Love's Philosophy

"And the sunlight clasps the earth,

And the moonbeams kiss the sea -

What are all these kissings worth,

If thou kiss not me?"

(Shelley)

These lines from Shelley's poem, 'Love's Philosophy',were frequently quoted in Sunday's fabulous opening episode of the 3-part detective drama, 'Lewis'. DI Lewis and his sidekick investigated the murders of 2 people who were involved in the forgery of some 19th Century letters from Shelley's wife, Mary Shelley.

I will type the full poem and put it at the end of this post. When Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote this verse, I don't for one minute think that he was referring to love and kisses between man (or woman) and his canine friends! I just love to be kissed by Trevor. Kisses (or licks) from the mad pooches stink and knowing where their tongues have been, I try to avoid any contact with my mouth but will allow them a small nose-lick! However, love? Well, I'm growing mighty fond of the little terriers.....

Who could not love this little fella......

....who has a penchant for bog rolls?

...or this little chap, who looks at us with sorrowful eyes?

Here they are again, tugging away. They've temporarily 'gone off' us and want to get at the sheep behind them.

And still speaking of love, who could not love living in a village with all this land, just round the corner? Ah, this is the life.........

LOVE'S PHILOSOPHY

The fountains mingle with the river

And the rivers with the ocean,

The winds of heaven mix for ever

With a sweet emotion;

Nothing in the world is single,

All things by a law divine

In one another's being mingle -

Why not I with thine?

See the mountain's kiss high heaven

And the waves clasp one another;

No sister-flower would be forgiven

If it disdain'd its brother:

And the sunlight clasps the earth,

And the moonbeams kiss the sea -

What are all these kissings worth,

If thou kiss not me?

Percy Bysshe Shelley 1792-1922

The Goose Has Landed

Travelling out of our village in the direction of Leamington Spa, there is Ryton Pool, home to the Leamington Angling Club.
I took this photo on Sunday - the poor goose landed with a loud thud rather than a splash because the pool was frozen.

Work is still very quiet for me but from March onwards, life will be chaotic for a few months as we're all over the county delivering our training workshops. We are branching out; in addition to the NHS we have taken bookings from the Coventry City Council and also some charitable organisations.

This quiet period has given me time to concentrate on house-training the pups, which is going extremely well. No poos in the house this week, just the odd little wee or two!

I've also had the opportunity to catch up on my TV viewing. I am currently watching Lark Rise to Candleford (charming), Ashes to Ashes (funny and nostalgic), Torchwood (very creative), Moving Wallpaper (hilarious) Primeval (my favourite - I love it!!) and Kingdom (utterly delightful, but it finished on Sunday)

What are YOUR current favourites?

Puppy Love

On 31st January 2008, we heard the patter of EIGHT tiny feet in our house. No, I haven’t had quadruplets or given a home to a tarantula (though that would have been easier). Trevor and I have adopted two 5-month-old Cairn Terrier/Bichon Frisé crossbreeds. They are very lovable but the little terriers didn’t come ready house-trained so we’re up to our eyes in… well, I don’t need to elaborate. In short I have become a proper little Mrs. Mop, or even Scrubber of Warwickshire. Bertie is the cutest I think, but he’s the canine village idiot. Rusty is quieter but definitely brighter – I think he’ll be doing the Times crossword before long.

Meet Bertie and Rusty

The Little Terr(i)ors

A bit of RUFF and tumble

Trevor tries teaching Bertie to type but the keys are too tasty... so is Trevor's arm!

The weaning stage

Shrove Tuesday

I've brought forward this post from Shrove Tuesday 2007 and have left in the comments from last year. I hope it will make you smile.......

20 February 2007
Trevor offered to make some pancakes this evening...




Ho hum, this is simple....

Here goes the first toss!

Oops, anyone fancy toast instead?