21st Century Fox

I was standing in the kitchen early this morning, gazing out into the garden, cup of tea in hand, musing on the transience of life, when a large dog fox leapt over the fence and stood on the lawn, just a few yards away.

I gasped. He simply stood absolutely still..........and looked straight at me.

He was a magnificent specimen.........a far cry from the mangy foxes which we often see crossing the roads nearby. His coat was red and glossy, his tail lush and full. He was most definitely bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Mere seconds passed while we looked at each other..............

Then he loped off, across the steps, around the shed, up the garden, and disappeared into the deep hedge at the top of the garden.

Meanwhile, small dog was going ballistic, throwing herself at the door in a frenzy. We didn't dare let her out in case she became a foxy hors d'oeuvre.

However it does explain the foxy aroma we've detected on her.............

28 days........

According the little countdown gizmo I put on my computer desktop, I have just 28 days till we leave for Miniatura. Last week I felt quite in control of my time management, but today I'm starting to panic just a bit.

So to calm me down, I decided to dye some ribbons.

In order to destress, some people go for a walk, others read a book, or pour a glass of wine.

I dye ribbons.

Unconventional I agree, but it works for me.

There is something calming about starting out with a large pile of soft, white, pure silk ribbons, and transforming them into a myriad of rainbow colours.

I feel a little like an old fashioned alchemist, mixing a spectrum of potions, swirling lengths of ribbon in the liquid then rinsing and hanging them up to dry, like multi-coloured spaghetti.

So, the workroom now resembles the aftermath of an explosion in a rainbow factory.

Could be worse............

Ciao i miei amici........

So I am returned from foreign parts.

A pre-birthday treat to Venice which was most enjoyable, if a little cold and foggy! However the fog only added to the mysterious atmosphere in this strangely surreal city.

I've come back brimming with ideas for new projects, but they will have to wait till April before I can start on any of them.

Today is 'catch up' day..........a flood of emails and a pile of post to sort through, then I must reconnoitre my workroom to assess what needs to be done.

Apart from LOTS.

In other news, small dog is very subdued and has a mistrustful air about her. She was entrusted to two very good friends, and we know she had a lovely time while we were away, but now that we are home she seems suspicious that we might ship her off again at any minute. Normally, while I'm working at my laptop, she would be curled up on my knees, but she is resolutely refusing to be placated and has taken up residence in the porch, lying in a little patch of sunlight.

More anon...........

Short break..........

I'm going to be offline for a few days, courtesy of an early birthday treat!

Woo and indeed hoo!

However, I will be back soon with news of what I've been up to.

Can't say now as I've been sworn to secrecy. By none other than Secret Squirrel.

Sceptical?

Well here's 'hidden camera' proof of the swearing-in ceremony. Secret Squirrel is the one in the hat.

Cave canem...........

Small dog has had a bath.

Much to her disgust.

She has discovered a patch of something 'foxy' at the top of our garden and despite our protestations to the contrary, is absolutely adamant that the aroma reminds her of Chanel No. 5.
To us it is more reminiscent of Canal No. 5. Both pungent and unpleasant. Plus it makes the fur on her face all stiff. Eeeeewwwwwww

So, despite her protestations, she has been thoroughly shampooed, rinsed, towelled, combed through, and then released to race through the entire house at 50 miles an hour, whirling like a cartoon Tasmanian Devil.

She finally calmed down and has even submitted to a thorough 'sniffing'. I do love the smell of freshly laundered dog, and believe me, it beats the aroma of 'eau de fox' hands down.

Or maybe that should be paws down.

Anyhoo, I am sure that she won't object to me posting this photo...............

'Sausted................

Yet another busy day.

According to the 'helpful' countdown timer I put on my desktop, (some people never learn........) it's only 36 days till Miniatura.

Well actually it's 38 days but we have to leave a few days early. Unlike the vast majority of exhibitors who have to travel more than a few hours, and therefore stay in the vicinity of the NEC, we won't be hotel accommodation. Or even B&B.

No.

No by no nonny no.

We will be camping.

Mad or what?

AND taking small dog.

In our little camper van, which will be packed to the roof with boxes, more boxes, exhibition stand etc etc.

It all seemed like a good idea at the time, and it will save us £££s on the cost of hotel accommodation. Plus most hotels don't allow dogs.......even small ones.

So camping it is.

In March.

In the Midlands.

I'm sure it will be fine.

Printer Rage.......The Movie

Yes, yes. I will admit it. This IS displacement activity.