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Hi, Rusty!
I have been reading about your flag expert!
I had no idea that such a person existed!
Or indeed that there were flags that existed - or could be created - for various counties, communities and clans!
I can envisage its spiralling out of control.........with flags everywhere!
It is confusing enough with all the various tartans.
My cousin always wore his kilt for special family occasions.......he wore it here, for both our daughters' weddings.
He looked grand!

Good morning, Elle.
Fine day here, and cool!
Nice smell of petrichor after the rain!
Yes, can't beat having a vexillologist!
Sounds like a cushy number to me!
There is a multitude of tartans!
I know a very few.
The kilt is a warm garment, not recommended for a summer wedding!

Good morning, Rusty!
We were awakened at 5am by an anxious dog......and a massive thunderstorm!
The noise was horrendous.....and I think I may need to consult the vet about some herbal type canine medication if these storms are likely to become habitual.
The dog's heart was thudding so violently that I became really worried about her.
Grey now but dry.......
Just back from my walk.......I forgot to mention "petrichor"!
The weddings were in August and November, but my cousin wore full regalia for both events!
The MacLean clan.
So.....what are you up to today?

Hello, Elle!
Could it may be helpful to speak to your vet regarding your dog?
He/she may have dealt this in other dogs.
May be relatively common?
I would not know the MacLean tartan, though it should be a well known one.
I am having a canny day, just finished my puzzle.
A good one!
I have found a book I put aside a while ago.
"When I Heard the Bell", about the loss of HMY Iolaire.
I shall start reading it again tonight.
Still a fine day here!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, that was my thought ...to speak to the vet abut the dog's increasing fear of thunder.....
We already do all the obvious things , like keeping a calm environment, not making an excessive fuss of her etc., giving the impression that all is well and there is nothing for her to worry about.
But last night, I really thought she might have a heart attack...never have I seen her shudder so convulsively for so long!
We are already going to the vet tomorrow morning, for the dog to have her annual boosters and her anal gland check, so I shall raise the issue of the thunder .
There may well be a herbal remedy that the dog could take.
Our vet will advise us!
I think you have mentioned the "Iolaire" before?
It was wrecked very close to shore with men returning from war aboard......?
A massive naval disaster.
I have finished my Sebastian Faulks....
I think I may browse Amazon for some fresh material.....
But right now, dog and I are going out...….

Hello, Elle!
A good idea to speak to the vet.
There is quite a bit on the internet.
https://www.hillspet.co.uk/dog-care/routine-care/dog-scared-of-thunder
But, the vet's advice would be the best idea, I think.
The Iolaire went down just off Stornoway harbour, a few yards from home and safety.
It was devastating for the Isle of Lewis.
It is nice and cool today!

Hi, Rusty!
I am home again now.
It has been a beautiful afternoon; the sun was late in appearing but it is now sunny with blue skies - and a nice refreshing breeze!
That was an interesting article - thank you!
( And Hills is a very reputable company - my animals eat their food!)
I haven't heard of "noise therapy" but it sounds ( sorry, couldn't resist!) a very good idea!
I shall discuss that possibility also with the vet tomorrow.
She is a wonderful person.......and really listens to what the owner has to say.......she treats the 'individual animal' rather than the 'disease'!
We all have cause to be grateful to her over the years.
I think we shall have spaghetti bolognese for dinner tonight..........
I am hungry now that the weather is cooler!

Good evening, Elle!
Nice evening here.
Good that you are seeing the vet tomorrow.
I am sure you will get helpful advice from her about the thunder affecting your dog.
Have you attempted your puzzle today.
Quite a good one.
I've been watching a documentary on YouTube.
Great that I can save it for later.
I like YouTube!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I did the crossword this morning.
My favourites were 7d: obdurate; 23a: lingerie; and 27a: pentangle.
I came across a new word "nainsook", which I arrived at by working out the parsing...….
Then I had to look up the word to check its meaning!
Even the homophone......."meddle" sounds like "medal" was acceptable!
Not a bad puzzle overall!
What documentary are you watching?

Hello, Elle!
"Nainsook" was new to me, too, but very gettable with the clue.
Not heard of "celadon", too, or "cathedra".
I see "whiskey/w" turned up again!
Yes, you are correct, Elle, not a bad puzzle.
My documentary is about Henry Shefflin.
One of the all-time great hurlers.
He has retired now.