Blinding blizzards mean short-changed pups

The weather puts a dampner on things when it stops Fiona from working and even the dogs are complaining. But all is not lost...

R ecent wild weather has kept us housebound.

But if there is nothing useful to report, we can always talk about the weather. The Scots are good at that.

Blinding blizzards mean not getting to work. Snow and ice put a stop to travelling and filming.

Even a trip to the shops is out of the question. Which prevents me from meeting all those fascinating folk I might be able to write about in this column.

It is exasperating to be held captive in your own home. But what can you do? Except catch up on all those tedious jobs you keep putting off for another day.

Well, today that day has come. Over-long bedroom curtains are taken up and hemmed. Carpet runners at front and back doors are washed and laid out to dry. The fridge is defrosted and re-organised.

At least we still have power. Thank goodness for that.

What did they do in the days of candles? When sunshine hours were short – and not a single solitary light bulb in sight? We also have the television. It is time to catch up on all those mysteries and murders that have been missed.

And for light relief there is Britain’s 100 Favourite Dogs. A countdown of the runners and riders. Two and a half hours of woofers and waggers, in varying shapes and sizes.

Top of the list, of course, is the loveable Lab. Then who could knock this politely reliable pooch from its pedestal?

And rising swiftly up the ranks is the roly-poly Cockapoo. A riotous bundle of fun and fur.

We are glued. Watching for mention of our own two breeds.

The Cocker Spaniel comes in at a very creditable sixth place. But there is disappointment for me.

Because the jolly Norfolk Terrier does not get a mention. Unless he or she appeared when I went to pop the kettle on. Two and a half hours is a long time.

It is vexing, but I am in good company. Her Majesty The Queen may also not be amused. The tenacious Corgi is well down the list, at eighty-something. I fear ITV will not be getting a royal warrant any time soon.

But back to the weather. For the Macnaughties this blanket of white stuff is a mix of frustration and thrills.

Snow brings excitement. Hairy

It is exasperating to be held captive in your own home.

muzzles caked in frozen flakes. Being able to chase a fat snowball tossed in the air…

There is also the disappointment. Because when a winter freeze hits, neither the chief nor I have much inclination to trudge through deep drifts on packed ice.

So afternoon walks are short and brisk. And they know they are being short-changed.

There are accusing looks. Pained expressions. That wasn’t a walk. That was a wander around the garden.

Yes, I know – and when things pick up, you will get a really long walk. We will go for miles, up hills and down dales. But for now, I just want to get by the fire...