Bertie has a friend who is a labrador. She knows exactly when I get the good doggy treats out of my bag, in fact she knows before I get them out. Then she sits down in front of me, all obedience and big brown eyes until one comes her way.
In fact, the tasty treats usually come out when Bertie is being naughty. He runs off and does something he shouldn't, I call him back and he gets a treat. I know, I know, but the idea is that he is being rewarded for the good thing, ie. the coming back. I think that's the psychology behind it anyway. But sometimes I wonder... Anyway, there is a theory in this house that his clever friend eggs him on to do a bad thing so that they can both have a treat. Are we all being played do you think?
Cricket is back. Hand sanitising every over and NO TEA, but it's a start.
I've had a satisfying feng shui-ing of a kitchen cupboard, involving getting rid of things dated 2019 or earlier and making plans for the borderline edibles. Morello cherries, I'm looking at you.
Otherwise it's been all work, work, work, interspersed with guilt about not doing exciting things with the children. Although of course they probably don't want to do exciting things with their mother. But that doesn't stop me feeling as though I should be taking them out somewhere and Doing Something. All in good time I guess. Exciting adventures your end?
I think both dogs have your number. :-) I see you've mentioned working.. can you tell us more about that? I have guilt about not doing enough exciting stuff during summer.. like I'm wasting it.. but the older you get the less you worry about it all. :-) ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteWe go to Kingston Lacy, a National Trust property, which has woodland walks, with kids of all ages (up to 13) and they spend a lot of the time climbing trees and bushes, building dens and generally tearing around - that seems to be exciting enough for a day out. But not sure about older boys, maybe that wouldn't cut it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a bit of canine manipulation going on! Love the contrail face in the first photo. I've just heard a quote on Radio 4's 'Today' programme: 'There's nothing nicer than watching a game of cricket on a hot summer's day ......... it's just a pity it's boring as hell'! :O) Are you allowed to take a picnic in lieu of the tea? Well done on the cupboard clear out. I did that a while agp with our larder and shocked myself at the out of date stuff lurking in there. R made me implement a system with one of each item on the main shelf and, as they are used, others get promoted. When I do my weekly meal plan and write my shopping list I have to 'shop' from the larder first. That way, hopefully, we won't end up with 14 (yes, count them!) bottles of olive oil again. In my defence, they are quite expensive and whenever they were on sale I used to pop one in the trolley. Oh, the shame! Not much in the way of exciting adventures this end, although we did drive into London last weekend to see my eldest who we hadn't seen since the beginning of lockdown. That's adventure enough for me at the moment I think. Have a good week. xx
ReplyDeleteI have a mental image of the two dogs sitting in a corner plotting how to get the good treats lol! Well done on the cupboard sort out. I dread to think how many out of date items I possess although I never worry unduly. Date stamps were never a thing in my youth....amazing how Ive lived so long. Hopefully you’ll have a bit if time off soon to enjoy boy time. B x
ReplyDeleteShame about the tea, that's the best bit!
ReplyDeleteThose dogs are clever, no doubt a conspiracy against unsuspecting dog owners that is passed on to dogs all around the UK. I hope work is a bit less stressful this week. The good thing about children growing up is that they need less mum entertainment. I understand your guilt, it is impossible not to feel it when work takes over. I sometimes wonder if dads also suffer from the inadequate parent syndrome or if it is just us women? Anyway, have a lovely week, cricket and all. I watched my first and only game of cricket in a park in Melbourne in 1997. It was the year when I was introduced to eccentric types of sports, like lawn bowls and cricket... xx
ReplyDeleteI have a theory that dogs train us. Nothing exciting happening here other than we are keeping our heads down.
ReplyDeleteI'm in no doubt you're being played! Borderline edibles sounds rather dodgy.
ReplyDeleteNo excitement here I'm happy to say, I'm all for a quiet life. Have a good week. xx
I'm quite sure the conspiracy theory has some credence. Dogs, especially Labradors, are ruled first by their bellies and even the smallest of delicious possibilities will result in great efforts of manipulation.:D
ReplyDeleteNothing exciting going on here...which is fine by me. It's too inhumanely hot anyway.
Sad about the lack of tea at cricket. Seems to be it would be one of the more alluring perks of the game. xo
Dogs 1...you 0 I’m afraid...but who really cares?! Cricket without tea...surely that’s not cricket :( Jackie...LittleWinterWays.blogspot.com x
ReplyDeleteMother's guilt is always high isn't it? Even in a pandemic you feel guilty about not being entertaining enough. I think you very well are being played by two very intelligent dogs. Just saying that makes me want to give them a treat. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI suspect dogs are more clever than we think! I went to the hairdresser last week; a strange experience with hand sanitiser, masks and visors. It was the hairdressers, but not as we know it!
ReplyDeleteHey CJ,
ReplyDeleteI've missed catching up with you through your blog - I've somehow fallen into a rabbit hole! Your post made me smile, ignoring the current situation, I'm happy to see you're plodding on and doing stuff.
I've recently sorted my food cupboards and can happily report I didn't have to throw very much out this time. I've put a future date in my diary to do this task every 3 months, so we'll see how that goes...
Right, I'll slide back down the rabbit hole now.
Thanks for dropping by my blog as ever. We have a brown dog but he has started to refuse treats for coming back, just looks at me and sulks! https://joeveryday19.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI think the dogs know exactly what they are doing. My Labrador knows the people who carry treats and sits obediently as soon as he spots them! I remember feeling guilty for not doing much with my boys during long holidays (without the excuse of COVID) but they were never bothered!
ReplyDeleteOh, I think the animals are probably smarter than we think. LOL I know my cat knows exactly how to wheedle an extra treat or two .......he lifts his paw to "shake hands". He has to sit and shake hands to get a treat....so if he lifts his paw again, you'll get him another cookie, right???? It ALWAYS works. LOL
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