Oh my word!! What can I say? All my questions have been answered. For weeks, all I've heard is "How is Winston going to cope?" and "What will Winston make of it?" and "Will Winston mind?" Answers, in the correct order, are "very well", "absolutely fanastic" and "no chance"!! At last, I fully understand what all the fuss was about. Because today, a beautiful, georgeous puppy cocker spaniel named Grace came to work at the shop with Aunty Kath.
Of course, I played it cool to begin with, then I realised that she was shy. I've never seen such long eyelashes! Sorry Sandy (my Sussex Spaniel friend), but I think I'm in love. We spent all day NOT looking at each other - except for when she was asleep, and then I kept looking!!
There was a Rag Rugging course on today, and all the ladies made a big fuss of us both. I'm sure that I can share the limelight with such a lovely little girl. I've already learnt, though, that she can pinch balls of wool and pieces of fabric, and everybody just laughs. I always thought people would get cross if I did that. Maybe I'll have a go next time and see what happens!
Grace was just beginning to notice me when the Rag Rug course ended, and she had to go home. Imagine my surprise to be told that Grace will be coming to work with Aunty Kath every time she comes to work!! Roll on tomorrow! I've got so much to teach Grace - postmen! deliveries! boxes to sit in! walks on the towpath at lunchtime! never ending fuss from customers! biscuits at afternoon coffee time! Life just gets better and better.
Anytime that you may be passing Audlem Mill, just come in and meet Grace - and pat me too!
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
It’s here! It’s today! At last!
The shop will be open 7 days a week again for the “summer” season. People, friends, boats –and treats! Spaniel heaven.
So many boxes have been delivered, it’s just like Christmas, but without my stocking and spare turkey. I do love climbing into the empty boxes.
Lots of laughter going n in the shop; there normally is, but this time it’s almost hysterical, and in the NEEDLEWORK shop (that’s usually more serious). Apparently it’s something to do with the new book delivery. One is about knitting, called “Domiknitrix”. Mum said it’s for knitters with attitude, and there’s a second book “What to do with 2 balls or less”, for those with less aptitude.
Another large box contained hundreds of coloured packets – every colour imaginable, and some unimaginable for a cocker spaniel. But the giggles were reserved for the accompanying book entitled “Between the Sheets with Angelina”. I know that I’m a little inexperienced in the world of textiles, but I’m shocked. I didn’t know we were that kind of shop!! I’m sure that all will become plain (or patterned – ha ha!)
There will be more and more boxes arriving over the next couple of weeks, lots to investigate from an olfactory point of view (or smell, really!). However, I’m sensing that something very exciting is about to happen. There are lots of whispers, and “I can’t wait”s, and “I don’t know what Winston is going to do”.
Anticipation is a wonderful thing, but I’d rather just know ! So frustrating for a little dog. I’ll let you know as soon as it happens.
Must go – another delivery has arrived; most of my delivery men are well trained, and it might mean another biscuit! Or at least a pat on the head.
So many boxes have been delivered, it’s just like Christmas, but without my stocking and spare turkey. I do love climbing into the empty boxes.
Lots of laughter going n in the shop; there normally is, but this time it’s almost hysterical, and in the NEEDLEWORK shop (that’s usually more serious). Apparently it’s something to do with the new book delivery. One is about knitting, called “Domiknitrix”. Mum said it’s for knitters with attitude, and there’s a second book “What to do with 2 balls or less”, for those with less aptitude.
Another large box contained hundreds of coloured packets – every colour imaginable, and some unimaginable for a cocker spaniel. But the giggles were reserved for the accompanying book entitled “Between the Sheets with Angelina”. I know that I’m a little inexperienced in the world of textiles, but I’m shocked. I didn’t know we were that kind of shop!! I’m sure that all will become plain (or patterned – ha ha!)
There will be more and more boxes arriving over the next couple of weeks, lots to investigate from an olfactory point of view (or smell, really!). However, I’m sensing that something very exciting is about to happen. There are lots of whispers, and “I can’t wait”s, and “I don’t know what Winston is going to do”.
Anticipation is a wonderful thing, but I’d rather just know ! So frustrating for a little dog. I’ll let you know as soon as it happens.
Must go – another delivery has arrived; most of my delivery men are well trained, and it might mean another biscuit! Or at least a pat on the head.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
Bah Humbug !
I'm very remiss at writing - it's some time since I did. I have to wait until Mum and Dad go out and leave the computer on, as I don't want them to see me using it. My keyboard skills are limited, and I'm a bit slow. The Shift key is particularly difficult!
Apparently it's nearly Christmas. That means even less to do than normal, but hopefully more to eat. That turkey that they bought yesterday looked enormous - there's bound to be some leftovers, unless the cats get there first. But I don't know why they bother to cook the turkey - it's tastier as it comes.
Winston's Greetings to Uncle Richard and his class 6J at Brinsdown School in North London. Apparently they read my blog. Hope you all have a lovely break over this festive season, and best wishes for the new year.
I'd like to thank all my fans who have sent cards, and to postie Ant who delivers our post (and usually a biscuit for me). I would send cards back, but I can't reach the slot in the postbox just up the road.
Best wishes
Winston
Apparently it's nearly Christmas. That means even less to do than normal, but hopefully more to eat. That turkey that they bought yesterday looked enormous - there's bound to be some leftovers, unless the cats get there first. But I don't know why they bother to cook the turkey - it's tastier as it comes.
Winston's Greetings to Uncle Richard and his class 6J at Brinsdown School in North London. Apparently they read my blog. Hope you all have a lovely break over this festive season, and best wishes for the new year.
I'd like to thank all my fans who have sent cards, and to postie Ant who delivers our post (and usually a biscuit for me). I would send cards back, but I can't reach the slot in the postbox just up the road.
Best wishes
Winston
Monday, 17 November 2008
Fed up
Mum and Dad have gone out to the pub nearby for a meal, and because the shop is currently closed during the week as the canal is closed and there's no boats, I haven't been in the shop meeting my public. Today's been boring. I've been in the flat above the shop all day, apart from my walks, and I haven't seen anyone.
Apparently, the canal is closed until the weekend before Christmas for repairs - new lock gates, it seems. I can't see much wrong with the existing ones. They're there, and they are painted grey, white and black. But Dad tells me, as if I care, that lock gates only have a limited, if fairly long life, and have to be replaced.
Earlier this year, British Waterways put in three metal bollards above and below every lock on the Audlem flight of 15 locks. No-one in the shop knows why, and everyone says that there is no need for bollards when they work the locks. But they are good for weeing on, so there is a benefit for us dogs. Probably another reason that humans don't touch the bollards!
We've recently had visits from Grace, youngest daughter, who lives in something called York (is that a type of house?), and Mum's mum, Winnie, who's even older than Dad. She stayed for a few days. It's nice to have visitors, as that's even more attention and fuss.
The shop's looking good, what with Christmas cards and gifts, and lots of people are coming in buying things to give to others. I don't quite understand that. They give people things that they think that they'd like. But they don't seem to ask in advance what to give - it has to be a surprise. I don't like surprises - unless it's food. Perhaps I've misunderstood the concept of Christmas gifts. I usually get some biscuits and treats. No surprise there. The surprise is what type.
Tomorrow's going to be boring too - shop closed, no visitors, and Mum and Dad both out some of the day.
Oh well!
Apparently, the canal is closed until the weekend before Christmas for repairs - new lock gates, it seems. I can't see much wrong with the existing ones. They're there, and they are painted grey, white and black. But Dad tells me, as if I care, that lock gates only have a limited, if fairly long life, and have to be replaced.
Earlier this year, British Waterways put in three metal bollards above and below every lock on the Audlem flight of 15 locks. No-one in the shop knows why, and everyone says that there is no need for bollards when they work the locks. But they are good for weeing on, so there is a benefit for us dogs. Probably another reason that humans don't touch the bollards!
We've recently had visits from Grace, youngest daughter, who lives in something called York (is that a type of house?), and Mum's mum, Winnie, who's even older than Dad. She stayed for a few days. It's nice to have visitors, as that's even more attention and fuss.
The shop's looking good, what with Christmas cards and gifts, and lots of people are coming in buying things to give to others. I don't quite understand that. They give people things that they think that they'd like. But they don't seem to ask in advance what to give - it has to be a surprise. I don't like surprises - unless it's food. Perhaps I've misunderstood the concept of Christmas gifts. I usually get some biscuits and treats. No surprise there. The surprise is what type.
Tomorrow's going to be boring too - shop closed, no visitors, and Mum and Dad both out some of the day.
Oh well!
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
I get a postcard!
Ant, our postperson, brought me a postcard the other day. It was addressed to me, and came from Sandy, my friend. She's a golden cocker spaniel, and she lives with Di and John. They have been travelling round the canals during the summer, but have gone to something they call Devon now. I like Sandy, but I don't think that I'll see her again till next canal season, as they only cruise for a few months each year.
Our cat Missy has taken to joining me and Peter on my morning walks. She walks with us all the way along the canal to lock 11, but I don't know why. Dogs and cats tend to do different things, so why does she come out with me? She's supposed to run up trees or climb fences, not come for a walk along the towpath. I've never really understood cats. They pretend for a minute that they're friendly, then they jump at me, or wander off. All very strange.
Is it too late to do a degree in cat psychology?
Regards
Perplexed Winston, of Audlem
Our cat Missy has taken to joining me and Peter on my morning walks. She walks with us all the way along the canal to lock 11, but I don't know why. Dogs and cats tend to do different things, so why does she come out with me? She's supposed to run up trees or climb fences, not come for a walk along the towpath. I've never really understood cats. They pretend for a minute that they're friendly, then they jump at me, or wander off. All very strange.
Is it too late to do a degree in cat psychology?
Regards
Perplexed Winston, of Audlem
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Leaves falling
Since I last wrote, lots of leaves have fallen off the trees alongside the canal, where I go every day for my walks. Must be autumn (fall, for my American fans!). When did that happen, then. We haven't really had summer. Well, we did - it was three days last week. Lots of sun, and really warm. And it brought the boats out. The problem with the leaves is that they tend to disguise all the essential smells.
I've noticed something. When I was young, blue roan cocker spaniels were quite rare. They're everywhere now. Has something odd been going on in the gene pool? What's Robert Winston up to? Seriously, though, these impostors are causing a problem, because they are getting all the stroking and fuss that should rightfully be mine.
We got an email (I prefer wee-mails) yesterday from Uncle Richard, who lives in something called Enfield. He tells me it's just off the M25. Don't know what that means. Is it food? Anyway, he said that he hadn't yet been mentioned in my blog. He has now. The thing is that he hasn't been visiting for some months, since before I started this blog. Richard and his wife Juuli did a tremendous amount to help my owners get the Mill ready to open at Easter last year. I like them, and hope that they come and visit soon.
I've noticed something. When I was young, blue roan cocker spaniels were quite rare. They're everywhere now. Has something odd been going on in the gene pool? What's Robert Winston up to? Seriously, though, these impostors are causing a problem, because they are getting all the stroking and fuss that should rightfully be mine.
We got an email (I prefer wee-mails) yesterday from Uncle Richard, who lives in something called Enfield. He tells me it's just off the M25. Don't know what that means. Is it food? Anyway, he said that he hadn't yet been mentioned in my blog. He has now. The thing is that he hasn't been visiting for some months, since before I started this blog. Richard and his wife Juuli did a tremendous amount to help my owners get the Mill ready to open at Easter last year. I like them, and hope that they come and visit soon.
Friday, 19 September 2008
A Sussex Spaniel
A few days ago, a lady came into the shop to show off her quilted patchwork, which apparently we're going to sell, and she brought in her brown lady spaniel, apparently a Sussex spaniel. She's a bit different from cocker spaniels, mainly in that she has a lovely wrinkly nose! Also, it seems that she doesn't ever need a haircut. I have to go regularly to avoid me looking like a yeti, though to be fair, I do enjoy going to the groomers. It's a great day out, and all the attention is on me. But then, I suppose it usually always is.
Kath, who works with us in the shop, came back on Tuesday from her week's holiday, and popped in yesterday for a coffee, but stayed all day. It was great to see her, and she brought me a special treat. She does spoil me!
We had several deliveries yesterday, so more pats on the head from delivery drivers, and there's always the daily biscuit from Ant, our postman.
Kath, who works with us in the shop, came back on Tuesday from her week's holiday, and popped in yesterday for a coffee, but stayed all day. It was great to see her, and she brought me a special treat. She does spoil me!
We had several deliveries yesterday, so more pats on the head from delivery drivers, and there's always the daily biscuit from Ant, our postman.
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