December Days

Tom's birthday is the week before Christmas and so until we've celebrated his special day planning for the 25th takes second place, as always I never thought we'd be ready but as usual the day arrives and somehow everything comes together.......................

Christmas eve was a whirlwind of activity at home, tidying the house, wrapping presents and putting up last minute decorations and delivering gifts to special people who we wouldn't be seeing on Christmas day.  Best of all  my Mum, who'd been in hospital for the past 6 weeks, was finally given a place at a stroke rehab centre and was able to move there on Christmas eve - a positive step towards the help she needs to get stronger and move towards independance again  -  Christmas lights shine out with love and hope for mum and the future x 

 
Christmas morning dawned cold but sunny and was spent visiting mum then on to our son and his girlfriends to exchange presents...........Here's beautiful Bella, their Beagle puppy modelling the two bandana's I'd made for her - she is such a loveable character, a huge bundle of joy and fun with eyes to melt the coldest heart................

Then finally on to our lovely daughter's for lunch.  The planning and effort that Rachel and Jodie, her boyfriend, had gone to was so very much appreciated and was an extra special gift to myself and Alan.  

Boxing Day, Alan and I had a short walk with our dogs and Coco (Rachel's dog) in tow
 

Coco in one of her Christmas bandana's

 Love the way the silver birch stand out against the bleak landscape

Views across the golf course which was closed today

And then it snowed........................great big heavy flakes, thought it was never going to stop.  The trees outside our back door look like foam covered aliens!

 

 

Snow dog Shogie, times like this we need a sledge!

Hope that all had a lovely Christmas and very best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!

Just a few pics from family walk 21st December -

Fun, games and happiness at  Sherwood Pines Forest Park

 

 

Out and about

 On 7th December we took our family Sunday walk at Ogston Reservoir which is in the lovely area of Amber Valley near the villages of Brackenfield, Clay Cross and Ashover.  We followed a circular route around the reservoir but disappointingly the walk was mainly on the local roads which were quite busy and not great for the dogs.  We did manage to pick up a public footpath for part of the route although Shogie refused point blank to cross the wooden bridge so we had to take him through the river (good job Jodie Rachel's partner was wearing his wellies!).  There were beautiful views to be had across the reservoir and it was mainly easy walking which contributed to an enjoyable time for all.  Sorry forgot my camera so I've had to add a couple of pictures from other websites.

 

 These and other Ogston Reservoir pics can be found here

For our walk yesterday (Sunday 14th December)  we decided to leave the cars behind and walk from home onto the local Teversal Trails.  We had a lovely 3.5 hour stroll stopping half way at the Teversal Visitor Centre for coffee and then on to Silverhill pit tip on the Silverhill Traill and then back home in time for well earned rest .............. 

The white cross westie is Brodie, he's full of mischief and fun!

 

Sunny Sunday

Yestterday was such a dismal foggy day but today dawned bright and sunny and we spent the morning walking the dogs at Hardwick Hall just across the border in Derbyshire.

Bare winter trees stood out against the pale blue skys,as did the walls of the Hall..........................................

It was rather muddy underfoot but the dogs loved it ..............................here's Coco and Bella inspecting a particularly squelchy patch!  Good job we were wearing wellies!!

and here's a better pic of the beautiful Bella............I think you'll agree she is lovely!

And another more typical Beagle pose..................................

Mid way round our route we stopped off for a coffee break, the views across the park were stunning, not sure that my pictures do it justice. 

Finishing off with the Father Christmas trail

Just to remind us that Christmas is coming soon.............................

Hello!

Jay - loveable rogue?

An introduction to the dogs:

This is the infamous Jay, a characture of note - he has a heart as big as a bucket and lives life to the full - he loves everyone and shows it, his manners can sometimes be a bit to be desired -  like marmite - you either love him or hate him!

Shogie - our gentle giant

 As big as a bear but the gentlest of souls, he is the kindest dog ever and just  about the laziest!!  He likes nothing better than to sit and watch the world go by................................

A puppy pic of Coco - she's now 2 and a little bigger, but not much!  Sweet natured, as long as she gets her own way, a whirlwind of fun, just as happy on 2 legs as all fours (she should have been in the circus!)

Bella to be introduced at a later date............................................................

Here's Bella

A little beauty of a Beagle, with her big floppy hears and gorgeous big brown eyes she is a real charmer!  Full of life and fun, her mission is to give all the other dogs a 'run for their money' whether they want too or not!!!