2 years later........

 2021 was a crap year.  

With Covid still hanging still over our heads, the year started off OK and then went downhill rapidly - much like this blog. But two years later, I've decided to start again.  And while this platform no longer suits, it will do until I finish setting a new one up. 

2021, the signs were all there, but I refused to see that my marriage was well and truly over. I think it took losing my baby girl Lola, who crossed the rainbow bridge on 12 March to join Lucas, to finally hit rock bottom and see the reality.  Even then, the rose coloured glasses only came off when the whole sordid truth finally came out. Red flags never turn green. 

So I was free.  Yes, there were tears, pain, anger, resentment, grief and alcohol. Way too much alcohol to numb the pain and forget.  

Christmas, Coos & Critters. Lotus, Lilies, Lavender & Llamas

After lockdown, did we dare to think about a few days away?  Regional Victoria was once again open for business and judging by traffic out of the city those first couple of weekends, every Melbournian and their dog hit the road.

With a few days off at Christmas, and no plans, we thought the Gippsland coast would be lovely.  An area affected by the bush fires, so we’d be helping the local economy.  Obviously, everybody else had the same idea. OK, we weren’t fussed, a few days anywhere would be nice.  Our criteria were up to 4 hours away, dog friendly and not costing an arm and a leg, so with limited options we went with a cottage on a large property in Hoddles Creek.

To be honest, we had no idea where Hoddles Creek was, but a quick check and our holiday destination was just 75 km away in the Yarra Ranges, surrounded by the Kurth Kiln Regional Park.  Not quiet as exotic as the Maldives or even Portsea if we were looking closer to home, but a holiday is a holiday.

Christmas morning, we packed up the Christmas Eve dinner leftovers and a few other essentials, bubbles, beer and doggy treats and off we went.  Through the lovely towns of Cockatoo and Gembrook in the Dandenong’s and then of course the obligatory getting a bit lost.  Never trust a GPS or your navigator on winding, gravel roads. 

Settlers Ridge. Owned by the lovely Marie and Dieter, is a 100-acre property overlooking Mount Donna Buang and the Yarra Ranges.  They’ve lived there over 35 years, first in a caravan, next in the cottage we stayed in and then in the larger house they live in now.  They have an underground fire shelter.  It’s pretty cool.

Happy 15 Birthday Lola

Hard to believe that our little fur-baby Lola is 15 today.  Seems like only yesterday that she joined our family weighing in at under 1kg.  She might be getting older and slower, but she still brings us joy everyday 🐾🐾

With her hearing and eyesight going, she's become a bit grumpier (haven't we all) with other doggies we meet when out and about.  Luckily most dogs seem to realise that she is a senior lady and just give her some space.  Still on her allergy shots, cushings medication and her arthritis isn't going anywhere, but that doesn't stop her from enjoying going out or 2 or 3 little walks a day.  And on longer walks, well the pram has come in handy. 

Nothing wrong with her sense of smell and appetite though. I think she would have had a red hot go at eating the whole chicken if we'd let her.  

So happy birthday Lola the Explorer - your exploring days might have changed, but you're still our gorgeous little girl 💟💖💗

1 year ago today......

Cactus Country

After 5 days of very hot weather up in Kyabram or Ky as the locals call it, which raises an interesting question of the pronunciation of Kyabram and Kyneton – but that’s a whole other story, 31 December 2019 had cooler weather forecasted so we made the most of it.  We finished the year/decade with a long overdue visit to Cactus Country in Strathmerton (approximately 3 hours north of Melbourne, near Cobram).

What an awesome place!  If you love cactus and succulents, then this is the place for you.  They have over 4,000 species from around the globe spread over 12 acres.  Easy to follow coloured trails (borrow a folder containing maps and descriptions of the different varieties and where they are from) allow you to wander around marvelling at the range and size of their collection – with plans to continue expanding!

Many of the cactus were still in flower, although if you want to see them in full bloom, October/November is probably the best time of the year.  They are open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.

Owner Jim Hall has done a brilliant job of bringing a little bit of Mexico to Victoria and he was more than happy to chat and share his passion for all things prickly.  As well as the gorgeous gardens, they have a café, bar and restaurant on site and lots of cute little nooks and crannies that make for some fabulous Instagram moments (if you’re into that sort of thing).  Not surprising that they hold weddings and functions here, it makes for a great back drop. We tried the Cactus Cake and that was delish – super moist, but a bit early for Margaritas (never too early?).

Many know my love of skulls, so I loved the Mexican graveyard with its Day of the Dead theme – wore a skull t-shirt for the occasion.  They host a Day of the Dead fiesta which looks like lots of fun, must return for that!  Sunset and night-time tours are also available – check the website for details.

They also have an area for plant sales on site where you can add to your own collection. Some of the unusual Elephant’s foot, (Dioscorea elephantipes), available.  Resembling an elephant’s foot or a tortoise shell they belong to the yam family and are native to semi-arid areas in southern Africa. They are not cheap, but they do make an interesting talking point.

All in all, well worth the visit.  Oh and dogs are welcome, so even Lola got to enjoy being part of the day and meeting Oreo the local doggy on-site.  Just watch where they walk and pee – cactus spikes can hurt!

Gorgeous Colour

Love the graveyard for a bit of fun!

Lola enjoying her day out exploring

The unusual Elephant's Foot - at $450 for this one, not cheap!

Happy 14th Birthday Lola!

On this day back in 2006, our beloved fur-baby Lola was born.  14 years old today.  She might not be as active and arthritis, Cushings, near deafness and her itches might have slowed her down, but she brings joy every day and we love her dearly.

Lola came into our lives in April 2006 weighing in at a mighty 900g.  A tiny little ball of fluff, we had to put a bell on her to stop us stepping on her.  Sad to say that she was a pet-shop puppy – bought before we knew better, on the spur of the moment.  We’d gone to Kmart to buy welly boots and there she was.  Well not in Kmart, but next door. We had been looking for a new Cocker Spaniel to join our family and had just missed out on a nine-month-old.  Emi saw her, picked her up and that was it – all over red rover. Love at first sight. 

Our dearly missed bubba Lucas (just re-read this, so now have tears streaming down my face) wasn’t overly impressed at his new baby sis (maybe because she wasn’t a Cocker), but they eventually became friends and shared many happy adventures together.  Since losing Lucas, Lola has become the queen of her domain, defender of the home and remains the happy little (OK maybe not so little – she’s now a porky 10kg) fur-baby she has always been.

So on this day of her 14^th Birthday, we celebrate and hope that she is with us for many more to come. A few of Lola's adventures (like me, even she has slacked off on the writing):

Lola the Explorer goes to Lake Eildon
Left behind
Christmas in Ballarat - Part Two
Back to Baconsville
Lola and the mystery of the black truffle
It's all about me - a special guest post
Lola goes to the beauty parlour
Tail on the Road

Lola and Lucas

Always had my dad wrapped around my paw

A bit of yoga

Today is also “Reyes” or the Three Kings Day (something to do with Epiphany). Celebrated in Spain (and elsewhere) it’s the day the 3 wise men arrived bearing gifts.  Gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. Weird gifts for a bub, but I guess they were different times.  In Spain today it’s celebrated with a parade, sweets, presents and Rosca de Reyes (Ring of the Kings) a sweet bread.  Nothing like extending Christmas holidays and more eating.

Lola the Explorer and her allergies

Lola the Explorer has always been an "itchy dog" and over the years we have tried many things. From special (read expensive) shampoos, special diets, portions, lotions and creams and of course medication from the vet. Her allergies continue and although we laugh at her famous belly scratching and spinning around on her butt, it can't be comfortable for the poor thing.

Most helpful is Prednisone, prescribed by the vet. However, being a strong steroid, we don't like her taking it all the time so only give them to her when her allergies are particularly bad. They do help, but she's always starving (nothing thin about Lola) and giving us the "feed me" look.

Allergies were particularly bad on our recent trip up to Metung and Merimbula. And of course we didn't have any Prednisone with us. So spotting a vet in Lakes Entrance, we decided to stop and say hello and see if they could give us a few tablets.

An old fashioned country vet they agreed to provide them. The only hesitation - what to charge. 14 tablets, "oh just give us $5." Was tempted to see if we could have 200! The cheapest trip to the vet EVER!

Not only that, but we were having a chat about using human antihistamines between courses of the Prednisone which they were very much in favour of. So they also provided us with a sheet showing which to use and the recommended dosages:

   

Piriactin	4mg tabs	Give ½ tablet 3 times daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Phenergan	10mg tabs	Give ½ tablet 3 times daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Polaramine	2mg tabs	Give ½ tablet twice daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Claratine	10mg tabs	Give 1/4 tablet twice daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Teldane	10mg tabs	Give ½ tablet twice daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Zyrtec	10mg tabs	Give ½ tablet twice daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Zadine	1mg tabs	Give ½ tablet once daily	Per 5kg of body weight
Telfast	180mg tabs	Give 1/4 tablet twice daily	Per 10kg of body weight

We've had some success with antihistamines, although we were just dosing Lola once a day. It's suggested using one brand for at least 10 days and then trying a second. Antihistamines have very little side effects, but don't always work in all cases. So we're going to try and switch things up a little. I did find a few articles talking about this to compare. Like these ones:

Dog Walkers Melbourne

Fairfield Road Veterinary Hospital

After my bit of reading, we're also going to give sardines a go. Over the years we've tried Fish Oil tablets and various different forms of Omega 3, but apparently 1 small sardine a day, can help keep the itches away!

I scratch on sand......

I scratch on grass!

Lola the Explorer goes to Lake Eildon

I love mini-breaks.  We went to a place called Frogsong and there were 2 other doggy's there.  Now I'm not really a doggy dog (other dogs can't scratch my belly and they try and sniff my butt all the time), but they were both OK.  Lots of good smells (no frogs, but plenty of rabbits and kangaroo poo) and I wandered around exploring.  Our cottage was nice.  I visited the other cottages - just to check out what they were like.  So what else did I do:

• Went down to the big lake. 
• We visited a big campground and there were people living in canvas houses and lots of other dogs around, so I peed on one tent - kinda like "Lola was here". 
• I got to drive the new car - good thing too, cos I think we were lost!
• Had a shower because I had poo stuck to my butt and dragged it on the floor - oops
• Checked out the depth of the mud when the car got stuck (not my fault)
• Ate chicken, sausages and bacon - excellent! I even shared my treats and sausages with Dio.

That's it from me (my mum has it covered). Back to the couch for a snooze.

Love and Licks Lola
xxxxxxxxxxxx

This was my neighbour - she was super friendly

Just call me Alonso

Confession time - I peed on the tent

A trip to Lake Eildon

Labour Day long weekend and we decided to make use of the accommodation I'd booked last year when we were supposed to go to Eildon for a fishing comp and somehow booked a place that was the other side of Lake Eildon and 100km away.  Who knew that Lake Eildon was so big?

Off we went, relegated to the back seat with Lola so I could prop the ankle up.  Stopped in Mansfield for lunch and wow what a busy place.  Lots of cowboys around due to a local rodeo.  Short stroll, but managed a visit to Country Target. 

Frogsong Cottages in Mountain Bay are around 20km from Mansfield.  Found the place OK and the place was cute, although only a ceiling fan so a bit warm.  There are four units and our neighbours had a lovely dog named Dio so Lola had company.  Drive around and a couple of stops along Lake Eildon in Gough's Bay.  Another busy place - the lake, the town itself is tiny.  Fishing was out so whilst I went back to the cottage, Emi and Aitana headed off to try their luck.   

Lola and Dio

Now if ever I wanted to check out "Freedom" camping, this was the place to do it.  Along dirt and gravel roads (dream come true for Emi, the new car performed admirably and was covered in dust), there were camp spots and heaps of tents and vans of all sorts and shapes.  Some great set ups and how they get some of them down by the water, beats me.  My addiction to Big Lap Facebook pages has stepped up.  Can't wait to hit the road! Although how I would keep the dust out is something to be investigated.

Somewhat restricted in activities, so bubbles and books for me. BBQ's for dinner, naps and even managed a couple of movies.  No TV or phone reception, so certainly relaxing. Lola enjoyed wandering around and made herself at home over at the neighbours units as well.  Bit worried about snakes, but all good - no mishaps.



That's as close to Lake Eildon as I got

Well one slight mishap.  Heading home we decided to stop off at the lake around Bonnie Doon.  Oh look, mud. Oh look we're stuck.  Luckily, another group of lake campers were on hand to pull us out.  One very dirty and muddy Colorado.  Lola not to be outdone, also decided to explore the mud. Once all out of the mud, we headed off, stopping in Yea (Yay!) for a coffee.


The hole in the mud

Lola checking out the mud

Final stop - Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory.  Wow, never been and couldn't believe the number of cars. The place was jam packed.  Always wanted to visit - so a bonus.  Gorgeous views, free samples, huge servings of gourmet ice-creams and the chocolate. Chocolate heaven. Winning. Even got Emi some sugar-free chocolate Easter bunnies

- just to counteract the double scoop ice cream.


The Yarra Valley Chocolate Factory

Left behind

So here's the thing right.  Mum and Dad left me.  Yep, off they went on their little mini-cruise and left me behind.  Now no need to call the RSPCA, I don't mean they left me all alone, they left Aitana behind as well! I can understand them forgetting her, but moi???

I've been on a boat before - in fact, I went just recently from Sorrento to Queenscliff on the ferry. It was OK, don't see what all the fuss is about.  Not sure I'd want to spend 4 days on one.  I mean unlimited bacon sounds good, but where would I go to pee and poop?

Oh well.  I had fun and Aitana gave me lots of cuddles and treats.  She's a sucker for the "sad eye."  We went to the beach heaps and that was good.

Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone - here is a pic of me celebrating at the 4J's house, although I have no idea what a Thomas the Tank party hat has to do with anything. So it's Year of the Dog.  Every year is Year of the Dog for me - but maybe this one is going to be super special.

I also went to Yoyo's house (Yoyo lives with the 4J's and Chicho the cat) another night for dinner and Aitana and I went on the train!  That was different and best of all - I get to travel for free.

Love and Licks Lola xxx

Back to Baconsville

I began my reporting career earlier in the year when we first visited Baconsville. And would you believe it, we're back again.  I knew something was going on that morning (Sunday 5 November) and sure enough we were off.  This time with the lovely B and my new human sis, Aitana.

Quality Control

Having extra people in the car is the best - I get scratches and cuddles all the way.  Stopped at Boat O'Craigo winery in the Yarra Valley for lunch.  Mum and B went wine tasting and looks like they couldn't make up their mind 'cos they had to then bring out a full bottle of the pink one to make sure that they had properly tasted it (Ed note, we did particularly enjoy the chilled Rose).  The winery's name comes from the town of Craigo in Scotland.  The water was OK.  I thought we might be partaking in some Haggis, being Scottish and all, but no, we had pizzas.  Very tasty - especially the bits I got with some rather delicate semi-soft fresh Fior Di Latte mozzarella - buonissimo!

On we drove up the gorgeous Black Spur and there we were - back at the Vibe Hotel! Same smells, this time, they even took my picture - probably for their monthly cutest guest report. Same same, but different room.  My bed was smaller, but I had already eyed off the bed and couch.  We went for a nice long walk around the town and park and YES! That delicious stream water was still there and was still delicious! I rolled, waded, scratched, sniffed, peed and did poo.  After all that I was pretty pooped so dinner and to bed to dream of bacon.  Didn't even miss the humans when they went out - OK, I did a little bit.

The Girls

Brilliant dream - a whole bowl of bacon and sausages and brilliant because it came true!  After my morning constitutional, I had a nap and when I woke up mum and dad had returned with a whole bag of food for moi. Off we went.   Back to Steavenson’s Falls.  I stayed with Dad guarding the car.  Then the girls went back to visit Bruno at Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden.  Been there, done that so was happy to head off with Dad checking out the local fishing spots.  We all had a lovely afternoon stopping along the river.  Back to the hotel for a rest and wine drinking (I stuck to water, someone needs to remain vigilant).  For dinner, I got yep, you guessed it - more bacon and sausages.  I really did try and keep my eyes open to remain on guard, but my belly was full, it had been a long day and the couch was calling me.......

I got my own sign for the door!

 My dad and the rodo rhododren rhododendrons - the pink flowers

Can you ever really have too much bacon?  I was packed and ready to go after saying goodbye to my new friends.  We had a walk around Healesville on the way home and stopped at Four Pillars distillery.  B and Mum drinking again!  They seemed happy and I got more scratches all the way home.  Love and Licks Lola the Explorer xx

 

 

 

 

Aitana and I pretending we were in a scene from Tom Sawyer

 

Me keeping a close eye on my dad

 

Me looking gorgeous

Gin - I'll stick to water

Lola and the mystery of the black truffle

That's me - on Bella the Bus

Lola here.  After my last guest post (which was pretty pawfect if you ask me), I've been given another go - with talk of a regular spot!  So today was the day of our Gourmet Pawprints Truffle Hunt.  No idea what a truffle is (the fruiting body of a subterranean Ascomycete fungus),  but hey, it sounds tasty - I'm in.

Up early for a Sunday and off to Port Melbourne - B met us there.  Had a bit of a sniff and greet on the beach, some good butt action going on, and then we got on a great big bus!  I had my own seat and blanket and even a seatbelt.  So once we'd stored our overhead luggage and settled in for some liver cookies, we were off.  This bus thing is OK, I got a huge window to look out of.

After a bit, we stopped and had a bit of stretch of paws and some wees.  We were in Ballan and it was chilly and a bit wet. Had morning tea back on the bus - mum wouldn't give me any of her hedgehog, but the liver treats were tasty.

Next stop, Black Cat Truffles!  Boy oh boy, I love cats of all colours, specially when they run away and I can chase them.  But it was a trick, I could smell other doggy's who lived there, I could smell  chickens that taste great roasted and I could smell this funky pungent, earthy smell that was really strong, but no cats anywhere.   Sniffed around a bit, just to make sure I hadn't missed any black cats that may have been hiding and then we went into this big room where that earthy smell was super strong.  Even stronger than the delicious odour of wet pooch - OMG we smell great wet don't we?

Tricked - no real black (or white) cats anywhere!

The two legs chatted and drank bubbles and then - they left us!  Yep, off they went with a lab named Narla and we had to stay behind.  Wasn't so bad I guess, we sniffed around and me and a couple of my new BFFs thought about hatching a plan to get the delightful, ripe smelling cheese left on the counter.  But we were caught out.

What a smell when the two legs all came back!  Don't know where they had been, but by the looks of them they'd been rolling around in the mud and digging!  So not fair that we didn't get to go.  They even had roo poo on the bottom of their shoes and that smelled super tasty.  More of that wine tasting (give me water anytime) and then we went outside and played a fun game called find the food.  Off we went - it was actually pretty easy (our noses are so superior to yours - no wonder you don't stick them in other peoples crotches when you meet them) and we each got this delicious thing filled with treats and even some truffle!  So that's what they taste like - delicious.  I want some sprinkled on roast chicken, serviced with a side of cheese and liver.

Little red riding hood holding what looks like a poo

Fresh truffles - yep they look like poo

Back on the bus and time for a massage (ooh that felt good - this cold weather plays havoc with my old bones) and a snooze whilst the two legs went to the Farmers Arms in Creswick for a truffle themed lunch.  Mum and B had been drinking bubbles (again) - I could smell it on them.  They made my mouth water talking about the delicious bread (steady on, bread is not delicious) with truffle butter, roasted garlic and charcuteria (more like it), beef short ribs with truffle mash (now we're talking), truffle pasta and dessert.  I kind of lost interest - because what did they bring me?  Nothing, nada, not even a bone to chew on.

A final wee before we snoozed on the way back to Port Melbourne.  Said goodbye to all our new friends, especially the lovely Sharon and Kerry and B of course.  Then we did some walking near the beach until dad came to pick us up.

I'm pooped.  These little legs aren't as young as they used to be.  Was a fun day though, I wanna go again. 

Love and Licks Lola xxx

Us ready to go find food

 

This is Caesar - he looked funny

Me with my "find"

 

 

 

Mum and me in the Truffiere

Gourmet Pawprints do a fantastic job arranging the day