Cornish magic and muck for luck!

Last week we returned from a lovely week in North Cornwall, in particular the little hamlet of Rosecare near the village of St.Genny's.  We found the cottage online and were pleased that they accepted dogs and had availability during August.  When we arrived the cottage was actually prettier than it looked in pictures.  'The Granary' was a section of converted farm buildings with a small courtyard outside and a short walk to a village green and several public footpaths.  Rosecare was an ideal base for exploring the local area.  Away from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns, Rosecare was a peaceful haven for relaxation and scenic walks.

[caption id="attachment_980" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Granary Cottage in Rosecare, North Cornwall[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_988" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Local views, Rosecare[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_989" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An evening stroll by the cottage[/caption]

Now, being known as the family to experience an eventful happening on any holiday,  we yet again obliged with a rather smelly but amusing offering on our outward journey.  We decided to stop the car at a little lay-by at Rackenford just after exiting the M5 to let the dog do the business and the rest of us stretch our legs.  Unknown to me there was the largest pile of turd I think I've ever seen, undoubtedly deposited by some kind of Yeti or such like.  In the blink of an eye, Arnold had eyed it up, weighed up the odds of serious discipline, figured what the hell and delved head long straight into it!  I think the actual experience was a little traumatic for him judging by the look of shock on his face, I don't think he was prepared to take on quite such a huge pile of excrement.  To say he was plastered in it was an understatement and we continued to spend the next half an hour, one pack of Johnson's face wipes, half a pack of wet wipes and a squirty bottle of water trying to remove said dung from his fur and collar.  The kids then started a debate over who was to have the pleasure of his company for the remainder of the journey.  Although we all found the whole situation extremely hilarious he still felt he should try to make amends.  He continued to place his chin on 'A's seat periodically giving her the doleful puppy dog eyes, to which she responded by backing even further into the car upholstery.  Needless to say the rest of our journey was rather noxious but much less noteworthy!

During our week we visited our usual North Cornwall hangouts such as the beautiful Duckpool Beach, Atlantic Village (Devon, I know but it still counts), Bude Light, The Pepperpot, Tintagel with a couple of new additions including Padstow and Port Isaac.  Padstow had a lovely charm but unfortunately was overrun with holiday makers making it very difficult to even navigate the narrow streets, especially dog in tow.  It's definitely somewhere I'd love to revisit but maybe mid winter when the hoards have departed.  Port Isaac lived up to all expectations and luckily the sun came out to improve its appeal even more.

[caption id="attachment_981" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Port Isaac, home to 'Doc Martin'[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_982" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Port Isaac[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_983" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Beautiful Duckpool Beach, nr Bude[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_984" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Kids at Duckpool Beach[/caption]

As this was Arnold's first visit to Cornwall we thought it only right to let him experience the fantastic rock pools on Summerleaze beach.  'P' threw numerous stones into the little pools and Arnold delighted in splashing and eventually submerging his whole head to grab them and drag them out onto the sand.  He had a whale of a time although I think his initial fascination with the sea has now worn off as he certainly didn't seem as keen to get wet this time around.  Considering this was his first real 'beach' holiday and due to the fact that he's only 14 months old we did wonder how he'd behave, but he really was a complete star.

[caption id="attachment_990" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Fun in the rock pools![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_991" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A bit wet behind the ears![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_992" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Relaxing on Duckpool Beach[/caption]

We left the cottage after a super week in Cornwall but had one more treat in store - Hartland Carnival.  After attending on many occasions as the children were growing up we decided we couldn't head back to the Midlands without stopping by for a visit.  Hartland Carnival is the most politically incorrect source of opinion you will ever see.  This year's floats were tame by previous years attempts but none the less entertaining.  There was a terrific 'double-decker' Harry Potter effort complete with revolving tree transporting wannabe wizards and witches around on broomsticks and also a fantastic 'Inbetweeners' float complete with yellow fiat precariously balancing on the edge of a lake.  Other great efforts included 'Chilean Miners', 'Smurfs', 'The Lynx Effect Comes to Hartland' (brave chap taking an outdoor shower) and 'Hartland Senior Citizens do Fame'.  All in all what better way to end a lovely week.  Oh yes, and no poo related incidents on the return journey to report either!

[caption id="attachment_985" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Harry Potter Float[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_986" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hartland Performing Farts do 'Fame'[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_987" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Inbetweeners Float[/caption]

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The Gallery - I'll remember April

April, in my mind, was a good month.

As far as I'm concerned nothing can make you feel better or remove stress more efficiently than waking up to a bright sunny, cheery day and April definitely had lots of these.

April was our first opportunity to take pooch off for his first holiday and it's also been a time for extended dog walks along wooded paths, admiring the flora and fauna along the way.  Add in the fact that school was shut for a huge part of the month and a beautiful royal wedding saw us all celebrating in various styles and I think we have as pretty near perfect in 'month' terms as you can get.

So to sum up I'll Remember April, not as in the lyrics of the Frank Sinatra song but as..............

Woodland walks..................

Picnics in the park..................



Wonderful wild flowers and....................

Beautiful blue skies and glorious green fields as far as the eye can see.

Arnold Update - 7 - 8 months

Thought it was about time for an Arnold update seeing as the little fella's nearly 8 months old now!  I really can't believe what a grown up dog he now looks, he's fur's really grown and almost looks like he has a lion's mane.  He still has the same adorable face and it's still hard to deny those big brown puppy eyes.



He's made a new friend in 'Arthur' my friend Jo's Airedale Terrier.  Their personalities are so alike it's untrue but I guess that's the 'terrier' in them!  When let loose in Jo's garden they chase each other around having a good bark and generally play biting and jumping on each other.  It's so comical to watch! :)

Behaviour wise, he's such a good boy on the whole.  When I'm at home with him during the day he's just so loving and follows me around from room to room or curls up by my feet while I'm working on the computer.  He still has a long way to go with his walk training and his behaviour towards other dogs, but we're working on it.  Looking at him now I can't believe how far he's come since the days of hanging onto our legs with his teeth till he drew blood!



Arnold's off on his hols next weekend when he goes to stay with Mom-in-law for 3 weeks while we're away at Disney.  We've been 'acclimatising' him over the last month by taking him to stay once a week for 1 or 2 nights.  He absolutely loves it now, Mom-in-Law takes him on loads of walks and he is great company for her too.  She said she loves the way he curls up next to her on his blanket, leans on her feet and looks up at her with those loving eyes :)

We shall miss him soooo much while we're away and I just hope he hasn't forgotten us when we get back.  One things for sure, Mom-in-law will certainly miss him after having him there for 3 weeks.

'The Gallery' - Man & Dog

Gallery theme for this week is 'Black & White' and I had just the picture in mind for this.

 

Bude in Cornwall has always been a favourite holiday destination of ours ever since the children were little.  One of our most loved spots is 'Duckpool' - a small National Trust beach a little further up the coast from Bude.  We've spent many a Summer and Autumn day sitting on this beach and this particular photo was taken on a .............Summer day (yes, you wouldn't think it would you!).  The sky was so dark and stormy but the camera just wouldn't do it justice.  I tried a B&W setting and voila!  It captured the scene just as I'd wanted.

Poem for the New Puppy Owner

When searching the web (yet again) tonight for articles about puppy raising I came across this superb and most appropriate poem.  The author is unknown but how right they are!!

Don't smell crotches, don't eat plants.
Don't steal food or underpants.
Don't eat my socks, don't grab my hair.
Don't rip the stuffing from that chair!
Don't eat those peas! Don't touch that bush!
Don't chew my shoes. What IS that mush?
Eat your cookies. Drink your drink,
Outta the toilet! Outta the sink!
Away from the cat box, it's for the cat!
And MUST you kiss me after that?
Yes, raising a puppy, is not for the lazy!
Though puppies are funny, they're also quite crazy.
But don't despair, though its toil and strife.
After three years, you'll get back your life!
So, let's go for "walkies", you can "do your thing"
And perhaps I'll get back my good diamond ring!

Puppy Class - Week 1

Took Arnold to his first ever puppy socialisation class tonight at our local vets - what a fab way to spend an hour!

Keeping Arnold company was Monty the Norfolk Terrier, Henry the Beagle, Tinkerbell the Sprocker (cross between a Cocker and Springer Spaniel), Marley the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Megan the Welsh Terrier............along with their respective owners!

The trainer spent a little time tonight telling us about 'puppy biting' and 'lead training'.  We didn't feel we learned a lot as with Arnold being 16 weeks old we've tried most techniques already!  We did spend some time handling other people's pooches though, in particular we were given Henry and Megan.  I don't think the other owners knew quite how to handle Arnold excessive energy levels though!

The last 15 minutes all the puppies were allowed off their leads and had a chance to play/bite/hump/growl/bark you name it!  I have to say we had a great time watching Arnold interact with the other puppies.  He finally seems to have met his match in Marley the Staffy as he was equally as keen to bite, box and attack as Arnold is.  Arnold seem to have a rather worrying attraction to Henry the Beagle but the trainer assured us we need not be worried at this early stage :)

All in all, it seems a good night was had by all and I don't think I've ever seen Arnold quite so shattered.  He's sleeping peacefully in his bed my feet as I type and after tonights escapades, think he'll probably be there for most of tomorrow too!

Arnold Update - 15 Weeks!

Well Arnold's now 15 weeks old, in fact he'll be 16 weeks this coming Saturday and I can't believe how much he's grown!  We've gone through ups and downs with his behaviour, in particular, the biting and his latest spirited episode involved getting tangled up in the cables to the external hard drive and proceeding to knock it on the floor.  I can now also see where the phrase 'the dog ate my homework' came from as he's such a little sneak thief, he will steal and run off with any piece of paper he can get his teeth on.  We've even had to remove the waste paper bin from the lounge as he wouldn't stop stealing tissues, wrappers, you name it, and running off with them!   He's still quite fond of taking a chunk out of me and seems to have taken a liking to my slippers (as they have a pink rosette on each one that he likes to attack!).

He likes have a mooch in the garden, in fact he's doing this as I type!  You would not believe the things he has bought in that he's found buried underneath rock and plants!  He seems to have settled down a lot now and has got used to the routine in the house.  He's still happy to settle down in his crate at night and likes to go sleep in his bed in the living room when we're all at home.

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He's now taken to barking when anyone knocks on the front door, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.........guard dog in the making me thinks!  We've been for many walks to school and back where he's enjoyed jumping up and biting all the nice strangers that walk past.  We've yet to loose him off the lead but we know this is something we need to try soon to get him used to coming back to us.  A plentiful supply of treats required I think!

All in all he's becoming a loving companion to us all and despite his moments of sheer craziness I don't know how we ever managed without him! Although,  I do think the neighbours maybe sick of hearing the words 'NO ARNOLD'!