Naughty dogs and good causes as autumn nears

While Fiona helps to raise funds for a charity that supports families of the forces, the MacNaughties live up to their name...

The week starts with a spring in the step as we set off to walk through the fields. But the sheep have not grazed here since the spring and the grass is high. Which makes it hard work for the littlest MacNaughties. The Norfolk Terrier has the heart of a lion. Indeed, he once decided to take on a Rottweiler. Which would have ended badly, had its owner not stepped in.

Yes, Rummie is a rufty-tufty, dogged dog. But, in reality, he is a stumpy wee thing.

Yet between them, he and his companion in crime seem to work things out. Barra the Cocker goes first. Charging ahead and flattening the meadow with his feet. The terrier then follows in the path he has made.

We reach the river where the spaniel dives in. Barra is a water baby. But the terrier is giving anything wet a very wide berth. Rummie takes one look at the stream and goes off to busy himself with a nearby rabbit hole.

Like the spaniel, I, too, love swimming – and am still doing my 50 lengths three times a week at the local pool.

Which is easy in the summer, but rather less so in the cold. The thing is, it feels autumny – and, of course, it is. The leaves are turning and the nights are drawing in.

A season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us. This week I fished sheepskin slippers out from the back of the wardrobe. And put the heated blanket on the bed.

The inclination is to hibernate, but a girl must keep busy. And this week I am busy doing my bit to help an armed forces charity.

Ssafa is the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and it has been supporting members of the armed forces, veterans and their families and dependents for more than 130 years.

With more than 20 branches throughout Scotland, its energetic fundraisers run, trek and even parachute out of planes to bring in much-needed money.

There is also a Ride to the Somme, an event that commemorates the cycling soldiers that fought and fell on the Western Front. Those taking part cycle 250 miles over three days.

My own contribution is nowhere near as challenging as that.

My involvement is to give a talk to supporters about working in TV.

I relate the disasters I covered as a reporter – and the disastrous hair days

The inclination is to hibernate but a girl must keep busy. And this week I am busy doing my bit to help an armed forces charity

I had as a newscaster. It seems to go down well and raises some cash for the charity.

Back at the house, meanwhile, the naughty Norfolk has disappeared again and when he comes back I notice a trail of mud through the kitchen. Rummie has been digging. He is filthy and must now be washed.

I lift him up to up to the sink and turn on the tap. I am cross, but he is rigid with fear and anger.

As I say, water is not one of his favourite things…