Only October

October, with its crisp air and vibrant colors, holds a special place in our hearts. It encapsulates the magic and beauty of autumn, offering us the chance to fully embrace the changing season and find joy in the simple pleasures it brings. In October, we slowed down, well, sort of – and just spent time with ourselves and on reflection.

After a very hectic summer, Mum went away to one of her bucket list places – to see the pyramids in Giza. I was supposed to have gone with her but when she learnt that I wasn’t allowed at the pyramids, it defeated the whole purpose. Instead Impostor made a re-appearance and it went with Mum.

Fortunately she went when she did as a week later, the world changed. Now we all pray for peace in a very volatile region.

So far, Lulu had only seen London. We thought it would be lovely to show Lulu a beautiful part of the country she now lives in and chose Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham in The Cotswolds. The Autumn colours were just starting to make an appearance.

Mum was also thrilled to discover Anyho Park – an interior designer’s dream. As it is now sweater weather, little Lulu word the perfect jumper from Salvatore Paws for their visit. She blended right into the interiors.

And when storm Babet made its way to London, Mum couldn’t think of a better escape to The Lanesborough. She wanted a staycation and she knew that she will literally just “staycay” in the hotel and have the butler walk us! LOL! Her excuse – sheltering from the storm

Mum always thought I am larger than life!

And sure enough – for now, when you are at King’s Cross next, see if you can find me on the billboard.

Jill and Ron from North Carolina were on a tour and asked if we could meet at Darcy’s bench. We were so happy to finally put some faces to a name.

It was interesting to hear how Jill heard about our blog. She was an avid viewer of Downton Abbey and she found our blog about the dog, Isis (Where’s Isis? and How old is Isis?) and have since followed us. They are massive dog lovers and it was such a pleasure to have met them.

Life is amazing and full of twists and turns. We heard that one of our friends, Cedric left us join Darcy, Claude, Skylar and other numerous friends across the bridge.

And with a goodbye, there was a hello. Mum and Lulu got to meet Ayla.

At the moment, Ayla at 11 weeks is around 8kg. And Lulu at 7 years is only half her weight. I bet the next time they meet again, Lulu would be the size of her pawprint! LOL!

October is of course Oktoberfest! We went for a jolly at Barley Mow.

It’s now two months since Lulu arrived in the UK. She was late to the party but we were so honoured to be asked to model some of the hats for the 2024 Haute Dogs Calendar that is in support for Harbin Slaughter House Survivors. I was really pleased that they included me in the photoshoot. But I think the happiest was Mum. LOL!

And we even had a little Gotcha Party when Aunty Ju-li of Mr Darcy’s Bakery baked her a scrumptious cake.

Even with seven other doggies around her, she held her own and she ran away with a biscuit.

With all that going on, October reaches its crescendo of excitement and playful mystique with the arrival of Halloween. We did our part dressed in our annual Boo-sheets!

Lulu was wondering what was happening!

And so that was our October, quietly enjoying the change in season as the warm hues of vibrant leaves change and fall. There are already some Christmas decorations out. Why are we hurrying the days along?

May’s comment: This is how I have been feeling …

I’ve been running circles, caught in cycles
Silly me for chasing dreams when I can’t even sleep
Turn the light out and hit the brakes now
I live and breathe at lightening speed I need to slow it down

But come October, we slowed down (a little) to enjoy the transformation of landscape of warm hues as leaves turn from vibrant greens to brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows. Strolling through the countryside or simply admiring the foliage around the neighbourhood, provides a visual feast that ignites a sense of wonder and awe.

We also took in some of the autumnal festivities from Oktoberfest to Halloween in small doses.

October invites self-reflection as the year enters its final quarter. It provides an opportunity to assess our goals, reevaluate priorities, and set intentions for the remainder of the year and beyond.

And the month ended with the sudden death of Matthew Perry. The cast of FRIENDS was very much a part of our lives and his passing was like us losing one of our friends – and there was just a sadness about it. He brought so much laughter to so many.

As we move into Winter, wishing you a lovely November and all the festivities that comes with it.