Success!

We had a wonderful time. We got upgraded in our room, as the first one was away up in top floor and was freezing cold. But we moved to luxury! The biggest bathroom ever, with a shower like the Niagra Falls. And a complimentary whisky (which I didn't notice till we came back and already had quite enough wine...)

The meal was superb. Starting with little canapés in the lounge and moving on through amuse bouche, entree, main, dessert, coffee and mince pies back in the lounge. All served beautifully. I always imagine I'm a Masterchef judge and examine the meal carefully when it arrives. And of course, it cannot pass without a comment about the muzak... which was acceptably low, and was mainly Christmassy songs. Except every now and then there would be an occasional 'Rock Around the Clock' to spoil the quiet ambience.

Breakfast pancakes were just the last straw final treat! (With subdued piano muzak). We have eaten soooo much! (Don't mention the wine...)

Today we had one of our favourite drives through the snowy Border Country and collected Archie about 1:30 as arranged...

And yes! He had been everso good. They loved him. Alfie and he got on well. The cat eyed him from the top of the stairs, but Archie didn't notice, and didn't try to go up the stairs. The kids loved him. He poo-ed and peed in the right places. He slept all night and didn't bark.

But he did steal socks...

And try to kill the broom...

So next time - and there will be a next time - he'll know them and feel more at home. We're already thinking of a two-nighter in January...

I think he spent a lot of time sitting at the back door, waiting. I tried to get a photo of Alfie and Archie together. Impossible. So this is the entry to the hotel to remind us.

We've been for a walk, and he's sleeping on my foot. Glad to be home, I think.