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Just as well you have not ventured across the Channel because I believe the quarantine still exists when coming into the UK - so you would have had problems on the way back.

As for labs loving the sea, I know all about that! In Guernsey (and Alderney), we were surrounded by beaches and twice a day Scamp would swim (and dive) for hours, and dig huge holes in the sand! But I did rinse him with tap water about twice a week to avoid any irritation caused by salted sea water.

Great fun to watch him enjoy himself though!

We have always had Airedales which all the books say they a water dogs we have had 7 and none have liked water,one even used to by pass puddles,we lived very near the sea but the dogs never went near,they use them as all round gun dogs in America but ours would have been useless.The Army used them as did the Russians and thought very highly of them as guard dogs.

I thought all dogs loved to swim, but when we took our late beagle to the beach he shook with terror, and he would go to great lengths to avoid a puddle. He was quite attached to his sofa and slept for twenty-three hours a day; we would just vacuum him when we were doing the carpet. But oh, how I miss him, though it did take a while to realize that he had passed away.

Just back from a bit of shopping and a small beer and a chat in my favourite bar.

I know what you mean Aristophanes about being upset when losing a pet - When we lost Scamp, I was devastated.
After a while, we had a retriever (all white) and what a beauty! But talk of guard dogs : he would welcome visitors (strangers and friends alike) , carrying a toy and wagging his tail ; 'everyone is nice, everone is beautiful' kind of behaviour! although I dare say he would not have liked anyone harming me...

How lovely to find so many people enjoying chatting on this thread - and I missed it all because I have been out all day!
It's a glorious day here - bright blue skies , lovely sunshine and VERY hot! An incredible change after the weather we've been having recently. I hope most of you are enjoying similar conditions !
I hope you will all continue to talk - I think it does us all good to exchange ideas and general news!

Afternoon, Rusty!
I've only just returned after a very enjoyable day out!
Yes, 2pm would have interfered with my "Ladies who lunch day"! So I jumped ship...and left my husband to deal with the car mechanic!
Now for the car report...seemingly the reason it won't go is caused by a timing valve being out of synchronisation- don't ask, I don't know any more!
Our mechanic friend couldn't fix it in situ, so it's had to be towed ( by the AA ) to the friend's garage where he will examine it tomorrow and hopefully fix both that and the boot problem too.
Meanwhile, it's shank's pony.....!
How was your day out with the granddaughters? and the new café? Were the bacon rolls up to scratch?!

Albie, my boots and me know Torridon very well.
And the Plockton palm trees.
Yes, it is very isolated, especially in Winter.
That area, and Gairloch/Poolewe, and further North, at Inchnadamph, are my favourite parts of Scotland!

Elle, so you "lunched". Well done!
And left your poor husband with a broken car! Women!
Hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow.
It was only Miss B&Q and me today, and it was fine.

For Jazzgirl, too. The Pine Cone was a funny affair.
All sorts of gifts and Knick-knacks everywhere intermingled with the tables. Lots of Christmas stuff, and ouside, thousands of Christmas trees growing.
Miss B&Q had butternut squash soup and a roll, and I had a Stornaway black pudding roll, and we both were very happy with our choices.
It is a friendly place and reasonbly priced, though a bit off the beaten track.

All, I endorse Elle's comments about how nice it is to see more joining in. And I am envious of the weather most have had although it is turning into a nice evening here!

Elle, how hot is very hot? Here we are in the 30C and supposed to be hotter tomorrow. Is it the same with you, wherever you are?

Hi, Rusty!
Your 'new' café sounds interesting. Christmas stuff at this time of year? There is a shop in Tooley Street, near London Bridge Mainline Station that sells ONLY Christmas gifts and tree decorations all year round. Unsurprisingly it is called "The Christmas Shop"! It's a delightful place.
Miss B & Q? - different terminology - you've lost me here?
I don't like black pudding, although I do love white pudding! not that you see that in the shops around here - my friend used to bring white puddings back from Ireland.
For lunch today, I had beetroot and goat's cheese salad for starters, and oven -baked cod on a bed of spinach , with a creamed puree of sweetcorn sauce for the main dish. Delicious!
And yes, while my poor husband was dealing with the car!
Did you understand about the time valve being out of sync? All dutch to me!







Ah Pigale, I fear I'm guilty of thinking comparatively! It was probably only about 22 degrees (maybe?) but as it's been somewhat chilly here for the last few days, today appeared to be hot !
Certainly cannot compete with your temp reaching 30!
I live on the South East London/ Kent borders.

Isn't Kent considered to be 'The Garden of England' Elle?

On another totally different subject, does anyone know the exact date for the start of the Rugby World Cup? It should be quite soon, no?