Update on Gunner's calendar....

Gundog Calendar 2016 cover page

Well.... here we are, nearly at the end of the year and I've now done the final 'totting up' for Gunner's Calendar.
I am really honoured and touched that so many people wanted to buy copies. I have just two left, which means that my estimate of 150 sales was spot-on. Nearly all the calendars have gone to people who knew Gunner via fb and twitter. That is great because we can keep in touch and, as each month goes by, I will give a little background to, and explanation of, the photos I selected for that month. The BestestGundog may be gone but he will not be forgotten. 
The other objective for producing the calendar was, of course, to spread awareness of canine cancer and to raise money for further research. Hiopefully, at some future date dog owners will have more targeted help and information to deal with this devastating condition. It is the biggest single cause of death to our canine friends. I didn't know that before it took Gunner. I'm certain I'm not alone in ignorance. After deducting all costs of production I am able, thanks to your generosity, to donate well over £300 to ACT. I thank Gunner for that achievement, tho I do so wish he had not been the reason for it. xx 
Thank you all and I wish you a very Happy Christmas xxxx

Happy 1st HalfYear birthday gorgeous grandson

 

The latest addition to #TeamGunner turned 6mths of age today.The time has flown by and Skipper has changed from an awkward little pup into quite a handsome young dog. He is a lot like his dad Jaunty but there are many instances where grandad Gunner's genes shine through - not least his ability to concentrate and listen. Fingers crsssed these traits remain and develop through the next 6 months. 

Although Skipper had a short assessment from 'Him the trainer' a couple of months ago, we are off for our first real session tomorrow. He's already comfortable with the whistle instructions for 'sit', 'turn' and 'come here' and will happily hunt for or retrieve tennis balls and small dummies. He's also able to 'sit & stay' for several minutes whilst I am in sight and is growing more confident with staying put when I disappear from view. Uniquely amongst all the dogs we've had up till now he also understands  to 'lie down', something we learned together at puppy class.

It will be very interesting to see how we get on tomorrow. Up till now everything has been learned through play and I'm hoping we'll be able to continue in that way ....

That's it then

Sunrise after the storm...

Desmond, the fourth in the first season in which the met office are naming storms, wrought havoc across much of the Scottish lowlands and northern England, dumping some 11+ inches of rain on parts of Cumbria alone, during the 4th & 5th December. We were fortunate; we escaped the downpours.

A tumultous dawn....

Nonetheless, the day of our Last Ever Market -   Sunday 6th -  dawned dramatically over the Wolds, a fierce wind bending the trees and making the leaves dance across the fields. "Going to be a challenging day" I grinned to myself as I opened up the poultry palace. The chickens were not keen to come out. I didn't blame them. I couldn't help feeling I was going to get more than ruffled feathers if the wind didn't ease off a bit.
Fittingly, our Last Market outing was to the local town where we'd started out several years ago. It's not the busiest place in all the world so I didn't expect to sell out, but it's always more rewarding to come home with a 'decent' return. Over the years we've been to all manner of 'markets' in every type of weather - the combination of wind and rain is undoubtedly the worst - if everything doesn't blow off the stall, there's a fair chance that most of it will get wet. Added to which, browsing around markets is a popular hobby but one which only thrives in fine weather. As soon as the rain comes the people go!!!
Our luck held out; we were located in a sheltered street and after a smattering of dramatic gusts in the first hour the wind died down completely and the day became quite busy - familiar faces and friends not seen in a while made the time go quickly. Then it rained. And that was it really. Two or more hours of nothing much happening apart from the 'entertainment' and people promenading..... Totting up the takings over a bottle of champagne later my suspiciouns were confirmed. We'd done OK, no great shakes but no disgrace either.

Christmas Market stall 6.12.15

So - that was it. Our last market. Ever. Let's list the things I shall miss: Fine days in interesting places; being invited to attend things like the Queen's Golden Jubilee Garden Party 'Market'; talking to entertaining customers; the camaraderie of other stall holders; selling out; coming home to a well earned drink after a hard day at market; being told our pies/sausages/pate/black pudding/etc are "the best".
And the things I shall not miss: Getting up before dawn on a cold winter's day to travel to market - and not being able to feel my feet after an hour or two; leaving the animals for the day(s), being told "I can get it at half the price in Tesco (insert any other supermarket)",  missing more pleasurable events because of  markets...
More pluses than minuses....
Oh Well.... we've still a few pigs left so our options are open......
But this was Our Last Market Ever........................ honestly.............
Our Bespoke Provisions Service will still be available to customers ensuring you are not without your delicious Curly Coat products over Christmas and through to Easter  2016.