Last week the Finnish army took over our forest but still we went for walks and try to avoid them. Sometimes even the goats joined the walks.

One day we actually passed them too close. I noticed the army tent too late and needless to say that the flatties were already inside the tent by then.

I whistled them back and when running back Eddie had something in his mouth. I quickly took it and left it by a tree. Two solders came out of the tent and they had fun when when they saw me with two flatties and one goat (only Lumikki was with me during that time). Unfortunately I was not allowed to take any photos.

Today a week later we went close by where Eddie’s “stealing” took place and Eddie brought the packet he took from the tent to me. It was something called Näkkileipä.
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So if you want to have a clever dog who can even bluff an army, choose a flat coated retriever. A dog that even army cannot stop.

On Wednesday when I came back home from horse riding I found the chocolate Christmas calendar on the floor and all the days were opened.

I wonder if my flatties already spent the Xmas?

So certainly have had an early start for winter.

First time it was snowing on the 13th of October.

And tonight we have had more snow than last time and it is still snowing.

This is actually very nice. It is more beautiful when there is snow, and it does not seem to be so dark.

Today’s walk was in Pamber Heath.  A piece of common land on the North Hampshire border.  The milky sunlight & the autumnal colours were lovely.  At 14 degrees centigrade the weather mild. 

With the clocks changing our chances of getting a good run in the forest are diminishing.  These walks are becoming fewer & are therefore a big treat.

Last weekend I went to visit Tony Grimes & Baxter’s and Eddie’s ancestors, Guinness, Bailey, Jade and Bonnie.  Bonnie made me feel right at home giving me cuddles & letting me meet the Belsud puppies.  Below are a few pictures.

Hi,

Yesterday was Finley’s grade 1 & it was abysmal.  After practicing it “paw perfect” for three days he decided to break his sit stay & go to meet & greet the examiner & the dummy thrower.

The first retrieve he did well.  However the second retrieve he tried to give to the dummy thrower who was hiding in the bushes.  At this point Finley dropped the dummy, went to the loo & sat & waited patiently for Martin the dummy thrower to come out the bushes.

During this I was whistling & calling him back.  I am sure he was saying “Whatever” and “speak to the paw.”

Today we relaxed with swimming in the river.

Baxter starts training for his KCGC Gold next week.  I am hoping this will be less traumatic.

Rgds

Michelle