On The Island

We were up early to “walk” Ellie before it became too hot. That was a bit of a shame as she was still asleep!  She was a little nervous getting in the trolley again but calmed down as we went along. It really is a lovely walk in the nature reserve.

We didn’t go very far, lifted her out for a drink and a wee and then back again!

Late afternoon we drove to the Pilot Inn in Dungeness , THE best fish and chips. We were too late for any of their specials but they had skate on the menu, which I love. The waitress laughed when she saw the shock on my face at the size of my portion. In fact it was two skate wings!!

Mal had haddock!

That was huge as well, these pictures do not quite show the enormity of the fish!

It was nice at the time we went (about 3.00pm) as unusually it was quite empty and so plenty of space for Ellie to spread out on the floor. One side of the restaurant is reserved for dogs and owners ONLY.  I have to say even then I can understand why some people don’t like dogs in restaurants as two little dogs continually barked at anyone who went near.  Annoying. If you can’t control your dog, don’t bring them!

 

We decided to get the festival trolley out and take Ellie for a walk before it became too hot. After a little trepidation, she became used to it. We walked quite a way along the harbour, stopped at a seat, let her have a sniff around and then she stood next to the trolley ready to go back in, so that went quite well.

More tennis in the afternoon.

We were on the verge of going home. Mal had a phone call with reception to ask to be moved . They insisted they were fully booked.   This is the worst positioned lodge we have ever had.  They are usually looking at forestry or over a lake or something picturesque! We’ll persevere but this is not the “Holiday” it should have been.  C”est la vie or my life at least!

Time to spare and as I still have to proof read “the book”, I started that. It is the story from our beginnings of On the Island. Part of me is surprised at the hoops we had to jump through and another part of me sad because Peter and Gwen were our very good friends. Sadly Peter passed while we were in Cyprus and Gwen changed beyond belief. From my even taking her to identify Peter’s body and all the bureaucracy that went along with it to preferring a new set of “friends”, so that is what money does to you. I find that so sad.

Mal decided he would cook a chicken and the oven wouldn’t work! We called reception and the gas engineer came within 10 minutes and sorted it out, an air blockage!

Later we watched Alcaraz knock Norrie out of Wimbledon!

We headed off  for Rye Harbour where we had booked a lodge and have been waiting to see if it was still possible with Ellie the way she is. We decided a bit of a change of scene would do her good, plus Mal wouldn’t have to carry her up and down stairs.

On the way we stopped for lunch at The Ship Hotel in New Romney. The staff are so lovely and the moment you sit down at the table they bring a water bowl for Ellie. They have their own car park, so not far for Ellie to walk. They also do a good lunch 3 courses for £17.50 which meant that would do us for the day.  As usual Ellie just lay down under the table.

It was a really nice lodge.

It wasn’t until later we realised the traffic and people walking past all the time was a major problem as Ellie wouldn’t relax which she is supposed to be doing. In fact a man with a dog that kept barking at her walked past FOUR times!  All other lodges we have  been to have been facing countryside. This one is like  being on a busy road, right next to the entrance. Nightmare.

Rain and I think it woke Ellie up at 6 as I had the windows open, so Mal had to carry her downstairs. On the whole she is very calm and taking it all in her stride. Not long to go now until the op.

Mal went to the allotment in between showers and also cleaned the car. We went to the car wash yesterday but they had closed it for the day!

In the afternoon torrential rain and a storm and roads in Sandwich were flooded. We were thinking about going to the Folk and Ale that is on this weekend but I really don’t think they will be dancing in the streets today!

Instead I watched Wimbledon  and Norrie, the last Brit male standing! Next Alcaraz…that’s a lot of hours watching tennis. Looks as though they will be playing each other in the next round.

Mal took Marlene out for her early morning walk, poor Ellie wondering why she couldn’t go as well!

Ellie’s surgery is booked for Monday 14th July. The ortho surgeon Andrei  looks sufficiently qualified!!

Lou and Rhys came to collect Marlene at lunchtime and then took us out for lunch along with Josie and our submariner Oscar.  He returns to Plymouth tomorrow.  We left Ellie at home for a short while so she could get some much needed rest.

We had a nice meal and back home, Ellie seemed quite rested.

I then watched Sinner’s match.

Lou and Rhys’s Crystal wedding anniversary (15) and also Oscar’s passing out ceremony from the Navy! An exciting day. So proud of Oscar.

The night worked well with the two dogs and Mal was up at 5, carrying Ellie downstairs and walking Marlene.

Ellie does love her orangutan.

An exciting day for Oscar as he passes out of the Navy!

And the inspection!

Oscar is second from right. We watched the whole thing on the TV live from youtube.

Marlene seems very settled.

In the evening we watched Norrie’s match, a good one. Our last Brit man standing!