We held a small but nonetheless important lunch party today. My fabulous friend Maree and Peter, her lovely other half came over for food, a little (a very little) wine and lots and lots of conversation. It’s the first time they have been here and it’s always a challenge when new faces arrive because of JD's spooks. Once again, he passed with flying colours. He met them on the path and gave a lovely, generous doggy welcome, not dissimilar to the one given by Lola. I have said before that I think his rehabilitation is complete and this is further evidence to support that assertion.

Maree and Peter are clearly dog lovers and both joined in enthusiastically with stick games. of course the dogs completely loved the attention and needed no encouragement! The dogs were willing and able to confirm our own opinions that the two of them are lovely, generous, warm-hearted souls.

I’m more than a little ashamed at how long it is since we last saw them – our last meeting was in November last year and I’d intended today to happen in January – February at the latest and here we are in late April and it’s only happened today. I’m going to get myself more organised. Mind you, our friendship with Maree and Peter isn’t the only one where I find myself saying the same thing. NOTE TO SELF: get your finger out and invite Colin down!