One of the things we’ve always known but became much more apparent/pronounced while we were in Scilly was the fact that Rosie and Archie act out a ‘second life’ as bereavement counsellors to people who’ve lost dogs of their own and for whatever reason have not taken the plunge to get another dog.

While we’ve been away, we have had several people a day come up, some asking for permission and others just wading in, to get fuss and cuddles from our pooches. The conversation usually goes along the lines of ‘May I?’ ‘Sure!’ ‘oh my you are gorgeous aren’t you’ ……’yes, you’re lovely’ ‘what a lovely kiss’ (after one of Rosie’s finest – she’s never known to miss an opportunity for a bit of tonsil tickling). Then the sad bit ‘I lost my dog six weeks ago and you’ve no idea how much I miss this’. (Oh yes, I do – every idea, I still pine for Tobes as any regular here will know.)

The last ‘holiday bereavement counselling’ came in the form of an old lady of 87 on the ferry on the way home. She came over asked if we minded, then threw herself at Archie, ready for a big snog. He’s not really much of a snogger though, he’s much more of a passive love bunny. Rosie spotted her opportunity though and flew across to greet the lady, sloppy kisses and whispered confidences aplenty.

What a woman. She’s only a year younger than my own Nan, who’s much less physically able these days since her stroke but she’s no less razor sharp than this lady. Her hands were knobbly with arthritic joints and her eyes rheumy with cateracts and, she confided, almost total blindness. That’s what stops her from having another dog of her own. She just can’t see well enough to look after one properly. That didn’t stop her hungrily filling up on Archie and Rosie cuddles.

When she went off, we both agreed that it’s a great pleasure to give someone like that a bit of joy. Later, before we docked, she came back for seconds and Rosie duly obliged with a good tonsil tickle and snuffle.

Yes, the shot is testament to the fact that the snot and nasty stuff keeps coming for me – I’ve not ventured outside today other than to open the hens’ enclosure. Tomorrow we run out of supplies so will have to just snap out of the misery and go shopping but for tonight, it’s another night of lolling on the sofa eating comfort food and with Lemsip as a best friend. When there is absolutely no inspiration for anything more, a dog shot will do just fine for me…….and luckily today I had a story to go with it!

Last year, I was shooting beautiful shells.

Two more things - have just realised my camera has its clock set wrong - will address when I can work out how and the other is that I am back up to date!