sausage dogs

goodbye old friend.

It hasn't been a good couple of weeks for us. Two nights ago we had to let this guy go. 

Masaki was 14, and suddenly slowed down very quickly and lost interest in food. We found out he had cancer in a very bad way. Only hours later it was apparent that the kindest thing to do was have him put down. Poor Tim took him in the middle of the night, and we buried him yesterday.

There is something so heartbreaking about losing a pet. Masaki drove me completely crazy at times - he loved to bark his ear-splitting yelpy bark, and more recently decided our raised veggie patch was the best place to do his toilette. But he had such personality, with his mopey Eeyore expression. He was funny and gentle and loving. He put up with Gus' constant kisses and hugs and attempts to wrestle. He's been Tim's faithful companion for 14 years. 

The house feels empty without the familiar black blob on the mat in the corner, and less like home.

dog + daylesford.

In our effort to live it up whilst we can, we spent this weekend in Daylesford, just Tim and I and our trusty companion Masaki. We stayed in the dog-friendly "stoney cottage" at Hollow Log Estate, winner of the 5 Paw Dog Friendly Accommodation Award! It was just outside town, and very cute and cozy (and didn't smell like dog either). Masaki had a fabulous time - there were dog treats, dams, paddocks and a wide variety of colognes* to rub into his fur. 

Tim and I had a good time too (between walking Masaki and being woken by him wanting to explore at 6am both mornings). Daylesford is mainly day-spas, lovey dovey couples and twee shops, but we just enjoyed sitting infront of the fire and going for walks in the paddocks and bush.

We did however cover the best bits: shopping at Lark, a sensational unbelievably delicious dinner at Perfect Drop, browsing the Mill Markets, and great breakfast but no beer at Breakfast and Beer.

The fun promptly ended for Masaki when we got home:

* wombat poo

masaki vs kong.

I bought Masaki a kong, not sure if he'd get into it. He did. He tried and tried, then gave up.

Kong - 1  Masaki - 0

Labour day weekend.

 

Beach, pals, pooches and pizza. Excellent.

we're back.

Actually we've been back for a couple of weeks now, but I was too affected by the pain of returning to work to post. Hope you had a relaxing Christmas and New Year's.

It's going to be difficult to top last year with its 3 months of travel, but here are some goals for 2011:

• go horse riding, potentially an overnight ride
• give blood (but I'm frightened!)
• eat less meat (an ongoing task)
• throw less food out
• hopefully visit Tim's dad in East Timor whilst he's volunteering there this year
• try to get out of Melbourne more on the weekends
• ...one of these destinations should be Dunkeld, where we can have an amazing dinner at the Royal Mail Hotel
• find a new place to live

Happy new year!

weekend.

A wintry Melbourne weekend spent mostly indoors. Whilst Tim was at the snow, I partook in mostly 1950s housewife activities - lots of craft and sewing (mainly on a top secret project for some very good friends), yet another brunch at Birdman Eating with mum and dad (yes bacon, french toast, syrup and ice cream do go together), washing a very unhappy Masaki, and cooking nice food.

 

This guy is pretty cute in his winter jacket.