Joy overload mode.

While we've been away the grass has grown and the peonies have come out into full bloom. In fact we've been away so long they're just starting to pass their prime.

Bob is in fine form. He spends his day in what might poetically be described as joy overload mode. He runs, he dances, he shows his overbite. At the kennels he was so excited to see us he jumped up and biffed me on the nose hard enough to cause a nose bleed. This made our departure from the kennels even more theatrical than usual.

Sophie usually gives us the cold shoulder after a trip to the kennels. This time the delight at seeing us has made her forget to sulk.

Both dogs have gloriously silky coats. We take this as a good sign.

Tomorrow, if it's dry, they will get a bath, a trim and a grooming.

Whoever knew that American English does not differentiate between curb and kerb ? You can never get too old to learn something new.