Busy, Busy, Busy!

Goodness me, what a busy couple of weeks it has been for the residents of McEllis Towers!

Knackered.....!

Last weekend Grandma Celia (Dad No. 2's Mum) came to stay. We haven't seen her for quite some time and what with our busy lives we thought we'd get her to London sooner rather than later before we all forget what the other looks like. With Grandma's arrival came treats, lots and lots and LOTS of treats....and not just for the dogs! Max and Millie received some toys and food treats and Yours Truly received what can only be described as a "Sweet Mountain"....I'm not complaining AT ALL, although one's waistline is a tad larger than it was before Mum's arrival!!!

Grandma reads Maximillian a story...

Alas, while Mum was here the weather was less than wonderful with constant mizzle, it was cold and damp so outdoor activities were limited. However, M&M and Grandma had some quality time with each other. We took the dogs to their favourite shop, Pets at Home (MORE treats!!!) and they went to Shannon's Garden Centre (OUR treat!).....a relaxed, quiet and lovely weekend was made even more enjoyable by the arrival of our friends, Mark & Paul for dinner on the Saturday evening.

Millie shows Grandma the "sights" of SE London!

Recently, it's been all about Millie, which makes a refreshing change from Maximillian "I'm So Needy" McEllis, to be honest! While my man was off work with his bad back I was walking both dogs and decided to try my hand at 'training', I use the word loosely. I *thought* I was doing quite well and that Millie's pulling had improved and she wasn't doing badly, considering her trainer! Step forward 'The Maestro'.....back on his feet and feeling much better, Mr Ellis took on the mantle of head trainer (which includes training me by the way!), and oh my, WHAT a difference in Millie from what I foolishly thought was progress. 

Millie is still on the lead, but much, MUCH improved

Amazing, absolutely amazing, the transformation in a matter of days that Dad No. 1 has achieved with her Ladyship through the use of rewards and positive reinforcement. I'm not the most patient or tolerant person in the world when things don't go as I would prefer (I'm sure you haven't noticed), so this is probably why Millie thought it best to just ignore me, which only made me worse quite frankly. However, my loss is her gain and she is now wonderful on the lead, truly marvellous.

Millie-Moo-Pudling-McEllis

Not only has Millie been receiving excellent training now that she is in the hands of an expert, she has also paid a couple of visits to the Vet. Millie (and now little Max) developed a sniffly, sneezy nose and so we thought it best to get them checked out before we go away to ensure it was nothing more serious than a doggy cold, which is indeed what it is. However, much concern was felt when our so-called Vet initially thought it might be necessary to give Millie a tracheotomy......(Are you absolutely sure you're a Vet?!?!?!?!?!). I am considering writing a letter of complaint and changing the Veterinary practice based on this one conversation that Dad No. 1 had with the 'Vet'.....a little alarming when you can plainly see that she is fine apart from a runny nose, we just wanted her checked out so as to be sure.....!

I don't feel well Dad...*atchoo*

The other reason for Millie's visits to the Vet is that she has finally been spayed. There will definitely be no Millie puppies, ever, which bizarrely makes me feel a little bit sad and disappointed. I think she would have produced rather beautiful little pups, however it's probably best when you consider her attitude and naughty personality - could you imagine "Mini Millies"?!?! On a serious note, it is a requirement of the re-homing process that all dogs are neutered to ensure no further strays or unwanted dogs are produced to then be rescued so our hands were tied on the subject of puppies anyway.

The Recovery Ward

Finally, we have had a birthday this week.....that of my Husband, Dad No. 1, Mr. John "Archibald" Ellis. The 26th of February saw the Old Git reach another birthday. He decided that his birthday should be Mexican themed in honour of our impending trip and so, armed with a handful of cook books and a few ideas in my head, I decided to cook dinner and invited the Ellis Boys over, along with the wonderful Emma, Henry's Laydee, innit so that they could spend the evening with their Dad. OMG, what a night!!!! They drunk us out of house and home.....(I cannot imagine where they get that from) and I am pretty sure that Mr. Ellis Senior awoke with a small hang-over this morning.

The Birthday Boy in full flow!

I decided I wouldn't make a starter, instead going for home made pop corn sprinkled with salt and chilli powder. There was a moment of concern when the popping corn lifted the lid off the pan and began popping all over the kitchen and in the bowl, but you live and learn (and squeal like a big girl). Main course was chicken molé, with plain white rice, a green avocado salad and warm flat breads which was much, much better than I thought it was going to be, although there was another panic prior to the cooking when I realised that I had to boil the whole chicken and didn't have a pan big enough (Note to self: read the bloody recipe first you numpty!). 

Holy Molé!

I had prepared Cointreau infused Creme Brulees for dessert earlier in the day, having made them countless times before, however they weren't particularly lovely and mostly discarded due to their 'less than creamy' texture. The evening itself was brimming with much laughter, love and buckets of booze. The Birthday Boy made Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises (yum!) which were consumed before, during and after we sank a few bottles of Champagne. It was a wonderful, wonderful evening with Emma and the Boys.......

My Ellis Men *contented sigh*

That brings us to the end of another instalment I'm afraid as I'm now off to start sorting out holiday clothes (YIPPEE!), do the ironing (my Husband has yet to learn how to use one) and collapse with a cup of tea in front of the TV with a sniffly Max & Millie. I doubt there will be a 'dog blog' update until we return, however Maximillian and Millie are being ably attended to by the lovely Angela (I hope the poor woman is prepared for them!)....more to follow in a couple of weeks...

Adiós a mis amigos