Taken on our walk this morning. The paths are very muddy after the recent snow and rain!

He was upset that I was paying more attention to my camera than him. He's a shetland sheepdog.

When Millie asked my advice the other day on what to do when being chased by a bull, I replied that she ought to run away, as hard and as fast as she could……And to cross her paws for good luck….Because she was going to need it…..Well I never gave it another thought, thinking to myself that will never happen….until today….When I saw Millie being chased by a very angry looking bull with horns that looked as if they could do some real damage if put in the right place….Well one thing for sure, Millie took heed of my advise ….And even remembered to cross her paws…..Which brought her all the luck that she needed as I watched in amazement as the bull turn into Jazz……..Which left me thinking it is no wonder why I love having fun loving Shelties around on our walks…

We are only a stone’s throw from Silverstone race track from where we are here…..Which lays down the down valley behind us……As for anyone who thinks that Halo is carrying a worried look today…..Its just he feeling a bit down as he missing his seaside visits so far this year…..and although he loves his F1 motor racing…..It just not the same as walking along some Cornish beach with white surf waves crashing in, or Clift tops with views that sets the heart ponding and the camera clicking …Still…..Don’t fret to much about him…..For as you can see……Both Maysie- May and Jazz are determine to lift his spirits….And what with Millie on hand to prove that we can still take a photo of note in the Northamptonshire’s countryside….And I have to say in all truth, that it works for me….And we hope that it works for you too.. Even if Halo might be shocked to see his hair so sticking up.!!!!

Johnnie still hanging in through slings and arrows!

When it was suggested by Halo to turn off the TV and for us all to go out and see some views and to get some sea air into our lungs, I dug my heels and said that I was sitting comfortable and enjoying the TV thank you, and I for one, would give it a miss……Well as good idea as that was….. The CraZyGang was having none of it……As I was soon to find out when the TV was unplugged, and my outdoors shoes placed in front of me…….So here we all are……And to be honest… What with the view and the weather…..Things are not so bad after all…..Especially as Halo had sneaked a couple of cans of beer for me and Di to enjoy the view with….(and to think I was not allowed one whilst watching the TV)….And now I am just glad to be sharing and being here with you all ….

Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep and doesn`t know where to find them…..And what with the bad weather we have been having of late.….It’s a worrying time for the Mums..…What with the trials washed away making it treacherous to travel on …And to make matter worse…..Not a bit of shelter to be had for miles around…Not to mention the BIG bad wolf who has been seen in these parts of late with little Miss Red Riding Hood!!!!……So who are you goin to call for help…. Yes ….We are going to call in the experts…..And no silly…..We are not talking about the Ghost busters……We are talking about the Shetland Sheepdogs….Or more precise the Shelties, Halo & Jazz …..Well of course they soon had the lambs rounded up and back on the trial to be reunited with Mums….And as a mark of gratitude and unbeknown to Halo & Jazz…(And against all the odds) They lined up behind the two happy Shelties for this photo who both thought that this would never happen…..And I for one cannot wait to see Halo & Jazz faces when they get to see this photo

...on teh interwebz, of course.

The daylight might not be lasting so long as it did….And there might be a chill in the air that was not around so long ago……and no, you are not mistakenly in thinking that the leaves on the trees are no longer the vibrant green that they were, and are falling thick and fast, creating a golden carpet in the forest today, and giving us a fantastic photo opportunity for an autumn photo, if you are up for it …But you have to remember that due to the poor I light I need you all to be perfectly still to keep you all looking sharp, and don’t forget to spread out a bit, so that we get as much of the golden look behind you……Can you do that for me do you think.….Of course you can….Click….Well done Shelties

Finn the Sheltie has lovely bright eyes!

Don’t tell me why you all looking so happy for, because I am going to make a wild guess…Now let me think awhile…..Ummmm….Has it anything to do with that you are getting the first scent of Spring in the air……Ahhhhhh……I think that I am right. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thistle our blue merle Sheltie, long gone now but still in our hearts

At the risk of getting a Sheltie nose print or two on my camera lens….I have decided to get as close as I can, as I keep on telling myself it is worth the risk in order to find clues to the missing last sausage taker Jazz, Yes I am talking about the last jumbo sausage that lay cooling by our barbecue today, that I was sure to claim before Halo diverted my attention for what seemed a spite second…Yet it was enough time to seize the moment (Or in this case, Sausage) and for Jazz to do a disappearance act…..Yet I feel that I am getting close to finding her hideout, and that Millie Halo and Maysie all know where she is…..But none of them are giving anything away with the dead pan looks they are giving me….Yet you have to wonder if that is a lick of the lips that Halo is doing, as if they are all going to share the spoils later…..Ummmmm……But I am hoping that you dear reader will give the game away by helping me in revealing Jazz hideaway so I can reclaim the jumbo sausage !!!

Have you ever sat on a hillside overlooking a small beautiful cove that runs into a deep blue sea 🌊 behind us, having a conversation with four Shelties….If not, I suggest that you ought to try it sometime….As it can be quite a rewarding experience….Ok, I agree that it can be a job getting a word in edgeways’ sometimes….But I like to think that I can be a good listener when put my mind to it, especially when the conversation is about Maysie having trouble getting her directions to her food bowl ever since she had a stroke last October leaving her head on the tilt and her brain has not come to terms with that and likes to thinks that her head is perfectly upright. Making her feeding a bit problematic, but no big deal as she coupes well….But Millie has come up with a solution to the problem by suggesting buying a much bigger food bowl for her to target into……And guess what….She saw one in a boutique shop on our way up here….But because it has pictures of dogs around it sold from a boutique shop, the price is £18 sterling……As I start to buck at the price, Halo stops me right there, saying that Millie Jazz and himself would raid the CraZyGang treat fund and empty their pockets and do whatever it takes to raise the £18 needed to buy the big food bowl for Maysie, which for once left her speechless with gratitude…..And yes this this is a true story, and did I not say those conversations with Shelties can be a very rewarding experience…Sigh…Oh yes indeed they can….

Have you ever been able to just sit down with family or friends and tell the same old stories and corny jokes ......and they listen as patiently as ever and even laugh or smile at the end..... As if it is the first time they have ever heard the stories before.....Like the one where I was called out late one filthy wet night to a young lady who name I forget now....And despite the house being very large and standing in massive gardens.....it was a nightmare to find in the bad weather.....(No satnav in them days)....On pressing the intercom at gate the young lady answered and I was allowed entry......And drove up to the main entrance door......By now the weather had improved to a drizzle......A very pretty young lady came running to my vehicle and asked if I would continue to follow the dirt driveway round and into the wooded area I would find Stewart waiting for me to give me instructions as what is needing doing .....Stewart turned out to be a long hair fit looking young man ( I assume was the boy friend or husband of the pretty young lady) who talked with an American accent.....I introduced myself and he went on and told me that they had just moved up from a property in Cirencester........ To this place just outside of High Wycombe ......And in order to secure a load of their valuables until they had the house changed to their liking, they had had a number of very sturdy sheds erected.....And now he would like me to make them very secure......I told him, sure......But for what was involved, it was going to have to wait till daylight tomorrow.....To which he agreed, but said he would not be around himself.....And as for cost.....it is what it is!!!!!......But the work must be done asap.....We talked some more, and on our parting he gave me look that seemed to be saying that he was not use to strangers being so casual around him......Well the next day I duly arrived to start the work.....To find that the place was a hive of activity.....With people carrying things into the sheds to store whilst I was trying to fit secure locks to the doors leaving me to step away to allow room for them to enter.....Giving me time to look at what was going in.....A few platinum discs for record sales came by me plus lots of other memorability from the super group Police.....(Who were at the height of their popularity at that time) ...At first I thought the owner was a collector....And then the penny dropped.......As it slowly dawned on me that the guy who I had been talking too last night was none other than Stewart Copeland......And to think that I thought that I was the number one fan of the police.....And yet last night, I was standing as close to the group drummer as you are to your computer reading this.....Having a conversation ....And I had not recognised him.........And for sure.... I never got another chance again either... Which might be just as well....Because no way would I have been so casual & nonchalant the 2nd time around......And goodness me.......Is that the time......Once again I have talked to much, so let’s quickly hit the trail home before it starts to get dark.....But worry not....As I am sure we will have another story for all you tomorrow....Did i hear someone groan!!!!!.....oh I see....You want to know who the pretty girl was.....Well that turned out to be Trudy Styler who eventually went on and married Sting

As you can see with the stone work……The building renovation has been slow……But ever since the CraZyGang brought this tumble down stone cottage …The bills have slowly mounted…And the funds have fast gone downhill……..But we might not have a front door to open…..Or a window to look through..…Or come to think of it, a carpet to lay on …...We haven’t even got a roof for goodness sake…..Yet despite all of that….The mood in the gang is still on a high note, and showing no regrets…..Because the one thing we have got…. and the thing that sold the property to us.…Is that we do have a room with a view…...And that is about as good as it gets….and might help to explain as to why they are all smiles again today….

(In Explore 2022-07-23)

Agility Sheltie at the 2022 South African Pet Expo

Copyright © 2022 John McKeen. All Rights Reserved.

This image is an original work and may not be reproduced without the permission of the photographer/artist. It is not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without explicit written permission and may not be downloaded or altered in any way

I thought that my little secret was safe…After all, who could possibly find out about my little misadventure this early morning….It all started as I forgot to put my clocks forward to British summer time, making me late riser this morning…….…..Having gulped a cup of tea down, and picked up my guitar and raced to the garage……And slid down the side of the car in my tight garage having placed the guitar in a safe out of harms way place first……It was at that time my phone rang with someone asking where I was as I was late……Thus putting me under more pressure to make up time, as I struggled into the car and fired up the engine slammed it into reverse and reversed straight into my safe place…..And despite my revving engine You could plainly hear the strings pinging as they snapped as the guitar was crushed……I quickly gathered up the remains and put them in the boot of the car and rushed off to my meeting, in the secure knowledge that things could have been worse…For considering that all of the CraZyGang were still very much into British winter time and had no intentions of moving into British summer time this cold morning thank goodness, and would not have been awake to see or hear a thing…..Meaning…… I would not have to face any awkward happy questions about the demise of the guitar when I got home……Or so I had thought….For it would seem that Millie has a story to tell!!!!...And tell it she did…...But at least I can console myself in the knowledge that at least Maysie-May and Halo look suitably unhappy to think that they might never hear me play again !!!!!!!!! I mean just look that face of Halo to prove my point...!!!!!!

When the Sheltie design team was asked to come up with an alternative to the Boeing Dreamliner, they knew it was going to be a tall order…But felt that with the design team led Maysie May and Jazz….With a test pilot team headed up by Halo and Millie made all things possible…..And here they are proudly showing off the proto type….And yes. We agree that it lacks the stream lines of the Dreamliner…..But don’t let that put you off…..Because what it lacks in looks….it gains in versatility…..After all, we don’t see the Dreamliner taking off and landing in a field…..and using fertiliser as fuel….And that you could buy for a mere few thousand pounds…...I think not…..Now all this crew needs, is some customers……And let’s not forget about a word of praise to my contribution to the project by painting the yellow tips on the propeller, Which I am sure that you will agree that they are all the incentive that you need to be our 1st customer in buying a ticket on this Sheltie Dream K9 liner dear reader…..

Well Christmas is forever getting nearer….Which has led to dispute here, as to what we are going to put in our letter to Santa this year…..As it was felt that I was asking too much, and not leaving much room in the letter for anyone else to put in what they were asking for….and it does not end there, as we are doing a secret Santa…..Where as I was hoping to buy a group present for all of the CraZyGang and Di as one (as I seem to be a bit hard up at the moment), and I, to get a present from each and every one….Well it seem fair to me…..But because there are those among up who disagree with that….It has been decided to go for a vote in order to resolve the disagreement…..Which against the odds, considering I was doing the counting, went against me….But I have demanded a recount of votes and taken legal action to allow late postal votes to be counted…..So you see dear reader, it essential you get your vote posted, marked with a big X for me, and don’t worry….I feel really confident about the result of the recount…..Although I have to say that it is of concern on how relaxed and laid back Duffy the Bear Jazz Halo and Millie look about the recount ….It’s almost as they know that your vote will go for them….But that’s laughable….As that is never going to happen is it…No….But do you know what, I just cannot get rid of that nagging doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The game is down to the wire….And the stakes have never been so high…What with a resurgence of the beer fund due to the lock down…..And a treat fund that looks set to bust…The game was all set to be played in Vegas due to high level of public interest …. betting ….And glamour….But due to travel restrictions…..It had to be reschedule here in the UK …..And now after tense thrilling game…..It has all come down to this final hit…...All I have to do is hit the ball as hard and as far I can, and clear the defenders that are all geared up to catch the ball and stop my victory run…….And so far it has all gone well, as my timing hit is right on, leaving the crowd gasping as the ball races skyward at a rapid rate…Leaving me to think that this game is won….But as the ball reaches it highest trajectory and begins its rapid fall…..A fast moving blur against all the all of the olds has managed to get under the falling ball to claim what will be, a wonderous catch sending the crowd in rapturous applause…woof whistle ….and cheers ……And one thing that I was right in thinking that the game has indeed been won…..But unfortunately not by me … ~Sic~…..But by the Shelties all Stars

OK you two….I can see that you both are looking very happy with yourselves…..and I am guessing that might have something to do with our beach trip today…..But today I am telling you straight….If your ball goes into freezing cold sea today, you not be getting me to go in to get it like you did yesterday……And talking about yesterday the first thing that you have to do is find my guitar after you buried it to stop me playing it…….And yes Halo, Playing is exactly what I would call it …..Now then, now let me get this straight, you are telling me that on the vastly populated pebble beach, that you placed 3 pebbles very neatly on top of the place you buried it to mark the spot…….Oh great!!!!!!

my dog " Estra" - - ❤

I have a list of must haves for my photo project today.....So let’s see how it reads and see if we have ticked all the boxes shall we.....Seaside picture cliff location....Tick......Bright Sunny day......Tick......A ship at anchor and small lighthouse nearby....Tick.....A clear sign springtime about to happen.....Tick.......And that my friend is the end of the list......But I cannot help to think that i have a vital ingredient missing on my list.....And I keep on thinking about a six pack.....But do I really want to put my beer in the photo.....I don’t think so......I think that i will just take the photo and see how it turns out......But before I do...... Let me introduce you to the CraZyGang who in truth are at the top of my list....Tick......But decided to tease a bit.....Ok.....I can see you that you are all dying to line up for this photo....So let’s get you all in position shall we.....And we see how it turns out...And yes Maysie.....I am sure you will all get your own back on me in the very near future!!!!!!!

When Santa got in touch with Halo to ask him for his help and a plan in convincing people that there really is a Father Christmas, as he was at his wits end and at loss as to how to turn the tide of non believes into true believers ……Halo was only to please to oblige and quickly came up with a plan of action……The plan was simple enough…..All it needed was Santa Claus to use his magic and make himself smaller than a Sheltie Shetland Sheepdog and then have me taking a photo of them both together, and posting the photo on line…..So when he told me his plan and would I help, I replied of course I would…As I would love the chance of meeting the great man himself….And maybe ask for a couple more expensive presents to be left on the end of my bed on Christmas Eve (Like a new guitar)….But Halo warned not to even think of going there, …As I would likely end up with nothing at all……. and to concentrate on the job at hand…..So with that in mind…….I did as asked….And we hope that you like the result, and like Halo and myself, that you are now a true believer of Santa Claus too….

Copyright © All rights reserved Peter Vahlersvik! Please do not use this image on websites, blogs or any other media in any way without my explicit written permission

Yes I know it is nearly Christmas day Millie...(At long last)...But I wish you would not keep on collecting ways and strays on your travels.....And yes i do realise that it is the season of good will which means helping the needy.....And yes I do love your tree decorations .....Sigh.....But did you really have to give Snowman my favourite hat scarf and gloves......and then to bring him inside our heated house is not the smartest move that you have made........Oh I see.....You are going to take it in turns with Snowman and Snowflake the Reindeer to be on watch for Santa tonight from your vantage point of sleeping under the Christmas tree.....Well good luck with that my friend......But I think that you will all sleep through it......But that’s not to say that Father Christmas spirit will not be all around you and many-many-many others tonight .....So even if you don’t see him......You will certainly feel him close......and no Millie....I have not forgotten that you have a Sheltie Christmas message to all of our friends ...(Both Human and K9)......So take it away little girl, and please don’t go shy on me now ......

Woolf-Woolf......... Merry-Merry Christmas to you all and we hope that you too can feel that magical spirit of Christmas that is slowly taken hold to all that believe ...Enjoy.....Because I am sure that I will.......Much love from the CraZy Gang Halo-Maysie May-Midnight-Jazz and little me Millie xxxxx.......

Ummmmmm....Not such a bad speech for a little pup Millie......But you did seem to forget Di & I in that message ...But no worries ....as it gives me a chance to say that I was going to have a picture of the whole gang in the photo....But on seeing this picture....they all fell in love with it and insisted that this was the photo that they wanted for just you dear reader... .....And the feeling is we hope that you love it as much as they do.....Merry Christmas to you all....Love Di & Steve .