Wrapping up Christmas

We had a lovely relaxed Christmas this year. More than usual, that's for sure, as we are generally hosting at least one meal for family. This year we were out visiting for lunch and dinner, so other than a day of baking on Christmas Eve, so I could take some mince pies and shortbread, there wasn't much to do. It was wonderful to spend Christmas morning with our nieces and see the oldest enjoying the whole process so much. I've never seen anyone get so excited (and so frustrated) having to wait to pull the cracker. It looks like we are in the final stages of organising to get a new Keeshond puppy. That was the easy part - the impossible job is going to be deciding on a second dog. We thought we might downsize for the second, rather than having 2 kees. But DH has his heart set on a Boston Terrier, while I'm open to other possibilities (and not all that keen on the whole 'they are so ugly they are cute' approach...). I'm leaning towards a Griffon Bruxellois but I'd need to learn a lot more about them. Actually, I know I really just want another Keeshond - the breeder has 2, do you think I can convince my other half to just take both? Either way, looks like we will have a little fluffball by the time I go back to work.

Saying Goodbye...

It's been a tough week. On Wednesday we lost our beautiful Merlin. It came totally out of the blue - one day he has a bit of a cough, then suddenly he is riddled with lung cancer. I was really hoping we would not have to go through this again for a couple of years, after losing Mystic just last year, and Misere.

I have been on the 'City Experience' with my year 9's all week. It's been exhausting, and stressful at times, but on the plus side, I've been too busy during the day, and too tired at night to really dwell on it. But we both keep forgetting momentarily, and getting up to let him outside, or keeping leftovers for him. I made pancakes last night, and they weren't very good - Merlin always had to have the first 'test' one out of the pan.

Merlin has been with us for almost our whole married life - he leaves a big hole in my heart.

The Big Fluffball after a brush.

Telling us off...

His favourite pose

Sad news

Well, its been a tough few days here - a lousy start to my holidays. Mystic, the youngest of our 2 dogs, has been very sick and passed away yesterday morning. He was diagnosed with Pneumonia last week, then when he seemed to get worse and we were preparing for the worst, a specialist said that he had a partially paralysed larynx. While permanent, that problem was supposed to be much less severe - the vet wasn't worried at all. But the poor little fella wouldn't let himself sleep all weekend - I think his breathing was harder when he lay down, so he wouldn't let himself.... Yesterday morning he suddenly collapsed and died almost straight away - we couldn't get to the vet in time. So, despite him being sick for several days, it was still a big shock. As all our friends know, we think of the dogs like our kids, so its been a distressing few days. I really miss the little guy. :(