Two Hoots Cottage

03/09/2026

I'm tied to home again, I am fortunate that I can be.
This week my nearly 14 year old Rotti, Bain, took a turn for the worse.
The vets thought he had Kennel Cough, a few weeks on and no improvement, so he's due for a day of tests next week.

So whilst I keep one eye on him. I also have to keep my husky Luna busy.

I've lots to do outside, but I need to be in the house.
So I've been at my desk while the pupsters are knapping.
The Fuumuui opaque water colours arrived last week and I've been very keen to tinker with them.

I've not swatched them yet, I just dove in and on some scrap paper did a few washes and flowers, lighter and more intense.
I do really like them.

Though I paint and craft for the relaxation and joy of it, thus having no final intention.
When I nipped outside to photograph the new dahlias afterwards, I see my inspiration.

I often go back in and tinker some more, but today I really must, at least, get a bit of housework done.

27/08/2026

RIP Darrell, the hubster was not going miss seeing you off, having known you for many years.
He came home from Glasgow last night.
It was a perfect service and he would not have missed it.

Condolences to all the family from us.

27/08/2026

With some heavy rain due, I thought I would quickly pick the dahlias in flower.

Its always sad to see them take a battering and I can enjoy them inside.
We still have a few yet to flower, so I should get a good spread over to Autumn.

I picked some of the Blue Moon Roses, Cerinthe and Yarrow to pop together.

These are the first flowers I've picked from the cutting garden this year, due to a particulary bad hayfever season for the hubster and son.

27/08/2026

I've managed to spend a relaxing few hours at my desk over the last couple of days, just tinkering and enjoying the process of using colours.

I am feeling better, and feel the kidney improvement must be the reason, though I still need confirmation from the docs.

The lack of painkillers is noticeable but I'm managing this as I'm at home and can move about regularly, as I need to.

I'm feeling pretty grateful I have lots of time to recover and improve.
The Winter walking wardrobe has been refreshed ready for walking Luna in the cooler weather. Blessed indeed🙏♥️

25/08/2026

Mine arrived tonight, I went for the Dreamy Macaron.
Very excited to try them now I spotted them on Harriet De Wintons channel😊

I Tried the VIRAL Fuumuui Watercolours! Dreamy Macaron vs Warm Terr...

24/08/2026

Taking a short break to try out the new pallet.
Just a small splash about with cornflowers.

22/08/2026

I enjoyed this episode with Monty Don hugely.

He's fab on Gardeners World and I knew he was good sort, when he announced on said show some years ago, that he picked a bunch of flowers every year for his son from the garden🥹

I was right what a nice chap..!

This week's guest is the utterly wonderful Monty Don, and this is o...

20/08/2026

Bain had his visit to the vets today.
He has Kennel Cough bless him. He must have picked it up on his usual trip down the lane for sniffs.
He has anti-inflammatories and pain killers for a week.
He won the vet over with loves from what the hubster said. It was good to hear that, for a thirteen and a half year old rottie he is doing very well🙏🥹

Its possible Luna may catch it within a week, so I'll keep an eye on her and both of them away from other dogs.
She was so anxious when Bain was coughing, and lay beside him on the bed afterwards, sniffing him thoroughly🥹♥️🐾🐾

19/08/2026

Poor Bain, my rottie is under the weather.

I'm hoping to get him to the vets asap.
Its tricky nowadays, they work on daily bookings🤞fingers crossed I can get him in, the hubster is insisting he driving back from work to make sure I can get him there.

The son volunteered, but he's a big pupster to fit in his motor🫣

Life, when you work far away from home can be difficult, you miss most family goings on, Its fortunate it fell as it has.

And Doctors appointments for the hubster are near mythical, impossible almost for ongoing issues.
'The computer says no' mainly. Its does not compute a 5 hour drive home (Glasgow next week)...no, ring on the day...or rather book online...on the day.
Very difficult to manage that.

However, helpful staff on the desk, bless them🙏managed to book him in for later in September....
The newer elbow lump🤔 I've insisted he go private, 16 week wait at both hospitals he was referred to🫣

So I have not walked Luna today, preferring to keep an eye on Bain.
It was bliss getting out with her, Monday and Tuesday after weeks of heat.
The movement is essential for me too.

Whilst pootling at home, I cooked, cleaned and unloaded some of my new stash of crafting goodies for sorting.
All dilligently selected over the spring and summer from sales.
I'm enjoying time in the garden, but will enjoy the winter months ahead, painting and creating, just for the joy of it.🥳♥️😊

19/08/2026

Before todays really heavy rain, which was a blessing, I managed to get a few shots of the refreshed garden.

I'm delighted with the dahlia's, they are coming on well and showing buds on those that have not flowered yet.

The cerinthe, potted up all over the garden are gorgeous, I'll be saving lots of seeds.🤞

I'm so appreciative of being able to slow down while I heal the kidneys.
Retiring from the guesthouse has been a wrench, but certainly worth it for my health.