Brave Babes Battle Bus - Holding our heads up like thistles

[MaryMungoAndMidgies]

I bit the bullet - Come on in, excuse the faint whiff of dog!

The last thread

Well done summer for your restraint, interesting that you didn't actually enjoy the wine... I feel like that sometimes, almost as if I am forcing myself to drink it when actually I don't even really like it. That makes me sound like a right weirdo. Why would I do something if I didn't actually like it...?

sweet, poor doggy! I hope he heals very soon. Lala pup will be joining the cone of shame with him and wry's one soon as she is coming up to spaying age... They should start some sort of club!

elba, ouch, you have my sympathy, I am forever doing that on the corner of the kitchen cupboard, you get that split second of 'oh bloody hell, this is going to hurt', and then see stars for a bit... And congrats on the arrival of the babies! My oldest friends just had one, the sweetest little thing I have ever seen, literally could just look at her and coo for hours, and when I met her, she was wearing the little outfit I bought for her before she was born, hard to believe that my friends are parents (I've known them since primary school - they fancied each other all the way through school, got back in touch after uni, got married and now have her, quite the love story not jealous at all, much).

I never used to be so accident prone, but I blame the huge increase in partaking of sports that involve large and unpredictable animals and small ones that like to trip me up and wrap their leads around my ankles, sigh. Knee is a bit better today, but bruising has come up on my wrist along with a lovely scab, joy of joys.

Attempting day 1 here, but meeting a friend for lunch, so guessing it won't last long... Need.willpower.now.

Hope everyone else is ok.

sweet he is absolutely gorgeous! But definitely has a judgemental look in his eye...

Lala, it's probably worth looking at a soft collar for her - inflatable and more like an Elizabethan ruff - tres chic (in comparison!). My boy didn't pay his castration wound a blind bit of notice - and it was pretty impressive, but this is driving him mad - I'm also afraid his vocalising may drive our neigbours mad.

How was lunch? I would have loved a cold beer - obsessed about it for 20 mins or so - , but I have poured a fevertree ginger beer, lots of ice, and now I can't feel my lips!

Not been for lunch yet... Taking her out before, I was going to take her with but not sure she would survive Camden... Good idea about the soft collar, going to a dog show in Saturday (not to compete, obviously!) so will see what they have to offer. Also need to get her a better harness... Any suggestions???

SweetDog has a Mekuti Balance harness which keeps the worst or his pulling in check Mekuti
XtraDog was also recommended to me because once they are 18 months old, you can have them custom made as well as off the peg (it's on our Christmas list!). I'd certainly recommend two-point lead/harnesses.
Very jealous, Camden in the sunshine .

Well my friend has gone awol. Her phone is off. Guess she is stuck somewhere. So in the park in not so sunny Camden. Guess i will just go home. Traumatised the puppy for nothing. Feeling rather cross.

Other than that, she has had adoration from every corner. I now look like a mad hippy who thinks it is cool to hang out in Camden parks.

Can't believe I have been stood up by my 'friend'. Huh. Even cancelled my horse this evening. Going home in a strop. And it's fecking cold.

lala that's rubbish, but you never look weird with a dog at your side! Enjoy being there, focus on the good, step awY from the wine x

I know right? Little doglet kept my company, when she wasn't trying to kill pigeons. I am just really cross with my 'friend'. Dragged a dog all the way down the northern line and through Camden (which is a hell hole at the best of times).

Mr Lala is being far too understanding and telling me I will feel like a bitch if something has actually happened: argh.

Puppy is in her crate sleeping. Maybe I was more traumatised than she was.

Still no connection with the 'friend.', her phone has been off for hours... Should I be worried? We had a definite plan to meet at 3?

Other friend wants to go out tonight. But it's mr Lala's last night with me until Tuesday. Plus I am riding at 9.30 tomorrow, no way I can do that shit whilst hungover

I think doglet will have enjoyed the novelty, and I have to agree with MrLala, hold onto you grumps! You'll feel better for staying sober tonight, and getting back on that horse tomorrow!

I've reinstated SweetDog's crate because he's not allowed to jump, (yeah, pogo-ing is what Cockers do ), and he was back in there like a shot, it's their personal space.

Little fucker aka Lala pup has annoyed me no end this evening. She has bared teeth, growled at me an essentially behaved like a very small wolf: .she basically won't let me go, she is licking my face: help!! Mr Lala is coming over later but little Lala pup is outrageous. She has just laid down with her head on her paws...

She a shitzu? No one has ever dared tell her she's not a big dog, she loves you, but you are hers! And she's an over tired toddler that you wouldn't be without.

Well if anyone here wants to take her off my hands......! Yes she is a shih tzu. I love her to bits but she is doing my head in, currently stalking the kitchen for who knows what. She has been out for three hours worth of walks today...

Now she has buggered off into the back garden, where she will definitely be eaten by a fox.

Why did I decide to get a puppy??? Mr Lala has gone to buy me cigarettes.

We have a cat. Tonight he had been driven insane by the herbal teabags.. Perhaps they smell like catnip? Here is General Jones guarding the teabags....

DH loves shih tzus, we'll have her - but if she can take the kitten, the foxes won't stand a chance! Definitely sounds over tired/stimulated, SweetPup is 18 months and still gets like a stroppy toddler some days.

Ma, the General is trying to tell you how FRIKIN' AWESOME HEBAL TEA can be!

He really is a terribly distinguished looking cat

Lol. He's huge and a big softy. But when General Jericho Jones is doing the rounds, he does command the utmost respect!

Hey all,

Staying at a hotel (3 miles from home ) for the night for a friends birthday. She's gone to sleep drunk after having much less than me, I'm drinking on the balcony as per usual.

My amazing, lovely, cuddly big brother died six years ago tomorrow. I was so determined I would get on with things this year, I wasn't going to let myself get morbid or sad but try to remember him in a positive way. Friend im with never met him and doesn't know the date he died, although she knows about him.

But I feel so so fucking guilty for trying to have a nice evening tonight, like its a betrayal somehow. I can't put into words how much I miss him, I want him back so much. Everyone always found it hilarious that I'm barely 5 foot and brunette and he was nearly 6 foot, well built and blond...he spent most of his time picking me up and putting me somewhere I didn't want to be usually in a bin of some sort . I remember a couple of years ago a collegue described her ideal big brother (she was an only child I think) and she described mine perfectly and it was just so bittersweet. I'm so lucky to have had him but fucking hell I want him back.

Had a big binge last night, have drunk my way through today and have to try to be sensible tomorrow as have work on Saturday.

Sorry, wasn't going to post about this but I'm honest here and if I didn't acknowledge him it feels like I'm letting him down.

Elba I'm so sorry. It's so so hard losing someone that you love. Treasure your wonderful memories of him. I hope you are ok this morning, sending big hugs.

Morning all.

Elba being here, having a nice time isn't a betrayal, it's life. You have some lovely memories, what recepticle would he be putting you in this morning? More importantly, he'd be helping you out of it, I'm sure (as an only myself, I'd like to think that's what big brothers do). Look after yourself, lets have an AF day together.

How is everyone else this morning? Summer on the bus can be quiet because of families, holidays, sunshine, but the support never actually stops.

Thank you. Sweet we were staying by a harbour...he'd of been very tempted to try and send me for a little swim actually wouldn't put it past him

Back home and back in bed, don't really know what to do with myself. Have a card from my best friends parents who always remember the date, and some flowers from his best friend (he always remembers and sends me something on significant days which is lovely). No acknowledgement from any of our so called family but no surprise there. Trying not to wallow too much, but Im missing him like crazy. Keep letting myself have little fantasies where he's still here and married, and I've got little neices and nephews.

Meant to be going out for dinner later (different friends birthday) but dont want to go. I shouldn't be celebrating anything today.

Sorry, I know I'm being a bit self indulgent. I want to talk about him but it just seems to make people uncomfortable so I dont, then I feel bad for him that I'm not talking about him. Not sure if that makes sense. Probably massively outed myself too but never mind.

Anyway hope everyone else is ok.

Elba, if you're down South, then it's a lovely day for a dip, we could all chuck you in as honorary big sisters!!.

Seriously though, have you talked to your therapist about him? And of course, you can also tell us x.

elba hugs for you my love. Feel free to talk on here if you want. I didn't obviously know your brother, but I am sure he wouldn't want you to be wallowing in misery, he sounds like he was a great character and a wonderful big brother. Could you try and see it as a sort of celebration of his life, rather than his death? Sorry if that sounds a bit flippant. and for you.

sweet much as I moan about her, I do love the little twit really. We were sunbathing in the garden and she had got hold of an empty pack of dentastix and was desperate to try and find the 'invisible' ones that were definitely in there. She was most disappointed when her determined efforts were not rewarded.

ma loving the general. He looks most majestic. I would love a cat but sadly being within about ten feet of one gives me a most alarming allergic reaction, and reaching for the antihistamine like a hysterical Victorian woman crying out for her smelling salts...

Being lazy today. Felt hungover, clearly AF dat 1 did not go well. Mr Lala has sodded off home for the weekend, the selfish git, and the family have jetted off to sunshine, leaving me stuck with pup. Supposed to be going on a day out tomorrow up country but thinking about it is already making me anxious... Stupid eh? Beatiful day here so will go for a ride in a bit.

How is everyone else?

Lala, SweetDog also has all kinds of unspeakable names, but is practically deified by everyone in the house! He is sunbathing whilst I sit in the shade, I think he finds the sun on his wound comforting. I've been feeding him chunks of frozen pear, he's a very spoilt pouch! Worrying about heading out on one of the hottest days of the year isn't stupid - but then I live on route to some of the Souths main holiday spots, so I am a complete grump about driving anywhere in the summer!!

Aww bless him, frozen pear eh? I must purchase. Trying to out spoil Lala pup! Although she is a very fussy eater, normally ignores her own food and sits and looks sad and starving whenever human food is around. Gave her some omelette the other day, proper tested the heat of it on my lips before giving it to her so it wouldn't burn her little puppy mouth, what am I like? I have turned into the dog version of cat lady!

We would have to get the train there, no way I would risk the drive plus it's far quicker. But need to research the rules of taking her on a train... Not sure it's allowed. I can imagine that the roads in the south (or indeed any popular holiday spot) on sunny days are a nightmare. My Cornish friends are always complaining about the pesky grockles 'coming here, jamming up our roads, invading our beaches' etc etc yadayada