So what could possibly top the Headington Shark? Well as it happens and as a birthday treat for Annette we did get the opportunity to take a trip down to Portsmouth and spend some time at the Standing with Giants installation at Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson. The venue changes regularly but it is well worth a visit if you get the chance.
Following the sit for Toto, we returned to Woodstock to see the renovated house belonging to the pet parents of Bob & Jambo; these are friends of ours who book us for around 6 weeks of the year. This means that we are lucky enough to enjoy the most spectacular of daily walks around Blenheim Palace grounds. We also had the best of times visiting the Xmas market at the palace most evenings when out with the boys.
Finishing Woodstock at the end of November we headed back to base for a well earned rest and the opportunity to catch up with family and some old friends. It was really nice to spend time catching up with what people were up to and how they were getting along. It was lovely to get the chance to take Uncle Ken out to the pub and to have a long overdue catch up with Abdus.
Plus we got to visit some old haunts in Manchester with Martin and his family. We had a good laugh with Daz and his dad and Annette had a lovely time meeting up with two special ladies Amanda and June. Anyone we did not get around to seeing this visit we will prioritise them when we are back next.
We are currently dog sitting in Nether Wallop, no we hadn’t heard of it either but the Wallops are quite a nice and relaxing part of Hampshire. Our charge for the week is Gem a sweet but rather large Labrador who we have to admit has one of the best recalls we have seen recently. This is essential with energetic dogs as they really do need running off lead which we will only do if their recall is exceptional.
Another two sits before the end of the year but 2025 has again been a whirlwind of dog sits, holidays and making new friends – long may it continue.
Nettie
A big THANK YOU Babes for taking me to see Standing with Giants, it was definitely worth the trip to see such a moving, poignant tribute.
It was lovely to see the boys settling in to their new home and an added bonus to see Blenheim all lit up for Christmas, it was really beautiful.
Catching up with family and friends was nice and I always come away with a smile whenever I meet up with Amanda and June – thank you ladies 👍
June Van Hecke
It is always special catching up with you Annette and hearing all your adventures.
See you in 2026 – in the meantime take care and keep on having fun.
Annette
I couldn’t agree more June, it is special and we always have a good laugh 😄
Look forward to seeing you in 2026. Hope you have a fabulous family Christmas 👍
Carlos
What a year you guys have had! I may be biased but I think our Ypres reunion was the pinnacle 😂
I’m back out to Ypres this coming Monday for a couple of days, looking forward to a cheeky escape before Christmas.
Stephen Howarth
Ypres was indeed a lovely trip out to see you!!
We are in your neck of the woods a week on Sunday(21st)/Monday(22nd) if you’re around.
Mum
It was really lovely to see you both.
Thanks for tackling the long list of jobs which was waiting for you, and still smiling.
You are still having quite an adventure and visiting so many places of interest.
Enjoy every day of it.
Stephen Howarth
We’re back in 3 weeks time so you can get working on the next list 😛
Ruth
Good to see you are still enjoying your adventures.
Have a lovely Christmas.
Lots of love Ruth and John xxx
Nettie
Thank you Auntie Ruth and Uncle John.
We hope you have a great Christmas.
Lots of love xx