Search This Blog

22 Mar 2012

17th March St Patrick's Day in Scotland

We have just come back from a most wonderful weekend in Scotland.  We stayed at the Trigony Country House Hotel, Dumfries and Gallaway.

The Hotel itself was perfect, lots of gardens, nice and quiet and fantastic views.  To make it even better it is a "Dog Friendly" hotel.

True to its advert I was welcome almost everywhere in the hotel and even had breakfast and dinner in their bar/restaurant.  (They keep the main restaurant pet free).  The food was great and we shared ours with the dog who lives there, she's called  Roxie.

We had the most perfect weather for the weekend.















It was very frosty in the morning, but fresh and pleasant like a lovely spring morning.











The lovely laid out gardens are full of lovely flowers.


 Off for a walk behind the hotel
















GLENKILN SCULPTURE PARK AND RESERVOIR 
We stumbled upon the Glenkiln Sculpture Park near Dumfries. We found out about it in a leaflet supplied by the hotel, with instructions on how to get there via a lovely scenic route. 
The park was an inspiration in 1951 by Sir William Keswick who was a friend of Henry Moore ande owned the land, he wanted to exhibit sculpture in a natural setting. 


There are four sculptures by Henry Moore, one by Jacob Epstein and one by Rodin.
There are no signs to the park (we were told by a local this was because the statues had been vandalised in the past and attempts to steal them had been made). 
Henry Moore's King and Queen, a Henry Moore cross, you can see from the road. Rodin's John the Baptist is beside a small car park, then Moore's Standing Figure. 
The other two - Epstein's The Visitation and Moore's Two Piece Reclining Figure are a bit further off the beaten track up a hill beside the reservoir.  Unfortunately we didnt manage to get to these due to the very deep mud we would have had to wade through, so we will take wellies next time.















Rodin John the Baptist





He stands at the head of the reservoir, looking out over lovely views.








Henry Moore King and Queen




They have fantastic views








Roxie and me during dinner.




We will certainly go back here again, its lovely.

2 Mar 2012

2nd March at Seaton Sluice















It was a lovely day so we decided to go to the beach at Seaton Sluice.  Once we got over the dunes the wind was so cold and the sun went in.  Still had a dip in the sea though.  Lovely as long as your a dog.

I just can not stay out of the water, looking forward to a good summer this year

25 Jan 2012

On The Mend Jan 25th 2012

I have been taking my tablets and getting extra vitamins to help my joints for nearly two weeks.  I have to take one tablet every morning, and although they say they taste like chicken, the don't, not really.  Anyway after a little perseverance each day I am managing to swallow them.

We are all noticing a difference, I can get in and out of the car a lot better, and up and down the stairs.  But I am not allowed in the sea just now, not until the weather is warmer.  Oh well roll on summer.

7 Jan 2012

Saturday 7th January 2012 Aching limbs

I had a pretty bad night last night, just couldn't get myself comfy.  Then this morning, I couldn't stretch my head down far enough to get my drink of milk.

Mum and Dad are a bit worried, We went for a nice walk along the beach and the run along the sands has helped to loosen my joints.

It was a lovely day, there where loads of people and dogs on the beach we had a lovely time.  

Then it was off to Nan's to see how she is doing, and make sure she has all she needs.  We were there quite a while for a chat and a cup of tea.

After that it was off to the pet shop, we got tablets for my joints, and a new dish with a stand so I don't have to stretch my neck to eat and drink, I also got some special treats.  I like this shop, its huge and I can walk around and help to chose what I need. Lots of other dogs in there shopping ans well.

Nice brush down tonight and a rest, hope all this helps me to keep active.





My new drinking and eating bowls





Yes this makes things much easier 



1 Jan 2012

New Year Walk

Lovely walk along the sea front from Tynemouth to North Shields and back



Tynemouth Castle


King Edwards Bay 




The North Pier






Admiral Lord Collingwoods Monument
looking out to sea at Tynemouth














Connor beside the blue bouys


New Year morning was fresh and chilly, but very nice for a walk along the sea front.
There where lots of people out today.