yet never hurt each other. Only 2 minutes long! www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCenz35Mf8Q  Portrait of Solo! Wednesday the 18th of September 2019 - and the eleventh blog. Sunny again!  About 3 weeks ago, there was a pretty spider web spun across the kitchen window. (One that does not open.) I decided to let it stay and watch it’s life cycle. I have fed it a fly or two each day ever since and now it is four times the size. Less and less active in the day as it gets fatter! It renews the nearly ruined web every night. This morning it had made a new web on top of the old. Every time I press a dead fly into the web, it races down and in seconds has revolved the fly around and around into a cocoon of silk. Then it hauls the bounty up to it’s favourite hangout under the window frame, and sucks it dry! In the first picture here it is quite small from 3 weeks ago.  Now it is enormous!  It is truly fascinating to see how it builds, repairs and gets around in the sticky web. Above it is trapping the helpless fly in a cacoon of silk and below, it is sucking it dry!!!  Mr. and Mrs Pigeon, who don't move as I walk to and fro in the driveway. But they are depressed as they can't eat the sunflower seed I put out for the small birds!  The dogs tense up as a small cat, (the black dot on side of path) is coming towards us. Then it clearly thinks they are two cats and comes running to greet us with tail held high! The dogs growl and bark, so it realises it's mistake and quickly darts into the bushes!  The other day we got 39 nearly 40 mm rain through one 24 hours! It just never stopped! 
Monday the 9th of September One can feel that autumn is on the way! Managed the morning walk ok but this afternoon it is pouring down and gallons promised on the way...  I try to remove all the windfall plums before the dogs can gorge themselves, but I've missed one in the flowerbed! Solo is fanatical about eating them ALL! 
Thursday the 5th of September Time to wear coats unfortunately. Windy, chilly and very rainy - and when it rains it POURS! 
Wednesday the 4th of September Standing in the sunlight! 
Saturday the 31st of August A kind lady I know passed me on the dog walk this morning. We had a chat. She hasn't a dog herself, but always has dog biscuits with her, so of course my two had to have one each!  Monday the 26th of August 2019 Dasher feeling important - he's waiting for a sound so he can bark a warning and "scare someone"! 
Thursday the 22nd of August Two cats, (one a big ginger moggy). sitting locked in hatred of each other on the other side of the road - and right outside our gate when I came back from the dog walk. The dogs could smell something, but never saw them - luckly!   Freday the 16th of August A fantastic apple tree with hundreds of apples that we pass on the dog walk. Shame nobody wants them. Tuesday the 6th of August Dasher, who also got stung on his left hip and later on in the day could hardly lift that back leg all, it hurt so much despite the special cream I applied - did a complete recovery in the evening! Jumping up at me enthusiastically – AND, wait for it - this morning he killed and ate a baby sparrow! No pictures, I was so horrified. (Just as well!) He refused to put it down or let me have it in exchange for Frolic, and chomped and chomped until it was crushed flat and then he swallowed it with a great show of satisfaction!!! So I halved his breakfast as a result!!!! Here he is afterwards, waiting for the walk. I am very interested to see the “results” later on!!!  Solo is also fine again. No sign of the huge swelling. I would itch for up to 6 weeks after such a sting. I watered the nest away with the garden hose and then liberally applied Ajax bathroom cleaner, which they hate! Monday the 5th of August I found a wasp's nest in a flowerbed under a stone this morning and I am washing it away with the hosepipe, but one has stung poor Solo on his lip. He is over the worst pain, (I have put my own special cream on), and feeling better now. Good he isn't allergic.  - but shortly afterwards:Growling to say"see what I've got!" 
Saturday the 3th of August Visited family for the day on bus and train on Thursday. The dogs are angels, they are so used to travelling. Here sitting waiting for the train: (It was a little rainy, windy and chilly, hence the coats.)  My four year old Grandchild takes to a chair so his hand holding a chocolate biscuit is out of reach of the dogs! (It's hot again as you can see!) Below right: They would sooner nestle in his dyner than use their own blanket!  .  . Left, sitting inside the train between my legs. I was amazed by their behaviour: When our station was called out on the outward journey, Solo immediately stood up and was ready to go! On the way home, it was even more unusual: Dasher stood up, even BEFORE the loud speaker had told us the next station! The ride is about 55 mins. maybe they go by how long time has passed? (They know the time of day very precisely.) I swear I gave no clues with body language. Maybe the train slows just a little...I would not have got up so quickly either, as there are still about 5 minutes before it stops. The right picture shows Solo after a good dinner and tired out, he has wound himself into the blanket for a peaceful sleep! All he needs is a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign!!!! It was a very long day for them. Monday the 29th of July Still VERY hot with thunderstorms and rain promised but it never happens - here anyway! The cornfield, half reaped, was so pretty this morning. 
 Thursday the 25th of July We are having some VERY hot days and the dogs are so hot they can't be bothered to burrow under blankets any more, but are happy to sleep on top! Solo is quite pink! Sunday the 21st of July A simply wonderful day lure coursing in Kirke Hyllinge yesterday. Here they are waiting patiently for the bus to the station - already dressed in their racing colours.  I have never seen a bus so full up! Beside bursting with passengers, there was a bicycle and TWO pushchairs by the side door plus an elderly lady I know well, had her walker blocking the gangway, unable to go further down due to the push-chairs and cycle! The luggage area was also full and nearly toppling over. It was a laugh as I climbed on board with two dogs to complete the chaos. A young man gave me his seat beside the elderly lady, so we could chat. The driver was driving us all along whilst jovially chatting to the passenger in "my" front seat! When we reached the station, I unofficially got off at the front along with half the other passengers, as we couldn’t wait for the bicycle and push-chairs etc. to off-load. THEN I remembered (luckily) to check out my travel card. The stander is back with the side door where we all normally get off. I had to walk around to this door from outside, two mystified dogs trotting along with me. Whilst struggling with his push-chair half in and half out with one hand, a kind father took my card, reached back inside and checked it out for me! The lady with the walker had no less than two people helping her! It was so funny and a lovely atmosphere! This was public transport at it best! From the station I got a lift from a kind Whippet friend and was driven all the way in luxury. The LC field, usually full of horses we could see, went right down to the sea!  My friend and her lovely Whippet Terry, who can't wait for his turn.  We check in. The dogs just LOVE all the Whippets - but growl at other Italians!  . Below right, Terry and my friend's new little darling!  .  Below, Dasher dashing off! He ran well, they said although he is 10 years old now! The course was about 500 metres up and downhill.  Below, Terry starting his second run together with Ludvig. 
Wednesday the 17th of July Solo waiting to come in the back door - and makes a whole calendar picture with so many flowers right now! 
Monday the 15th of July I discovederd a hedgehog curled upon the path to the compost piles this morning. I waited paitently and when it got sick of curling up, it started to wander into the undergrowth, but stopped to sniff the air - me! So I stroked on top of it's nose and forehead several times!!! Then left it in peace. I'm so glad to see one, I haven't seen one for about 3 years when they were always in the garden and getting the dogs hysterical. You can just make out it's face.  . A poppy having a "bad hair day" by the gate!  Part of the dog walk and I can see the sea at the end of this path 10 kilometers away! 
Friday the 12th of July I've got the feeling I am being spied upon by very badly disguised cameras? It's not usual for fir trees to flower? Ha ha!  ª
 See the corn field NOW!!! Friday the 5th of July Today the crop is getting more golden coloured.  Below one can see a bit of Barley from last year that has sown itself and the new crop of??? - maybe corn? 
Tuesday the 25th of June The path over the fields is getting very overgrown!  . Late last summer, I was given a present of a small, white amaryllis by a friend. When it died back and I was ready to put it in the dark workshop over the winter, so it would grow all over again next spring, I saw the bulb was completely shriveled up to nothing. So I threw it out in the wheelbarrow of other weeds and cuttings to be wheeled around to the compost piles in a little, overgrown woodland at the end of my, and my 2 neighbour’s gardens. There is one huge heap and I have several small, flat piles behind this. (I have 3 compost holders in the kitchen garden, but if too many weeds with seeds or small branches that take ages to break down, then I prefer to use the unofficial one we have.) I have walked down there several times this spring and spread new plant cuttings around. However, on my way back a few days ago, I suddenly saw a very virile looking amaryllis lying on a compost heap I had not yet used. It is undoubtedly the same one – having survived the whole winter and spring all abandoned for at least 7-8 months! So I took it home and apologised to it, potted it and am waiting for it to right itself up. It was lying on its side and trying to grow upright. How funny that I should see it again!  .
Thursday the 20th of June There were two cats on the morning walk today. This one wouldn't budge so I was worried it was ill and we went around it. (I have since seen it strolling around, so it is perfectly fine!)  This second cat was sitting on the doorstep waiting to be let inside a house, but when it saw the dogs, it threatened to attack and I was quite scared! I imagined their eyes scratched out!!! It was doing the low "cat-moaning" sound they do just before a fight, and then it started coming after us! I hurridly dragged the dogs down the steps and it followed us part way down, "rolling it's sleeves up" all ready for a vicious fight! We beat a hasty retreat.  Wednesday the 19th of June Solo has stolen again - but this time only a dog bone, so I can't get excited! 
Tuesday the 18th of June They enjoy the weak sun!  On Saturday I had Whippet Fauna and owner to lunch, and I hardly took any photos I was chatting so much!!! Below is the only one worth showing!  Fauna and Solo mucking about on top of the cage! Sunday the 16th of June The path over the fields is very overgrown now! We've had so much regular rain...the dogs are lost in the grass!  Below, the usual view. 
Friday the 13th of June A strange co-incidence: I suddenly noticed yesterday, a butterfly I don’t ever recall seeing before – although I’m no expert. I photograph it and put it on the blog below. In the evening, I saw in the tv news, that this butterfly has just “invaded” Denmark by millions – all the way up from North Africa! It’s called Tidselsommerfugle or Painted Lady. I wouldn’t have known anything if it wasn’t for the tv news – which I very rarely look at! I took a screen shot of one of their pictures. (From my iPad.)  - and my lousy phto taken earlier: (I must try to get a better one, but they are moving all the time.) 
Thursday the 13th of June My strawberries - the amount is growing daily!  However, it's quite difficult to get in the kitchen garden right now! I reckon the problem will go away all too soon...  A butterfly I have not seen before - very wishy-washy colours. On my Timian. 
Sunday the 9th of June 2019 The dogs and I went into Copenhagen with bus and train yesterday to my grandchild's birthday party.  Here they are good as gold traveling on the bus. The bus driver was one I knew well though I have not chatted to him at the station as I have many others. I stepped up on board with the two dogs and showed him my “rejsekort”, (travel card with chip), and asked him to include an extra person, before I ckecked in. (Two dogs, two children or one person all cost the same.) Then they are paid for. Bus drivers usually prefer to just add an extra person. (One small dog can travel free if in a carrier bag on the lap.) But he completely surprised me by replying: “I can’t see them!” I was so taken aback for a split second, that he repeated himself before I could see what he meant: That the dogs could travel free the short ride to the station. I should just check myself in. (The dogs actually cost MORE than me as I travel with a senior citizen’s reduced price!) I was so grateful at this unexpected kindness, that I stroked his bare hairy arm sticking out of his short-sleeved uniform shirt and and said how VERY kind he was and I was very grateful, BUT I was travelling onward to Copenhagen! (On the trains there are ALWAYS ticket inspectors ready to dish out heavy fines, so I - unfortunately - had to be “legal”.) Oh well, he couldn’t know that, he said, a little disappointed! His good deed for the day all ruined. So Dasher and Solo had to be added, with a lot of pressing on his little computer screen - more than doubling the price! I always say, I get SUCH a good service from the local bus drivers!  Above: The train was jam packed to the eyebrows and not a spare seat anywhere and so many standing, I could hardly move up and down the gangways. Luckily a young man sprang up and insisted I have his seat! VERY kind as we had nearly and hour where he had to stand up.  . SO good the dogs are well out of the age of stealing and chewing children's toys! And they love all the petting! (And unauthorised feeding under the table!)  This is the incredible birthday cake! Batman has been printed directly in the marcipan, and though I tried to stop him, my grandchild ate some of the Batman top and got a blue coloured mouth! Truly incredible what modern technology can do these days. A wonderful day with the family. Below: My first strawberries! Yummy! 
Saturday the 1st of June My lilacs are truly fantastic this year - despite suffering severe drought all last summer, plus being "burnt" with holes in the leaves by a liberal sprinkling of algae killer when the man came and sprayed the roof.  - not to speak of the pretty clematis on the patio!  - and Solo has the cheek to growl at me after he has stolen an empty kitchen paper roll! 
Monday the 20th of May Friday the 17th of May Enjoying playing in the garden!  .  . It's Lilac time - over the whole of Denmark! They are everywhere - so pretty and the perfume is wonderful too! I must take more photos...here is part of my "dog walk"! They are only just opening.  Below: Enjoying the early morning sun! 
Sunday the 6th of May This is what happened in several days of cold and very strong winds -my beautiful Japanese Cherry was wrecked:  Solo chases a pigeon in the driveway, and is very frustrated as he can't jump THAT high!! 
Saturday the 4th of May The world's most loving, (and hardly ever "naughty"!!!) Italian Greyhound Dasher is 10 years today!  Here he is at about 9 weeks and the visiting family are adoring him! Thank you Arne. He is one of the best. Monday the 29th of April "When did you say you were going to play with us, Mum? We are bored!"  Below, a Campanula I just bought, and a pansy I rescued from the lawn where it had seeded itself last year! So cute.  Monday the 22nd of April Dasher dashing around the house. He is completely fit again after having a painful left foot occasionally. They run 5 times araound the house, 3 times a day before a meal! The speed is their choice, but it's always at TOP speed! (Most of the way is on grass.) 
Saturday the 20th of April Out on a walk for the first time "with no clothes on"! It was 9 degrees and sunny with no wind. Felt sweating hot after the cold weather we have had.  - and the Japanese Cherry tree is "exploding" and SO pretty... 
Tuesday the 9th of April Took a wonderful walk through the fields to the local village and back. A kind farmer has allowed a special path to be made! Bitterly cold but lovely and sunny!  Everywhere is an explosion of wild Mirabelle plum trees! You just couldn't squeeze one more flower on the branches - and these wild trees are everywhere in Denmark.  Of course the dogs spotted a big ginger cat sunning itself!  On the way back, I could see the sea, just a stripe of blue and so pretty: 
Sunday the 7th of April Had a wonderful day out Lure Coursing - and the luxury of a kind friend who drove me from door to door! Here is her beautiful co-driver:  I could kick myself, I "messed up" on so many good shots and switched off before I should. Here are some of the venue.  My friend's Whippet ready to run!  Below: Take off! He's just a blurr!  . . Solo loves Whippets and has to sniff and greet them all!  Above, waiting for his turn. Below: About to run and I switch the camera OFF that was already turned ON. Ugh!!!!  Below: The black dot in the picture center is Solo on the last lap.  Below: A Saluki running  Below, a little Italian Greyhound wants to show his love for a big Galgo! She turns and says: NO!"  . My kind neighbour looked after Dasher as he sometimes has a foot that hurts and until this is ok, he'd better not race at 90 miles an hour round a rough field! I deceived him, so he never knew we went Lure coursing. Friday the 5th of April Who's first to run and be the "hare"? 
Saturday the 30th of March The whole garden is FULL of Ladybirds! 
Monday the 16th of March Had the family to lunch! You have to look really closely to find Dasher and Solo! Luckily both past the "stealing childens's toys" age! We are looking at photos from a recent holiday in New Zealand via "Apple tv".  The children clear up afterwards - but it takes a professional to hide it all away - me!!!  Below: Dasher says: Shall we play?  .
Saturday the 23rd of March My friend Lisbet living west on the island of Fyn sent me a photo of the "streaks" in her sky.  Inspired, I took mine a short while after, here they are, a different angle! Funny, as it wasn't a windy day. 
Friday the 22nd of March Saturday the 16th of March The dog's feet are fine again! Solo celebrated by stealing a shoe!  (You can see the small cataract in his left eye.) Dasher has them in both eyes, but then he is 10 in a few weeks. Friday the 15th of March To the left of the school there's a large area being dug up and will become 26 terrace houses. On the corner of this, they plan a small supermarket (Rema 1000) - which means I'll only have a 10min walk to a shop! Yesterday the grass path looked like this:  I follow the winding short green grass path to the white container on left where I cross over into my road. This path was made as a short cut for school children so they can keep off the road.  BUT this morning the digger had dug up the whole of this green path, which was now thick mud in the rain. So I walked the dogs through the weeds as we must trample a new path to get past. See the beige coloured "hairy" weed patch on the extreme right below below. (The bushes hide a small pond full of croaking frogs in the spring!) Pictures below look BACK the way we came. Left is my road.  . BUT, the poor dogs must have trodden on some thistles as they both have been "attacking" their feet and licking them like crazy - although I can't see anything, they are feeling some irritation or other, poor things. Hope it's gone by tomorrow.  Two ways of getting a back foot in the mouth!  If I can see him, I shall ask the man if he would drive the digger up and down to smash the weeds flat to a path where I and others will have to walk each day. If not, it means I will have to turn around and back-track each day.. Wednesday the 13th of March Sunday the 10th of March I managed to get poor Dasher, starving hungry, to the vet's early Friday morning for his little operation. He had a little tooth on the side, that has gradually got more and more loose but would not fall out! Then I could see the area of redness suddenly had got bigger so no escaping an expensive operation to have it removed. (He has never shown any sign of pain - I could even wiggle it a bit - and he is always a happy, lively dog bossing me around.) After checking with X-rays, the vet took out the little one beside it as well. It is ironic for me as I have cleaned their teeth every morning since I had them - they don't mind at all - the toothpaste tastes of chicken!!! This because I wanted to avoid expensive teeth-cleaning bills. But the vet did praise how clean his teeth are! No photos except here, where he is waiting for the bus home - no seat to sit on at this bus-stop unfort. He is wedged between my feet watching cars go by. So long as a small dog travels in a bag - it travels free on busses and trains.  After we got home and he'd eaten a good meal, he and Solo started a mad game - as usual! So not much wrong with Dasher after that ordeal!  Sometimes they are too fast for the camera!  . 
Thursday the 7th of March I GAVE Solo som plastic packing from a cardboard box when he showed signs of wanting to play with it. He ran to and fro shaking it and the air came out of it and it rustled loudly. He wanted Dasher to join in. But in Dasher's eyes, what Solo was doing was very wrong. One must not play with "Mum's things!" It is clearly NOT a dog toy!  .  I know this is the "invite to play" position that Dasher has, but he is also bowing to the right and showing insecurity as to what to do next - and he would not play with something that was "stolen"! (Unless it was the Sunday roast!) Monday the 4th of March Having a mad wrestling match!  Below you can see how they "bite to kill" each other, but never hurt each other, never a squeak of pain! Just heavy breathing!!! 
Thursday the 28th of February Wednesday the 27th of February While Dasher is an angel dog, Solo is the one who entertains with tricks, stealing, escaping and all sorts of naughtinesses! I can always see on Dasher's body language, when Solo has done something “wrong”! This because Dasher has a most amazing reaction. Say Solo has stolen a piece of kitchen paper or a biro pen from the kitchen table, Dasher comes to me with head hanging down low and standing scrunched up like a dog in pain! I know immediately that something’s up. I am never angry, shout or upset, just say to Solo in very firm words: “PUT THAT DOWN!” which he nearly always does straight away. He's heard me say this for nearly 6 years! I just quietly take the “thing” whatever it is and walk off – even tho’ on Saturday, (where we were guests!) he had stolen a huge chunk of left-over roast beef in a plastic bag and was running around the garden!!! This I “bought back” from him in exchange for a Frolic! But Dasher just KNOWS when something Solo does is “wrong” and what HE wouldn’t dream of doing. Well, this morning I had been to the chemist for some antihistamine eye drops – the pollen in the air is very high - and I'd put the little box on the kitchen table. Unbeknown to me just a while ago, Solo jumped up and stole it, dropping it in a dog bed beside the table.  Immediately, Dasher comes in to my office to tell me what I haven’t been able to SEE. I can see “something’s up” from his body language so I ask him what’s the matter??? And he promptly turns on his tail, dashes out into the kitchen and BRINGS ME THE LITTLE BOX, dropping it at my feet!!! How clever is that???  So I get up and go out to the kitchen to see what else Solo might have taken, (nothing else), and these two photos ARE POSED just to illustrate the story. I am completely amazed at Dasher’s intelligence: He KNEW I couldn't SEE what Solo had done, so he showed me the best way he could! I praised him to the skies. Below: It was lovely and sunny this morning!  . We have millions of Ladybirds all waking up after the short winter! Tuesday the 26th of February VERY misty in the morning these days.  . .
Sønday the 24th of February Denmark has a firm who, amongst a many other great things, will send out pretty helium gas balloons (plus a message from the sender) in the post: www.pegani.dk/da/produkter/bubble-balloner I am crazy about the concept and it’s especially good for men, who aren’t so keen as women on a bunch of flowers to mark an occasion. I just sent one on Wed. to my daughter-in-law’s office last week, to surprise her there. The postman always comes with many things for this firm. As soon as she saw the big red-spotted box she immediately exclaimed: “That’s for me!!!” (as she knows me and my balloons!!!) So the postman livened up and asked: “What on earth is inside it???” Going on to explain, that he had delivered many and yet they feel like they are completely empty! (The helium holds the balloon up floating inside the box so it definitely DOES feel like a totally empty box.) So my daughter-in-law had to open her birthday balloon surrounded by 3-4 colleagues looking on, and not least, the Postman, who was all eager and staring nearly holding his breath, he was so keen to see what he often delivered that seemed so very much like “nothing” like a sort of bad practical joke!!! Here is the balloon on the left. Right: Another one where you can see the personal message they hang on.  . Then I went to a family birthday party yesterday, necessitating whole THREE balloons and here is the young postman caught on the door-bell camera, deliverering them! You can see the pretty box they come in. (You need only see the first 15 seconds, as he staggers into the little porch by the front door with three seemingly empty boxes!!! ring.com/share/6660806029074601799 Another Postman who doesn't know what's inside the seemingly quite empty boxes!!! Three years ago, when my husband was not well and we were at the doctor's, it was agreed that he should wait while I walked through town to the chemist to collect a presciption for him. It was 10-15 minutes each way plus waiting time. Instead of just letting him sit with a magazine, the Doctor's assistant made him a sandwhich, found a nice big Danish pastry and plied him with non-stop coffee, so he was very happy. I thought this extra caring service deserved a "Thank You!" balloon - which she was very touched over!  The dogs at the birthday party yesterday:  Waiting nicely for the bus to come. (It was very cold after a warm spell.)  . Right: Syncronised stroking!!! Below, unfortunately, the dishes are well rinsed before going in the dishwasher!  .
Sønday the 17th of February Friday the 15th of February Misty yesterday, but very foggy this morning - going over to brilliant sun and a lovely spring day!  . . .
Tuesday the 5th of February Caught stealing from my waste paper basket again!  The first snow drop to open! 
Saturday the 2nd of February I woke up this morning to find my last little bird, a cross between a Grey Singing Finch and a Canary, had passed away in the night. Poor little soul has had a weak heart for some time and only the strength to fly up 2-3 inches to low perches. He always slept in this corner at night... that's why I know his heart just stopped. He would have been 23 in April! His sister was 17 when she died.  The end of an era - I've had Canaries for about 48 years! I'll find a new home for the voliere. Saturday the 26th of January Snow again! (Didn't last, thank goodness!)  - and the snow reveals that I have a rat......  oh dear....I've put a trap out with some cheese in - and I'll have to take it on a long walk far away... 
Wednesday the 23rd of January Dasher used to like to nibble and eat Clementines when he was a puppy. He really eats the flesh, see him here for 2 mins: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIcbJTc2RLQ I was squeezing some for a juicy drink today - haven't had Clementines for many years - and I gave him a half. He had to pull himself together to pick it up! He then dashed into my office with it and started nibbling the way he used to.  After a minute or so, he decided to bury it in the “Tiger”!!! Scraping with his nose. See Solo watching!  . Then he changed his mind, uncovered it again with his paw, see below and and jumped down on the floor with it.  Now nibbling some more in his dog-bed.  Then he put it down on the floor and let Solo check it out. Solo couldn’t see there was ANY attraction in the smelly fruit!  . So Dasher takes it over and starts nibbling at the flesh again. Then he jumps up on the bed with it once more – but can’t resist burying it once more!  .  Here's Solo checking it out one more time. He can't understand the interest in it, but has to be QUITE SURE that Dasher is NEVER having anything MORE than he has, so he's watching all this very closely! It ended with me throwing it away. He doesn't enjoy it the way he used to. Monday the 21st of January 2019 - This morning: Suddenly, thick snow. "UGH!!! Have we really got to go walkies in this?" 
Monday the 21st of January I'm very much afraid that guest-Whippet Fauna has taught them the importance of supervising me at all times.. I'll just have to get used to it... 
Saturday the 19th of January Hard frost, blinding sun and plenty of mist this morning!  Below yesterday:" Are you soon finished with that noisy vacuum cleaner Mum? We don't like it!" 
Thursday the 17th of January This morning, I was completely fascinated by the big trip my rubbish bin took to be emptied! I have seen bins tossed into the back, but never from over the top! So I filmed him! www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqhPfJgS2A0  This bin is divided into two. Left: Glass, metal and plastic. Right: Paper and cardboard. Denmark is now leading in recycling everything and saving the environment. (I have another bin for all other rubbish including a side for compost but that's always empty as I have three compost containers in the kitchen garden.)  Spring is on the way!!! Some of my snowdrops. 
Monday the 14th of January Sunday the 13th of January "How much longer do I have to wait for my dinner?" 
Thursday and Friday the 10th and 11th of January I take my neighbour’s sweet dog for a lunch time walk a couple of days this week. (They are tied up with some hospital appointments.) She is an angel to walk. Keeps beside me and never pulls. She looks up at intervals as if to say: “Is this alright? You’re not my Mum!” So I bend down and pet her, which she loves and then she trips onwards with happy steps!  Below: Today, she stood in the weak sun and surveyed the area, enjoying the slight wind in her fur and sniffing the air, just relaxing standing there looking around in the distance. So I waited twice for about 3-5 minutes! Much better than being stuck in the kitchen at home!  She walks beautifully beside me – until we turn to go back. Then she is marching well ahead, already looking forward to getting back home again!!!  Unfortunately, Dasher and Solo do not like her as she does not look like a sighthound! They make a terrible barking scene to get her to move FAR away, preferably to leave this planet!! So they do not know what I do when I pop out and leave them for an hour after lunch. But I let them carefully sniff my hands afterwards. Monday the 7th of January Tuesday the 1st of January Wrestling in the new year after a tiring day yesterday, afraid of all the fireworks and loud bangs.  Good news! My little Robin is still here and survived the New Year's fireworks and terrific storm winds all yesterday - or is it a new bird just blown in??? |
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