Charley

Great day outdoors in fantastic sunshine. Started off with a nice walk up Billa Barra with the boys. Poor old Alf was sick last night but the walk really seemed to cheer him up. He loves it up there. Love the way Charley blends in with all the autumnal colours.

Had customers dogs to walk too so dropped mike there and took the kids to the pet shop to get a few more toys to keep Nell out of mischief. They loved choosing them (I had to sneak a few things back onto the shelves when they weren't looking) and enjoyed looking at the fish tanks.

Had a great ride this arvo round Beacon with Cara and Osh. Megan joined us on her new-ish horse, Merlin. Was first time she's been up there and first time she's been so fast on him. Big grins all round.

Went to meet a new customer after that. The business is really picking up now. Feels like we've survived a really rough year but our reputation had seen us through. Still gets to me when I see ex staff walking our ex-customers dogs but also noteworthy they don't seem to have been able to secure much new business of their own.

Evening in front of the fire with three pups at my feet. Alf still looking a bit sorry for himself but ate his tea.