Dad's new toy

Dad finally picked up his new camera lens today.  He had been waiting for it for a few weeks and  there's only a few in the country so apparently we are very lucky.

After we picked it up we went to Whisby Nature Reserve for a nice walk so he could try it out.  It's meant to be for taking photos of birds and things, but he managed to get this nice shot of me having a swim to cool down.

Confusing neighbours

We have new ones just moved into the house on one side of us.  The one the other side is empty too and before anyone goes there I will say it was not us that drove them all away.

I have to say, we didn't get on very well with the last lot to the left.  Well actually I didn't as the dog that lived there used to make noises at me through the fence and when I barked back Mum would shout or worse still put my spray collar on.

So, in the nicest possible way, we were quite pleased to see that new ones were moving in last Thursday.  Dad was put in charge to see who arrived whilst we were out, but he had nothing to report when we got home!  On Saturday Mum said she saw a 'quite cute' little black dog in the garden ... but then today I saw Max ! 

I am sure it wasn't Max, but he is a brown dog with a big tail and looks just like Max.  Dad said he doesn't think he lives in the house, but how would he know as he hasn't been around to say hello yet? 

I will have to keep my eyes and ears open over the next few days as the hoomans are useless at this detecting lark!

Horses, Horsed, Horses

We went to Clumber this morning for a walk which was really nice as we went to an area off Lime Tree Avenue we don't normally visit.  This was all due to there being a horse endurance ride being held in the park today and part of their course was along one of our usual walks. 

There were loads of them - all shapes and sizes and colours.  Who knew?  With all that choice, only Mum could manage to get a photo of three greys!

Spa Trail

Although Tigger is still on his holiday in France, Easter is well and truly over and I have to report that there was a decided lack of doggy chocolate in our house.

To make up for our disappointment, Mum took us out yesterday to meet Auntie Debbie, Fergus and max for a long walk (5 and a quarter miles!) along the Spa Trail between Horncastle and Woodhall Spa.  It was lovely, not too warm, lots to see and smell and some sculptures along the way for the hoomans to admire.  The final part of the path cuts across a golf course, so we had to be especially careful there were no golf balls flying around that Max might want to retrieve as he's very good at that sort of thing. 

At the end of the walk we had a big drink and a well earned rest whilst Mum and Auntie Debbie went for what they said was a well earned sit down and some lunch!

Apology time

I have a great big sorry to say to my little half-brother Dougal who had his third birthday last week.  I didn't forget it, I just didn't get access to the 'puter to post a message.  So a very belated Happy Birthday to Dougal and an on time Happy Easter.

We've been very busy in the garden over the last two days.  I was especially helpful to Dad when he was washing off the patio and deck.  It was a bit chilly to get quite as wet as I did, but then I'm a spaniel and don't care about that.

We are having a quieter day today although it's turning into quite a stressful one for Dad - he's watching Liverpool, so I will say no more!

Afternoon Out

On Sunday we went to Belton House for an afternoon in the sunshine.  It was very busy but most people seemed to be in the gardens and house which is great because we aren't allowed in there and it meant the park was very busy - except for loads of these guys.

Mum was in charge of photos for a change, although it didn't stop Dad from telling her what to take and where to stand!  I think she did quite well ..

A view of the house

A particularly good shot, especially if you knew how long it took for us to sit still!

Dad setting up the shot (he needs a little practice)









The obligatory arty shot (Mum likes to show she can take them too!)

                          We found a huge rabbit hole

  That's our Murph disappearing!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Today, I am five!

It's been quite a busy day already.  Mum has been duck sitting for the last few days, so she went to let them out early this morning.  I haven't been allowed to go with her, I think she's worried I might go wild in Pauline's garden!  She had 5 eggs to collect this morning - there are only 3 girl ducks, so they have been busy!

When she got back it was time for breakfast.  WE HAD CAKE!  It was special doggy cake which has mince and potatoes and cheese in it. 

It was yummy and didn't last long.  After breakfast it was time for presents.  Murphy had to wait until today for5 his present from last week, but I think he was pleased.

Mum bought us these from the very nice people at Pupcakes when she went to a cake show last Friday.

We had a quick picnic lunch at Clumber before a big run around and I let Mum off the lead as a birthday treat.  We've just got home and I think it's time for a birthday snooze.

Happy Birthday Murphy

Murphy is eleven years old today.  Here's some of Mum's favourite pictures of him



8 weeks old and so cute



2 years old and very handsome

On holiday in Devon 2005

He loves the snow

His favourite spot in the caravan






A rare shot of Murphy tummy deep in the sea



Last week at Clumber

And finally, one with me!

Clumber Wildlife Fest

The pesky wildlife was everywhere today.

Firstly there was a duck sitting in the middle of one of the back roads we use in the park.

Then I saw two squirrels running through the grass, but wasn't allowed to follow; and finally
Murphy almost trod on a pheasant basking in the sunshine.

Mum said she was shattered by the time we got back to the car!