In a lather

Archie has been licking his paws and scratching a lot this past week or so. And he’s smelling quite, well - doggy, even after a bath. I checked on Google last night, and it’s a yeast infection. I rang the vet this morning, who confirmed my diagnosis. The ‘doggy’ smell is yeast. He now has a special shampoo which he has to have on for at least ten minutes, longer if possible, which will make him smell nice again, and he has pills to take for a couple of weeks for the itchy armpits. He was too tired when he came home today with Elizabeth, so he’ll get lathered up good and proper tomorrow.

As soon as Elizabeth had taken the lad out this morning, we set off for Stockbridge - haven’t been since before lockdown. We had sort of thought of going to the market, which is now in a big field, but when we got there, there was a long queue to get in, or at least to give contact details etc at the gate. So we didn’t bother - best to come during the week.

There’s a whole new retail area that has sprung up, though it’s been in the pipeline for years. It was held up because one person owned the actual wall, or the ground where the wall stood, between the road and the field, which held up planning because he wouldn’t sell, so the developers couldn’t have access. We were sitting next to a local chap (who had a lovely dog we had been admiring) for a coffee and he told us all this. This enterprising chap lives in America, and comes to the UK every now and again to search land title deeds for such little gems, usually not costing much, but may be worth a lot in the future.

Stockbridge was a mess! They’re digging up right along the road, so we didn’t hang round long, but wandered along to a favourite wee off-the-beaten-track wine bar. And very nice it was too. We tried a cheeky little New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (Little Darling) and had a rather nice cheeseboard. The young staff were very knowledgable about the wine, too. AND - best of all - following Our Leader’s latest pronouncement, there is no piped MUZAK (so that people don’t have to lean in closer to be heard above the usual racket). Brilliant!

Last night we had an unwanted visitor peering in the window (Extra). Just as well Archie was snoozing - he’d’ve gone crazy!


Photo by Elizabeth