Journal Entries
Oh, like that is it?
Posted Jun 8, 2005
Well, I was going to write another journal entry. Henry has other plans, however. He is now sitting in my lap!
You're probably wondering why I don't kick him off? Well we got the boys to spend time with them. So if they feel ignored they have every right to tell us. And that is just what he is doing.
He wants to play. Until the new kitchen arrives he can't. Okay, so we've had a tug of war. Entertaining in itself as Diesel is persistant but only pulls gradually, where as Henry tries to rip the arms out of their sockets.
But for these two that just isn't enough. Boxers have energy, and lots of it! If you don't redirect this energy they become destructive (One reason why folks who leave dogs alone for eight hours a day have trouble - Dogs should NEVER be left more than 4 hours without chance for fresh water and a visit to the loo!! How would you like it?).
Our 'boys' are not destructive. They kill their toys, true enough, but that's what the toys are for. The only time Diesel (You knew it had to be him) did anything remotely destructive, was when he sank his teeth into the dinning chair. Poor lad was teething. He looked ever so guilty when I shouted his name (In truth dogs do not suffer guilt, they have figured out that it is an appropriate expression when in trouble as it buys time for the 'doughy eyes' look that follows.).
They won't be happy when the kitchen comes either. 'Why aren't you fussing me' they think as the poor blokes are working.
I got stuck in a queue at the tip the other day. A worker took the opportunity to walk up and down and check that people knew which area to go to (A guy with pride in his work, rare thing). When he saw the boys he asked if he could fuss them as he likes boxers. Of course I said 'Yes!' but before I could warn him how 'vigorous' they can be, he was chest deep in dogs. He, and they, loved it. As long as folk ask first I always allow them to fuss the dogs. The boys benefit (new smells and attention) and the public benefit (education that although 'bouncy' Boxers are fun too. I don't like those that just dive in though! If the dogs were to misread the approach as an attack they will fight to the dath for both of us.
An example occured just the other day. A grown man thought it would be funny to jump out on VFRgal. She appeared to be alone.
Apparently it was funny, but not for him. The boys read this as an attack! They are more 'sensitive' when with VFRgal alone and treat it as their duty to protect her.
Bloke jumps out! Shouts 'Boo!'. Bloke jumps back as dogs shout 'Boo!' right back at him. 'Sorry love, I didn't see the dogs!' just didn't cut it with the boys. He made an aggressive move and they went defensive. It's waht they are supposed to do. But why did he feel the need to try and scare a women alone? What if they had bit him (we've encouraged them to bark first but they could bite)? He would deny his act and the dogs would be in trouble. Not as much as him, I can assure you! Ten burly bikers jumping out with a sledge hammer and knocking on your door can be fun, if your one of the ten!
Discuss this Journal entry [12]
Latest reply: Jun 8, 2005
Stool, hat, corner, NOW!!
Posted Jun 7, 2005
Planning. That's all it takes.
A session on the field with dogs. Drop them off at the outlaws, with a bit less energy to tire 'Pop' with.
Spread dust sheets. Mix PVA and spread liberally over Kitchen and bathroom ceilings (they've just been plastered, and after I saw the bill I was wishing I was too 
).
Toilet and Bathroom have been knocked into one. Leaving a newly blocked up doorway, which has also been plastered. Cover that. No problems.
Time for the chimney breast. we had a new fireplace fitted and the cimney breast widened. Yep, you guessed, more plaster. Hang on though. when I got the bathroom fitter to correct the original plasterers mistakes he said something. What was it?
He'd had to shape the coving free hand. Nope. True he did, but that's not it.
Bum! And I need to fine sand it into it's final shape. THAT'S IT!! Only I haven't. so now I can't PVA it until it's finished.
Now how can I find a way to blame the dogs so VFRgal won't be diaappointed? Dogs drank the glue? No, she knows we'd be at the vets. Dogs knocked me off the chair? Maybe, but hang on. She's picking up the dogs from her folks so she'll know.
Only one thing for it then. Now where did I put that hat!!
Discuss this Journal entry [6]
Latest reply: Jun 7, 2005
Beware the dog! It bites!
Posted Jun 3, 2005
No! Not the pups, me.
Having a bit of an off week, so if I become direct and abrasive, it's not you, but me.
Too many hours in work (60 down, 12 to go). Too many niggles. Almost walked out two days ago and I'm not much happier now.
This time I'm off to see the stress councilor at work. I doubt her ability already (my experience is that I do it better than them so i leave before i start). Still, at least I get an aromatherapy sesion and i know that soothes for a while at least.
guess my chakras are out of kilter (no, not mocking because i do actually beleive in such things) but this time im not sorting it on my own. Too many folk are pushing me towards therapy before i burn out like the 7 others from our team that have already gone thru it.
Work + guilt = family friends etc are all just too much!
so if im short (theres usually a joke after such comments but i cant beer to think one up) Im sorry.
Sarccy, witty service will be resumd as soon as poss.
Discuss this Journal entry [15]
Latest reply: Jun 3, 2005
The Lakes
Posted May 23, 2005
We took the boys and my parents to the Lake District for a weeks holiday last week.
The boys loved it and see it as a second home (along with the outlaws house, where they spend a lot of time). No-one tried getting drowned for a change but my last day treat for the dogs had a disappointing ending.
Whilst VFRgal and my folks headed home I took the boys for a last, long walk, in whinlatter pass. Mountains, streams, pines and grass were enjoyed with great enthusiasm by the dogs. One of the valleys we walked into was cleary an ancient volcano that had done a mount Helena in times past.
D was not happy when I took his stick off him for the last time and put his halti on (stops head strong dogs pulling on the lead, And boy, are my two head strong.). So unimpressed was D that he had a right go at H whilst I was sorting Henry's halti out. It looked as though he was blaming H for the walk being over. He knew the holiday was at an end form watching us pack that morning. H was an angel and didn't respond but it was a hard task seperating the two. Once we had moved on 10 yards or so I reintroduced them (cautiously) and they were fine.
They have had a couple of incidents like this lately at the end of walks. We've been advised to walk them seperately most of the time and only do one generous walk together every week. Trouble is fitting all those extra walks in. We tend to go out to beaches, woods, lakes, etc.. but seperate walks would have to be on our doorstep. Oh, well, Hobsons choice, I guess.
My folks loved the lakes. We took several drives through different mountain passes and my dad was in awe. He's 79 and never goes out (health) but really appreciated being able to see the mountains in all their splendor. He also enjoyed eating out, although my folks had to have childrens portions as they don't have large appetites any more.
We've had a bathroom fitted whilst we were away. On the whole we're pleased but the supplier let our fitter (good bloke & a biker to boot) down. So a couple of minor things still need sorting. A carpet fitter is doing the flooring on Thursday and then I need to paint the ceiling and fit a new door. I think VFRgal thought it would be done and dusted, still, it will be soon.
Discuss this Journal entry [1]
Latest reply: May 23, 2005
Revenge is mine!
Posted May 21, 2005
'Revenge is mine!', so sayeth the Diesel. For when ones own brother nicks the tastey morsel (a sausage taken from breakfast on holiday) verily he shall come to fall.
A day later and indeed he is proven true. After several minutes of coughing and wretching Henry produces a sausage, neatly wrapped in all the grass he has been eating whilst off the lead.
Diesel and Outrider, in unison - 'Revenge is mine'!
Discuss this Journal entry [2]
Latest reply: May 21, 2005
Outrider
Researcher U559171
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."