I’ve been wanting a shot of Archie for my potd for weeks now because a certain ‘little madam’ called Rosie has been hogging the limelight somewhat and poor old Arch has been neglected (in photographic terms anyway). This is odd, because actually, he’s much more photogenic than Rosie because he’s better coloured and with her jet blackness, her eyes seem to disappear into her head in many pics. An additional bonus is the little bt of David in the corner!

Today, after a day of bitter cold and snow yesterday, we’ve had milder weather but rain, rain and more rain – there is about 1 ½ inches of the stuff in the dogs’ bowls, where they get fed outside. Oh and we've had wind too great gusts of it whistling down our newly lined and ready for Rayburn chimney!

After what seemed like an age of wet, I spotted a chink of sunshine in the sky so we togged up and went walking. This is Archie at Pearces engine house or what’s left of it and St Cleer in the background.

What’s funny is that last year, we had cold, snowy weather over Christmas then beautiful sunshine at New Year – this year looks like being a complete reversal of that.

It was so good to get up onto the moor and blow away some cobwebs. I needed it, DM needed it and the dogs certainly did. Now we have two pooped pooches and two happier peeps.

This time is strange for us – we’re just waiting to put the last bit of the grand plan in place – next week is D Day and until then we’re more-or-less stuck with nothing to do…..I know I said I needed rest and relaxation but I’m starting to want stimulation again now! I have a strong suspicion that by this time next week, I’ll be regretting saying that!

Two years ago, I was revelling in the coming of spring and last year, we were also a touch 'stir crazy' and please take good note of DMs lucky hat, which he WILL be wearing tomorrow afternoon to try to sprinkle a little luck on the Spurs in the big game against Newcastle aftera crushing blow of a defeat on Wednesday night.