Sunday started off as a beautiful warm day at our peak district cottages. Mistress took us out for our morning constitution and then we sat around wondering if we would be taken out for a long walk. One of mistresses friends is staying with us so we assumed we would go on a nice easy walk. The leads came out – that was good. So we got all excited and headed for the car. What we had failed to spot was that a) we hadn’t packed a picnic (bad news) and b)master had picked up our short leads ( not our long walking leads) – bad. The journey started well we headed in a direction we are used to. Then suddenly we turned into a GARDEN CENTRE. Well we thought maybe it is just a bit of retail therapy for mistress. She does need her garden centre fix every now and then. Maybe a little wait and we would be off for our walk. After about an hours and a half later they all returned and we set of again. This time we stopped at Cromford where we often go for a walk. Out we jumped eager to get going only to be dragged to the SHOPS. We hung around outside for hours, with master, who looked as bored as we did. Ok we did get the odd person coming along to give us a fuss but even still it was boring. At last we moved on and after only about 10 mins we came to some more shops. This time it really was bad. Mistress and her friend were in one shop for ever. Even master was getting fed up. Then when all the shopping was over we just walked back to the car. Walk! What Walk.
My Best Side
Smudge has been at it again. Whenever he sees a cottage door open he sneaks in to see if there is anything to eat. He usually gets chased out but every now and then he manages to find something interesting. He has even taken to nicking bread off the outside tables that has been left out for the birds by guests. Master keeps having strong words with him but he seems oblivious. One of these days he is going to get into major trouble. Then we will probably both be in for it.
Following our morning constitution around our peak district cottages grounds with mistress, I always pop around the cottages just to make sure everything is Ok and to see if anyone has left anything out to eat. This morning I noticed that Bluebell Cottage door was open so I wandered in. Imagine my amazement when I spotted that their dogs breakfast was sitting there all alone and beckoning me to help eat it. Well what could I do. Its only courteous to empty a food bowl isn’t it. I had assumed I hadn’t been spotted, so it was a bit shocked when 1/2 an hour later I got a good telling off from mistress. I am not too sure how I got caught. May be it was idiot brother who sneaked on me. What was even worse, I got a reduced ration at dinner time. I get little enough as it is. To reduce it is just not fair.
Waiting for Dinner
What is more we had to go down town shopping (I think it was a punishment). I am not keen on town. For one thing I have to go in the CAR and another we have to be on our leads. Worse still I got master (usually he takes idiot brother). When I am with master there is no stopping and I have to walk at heal or he gets very cross. I am a roughy toughy field dog not some kind of trained pet. I need the open fields, the air in my fur, the earth under my feet (and a warm duvet by the fire). Shopping is always the same. Mistress disappears inside and we are left outside with master. Then on to the next shop. Same again. And so on for 1/2 an hour or so. What is the point. What does she do in these shops. I know sometimes she brings out sausage rolls for me to look after. But I had better not go down that road. I am already in big trouble today.
For the first time ever we have had loads of apples on our apple tree at our peak district cottages. Usually there are one or two but this year there are loads. Unlike, thanks to master, our plum tree that has no plumbs at all this year (but we don’t talk about that). This afternoon Andrew and Joanna came up to pick ‘some’ Apples but went away with 7 carrier bags full. We of course helped. Well actually I watched and Smudge found an apple to eat and munched happily away on it which got mistress a bit worried. Apparently Apples (less pips) are good for us. I personally found them revolting. Give me a good old fashioned treat any day but of course Smudge will eat anything.
Me with MY apple
This morning was all a bit traumatic. The power went off before everyone was up and about. All sorts of master’s computer equipment started beeping etc. Now I am not exactly a timid dog (except for cows, sheep, large dogs, anything big, the odd napkin etc.) but I do find that beeping sounds get to me. Probably because Smudge completely looses it when things go beep. But then Smudge can be scared of his own shadow (unless there is food around). Luckily master came down soon after and let us out and turned off all the beeps. The power was off for about an hour but that was bad enough. Then what happens? They leave me with Smudge while they go off to Buxton to see a ‘Craft Fair’. We could have gone too! Or better still I could have gone and left Smudge behind. They hadn’t been gone more than an hour and it all happened again. The lights went off, the radio (for some reason mistress leaves it on for us) went off and the beeping started again. Luckily it only lasted a few minutes and everything came back to normal. Smudge went back to sleep and I continued with my security duties. I was, however, very glad when they got back. They really shouldn’t leave us (well not me anyway). I am sure there must be some European Dog’s Rights Act that says we shouldn’t be left alone.
Well I know it is idiot brother that is supposed to be doing this blog but its about a problem we have had with a cow so it is not much point asking him as he was hiding behind a fence.
There I was making monumental decisions at our peak district cottages such as ‘should I turn over now’ or ‘should I leave it for a bit longer’ when a phone call came in saying there was a cow on our back lawn. Well I was ready immediately. Cow dog to the rescue. Unfortunately Mistress and Master didn’t quite see it that way. Something about I would be more of a nuisance than a help. Cheek! Anyhow they went out in the drizzly rain to sort the cow out. Well of course without my help they made a total hash of it. As soon as they had got it back into the field it just jumped over the broken wall again back into the garden (I could have told them that is what would happen). So they had to get it out again. In the end they realised that they needed my skills. I had to sit guarding the broken wall (with mistress) while master went off to get a new piece of electric fence (that keeps the damn things out).
The perpetrator
Mistress was having a bit of a problem controlling them as they can be quite cunning if you don’t know them. One can faint to the left while another makes a break for the wall. However, once I was on the job some semblance of control was established. They know me. And they know I won’t be messed with. So they started towing the line and behaving themselves. Idiot brother was of course no where to be seen. You could hear a distant bark as he tried telling them what to do from the safety of our front garden. They of course just ignored him.
When at last master got back and set up the electric fence we could all relax a bit. We then just had to make sure they weren’t so stupid as to walk through it. Luckily they weren’t and we could all go back in. What do I then get for my troubles? A wash down! I don’t think I deserved that. I wasn’t particularly muddy (well maybe just a bit). At least I got a chew for helping although why idiot brother got one too, I have no idea.
The perpetrator being disrespectful
Anyhow mistress has awarded cow no 885 two ASBOs. One for coming into the garden the first time and a second for coming in again. She nearly gave it three. The third would have been for disrespectful behavior (see photo). I must point out that any cow getting three ASBOs in a season becomes Beef Burgers (which I hope I will be allowed to sample).
PS – I have just helped to clear the drive of cows and what have I had in return – Another Full WASH. It just isn’t fair.
At long last we have found a way of getting mistress to keep up with us. It was masters idea. Stick her on two wheels. Tuesday looked like it was going to be the best day for some time so it was decided we would go for a walk. As the tunnels along the Monsal trail are now open there are a couple of cycle hire places along the trail. So off we went to Hassop Station (about 10 mins from our pet friendly holiday cottages). We had to wait in the car while they got kitted out. Both came back wearing funny hats and these 2 wheeled things. They did look a bit silly. Anyway as soon as we set off we knew something was different. We kept getting yelled at to get out of the way. Not usually a problem as we are miles ahead of them (especially mistress). Once we had figured out that it wasn’t going to be one of those backwards and forwards type walks we started to enjoy it.
Mistress keeping up with us.
Not only was mistress keeping up with us, we didn’t get any of the ‘admiring the scenery’ thing. So we actually progressed rather than dithering about. It did mean that we hadn’t as much time to explore and check things out but it was a nice change to keep going.
We got as far as Millers Dale, where we had started last weeks walk, before mistress was complaining about being exhausted (we were just getting warmed up). So they found a bench and sat down to lunch. For the first time ever we had lunch with another group of walkers. Once I had figured out I wasn’t going to get anything else to eat from master and mistress I put on my ‘I am a starved dog’ look and went round the other walkers. Works every time. Loads of tit-bits.
On the way back mistress realised why she had felt so tired. It had been uphill all the way from Hassop which of course meant it was downhill all the way back. That made her very happy. We got back to Hassop in time for what mistress felt was a well deserved afternoon tea.
At Hassop for afternoon tea
Just an aside. I must tell you what idiot brother did before we went off for a walk. Mistress took us out for our morning constitutional but he spent the entire time in the bushes behind the car park. When he emerged he was absolutely covered with those little sticky balls. You know the ones that get everywhere. The idiot had been crawling through the weeds and everything. Master spend about 30 mins trying to get them out of his fur and from behind his ears etc. There were 100′s of them . I think he still has a few stuck to him.
Oh and before you ask – yes they are both complaining about sore bums today.
Well as mistress was convinced we were going to get some nice weather we all sat down to plan where we would go. Plan A was to go to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park & National Coal Mining museum. It was decided this wasn’t a good idea as dogs aren’t allowed down mines. So although it would have been fun to see the sculptures, we would have had to sit in the car for part of the day. So we vetoed it. Plan B was Biddulph Gardens – we vetoed this as it is National Trust and they don’t like dogs so we probably wouldn’t be allowed in the grounds. Plan C was to go to the National Arboretum – we also vetoed this as they don’t like dogs either. Plan D was a walk in Dove Dale – we were up for this as we like Dove Dale. However, mistress stubbed her little toe last week and she thought it was a bit of a long walk. Plan E was a walk in
Me with a friend
Chee Dale. Everyone agreed that this was Ok. So we set off from our peak district cottages to Millers Dale (about 10 mins away) and started out along the Monsal Trail and then dropped down into Chee Dale. We were allowed of our leads from the start so we went off ahead to check things out. After about 15 mins we found out that Chee Dale had been a very very bad mistake. Not only was there a lot of ‘admiring the scenery’ by Mistress but worse, because she thought it was a bit slippery (we didn’t), we all had to go at a snails pace. I must admit even master found it a bit slow going at times but mistress I think was wishing we had gone with plan D. Anyhow as everyone was watching were they were going we could get on with exploring without too many interruptions. Even Smudge lost his footing on one of the stepping stones and nearly fell in. I thought it was particularly funny.
Me checking to see where everyone was
Anyhow mistress recovered when we got out of the dale as there was somewhere to buy an Ice-cream. They didn’t buy us one although we did make friends with a little dog who lived there. We sat down high up looking over the Monsal Trail in glorious sunshine where everyone but me had a rest. I though I should explore a little more just in case. At least the journey back was a lot quicker as mistress didn’t have to watch out for slippery boulders etc. There was a bit of a scary moment when we went through a field with some sheep but I kept close to master just in case. We arrived back at the car just in time for mistress’s afternoon tea. Amazingly she didn’t want to bother. I think she was exhausted from the earlier part of the walk. Well there has to be a first time for everything but I have a feeling we won’t be walking in Chee dale again for a while which is a shame as we enjoyed it.
Well it is that time again! Chatsworth Sculpture time. As Chatsworth is only a few minutes from our peak district cottages we always pick a nice day and go for a walk around the outdoor sculptures. Well that is what they call them. Master calls them something else altogether. Its always a pleasant day out (even if we do have to be on our best behaviour and on our leads). Chatsworth is huge so there is plenty of walking, sniffing and general exploring to do. Unfortunately there is also a lot of sitting and admiring as well (or in masters case a lot of ‘what is that supposed to be?’) I must admit I would have thought the Duke would be very cross with the people that dumped a load of rusty metal on his front lawn.
Me next to the rusty metal thing
Master would have gone up the wall. We all agreed that the best ‘sculpture’ was the lion. The worse was a couple of rocks in amongst existing rocks. I personally think they just put a rope and sign around it to fool people. Of course we weren’t allowed around the house – as usual NO DOGS! we did manage to join master and mistress for lunch outside at the cafe. Not that we got more than a few scraps.
One of our favorite guests has just left. For years we have had great fun with the lady as she is scared of dogs. Ever since we were puppies we have been able to make her do what we want.
Me in our fields
I personally can’t see how anyone can be scared of idiot brother but I must admit that when I put on my ‘bad dog’ look, I can look mean. Anyhow, this year something went wrong. Either we are losing our touch or she has become so used to us she is no longer scared which took the fun out of things. I suppose the upside is she did make a nice fuss of us and even gave us the odd tit-bit. Maybe I will work on my ‘bad dog’ look for New year when they are returning.
Thank goodness for that. No more wells to go and see. Of course we had to go to see that last of the Well Dressings over at Hartington (about 10-15 mins from our peak district cottages). As it was quite a nice afternoon Mistress wanted to go and see them. So we all had to trail over there. I suppose we had a bit of a walk around but nothing exciting. Just a lot of sitting around while mistress looked at the dressings and went round a craft fair. We then of course had to go for afternoon tea at a local cafe. At least we could all sit outside and the girls from the cafe did give us a lot of fuss even if they didn’t give us any food. Anyway no more wells for another year.
Some of Mistress's Flowers in the Courtyard
We were supposed to be taken out for a walk this week but that seems to have fizzled out as the weather changed and master is a bit of a fair weather walker. I was happy to go but no one else was (especially Smudge). We got abandoned all day Tuesday while mistress and master went off to do the ‘big’ shop at the local cash and carry. We are never allowed on that trip. Something about there not been room on the way back. I must admit looking at the car when they got back, it might have been a bit cosy and I am not sure where Smudge would have gone. Maybe he could have run behind – get some weight of him. The good news is they did come back with 4 bags of dog food so the trip wasn’t a total waste of time. Smudge was getting a bit worried as there were no more bags of food left left in the store – he was near to panic.
The Stuck Cow
A few nights ago we had a silly cow get stuck in the bottom cattle grid. Stupid thing was trying to cross it. Don’t they know that ‘cattle grids’ are to stop ‘cattle’? Anyhow master had to call the farmer and between them they managed to get it’s back foot out and walk it lalong the road to another field. They then decided that they would clear our drive field of cows to make sure none of the others tried the same trick. Smudge was called on to move the last few stragglers. Apparently he is getting quite good at it. Me – I won’t go near the things (unless there is a big fence between us)
Yesterday I got my chance once again to show just how good a cow dog I am. Andrew (the farmer) was away at a cow thing so me and master went off from our peak district cottages to help get the cows in for milking. What we hadn’t been told is where they were. They were in four fields stretching from one side of the farm to the other so we had to walk (well I ran Master walked) all the way to the bottom field where I started getting the slower bunch in. Once they were in we walked all the way to the top of the fields near our drive and started getting them in. Luckily they know me by now so I don’t get any lip from them. A well practiced collie stare and they start heading in. Now I have got the hang of of this cow thing master doesn’t have to do a great deal. I just need to keep checking him that we are going in the right direction and get on with it. I did get distracted a few times. Well you do don’t you. Its those swallows. It is just too tempting to chase them. After all I am a dog.
Lazy days!
I don’t suppose Idiot Brother told you about his last escapade. No. I didn’t think he would have done. Last Saturday he was found wondering along the road at the bottom of our fields. What he was doing there I have no idea. He knows we are not allowed on the road. And he has never been there before. So what was he doing? Our best guess is that he had somehow gone into a field and then found that he was trapped as there were now cows between him and home (he won’t go through a field with cows in it) and had decided the best way home to jump over the wall and walk along the road. Idiot! Luckily someone stopped and put him in their car and brought him back. I was all for letting them keep him. Why should we put up with him? He is nothing but trouble .
Anyone want a second hand Collie? Only one careful owner. Partially trained. Problems – total idiot.
Its Chatsworth Show time again. Luckily we didn’t have to go. Not a dog thing really although there is always lots to see, smell and friends to make. But no running around. Mistress of course, like last year, wanted to see the Red Arrows. Last year was great as we walked over from Bakewell and sat overlooking Chatsworth. This year it was decided that we would watch from the back fields of our peak district cottages. As we are only a few miles from Chatsworth, you can see the hunting tower from our back field. There was, therefore, a clear view of the entire display, including them flying right over us. Smudge and I weren’t too pleased about that, so we tried chasing them off which got mistress a bit upset with us. Anyhow mistress enjoyed the display.
Me on the Cromford Canal
Sunday was a bit of a cock-up. We were supposed to go and have a look around Leawood Pumping station on the Cromford Canal as they were having an open day with the engine working etc. Didn’t sound very interesting to me, but master seemed keen. Off we went, only to find that mistress had got the dates wrong and it was closed – great! So instead it was decided we would have a walk along the Cromford canal to the Cromford Wharf tea room where mistress could have her afternoon tea. Even on our leads we had a nice walk along the old tow path and a laze in the sun while mistress had her afternoon tea.
We are the Bolehill Holiday Cottage Dogs. Along with our Master and Mistress we live at Bolehill Farm http://www.bolehillfarm.co.uk