Dog House

Last night there was an incredible programme on The Secret Life of Dogs. For a dog lover like me the moral of the story was that dogs are amazing, from their ability to guide the blind, to lowering blood pressure with a stroke and a cuddle and even having the capability of sniffing out cancer. Even if Puck hasn't shown any of these skills, he's still my favourite!

At work this website Architecture for Dogs was sent around. Well known architects have design play pieces for dogs of different shapes and sizes and anyone can download the blueprint and make it - what a great idea! From top: MVRDV, atelier bowwow and Toyo Ito. Like the pallet furniture of Studiomama, it's design for sharing. Maybe our plan for designing a chicken coop to take the same ethos...

Images from Architecture for Dogs

Merry Christmas

Ho ho ho! Merrrrryyyy Christmas! The season is upon us but the big day itself has come and gone. It was a lovely day with my family; eating, drinking, playing games and watching the Downton Abbey Christmas special. I was treated to a wondrous selection of kind gifts - Santa delivered in the night without me even noticing! My favourite of these I hope to post about soon. 

I am ashamed to realise that this is my first post in December - what has happened? Life, well no, work. University work. I aim to update with what has gone on over this over the next few days...

Just Incredible

I've raved about Maddie before, but I shall rave about her again. She is incredible, she makes me chuckle out loud AND she has a book coming out. If anyone would like to buy my something in April 2013, the book is it! (FYI!!)

Images from Maddie the Coonhound

Dog Sitting

Last week D and I were dog sitting for a cheeky and loveable pair of Daschunds. One day we took them on a walk down to Arnold Circus (which I'd seen on a TV programme a few weeks ago - The Secret History of Our Streets) and had a drink at Leila's - a quaint cafe and delicatessen near the square.

Mad Dog

Gaging from his facial expression, this is one dopey dog. I know our Puck would never have the patience to stay in any of these positions. Dissertation writing is slowly coming to a close, and Maddie the Coonhound is the greatest of distractions.

Images from Maddie on Things

Dirt Bath

The sun has been out this week; it's felt more like summer than spring. Puck has been able to have a good ol' run around in the garden, whilst the chickens have rediscovered their bathing spot and have been rolling around in the dirt!

Film Fun

I got snapping away with my old Praktica film camera when we were away in Fez. Embarrassingly I'm still a complete novice when it come to old school technology. First I thought there was already a film in so some images dissolved into nothingness, next I couldn't work out why the camera wouldn't take with a new film in (the shutter lock was on) and lastly when the film was finished I forgot to wind it back and opened the back up and exposed the film. Phew! Nevertheless I got a few good snaps, most importantly the ones of site for our project. Here's a few of the others.

Spring has Sprung

...or maybe even Summer! Who knows, but what I do know is the temperatures have been in the mid 20s - surely this is unusual for April in the UK? But you can't complain.

Here is a picture my brother Alex took of Puck in the park yesterday, and what a beautiful snap it is. So may this lovely weather last... (thundery storms are forecast for tomorrow!)

nonsuch park, originally uploaded by alexdowle.

White Stuff

It arrived over night on Tuesday and for the first time I saw the bad side of snow - commuting! Delayed and cancelled trains, stranded on freezing platforms, bus and tube combinations... but today I could just enjoy it taking le chien out for a walk. It's all melting now and a work out for the calves but Puck enjoyed it! Now to keeping warm...

Woolly Dog

I love dogs and I'm partial to a little bit of knitting so these are a perfect combination! They're by Muir & Osborne and you can buy the book as well of how to knit your own canine friend. I think I might have to try and immortalise Puck in wool!
Images from The Saturday Telegraph

Woof Woof

There is nothing better, in my opinion, than going on a dog walk and amble about thinking about life and contemplating the future! I've just been directed to hipster puppies, which I think is hilarious! The top photo from there and the second is a daschund who came to our end of year show. I would love one!

Flower Hammer

  

Last night on The Edible Garden, they did some Japanese leaf printing called hapa-zome. All you do is pick some leaves or petals, place them between two layers of natural fabric and bang them with a hammer. The juice and colour will dye the fabric, all you have to do is iron it to set. So today whilst I was out on dog walk, I picked a variety of leaves and petals and had a go myself when I got home! Also my seeds arrived so this weekend I will get planting!

Hi, I'm Puck

hi, i'm puck, originally uploaded by alexdowle.

My bro just posted this wonderful snap on his Flickr. I can't wait to go home to see my mutt!

Dream Dog

I'd like one of these beauties very much. Lena Corwin, who's blog is great, has one!

Lille

On Friday, bright and early, we jumped on a coach and went to France. In Canterbury we're so close to Europe and within an hour we can be across the Channel. Our new (and final) project is based on a site in the suburb called Wazemme to design a textile museum. I love knitting and craft so I am looking forward to seeing how I can weave (pun intended) this into my scheme!

Longing eyes

This was a snap I took of Puck before I left to go back to uni on Sunday. His eyebrows are so expressive! I have been longing for today, to be over really as the first half of our final year is being assessed today. It went fine, just the wait on the marks begin now. Tomorrow our year is taking a trip to Lille in France to look at museums... we think, we don't really know!
I'm also longing to go back to Monday night and listen to John Mayer again. I keep remembering bits 'n pieces from the night, such as him singing 'Waiting in Vain' - I love the version by Annie Lennox.

Let it snow

As promised the snow has been crazy like no one had seen in decades! We went out en famille after lunch for a walk with Puck. As said before, he absolutely loves the snow; it must be the feel underfoot. He bounds about like a psychotic race horse with the most elated expression on his face!
We were all in high spirits too because we found out young brother of mine has a place to study at Cambridge in September! Keep up the grades Al!!