SNIPPET'S HAIRCUT

Goodness it's hot and a certain little black dog is a lot happier for a haircut, which occurred in two phases on Friday. Phase one - the scissors.....................phase two - the clippers. My mum barely recognised him this morning. 

Here he is after the initial session which resulted in me having to physically unclog the hoover due to sheer weight of hair.

To pay me back for inflicting the scissors on him, he took all his sticks and bones out of the kennel that he never uses, and scattered them all over the lawn. 

It was hot but cloudy that day. We have some coastal visitors from down river who seem to be increasing in number every time I go out. Fishing in the river perhaps?

In this heat, we normally head for water on our walks so Snip can have a drink half way. 

On our way, we saw foals with their coats changing colour........

...........and mares scratching their bums.

A male Broad Bodied Chaser at last:

On Saturday, we went to the beach at Teignmouth for the afternoon. 

He had a sand bath over and over again:

It was a blisteringly hot day and he drank a whole bottle of water in his travel bowl in one go.

It was clear there was a lot more fur to remove to make him comfortable so on Sunday, the clippers came out, much to the horror of the other two members of the household, who both use them for their own hair. I promised to clean them afterwards. I wasn't trusted to do so and there was a little hurrumphing and tutting but it was agreed he looked much better as a result. Another hoover-full of hair.

Today was sweltering again and after yesterday's clipper phase, Snip was looking and feeling good. Perhaps I could starting a grooming parlour? Perhaps not. 

Origami Boy wanted me to thank you all for you congratulations. He was very pleased. I was going to say 'touched' but that's an emotion too subtle for most nine year old boys. The summer holidays are looming again. I can't believe it's come round again already. Until next time, here's a happy seaside Snippet. 

FREEZING TEIGNMOUTH

On Sunday, I got an overwhelming urge to see the sea. So, we set off for Teignmouth with a picnic and high hopes of winter sunshine for an Easter outing. The sun disappeared as we entered the town and a small amount of sleet began to hit the windscreen. I opened the car door after parking, only to have it whipped out of my hand by the gale force wind, narrowly missing the car parked next to us, whose owners were still inside. Very sensible. I took Snippet down to the beach while Origami boy and partner headed for the slightly more sheltered playground. The cold on the beach was indescribable. Every time I took my glove off to use the camera, my hand became numb in seconds. When I eventually gave up and headed to meet the others, I was delighted to see them in a queue for freshly fried and DEEPLY unhealthy donuts. I'd never had one before but the bag made a fabulous hand-warmer until they disappeared into out mouths. Picnic in the car; I don't think I need explain why. Another go on the beach trying to photograph constantly moving seagulls with limited success, and then the decision agreed on by all to cut our losses and go home. I hope the pictures feel as cold as it was but I doubt it.

The seagulls were picking these common Otter Shells (I think) out of the sand and flying off with them. This one was dropped and then rejected.....perhaps it wasn't fresh enough any more!

On Saturday, Daisy made a bit of an error and brought some gate-crashers up the drive with her; five of them. Certain neighbours were not happy and the gate to the moor was closed. Poor Daisy was NOT happy and was seen hanging around looking miserable most of the day. 

The gate was open last night and there she was this morning, munching away again. You can see how blocked the cattle grid is from this picture and why it's so easy for her to pop across. 

I hope you all had a great Easter weekend. I spotted Trigger having his photo taken by tourists every time I passed the field. I bet they wouldn't have bothered if his bald shoulder patches were out! It's still too cold to get the rug off. Until next time, here's Snippet enjoying the sea.