Guten Rutsch ins 2025

 And with minimal fuss, a fresh new year arrived overnight.  Hogmanay celebrations across the Scottish capital were cancelled much to the dismay of international visitors.  We did not need any excuse for an early night.  The nasty lurgy that stole Christmas malingers and is sapping what little energy we have on these short, short days.  Mr F managed an impressive 13-hour stint and even then was reluctant to stir from his bed.  The boys joined us for breakfast whilst we pondered how best to tackle the daily dog walks in yet ANOTHER storm.  The wind has shifted to the NE bringing with it much lower temperatures and a lovely mix of horizontal sloppy sleet.  On the plus side it kept the New Year's Day walking parties to an absolute minimum. 

Happy New Year to all.  May the next 12 months bring you peace, happiness and good health.  There is a lot to be said for the simple things in life - 2024 was a sharp reminder of that.

New Beginnings?

 Is it possible to find one's way back to regular blogging after a 10+ year hiatus?  A lot of water has passed under the bridge with both Horatio and Harris passing away a couple of years ago.  My first dogs and very much loved and missed.  I won't dwell on their passing - suffice to say both were taken too soon and my sense of loss immense.  The price of loving your dogs unconditionally.

With the recent tragic passing of my blogging friend Gail of Bouncing Bertie and Nobby fame, I find myself driven to get back out there to the blogging world.  Gail was a true inspiration. To this day, I maintain a selfish daily ritual of consuming certain blogs.  I think it is perhaps time, I gave a little back.

I live a small life in Scotland but share it with my husband and two (new) dogs - Hamish and Hercule.  To me, we live a big life of small happenings.  Multiple daily dog walks on East Lothian's beaches, running (if my darn knee injury would ever heal) and working.  Let's see if I can keep up some sort of blogging habit and rekindle some friendships!

Turning two

A birthday well chosen! The longest day of the year gives maximum time to celebrate, eat cake and play. Harris turned two on 21 June. It helps of course if your owner remembers! He's come some way..

Rituals

We all have our routines. Our rituals. That guide us through daily life and ground us. The ferguson household is no different. This is my favourite one.

It's called sharing the crusts. Harris and Horatio sneak out of bed as Scott slumbers and they join me in the kitchen as I read the news and blogs on the iPad over an espresso and two slices of toast.  One buttered with jam and the other with peanut butter. Always. And the boys enjoy the quiet ritual of a few small crusts (not many mind as I like them too!). As soon as the last morsel of toast is gone, they vanish. Back to the bedroom for another few previous moments of sleep before they are dragged out for another ritual. Walk #1 of the day with Scott. That's another story though.

Happy Friday.

Happy birthday Horatio

And sorry my boy, I'm away on another work trip. Hope you had a good day, and that Scott and Alison spoilt you (but not too much, you are still on a diet!)
Three years old today! Yes, you were very tiny back then!

Big Surprise

Last week was half term. Cue the annual family holiday to the Lakes. Except this year was rather different from all previous years.... As Scott and I surprised everyone by announcing we were getting married. And then did just that!  With just 36 hours notice both families got themselves suited and booted for the ceremony in Langholm, Scotland followed by a pub lunch in Threlkeld in the Lakes.

Sneaky but also inspired! The last six weeks have been a covert whirlwind of planning, internet shopping and even a flying visit to the Lakes to check it all out.  Of course dogs featured heavily on the big day. 18 humans vs 6 woofers including Harris and Horatio who were kitted out in matching tweed bow ties. Horatio of course lost / disposed of his on the wedding walk.

Enjoy the photos of me definitely not looking like myself!

Horatio in Zurich?! Surely not!

I was in Zurich this week for a couple of days with work. Burns night tends to unleash a circuit of hospitality events and quite a bit of haggis.  Zurich is a marvellous city of similar size to Edinburgh. In addition to beautiful architecture and a stunning location on Zurichsee, it is very wealthy.

On leaving my hotel on the first morning, I had to stop and do a double take. Was that not Horatio in that shop?! I didn't even know his passport was up to date!