Happy 13th Birthday Tom xx

Happy 13th birthday to our eldest son, Tom. Well, it's not for a couple of more days yet, but he has eight of his school friends here for the day (yes, I must be insane!). Actually, it has been quite a pleasant day as they are a really great bunch of guys, very well mannered, polite & there has been not one fight or argument that I have heard. Who said the youth of today were a lost cause? These guys give me hope for the future, & I'm not at all disappointed in the friends that Tom has chosen. One of his teachers once said to me that you judge your son by who his friends are - from what I can see Tom is doing just fine. Happy 13th birthday in advance Tom, I love you lots & lots, & am so proud of the man that you are becoming xxx

Da boyz!!

Happy 5th Birthday to Coco & Iggy xx

Wow!! The baby girls are five! Who knew that those squally puppies would grow up to be the lovely young ladies that they are (well, mostly are) now. Happy 5th birthday to the two briards who have enriched our lives & expanded our friendship group to include the most wonderful other briard families whom we now call our dear friends.

Baby Iggy

Baby Coco

I'm not sure where I got the following list from, but it sums up the briard beautifully:

GET A BRIARD BECAUSE THEY: (Half truths... followed by the real meaning)

• Don't shed........ "What are these little balls of hair on her?"
• Are very smart........ Knowing and doing are 2 different things.
• Are alert....... When you are near a can opener.
• Are gentle....... Only breaks 1/2 the things she knocks over.
• Are interesting looking....... Learn to say, "It's a Briard" 999 times in rapid succession.
• Like to sleep near their owners....... Buy a bigger bed.
• Like to travel........ Buy a bigger car.
• Like to stay by your side....... Buy a bigger couch.
• Like to be with you constantly....... Build a bigger bathroom.
• Are an education pet....... Learn the meaning of the word bigger.
• Aren't timid....... She's begging from the neighbours again.
• Are playful....... "See my black & blue marks?"
• Have strong teeth...... "See my scars?"
• Worked for the government during the war....... She chewed up the mail again.
• Have a thick coat....... Pick broken comb teeth out of the carpet.
• Keep their toys in one place....... "Where are my shoes?"
• Look cute with a toy in their mouth....... "Where is the cat?"
• Are good watch dogs....... Make a lot of noise at 3am if there is a prowler or a squirrel in the yard.
• Are constant companions....... "Get out of here, I'm busy!"
• Are fearless...... "The skunk got her again".
• Are good herding dogs....... "She's got the cat in the closet again"
• Have excellent memory....... When it's convenient.
• Work well with verbal commands....... "Doctor, I think I have laryngitis".
• Have good hearing....... "That's right, I'm talking to you!"
• Are economical....... "We can't go out to dinner, I've got dog school".
• Are easy to house train....... Brown spots give the lawn contrast.
• ARE A HEART WRAPPED IN FUR....... 100% TRUE

Cinnamon Buns - a taste sensation!

My dear friend Annie has given smoking & has taken up cooking, which is the equivalent of the Universe turning upside down as she does not cook anything. My world is clearly a changed place because not only is she cooking but she is actually baking - it's totally unheard of!! Given that a baking novice was bragging about baking the best cinnamon buns ever I thought it best to give them a try, & I am so damn pleased that I did as they are SENSATIONAL!

I cheated & used the bread maker to make the dough (I had to add 1/2 cup more water than listed in the recipe given) & the dough was falling out of the machine after rising so well. The rest of the process is really easy & I recommend that you all make a batch - you won't be disappointed. Click on the title above where the link will take you to the recipe web page. Enjoy!!

The buns in the tray after rising.

Just out of the oven.

Ready to eat - so delicious!!!!