DAILY ROUTINES, GARDEN TIME and LIFTING LEGS

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hello there, dear friends...

It's 4 -18 degrees centigrade today with unseasonal thundershowers expected this afternoon.  My garden will be thankfull - it's parched at the moment.

We've settled back into our daily routine after our

ANNIE ADVENTURE,

(Above: The beautiful bouquet I received from the cast at the Gala performance)

(Above: The 90 'thank you' notes and attached candy bars, we prepared for the cast)

Life in our household is slowly getting back to normal.

(Above: The pretty, winter, 'butterfly-flowers', outside our bedroom window)

Toby is so sweet with the way he wakes me up in the mornings. 

It's always with a deep, desperate whimper of welcome and a

"blanket-offering" in his mouth

(which he's dragged from somewhere). 

"I'm here, Mom! I'm here! Are you awake?"

 

 With my eyes still shut, I'll stick my hand out, from under the duvet, and encourage him to lie down on the floor. If I'm lucky, he'll calm down for me to I stroke him.  Most often though, he'll be too desperate to get to our other household members, and to bestow the same welcome on them.  He'll trot off, with the blanket trailing him and his loud, whimpering accompaniment.

On really special occasions (which are becoming more frequent), I'll invite him onto my bed, next to me, and cover him up with the duvet.  Soon we'll both drift off into slumber.  But he becomes restless quickly, and then our quiet reverie is broken. No sleep for me!

 "The sunrise is too cool to miss, Mom!"

Toby jumps off the bed and cavorts down the passage - in search of 'Aunt Tam'. Later they'll return to our bedroom, totally contented, and lie together on their mattress in the corner. Their soft mouthing is indicative of their tender bond.

Inevitably, Toby will settle into his favoured position - on his back with legs splayed in all directions. 

Silly pooch!

Our days have been temperate and sunny. 

We're enjoying simply gorgeous winter weather!

(Above: "Aunt Tam" enjoying the sunshine)

"The King"

TOFFEE,

is still  on his figurative throne.

Last week, he turned 14 years old!!!

(Oops, I totally forgot his birthday.)

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOFFEE!"

His age doesn't seem to bother him at all. 

Although he's slowing down a bit, he continues to prowl the garden.

"The King's" latest crusade...

 is to teach TOBY how to mark his territory...

(Above: "This is how it is done, Toby!")

Bad luck, Toffee!

Your efforts seem to be futile!

(...and I am very grateful!)

(Above: "I prefer this way, Your Majesty!")

Although Toby doesn't lift his leg, I've been actively training him not to.

This little accomplishment may be temporary, but it sure makes our daily walks easier.

That's all our news, for now.

Sending lotsaluv to you all,

 and lotsalicks from the pack.

MAXMOM, TOBY, TAMMY and  our 14-year-old,

'KING TOFFEE'