Alison

Thank goodness it's not just me then. I won't feel abnormal now when I take a plate of beef carpaccio and capers to bed

Is it normal................ to feel hungry again 3 hours after what seemed like a substantial and filling 5 course meal?

Can't help with any of the foregoing other than getting a Whuppet to Long Eaton if it's transport rather than persuasion you're talking about Can do transport any day if that is what you mean

“Front bottom†according to my mother (no idea what this Smiley is supposed to denote but it looked strangely apt) Brilliant news that your kitty's been found Tracey, you must be so relieved

Thanks to everyone for the advice Given how many of you replied, can I assume that this is not an uncommon occurence in your lives? I'm still a bit new to it so it's something of a culture shock, especially the "sharing the lurve" bit I’ll be calling in at the cash and carry for a catering size barrel of ketchup on my way home tonight. I’m planning to smother Sol in it on Saturday, take him for a walk and give it a good chance to cake on/soak in then for a swim to rinse off. I’m going somewhere very remote so nobody sees us and thinks he’s something I’ve peeled off the road but may get some photos………

I looked but couldn’t find an appropriate thread in the Doggie Chat section so sorry it’s here. Perhaps someone could move it to where it belongs. Does anyone know of an antidote to the effects of the dog rolling in unspeakable things? Sol was shampooed yesterday and is now gleaming but still very stinky (he’s dry). I think it was fox poo. I’d rather not bathe him again now until the weekend when he can go for a swim with me instead, so is there any doggie equivalent to Febreze or something that I can use just to mask the smell temporarily that won’t hurt anything other than his pride? He sleeps on my bed and last night it smelt as though a farmer had been through the room with a muck spreader. I might also add that whilst he’s normally somewhat aloof, sleeping just out of stroking reach, last night was the night he felt the need to press his face next to mine for kisses and wrap his arms around me. Ugghh. I’ve not much experience of rolly dogs, so is this typical behaviour, the “wanting to share the fragrance†thing?

Crikey, that takes me back! I could instantly hear the theme tune as I read this post. My favourite episode was when she tried to dye her hair black with some stuff she'd bought from the gypsies but it went green

A few moments in a thread seeking advice on providing a reference for a cack employee I joked (as it’s a place where I’m a useless weekend volunteer) “it’s OK thanks, sorted now got someone else to write one for me†and the thread has disappeared! Surely nobody would’ve taken this seriously – would they?

Having her fanny unexectedly drop off must have impaired her thinking I hope you gave the cheeky home-wrecking witch a piece of your mind but bet you didn't.

A ginger dog masquerading as a cuddly teddy, hot bacon and stilton sandwiches and a cosy hot water bottle are beckoning me up the wooden hill Nighty night Fugees

Yes, I gave you a fatter belly and legs The original and genuine "skinny" version is available at a price............

And even you cannot deny that you look impressively svelte The walk this afternoon was great, thanks so much for making time to organise everything when you've already got more than enough on your plate I think it's a lovely photo of you and Dudley

In that case, I reiterate my earlier sentiments (for what they are worth) to such lovely people As you've not replied with an angry message, I presume you've not seen the photo in the "join me in a diet" thread yet

Is this Hertsgreys lovely son and dogs?

You will be, Grey's Mum, I promise, and more so than ever; happier and more innately confident that you can imagine. Just give it time. The forgotten (if ever previously known) joys that you find and appreciate in small simple things when you're on the "up" bit of bouncing back are unbelievable, they truly are. I've been there, now settled and happy but I actually envy you the exciting discoveries you've got coming your way - they really are that fantastic. If you're able to face this journey with an open mind and without any bitterness, I can't begin to tell you how much fun it's going to be - and how much better life will be than ever before when you emerge at the other end of that long, dark tunnel

Sol has some Saluki biscuit cutters you're welcome to borrow if that's any consolation

Rochdale Dog Rescue

I hope I'm not intruding but it sounds to me like your O/H is a very weak man and rather prone to the bullying of a horribly spiteful domineering mother. Unfortunately he's never going to change (and by the sounds of it neither is she) and I think you know that. You are NOT to blame but I appreciate how years of being ground down can convince you otherwise. Please see what you can do about changing the situation before your self-esteem becomes so badly eroded that you can't. I've only met you once and thought you were a great gal, genuine and caring with bags of personality - even under the most awful weather conditions you still made me laugh a lot Be strong and good luck; you've got lots of friends rooting for you.

In discovering who your real friends are (as opposed to the 10-a-penny fairweather variety) you've already found a small silver lining in your cloud even if it might not feel like it at the moment. When you're back on your feet and feeling strong again that's something you'll really appreciate, I promise. As for him turning his back on you all, whilst it's unforgiveable and desperately painful for you just remember that what goes around comes around. Always, without fail. He's in for some very unpleasant times ahead - hold your head high when you feel ready and pity what he's got coming Wishing you happier times very soon

Going to make a very concerted effort not to eat all the florentines before they make it to der Loj on Sunday (but probably better not to hold your breath.........) Edited to say "Sunday" rather than tomorrow - tomorrow's cakes are long gone already (see battenburg and fondant fancy) That's where you're going wrong - cutting down! How can you expect to eat sticky sugary cakes to any sort of standard if you don't put the practice in?

One pink square one with darker pink icing swirls piped around the top, the other white and diamond shaped with a candied pink flower and angelica. The battenburg really was posh, a 3x3 (i.e. 9 squares, alternate pink and yellow) rather than the more prosaic 2 up 2 down job. Nice thin marzipan too, just pleasantly almondy and rolled in caster sugar

I would've been were it not for the fact that it's tea time at the office and Sol and I are tucking into a fondant fancy and a slice or two of battenburg

Duck, mashed taters, cabbage and tarte tatin were lovely but unfortunately didn't really touch the sides so Sol & I are off to bed now with a veggie curry from the freezer & a mug of cocoa. Nighty night, sweet dreams all

Sol was attacked out of the blue by the sweetest little cat last week, one with whom he is on good terms and never previously known to have said boo to a goose whilst he was on a lead walk round my village. Said cat then proceeded to start on a herd of cows in a neighbouring field! None of the parties involved were harmed but dog and cows were very bewildered. Presumably the cattle just thought they'd been abducted by aliens (again) Confit of duck with mashed potato and red cabbage for dinner tonight followed by tarte tatin and clotted cream so I'm in a good frame of mind

I doubt very much that he’d have divulged that he’d given his Spaniel and Weimaraner away and even if the RSPCA had asked I’m sure he’d have lied. Addicts are usually accomplished liars in my experience but as a smart, well-spoken, educated professional man Peter can be particularly convincing. He lives in Nottingham but don’t know which branch this dog came from. Although I’m incredibly angry (believe me, you really wouldn’t want to be in that blokes shoes when I next see him) I’ve decided not to try and get the dog repossessed. He got married a couple of months ago. Whilst his wife doesn’t have a hope in hell of reforming him, she’ll ensure that the dog (Noodle) is fed and safe which seems better than the prospect of RSPCA kennels and possibly being PTS. Some friends of mine, a nice settled, sensible married couple, were turned down for adoption by a Nottingham RSPCA branch earlier this year on the grounds that the dog would occasionally need to be left alone for a couple of hours. They were then told that the dogs that they'd been keen to adopt would be PTS instead.