From the early hours a bitterly cold wind, heralding the fast approach of winter, was buffeting Liquorice and Keaton’s realm. Brrrrr!!!! Living near Sydney in Australia, our winters are mild compared to those in North America however we do not “winter” well. It a blustery wind too that would change direction from time to time, so there was little escape from its icy blast!

For Liquorice and Keaton’s morning session of grooming that wind had me “chickening” out, retreating to the garage to attend my little darlings rather than brushing them in sunshine on the back lawn as is usual. Liquorice seemed delighted for me to be wielding the brushes in the garage, however Keaton stayed in the breezeway, equally delighted with the chill wind on his coat as he sprawled out, overflowing his day bed!

Mornings find Dad putting some leftovers from his breakfast outside the back door for Liquorice to savor once her session with the brushes is at an end. Usually Liquorice watches my father place his leftovers on the wood-box, neatly arranging them with tender loving care. All part of the day’s ritual for my little darling and accepted of by the young master. There are days Liquorice would have me hasten, becoming impatient for her treats. Not this day, for Liquorice was unable to see the back door from our present position.

As I was finishing up on Liquorice I called and called for Keaton, but no response. Eventually I went into the breezeway to collect my errant boy, only he wasn’t there! Looked about outside and saw a contented Keaton, some distance away, lying down outside the shed partaking of the sun’s rays and with the wind ruffling his white coat which seemed to “glow” in the sunshine. Keaton was thus excused for not coming when summoned, as obviously he would not have heard me.

Why was Keaton so far away?

I presume that had something to do with Dad’s tidbits having “disappeared” prior to Liquorice finding them! Yes, Keaton looked the most innocent of little angels in the sunshine, wisely reclining over yonder, by the shed – you could almost see his halo!

Arthur Witten
Liquorice – And who has been eating MY treats!!!!
Keaton – It wasn’t me <burp> I was miles away at the time.