h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

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.