Is it really Friday? PPF

Well here we are again... another week done and dusted. 

I always thought that it was an age thing, to comment on how fast time flies by, but this week I actually heard my son comment and he's only in his twenties... so maybe it's a fact time is flying!

I thought it couldn't possibly be that I'm getting older. 

Do you remember as a child how the summers would last forever?

The school holidays would stretch ahead for what seemed like months, instead of just six weeks. 

Or Christmas took an age to finally arrive. 

I just wish that these cold, grey, rainy days would fly by... let's get on with spring...PLEASE!

So what have I been up to this week?

Well, I have to admit I haven't done much in the art department, but here's a little something for the Paint Party Friday link.

I wanted to practice some more lettering and found this doggy quote.

The doggy paw prints are something I've wanted to do for a while... well ever since I saw Mufftypup's wet paw prints all over my new clean floor.

There's something about a paw print that just gets to me. 

I'm not sure why, but it just does.

It's like new born babies feet... I just melt when I see them. 

Along with the lettering, I also wanted to practice blending colours.

I may carry on with the blending, as I'm not sure that this is actually finished.

I always seem to have trouble knowing when to call it a day. 

Once I'd finished the lettering, I remembered that I should have measured and drawn lines in order to keep the letters uniformed. 

Oh well...

I had a lovely afternoon catching up with another old friend today.

We don't see each other for months on end, but have no problem carrying on nattering from where we last left off.

We first met in Qatar years ago and clicked straight away.

She now lives in Spain, but regularly returns to Scotland to ensure she keeps her Scottish accent! 

(haha... she'll like that)

She brought these beautiful roses for me... see I told you we get on well. 

She certainly knows how to make me smile... I in return baked her a cake. 

Personally, I think I got the better end of the deal.

So what makes you smile? 

Cake or flowers... or perhaps something else?

As usual I'm joining in with Paint Party Friday

Click above on the PPF link if you'd like to see more art. 

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.

I'm also linking into Alexandra's Sunday Sketches

Thanks Alexandra for hosting the Sunday link and providing so much inspiration.

I'd also like to thank you for popping into my place.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Silent Sunday...13th April 2014

What is Silent Sunday?

Silent Sunday

What is Silent Sunday?

Ahh...remember those play days...

Muffin isn't amused this morning...she's even reluctant to go outside for a quick sortee because the temperature dropped last night to only 3 degrees!

It came as a sharp shock to us too, but Muffin has just curled up to stay cosy and isn't happy. I can relate to that because once the temperature dips below 16C degrees, I too want to shut down.

I think I may be in trouble this winter...what do you think? :(

Anyway two chimneys are now sending smoke signals out to the locals and we're slowly warming up, so all is not lost. We do have central heating for reinforcements plus the Aga but I don't want to rely on those just yet. At this time of year it can swing from warm to chilly and back again, extremely quickly. 

Hold the thermals but have them handy!

I was just watching Muffy snoozing and snoring like an old trouper with her legs and muzzle twitching away and thought "I wonder what she's dreaming about"? 

Then I thought maybe she was having fun playing with her bestie Zac once again! 

Ahh...remember the warm sun filled days...chicken filled tums...and a good tough and tumble on the carpet ^..^

Here's a little video clip that I took when we lived in Melbourne. 

Zac was staying with us at the time so there were lots of play-time. 

The video was taken on a Sunday just before lunch hence the dulcet tones of Louis Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World' playing on the radio in the background. 
Very appropriate for these two. 

Gravy stirring music as I always like to think of these kinds of tunes. 

It's a must when I'm cooking a Sunday roast dinner to have this kind of music playing. 

I have so many lovely memories of helping make Sunday lunch as a child and one of my jobs would be to stir the gravy. 

There would always be a Swooner Crooner singing away in the background.  

They had such a special relationship. 

Thanks for stopping by...I really love to see and hear from you.

Have a great day and don't forget to have fun too!

The holiday's over....

There's a quiet air about the house this afternoon...Muffin has curled up on a cushion snoozing...in fact snoring like a old trouper if truth be told...not very ladylike at all, but does she care? Nah!

There aren't two pairs of eye's watching my every move...just in case there's a treat on offer.

The toys are all in their basket...looking incredibly tidy after all their drooly exciting daily antics.

So what's behind all of this calmness?

Well...Zac has gone home! ^..^

I think he'll probably appreciate the rest because Mufftypup is a young pest  pup and sometimes she can be a little full on for the 13 year old...although he is extremely sprightly.

Oh we've had a ball and I'm sure he likes me bestest!!! :D

But the holidays over and his Mum came to collect him this morning.

Here are the happy couple having their Easter egg Schmackos hunt.

  

So where breakfast?....What kind of establishment are you running here?

You just can't get the staff!

Nothing like a quick snooze to recharge the batteries...especially when you have a younger pup to keep up with....

Does this pooch look like he's missing his owners?

Hehe...okay so he may well be dreaming of them, but don't disillusion me.

Muffy and Zac have a very special relationship...in fact they are like an old married couple....they know each other so well. They have their fun times. Muffy usually gives him a swipe with her paw to instigate playtime, which he usually indulges in but then sometimes (not often I have to admit) Zac will decide she's been nagging him long enough and he'll just put her in her place!

  

Here they are sharing Muffy's bed....now that's friendship!

I've just taken this photo....

Oh I know and she knows that she shouldn't be on my desk...

...I'm supposed to be working but I just thought she might be feeling a little lost!

But then she's going to Zac's soon because don't forget we're off on a little jolly!

Which reminds me...I must pack!!! EEK!

Have a thrilling Thursday, a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend.

Hope to see you again soon ...thanks for stopping by even if you haven't left a comment...

I know you are out there  

Have fun and keep smiling!

Top Dog...I Think NOT!

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that dog walks aren't supposed to end like this....?

I know Mufftypup is vertically challenged and only has excuses for legs 

(hey...I got the short straw in that department too so get over it Muffy!) 

But I think it's maybe taking things just a little too far?

Or perhaps I took her too far...literally this morning?

I'm constantly kidding myself that I'm top dog, but...well...we all know the truth don't we?

No-one carry's me home when I'm tired!!!  :$

I hope your day is as relaxed as Muffy's and that you're enjoying the sunshine.

Chat again soon

When two become three....

Well who would believe it....we were one and then invited Zac to stay and look what happened...

....two became three. 

Enter 'Spot'! (yeah...I know not very original)

It can be tough being the hostess with the mostess...

Nearly the weekend everyone....have a good day and remember keep smiling ;D

Pets in the Park.....Zac and Muffin's Grand Day Out

Zac: Hey Muffy I'm bored...what do you say we go out for the day? 

Muffin: That sounds like a good idea but where shall we go?

Zac: I've heard that there's a great event that happens every year called 'Pets in the Park' and it's on now!

Muffin: Okay that sounds brilliant...lets go! ^..^

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So what was in store for our pooches at the Stonnington 'Pets in the Park' event at Central Park in Malvern East.

Here's some of the highlights of the day....

• Pet Q&A with Dr Jack Ayerbe from Radio 3AW
• Jack Russell Terrier races
• Pet competitions with a range of fantastic prizes donated by Stonnington Leader, Pookinuk and Pipsqueaks Photography
• Announcement of the winner of Stonnington Leader’s on-line ‘Best Rescue Pet’ competition
• Discounted microchipping
• Children’s entertainment, activities and rides
• Entertainment on the main stage
• Demonstrations by pet obedience clubs and trainers
• Snake handling
• Responsible pet ownership tips
• Information from animal welfare groups and service providers

Even Channel 10's weatherman, tv personality Mike Larkan was there, so we knew that the weather would be good.

 

Zac was certainly on form and even took on the Jack Russell races to impress his girl. 

 Come on Zac...!

Muffin thought she'd have a go too....

But alas Shih Tzu's aren't made for racing...they're not in the least aerodynamically built.
Looking cute is her best sport!

(in a hushed voice....just between you and me, she came last) But then it's all about taking part, isn't it?

She came out of the trap like a whippet, but then became confused...

Meanwhile Zac was a greyhound in disguise....who would have guessed....here he comes on the outside...

Watch him go!

There he was gone...!

By the way...the dog that's in the lead didn't get to go into the traps due to his size, so I think Zac was indeed the true winner.

The prize ~ a well deserved favourite chicken treat ...

Hero of the day...not bad for a 12 year old eh?

There were agility tests too but Muffin was suitably impressed with the racing, so Zac thankfully could relax.

There was so much to see, eat, drink, ride, and read.
Here's some of the things that we saw...a face only a mother could love, but it did make me feel slightly better about my wrinkles.

 I've been interested in the work of Guide Dogs Victoria for sometime, even contemplating being a puppy raiser. They do such amazing work, so please take to look into their website at Guide Dogs.

There were other charities at the event, such as Oscars Law  which I've previously posted about on my blog. 

Then the kids needed fun too...face painting, art workshops and of course 'Thomas the Tank Engine' rides.

  Home produce stalls, plants, pet equipement, even microchip services and health advice all available plus the Chadstone/East Malvern Rotary barbeque and tea/coffee shops.

There were also so many information banners with fantastic photographs. I could have taken all day just looking at these alone.

If you missed this great event then make sure you mark your diary for next year.

A great day was had by all....and Muffin had eye's for no other ^..^

Enjoy your day : D

Muff-in-Boots

After I'd washed and polished the wood floor yesterday, Muffin for the first time fell down the stairs. This has never happened before, so perhaps I was over zealous with the mop!

But in my defence, she was in a rush to get down to the front door and worked up into quite a tizzy (what's new?) so maybe I shouldn't feel so guilty?

I had purchased these little sockets for her a few months ago, but didn't feel it was necessary to put them on, but after this mishap I thought I'd give them a go.....

As you can see...she wasn't impressed

I had no idea I'd be in for such a laugh.

She stood still for quite a time unable to work out what was happening. Then tentatively she took a few steps. Each step so over emphasised it was untrue. Like a real strutting prima donna - all that was missing was the tutu. And don't worry I'm not going there!

The socks were enough....

Pooches in Paradise

Muffin is in her element at the moment, due to Zac coming to stay for a holiday.
There's been high jinx, lots of playing, walks and a couple of fracas, which I suppose is to be expected when you're a Diva and used to having almost everything your way.

Straight after breakfast play started early this morning, but then I suppose you have to make the most of every minute.

Such fun trying to gain the upper hand....but what can you do with behaviour like this?

(Little Minx)

Then its off for the daily constitution...a good long walk with lots to see, sniff and squirt! But not necessarily in that order.
Wait for me....

Nothing goes unchecked...you just never know what's out there?

Then Muffy spots an ideal location for a sit and contemplation.

"Come on Zac join me and lets talk...."

Off again....

Freshly cut grass, sun, the great outdoors...ahh this is the life....come on Zac, leave that - this is sheer bliss

"Whoops I kind of got carried away....wait for me..."

And now for a quick snooze before the next episode of fun, or better still dinner.....

That is if she'll let me?