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!

January Blues

Deepest darkest January has this household in its spindly long-fingered grip. Work commutes are completed in silence in the dark. We hit the sack by 10 most nights yet awaken nine hours later unrefreshed, cranky and tired. Don't get me wrong, we are getting out there, exercising, walking the boys and trying to put a positive spin on life but boy, it's a struggle. I'm celebrating every extra 2 minutes of day light and have convinced myself I can notice it. To help me overcome my funk, here's a few things I'm celebrating this morning:

My first snow drop is out.

We go on holiday in three weeks time to the Lakes.

Harris and Horatio keep us on our toes

Our central heating has finally been switched on!! We really need to organise a House Warming, if just to laugh at the word play.

I was going to post a photo of our new radiators but that's a bit bland. Instead, here are a few pics from our trip to Cornwall before Christmas. Harris is turning into a real running dog. Seven milers are a breeze for him. Preferably off road and off the lead with a few treats up my sleeve. Literally.

Selfie. Or is it an ourselfie?

Can we perhaps fly this bit? 

Nearly home! Shame we didn't meet Dawn French's Scottie this year. He lives in the big house built into the cliff.