Thursday's Thoughts

Thought 1: Today's Ramblings
It's Thursday and I'm on the countdown to the weekend; we're off to Manchester to watch England Vs Uruguay Rugby match at the Etihad Stadium. Despite England's demise in this world cup we're still there to cheer them on and have a good time. It's my first time visiting Manchester, actually my first time visiting Northwest England in fact. Whitby on the Northeast coast is the furthest North I've ever been in the UK and that more than proves to myself that I must do more exploring in Great Britain! I keep nagging Jack to take me on holiday to Scotland; I'd love to see Edinburgh and then head West out to the Isle of Mull etc. Scotland looks beautiful. I've also never been to the Lake District despite my Dad raving about his walking holidays there every year. Now we have a dog we have no excuse but to go on some lovely walking holidays and explore the beautiful British countryside :-) Have you all got nice plans for the weekend? Weather looks much brighter and drier, yippee!

Thought 2: Communication
Barry loves a conversation, which is good news because Jack will more than vouch for the fact that I can natter away at times (I blame a very quiet working environment, therefore it's not my fault I come home and rabbit on for a good hour to get it out of my system). Barry listens attentively to our every word as if he's trying his hardest to understand what we're saying. He's perfected the art of the 'head tilt' when listening to ensure he looks extra cute, sneezing and nodding occasionally if I go on a bit (I think in the hope that the conversation will end sooner and end with a tasty treat). I chat away to him when I'm busy cooking dinner or hanging up the washing and he's always sat by my feet staring intently at my face. Sometimes I'm not even talking and he's still staring intently as if trying to communicate some message to me telepathically; the other day I sat on the sofa watching the news and he sat on my lap with his face inches from my own and then he just stares...and stares... and stares. I look around him and so he biffs me in the face with his paw to get my attention. Anyone else's dogs stare you out at times? He's such a funny character and very entertaining; he had us in stitches the other night when I came down the stairs in my new waterproof trousers (for dog walks on these cold wet days). Despite buying the smallest pair I could find they still look more like dungarees on me and Barry thought I was some sort of alien as I made my way into the living room. He then proceeded to chase me around the room barking at said swishy-noised trousers. Anyway, here's a snap of him sat on Jack's lap and again Barry is trying his utmost to understand what Jack is saying!

Thought 3: Sunrise
I've never been one to stay in bed, always choosing to get up nice and early so as not to waste the day. Now we have a dog lie-ins are a thing of the past (Barry yawns loudly downstairs to ensure we don't forget he's there), but there's nothing like an extra early Sunday morning walk in the countryside, so that when you return you still have the whole day ahead of you. We have some beautiful sunrises where we live as our back garden faces Northeast-ish (has its good and bad points), but with the recent rain we've woken to either rainy skies or thick fog. This morning was the exception of the week and after a very chilly night it was beautifully clear and still. I managed to get a photo of the sunrise, what lovely colours it was :-)