Eeek, I checked last night and there's a horrendous big bruise on Bertie's chest from being dragged through the fence. It's official -- I'm a bad mother.

On the brighter side his cut has almost completely healed up, vindicating my fresh-air-and-exercise theory, and he's full of beans and the joy of life. A very happy puppy. Apart from the big purple bruise on his chest.

I finally got a new answering machine today to replace the one that broke a couple of weeks ago. The old one was the cheapest I could find at the time, 1993 or so, it cost £30 at Ali's Cave. I got one today at the BT shop for £13. Currie's had a slightly cheaper one but the salesman patronised me, so kaching! No Sale. Poor salesmanship is one of my bugbears. The woman in BT was pleasant, knowledgeable and efficient -- plus she was a Kiwi!

Speaking of shopping, my order of Thunderpants arrived in the mail today. They Don't Go Up Your Bum! Brilliant concept! They don't either, and they are wonderfully comfy.

I got mainly plain pants, but some with patterns -- my favourites are the orange ones with rockets.